For this week’s Thursday 300, we’ve got a 1958-built Arch B. Swank-designed midcentury modern gem at 3454 S. Franklin Street in Keistwood that’s listed by Diane Sherman of David Griffin & Company for only $392,000. Now typically, we do the heavy lifting in describing a home’s features and indiscernible qualities, but Diane gave us such a venerable wealth of knowledge about this amazing MCM in Keistwood that we’ll give you the scoop in her words.
The classic design of this 1,656-square-foot three-bedroom, two-bath home is clean yet playful, with strong horizontal lines, vaulted ceilings, and exposed beams. The entrance is marked by a dramatic outdoor front entry, with a tree soaring through an enclosed fern garden. The carport and large storage buildingworkshop are attached to the main dwelling by a tall, covered walkway leading to the front door.
Upon entering, note the new, minimalist, quarry tile floors, which are great for pets, plus the highly durable rubber-like mod flooring with circular pastilles in the entry, kitchen and down the long hallway. The recent sunburst pendant dining room light complements the midcentury design, the shape of which matches the pattern in the kitchen wallpaper.
Beautiful, large windows in every room, with classic midcentury metal frames. New blinds installed in 2019. The blinds in three front rooms open from top and bottom, maximizing the best views. The vast amount of natural light helps interior plants thrive.
The sensitively updated kitchen overlooks the streetscape while capturing the verve and imagination of Swank’s approach. Features include granite countertops, “atomic age” retro wallpaper, dramatic black glass tile backsplash, LED under cabinet lighting, builtin butcher block, freestanding stainless steel island, stylish chartreuse light fixture, 2018 stainless steel refrigerator, and Bosch Ascenta dishwasher. The star of the kitchen is the original, beautifully-restored Wedgewood stove boasting its original salt and pepper shakers, Wedgewood insignia, handy warming serving shelf, and futuristic light.
This architecturally significant home was designed by Arch B. Swank, noted as one of Dallas’ most influential architects. Actually, the original architectural drawings will transfer to the buyer upon closing. Swank is remembered not only for his architectural style but for his battles to save trees in Dallas. The home is sited atop a hillside in the heart of Kiestwood Estates for pretty views of the natural
surroundings from all major rooms.
The landscaping features several different outdoor areas including this large front lawn, an intimate outdoor space off the south side of the living room, the fern garden in the courtyard entry, a xeriscape-butterfly garden area in the southeast corner, fast-growing Leyland Cypress trees across the southwest border, native plants, and an organic vegetable garden with composter.
This home has four original exterior doors, three of which still have original wood veneer on the exterior side, which has been recently polished.
