Friday, May 10: Preservation Park Cities Historic Home Tour sponsored by Benchmark Bank and Title

(Featured photo: 3926 Potomac.)

Preservation Park Cities is excited to present its annual Park Cities Historic Home Tour sponsored by Benchmark Bank & Title, happening in person on Friday, May 10, 2024, chaired by Meredith Ferrell and Courtney Petit. Amy Beale is president, Preservation Park Cities.

Courtney Petit and Meredith Ferrell.

The Annual Park Cities Home Tour offers a glimpse into some of the most beautiful homes in the Park Cities. This event celebrates Park Cities homes that have been preserved or remodeled to keep the beautiful aesthetic of the Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods.  From small cottages to larger estates, the annual home tour is a small window into the past, a celebration of those who share the community’s values, and a wonderful treat for those who appreciate historic architecture.

This year’s tour offers an intimate look into four unique Park Cities residences. From enduring Tudor masterpieces to the allure of Italian Renaissance architecture, witness the meticulous efforts of these homeowners in preserving and maintaining these neighborhood treasures. In walking through these homes, you will be impressed with how each owner has seamlessly blended original charm with modern elements while maintaining architectural integrity.

The Historic Home Tour celebrates historic preservation and is designed to generate awareness of the role history and preservation play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the Park Cities communities.


What:      Preservation Park Cities Historic Home Tour

Happening in person, these homes showcase different architectural styles with rich history and wonderful examples of how architecturally significant homes can be renovated to fit the needs of today.

The homes on tour are:
3701 Crescent sponsored by Meredith Ferrell Group
4101 Windsor Parkway sponsored by William S. Briggs Architect
3926 Potomac Avenue sponsored by Lucinda Buford
4436 Westway sponsored by Brian Swallen Design

When:     Friday, May 10, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Cost:       Tickets are sold online only. No tickets sold at the door. $35.00 per person in advance and $45 day-of tour, if there are any left. Limited number available online only: https://preservationparkcities.org/hometour 

For more information contact: hometour@preservationparkcities.org


Sponsors:

Home Tour Presenting Sponsor: Benchmark Bank & Title

Regional Magazine Sponsor: D Home
Community Magazine Sponsor:  The Good Life Park Cities
Underwriters Party:
Coats Homes
Historic Home Tour: Meredith Ferrell Group; William S. Briggs, Architect; Lucinda Buford; Brian Swallen Design. 

Homes on the Tour:
The descriptions of the homes are by Joan Clark and are also online on the Preservation Park Cities website here: https://preservationparkcities.org/homes-on-tour .  


3701 Crescent sponsored by Meredith Ferrell Group

Nestled on Highland Park’s coveted Crescent Avenue, 3701 is a timeless Tudor masterpiece that traces its roots back to 1925. Meticulously preserved by its current owners, Ryan and Anna Moss, in collaboration with contractor Carolyn Isler and designer Shelby Wagner, this historic residence exudes charm and elegance. Enclosed by a towering hedge, the corner lot provides privacy for the active family and features a newly laid herringbone brick driveway leading to the stately home with classic gables and wings.

Inside, the original floor plan remains intact, showcasing an exquisite blend of vintage details and modern touches. The living room, adorned with a lacquered white ceiling, hosts an impressive collection of art, including works by Linnea Glatt and Juan Miro. A unique semi-circular alcove serves as both a Garden and Game room, offering a retreat with surprising wallpapered ceilings and captivating views. The residence seamlessly connects various spaces, from the formal dining room with restored mural wallpaper to the redesigned bar area and a spacious Keeping Room with a cozy fireplace and a well-appointed kitchen. The expansive exterior landscape, transformed by landscape artist John Armstrong, features terraces, fountains, and a pool area, crowned by a new Tudor-style guest house. Upstairs, four ensuite bedrooms, a large study, and a primary suite with separate bath and dressing areas complete the second level, while a basement and third story add to the home’s allure. The Moss family’s dedication to preserving this architectural gem showcases the profound legacy of Highland Park’s masterpieces.


4101 Windsor Parkway sponsored by William S. Briggs Architect

Discover a masterfully transformed residence at 4101 Windsor Avenue, where Italian Renaissance architecture meets contemporary luxury. Nestled at the corner of Windsor Parkway and Windsor Avenue, this stately home showcases classical exterior elements and an interior that reflects the visionary touch of its talented builder/owner. The entry, featuring white Calcutta marble floors and Roman arch windows, sets the tone for the surprising and exquisite interior transformations.

