Let’s start this CandysDirt.com ranking of most endangered properties in Dallas with the very symbol of the city: Dallas City Hall.
1. Dallas City Hall
If you haven’t been following since CandysDirt.com broke the news that Mayor Eric Johnson had his eye on selling City Hall, here’s an explainer to get you up to speed.
It’s shocking to watch the city council consider giving up our seat of government to developers. I can’t believe that just eight temporary public servants are deciding the fate of such a historic and important building. These officials will soon be out of office, but their decisions could have lasting effects.
Remember, they work for us and should represent everyone in the community. This isn’t about whether the building looks nice. It’s about a group making risky choices, believing empty promises, and keeping facts from the public. If we don’t act now, what will happen next? We need to protect our city’s landmark and gathering place.
2. Can Any Cooley Demolitions be Prevented?
Last January, I was digging through MLS when I spotted an anomaly. Public records indicated three adjacent, architecturally significant homes in Highland Park were purchased by the same buyers. Auto magnate Clay and Lisa Cooley snapped up 4209 Bordeaux Ave, 4208 Armstrong Parkway, and 4200 Armstrong Parkway, which both back up to Bordeaux.
The Tudor at 4209 Bordeaux Ave. was designed by legendary architect Hal Thomson. Just across the way, T4208 Armstrong Parkway was designed in 1926 by architect Anton Korn. And then there’s 4200 Armstrong Pkwy — better known as the Mushroom or Gnome House — built by eclectic architect Tom Workman. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it house, but it’s most definitely significant.
Despite concern among preservationists, the Park Cities currently offer no protections for historic homes like these. They’re very much on the side of property rights. So these three are not only in danger of demolition, one is already in scraps.
Tom Workman’s distinctive Mushroom House is already being dismantled. The adjacent 1926 home designed by Anton Korn at 4208 Armstrong Parkway also appears likely to be lost.
However, there’s hope on Bordeaux. The 1925 English Tudor, designed by Thomson and Swain for James R. Bower, may still have a chance of preservation, as the property does not extend to Armstrong Parkway but adjoins the Cooleys’ other holdings. The outcome depends on the extent to which the Cooleys value the preservation of Highland Park’s historic residences. Notably, Bower served as president of an automobile rental business and cab company.
3. Bossom Manor
When you think of Lakewood, this is exactly what comes to mind. An iconic, architecturally significant historic Tudor. It does not get better than English architect Sir Alfred Charles Bossom, one of the most influential architects in America. However, when the Lakewood Conservation District went about expanding the boundaries of its protection in May this year, 6835 Westlake was not included.
Realtor Marilyn Hoffman purchased the home in the 1970s and lived here until she died in early 2024. With 8,382 square feet, seven bedrooms, and six and a half bathrooms, it should have been snapped up by now. I’m worried because it’s Lakewood and sits on 1.24 acres.
4. Anton Korn’s Highland Park Home
This endangered home is so off the radar, it’s not even publicly listed for sale and that’s by design.
On a picturesque Beverly Drive corner, the personal home of legendary architect Anton Korn is privately available for sale. The 1925 Tudor features a stunning living room with a two-story leaded glass window and timbers from the former Oriental Hotel.
Nancy Miller’s parents bought the house in 1964, and she is determined to find a buyer who will preserve it. If you are interested, you can reach her directly at [email protected].
5. The Hidden Dilbeck on White Rock Lake
If you live in East Dallas, you have no doubt driven around White Rock Lake countless times and never even noticed 3505 West Lawther. To me, that’s an asset.
Tucked up on a gentle slope stands a hidden 1955 Charles Dilbeck Ranch-style home. With its low-slung, horizontal design, the 3,646-square-foot home represents Dilbeck’s late career, full of Texas Modern influence that stands in contrast to his 1930s and ’40s storybook cottages.
Is this listing a previously undiscovered Dilbeck from his late modernist period? It certainly looks the part. Situated on 1.12 acres facing White Rock Lake, this architectural rarity has already snagged a buyer for the second time this year. It spent just three days on the market this month before going pending — even faster than its nine-day stint on the market back in April.
But endangered might be too soft a word. The listing all but confirms what we think will happen: “Offering spectacular, unobstructed views of the area’s most cherished natural landmark, this property presents a rare opportunity to create a custom lakefront residence.”
We can only hope the buyers will at least keep that fantastic fireplace.
Sadly, there are more endangered properties this year than I have space for, but we did have some major preservation wins. Stay tuned for those next week. Meanwhile, grab a Save City Dallas City Hall yard sign, one for your neighbor, and CALL YOUR CITY COUNCIL PERSON!
