Turning a corner I saw that it was Gatsby’s house, lit from tower to cellar.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby”
Turning a corner and finding a party was once common at Len Roberts’ West Fort Worth home.
But Roberts, the retired CEO of Fort Worth-based RadioShack, has turned a corner and is moving on as he puts his party palace up for auction. The approximately 11,790-square-foot mansion he and his wife, Laurie, built just west of Texas Christian University at 4400 Overton Crest St. is up for grabs. Opening bid? A bargain at $2.5 million, since AIG estimates its replacement cost as more than $21 million.
The auction, conducted by the luxury real estate platform Interluxe, will begin at 9 a.m. April 24. Previews are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21 and 22, and 1 to 4 p.m. April 23.
“It’s a big mansion with a significant reputation in town,” Roberts said during a recent interview where he remembered the parties they hosted. “We had several events for 250 people. I don’t want to mention names, but 90 percent of the heads of the largest corporations of America were in this home.”
Parties, both inside and out, are a part of the opulent home’s history.
The Scene at 400 Overton Crest
Celebrities, chefs, and “captains of industry” all were part of the glamorous party scene at the Robertses’ home. Political gatherings were the only party requests ever refused, but he estimates he and his wife hosted more than 100 major events benefitting the ballet, symphony, Jewel Charity Ball, and other philanthropic endeavors in Fort Worth’s Tanglewood neighborhood near Texas Christian University.
“I guess we changed the neighborhood,” Len Roberts said. “It is the biggest home here, but it’s no longer the odd home.”
Like Gatsby’s mansion, this manor is grand, luxurious, and built for entertaining. Roberts, an active civic leader, and his wife wanted a home big enough for Fort Worth’s largest galas. The French-styled home sitting atop a hill with views of the Fort Worth skyline took four years to build. The lineup of architect Don Wheaton, builder Rick Williams, and interior designer Sandra Sampson worked with Laurie to create the palace they wanted.
“I was busy running the company, so my wife was basically the quarterback,” Roberts said. “I wasn’t involved at all, but I paid the bills, of course. I gave Rick Williams an unlimited budget, and somehow he found a way to exceed it.”
Fort Worth designer Sandra Sampson created the interiors for retired RadioShack CEO Len Roberts and his wife, Laurie.
The American Dream
Like The Great Gatsby, Roberts embodies the American dream. Unlike the mysterious Gatsby, it’s known where Roberts came from and how he came to own the mansion.
Roberts led other companies such as Arby’s, sat on boards such as Texas Health Resources, and chaired United Way of America. But he says he grew up “quite poor,” living in housing projects. The only resemblance to family vacations was visiting museums and monuments, all made of limestone. So the only requirement he personally had for the house was that it be made of stately limestone, something he didn’t realize could only be cut on-site by a craftsman.
Limestone, though, isn’t the only regal quality of the home. There are five bedrooms and 10 bathrooms — that’s six full baths and four partial, to be exact. Terraced steps lead to the pool and accompanying pool house. Add to that a dining room, exercise room, an office or two, a theater, and a fountain.
Then there are unseen amenities. With a thought toward the large events external landscape lighting features six different evening settings. Roberts said 102 speakers scattered throughout the house allow for speeches to be made without anyone having to scurry from one room to the next to hear during big events. Football fans will love that former TCU football coach Gary Patterson is a neighbor.
The home theater was inspired by Chicago’s Marbro Theatre.The home was built for spacious entertaining in the “great room,” according to the homeowner.
Len Roberts’ Favorite Party
Of all the parties, Roberts does have a favorite — the first he and Laurie ever hosted. After years of construction headaches throughout their neighborhood, they invited 220 people they didn’t know for a sit-down dinner.
“I wanted it to be for all the neighbors in a four-block area,” Roberts said. “They put up with all the aggravation, but they got to be the first to see the house. I was the featured speaker, so to speak. I was obviously a big name in town, and the company was doing extremely well. They were all very gracious.”
A fountain highlights the terraced backyard.
Moving On
“We want to move on,” Roberts said. “We’re not doing this for financial reasons. Someone’s going to make millions of dollars on it, but it’s not going to be us. We’re at peace with it.”
The couple is downsizing to a 5,500-square-foot home in Fort Worth’s Mira Vista, where he’s enlisted many from his former construction team to aid with the remodel near the golf course’s 17th tee.
“We’re moving on and can’t wait to be a part of Mira Vista,” he said. “We’re excited about it.”
