If you want to feel connected to a neighborhood with a rich history and a strong sense of community, the State-Thomas Historic District is unmatched. This 1899 State Thomas Folk Victorian exemplifies the neighborhoods unique heritage and charm.
The State-Thomas Historic District is just north of the Dallas Arts District between McKinney Ave. and North Central Expwy.
Judy Hearst was instrumental in the neighborhood becoming a historic district, and you will find no one with more legacy knowledge. Hearst wrote an informative section for “McKinney Avenue Trolleys,” which I highly recommend to fully understand the depth of history here.
From 1868 until today, State-Thomas, by any of its names, has been a happening place, a place of energy and innovation, a place that draws people and new ideas. It has been the home of pioneers, civil rights pathfinders, mavericks, and problem-solvers, a stopping place for the greats of entertainment and leaders of the country.
Today, State-Thomas is 96 acres. The 23-acre State-Thomas Historic District contains the most intact collection of late 1880s Victorian structures in Dallas: the last remnant of a larger affluent community, begun as the Thomas-Colby District, outside the city limits next to the newly freed slaves’ Freedmans’ Town.
Judy Smith Hearst for MCkinney Avenue Trolleys by Arcadia Publishing
There is so much to love about this State-Thomas Folk Victorian home beyond its innate beauty and historic importance. Although it’s currently a residence, it is zoned for both residential and commercial use. With three levels and 2,388 square feet, the possibilities are endless.
The house has been updated several times over the years, of course, with the most recent update including a fabulous blue Aga range. Look at the photos of the kitchen’s dining area and note the bookcase. There is a hidden staircase behind it that leads down to a secret wine room with a brick barrel-vaulted ceiling and a fireplace!
The second floor is configured for office space now, but the present owner had plans to convert it to several bedrooms, so you have the potential for four or five bedrooms in the main house. The third floor has a principal suite and a balcony overlooking the rear of the home.
When I mentioned there is a lot to love about this property, it’s because it offers more than the historic main house. There is also a 638-square-foot shotgun guest house with a fireplace and full bath behind the main home. This opens up so many possibilities, from nanny quarters to an excellent space for your teenager, a short-term rental property, or frankly, a great she-shed!
Add an Ikea closet next to the fireplace, a day bed or a Murphy bed, and you have all you need!
Over the two-car carport, there is even more space, perfect for a private home office.
And of course, State-Thomas is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Dallas with Whole Foods and a trolley stop just around the corner. This is indeed quite the find!