Tax Credit Program Highlight: 211 North Ervay

Dallas, Dallas County

1959

Designation	Listed in National Register as part of Downtown Dallas Historic District
Historic Use	Offices
Current Use	Offices and retail
Total Rehabilitation Cost	$9,750,000
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses	$7,600,000
Date Certified	February 1, 2019
	Also certified for Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

History

Designed by Dallas architect Thomas Stanley, the 20 floor high rise at 211 North Ervay is “an example of the vanishing ‘cool blue’ architecture of the 1950s”. In mid-century architecture, the use of color and pattern was a popular design approach. 211 North Ervay is notable for its glass curtain wall with alternating blue and aqua spandrel panels. Situated in the center of the Dallas downtown core, the building was designed to accommodate multiple tenants and was predominantly occupied by insurance companies, law firms and aviation companies.

Rehabilitation Project

The building had stood vacant for 20 years when purchased by its current owner, who undertook a complete rehabilitation. Now nearly fully occupied, it provides modern Class A tenant office and retail spaces. Tenants primarily include start-ups and co-working spaces, which take great advantage of the flexible floor plans and ribbon windows. The building’s blue and aqua enameled spandrel panels were cleaned while all windows and curtain wall elements were retained. Non-historic paneling above the storefronts was removed to expose an original mosaic tile band that wraps the building. Original historic interior features remained, including mail chutes, wall clocks, water fountains, elevator doors, and terrazzo floors, which were all preserved.