The Flowers Retreat
A Historic Urban Sanctuary for Connection, Culture & Celebration
The Flowers Retreat is a thoughtfully restored historic retreat center set on 12,000 square feet of land near downtown Dallas, where legacy meets modern comfort and every stay is designed with intention.
Purchased 77 years ago by Dr. William Knox Flowers Sr., a pioneering African American surgeon in the early 1900s, the home stands as a testament to healing and perseverance. During an era of racial segregation, Dr. Flowers developed a flu vaccine that saved countless lives and provided compassionate care to individuals who were routinely turned away from predominant hospitals because of the color of their skin.
The property was later owned by his grandson, Edgar McMillan Jr., Chief Deputy of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, the first African American to hold that position among many other leadership positions. His leadership and service left a lasting imprint on Dallas and continued the family’s legacy of breaking barriers and serving the community.
Today, The Flowers Retreat carries forward a powerful story of healing, service, resilience, and community. It is more than a place to stay. It is a space created for connection, reflection, and meaningful gatherings rooted in history and purpose.