Main Street District in Dallas

From a historical standpoint, Main Street has always been the center of Dallas. The street runs from east to west and is in the area between Field and Ervay Streets in downtown. It is considered the first area in Dallas to start thriving as an urban area and is considered an economic success. The Dallas Area Rapid Transport also runs through Main Street District creating less congestion and an easier commute for people flowing in and out of the area. The street is home to El Centro College, Bank of America Plaza, Center City Plaza, Kirby Building, Stone Place Tower, Bank One Center, and Titche-Goettinger Department Store.

One of the main features of the Main Street District is the Pegasus Plaza. The plaza is located on the 1500 block of Main Street and is a 16,000-square-foot plaza that was built with the help of actress Greer Garson. The Pegasus Plaza on main street is best known for the neon Red Flying Horse sign that portrays Pegasus. The Pegasus symbol is now recognized as the symbol of Dallas. Frequent events and festivals are continually held at the plaza. There are also a myriad of restaurants that run along the Main Street District. For example, Campisi's has been an established fixture on the historic street since 1946. The restaurant is a family owned Italian restaurant that specializes in pizza and pastas.

There are many historical buildings along main street that have been preserved throughout the years. Current renovation and expansion projects are always underway in the area. One of Dallas' oldest hotels is located on main street. The Aristocrat Hotel, which is now referred to as Hotel Indigo, is a one-of-a-kind hotel that was built in 1925 by Conrad Hilton. The hotel is a nationally registered historic landmark. There are many historically beautiful buildings along the Main Street District that have architectural significance. The Praetorian Building which is also known as Stone Tower Place was constructed in 1909 in downtown Dallas and is one of the many landmarks situated on Main Street. Over the years, Main Street has seen significant residential growth due to its location in the heart of downtown.

The area is also a desirable residential district. The most popular residential building in the city, The Metropolitan, is located on Main Street. The Metropolitan is a high-rise condominium with exceptional views and luxury amenities. The Davis building on Main Street offers lofts in a historical Dallas building that has been updated with exceptional amenities such as a rooftop pool. The Davis Building is one of the most architecturally distinguishable buildings in all of downtown Dallas.

In August 2007, Dallas City officials began to develop plans to have a garden on Main Street. The entire block in the heart of downtown Dallas is what the city hall plans to renovate and recreate. The area of the block is 1.75 acres large. The city of Dallas has plans to pour $17 million into the development of the area with plans to open Main Street Garden in 2009.