About the Owners…
We're Blair and Victoria, the dynamic duo behind this historic gem. We purchased the old Dallas Jail back in February 2022, and we've been on a wild ride ever since.
So, a bit about us: Victoria's a true Gastonia gal, born and raised. She's got a knack for commercial styling and marketing, while Blair, our Kiwi mate from New Zealand, brings a touch of luxury hospitality to the mix. We're experienced “old house lovers”, having restored several 100-year-old homes in the York Chester Historic District. But taking on the old jail has been our biggest project to date! We documented the whole renovation on TikTok, sharing the journey with our 45,000 followers!
With Victoria's eye for design and Blair's knack for making guests feel like VIPs, we're all about creating epic memories for weddings, corporate shindigs, and whatever else you've got in mind. So come on in, and let's make some magic together at The Historic Dallas Jail!
The Building’s History
The original structure was built to served as the county jail from 1848- 1900. The local Sheriff and his family would have lived on the main floor of the building and the cell block was located upstairs.
The original building burned in 1900, with the exception of the outer brick structure and granite foundation. Pauley Jail Company rebuilt the interior and added an addition onto the building. The renovation was to "fire proof" the building by adding layers of concrete and our signature curved metal ceilings. The building was then used as a jail until 1911, but was closed once the county seat was moved to Gastonia.
Since 1911, the building has been used as apartments, The Old Dallas Jail Restaurant, a Peddlers Steak House, a Tack and Feed store, and most recently a Bar. For the last 36 years 'The Old Dallas Jail' remained empty.
In February 2022, Blair Propert and Victoria Melvin-Propert purchased The Jail through Preservation North Carolina and The Gaston County Museum. Under the guidance of Preservation North Carolina, a plan was put in place to restore the building and protect the architecture. Bob Smith, of Talley & Smith Architecture Inc. was brought on to develop plans that would bring the building up to code while maintaining as much of the original structure as possible. Pinnix General Contractors joined the restoration team and completed major structural repairs to the building, as well as adding all new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, rebuilding the front porch, installation of new windows, all whilst bringing the building into the current century, with maintaining its original integrity.
Following a year of restoration, the building has finally been transformed into a Unique Historic Venue while maintaining its original architecture and charm.
