The industrial warehouse living trend was given a big nudge when “Sex and The City” character Samantha Jones moved into one in New York’s Meatpacking District. After that episode aired, It took about a minute for anyone the least bit hip to follow suit. Industrial warehouse districts are hotter than ever, and Dallas is no exception. They are the ultimate urban escape.
For decades, I’ve watched the evolution of what was initially known as the Trinity Industrial District — now dubbed the Dallas Design District. During my years as a photo stylist, I was there daily because it was also where most of the photographers had studios. Now they can’t afford it because it’s become a piping hot residential area, attracting everyone from car collectors to wine enthusiasts.
The first time I saw a warehouse conversion in this industrial neighborhood was when photographer Lynn Sugarman arrived from New York. Living in your studio was commonplace there, but I think she must have been the first to create a luxurious home in a Dallas warehouse.
Lynn has never done things by half measures, and her living space at the back of the studio included the largest and most luxurious bathroom, painted in vivid orchid. When she moved to another warehouse years later, she had a waterfall in her studio/home. It was not long before others followed in her footsteps, which brings us to possibly the most phenomenal transformation I’ve seen in an industrial warehouse. I think even Lynn would be impressed.
This property was originally used to house railroad materials and went through several incarnations over the years, ending up as a photography gallery.
Originally, there were two buildings — 1515 and 1517 Levee. The present owners combined the properties into one when they undertook the transformation of this industrial warehouse space into a luxury home. The good news for you is the property is still platted individually. It can be divided again, but why on earth would you consider that? It’s spectacular.
Rebuilding From The Dirt in The Ground
These owners also opted against doing things by half measures.
They completely gutted the buildings, combined them, and rebuilt the interiors from the ground up. A second floor and an oversized, fully insulated two-car garage were added. They spared what must be no expense as the details and finish-out are what you’d expect to see in a Preston Hollow luxury home.
The first step was bringing in Jim Scott and Sons to reimagine and reinvent this industrial warehouse into a 5,592-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with every amenity you can imagine. Adaptive reuse and respecting history are important to principal Peter Scott, and he loved working on this project.
”Bringing the old rail yard warehouse on Levee back to life is definitely one of our most memorable and challenging projects to date, “Scott said. “In a day and age where old buildings are torn down, and their history is forgotten, giving a building a new purpose and a future is rewarding. We had the pleasure of collaborating with an incredible team of architects, designers, and tradesmen to create something incredibly unique, luxurious, and relevant.”
Truly Move-In Ready
We know how hard it is to get an interior designer today. Most that are accepting new clients have a waitlist of a year. So, you’ll be thrilled to know the dining table, chairs, and bar stools are included, and the rest of the furniture is for sale. Everyone wants a live-in ready home, so my advice is to simply unpack your suitcases and enjoy!
Dave Perry-Miller’s Henda Salmeron listed 1517 Levee this morning for $4.5 million. Considering the easy access to the American Airlines Center, this is a perfect home for a pro athlete or anyone that loves space, soundproofing, and a bathtub for two!
