DCH Foundations: The Flats

The Flats are one of the properties that we own and operate and are part of one of the more interesting neighborhoods with a rich history. We wanted to offer more information about this neighborhood and project from a lens of history and shift towards the future of Southern Dallas. 

5 Mile Creek 

The Five Mile Creek area of Southern Dallas is a historically fertile area whose stream passes through five city parks, and form a basin that was rich in wildlife and excellent for farming. Five Mile Creek was originally part of a settlement named Lisbon founded by Samuel Sloan of Arkansas and his two brothers around 1836. Sloan and his two brothers, Robert and James, were awarded over 4,000 acres for their service in the Texas war that included the Five Mile Creek. 

Sloan built a log cabin and it was to become the community center or meeting house of the area until the Civil War. By the time of the Civil War, settlers from the South and property records describe them in relation to the Sloan house. (Proximity to) Sloan House on Five Mile Creek were how the settlements recorded, making it natural to create an official town. When U.S. mail service began in 1870, the town officially became Lisbon, Texas, and at the turn of the 20th century, farmers sold their holdings and residential developers expanded this business district. 

The Dallas VA hospital on South Lancaster Road is built on former Sloan property and the Five Mile Creek that winds its’ way through Southern Dallas is still connecting these communities to Greater Dallas. 

Flats Development 

Our development, The Flats at Five Mile Creek, is located in this historic basin and is a 152 unit rental community completed in 2002. Located in the northeast quadrant of I-35 and Loop 12, less than a quarter mile from shopping and conveniences, this development is owned and operated entirely by Dallas City Homes. 

Dallas City Homes saw the potential in this area and in its development took into account the existing culture and community. This community was 100% occupied prior to its release. 

Moving Forward from The Flats 

Understanding a neighborhood's past, helps us reenvision its future. Dallas City Homes took the opportunity to develop The Flats because of this rich history and culture. The development of The Flats was exciting because the area truly needed housing, and it continues to thrive as a community. If you are interested in learning more about how Dallas City Homes is changing Southern Dallas, contact us today.