Yes, that’s a play on words, so keep reading for the big reveal on this historic Bishop Arts duplex. I’ll make sure to give you some hints along the way.
First things first, I’m always on the lookout for affordable housing options for our readers. In my view, purchasing a duplex is a savvy way to step into property ownership. You can reside in one unit and lease out the other to help cover your mortgage. It’s a sound, practical investment. And this historic Bishop Arts duplex comes fully furnished, which is an even more enticing prospect.
Aaron Musicant (hint) moved to Dallas to help his best friend, Exxir Capital CEO Michael Nazarian, work on a project. He was charmed by Bishop Arts, so he bought and moved into a cute historic house in the neighborhood, renovating it himself while living in it. Then, he moved on to this duplex.
Now, to say Musicant is handy is like saying Gordon Ramsay can cook. He studied at California State University, Northridge and apprenticed at Cal-Earth Institute.
“I started building when I was traveling through South America. I was learning different building techniques and loved doing it,” Musicant said.
Fast forward to a career-altering connection that was made over the construction of gingerbread houses. In a lively competition with friends, one was impressed with Musicant’s deft attention to detail. That gingerbread house led to a gig on Animal Planet’s Tree House Masters (hint). In a heartbeat, Musicant was building treehouses around the country.
You can see his construction know-how came in handy once he landed in Bishop Arts. After renovating his first home, he set his sights on this 2,960-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath historic duplex. He moved in and renovated while living there.
“I did both sides at the same time, living in one room with a camp stove,” Musicant said. “It took me nine months. I had to replace all the plumbing and electrical. I was able to preserve the soffit and save the old wood. I added it inside the kitchen because I can’t throw this stuff away.”
Musicant has preserved the original layout of the home as much as possible while also enhancing the living spaces. Residing in a place during renovations has its perks. It allows you to experience firsthand what needs to be done to ensure a smooth flow.
“I’m very happy that I was able to retain the character,” Musicant said. “It looks like it did when it was built, and that’s satisfying.”
Musicant has since moved back to California. Naturally, he’s immersed in some cool projects over there, otherwise, he’d never be selling this historic Bishop Arts duplex.
Have you guessed our surprise? Aaron Musicant is a former child actor. He played Lance in the beloved Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody!
