Wilson Block | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:2922_Swiss_Ave.jpg) Wilson House in early 1900s | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Relief_map_of_Texas.png)  Wilson Block &sq=&lang=&file=File:Usa_edcp_relief_location_map.png) Wilson Block | |
| Location | 2902, 2906, 2910 and 2922 Swiss Ave., Dallas, Texas |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 32°47′18″N 96°47′05″W / 32.788333°N 96.784722°W |
| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1899 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| Restored | 1980s |
| Restored by | The Meadows Foundation |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002919[1] |
| DLMK No. | H/13 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | December 15, 1978 |
| Designated DLMK | April 1981[2] |
The Wilson Block is a historic district located in east Dallas, Texas and was one of the first residential developments in Dallas. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.[3] The houses have been restored and are maintained to preserve their turn-of-the-century Victorian revival style architecture. The Wilson Block includes 4 of the original single-family dwellings located at what is now 2902, 2906, 2910 and 2922 Swiss Ave.[4] The District encompasses a city block, 95,000 square feet (8,800 m2), bounded by Swiss Avenue, Floyd, Oak, and Liberty Streets.[5]
The houses that became the center of the Wilson Block Historic District were constructed in 1899–1902, the first being the Wilson House at 2922 Swiss Ave., a 1+1⁄2-story residence. Construction of an additional 6 rental houses followed, 3 of which have been restored and still remain at 2902, 2906 and 2910 Swiss Ave. Each house is unique in layout and character, but all share some of the common characteristics of the revival styles of the late 1800s, including irregularly shaped roofs that are steeply pitched and dominant front-facing gables.
The homes are 1+1⁄2-story single-family dwellings constructed of wood with milled details. The siding comprises textured shingles and clapboard. Some were built with front porches, while others wrap around to the sides. The back of some of the houses had rear screened porches on both levels. Upstairs porches were commonly used for sleeping, while the porches downstairs provided an open space to conduct household chores; all had cisterns on each porch.[6] The Wilson House was the only house on the block with servant's quarters and a carriage house.
- ^ Capace, Nancy (2001). Encyclopedia of Texas, 6th Edition. ISBN 0403095999. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- ^ "Ordinance No. 16957" (PDF). City of Dallas. April 1981. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
- ^ "Texas Historic Sites Atlas" (PDF). Texas Historical Commission. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- ^ "Wilson Block". National Park Service, Department of the Interior. December 15, 1978. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
- ^ "Landmark Districts: Wilson Block Historic District". Historic Preservation. City of Dallas, Texas. April 29, 1981. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
PDHDwas invoked but never defined (see the help page).