Help preserve the rich history of Queen City

One of the primary challenges facing Queen City is the rapid influx of modern homes that starkly contrast with the historic fabric of the neighborhood. These new constructions often disrupt the harmony of the area by disregarding its architectural heritage and failing to blend seamlessly with the existing homes.

Designating Queen City as an historic district has many benefits such as preserving historical, cultural and architectural significance of the neighborhood. With your support Queen City can continue to thrive as a vibrant testament to its rich history while accommodating necessary developments in a way that respects its unique character.

Initiation

Three Landmark Commissioners will prepare Queen City's letter of intent and facilitate a community meeting to gather feedback.

The letter of intent is then submitted to the Designation Committee, which will recommend the Landmark Commission to initiate the historic designation process.

Designation Report

The Designation Committee will continue to meet with the community to obtain the community's feedback and incorporate it into the Designation Report.

The report will serve as Queen City’s application and include a nomination form, zoning ordinance, and preservation criteria.

Landmark Commission Meeting

The Designation Committee will submit the designation application to the Landmark Commission and request that the designation move forward.

The Landmark Commission will review the designation application and vote on their recommendation to the City Plan Commission.

City Plan Commission Meeting

The City Plan Commission is required to review the designation application since the designation is a zoning change request. The Commission will review and vote on their recommendation to the to City Council.

Property owners within the required notification area will be notified of their right to appear and express their opinion about the request.

City Council Meeting

City Council members will review the designation application and, while considering the recommendations from Landmark Commission and City Plan Commission, will vote on the designation.

Property owners within the required notification area will be notified of their right to appear and express their opinion about the request.

Approval

City Council has the ultimate approval power over zoning request changes such as Landmark designations.

Once the City Council votes to approve the designation application the district will be listed as an official City of Dallas local historic district. Any new construction will require a Certificate of Appropriateness permit prior to building.

How can you support?

Share your history

Queen City holds historical importance for its residents, potentially featuring significant events that happened during the Civil Rights Era. If you're familiar with individuals or events that shaped Queen City's history and culture prior to 1970, please fill out this form. Sharing your story is vital in preserving and honoring Queen City's rich history.

Participate in the community meetings

Community input and feedback is important at every step in the historic designation process. Make plans to attend community meetings and actively participate in shaping the future of Queen City. Keep up with community meetings and upcoming neighborhood events by subscribing to our newsletter.

Vote in support of the historic district

Property owners who are impacted by the historic designation will receive a notification letter in the mail prior to the City Plan Commission and City Council public hearings. Fill out the reply form in support of the historic designation and mail it back prior to the deadline.

Sign the petition (Coming Soon)

Petitions will be presented to city officials to help advocate for the historic designation. The number of signatures on a petition can be persuasive evidence of public sentiment and may influence decision-makers to take action or reconsider their positions. Sign the petition now to show your support.

Attend the City Council meeting

The City Council will host a public hearing for the Queen City historic designation. During the hearing residents can voice their support in front of City Council members to help influence their decision. Once the City Council votes in support of the historic designation, Queen City will be listed as an official City of Dallas local historic district.

Have a question?

FAQs

Browse our list of FAQs for answers to your questions. Don’t see your question on our list? Contact us.

  • Historic designation as a City of Dallas Landmark is a type of zoning overlay. Landmark historic districts are areas with a significant concentration of structures unified by their architectural style or related historic events.

  • Designating Queen City as an historic district has many benefits such as preserving historical, cultural or architectural significance of the neighborhood.

  • Historic districts are protected by city ordinances by their preservation criteria which is specific to the district or site. A Certificate of Appropriateness must be obtained before any work can begin on any property that is initiated or designated as a Landmark structure or any property located within Landmark historic districts.

  • Properties and historic districts must meet at least three of the ten categories listed in the Criteria for Eligibility bw to qualify for designation.

    History, heritage and culture: Represents the historical development, ethnic heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state, or county.

    Historic event: Location of or association with the site of a significant historic event.

    Significant persons: Identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city, state, or county.

    Architecture: Embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style, landscape design, method of construction, exceptional craftsmanship, architectural innovation, or contains details which represent folk or ethnic art.

    Architect or master builder: Represents the work of an architect, designer or master builder whose individual work has influenced the development of the city, state or county.

    Historic context: Relationship to other distinctive buildings, sites, or areas which are eligible for preservation based on historic, cultural, or architectural characteristics.

    Unique visual feature: Unique location of singular physical characteristics representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the city that is a source of pride or cultural significance.

    Archeological: Archeological or paleontological value in that it has produced or can be expected to produce data affecting theories of historic or prehistoric interest.

    National and state recognition: Eligible of or designated as a National Historic Landmark, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Archeological Landmark, American Civil Engineering Landmark, or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

  • The Landmark Commission informs the engagement and strategic planning process with their expertise about the city's historic districts and their residents. The commission is regularly updated on the strategic planning process and joins the Steering Committee, Office of Historic Preservation staff, and leadership from other City Departments in leadership workshops.

  • A Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) is a permit to allow construction, demolition, or alteration of any structure or site that is located in a designated landmark district or is designated as a landmark site. A Certificate of Appropriateness does not replace a building permit, which must be obtained separately if required for your project.

  • The Designation Committee is responsible for compiling the Designatioc Report. The committee consists of volunteers, and includes former Landmark Commission members, architects, and historians.

  • The Landmark Commission’s approval of the deigination report initiates the two-year pre-designation moratorium process. This means that any new construction, building alterations/repairs and building demolitions must be approved by the City of Dallas Landmark Commission (or Office of Historic Preservation staff for minor repairs).