Robert Wilonsky at the Dallas Observer Dallas Morning News reports that the historic Avon Apartments building on Lemmon Avenue is in jeopardy of being torn down to make way for a drive-through Chase bank. (For those who aren’t familiar, we’re referring to that large pinkish-orange structure near the intersection of Oak Lawn that says “Avon” at the top.)
Wilonsky says the Avon building is 82 years old and, in addition to its current use as apartments, has housed a luxury residential hotel and a live-in secretarial college. We’d add that it’s also been home to many, many-a-gay.
For now, it sounds like the Chase deal is actually off, which we suppose is a good thing. It would be a little sad to see the Avon go, and does Dallas really need another drive-through bank? On the other hand, it is about time they did something with the long-vacant gas station next door — which would also be included in the plans.
a “live in secretarial college”? a/k/a 70’s lesbian porn set…
Are you kidding me?? There is a Chase drive through less than a mile away over on Oak Lawn and Avondale!! They don’t need to be that close! It’s bad enough that both the Exxon stations on Lemmon and Oak Lawn are 7-11’s now! JEEEEZ
Not to mention, there is ALREADY a Chase WITH drive thru on Lemmon!
I lived in the Avon several years ago. It may not be the prettiest building in the world but it is very solidly build, which is probably the reason it’s still standing when so much else in the neighborhood has been razed. The first floor walls are more than a foot thick of solid concrete, and the third floor walls aren’t much thinner. Considering the solidity of the structure it’s hard to believe that the cost of demolition would warrant the benefit of yet another drive through bank, especially considering that there is a chase bank right down the road. I’m guessing the Avon stays put until someone can buy up most of the block and do serious redevelopment on the site.