On Monday, October 30, Preservation Park Cities held its annual Distinguished Speakers Luncheon at “a local country club” for a crowd that included former First Lady Laura Bush. In addition to the discussion with interior designer Cathy Kincaid and architect Wilson Fuqua, PPC President Amy Beale reminded the group of the organization’s mission to “preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.” Here’s a report from the field:
Preservation Park Cities (PPC) 2023 Distinguished Speaker Luncheon presented by Highland Park Village was co-chaired by Cory Lukens Bowen and Krista Porteous who chatted up the sold-out crowd with sponsors, friends and returning PPC members. It was a pleasure to chat with Honorary Chair Allie Beth Allman, who was joined by her dear friend former First Lady Laura Bush.
The morning’s VIP Meet and Greet Reception sponsored by Rose Gold Rosé featured passed wine and a lovely tablescape especially curated by Christina Dandar of The Potted Boxwood for the raffle prize. She also served as moderator for the luncheon presentation and is PPC’s social media chair.
Joining in the event were two speakers, Cathy Kincaid, award-winning interior designer and principal of Cathy Kincaid Interiors, Ltd., who also donated personalized signed copies of her book “The Well Adorned Home: Making Luxury Livable“ and Wilson Fuqua, visionary architect and owner and principal architect, Fuqua and Associates.
Also spotted on the scene were PPC President Amy Beale and her husband, Dr. Evan Beale; Brad Sanders, Distinguished Chair of History at Highland Park High School, which is funded by PPC; Burton and Lesley Rhodes; Marla Boone chatting with Jane Rejebian, who was the original owner of the home that Marla and Mike Boone raised their family in and still reside; Larry Boerder, Lucinda Buford, Keith Conlon, President, Allie Beth Allman and Associates; Sara Fay Egan, Meredith Ferrell, Wilson’s sister Kalee Fuqua, his son Porter Fuqua; Lisa Henderson, Ann Hobson, Tish Key, Noel Pittman, Alisa Sell, Caitlin Wilson and more.
Amy welcomed the crowd and introduced Audrey Schmit, a deacon at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, who gave the invocation. Amy thanked the chairs, honorary chair and the committee for their dedication and many hours of voluntary service.
In giving an overview of PPC and its mission, Amy said she would like to dispel some myths and reveal some truths: “First, the myths: We think every old house is able to be saved, and we are against all new construction. False. What is important to us is that the integrity of the neighborhood is preserved, most importantly the preservation of irreplaceable homes by our most notable architects. If you are going to build, build back better, using equal or superior materials, building with appropriate scale, paying attention to trees and landscaping and avoiding trends that are ‘here today and gone tomorrow.’
“The second myth is that all we do is have parties and play no role in advocacy. We are unapologetic that we hold many wonderful events throughout the year. Our members have exclusive access to educational meetings and parties which are often held at some of our neighborhood’s loveliest homes. However, we continue our longstanding relationships with our community governments. We advocate for preservation whilst acknowledging the importance of individual property ownership rights in Texas.
“The final myth is that we are an activist organization and as part of our initiation, members have to chain themselves to an excavator in someone’s front yard. As Daryl Hannah in Steel Magnolias would say, ‘Not on your first visit.’ In all seriousness, Preservation Park Cities lends an ear to those in our community with concerns about demolition, and we continue our efforts at advocacy with our leadership. However, our primary focus remains on education, community building and celebration.”
Amy went on to describe PPC’s mission, which is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show are used to fund:
- Property Landmarking
- Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
- HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
- The Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village
- The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
- The “Save the Top 100” campaign and publication of a new book
Christine began the presentations which discussed topics ranging from home decor trends to art selection, as the three panelists spoke on their experience working in architecturally significant homes and illustrating how they have been remodeled and updated to serve the lifestyle needs of families today. Cathy and Wilson have worked on 10 historic homes together. It was very interesting to gain insight and hear their expert opinions as they talked about many topics, including reinventing a familiar classic home setting, how a fondness for opulence and tradition can be easily mixed in modern accents, opening up rooms while maintaining a small room comfortable feeling, mixing rich colors with fluid shapes, uncovering previously hidden windows and raised ceilings and how to make those architectural features work in a current design, incorporating worldly treasures, fresh interpretations of traditional themes and more.
In conclusion, the chairs thanked everyone for their support and drew for the raffle winner. The Distinguished Speaker Luncheon celebrates historic preservation and is designed to generate awareness of the role history and preservation play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the Park Cities communities.
Additional sponsors include D Home, magazine sponsor; Fuqua Architects, Three Branches Weddings and Events, Cathy Kincaid Interiors, Susan Baldwin, Allie Beth Allman and Associates, Marla and Mike Boone and The Rhodes Group.
For more information about membership in PPC, its benefits and more, visit the website at www.preservationparkcities.org
* Photo credit: Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio