Dallas, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Purse Building, a historic six-story red brick structure in Downtown Dallas, has been listed for sale with significant redevelopment potential. Spanning approximately 65,000 square feet, it offers flexible floor layouts and unique amenities, including rooftop views. The building, included in the National Register of Historic Places, was restored in a previous renovation and is designed for various uses, making it an attractive opportunity for investors and developers.
Dallas — The Purse Building, located at 601 Elm Street in Downtown Dallas, has been listed for sale as of September 23, 2025.
What happened
The six-story, red brick structure spans approximately 65,000 square feet and is being offered for purchase with broad redevelopment potential.
Key details up front
The property spans approximately 65,000 square feet and features six stories of red brick architecture.
Originally built in 1905, the Purse Building reflects over a century of growth in Dallas.
The building’s historical significance is highlighted by its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic uses and significance
The building served different purposes, first as the home of Parlin & Orendorff Implement Company, and later as Purse & Co. Wholesale Furniture.
In 1963, the building was used by the FBI as a command center during the investigation of JFK’s assassination.
Restoration and recent renovations
The building was restored and renovated by Wildcat Management, led by Dallas developer Tanya Ragan, after being vacant for nearly three decades.
A major renovation in 2020 preserved original architectural features while preparing the building for adaptive reuse.
Physical features and amenity highlights
The property offers six open floor plates, each approximately 9,100 square feet, providing flexible layouts for multiple uses.
Interior character includes exposed brick, timber beams, and industrial-style windows, combining historic fabric with modern design preferences.
The rooftop provides 360-degree unobstructed views of the Dallas skyline, an asset for hospitality, residential or amenity programming.
The ground floor is equipped for prime retail or restaurant use, positioned well for visibility and foot traffic.
Zoning, incentives and site context
The property is zoned CA-1(A), which permits all uses without a maximum density limit.
The building qualifies for both federal and state historic tax credits, along with local abatements that could offset up to 45% of rehabilitation costs.
The Purse Building is strategically located within a $3 billion development zone in the Dallas Convention Center District and surrounding neighborhoods, placing it near major public- and private-sector investment.
Potential redevelopment options
Potential redevelopment options include boutique hotels, creative offices, residential lofts or condominiums, and mixed-use developments combining retail, dining, and workspace.
Developer background and project framing
The restoration and sale listing follow a period of vacancy and targeted investment; the property was restored and renovated by Wildcat Management, led by Dallas developer Tanya Ragan, after being vacant for nearly three decades.
Tanya Ragan described the project as a pride project, honoring Dallas’ history while ensuring a vibrant future for the property.
Wildcat Management is known for its commitment to urban revitalization and sustainable development practices in the North Texas region.
Next steps for buyers and the neighborhood
The listing opens the site to a range of investors and developers who can combine tax incentives, zoning flexibility and the building’s intact historic features to pursue adaptive reuse. Given its size, floor plate flexibility and rooftop amenity potential, the property is positioned for uses that benefit from prominent downtown visibility and access to the Convention Center District.
FAQ
Q: Where is the building located and when was it listed?
A: The Purse Building, located at 601 Elm Street in Downtown Dallas, has been listed for sale as of September 23, 2025.
Q: How large is the property and how many stories does it have?
A: The property spans approximately 65,000 square feet and features six stories of red brick architecture.
Q: When was the Purse Building constructed?
A: Originally built in 1905, the Purse Building reflects over a century of growth in Dallas.
Q: Is the Purse Building recognized for its historic value?
A: The building’s historical significance is highlighted by its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
Q: What were the building’s past uses?
A: The building served different purposes, first as the home of Parlin & Orendorff Implement Company, and later as Purse & Co. Wholesale Furniture.
Q: Did the building play a role in national events?
A: In 1963, the building was used by the FBI as a command center during the investigation of JFK’s assassination.
Q: Who restored the building and what was its condition before renovation?
A: The building was restored and renovated by Wildcat Management, led by Dallas developer Tanya Ragan, after being vacant for nearly three decades.
Q: Were there recent renovations to prepare the building for reuse?
A: A major renovation in 2020 preserved original architectural features while preparing the building for adaptive reuse.
Q: What are the interior and rooftop features?
A: It features exposed brick, timber beams, and industrial-style windows, offering a combination of historic and modern design.
A: The rooftop provides 360-degree unobstructed views of the Dallas skyline.
Q: What is the layout and floor plate size?
A: The property boasts six open floor plates, each approximately 9,100 square feet.
Q: What uses are allowed under current zoning?
A: It is zoned CA-1(A), which permits all uses without a maximum density limit.
Q: What redevelopment options are suggested for the property?
A: Potential redevelopment options include boutique hotels, creative offices, residential lofts or condominiums, and mixed-use developments combining retail, dining, and workspace.
Q: Are there financial incentives available for rehabilitation?
A: The building qualifies for both federal and state historic tax credits, along with local abatements that could offset up to 45% of rehabilitation costs.
Q: In what development context is the building located?
A: The Purse Building is strategically located within a $3 billion development zone in the Dallas Convention Center District and surrounding neighborhoods.
Q: How has the developer characterized the project?
A: Tanya Ragan described the project as a pride project, honoring Dallas’ history while ensuring a vibrant future for the property.
Q: What is Wildcat Management known for?
A: Wildcat Management is known for its commitment to urban revitalization and sustainable development practices in the North Texas region.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 601 Elm Street, Downtown Dallas |
| Listing Date | September 23, 2025 |
| Building Size | Approximately 65,000 square feet; six stories |
| Floor Plates | Six open floor plates, each approximately 9,100 square feet |
| Historic Status | Included in the National Register of Historic Places |
| Year Built | 1905 |
| Zoning | CA-1(A) — permits all uses without a maximum density limit |
| Incentives | Federal and state historic tax credits; local abatements up to 45% of rehabilitation costs |
| Possible Uses | Boutique hotels, creative offices, residential lofts/condos, mixed-use |
| Developer | Restored and renovated by Wildcat Management, led by Tanya Ragan |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Business Insider
- Dallas Innovates
- CultureMap Dallas
- PaperCity Magazine
- Dallas News
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Google Search: Historic Purse Building Dallas
- Google Scholar: Historic Purse Building Dallas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
- Google News: Historic Purse Building Dallas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
