Dallas Puts Modern Styles on Show
A 2-day tour adds modern homes to its core midcentury originals. Get ideas from 3 participating homes
The White Rock Home Tour is a two-day event that celebrates midcentury modern architecture of six homes located in the East Dallas neighborhoods surrounding White Rock Lake. The event’s founders, who were also neighbors, shared a love for the area’s midcentury modern Ju-Nel Homes designed by architects Lyle Rowley and Jack Wilson. They conceived the idea of the tour to support their neighborhood school, Hexter Elementary, and today it remains one of the school’s most significant fundraisers.
Now in its 12th year, what began as a showcase for midcentury design has grown to include new modern design as well. Teachers, parents and volunteers come together to put on this huge effort. “We try to one-up it every year with the homes and the experience. We’ve got a really good group this year,” says David Collier, partner at Collier Rice Real Estate, the main sponsor of the tour. Here is a preview of three of the homes on the tour.
2017 White Rock Home Tour
Location: Hexter Elementary, 9720 Waterview Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
When: April 22-23, 2017; noon to 5 p.m.
Cost: $15. Tickets and more info
Now in its 12th year, what began as a showcase for midcentury design has grown to include new modern design as well. Teachers, parents and volunteers come together to put on this huge effort. “We try to one-up it every year with the homes and the experience. We’ve got a really good group this year,” says David Collier, partner at Collier Rice Real Estate, the main sponsor of the tour. Here is a preview of three of the homes on the tour.
2017 White Rock Home Tour
Location: Hexter Elementary, 9720 Waterview Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
When: April 22-23, 2017; noon to 5 p.m.
Cost: $15. Tickets and more info
The updated home includes wood floors throughout. It’s furnished with a mix of midcentury and contemporary pieces, and the walls are decorated with fine art.
“I was really pushing for this house even though it may not be considered all modern. I think it really shows what you can do with an older home,” Collier says. “The lots in this area aren’t that big, and to be able to do what they’ve done with the interior, plus create an outdoor space with an entertaining area and pool — it’s amazing.”
Now the spacious home includes two master suites. “We needed the extra square footage so that we could spread out,” Lee says.
In 2015, a second story that includes a media room and their office space was added.
“I think tourgoers will be most amazed by how much outdoor space we have on a 50-foot-by-150-foot lot,” Lee says. “Instead of building within the original footprint of the house, we cantilevered out for the bedrooms and office, which created three outdoor living areas.” ♦︎
9536 Tarleton
Homeowner: Jamie Ali of Olsen Studios
Jamie Ali’s house sits modestly and unobtrusively among the other cottage-style homes on her street, but once you step inside, you’re surprised by a spacious, modern interior. “We didn’t want to change the fabric of the street,” Ali says. “We kept the original one-story house and just dressed it up a bit. We added stone, changed the roof to metal and built the add-on in the back so that you can’t see it.”
Homeowner: Jamie Ali of Olsen Studios
Jamie Ali’s house sits modestly and unobtrusively among the other cottage-style homes on her street, but once you step inside, you’re surprised by a spacious, modern interior. “We didn’t want to change the fabric of the street,” Ali says. “We kept the original one-story house and just dressed it up a bit. We added stone, changed the roof to metal and built the add-on in the back so that you can’t see it.”
The 1937 cottage was originally a one-story, 1,300-square-foot (120.7 square meters) space. The home now includes an L-shaped addition with a second story that tripled the size of the property.
“I have a love for modern, but we have this sort of farm-style home, so the decor is a mix,” Ali says. “I hesitate to go out and buy everything new. There’s no history and character.”
Over time, Ali has blended collected rugs and furniture with new pieces. Afghanistan furnishings and musical instruments from her husband’s home country add an extra layer of charm.
Over time, Ali has blended collected rugs and furniture with new pieces. Afghanistan furnishings and musical instruments from her husband’s home country add an extra layer of charm.
The wood floors in the original cottage were bleached and stained gray.
With two young boys, Ali opted for durable, polished concrete flooring throughout the 2,600-square-foot (241.5 square meters) addition.
The master bedroom overlooks a large backyard with a resort-style pool. “The homes that are on the tour are homes that don’t stick out from the neighbors’ homes,” Ali says. “We feel we were really successful with our efforts to blend in with our neighborhood.” ♦︎
10849 Clearbrook
Homeowner: Jeri Paduch
Large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a constant view of nature from this 1961 home that’s perched on a hilltop and overlooking a greenbelt. Jeri Paduch shopped for a year before finding this newly renovated gem in 2014. “When I drove up to this house. I thought, ‘Wow, this is really cool,’” the homeowner says. “I liked the view, the open space, and it’s a true midcentury modern.”
Homeowner: Jeri Paduch
Large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a constant view of nature from this 1961 home that’s perched on a hilltop and overlooking a greenbelt. Jeri Paduch shopped for a year before finding this newly renovated gem in 2014. “When I drove up to this house. I thought, ‘Wow, this is really cool,’” the homeowner says. “I liked the view, the open space, and it’s a true midcentury modern.”
“I was really anxious to see this house,” Collier says. “When I went in, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, and I just loved it. It’s a very cool house.”
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. The original doors, Malm fireplace, wood ceiling and wall panels were all preserved.
The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. The original doors, Malm fireplace, wood ceiling and wall panels were all preserved.
Paduch’s love for midcentury shines through in her furniture choices. “I like the classic pieces,” she says. “It wasn’t cranked out of a machine. The design was unique.”
“The kitchen is German Bulthaup,” Paduch says. “All of the appliances are Miele, and everything is hidden.” Black granite flooring provides contrast and depth in the all-white kitchen.
Photography of her favorite musicians and works by Piero Fornasetti, including these throw pillows, complement the sleek interior.
Architect Lewis Thomas built the home and created this atrium to surround an existing tree on the property. “I would like to meet the person who didn’t cut down one tree,” Paduch says. “It’s very peaceful. This is my view in the morning.” ♦︎
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Homeowners: Mitch Lee, Ross Boorhem and Randall Oxford of ArTex Development
Real estate developer Mitch Lee never intended to live in what was initially a flip project. But after the real estate crash in 2009, he and his partners were downsizing both their office space and their homes. They decided to renovate the small cottage into a live-work space. “We thought, well, we’re all business partners. We own our business and houses together,” Lee says. “So why not make this house bigger and save.”
In two phases, they dramatically transformed the 1,000-square-foot (92.9 square meters), two-bedroom, one-bath 1953 cottage. It’s now a modern four-bedroom, four-bath home that measures 3,400 square feet (315.8 square meters).