This E.G. Hamilton Midcentury Modern home in Royal Springs estates is a shining example of why architecture and preservation matter.
Whether it’s the era or the architect, seeing the value of a home takes desire, motivation, and often some serious sleuthing. So many buyers are unprepared to do even basic research. They turn to the bulldozer time after time and replace worthwhile homes with boring, bland, big houses that have zero character.
Sadly, we’ve seen a lot of destruction lately. This E.G. Hamilton-designed Midcentury Modern offers a refreshingly different story.
A Designer of Experience
You may not know the name E.G. Hamilton, but you’ll know one of his favorite commissions. His firm designed NorthPark Center.
Architect Tipton Housewright, FAIA, had the following to say about Hamilton for the AIA website :
In 1952 E.G. moved to Dallas to work with Arch Swank; soon after that, he started his solo practice, designing a number of houses for Lloyd Smoot, a local Realtor. These houses showed E.G.’s great ability to shape form and space in an understated and elegant way. One of them became a Better Homes and Gardens 5-Star House and a TSA Design Award winner, and many awards were to follow.
In 1970, Harrell + Hamilton transitioned into OMNIPLAN. The partnership went on to design Republic Bank Tower and the first phases of the Dallas Convention Center. Among their prolific designs are the Fairmount Hotel, Mountain View College, and Woodall Rogers Tower, where they now office.
Standing The Test of Time
Any house built by E.G. Hamilton is thoughtfully designed and will stand the test of time. To destroy it would be tragic, yet one of his most famous homes was indeed demolished at 3616 Crescent Avenue. Preservationists, architects, and frankly, anyone with an ounce of common sense mourns that loss to this day.
That’s why I’m thrilled that Patrick Farrell and David Hargrove get it. They took one look at this gorgeous 1954 E.G.Hamilton Midcentury Modern and did the right thing.
“At the time we were living in Georgia,” Farrell said. “We were looking online and fell in love with it. It was a bonus that it was an E.G. Hamilton. When we saw it in person, we realized it had a great floor plan and thought it was a wonderful opportunity to put our stamp on it.”
“We jumped on it pretty fast,” Hargrove said.
The house was originally 2,000 square feet, but in 2007, Architect Sharon Odum added 618 square feet, creating a sizeable principal suite from the existing covered carport and converting an outdoor patio into a third bedroom, which Farrell and Hargrove use as an office.
This house is not Farrell and Hargrove’s first rodeo. They had a Cliff May home before this residence and completely transformed it.
“They love to keep the style and do the right updates,” Ebby Halliday listing agent Denise Shoemaker said. “It’s their passion.”
That passion shows in every square inch of this E.G. Hamilton Midcentury Modern, from the beautiful updated finishes and period-perfect lighting to the outdoor paradise. It’s all flawless.
Although Farrell and Hargrove intended this to be the forever home, work has created a need to relocate to another state.
“It’s going to be hard to leave,” Hargrove said. “We put our hearts into the house and tried to be true to its’ spirit.”
High Demand For Great Houses
“Our home hit the market on Friday at 3:20,” Farrell said. “It was insane. My phone kept blowing up. I had to turn off the Ring doorbell, and we went to an Airbnb for the weekend.”
There were 55 confirmed showings and a multitude of unscheduled folks.
Homes are breaking records every day, and if you have an architecturally significant one, it’s often sold before it goes into MLS. Think twice if you ever consider the wrecking ball for any property, because with history comes monetary value.
I found an archived news clipping with the original list price on 10646 Royal Springs Drive. It was $24,540. This same home hit the market on Friday at $875,000.
I think E.G Hamilton would get a chuckle out of the fact that his 1954 Midcentury Modern is pending, likely to be valued at seven figures! It’s worth every penny because these architecturally significant homes are now few and far between. Let’s hope more people come to understand why these homes are worth preserving.
