While others are hedging their bets about Saturday outdoor activities, the Park Cities Historic And Preservation Society has stayed the course and will carry on with its 2019 Historic Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The four homes that will have the “Welcome” mat out will include:
- 3615 Cornell Avenue owned by Camillia and Ted Shoemaker — Architects Marion Fooshee and James Cheek partnered to create the extraordinary design for Highland Park Village. One of their earliest forays into residential projects was in 1924 at 3615 Cornell. This fieldstone Tudor style cottage is a charming example of their talent to interpret genres with authenticity. The large gable, ganged windows, and dormer combined with the front flower box, all contribute to an English countryside feeling. Unique cross hatch masonry details above the front windows, rare fieldstone chimneys, winding footpath, and trailing ivy complete the picture.
- 3910 Gillon owned by Sydney and Elizabeth Hurley — By 1918 noted Dallas architect, Hal Thomson, had finished work on this rare jewel in the Tudor crown of Dallas residences. Two front facing gables combine with arched eyebrow entry and visor roof details to provide intriguing layered elevations on the facade. Positioned on a magnificent lot, the Hurley home is a prime example of quintessential Tudor style design elements: random colored slate tiles, alternating window shapes, unique masonry details, and cast stone accents including quoins framing the front door. Gargoyles and a pair of 17th century bronze lion statues acquired in Savannah invite you into this remarkable home.
- 3524 St. Johns Drive owned by Kate and Jack LaGere — Built in 1928, the LaGeres are only the fourth family to occupy this eclectic Tudor home situated on the corner of St. Johns and Byron. Kate Sandstad LaGere, an Armstrong Elementary School alumna, considered the proximity to school and playgrounds an ideal location for her children. Kate’s husband appreciated the possibilities this project presented for implementing their vision to redesign and preserve a classic. After a year of “back to the studs” renovation, their home’s facelift was completed in 2015. Scott Slagle was the architect and Avrea Wagner collaborated with Kate on interior design decisions.
- 3657 Stratford owned by Susan and Jim Murray — Available records indicate the oldest home on the 2019 PCHPS tour was completed in 1916. The Murray residence is a representative example of the Greek Revival architectural style. White two story pilasters frame the home flanking both the front door and the corners. Additionally, the banks of windows across the front facade are all accentuated with millwork. The banks of windows above the front door and in the dormer complete the classical, symmetrical treatment. Neoclassical touches appear in the parallel glass side panels and transom which surround the front door under the inviting front porch.
Tickets are going for $20 and are available at Park Cities Tom Thumb stores.
* Graphic courtesy of Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society