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By the turn of the 20th century, cotton had become vital to the economies of Texas and Dallas. Increased production led to the switch from slow, animal powered, farm based ginning processes to automated system ginning. Robert S. Munger was a pioneer in the development of new technology in automated cotton gin systems. In 1884, Munger moved from Mexia, Texas to Dallas to establish the Munger Improved Cotton Machine Manufacturing Co. at a site bounded by Trunk Avenue, Elm Street and Pacific Street. When Munger’s company merged with three others in 1899 to form the Continental Gin Company, it soon became the United States’ largest manufacturer of cotton gins. R.S. Munger sold his interest in the company in 1902 and used the proceeds to establish Munger Place, a residential real estate development in Dallas located just to the north of the Continental site.

The 1888 Continental Gin Company Building won a Preservation Achievement Award last month for a renovation which cleaned and repaired the building while leaving as much of the historic elements in place as possible. Restoration required extensive consultation with Texas Historic Commission and the National Park Service in order to make the project eligible for historic tax credits. The work included removing non-historic paint, replacing damaged brick as well as cleaning and repointing intact historic brick. New construction was pulled away from the existing walls as much as possible, and original materials were cleaned and preserved. Join us and tour the reimagining of this Deep Ellum icon!

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This event is free for current members of Preservation Dallas, and $20 for non-members. If you would like to join or renew your Preservation Dallas membership please visit our website or call (214) 821-3290.