Allen Kent Photography

February 3, 2007

The Flatlander Project. For more on the Flatlander Project, visit HERE. Buildering in downtown Dallas. I took a couple of hours to scope out the southeast end of downtown. There's plenty of older buildings and a lot of them are unoccupied. Although you have to look out for the ones that are being converted into lofts and apartments.
"Rapunzel" Top out by touching the bottom of the bricked up window sill 2117 Commerce St (NW corner of Central & Commerce) Route is on the NE corner of the building.
About half of the adjacent parking lot is designated for Dallas PD parking only. I didn't see any there on Saturday but obviously I wouldn't try it when they're around (like at shift change).
There's the bricked up window below the vent. It's fairly high (about 20') and there's a 'No Parking' sign that I would not advise falling on (slice and dice). The route has plenty of big holds. The bricks may look loose (with all the mortar showing) but they're very secure. Must be the old style mortar they used back in the day (like concrete). Though not a technically tough route, it's definitely not for the faint of heart.
"Blue Man Group" Match hands on the big hold at the top 2026 Commerce St (2nd bldg on the SW corner of Commerce & Pearl) Route is on the SE corner of the building
Simple route that goes straight up about 15 feet. Watch out for the security camera on the NE corner of the building that covers the parking lot. You can avoid it if you approach from the south or if you come from the north and stay against the wall (underneath the camera). ;-)
"Not So Grand" No route- just trespassing
There's a patio on the second level. Others have obviously been up there before as you can tell from the graffiti. There's also the 'Greensheet' vending machine that someone has moved and used as a boost to start the mantle.
"Historic Lift (Loft)" Up one side (left or right), traverse above the window and then down 1900 Elm St (NE corner of Main & St Paul) This building takes up the whole block and this route is on the SW corner of the building
Obviously you could climb about anywhere on this building but this window was probably the most isolated spot. All the surrounding area is currently unoccupied. These windows are fairly tall. I estimated about 14 feet. Also notice the small awning above it. If you fall, make sure you don't bounce off it and miss the crash pad. :-)
The facade provides very solid holds. The indentation is only about half an inch so it can be a little crimpy. Should provide no problem edging with shoes.
"Strike Oil" Top out by touching the oil derrick emblem (i.e. strike oil) 1901 Elm St (Same building as the above route but near the SE corner of the building) This route is to the right of the University Center of Dallas entrance.
This one's pretty tall- about 20 feet. Again, you can climb about anywhere on this building as opportunity and objectives permit. Just make up your own.
Could anyone traverse the arch?