Dallas History Meets Opportunity: The Purse Building and Other Local Icons

Dallas has no shortage of shiny new construction, but some of my favorite properties are the ones that have stood the test of time. I’ve always believed that old buildings and homes deserve stewards—people who see their value, preserve their soul, and breathe new life into them.

That’s why the Purse Building in Downtown Dallas caught my eye.

The Purse Building: 1905 Meets 2025

Built in 1905, the six-story red-brick Purse Building is one of the last surviving pre-WWI warehouses in Dallas. It’s seen everything from bustling wholesale furniture trade to a role in history when the FBI set up its JFK assassination command center there in 1963.

After nearly 30 years of vacancy, it was lovingly restored by developer Tanya Ragan and Wildcat Management, who kept the original brick, beams, and massive industrial windows intact. Now it’s on the market, and the possibilities for its future are endless: boutique hotel, lofts, creative offices, mixed-use project.

This is more than real estate—it’s a chance to write the next chapter of Dallas history.

Other Historic Dallas Treasures

The Purse Building isn’t the only Dallas property that blends past and future. A few other standouts:

The Adolphus Hotel

Opened in 1912, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece was built by beer magnate Adolphus Busch. It quickly became the city’s most luxurious hotel and has hosted presidents, celebrities, and royalty. A recent renovation has kept its grandeur alive while adding modern amenities.

The Old Red Museum (Old Red Courthouse)

Dating back to 1892, this iconic red sandstone courthouse is a symbol of Dallas’s early days. Its Romanesque architecture makes it one of the most photographed historic buildings in the city, and today it serves as a museum telling Dallas County’s story.

The Statler Hotel

Once dubbed the “Hotel of the Future” when it opened in 1956, The Statler introduced innovations like elevator music and central air. After falling into disrepair, it was reborn in 2017 as a mixed-use development with hotel rooms, residences, and dining.

Swiss Avenue Historic District

For a residential look at history, Swiss Avenue is a must-see. This tree-lined neighborhood features mansions from the early 1900s in a variety of architectural styles—Prairie, Mediterranean, Colonial Revival—each lovingly maintained by homeowners committed to preservation.

The Wilson Block Historic District

Near Baylor Hospital, this collection of Queen Anne-style homes from the late 1800s shows what Dallas looked like in its earliest neighborhoods. They’ve been restored and now house non-profits and offices while still preserving their Victorian charm.

Why It Matters

These buildings aren’t just brick and mortar, they’re touchstones of Dallas’s identity. Every time a historic property is preserved and adapted, it connects us to our past while pushing us toward the future.

That’s why opportunities like the Purse Building excite me. They aren’t just development projects; they’re chances to be part of something bigger than ourselves: keeping history alive, one building at a time.

Final Thoughts

If you love the mix of history and possibility like I do, keep an eye on the Purse Building’s journey—and take time to explore the other gems Dallas has to offer. Whether you’re walking through the Wilson Block, staying at The Adolphus, or grabbing dinner at The Statler, you’re experiencing the story of Dallas in real time.