 The
Swiss Avenue Historic District is a neighborhood reminiscent
of a gentler, more gracious era. Step back in time to
picture the place where many of Dallas' most prominent
residents lived.
At the turn of the century, developer R.S. Munger began
his dream of creating the most prestigious residential
area in the Southwest. The result is Munger Place, a 140
acre community built between 1905 and the mid 1920's.
It was to become a showcase for the nation's finest architects
- a spectacular neighborhood where the city's affluent
could entertain dignitaries from around the world. Here,
Mr. Munger succeeded in capturing the magical spirit of
this important time.
Towering trees, sloping green lawns, rose-covered trellises,
inviting front porches, lushly landscaped gardens and
a broad boulevard lit by its original street lamps are
just some of the characteristics that distinguish the
Swiss Avenue Historic District.
The area is named after Swiss settlers who sought community
in Dallas. There is a diverse range of architecture: Tudor,
Italian Romanesque, Prairie, Craftsman and many more examples
of 20th Century architecture. The Swiss Avenue area was
Dallas' first residential historic district.
The Great Depression and World War II had dramatic impact
on Munger Place, as the once stately neighborhood was
transformed to meet the needs of a new era. Urbanization
caused many homes to be abandoned to absentee landlords,
who turned mansions into apartment houses, half-way house,
brothels and even dog kennels.
In 1973, through the efforts of residents, the Historic
Preservation League and the Design Division of the City
Planning Department, a portion of Munger Place was designated
as the first residential historic district. Bound by portions
of LaVista, Swiss, Fitzhugh, Live Oak, Bryan Parkway and
Bryan, the Swiss Avenue Historic District was now protected
through rezoning and restrictive land-use ordinances.
With renewed commitment, the rejuvenation of one of the
city's oldest and most innovative real estate developments
began.
Major arts, medical, entertainment and downtown Dallas
are less than two miles away.
Today, Swiss Avenue Historic
District residents share a cherished legacy that is
illustrated in the renovation of many fine homes. The
legacy is a gift of time binding through commitment and
the pursuit of quality, a shared vision for the future
from a gracious past.
The Swiss Avenue Historic
District is listed in the National Register of Historic
Places and is recognized as a Dallas landmark and a Texas
Historical Site.
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