The Cedars: A Dallas neighborhood balancing growth and identity

DALLAS — Just south of the Dallas skyline lies The Cedars. Known for its industrial roots, artistic culture, and recent wave of development, the neighborhood has long been a hub for creatives, small businesses, and urban pioneers looking for a unique, close-knit community.

But as time has proven, change is inevitable. Historians, as longtime Cedars residents are lovingly called, are navigating how to meet this new chapter in the middle.

For decades, The Cedars has embraced its gritty charm—where old warehouses double as homes and art studios, and murals and sculptures tell the stories of those who built the neighborhood’s character. Marion Marshall, who has lived here since the 1980s, described the area as a haven for independent spirits.

“I am the unofficial mayor of Southside on Lamar and The Cedars neighborhood,” Marshall said.

However, she acknowledges a shift. The Cedars is now at the center of Dallas’ latest wave of gentrification.

“Now what we’ve got is, you know, the dirty word that’s longer than four—gentrification’s rolled up here,” Marshall said. “I’m not saying that it takes away the vibrancy of [The Cedars], but it does change it.”

“Once the police station went up, and once the renovation of Southside had started, then people started taking another look [here],” Marshall said.

Gentrification is reshaping The Cedars in real-time. Once overlooked, the neighborhood is attracting developers eager to capitalize on its potential.

Christopher Weiss, who is helping organize an economic development plan for the area, said the city is finally investing in a place many have long called home.

WFAA asked if Weiss felt like the neighborhood was playing catch-up after years of a lack of attention.

“100%,” Weiss said.

Weiss said developers have not been shy about their desire to be here. Chris says the best course of action is to lean into it – and fully engage with them.

“All this land that’s available that’s been sitting here for years with nothing on it, something’s gonna be developed,” Weiss said. “And unless we’re engaged with the developers, we’re not gonna have any say in that. These are private funds, people are buying property, that’s part of what people get to do.”

Weiss, former president of The Cedars Neighborhood Association, emphasized the importance of community engagement if residents have specific hopes for how The Cedars takes shape in the future…especially as more people look to move in.

“We see a lot of new residents down here, we hope to see a lot of new mom-and-pop businesses down here too,” Weiss said. “We’re going to see probably a doubling in population in the next three to five years.”

The speed of transformation raises concerns among those who fear The Cedars may lose its essence.

A 2024 Builders of Hope report confirms that property values are rising and demographics are shifting. The study suggests solutions, such as affordable housing initiatives and homebuyer assistance programs to help longtime residents stay.

The report also classified 14 neighborhoods as continued or historic loss neighborhoods, including Elm Thicket/NorthPark,  Kidd Springs, and the Cedars.

While some embrace the change, others fight to preserve the neighborhood’s soul. One example of this balance is the newly revived Longhorn Ballroom, a historic music venue that hosted legends like Johnny Cash.

Diana Cox, the venue’s vice president, understands the importance of blending old with new.

“I think what we are able to do here is really be part of preserving the historical components while bringing it up to a modern standard of enjoyment,” Cox said.

The venue’s recent reopening came with renovations, but its commitment to The Cedars’ cultural roots remained intact.

As developers break ground on new projects, long-time residents like Marshall and Weiss continue to push for solutions that will allow The Cedars to grow without losing its identity.

Still, the community remains hopeful that its unique character— art, music, and camaraderie—will withstand the test of time.