There are a few neighborhoods in Dallas where preservation has a firm foothold. JanMar is one of them. This original Midcentury Modern is a big win for our city because not only will it remain standing, but it will also be thoughtfully and carefully updated.
JanMar was developed in the 1950s and ’60s. Most of the homes here are custom designed by notable architects such as Frank Welch and Bruce Goff. It’s also where you will find the iconic Dallas Round House, one of the most architecturally significant residences in the city.
I was scrolling through listings on Monday morning and came to the arresting facade of this dramatic Midcentury Modern. I didn’t even get to the third photo before I called Allie Beth Allman listing agent Chad Barrett and said, “It’s already sold, right?”
Of course, it was.
Midcentury Modern homes of this caliber are like needles in a haystack. You’d better be the first one through the door and have an offer ready.
“In 24 hours, I had 10 showings,” Barrett said. “The open house was the largest I’ve had in 11 years, with over 75 people coming through. It was crazy. Four people circled it, and an offer was accepted within 24 hours.”
A Statement Midcentury Modern
Niche Realty Group’s Amanda Rupley was the first person through the door of this dramatic stunner at 7707 Mason Dells Drive. Finding a statement home that has been owned by just one family is a rarity. It means not only has it been well cared for, but it’s also functioned beautifully and efficiently over the decades.
Architect Jack Morgan designed it for Marvin Jones and his wife, Vivian. I’m pretty sure this is the same Jack Morgan who worked with J.N. McAmmon on the landmark Meadows building. Many gifted architects designed phenomenal residences in Dallas yet remained relatively unknown, which is unfortunate. If anyone out there knows more about Morgan, please email us!
The successful collaboration between Mr. and Mrs. Jones and Morgan is evident when you enter the carved double doors and step into the dramatic soaring, vaulted-and-beamed great room overlooking the indoor pool.
Yes, I Said Indoor Pool!
The swimming pool industry skyrocketed in the 1960s, and the concept of enclosing them for year-round use gained momentum. It was smart and, let’s face it, totally cool. In the 1970s, the pool was enclosed, and a pool bath, wet bar, and library were added. The addition fits so beautifully with the 1966 home I like to think perhaps Morgan was invited back to design it.
When Rupley called her buyer and said, “I’ve found your home,” he knew it must be special.
“I’m thrilled,” he said. “It has so much character and personality. The gravitational pull of a place like this, with the pool, the greenhouse, and the sauna, is incredible. I’ve already got friends wanting to come and swim. I wrote a letter to the owner’s daughter, who was married in the great room, to let her know I was not going to tear it down and that his house is adding as much to my life as I will add to it. I want to preserve the integrity and make it even better than it is now.”
Bridgette Ivers, the owner of Designer Warehaus, is helping the new owner preserve, restore, and update this Midcentury Modern.
“He understands the significance of this house and wants to preserve the interiors as much as possible,” she said. “From the rich stained wood in the kitchen to the leopard print material on the powder bath walls, the house is just incredible. I’m at the Las Vegas market now, hunting for items to enhance the character and stay within the look. This home is a dream project!”
We are all thrilled the right owner found this Janmar Midcentury Modern. Don’t worry. We will keep you updated on it. We know you’re as excited to see the evolution as we are!
