Beautiful White House Gets Makeover
I was awestruck by this massive white house on the corner of University and Dickens yesterday. It’s obvious a lot of work is being done on the site, but I couldn’t immediately tell if it was a remodel or a new build. A new house in such a classic style would be a breath of fresh air, but a look at the street view function on Google Maps leads me to believe this is a remodel. If so, bravo to the owners for not tearing such a beautiful old house and starting from scratch.
It’s a major remodel. Last I heard, the previous owners son purchased it from his parents. Wants to keep the integrity of the home. I attended a party in the home in the 80’s and it was beautiful then too. Would make for a good print story with pictures! The home is going to be the envy of the Park Cities!
Bet it has an interesting history, such as the SMU President’s home way back when. I’m just guessing, but it is different than the other older homes around there.
I was told this is one of the few last remaining ‘original’ houses in the HP/UP area. This remodel has been going on for some time so I’m surprised that you’ve never seen it. I was told the long time is due to certain measures/standards that have to be taken to assure its historical status. All this I was told by a 50+ year resident so I just assume they know what they are talking about.
built in 1924 if I have the right house:
http://www.dallascad.org/AcctDetailRes.aspx?ID=60221500020230000
Dan – For more on the history of that house and of its neighbors on that block, you should get your hands on a copy of “The Block Book: History and Recollections of the 3400 Block of University Boulevard” (Dallas: Scriptorium Press, 1996). The book is written/edited by Bonnie Wheeler, an SMU prof.
Glad this house and the owners are getting recognition for their efforts. As the contractor it has been a privilege to be part of the project team. House was built in 1916 by the first dean of SMU’s School of Theology and is oldest surviving residential structure in UP (see “Great American Suburbs – The Homes of the Park Cities, Dallas” p122).
Have been driving by this remodel project for what seems like at least a couple of years now (maybe more?). For the longest time it looked like they were leaving much of the house as it was, and working only on the back half; then it seemed like they changed their approach midstream and virtually everything seemed to come down except the front columns. Today, I’m not even sure if the columns are original. But three cheers for them on keeping the character and spirit of the house intact, no matter how much of the actual construction is original. Sort of our own neighborhood “Ship of Theseus.”
The entry facade/columns, center hall up & down, and 4 rooms at the front of the house (2 up and 2 down) are all original. The rear portion consisted of additions or alterations to the original and was removed to make way for the lower level garage and new expanded space above. The east 2nd floor balcony and sleeping porch, along with the front porch, were rebuilt for structural reasons but are consistent with the original plan. This home should now have a second century in its future.
I have enjoyed watching the renovation of the home – kudos to the owners (and builder) for retaining its architectural integrity. It is lovely.