Knights of Pythias Temple (Dallas, Texas)
Knights of Pythias Temple | |
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Knights of Pythias Temple, 2013 | |
General information | |
Type | Fraternal Organization |
Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
Location | 2551 Elm Street |
Completed | 1916 |
Technical details | |
Floor count | 4 |
Design and construction | |
Architect | William Sidney Pittman |
Awards and prizes | |
The Knights of Pythias Temple is an historic Knights of Pythias building located at 2551 Elm Street in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. Also known as the Union Bankers Building for a later owner, it was built in 1915 by architect William Sidney Pittman. It was the first major commercial structure in Dallas built for African Americans, by African Americans, and with African American money.[1] From 1916 to 1939 it served as the social, professional and cultural center of the center of the city's African-American community. In 1959 the building was purchased by the Union Bankers Insurance Company, who turned it into a standard office building. On October 23, 1989, the structure became a Dallas Landmark. Various restoration projects and redevelopment have been proposed, but today the building remains vacant.
References
External links
- Robert Wilonsky, Knights' Tale: Another historic emblem of black Dallas stands on the brink, Dallas Observer, 2007-12-20.
Coordinates: 32°47′03″N 96°47′14″W / 32.7842°N 96.7871°W