Dallas is chock full of memorable history that blends seamlessly with the city’s vibrant present and future tenses. One of the gems is the State Thomas area, a notable in-town mixed-use residential and commercial district. It is recognized for its historical significance, which includes a substantial collection of well-preserved Victorian residential structures, typically one or two-story frame houses, showcasing architectural styles such as Italianate, Queen Anne, and other designs.
The district’s architecture reflects the affluent residential development that took place during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Dallas. The neighborhood is renowned for its rich heritage and boasts the largest collection of Victorian-era homes in town. The Jacob and Eliza Spake House is a significant historical landmark with a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
State Thomas has also garnered recognition for its forward-thinking urban planning initiatives. In 1986, it was designated as a Special Purpose District, pioneering the way for new urbanist development in the city. This designation has played a crucial role in preserving the area’s unique character while fostering sustainable growth and community engagement.
Nowadays, State Thomas is not only valued for its historical charm but also for its vivacious mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, making it top of any list when it comes to living, relaxing, and enjoying all Dallas has to offer. The region is infinitely walkable and close to many of Dallas’s most exciting attractions.
Overall, State Thomas stands as a testament to Dallas’s diverse history and its commitment to innovative urban development, offering residents and visitors alike a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
Located in the vibrant Uptown area of Dallas, it stands as a cherished landmark district. State Thomas borders stretch south to the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, and east to US 75 (Central Expressway). It is bounded by the area increasingly known as “LoMac” (lower McKinney) to the north and west.
Griggs Park is another State Thomas highlight located on the northeastern edge of the region, the eight-acre green space offers a serene escape within the bustling cityscape. Pets are welcome in the Park that boasts various amenities such as walking paths, benches, and lovely groves of trees.
Visitors often comment on the views of both the downtown and Uptown Dallas skylines. For history buffs, there is a memorial dedicated to Reverend A.R. Griggs, the park’s namesake, and a prominent figure in the 19th-century Baptist community who played an important role in the historic State Thomas and Freedman’s community. The memorial serves as a fitting tribute to his contributions and legacy within the peaceful urban space that blends natural beauty with urban views while honoring the history of the neighborhood.
The M-LINETrolley is another beloved fixture in the area. The historic streetcar line provides a nostalgic mode of transportation, a convenient and free service between Cityplace/Uptown station in Uptown and the St. Paul station downtown.
It began running through the area in the Summer of 1989. Today the M-LINE covers about 5 miles of track on the streets of Uptown and Downtown Dallas. With 40 dedicated stops along its route, the M-LINE Trolley connects passengers to key destinations. Seven cars function daily, providing over 600,000 rides, an impressive 365 days a year.
Notable stops include the vibrant West Village, bustling McKinney Avenue, the picturesque Klyde Warren Park, the Arts District, and four historical cemeteries that provide a glimpse into the city’s past.
State Thomas is close to the aforementioned AT&T Performing Arts District, an enviable 68 acres of several of the finest performance venues in the world. Others in the region include the Dallas Museum of Art, Wyly Theatre, and Moody Performance Hall, as well as the world-class Nasher Sculpture Center directly adjacent to Klyde Warren Park, where there are occasional simulcasts of The Dallas Opera, as well as The Dallas Symphony Orchestrafrom their respective homes in the Winspear Opera House and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
In nearby Uptown, hot spots include shopping and dining at perennially hip West Village, One Arts, the QUAD (formerly known as The Quadrangle), the wildly popular Katy Trail Ice House, and the stately Crescent Court. In West Village, you’ll find the Violet Crown Cinema, tons of retail and residential options, lovely restaurants, wellness, and much more.
The list of quality restaurants has exploded in recent years. Dean Fearing, the father of Southwestern cuisine, has a signature restaurant, Fearing’s, at the Ritz-Carlton. Others include Truluck’s, Ocean Prime, and the venerable S&D Oyster Company for fresh seafood. Uchi, The Capitol Grille, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, the indoor/outdoor spaces of The Rustic, Dragonfly at Hotel Zaza, Nick & Sam’s, Sixty Vines and Nobu Dallas. There is also a series of exciting developments such as The Union, which houses a pair of popular restaurants, including The Henry and North Italia.
Other adjacent entertainment zones are the Harwood District, a unique, near-20 city block region that boasts more than five million square feet of office, residential, and retail space, all on one spectacular campus.