Last Sunday, one of those typical, Texas, false harbinger of spring days, I waited outside 1460 West Allen, one of three open houses from the portfolio of 6th Avenue Homes. Children on bicycles pass, followed by three guys with contrasting day glow hair and plentiful piercings. Minutes later a 1920s open coupe cruised by. In other words, a fairly typical afternoon in Fairmount.
Four years after its founding, partners Jamie Ice and Jimmy Williams of 6th Avenue Homes are thriving and still riding the Fairmount wave and the strong demand for hip urban housing in a historic, in-town ‘hood. They now have over 40 renovations under their belts and have taken on a warehouse on South Main, The 4 Eleven, which contains a furniture store, a women’s clothing space, popsicle vendor, and a for-rent events space.
The vibe of The 4 Eleven is part urban oasis, part pleasing urban decay. Some rooms recall the nostalgia of a decaying Italian palazzo.
The three open houses are fair representations of the 6th Avenue approach to design. A former duplex, 1460 Allen has been converted into a single-family, 1,233-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-bath house. A bit quirky, with an industrial staircase leading to a squat under-eave loft, the plan is open. Finishes are intentionally rough-reclaimed cedar and painted shiplap.
6th Avenue now handles its sales in house these days, having built a sales team of 14 since last November. They are offering 1460 S Allen for $253,500.
A bit more conventional is a classic Craftsman at 1616 South Adams. The criss-cross eaves create an interesting symmetry over the requisite Fairmount porch.
Inside is a crisp pristine Craftsman suffused with light. Everything has been preserved from the ceiling coffers to the original built-in cabinetry with its perfect art glass glazing.
This is a perfectly livable floor plan, which feels open and airy with room leading logically onto room, proving that you needn’t sacrifice walls to achieve “open concept.”
Trim and molding details are vintage. The master bedroom still retains its original sleeping porch one half step up at window height. Rather largish at 1,800 square feet, the house has three bedrooms and one bath, though a master bath can be added for an additional $25,000.
6th Avenue Homes is offering 1616 South Adams for $338,500.
The new build at 1420 Lipscomb draws from 6th Avenue’s deep bench of talent. Built in the neighborhood vernacular it is a two-story, four-bedroom, four-bath home. There is nothing rough about the finish-out of the Lipscomb property. Builder Paul Jenkins of Blue Cypress Development has used high-quality millwork and doors and Wolf appliances.
A bit daring for spec is the rich gray spruce color that threads through the house. 6th Avenue Homes has recently employed the talents of designer Gretchen Hastings of Waco Fixer Upper fame, and her professional touch is apparent in the smart materials selection. On the day of the open house, builder Paul Jenkins expressed confidence that construction would be completed in two weeks.
Interest is already strong for this spec house at 1420 Lipscomb, which 6th Avenue Homes has priced at $550,000.
Those interested in taking part in the wonderful weirdness that is Fairmount should check out the Fair MOUNTI GRAS PARADE tomorrow, at 3 p.m.
Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt.
