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Swiss Avenue: Historic Preservation League

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jim
jim
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
2
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5
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Editor Pick

Wilson Historic District Walking Tour

  • June 27, 2003
  • Rated 3 of 5 by smileygirl from Cleburne, Texas
Wilson Historic District Walking Tour

INTRODUCTION:
Walk the historic Wilson Block along the Swiss Avenue in Downtown Dallas. You’ll see many Victorian homes fashioned in early era style. A simple yet interesting walking tour that will only fascinate and charm you all the more.

BRIEF HISTORY:
In 1981, the Meadows Foundation recognized an opportunity to solve its needs of larger space, while at the same time, providing office space for other nonprofit organizations. The foundation purchased the Wilson Block and began the restoration project. The end results created this block into something magical and inspiring.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Some of the things you should "know before you go" are:

  • Make sure you call Preservation Dallas to see if there is someone that can take you on a guided tour.
  • If there isn’t anyone available to take you on a guided tour, see if would be convenient to take a self guided tour.
  • If you are going in a big group, call in advance to schedule a walking tour. It’s much easier and convenient for everyone.
  • Lastly, but not least, make sure you are go on a nice breezy day for this tour. It will help keep you cool.

    • TOUR DESCRIPTION:
    Before you begin your tour, make sure you put on a nice pair of comfy walking shoes. This tour isn’t strenuous and is very slow paced. So, it can be for anyone who has a desire to see some beautiful Victorian homes at its best.

    Your tour begins with a short film at the Wilson Carriage House behind 2922 Swiss Avenue. After your film is over (which is about 30 minutes later), you are on your way to see some alluring homes in Downtown Dallas. Even with our slow paced group, we were able to do this tour in about an hour. It was never rushed nor exhausting.

    HOURS AND DAYS OF OPERATION:

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday:

  • -- Noon till ?

  • Monday, Friday and Sunday
  • -- Closed

  • Call Preservation Dallas before you go, just to be on the safe side.

    • IN CLOSING:
    Overall, we found this walking tour enjoyable. In all honesty, this walking tour should be experienced at least once. Once you’ve had the opportunity to explore the Wilson Block, you really don’t need to do it again. But- you never know if you’ll like it if you never do it, right?

    Should you need more information on the Wilson Historic District Walking Tour, please visit Preservation Dallas Website.

    Please note: Enclosed picture is from the website mentioned above.

    From journal Dallas' Charismatic Personality

    Editor Pick

    Swiss Avenue

    • June 12, 2003
    • Rated 4 of 5 by jim from Charlotte, North Carolina
    Swiss Avenue

    I really enjoy touring old neighborhoods when I visit a city. In Dallas one of these neighborhoods is the Swiss Avenue Historic District. Of course, old is relative when you are talking about the U.S. Southwest. The neighborhood is particularly interesting when contrasted with the much more sterile business district only two miles away.

    There are around 200 beautiful homes on this street and unlike many modern neighborhoods all of the homes had a unique style. In addition, the landscaping and old trees really provided a beautiful backdrop for these historic homes. The Christmas decorations were also quite clever including Texas longhorns instead of reindeer in front of Santa's sleigh. Another particularly interesting site, was a home wrapped in a big red ribbon...everything in Texas is over the top (one of the reasons I like it so much).

    No Texas experience is complete without talking about the people. I was taking a picture of the oldest home on Swiss Avenue and the owner came out and invited me in. When she saw I was with my family, she invited them in as well. Five strangers walked around the house and gardens and got a real treat. The rooms were all beautifully decorated and much of the original interior had not been changed. Things like the massive stove that was over 50 years old, the 20 foot high bookshelves built into the wall, the woodwork and the staircase were particularly impressive.

    This may not be the most exciting sight, but a quick walk or even a drive up Swiss Avenue is definitely worth the trip.

    From journal X-mas in Dallas

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