Knights of Pythias Temple (Dallas, Texas)

Knights of Pythias Temple

Knights of Pythias Temple, 2013
General information
Type Fraternal Organization
Architectural style Beaux Arts
Location 2551 Elm Street
Completed 1916
Technical details
Floor count 4
Design and construction
Architect William Sidney Pittman
Awards and prizes

The Knights of Pythias Temple is an historic Knights of Pythias building located at 2551 Elm Street in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. Also known as the Union Bankers Building for a later owner, it was built in 1915 by architect William Sidney Pittman. It was the first major commercial structure in Dallas built for African Americans, by African Americans, and with African American money.[1] From 1916 to 1939 it served as the social, professional and cultural center of the center of the city's African-American community. In 1959 the building was purchased by the Union Bankers Insurance Company, who turned it into a standard office building. On October 23, 1989, the structure became a Dallas Landmark. Various restoration projects and redevelopment have been proposed, but today the building remains vacant.

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