Historic Dallas, Reimagined by AJ Ramler
In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with AJ Ramler, founder of Proxy Properties and one of the most quietly transformational developers in North Texas. AJ isn’t your typical real estate investor. He doesn’t chase shiny new builds. He chases meaning. From century-old churches and forgotten icehouses to a neighborhood hotel tied to Lee Harvey Oswald and the early days of 7-Eleven, AJ restores stories, not just structures.
If you care about historic preservation, Oak Cliff development, or community-first real estate in Dallas, this episode is a masterclass in doing it the right way.
Key Highlights
[The Madison Hotel’s Wild Backstory]
Once known as The Wesleyan, this now-restored hotel sat vacant for years — until AJ and his team uncovered its ties to Methodist Hospital and even the FBI files on Lee Harvey Oswald. Now it's not just a place to stay — it's a place with a past that matters.[Why Oak Cliff Is a Developer’s Dream (If You Know What You’re Doing)]
AJ shares how Oak Cliff’s affordability in 2012 set the stage for a grassroots movement of young investors and creatives looking to own where they live and grow. It's a lesson in timing, grit, and place-based development.[Restoration over Replacement]
From turning an old Methodist church into a vibrant community space, to transforming a 63,000 sq. ft. East Dallas warehouse into a mixed-use hub, AJ proves you can build the future by preserving the past — if you’re willing to do the hard work.[How Listening Makes You a Better Builder]
AJ spends his days in deep conversation with neighbors, tenants, and business owners in Oak Cliff. Why? Because no structure succeeds unless it reflects the real needs of the people around it. His development model starts with asking: “What does this community want to see here?”
Why This Episode Matters
In a city where new construction often replaces identity, this conversation is a reminder that the most sustainable kind of development is rooted in relationship. It’s a model for how Dallas — and other growing metros — can evolve without losing their soul.
If you’re passionate about urban renewal, real estate in Dallas, or building a career that actually means something — this is your episode.
Listen Now
🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Related Topics
Dallas real estate trends
Oak Cliff historic redevelopment
Small-scale urban revitalization
How to get into real estate with no money
Parking reform and zoning laws in Dallas
Community-led design
Quote to Remember
“We’ve never done a project for a roof. We’ve always done a project for a person.” — Chris Arrington
About Building Dallas
Building Dallas tells the stories shaping North Texas — one brick, one business, one big idea at a time. Presented by Arrington Roofing, proudly serving Dallas-Fort Worth for over 40 years.
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