Location:

The Main Street District is located in downtown Dallas and unsurprisingly runs along Main Street. The district is bounded by Elm Street, Lamar Street, US 75/Interstate 45, and Commerce Street. This district bisects the downtown area and connects commercial and entertainment sectors.

Local Schools:

The Main Street district is divided into an east and west section. Depending on where residents live, they are zoned to the following schools:

Elementary- City Park Elementary School (west), Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary School (east)

Middle- Billy Earl Dade Middle School (west), Alex W. Spence Middle School (east)

High- James Madison High School (west), North Dallas High School (east)

Parks:

Main Street Garden Park is a 1.75-acre public park and is the first of several planned core parks in the downtown area. Amenities here include a cafe and shade structure, splash fountain, playground, urban dog run, garden rooms and concert green. Belo Garden Park is a new project slated for the Main Street District. The 1.5-acre park will feature perennial gardens, shaded groves, plaza spaces, an interactive fountain, a 10’ high hill which provides topographical relief and views over the central fountain plaza, and a shaded garden grove with movable tables and chairs. The park is scheduled to open in early 2012.

Local Events:

Major events throughout the year are held at Main Street Garden Park, a focal point of the district’s east end. The park’s shade structure houses a public art commission by Leni  Schwendinger with bands of light that change during the year at sunrise and sunset. City Lights is held each year where the holiday tree is lit, and patrons can enjoy an outdoor market, food, music and activities. The YMCA sponsors weekly athletic events at the park as well. Live music is held weekly at the Lily Pad, the park’s cafe.

Attractions and Shopping:

The Main Street District has historically been considered the nucleus of downtown Dallas. As such, there are numerous retail stores, sidewalk restaurants and underground night clubs that line Main Street and the streets adjoining it. This was the first part of the city to be gentrified, and while much progress has been made, there are still many buildings awaiting restoration.

Area History and Information:

The Main Street District is likely the most recognized district in the larger city of Dallas. For years, major retailers, hotels and banks set their roots here, and the skyline was home to the city’s earliest version of high-rises. Many historic buildings have been restored in this area and re-purposed for modern use. There are approximately 20 landmark structures located in this district. Numerous apartment buildings, lofts, and condo developments abound in the area, creating a live-and-work option for residents with jobs in the area.