The West End is where Dallas began.

Caddo Indians settled in the area now known as the West End during the early 1800’s.

Mid-1800’s John Neely Bryan, a Tennessee lawyer purchased their land and opened the first trading post along the Trinity River. A replica of his cabin is now located on Elm Street at Lamar Street.

In 1892 the courthouse, now known as “Old Red” was built by Dallas County. Newly renovated, the Old Red Museum is a celebration of Dallas history and premier event facility.

In 1906, City of Dallas built its first jail in a West End building. Still standing today at 703 Ross Avenue, the original iron bars of the jail cells can be seen on the windows. The building is now home to a law office.

The most significant turning point in the development of Dallas was the intersection of Texas & Pacific Railroad with the Texas Central Railroad in the West End. This railroad crossing made Dallas a major distribution center that led to the development of the downtown business district. The historically preserved buildings in the West End today were once used to support storage and distribution activities for the railroads.

As railroad transportation declined after World War II, West End experienced an era of decline.

Designated and zoned by City of Dallas as a historic district in 1975.

The West End was the first area of the city to have height limiting zoning. This was significant in preventing the older buildings from being demolished and replaced with modern skyscrapers. $2.3 million in bond funds were designated for infrastructure improvements. New zoning included specification of the types of signs, lighting and exterior improvements for buildings and businesses in the West End. The new zoning specifications meant historic significance of the area would be preserved.

Spaghetti Warehouse started it all.

The original Spaghetti Warehouse opened the in West End warehouse district in 1972 and is still one of the most popular restaurants in the West End.

The West End Market Place and Dallas Alley open in 1986.

Following the Spaghetti Warehouse example, Blackland Properties (now ECOM) purchased the Sunshine Biscuit Company building in 1983 and renovated the building into the West End Marketplace. The Market Place spurred further re-development of area. The area filled with diverse, one-of-a-kind restaurants and nightclubs. Horse drawn carriages filled the streets and outdoor concerts were daily occurrences.

Taste of Dallas and Hoop It Up each would grow to bring 200,000 to area in a single weekend.

West End flourished until the early 1990’s.

Two events adversely affected the district: the first a mini-riot occurred during an outdoor concert when the lead singer encouraged thousands of fans to tear down this place. The second happened when a teen club opened in the West End and attracted hundreds of underage youths turning the West End into their weekend hangout. West End’s golden image was tarnished and safety became a concern.

West End Association steps up (early 1990’s – 2000).

The West End Association (a non-profit organization comprised of property owners and merchants) partnered with the city to identify and systematically address key issues adversely affecting the area. The city’s first cruising ordinance was enacted to eliminate the underage crowds in the West End that were clogging the streets but not spending money in the restaurants and stores.

The association worked with other businesses to remove the teen club from the area and to bring different types of outdoor events and performers to the area. The association blocked a gentleman’s club from opening in the West End and was also instrumental in the passing of an ordinance prohibiting sexually oriented businesses from operating in the historic district.

The association worked with the city to increase police presence in the West End, cleanliness of the streets and general landscape maintenance. Association members donated space to the city for the Central Division of the police department to be located in the West End.

Money was also donated to purchase 13 bicycles for the first bike patrol in Dallas. Association worked with Dallas Area Rapid Transit System to bring a station to West End. Marketplace brings a 10-screen movie theater to the area and Planet Hollywood restaurant.

West End once again flourishes (2000)

Through the efforts of West End Association, along with area businesses and property owners, an estimated 3 million people visit the West End annually.

Taste of Dallas the largest outdoor festival in Texas calls the West End home and brings 300,000 to the West End over 3 days the second weekend of July every year. The 20-block area employs approximately 10,000 people and generates approximately $200 million in total annual sales.

Another time of transition (2007 - Present).

West End has increased competition with the development of numerous multi-use and entertainment districts in Dallas and Fort Worth.The West End Association re-energizes its membership and once again begins working to re-introduce the West End to the public. The totally volunteer staff is working hard to bring more more entertainment to the area and put more events on the streets, while keeping the area the safest entertainment area in all of DFW.

We are THE entertainment destination for DFW.

Come for the History, Stay for the Fun!