This University Park Charles Dilbeck ranch duplex is a rare opportunity to have it all. It’s a completely updated historic home designed by one of the most important Dallas architects of the 20th century and in one of our most sought-after neighborhoods.
Willis Winters is the national authority on Dilbeck and the founder of The Charles Stevens Dilbeck Architecture Conservancy. I gave him a quick call when I saw this beauty had hit the market.
I’ve always considered this to be his premier ranch duplex. Everything comes together on it, proportion, massing, and roof materials. His signature details are on this, like the horse’s head on the gate and the little cantilevered windows. A duplex is an interesting design challenge because you are putting two families together but with dedicated entries and privacy. This University Park duplex has outdoor living space, which many duplexes don’t have. He designed walled-in courtyards and patios. I feel this is one of his best residential designs.
Willis Winters
Charles Dilbeck’s Ranch Duplex Run
Charles Dilbeck’s iconic single-family residences are well known. However, many people do not realize he also designed a lot of duplexes, and many are in the Park Cities. Duplex residences have remained consistently popular throughout history because they have been great investment properties allowing an owner to live on one side and rent out the other or rent out both sides.
One of our favorite Realtors, Allie Beth Allman’s Kyle Crews, did this on the same street.
“I had no intention of buying another property,” Crews said. “I went to see it because it was listed by a fellow agent, Susan Bradley. When I walked in the door, it just spoke to me. I was so intrigued by the design and details and the place’s mystique. I knew a little about Dilbeck before seeing the property. We love it, and I’ve become increasingly appreciative of the detail and design inherent in these structures. I’m so pleased his work is being recognized, and a book is being prepared by Willis Winters. I think we will see more and more preservation of his work and appreciation from a design aesthetic and a value aspect. I feel fortunate to own one of his properties.”
The dread of updating holds so many back from purchasing historic homes. This Dilbeck ranch duplex has already been completely updated to the highest standards with a gorgeous finish out and the latest smart home technology, including voice command capabilities. If you’d rather have a single-family home, plans have already been drawn to show how easily it can be done. But if you want an entree into the Park Cities, it does not get better than this Dilbeck ranch duplex.
K.B. Wiebe of The Stainback Organization has this Dilbeck ranch duplex at 4100 University Blvd. listed for $3.129 million.
