Downtown Dallas Complete Apartment Review: The Merc
Looking for luxury living in the heart of downtown Dallas? The Merc offers historic charm and modern amenities in a prime location at 1800 Main St. Originally built in 1942 as a bank, this iconic building now features 213 upscale apartments with prices starting at $1,279 for 1-bedroom units and $1,830 for 2-bedroom units.
For a mix of history, convenience, and style, The Merc is a standout choice for downtown Dallas living. Explore other options like The Continental, The Element, or The Wilson for unique alternatives.
Completed in 1942, the Mercantile National Bank Tower at 1800 Main Street stands as a landmark in Dallas’ history. Designed by Walter W. Ahlschlager, this striking building showcases Moderne styling from the Art Deco era. Remarkably, it was the only major skyscraper constructed during World War II. At the time, it earned the title of the tallest building west of the Mississippi River and held the record as Dallas’ tallest until 1954.
The building’s design features elegant setbacks, topped with a four-sided ornamental clock and a decorative weather spire – both iconic parts of the Dallas skyline. On November 27, 2006, it was officially designated a national landmark, highlighting its architectural significance and historical importance.
The Merc seamlessly blends its historic roots with contemporary living. Below are the key details of this iconic structure:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Height | 523 feet (159.4 meters) |
| Number of Floors | 31 floors above ground, 1 basement level |
| Total Space | 359,353 square feet (33,385 square meters) |
| Residential Units | 213 apartments |
| Structure Type | Steel columns with concrete slabs |
The building retains its historic charm with a non-load bearing masonry facade that stays true to its original Art Deco design. Clean lines, geometric patterns, and symmetrical elements ensure its timeless aesthetic.
"The Merc apartments in downtown Dallas are rooted in Dallas’ legacy of entrepreneurship, industriousness, and the good life."
The Merc, located at 1800 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201, places residents right in the heart of downtown Dallas’s Main Street District. This central spot combines the convenience of urban living with the charm of the area’s historic character.
Living at The Merc means being close to essential services and entertainment. Here’s a quick look at nearby destinations:
| Distance | Amenities |
|---|---|
| 0.2 miles | AT&T Discovery District, DART & DFW Airport Rail Access |
| 0.3 miles | Dallas City Hall, Dallas Convention Center |
| 0.5 miles | Dallas World Aquarium, M-Line Trolley Access |
| 0.6 miles | Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Perot Museum |
| 0.7 miles | Klyde Warren Park, Tom Thumb Union Grocery |
Getting around is simple when you live at The Merc. The property is just 0.2 miles from DART rail stations, making it easy to reach downtown hotspots and DFW Airport. If you’re looking for a different way to explore, the M-Line Trolley stop is only 0.5 miles away, offering even more transit options.
The area surrounding The Merc is packed with cultural and recreational activities. The AT&T Discovery District is a vibrant hub for outdoor events and dining. Art lovers will enjoy the proximity to the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Perot Museum – all within 0.6 miles. For outdoor enthusiasts, Klyde Warren Park (0.7 miles) offers green space for relaxation, while the Dallas World Aquarium (0.5 miles) provides a unique urban wildlife experience.
The Merc combines historic charm with modern comforts, offering a luxurious and convenient downtown living experience.
The building is designed with shared spaces that encourage community and relaxation:
Each apartment reflects the building’s 1942 heritage while offering modern upgrades for everyday living.
Kitchen Highlights:
Convenience Features:
The interiors balance historic character with updated designs, offering spacious, remodeled layouts tailored for modern comfort.
After exploring the location and amenities, let’s dive into the apartment options and pricing details.
The Merc combines historic charm with a modern aesthetic. Here’s a breakdown of the available floor plans and starting prices.
The Merc offers several 1-bedroom layouts to choose from:
| Floor Plan | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 1P | $1,279 |
| 1H | $1,284 |
| 1R | $1,334 |
| 1M | $1,349 |
| 1AD | $1,305 |
| 1AM | $1,510 |
| 1BD | $1,475 |
Each unit comes with an open kitchen and stylish cabinetry for a sleek, functional design.
If you’re looking for more space, The Merc also offers these 2-bedroom layouts:
| Floor Plan | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2CN | $1,830 |
| 2CO | $1,920 |
Please note that these prices are the starting rates and may vary depending on the floor level, view, and lease terms.
Recent reviews give The Merc an overall rating of 7.0/10. Here’s a detailed look at how residents rate key aspects:
| Category | Rating | Notable Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 9.0/10 | Prime downtown spot, just a 5-minute Uber to nightlife |
| Amenities | 9.5/10 | Well-maintained facilities with stunning views |
| Value | 9.5/10 | Competitive pricing for living in the heart of downtown |
| Social | 9.5/10 | Vibrant community with plenty of social opportunities |
| Safety | 8.5/10 | Secure building, though some concerns about nighttime safety |
| Management | 6.0/10 | Mixed reviews on staff responsiveness |
Key Strengths
The location is a standout feature. One SMU Law Student emphasized its convenience, describing it as "5 min or less Uber to restaurants/bars", with highlights like Royal Blue, Wild Salsa, and an Irish pub located right below the building.
The views are another highlight, especially from higher floors. Residents in apartment 2303 enjoy sweeping sights of iconic Dallas landmarks such as:
Areas for Improvement
While residents appreciate many aspects of The Merc, there are some challenges:
"Pros: pretty good amenities and the location is great (5 min or less Uber to restaurants/bars; Royal Blue, Wild Salsa, and Irish pub beneath building); also great views – I was in apartment 2303 and had a clear view of Reunion Tower, BOA building, ATT, Pegasus, and surrounding buildings. Shared patio has impressive view of surrounding buildings – great for entertaining." – SMU Law Student
The Merc offers an attractive downtown living experience, but factors like floor selection and parking options may require extra consideration.
Check out other downtown Dallas properties that offer high-end living with their own unique touches. Each one brings something special to the table, making it easy to find a home that fits your style.
The Continental stands out for its focus on wellness and sustainability. This LEED-certified, smoke-free property offers:
The Element delivers a fresh take on city living with:
The Wilson brings a historic vibe to urban living with:
Here’s a quick comparison of what makes each property special:
| Property | Key Feature | Highlighted Amenity |
|---|---|---|
| The Continental | LEED Certification | Wellness Spa |
| The Element | Eco-Friendly Design | Downtown Views |
| The Wilson | Historic Elements | Original Wood Floors |
| The Merc | Banking Heritage | Reimagined Interiors |
These options showcase the variety of upscale living choices in downtown Dallas, letting you pick a property that matches your lifestyle perfectly.
The Merc seamlessly combines its historic charm with modern luxury in the heart of downtown Dallas. Originally built in 1942 as the Mercantile National Bank, it has been thoughtfully reimagined into upscale apartments while preserving its architectural heritage.
Here’s what stands out:
Interested in discovering more about this property?
Reach out to Taco Street Locating for personalized help with your apartment search. We provide detailed unit information, schedule tours (available Mon–Fri from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sat from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM), and make the process hassle-free.
Contact Taco Street Locating today for a no-cost service that simplifies finding your perfect downtown Dallas apartment. From search to move-in, our team is here to help every step of the way.
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