Warehouse districts develop and transform over decades. Many cities have thriving historic districts that were once the center of the local industry. A Houston public warehouse or a Houston 3pl business might give way to a different neighborhood. That’s what occurred in many cities across the country. New York has the West Chelsea and the emerging Meat Packing District. Cleveland has a fashionable neighborhood in its old warehouse district. Texas has its share of transformed neighborhoods in former commerce centers. Dallas developed the West End district.

The area was originally settled by Caddo Indians who where farmers that lived in the area on the western age of the pine forests that spread all the way to the Atlantic. The Trinity River provided ample water for crops. Later, John Neely Bryan would set up a trading on the banks of the Trinity River. erected and now houses a museum. One of Dallas’s first jails was built in the district. It now houses lawyers who are who are using it, with some sense of irony, as an office. The settling of the area and its history as a trading hub would lead to major decisions that would transform what would be the West End of Dallas into a major industrial center.

The Texas & Pacific Rail Road laid tracks through the town and crossed the Texas Central Rail Road. This created a major distribution point and many warehouses were contructed. The West End became a major business area that thrived until after World War II when interstate highways and trucking led to a decline in the area. Becoming rundown, some visionary citizens came up with a plan for revitalization. Like so many warehouse districts, there existed the possibility for conversion and reassignment of use. Zoning restrictions limited the height of buildings in the area helping to save structures from demolition and replacement by high rises. The zoning also relegated the use of signage and lighting to enhance the historical charm of the area.

Dealy Plaza is located in the West End. It received unwanted notoriety in the 60’s with the s;aying of President Kennedy. Over the years several museums, including the JFK Memorial Museum, The Conspiracy Museum, and the American Museum of Miniature Museum have taken root. Many restaurants, galleries and shops reformed the district making it a destination. The West End Association, created with volunteers, work with the business community to develop plans to improve the district and give other destination neighborhoods a run for their money. The Taste of Dallas festival is held in the the district every July. The West End offers other festivals and concerts through out the year.

Warehouse districts across the country are often converted to exciting new uses. With foresight and vision, historic communities in decline can see new life and become beautiful and exciting neighborhoods. Old warehouse spaces offer great conversion opportunities for new restaurants, art studios, galleries, living spaces and stores. Plenty of warehouse districts are already transforming into revitalized centers as artists seek places with low rent and ample space. A smart development plan can capitalize on the changing function of a once vital part of the city. The West End in Dallas is a prototype for other cities looking to revitalize their downtown.