Reviving Oak Cliff's Historic Tenth Street District

Preservationist James McGee leads efforts to restore homes and businesses in one of Dallas' last intact Freedman's Towns

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Tenth Street Historic District in Oak Cliff, Dallas, is slowly being revived thanks to the efforts of preservationist James McGee. As president and CEO of the Southern Dallas Progress Community Development Corporation, McGee is restoring homes, updating businesses, and working to reconnect the historic district to the surrounding area after it was divided by the construction of Interstate 35 in 1956.

Why it matters

The Tenth Street Historic District is one of the last intact Freedman's Towns in the nation, recognized as a historic district in 1993 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Revitalizing this culturally significant neighborhood not only preserves an important part of Dallas' history, but also provides affordable housing options and a sense of community in an area close to top-ranked schools and the new Halperin Park development.

The details

McGee is gradually restoring homes in the district, which features modest folk and vernacular architectural styles similar to New Orleans' shotgun houses. He has already completed his first renovation, a 1925 home that is now on the market. The district also includes larger two-story homes, vacant lots for new construction, and the original Simpsons Corner Store, which McGee plans to restore. Challenges include historic district regulations that can hinder investment, but McGee is working to balance preserving the homes' historic character with updates to make them appealing to modern buyers.

  • The Tenth Street Historic District became Dallas' 12th historic district in 1993.
  • The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
  • The initial phase of the new Halperin Park development is scheduled to open this spring.

The players

James McGee

President and CEO of the Southern Dallas Progress Community Development Corporation, leading efforts to revitalize the Tenth Street Historic District.

Josiah Thomas

Owner of Thomas Drafting and Design, who has worked with McGee on various projects in the district.

Tara Miller

Listing agent for a home in the Tenth Street Historic District.

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center

A top-ranked U.S. magnet school located across from the Tenth Street Historic District.

Halperin Park

A new five-acre bridge park development that will help reconnect Oak Cliff, which was divided by the construction of Interstate 35 in 1956.

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What they’re saying

“The unique challenge is scaling down to fit the existing bones of these homes. Finding the balance between modern flows that are marketable to modern residents and maintaining the historic exterior. It's always nice to see these older homes being recrafted. We don't have craftsmanship at a reasonable price point anymore, and this is a more affordable investment opportunity. It's exciting work from that perspective.”

— Josiah Thomas, Owner, Thomas Drafting and Design (candysdirt.com)

“Owning a home here means becoming a steward of Dallas history. This landmark district is known for its cultural significance and unique architectural character, offering a sense of community and pride that is hard to find elsewhere.”

— Tara Miller, Listing Agent (candysdirt.com)

What’s next

With the passage of a bond project, alley reconstruction is underway in the Tenth Street Historic District, and sidewalk reconstruction is set to follow. McGee is also working on four more residences and the restoration of the Simpsons Corner Store.

The takeaway

The revitalization of the Tenth Street Historic District in Oak Cliff, led by preservationist James McGee, is an important effort to preserve a culturally significant neighborhood and provide affordable housing options close to top-ranked schools and new community developments. By balancing historic preservation with modern updates, McGee is creating opportunities for urban pioneers to invest in a neighborhood with a rich history and bright future.