Within the Preston Hollow neighborhood, three of the neighbors were holding parties making the winding narrow roads sidelined with cars on Thursday, October 13.
One of the locations stood out, though. While tall hedges and brush hid more than two acres from prying eyes, to the left at the entrance was a silver spaceship and across the way was a lineup of out-of-this-world visitors.
It was obvious that the property’s owners, Selwyn Razor and Rich Moses, were creative and had a sense of humor in the days leading up to Halloween. What a great way to welcome guests for the Family Gateway’s “Stronger Together Breakfast” patron party on Thursday, October 13.
But as guests like Yeny and Quincy Roberts and Exa and David Whiteman walked up the driveway, they were amazed at how the estate blended the natural beauty of the grounds with water features, including ponds with mammoth water lilies, and the dramatic ultra-contemporary main house.
Think black and grey polished floors, white walls, tall ceilings and lots of glass. The guests’ amazement only ramped up seeing the stairs inside leading to rooms showcasing fabulous modern artwork. Selwyn’s favorite piece was suspended in its own room.
When one guest gingerly navigated some steps, Selwyn laughed, recalling how her mother had claimed the house was not made for children or older folks. Then she added her own twist: “Or toddlers or drunk people.”
Married 24 years, Selwyn and Rich bought the house in 2014 that’s known to locals as The Stretto House. It was designed in 1989 by then-47-year-old architect Steven Holl, whose inspiration was “spatial dams” with metal framed “aqueous space” flowing like the overlapping stretto in music. The creation earned him the 1993 AIA National Honor Award.
After being vacant for a number of years, the property was meticulously updated by the couple with architect Max Levy. The goal was to maintain the integrity of Holl’s design but to update it and make additions for their family.
The result is a breathtaking showcase for the Razor-Moses’ museum-quality art collection without a cold, austere environment.
When Family Gateway President/CEO Ellen Magnis was asked about the decision to hold the “Stronger Together Breakfast” instead of the group’s usual luncheon, she said that all the lunch dates at the Omni were booked, so they opted for the morning slot for the fundraiser on Friday, October 28, featuring Chris Gardner.