A Place to Thrive.
Rooted in Dallas History.

THE HISTORY OF TOWER 22 DISTRICT

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Tower 22 is an emerging retail, creative, and residential district that combines history, innovation, and modern amenities. Located where the Santa Fe Trail meets Deep Ellum and anchored by Main Street, the neighborhood is built for today's entrepreneurs who value the roots and culture of their surroundings.

The district is named after the interlocking tower that once overlooked the crossing of the Texas Pacific Railway and the Gulf Colorado Santa Fe Railway. These rail lines were the source of Dallas’ commerce and growth in the late 1800s through the roaring twenties. We celebrate the history and culture of our neighborhood while embracing the future of business and technology. Our district is a hub of creativity where entrepreneurs and innovators can come together to build and grow their businesses.

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East Dallas' southern region was molded by farms, railways, homes, and industry, with much land granted under the Texas Republic's 1836 Constitution.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

1836

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The arrival of several railroads, including the Houston & Texas Central Railway, led to the development of East Dallas.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

1870s

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East Dallas was incorporated as a town, and had a population of about 6,000 and its infrastructure, including a street railway and waterworks.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

1880s

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On January 1, 1890, Dallas annexed East Dallas, adding 6,000 inhabitants to the city's population of 38,067, making it the largest city in Texas at the time.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

1890s

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Homes built during this time were smaller, working class, wood-frame houses. Convenient streetcar access was essential to neighborhood growth.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

1910

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During World War II, the US retooled major plants like the Mitchell Company to support war work.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

1940s

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From the end of WWII until the early 1960s, one-story buildings were the norm, with a concentration of commercial buildings between Washington and Haskell.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

50s/60s

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New businesses used existing structures or built additions, and East Dallas developed a reputation for crime and run-down properties as people and businesses left for the suburbs.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

60s/70s

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The tide in East Dallas was turned by community involvement, particularly by homeowners who wanted to see the area stabilized.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

Late 70s

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The stabilization of East Dallas saw new construction, but it was mainly utilitarian. This included GLO Dry Cleaning and Laundry, on Commerce from 1982 until about 2010.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

1980s

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In the late 1990s and early 2000s, larger manufacturing and warehouse facility projects spurred the renovation of smaller structures in East Dallas.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

2000s

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Our vibrant neighborhood is a tapestry of diverse cultural influences and rich historical elements, spanning from the bold designs of the 1910s and 1920s to the resilient post-war era of 1945-1955. The possibilities are endless as we celebrate this unique blend of old and new.

HISTORY of TOWER 22

Today

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The
District
Today:

Tower 22 is more than just a workspace, it’s a community. Our district is home to a diverse range of businesses, from tech startups to creative agencies. The surrounding area is known for its thriving arts and music scene, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s a neighborhood with a rich cultural history and a strong sense of community.

Our neighborhood is becoming the perfect choice for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for a space near the heart of Dallas with historical roots and modern amenities. Tower 22 is ripe with innovation and home to businesses of all types and sizes. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant community, where history meets innovation and entrepreneurship thrives.

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