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Paigebrook, the home once owned by Westlake Mayor Scott Bradley and his wife, Kelly Bradley, the former director of Metroport Meals on Wheels, is an example of Dilbeck\u2019s work. This enchanting house was even moved brick by brick from one location to another.<\/p>\n
The Western Hills Hotel, known as a trend-setting icon, once stood on what was considered the far western edge of Fort Worth.<\/p>\n
Although demolished now, this 1951 hotel was revolutionary, attracting national attention. Its notoriety was owed to architect trailblazer Charles Dilbeck, the hotel\u2019s brilliant designer. Dilbeck\u2019s bold lines and modern concept even earned the Fort Worth hotel a feature article in Time magazine.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was one of the first truly modern motor hotels,\u201d said architect Willis Winters of Dilbeck\u2019s innovative design. \u201cIt changed the lodging industry across America. It was a national model for a luxury, a resort hotel with first-class dining facilities and retail stores within the hotel complex. It had never been done before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Public Lecture<\/p>\n
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Willis Winters<\/p>\n
Winters, who is not only an accomplished architect but an expert on Dilbeck\u2019s distinctive designs, has other stories to tell about Dilbeck and his work in Fort Worth. He will share those stories when he is the featured speaker Oct. 16 at the 2025 Cantey Lecture and Preservation Awards. The lecture will take place at 5:30 p.m. that day at The Woman\u2019s Club of Fort Worth, located at 1316 Pennsylvania Ave. The talk will focus on Dilbeck\u2019s distinctive houses found in Tarrant County.<\/p>\n
Dilbeck\u2019s work has a fan following, and acquiring one of his houses can become a bucket list journey for some avid devotees. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe designed five or six really great houses in Fort Worth,\u201d Winters said. \u201cHis houses are so recognizable. Dilbeck\u2019s work always stood out on a street.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Dilbeck-Russell-Griffith-House-1941-819x1024.jpg\")
The Russell Griffith house, built in 1941, still stands on Westridge Avenue in Fort Worth. Photo courtesy of Willis Winters.<\/p>\n
Upcoming Book<\/p>\n
A recognized authority on Dilbeck\u2019s vast portfolio of work, Winters is currently completing a book about the prolific architect. The book, entitled \u201cDilbeck: The Architecture of Charles Stevens Dilbeck,\u201d will be published by Texas A&M Press in the spring of 2027.<\/p>\n
Dilbeck, who lived from 1907 to 1990, was known for his distinctive residential and hospitality designs, especially in Fort Worth, Dallas, Tulsa, and other areas of the U.S. He was acclaimed for his romantic, eclectic, and sometimes quirky style that blended diverse influences. Even as a child, Winters could recognize Dilbeck\u2019s distinctive style in Dallas neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
\u201dI was always aware of these really cool houses I liked,\u201d Winters said, remembering his childhood fascination with Dilbeck\u2019s unique designs around the Park Cities. \u201cI couldn\u2019t tell the styles, but I knew what I liked.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Dilbeck-Dallas-ranch-house.jpg\")
This Dallas residence is an example of a Dilbeck ranch-style residence.<\/p>\n
Texas Favorite<\/p>\n
Winters himself became an architect. Eventually, he researched Dilbeck\u2019s work, and his respect for Dilbeck\u2019s designs grew.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s my favorite residential architect in Texas,\u201d Winters said during a recent interview. <\/p>\n
Those houses, the hospitality structures, and the upcoming book will be the focus of Winters\u2019 public lecture for Historic Fort Worth. The talk will be punctuated with the book\u2019s photos, which were taken by Dilbeck\u2019s grandson.<\/p>\n
Winters has his own distinguished career as an architect and city planner. He is director emeritus of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, and his municipal career was honored with a city park bearing his name<\/a>. Currently, he is president of Preservation Texas,<\/a> a non-profit dedicated to the protection of the state\u2019s historically significant sites. <\/p>\n Before joining the nation\u2019s fifth-largest park system, Winters spent 13 years as a practicing architect in Dallas. Graduating first in his class at the University of Texas at Austin\u2019s School of Architecture, he later oversaw more than $1 billion in capital projects for Dallas\u2019 park department. His portfolio includes major upgrades to the Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Zoo, and Fair Park; 80 miles of trails; more than 40 architect-designed pavilions; and the creation of seven new downtown parks.<\/p>\n In addition to his book on Dilbeck, he is the author of seven books concerning the history of architecture and planning in Dallas and across Texas. His works include Crafting Traditions: The Architecture of Mark Lemmon, co-authored with Rick Brettell; Great American Suburbs: The Houses of the Park Cities, co-authored with Virginia McAlester; Fair Park; and The Buildings of Texas, Volume II, co-authored with others.<\/p>\n Cantey Lecture Series<\/p>\n Willis\u2019 talk on Dilbeck\u2019s career will serve as the 2025 installment of the annual Cantey Lecture Series. The Fort Worth tradition annually features a prominent speaker on historic preservation and architectural history. During the event, Historic Fort Worth Inc. presents the Cantey Awards, honoring excellence in preservation, stewardship, and leadership. Together, the lecture and awards amplify the non-profit organization\u2019s mission to protect and promote Fort Worth\u2019s historic resources.<\/p>\n