Preserving Affordability and Building Community: The Historical Context of Housing in West Dallas
Understanding the early development West Dallas is essential to creating plans for equitable future development of the area. The context history adds including systemic redlining, agriculture, and industrial trends underpin the need for mixed use housing to maintain the rich community culture and protect affordability.
West Dallas Beginnings, 20th Century Industrialization
West Dallas like much of Dallas was primarily agriculture, until the construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. Following this construction, the areas experienced increased economic opportunities that spurred the growth of the neighborhood. In the early 20th century, West Dallas experienced rapid industrialization, attracting various manufacturing and industrial companies, leading to a surge in population as workers flocked to the area. As a result, residential areas developed alongside industry accommodate the growing workforce.
21st Century Industrial Decline to Fertile Community Foundations
As industry declined, and West Dallas was annexed officially in 1954, the area faced serious challenges due to the socioeconomic pressure on workers and their families and systemic redlining practices in housing preceding civil rights. The neighborhood became fractured due to low-income housing and deteriorating infrastructure, and areas were disinvested without access to investment or opportunity. A turning point in West Dallas's property development was the construction of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, which opened in 2012. The bridge spans the Trinity River and serves as an iconic gateway to West Dallas, connecting it to downtown Dallas. The bridge's completion sparked renewed interest in the area and catalyzed further investment.
21st Century Challenges of Gentrification and Affordability
As property values began to rise, developers increasingly looked to West Dallas. Areas like Trinity Groves, situated near the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, which became a hub for culinary entrepreneurs and innovative restaurant concepts witnessed a huge surge in property values attracting locals and residential developers. New apartment complexes, townhomes, and mixed-use developments were constructed to meet the demand for housing, however the revitalization led to an increase in property values that make areas unaffordable to long time residents.
Despite considerable hardship, and a historic lack of federal assistance, communities in West Dallas flourished in terms of identity. The very firm foundations of community helped residents join together under the Fair Housing Act was passed to fight for West Dallas, and build it as a vibrant cultural hub that fostered a huge move of creatives later in the 21st century.
West Dallas has a story to tell. Its’ transformation from an industrial and low-income housing area to a thriving neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial property, with rich culture, also heeds a warning. We need to be responsible in revitalization efforts to shape an equitable and sustainable future of West Dallas. DCH is proud to be a minority led developer in West Dallas. We are excited to offer our latest project, Armonia. Please support our vision and support the community leaders working towards a more equitable and affordable West Dallas.