Original templates in the formal living and dining rooms seamlessly blend with modern touches, such as mid-century Platner furniture and a 20th-century Murano chandelier. The oversized living room captivates with a high gloss ceiling and a Louis XVI fireplace mantle rescued from Lakeside Drive. A sun porch turned card room with Roman arch doors provides a charming view of the Loma Linda wall, gate, and urn. The family room, connected to the kitchen and a cozy keeping room, overlooks the pool and rear yard through French doors. The primary bedroom addition boasts a custom cove ceiling, Gracie Cherry Blossom wall covering, and a visually stunning master bathroom with Breccia de Violetta marble. The property is complemented by a two-story guest house, showcasing the unparalleled result of blending antique appointments with mid-century flair. Carolyn Isler’s talent shines through, creating an indescribable layered character in each room, and the entire transformation is a testament to the visionary excellence that defines this remarkable home.


3926 Potomac Avenue sponsored by Lucinda Buford

Step into a captivating piece of American history at 3926 Potomac, a stunning Hal Thomson Colonial Revival masterpiece dating back to 1921. Immaculately renovated over 2 1/2 years by current owner Linda Gardner, this home offers a symphony of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury. The landscaped front yard, adorned with a boxwood shield, sets the stage for the perfect blend of white and black hues in the façade. Renowned designer Cathy Kincaid and architect Wilson Fuqua have left an indelible mark on the interior, seamlessly combining classic and modern elements.

The interiors boast a seamless flow, featuring Roman arch windows, a charming dining room with Jackie Kennedy’s chosen Zubere wallpaper, and a kitchen adorned with a Chesney fireplace, La Cornue range, and whimsical clocks. A large den with beamed ceilings and a cleverly concealed TV, along with a music room adorned with a unique Steinway grand piano, add to the home’s charm. The basement, equipped with a projector television and Downton Abbey-inspired bells, serves as a retreat for the owner’s grandchildren. The upper levels house four bedrooms with delightful architectural details, and a whimsical third-story playroom adds a touch of playfulness to this historic gem. The exterior spaces are thoughtfully designed, featuring a garage that resembles a guest house and a charming playhouse. With meticulous attention to detail, the Gardner home stands as a true American Colonial masterpiece, a homage to national history and architectural brilliance.


4436 Westway sponsored by Brian Swallen Design

This recently converted single-family residence, originally designed as a two-story duplex by architects Fooshee and Cheek in 1934, exemplifies Spanish-Mediterranean style. Retaining architectural integrity, renovations were carefully executed by the Atha family, completed in 2023 with assistance from Jarrett Homes and Eskanesay Ferguson.

The home features intricate masonry, a wrap-around porch, and Roman arches on the front facade. Inside, the formal living area boasts Venetian plaster walls, a modernized staircase, and bleached oak flooring. The dining room features ribbed plaster walls and a dynamic illuminated recessed ceiling. The kitchen and family room showcase Violette Calcutta marble, plaster cone light pendants, and large Roman arch steel windows. A mudroom leads to a powder room and bar area with hand-painted walls. Upstairs, the master suite offers a unique convex mirror relationship between floor and ceiling woodwork. Additional rooms include a play area, office, game room, and guest bedroom. Throughout, the blend of original features and contemporary updates celebrates the timeless appeal of great architecture


Overview:

•  The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.

•  The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.

•  The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.

•  Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
PPC mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PPC archives at the University Park Library, fund landmarking initiatives, award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history and fund the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School. Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org

Photos by JA2 Photo

(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent Preservation Park Cities and publish this Philanthropy Lifestyles eBuzz.)

SharonAdams

Principal of Philanthropy Lifestyles (formerly SocialWhirl.com), the award-winning eBuzzNewsletter and Adams Communications Public Relations, a boutique PR firm specializing in media and community relations for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Sharon is also a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in Dallas Business Journal, Katy Trail Weekly, People Newspapers (Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People/North Dallas People), Preston Hollow Life magazine, The Park Cities News, White Rock Lake Weekly, numerous blogs and websites and more.