Grand Lodge of the Colored Knights of Pythias, Fraternal organization building in Deep Ellum, Dallas, United States.
The Knights of Pythias Temple is a four-story red brick building at 2551 Elm Street in Deep Ellum, designed by William Sidney Pittman and opened in 1916. Its neoclassical design includes tall arched windows on the top floor, storefronts at street level, and a fourth-floor ballroom. Renovated by Perkins + Will in 2020, it now operates as the Pittman Hotel.
Designed by African-American architect William Sidney Pittman and first occupied in 1916, the building served as the state headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Texas of the Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. It was the first major commercial structure in Dallas built for, by and with the money of African Americans. The Knights sold it in 1946; Union Bankers Insurance bought it in 1959 and converted it into offices.
The name comes from a fraternal order that emphasized brotherhood and mutual aid among African Americans during segregation. This building served as a gathering place where the community celebrated together.
The ground floor was designed for retail shops to draw pedestrians and bring activity to the area. Upper floors contained professional offices, so different types of businesses and services operated on different levels.
This was the first commercial building in Dallas built specifically by and for African Americans. The project demonstrated Black economic independence and professional ambition during segregation.
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