The Harlan Building
Dallas, Texas
The Harlan Building in Dallas’ Farmers Market is a local landmark building that sits on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was purchased by Craig Melde in 2002, who then, with Architexas, set about turning the property into a mixed-use, retail/residential development. An intensive process of stabilization, restoration, and reconstruction turned back years of neglect and revitalized the only remaining warehouse building from the original Farmers Market District.
A portion of the building that had been demolished was reconstructed using modern vocabulary that references the original construction. The project incorporated many LEED-based design guidelines, including high-efficiency HVAC systems and site paving that used salvaged floor slabs from the interior restoration.
The resulting project is a building that satisfies the requirements of the National Park Service, Texas Historical Commission, Dallas Landmark Commission, and the Dallas Farmers Market Tax Increment Financing District. The design is appropriate yet modern, minimalist insertion within a historical context.
