Historic Dallas Jail

About the Project

Built as the Gaston County Jail in 1848 and now a designated historic landmark, the Historic Dallas Jail is a tangible representation of early American incarceration practices and judicial systems. Its Greek Revival design also makes it a unique existing example of architecture popular at the time. A years-long restoration effort led by the Properts family adapted the building into an event venue, positively impacting the local economy and attracting visitors. The Properts’ innovative approach to documenting the restoration process amassed 45,000 followers on TikTok, providing a window into the complexities of historic preservation projects and fostering a renewed sense of pride and unity as the community works to revitalize its historic town square.