Everyone needs a few historical anecdotes to share during their next happy hour or dinner party, depending on your scene. Here are a few facts about University Park, a city named quite literally for its beginnings as a small residential cluster of teacher and staff homes surrounding the small Southern Methodist University.
The school provided nearby residents with utility services from its founding in 1915 to 1924, when the neighborhood population outgrew what utilities the school could provide. After failed attempts at annexation by Highland Park and Dallas, University Park became its own city in 1924, noted for its consistently high land values, adjacent employment at the university, and later shared excellent schools with its equally affluent neighboring city.
But for a suburb named Texas’ wealthiest and best-educated city earlier this year, the city didn’t have its own municipal library until the year 2002 when decorated Dallas Public Library director and college professor Sharon Perry Martin was first hired. Up until then, UP residents paid to use the Highland Park or Dallas libraries. Now of course residents flock to the municipal library located at Preston Center Plaza, but it’s one of those interesting things that happen in a city’s journey to becoming who they are today. And today, University Park is a vibrant part of the shining Park Cities, where you can find this week’s selection of Suburb Sunday homes.
A Stunning 2014 Transitional
Address: 4332 Druid Lane, University Park
- 5 bedrooms, 6 baths
- 3,656 square feet
- $1,550,000
Located just blocks from Highland Park High School, this two-story transitional is listed by Michelle Wood of Compass Real Estate. The 2014-built home blends traditional comforts like stately formal living and dining areas with updated elements such as an open kitchen and living area. The gourmet kitchen is nearly new with quartz countertops and new Bosch appliances. There’s a study, a beautifully-decorated master suite (check out the accent wall) with his-and-hers separate vanities and closets, and an expansive living area that overlooks turfed backyard with covered patio.
See more photos of this stunning transitional here on the listing.
How About a Spacious 1940 Craftsman?
Address: 2908 Southwestern Blvd., University Park
- 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
- 3,524 square feet
- $1,399,000
What a treat! This spacious 1940 Craftsman home is newly listed by Beth Maisak of Dave Perry Miller and Associates. This home is great for entertaining: exceptional sitting room, dining, and large living room overlooking the lovely covered back porch and pool and separate outdoor bathroom. The large master suite includes surround sound, bright windows, walk-in closet with built-ins and spa-like master bathroom.
See more photos of this Craftsman on the listing here.
Finally, a 1930s Cottage with Character
Address: 3703 Granada Avenue, University Park
- 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
- 1,993 square feet
- $924,900
Terri Cox of Allie Beth Allman and Associates literally just listed this beautiful 1930s cottage late last night and it won’t last long — it’s the best value for a move-in ready single family home in University Park right now. Walking distance to Highland Park Middle School, this three-bedroom, two-bath has 1,993 square feet with a screen in porch to enjoy the neighborhood. The eat-in farmhouse kitchen features stainless steel appliances, custom wooden cabinetry, Thermador double ovens, gas cooktop, and granite countertops. The master bedroom has double walk-in closets, standalone shower, jetted tub, and double vanities. There’s a private staircase located off the master bedroom that leads to the private upstairs study. Perfect little getaway for writing, working, or napping!
See more photos of this quant 1930s cottage here on the listing.
