Photo by Victoria Hernandez

Oak Cliff Revival opened its doors on May 5 in East Dock, bringing a curated collection of vintage goods and antiques to the newly redeveloped historic site. 

The shop offers home decor, furniture, barware, clothing and accessories, books, records, CDs and other vintage finds. 

Oak Cliff residents, Melissa Maher and Jo Torrijos, collaborated to open the store after years of experience in the vintage retail industry. Both had previously hoped to own brick and mortar vintage stores and connected through a commercial real estate channel, where they learned about available spaces at East Dock through Proxy Properties.

After discovering they had similar visions for a community-focused vintage space, they decided to partner on Oak Cliff Revival. 

“We got along great as people, but we also realized we’re kind of like-minded as far as how we like to run business,” Torrijos said. 

Maher said her inspiration came from her mother, who has sold antiques for over 30 years. Before opening Oak Cliff Revival, she operated a booth at Lula B’s Design District.

Torrijos has sourced antiques since the mid 2000s, and also sells items through her business A Collected Space.  

Interior of Oak Cliff Revival. Photo courtesy of Jo Torrijos

Many of the store items are sourced locally through thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales and garage sales throughout the Dallas area. Maher occasionally sources from Round Top, TX, while Torrijos had an opportunity to source in Europe last year, which she hopes to do in the future. 

In addition to functioning as a retail space, Maher and Torrijos want their store to be a gathering space for the community. Future events could include craft lessons, Sip and Shop nights, private parties and events to support animal adoption groups. 

“We truly want it to be a third space where people can gather and hang out,” Maher said. “We are really passionate about the neighborhood and bringing everyone together.” 

Maher and Torrijos said that while Oak Cliff Revival is rooted in the Oak Cliff community, they hope to create a space that can welcome visitors from all over.

“We want people from all over Dallas and from out of town to come visit as a destination,” Torrijos said. “Everyone is welcome.”

Oak Cliff Revival is located at 900 E. Clarendon Dr.  Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Appointments can be made to visit the store on Mondays and Tuesdays. More information can be found on their website.