Located at one of the primary intersections in Deep Ellum, and once one of the first building you would see when exiting the tunnel, the Knights of the Pythias building is a true historic landmark, and not just because of the time that it was built. This building was the first major building in Dallas built designed by a black man, for the black community. It is one of only two buildings in the neighborhood that have the status of a protected landmark (Sons of Hermann Hall is the other). Under Texas law any vacant building designated as a historic landmark must be “mothballed” by the owners. This entails making sure that the building is sealed off from intrusion and natural damage. Check the photos below see for yourself whether or not the building is really being protected.
The Deep Ellum TIFF proposal (made by the Deep Ellum Foundation) shows all new development where the Knights of Pythias now stands, with a boutique hotel planned for development in the area where the Pythias now stands. Any interested party may request the historic preservation officer to investigate whether a property is being demolished by neglect. You can help by contacting Michael P. Pumphrey, manager of long range planning at the city and urging him to check the state of this historic landmark.
Michael P. Pumphrey, Manager
Long Range Planning Division
Development Services Department
Dallas City Hall
1500 Marilla; #5CN
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.670.5786 (office)
214.670.0728 (fax)
Images are credited to our very own Mark Roberts.
