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"M" Streets
Greenland Hills continues to be one of Dallas' most popular older
neighborhoods. "Pricey" for their modest size, these brick houses are
still affordable by the professionals working Downtown.
Driving under a canopy of oaks and pecans that graces the parkway, a
visitor to Greenland Hills today might pause to rethink the original meaning of suburb.
In the 1920's, Greenland Hills represented a conscious attempt to create a quality
residential development on the fringe of Dallas. Built on rolling hills, this plan
incorporated strict architectural guidelines and well-conceived landscaping. This
careful thought has culminated in fully grown trees, picturesque streets and the same
pleasant environment that continues to attract young families, who also enjoy the city and
easy access to Downtown.
Undoubtedly, Greenland Hills represents Dallas' most uncluttered district
in terms of architectural continuity. Although the houses were not all built by the
same builder, they all seem to be variations on a theme: Tudor-style versions of English
cottages. In house after house are seen distinct high-gabled roofs, leaded-glass
windows, intriguing stonework, large masonry chimneys, carved columns and other
scaled-down, castle-like features.
Greenland Hills was planned and developed all at once, unlike surrounding
Belmont and Vickery Place, whose development took place in distinct phases of large homes
first and smaller, less expensive infill later. In 1926 Frank and Fletcher McNeny
bought the land, which at the time was on Dallas' boundary at McCommas Avenue, built
streets and sewers and then parceled out the land to individual builders. Despite
the Great Depression, the houses proved popular to young professionals who could not
afford the more opulent homes in Highland Park and Munger Place, which were developed only
a few years before Greenland Hills.
The same phenomenon seems to be recurring today as young families are
returning to this close-in neighborhood, often referred to as the "M" Streets.
The houses are predominantly in the 1500- to 1800-square foot range (before attic
or porch space is converted) and offer exceptional opportunities for renovation,
remodeling and restoration. Despite their planned development ancestry, each home
possesses a distinct floor plan replete with alcoves, mantels, ceramic tile work and
hardwood floors showcased by wide, floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows.
Along with its proximity to Downtown via North Central Expressway,
Greenland Hills is next door to the city's favorite restaurants, night spots and retail
establishments on lower Greenville Avenue. This area, too, is the focus of
considerable restoration activity. In Greenland Hills many young families are
engaged in restoration, and their efforts are complemented by the long-time residents who
are responsible for the stability this neighborhood has enjoyed.
Antique street lights define the boundaries of the neighborhood. The
strong neighborhood association reaches beyond these boundaries in making its presence
felt. The Greenland Hills Neighborhood Association has actively participated in
transportation decisions along North Central Expressway, retail development on lower
Greenville Avenue and exploring conservation district zoning for these streets.
Architectural continuity, elaborate landscaping and intense community
involvement will continue to project the success of Greenland Hills.
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