There’s no denying the name recognition of Museum Tower. Mention the iconic residential skyscraper in conversation and you’ll instantly get a light bulb nod of recognition from whomever you’re speaking to.
Museum Tower, of course, is the iconic 42-story residential highrise located in the Dallas Arts District. And while I can’t believe it’s already been a decade since this skyline-defining building was erected, I love how Museum Tower residents have upped the luxury factor on each floor and the building has taken its place as an iconic Dallas landmark.
That brings us to the 21st floor of Museum Tower and this listing for 1918 Olive Street Apt. 2102 by Scott Cook of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, where luxury channels a little bit of old-world New York here in Dallas.
“It truly is a mansion in the sky,” Cook says. “The design reminds me of a home you would find in old Preston Hollow featuring sophisticated elegance throughout. It’s rare to find this level of detail in today’s high-rise condominiums.”
Cook’s correct.
The owners traded in their sprawling Preston Hollow home for this empty-nest haven and brought with them the same acclaimed architect for the project. William S. Briggs spent more than two years transforming two units from bare concrete shells into this spacious home, boasting a whopping 6,200 square feet that span most of the 21st floor. This condo doesn’t just scream luxury (shhh, voices carry); it’s earned awards for its design. It even had its moment in the spotlight as a feature in Dallas Style & Design magazine.
The traditional design, rich textures, and grand furnishings were all chosen with purpose — and quite honestly feel different than the transitional to modern interior design that you might typically find in a Dallas high-rise condo. Instead, this luxury condo has a rich finish that harkens back to old New York City apartments and presents a wonderful contrast to the glistening glass and steel that surround it.
In fact, a little bit of transparency here. While writing this feature, I viewed it with the same fast lens that a potential buyer would — I want to walk into this apartment and see skylines. Skyline views are the story here. So I asked Cook if he had any other photos that highlighted the skyline more prominently. Then I found this quote by the architect who led the project:
“Though this home is situated in a city tower, it avoids all of the clichés of being outwardly focused,” says Briggs. “It certainly emphasizes the outside views, but it also provides interior joy.”
There it is. Interior joy. The home wasn’t designed around the view. The view is just the art on the wall of a well-curated home that serves as a sanctuary to its owners. I get that now.
The result offers three generously sized ensuite bedrooms, two sprawling living areas, a dining room with a recessed elliptical ceiling, a fully-stacked kitchen, an executive office decked out in walnut, and an expansive 200-square-foot balcony.
Now, let’s talk about the details because there’s no scrimping on luxury here. You’ll find French Brown custom oak wood floors throughout, and carefully curated materials like limestone, onyx, marble, gem quartzite, and antique hand-hewn Italian tiles throughout the bathrooms and primary suite.
With exquisite chandeliers, a custom vent-a-hood, and furniture-grade cabinetry, every material selected was the best of the best. Custom-built fireplaces by Metzger, drapery selections by Fortuny, Schumacher, and Scalamandre, and chandeliers designed by Jan Showers are just a few of the luxury touches that make this place shine. Oh, and don’t forget the top-tier hardware from Pierce Hardware and bath fixtures from Rohl and Toto. Heated floors in the entire primary suite for that extra touch of comfort.
Even the museum-finish walls are designed with purpose. From the magazine feature: “There are no undesigned walls, and there are numerous spatial experiences when walking from room to room.”
As for building amenities, we’re talking about Museum Tower here. You’ve got the premium standards like an 80-foot resort pool, gym with fitness training coordination, sauna, and spa with massage onsite, plus valet service, a 24/7 concierge, a dedicated house manager, and building-sponsored residential events.
Then there are the first-class perks of living in such a luxury building such as a house car service that’ll drive you wherever you need to go, a dog walking — and grooming — service, home maintenance, and poolside butler service.
For those who cherish their privacy, Museum Tower has you covered. With round-the-clock security and secure access, your sanctuary is, well, a sanctuary.
And again let’s not forget the location. This Museum Tower condo is the beacon of the Dallas Arts District, close to all the cultural hotspots and entertainment hubs with stunning views of Klyde Warren Park and the Nasher Sculpture Garden. Here, there is art and life in Dallas.
