The Kirby History
Since its construction in 1913, The Kirby Building has been one of Dallas' finest landmarks. Now, the 17-story Late Gothic-style tower has entered a new phase of its rich history, with its renovation into 157 urban lofts and apartments. Inside its historic rooms lay the beginnings of a legacy and heritage upon which Dallas was built. The 1910's were a time of considerable growth and prosperity in Dallas, leading to the rapid development of Downtown. One of those developments was the Adolphus Hotel, built in 1912 by St. Louis beer baron, Adolphus Busch, president of Anheuser Busch. Once the hotel was finished, Busch began developing The Kirby Building, which he envisioned as an office and retail component to The Adolphus.The Kirby Building, originally known as The Busch Building and commonly known to this day as "The Old Girl," was completed in 1913. Barnett, Hayes and Barnett, the St. Louis-based architecture firm that designed The Kirby, made it one of the country's first skyscrapers to reflect Late Gothic-style architecture. The Kirby's international look is a true reflection of the diversified face of the country during an influx of immigration.
Five years after "The Old Girl" opened, Busch's heirs sold the structure to Houston-based Kirby Investment Company. Although the building sold again in 1941, it retained the Kirby name. However, when the building joined the books of the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, it was referred to as the Busch-Kirby Building out of respect to both of its original owners.
From 1913 until 1965, "The Old Girl's" anchor tenant was the department store A Harris and Co. The store was acquired by Federated Department Stores in 1961, and then merged with Sanger Brothers, and the two stores became Sanger-Harris. After more than 50 years in The Kirby, Sanger-Harris relocated. In recent years, a variety of law firms, architectural firms and other businesses have officed in The Kirby.
In 1999, the Kirby Building was converted into residential lofts. The lobby, with its gothic vaulted ceiling and marble staircase, was fully restored along with many of the building's other rich architectural details. The ground floor is leased to a high end restaurant, and various other retailers. Architectural critics agree that The Kirby Building is one of the most attractive buildings in Dallas. Hughes Development, one of the nation's premier private development firms of stylish retail and residential spaces, acquired The Kirby in 2006. Their passion and dedication to the building is detailed in every aspect, with an on-site staff that is dedicated to the residents who live there.
The Kirby Timeline
- 1910: Civic leaders travel to St. Louis to suggest that Adolphus Busch build a hotel in Dallas
- 1912: Construction on the Adolphus Hotel is completed. Construction begins on the Busch Building, which was to serve as the office and retail component to the Adolphus Hotel.
- 1913: Construction on the Busch Building is completed. A. Harris & Company Department Store opens for business as the Busch Building's Anchor Tenant.
- 1918: Busch Building is sold to Southern Life Insurance Company
- 1919: Building is sold to Kirby Investment Company, and is renamed The Kirby
- 1941: Building is sold to Main and Akard Investment Corporation
- 1947: Boilers are installed on the roof, making The Kirby the first building in the U.S. to boast a rooftop heating plant
- 1961: A. Harris & Company, The Kirby's anchor tenant since 1913 merges with Sanger Brothers to become Sanger-Harris
- 1965: A Harris & Company leaves the Kirby
- 1970: The Kirby is sold to Main and Akard Ltd., a joint partnership of Unit Inc. and Central City Inc., under ownership of Vince Carozza
- 1975: United National Bank opens at The Kirby
- 1980: Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- 1980: Pierce Group wins AIA design award for its renovation of The Kirby
- 1983: Hall Financial Group purchases The Kirby
- 1992: Hall Financial Group closes The Kirby as an office and makes plans for conversion into residences
- 1998: Renovation begins on The Kirby
- 1999: The Kirby celebrates its second grand opening in 86 years
- 2006: Hughes Development purchases The Kirby
- 2010: Berkshire Property Advisors, LLC purchased The Kirby
- 2013: The Kirby will celebrate their 100th birthday
