One of the most encouraging things about covering Fort Worth real estate is observing the lengths to which people will go to preserve and adapt existing housing stock.
“What makes a good flip?” I ask designer, micro developer, and house flipper, Terri West. “The worst house on the block!” is the snap retort of the seasoned rehabber. The most recent product of her adroit efforts is 2700 College Avenue. Located in historic Ryan Place — an amalgam of grand, jazz-age villas clustered around the axis of Elizabeth Boulevard and charming Craftsman-style bungalows that ring the periphery. Some have been loved and tended through the years. Many more have suffered from neglect during the long decline of this Near Southside neighborhood.The renaissance of Magnolia Street, with its trendy bars and eateries, a $700,000,000 commitment of city improvement funds dedicated to the south side, and rising prices in nearby Fairmount, have made these Ryan Place houses low-hanging fruit, ripe for reno.
House whisperer Terri West has kept the best and riffed on the rest. Preserved are the original windows, including the craftsman house, de rigueur feature — Queen Anne windows — which pair on a living room wall. The attic has been forfeited allowing ceilings to soar up to the central supporting beam.
Terri has flipped the position of dining and living rooms, in main, to carve out a larger, modern kitchen. The open concept is also a modern conception. The living room is elegantly overlooked from the kitchen through a framed opening and double sided, glass cabinets. Open concept with élan.
And the reconfiguration pays off in spades in the ample and efficient kitchen with modern appliances, stone surfaces, and prep island with room to spare.
Through some form of legerdemain, which was explained to me and I am still struggling to understand, the cramped hallway was widened and is now broad and airy. Every room is well lit, which is not a given in Craftsman style houses of this vintage.
A light fresco palette has been employed and carries through to the bathrooms. The floors, unfortunately abused, had to be replaced with new hardwood oak, but look period perfect.
An extra 320 square feet have been appended to the back of the 1924 house, extending the square footage to 1,670 and added an extra bedroom with an en suite bath, for a total of three bedrooms and two baths. Photography, such as it is on this below-the-radar offering (it’s not even on MLS), is from my iPhone. For a complete picture of this sleeper, follow the above link or hit Trulia or Zillow.
Designer and old house lover, Terri West, who may be contacted at 817-991-2838, has listed 2700 College Avenue at $314,000.
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.
