Like bluebonnets blooming in the meadows throughout North Texas, Preservation Park Cities is busting loose with all types of news about its 2024 get-involved fundraising.
Co-Chairs Meredith Ferrell and Courtney Petit have rolled out the plans for their programs.
First on the agenda is the Park Cities Car Show on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burleson Park. While the viewing of the vehicles is free, there is a $30 fee for cars and trucks and $25 for motorcycles. Online registrations end at 10 a.m. the morning of the show. BTW, with Texas weather as fickle as a prom queen, there is a just-in-case rain date set for the following Saturday (aka April 27).
The second event is Home Tour Of Park Cities on Friday, May 10, sponsored by Benchmark Bank and Title. It’ll be the first in three years where guests actually walk in the front door to take in the charm, beauty and finer points of the homes. Dang that old pandemic for forcing folks to only eyeball the homes on tour virtually.
This year’s collection of abodes includes the following:
- 3701 Crescent sponsored by Meredith Ferrell Group — Nestled on Highland Park’s coveted Crescent Avenue, 3701 is a timeless Tudor masterpiece that traces its roots back to 1925. Meticulously preserved by its current owners, Ryan and Anna Moss, in collaboration with contractor Carolyn Isler and designer Shelby Wagner, this historic residence exudes charm and elegance. Enclosed by a towering hedge, the corner lot provides privacy for the active family and features a newly laid herringbone brick driveway leading to the stately home with classic gables and wings. Inside, the original floor plan remains intact, showcasing an exquisite blend of vintage details and modern touches. The living room, adorned with a lacquered white ceiling, hosts an impressive collection of art, including works by Linnea Glatt and Juan Miro. A unique semi-circular alcove serves as both a Garden and Game room, offering a retreat with surprising wallpapered ceilings and captivating views. The residence seamlessly connects various spaces, from the formal dining room with restored mural wallpaper to the redesigned bar area and a spacious Keeping Room with a cozy fireplace and a well-appointed kitchen. The expansive exterior landscape, transformed by landscape artist John Armstrong, features terraces, fountains, and a pool area, crowned by a new Tudor-style guest house. Upstairs, four ensuite bedrooms, a large study, and a primary suite with separate bath and dressing areas complete the second level, while a basement and third story add to the home’s allure. The Moss family’s dedication to preserving this architectural gem showcases the profound legacy of Highland Park’s masterpieces.
- 4101 Windsor Parkway sponsored by William S. Briggs Architects — Discover a masterfully transformed residence at 4101 Windsor Avenue, where Italian Renaissance architecture meets contemporary luxury. Nestled at the corner of Windsor Parkway and Windsor Avenue, this stately home showcases classical exterior elements and an interior that reflects the visionary touch of its talented builder/owner. The entry, featuring white Calcutta marble floors and Roman arch windows, sets the tone for the surprising and exquisite interior transformations. Original templates in the formal living and dining rooms seamlessly blend with modern touches, such as mid-century Platner furniture and a 20th-century Murano chandelier. The oversized living room captivates with a high gloss ceiling and a Louis XVI fireplace mantle rescued from Lakeside Drive. A sun porch turned card room with Roman arch doors provides a charming view of the Loma Linda wall, gate, and urn. The family room, connected to the kitchen and a cozy keeping room, overlooks the pool and rear yard through French doors. The primary bedroom addition boasts a custom cove ceiling, Gracie Cherry Blossom wall covering, and a visually stunning master bathroom with Breccia de Violetta marble. The property is complemented by a two-story guest house, showcasing the unparalleled result of blending antique appointments with mid-century flair. Carolyn Isler’s talent shines through, creating an indescribable layered character in each room, and the entire transformation is a testament to the visionary excellence that defines this remarkable home.
- 3926 Potomac sponsored by Lucinda Buford Real Estate Group — Step into a captivating piece of American history at 3926 Potomac, a stunning Hal Thomson Colonial Revival masterpiece dating back to 1921. Immaculately renovated over 2 1/2 years by current owner Linda Gardner, this home offers a symphony of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury. The landscaped front yard, adorned with a boxwood shield, sets the stage for the perfect blend of white and black hues in the façade. Renowned designer Cathy Kincaid and architect Wilson Fuqua have left an indelible mark on the interior, seamlessly combining classic and modern elements. The interiors boast a seamless flow, featuring Roman arch windows, a charming dining room with Jackie Kennedy‘s chosen Zubere wallpaper, and a kitchen adorned with a Chesney fireplace, La Cornue range, and whimsical clocks. A large den with beamed ceilings and a cleverly concealed TV, along with a music room adorned with a unique Steinway grand piano, add to the home’s charm. The basement, equipped with a projector television and Downton Abbey-inspired bells, serves as a retreat for the owner’s grandchildren. The upper levels house four bedrooms with delightful architectural details, and a whimsical third-story playroom adds a touch of playfulness to this historic gem. The exterior spaces are thoughtfully designed, featuring a garage that resembles a guest house and a charming playhouse. With meticulous attention to detail, the Gardner home stands as a true American Colonial masterpiece, a homage to national history and architectural brilliance.
- 4436 Westway sponsored by Brian Swallen Design — This recently converted single-family residence, originally designed as a two-story duplex by architects Fooshee and Cheek in 1934, exemplifies Spanish-Mediterranean style. Retaining architectural integrity, renovations were carefully executed by the Atha family, completed in 2023 with assistance from Jarrett Homes and Eskanesay Ferguson. The home features intricate masonry, a wrap-around porch, and Roman arches on the front facade. Inside, the formal living area boasts Venetian plaster walls, a modernized staircase, and bleached oak flooring. The dining room features ribbed plaster walls and a dynamic illuminated recessed ceiling. The kitchen and family room showcase Violette Calcutta marble, plaster cone light pendants, and large Roman arch steel windows. A mudroom leads to a powder room and bar area with hand-painted walls. Upstairs, the master suite offers a unique convex mirror relationship between floor and ceiling woodwork. Additional rooms include a play area, office, game room, and guest bedroom. Throughout, the blend of original features and contemporary updates celebrates the timeless appeal of great architecture.
Preceding the tour will be an invite-only patron party on Wednesday, May 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
So, if you want to give your mom an early Mother’s Day gift, sign up here because sources say there’ll be absolutely no walk-up-at-the-door tickets available.
The third activity will be held in the fall and details are to come.
* Photo credit: Paul L. Gleiser ** Graphic provided by Preservation Park Cities *** Photo credit: JA2 Photo