When I lived in Junius Heights, the area was still knee-deep in transition. One brilliantly restored Craftsman bungalow could be seen right next to an almost falling down Prairie-style home that was converted to a four-plex. To say that the neighborhood has come a long way since then would be the understatement of the year.
That’s why this year’s Junius Heights Restoration Tour and Arts & Crafts Fair is so exciting — it’s a chance to see inside some of these incredible historic homes in the largest conservation district in Dallas. While I can’t wait to see the bungalows and Prairie-style homes, I’m most looking forward to the two Old East Dallas churches that have been converted for different uses. One of them is the incredible church-turned-residence that is the private sanctuary of Suzy Batiz, creator and CEO of ~Pourri, the brand that brought us the hilarious commercials that destigmatized bathroom behavior.
Tam Pham of Steel Toe Stiletto will have a gut-to-stud project on the tour that she says is still very much in the “gut” phase, but considering Pham’s successful past renovations that have won awards from Preservation Dallas, you’re in for a treat. There are four other historic homes in varying degrees of restoration, too.
The Junius Heights Restoration Tour is Saturday, Nov. 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. and will also feature an art fair and performances from local school groups at Munger Park. If that doesn’t make you fall in love with Junius Heights, then it will definitely happen when you get your selfie taken with the streetcar salvaged from the old Spaghetti Warehouse building and then take a free swing dance lesson at 4:30.
Tickets are $20 and are available on the neighborhood association’s website.
Want to Win?
We’re giving away a pair of tickets to the Junius Heights Restoration Tour!
To enter to win, comment below (must use a valid email address) by noon on Friday, Nov. 4. The winner will be selected through a random drawing and will be contacted via email.
Good luck!
