Zip south of Interstate 35E, past downtown Dallas, and exit to eastbound 8th street. After a couple of stoplights, you'll enter one of Dallas' most historically significant neighbouhoods. the 10th street district.

     Beauty and blight commingle around 10th street as in few other Dallas locales. Generous hills allow sweeping vistas of the downtown skyline. Sturdy trees provide abundent shade.

     But trash clutters vacant lots, many frame houses sag with age, and one of the area's landmarks, the Sunshine Elizabeth Chapel, has collapsed into a near total ruin. The neghborhood, along with seven others in Dallas, appeared on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's List of the 11 most endangered historic palces in America.

     10th Street's fans will not allow it to disappear. They have formed a nonprofit community development corporation to revitalize the neighborhood. The Group plans a major community cleanup as its public debut on may 18.

     10th street's history dates to the 1840s. The area was settled by William Hord, a Dallas county Judge. His slaves stayed in the area after emanicapation, which later became a suburban community linked to central Dallas by Trolley Lines. The segregated neighborhood supported pharmacies, barber shops, banks and even a bottling plant. The Depression triggered 10th street's dceades of decline.

     The 10th Street Historic Community Development  Corporation was formed in 1992 by former residents of the area. It's efforts target 10th Street's Historic core, and neighborhoods known as "the Bottom" to the north and "the Heights" to the south. The goal is for residents to transform 10th Street into a vibrant, safe, growing area.

     Progress is slow but definate. Architecs have plans to renovate one nearly abandoned commercial building. The National Trust awarded the area a grant from its Inner-City Ventures Fund. Several other groups - Including the city and federal goverment, Comerica Bank - Texas and some nonprofit agencies - have given financial or other support. Dallas Area Rapid Transit's light rail line pierces the district, which could spur business growth.

     With luck, work and patience, the 10th Street Historic District will be reborn by the turn of the century.

"reprented from the Dallas Morning News"