Founded in the 1870s, Cedars was built as an average middle class residential community. Located in southern Dallas, the enchanting neighborhood earned its name from the beautiful Oak and Cedar forest that had covered the neighborhood’s natural landscape.

After a very short time, the establishment of a city park and streetcar line increased the property value in the area. The middle class was squeezed out and soon a number of stately Victorian manors were built to house the wealthy.

The district was also the heart of the Dallas Jewish community, which worshipped at the Shaareth Israel synagogue. But just as quickly as the rich moved in, they moved out. As the Dallas population rapidly expanded and industrialists searched for new ground, Cedars became encroached by the rest of the city.

It lost the isolation that was enjoyed by the wealthy. Already, by the turn of the twentieth century, warehouses sprang up and many large and fanciful Victorian homes were torn down to accommodate more affordable family dwellings.

The area became home to a Sears-Roebuck warehouse and highway construction began redeveloping the district. In the mid-1900s the romance of the old neighborhood had disappeared with nearly all of the traditional homes and charming residential streets. Even the synagogue was torn down. The affluent fled and industry moved in.

Today, however, Cedars is home to newly renovated lofts in old industry warehouses. Artists have found their homes here and the neighborhood is adopting a new cultural identity. Property value is again on the rise and new urban development projects are taking place.

For any visitors interested in the Dallas art scene, Cedars offers the Cedars Open Studios, which are open to the public. These studios have helped revitalize this neighborhood and they are the center of creativity for artists and craftsmen serving a variety of mediums.