Dallas' Aldredge House at risk of closing
One of Dallas’ most beloved historic homes is at risk of being closed to the public.
People who live near the Aldredge House filed an application, hoping to turn it back into a single-family home instead of a place for parties and events.
Some of the Aldredge House's neighbors have filed an application that a non-profit says would force it to shut down the house and move.
The Aldredge House is one of the only homes like it open to the public.
A rancher built it nearly 100 years ago, and it was later sold to a prominent banker and his wife, Rena Aldredge.
Rena Aldredge then gifted the home to the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance in 1975. She wanted the interior preserved.
But supporters are now afraid the home could be shut down after “Proposed rezoning” signs appeared in the yard.
The home has been operating under a special exemption for 40 years that allows it to rent the home for weddings and host dozens of meetings for non-profits.
The weddings help fund the upkeep of the home.
“No one’s making money off this venture,” said Angela Hunt, who represents the Medical Society Alliance.
But eight families have filed an application that would oust the Alliance and return it to being a single family home.
“We've taken immediate steps to address the issues we heard,” said Hunt. “We're doing everything we can to make it right."
Barbara and Lloyd McDaniel have lived across the street from the Aldredge House for 31 years.
“Times have changed,” said Barbara. “Weddings used to be traditional and sort of quiet affairs.”
The McDaniels say now, multiple weddings every weekend are destroying their peaceful neighborhood.
"They arrive at 7 o’clock in the morning for their first wedding party,” said Lloyd.
But supporters of keeping the home open say if it’s shut down, the home will be sold and likely remodeled -- a gift the public will likely never be given again.
“It's a glimpse into our history that won't come again once it's gone,” said Hunt.