Did you know Daltxrealestate.com is the only media outlet in the country offering a weekly column on historic preservation? I spend a good portion of each week researching ways to educate and inform our readers about why preserving our built history is critical. I also persuade and cajole some of our finest preservation specialists such as preservation architect and Preservation Dallas board president Norman Alston and Architexas Senior Associate and Historic Preservation Specialist Jay Firsching to contribute. When you comment, it’s basically a pat on the back for all of us. So, thanks, and keep up the good work!
Here is what struck a chord with y’all this year. I was so pleased to see the home we’re very concerned about, the iconic Buckner House, receiving the most comments. We hope it finds the right owner who will realize its value and keep it standing.
1. Liberace is Watching: Let’s Bring Sleeping Beauty Back to Life
The Buckner House, as I’m calling it, is Sleeping Beauty. It’s a living legend that has been in limbo for decades. As of Dec 2022, it is for sale, but with four acres, there is a lot of talk about rezoning and razing. That would be catastrophic for Dallas and our built history.
This is a home that has hosted Liberace, among other great performers, in the Dallas Summer Musicals. It deserves a loving hand, with deep pockets, of course, to bring it back to its former glory. I have complete faith that person is out there.
See the incredible detail found in this home at 1425 N. Buckner Blvd and read about its fascinating history in the full article.
2. The Marquita Courts Apartments Where The Old ’97s Began
There is nothing better than a preservation-minded neighbor. I got an email from one who notified me that the historic Marquita Court Apartments across the street from her in East Dallas had been badly damaged. She was worried it would be torn down. So were we.
I contacted the preservation architect and president of Preservation Dallas’s board, Norman Alston, to come and have a look. Our photographer Mimi Perez and I raced over. She took photos, and we tried to reach out to the owner. No luck, but as of two weeks ago, that neighbor called to say the tiles were being safely removed and stacked. That is the first indicator of preservation.
I drove by and saw neatly boarded windows, another indicator. I hope the owner does reach out because if they indeed save this, frankly, we will lobby Preservation Dallas to give them an award. This is an iconic apartment house where the Old ’97s started!
3. How Much Do We Love Historic Preservation in Fair Park?
Fair Park has meaning to each of us. Whether your experience is all about the Texas State Fair or about the fact it features the largest collection of art deco buildings and artwork in the nation, it’s ours, and we love it.
For me, it’s my backyard. My son learned to bike, skateboard, and drive here. He attended the Science Place School, and his memories of that building are engraved on his heart. Each building has unique history and relevance.
What we have lost is especially poignant. Jay Firsching, Senior Associate and Historic Preservation Specialist with Architexas, contributed an article on the Ford Building that brought it home to us.
4. Park Cities, You Are Breaking Our Hearts
It may be politically incorrect, but that’s the fact. What is happening in the Park Cities is truly breaking our historic preservationist hearts. So many gorgeous, architecturally, and culturally significant homes are being razed on a regular basis that we are bereft.
First, the Carey estate, then the one that absolutely gutted us, Old Alice, where our favorite D.J. Lucy Wrubel grew up. I found out on her Instagram page it has been razed. We understand people want new. What we don’t understand is why they cannot build new — somewhere else.
5. Oh, East Dallas, How we Love Your Love of Historic Preservation And Your Craftsman Homes!
I always do a search each week for homes between 50 to 100-plus years old. Once in a while, I see one that I know has a story. Frankly, any home that is over 100 years old has a story.
When I spotted this adorable Peak’s Suburban Addition Prairie that had been brought back to life by a dedicated young couple, I was smitten. I knew our readers would be, too!
What was your favorite historic preservation column of 2022?
