[Editor’s note: Jon Anderson is a columnist for Daltxrealestate.com. His opinions are his own.]
It’s been a while since I’ve visited the Claridge straddling Turtle Creek at Lemmon Avenue. In 2016, Daltxrealestate.com hosted a four-unit simultaneous open house that reintroduced us all to homes in the same building with different stories to tell. I called those units “Rahab,” “Remodel,” “Refresh,” and “Rejoice,” which reflected how move-in ready they were (based on my personal tastes).
My “Remodel” was unit 5D, which was listed at the time for $1.474 million. It’s now back on the market with Allie Beth Allman agent Sue Krider for $1.189 million. While snoozing usually equates to losing, this time it’ll snag any buyer $285,000 off the original price. The home remains 3,049 square feet with two bedrooms and three-and-one-half bathrooms. The floorplan (below) shows this was originally a three-bedroom that’s been converted to include two home offices — perfect for all you DINKs out there (Double Income No Kids).
Why am I revisiting this property? The photos.
For high-rises, it’s sometimes hard for people to equate interior space with exterior space. Krider enlisted Epic Foto Group and their drone to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, aiding buyers in spatially understanding the unit’s place in the world
First, this shot sets the stage of where The Claridge sits on Turtle Creek. You can instantly see the ribbon of Turtle Creek Park green stretching towards the city – for Dallasites, you know exactly where you are. For outsiders, it paints a great picture, placing The Claridge as sentinel.
Moving closer to the building, you can see the twilit city’s relationship to the equally lit unit. You can see that it’s a corner unit. You can also see straight through the unit, realizing both downtown and Oak Lawn views simply by turning your head.
One thing I didn’t fully appreciate in 2016 was the permanence of The Claridge’s view. With Dallas building more and loftier perches, views are changing more quickly than they have in decades. Unfortunately, while owners think they own the view they “bought,” they don’t. The Claridge, straddling Turtle Creek Park, offers a view-permanence that can be difficult to replicate.
Moving closer still, the curved corner of the living room becomes a jutting focal point. Keen eyes will understand that all the windows stretching to the balcony are also theirs – and readers should all know my love of balcony space.
From the other side of the window, the tables are turned. Instead of being the view, the interior now soaks in the views. Out one window you see the Renaissance Condos while The Mayfair is visible on the far right. All about is green.
Seen from another angle, entering the unit you’re greeted by the full-on downtown views running the length and corner of this generous room. As you’ll note from the floor plan, downtown views feature in all the bedrooms located to the right of this picture.
At the end of the hall is the master bedroom with its own private balcony. As with most things Claridge, the room is big. The view is equally big with floor-to-ceiling glass facing downtown.
While not part of the unit, The Claridge recently upgraded their gym area. Double-height ceilings and plenty of equipment make working out from “home” a definite convenience. It’s what’s expected of high-end buildings these days. Although I can’t help but imagine the gym attire worn by its original 1980s residents – onion-skin short-shorts, sleeveless T-shirts, headbands and lots and lots of spandex.
So why’d I originally call this a “remodel”?
First, I’d renovate the kitchen. I’m a big “open concept” person which wasn’t a “thing” back in 1984 when The Claridge was built. So I’d blow out a wall and allow the kitchen to take advantage of the city views.
Secondly, I’m not a brass fan. Given the brass trend gaining steam these days, this may be a plus for some buyers. At a bare minimum, I’d replace the sliding shower doors with something more frameless. Otherwise, white bathrooms with Carrera marble are very “today”.
My suggested changes reflect my tastes (as always). However, regardless of your feeling on open-concept or brass, at $285,000 less, the price is more right than ever for such a large unit straddling Turtle Creek.
Remember: High-rises, HOAs, and renovation are my beat. But I also appreciate modern and historical architecture balanced against the YIMBY movement. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, the National Association of Real Estate Editors recognized my writing with three Bronze (2016, 2017, 2018) and two Silver (2016, 2017) awards. Have a story to tell or a marriage proposal to make? Shoot me an email [email protected]. Be sure to look for me on Facebook and Twitter. You won’t find me, but you’re welcome to look.
