Breaking: Is the Bud Oglesby House at 10300 Strait Lane About to Be Torn Down?
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Update: The McReynolds are part of a trust that also owns 10330 Strait Lane, the 9.66 acres that was once Chateau de Triumph, the 44,000 square foot mansion built by George and Dominique Perrin, sold to John Lau then to Jean-Raymond Boulle and destroyed by massive fire in July of 2002.
Last year, you may recall, 10300 Strait Lane, was sold on April 30. It was the home of Nancy Dedman, designed by Dallas modernist architect Bud Oglesby, built in 1971. The home was listed for $7,490,000 and closed for $6,750,000.
The estate is on 3.5 verdant acres with beautifully proportioned rooms taking in the full views of the grounds, including a private pond. It’s on the creekside. And it was designed by one of the city’s pre-eminent architects for the home’s first owner.
“Bud was a genius at siting,” says Susan Marcus, who closed the deal and was also a personal friend of the architect.
Well, we are hearing that it may be torn down. Yes, torn down. The City of Dallas shows a demotion permit was issued on August 13 (#1508111041) for the property. I am hearing the general contractor is Sebastian Construction, John Sebastian. The buyer is apparently John W. McReynolds, President and Chief Financial Officer of ETE Common Holdings, LLC. According to Bloomberg, Mr. McReynolds serves as the President of Energy Transfer Equity, L.P and Energy Transfer Company, LP. Mr. McReynolds has also been President for LE GP, LLC.
The McReynolds apparently plan to build and live on the Dedman site, keeping their other significant properties on Strait as landscaping. A new magnolia hedge has been planted along Strait and Parkhurst to screen in the property.
Stay tuned, this story is developing…
Enslie “Bud” Oglesby was also master of light, which we need in these parts. Born in Phoenix, he was raised in San Angelo, graduated from Cornell and received his masters in architecture from M.I.T. His firm, Oglesby Group Architects, was one of the most significant architectural firms in Dallas for years, and he influenced a tremendous number of current architects, including modernist Ron Wommack. Oglesby also studied and lived in Sweden.
Oglesby recognized that people in Dallas “travel a lot, and there are so many choices of materials that it prevents a definitive look.” His homes sport a relaxed contemporary elegance, always exploring light but also accommodating the practicalities that a home must be functional to accommodate a family’s lifestyle.
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well the bad news for significant Dallas homes continues. When the economy is good- down go the homes of the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. This is as sad as Tim Headington taking down two very beautiful homes- one given historical status) across from his own home to build who knows what kind of beast. Good bye 3512 Crescent and 3508 Crescent. Both have rocks piled out front ready to receive the bull dozers. Go see for yourselves.
This is sad news. 3508 is particularly beautiful inside and out and is over 100 years old. What could possibly be put there that is an improvement?
Can you imagine if they MOVED this house or even part of it?
This is a shame. Another Lakewoodization.
How very sad to think another iconic property will be bulldozed into history.
Don’t be too harsh on the owners. Lovely people who tried to make the current house work. It didn’t. They tried saving the foundation even. Sometimes old has to go.
No, it doesn’t. I seriously doubt that house was in such poor condition that it is uninhabitable.
You are exactly right, Darrin. Lovely, responsible, philanthropic people who tried to preserve this property, but in the end it was not possible. Nmlhats, have you personal knowledge of the property condition? If not, perhaps your comments are not useful in this particular case.
Are you telling me they moved in and haven’t been working on plans for the last year?
Don’t believe they have moved in as they have a home nearby.
Very sad and bad for our city. Can you name a great city that does not have history, diversity and soul?
I think we are on the wrong path. I honestly can’t stand the big box houses and the underground garages. If people have money to burn – there are so many wonderful organizations to give to, or wonderful pieces of art to buy. Heck – go buy a Harry Winston diamond if you want to show off. I’m game for that. But don’t ruin Dallas for the rest of us.
Seems like the Mc Reynolds payed for this property themselves so guess what? They can do whatever they like with it. Maybe a new architect will create another “piece of art” on the site (I am not a huge Oglesby fan, not a fan of his brick colors). At what point should a city tell a buyer what to do with a property if it is NOT in an historical district? Imagine all the income created by building a new home on this property — the Realtors, architects, demolition, builder, subs, and all the suppliers. The City of Dallas will get a higher tax base. Seems like tearing homes down is better for the economy than maintaining old.
It’s not about economy & you are so compleatly wrong. If that house were renovated properly just as many people would be employed if not more. I do it for a living & all of our projects are celebrated when done. This one would be one of the best renovations in years if done. I’ve been in every inch of that house. You don’t know a thing about the condition or what it takes to do a project like this. The owner’s just don’t want that kind of house. Big secrete. Why’d they buy it then. They’ve already got two lots that no one cares about.
Mil Bodron I agree. I was in tis house more than one time. I never saw evidence of it being in bad shape. In fact it was a museum! Nancy had good taste and I notice. Around windows, ceilings, (leaks) etc. It appeared to be newer than it was. BO built houses to entertain and to live in, not to impress. I love his work.
This house is wonderful, I’ve been through every inch of it. In fact it’s one of my favorite houses of Bud’s. It’s big, sophisticated, elegant, sexy, & with plenty of service space for any modern family. There’s no reason it should be torn down. For those who say it’s not habitable that’s not true, it’s just easier for them to make their case by saying this. Any older house that’s renovated today, traditional or contemporary requires everything: structural, electrical, plumbing, waterproofing, material replacements, roofing, everything, just like a new house. Because they’re OLD! But that doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of keeping. Some houses like this one & every house our firm has saved result in beautiful & significant structures that yield much more than just another expensive house. It’s true in every town. The argument that tear downs create much work & jobs is hogwash. The renovation of such houses creates all the exact same jobs. So file that excuse in the dumpster. Dallas has a horrible reputation for tearing down the good & replacing them with the bad both residentially & commercially. What we as a city are saying about ourselves by continuing this is not very flattering or smart
Sure they own it so they can do what they want. That’s hardly the point. They own two other connected sites, why not build their & save this. It’s much more likely based on case history that what will replace this house will never be as well designed or significant no matter what one may think of its style.
Thank you Mil.
Agreed!!
Absolutely. I remember being stunned at the huge store room right in the middle of the house! Like a Hotel, extra tables chairs seasonal decorations etc. Man was a genius. Mil Bodron if you aren’t a member please join our Facebook Group Dallas History Guild. We need more people who “get it’ ….ty for thoughtful words.
Im absolutely sick to hear that this gorgeous master piece by renowned Texas Modernist Architect Bud Oglesby is being torn down
This is the scourge of the built world, always the next-rich-somebody who needs to build their ego palace – surely there will be some nasty faux-Euro-trash built in it’s place.
What is IT with the rich in America that they want to recreate something from Europe everywhere? It’s not going to give them some Royal Title
As Mil Bodron as stated, this property is in excellent condition and COULD be saved.
For those who feel when a person buys something, especially of this historic significance, that they have a right to tear it down, that may be true – but that doesn’t make it a worthwhile argument.
Sad day in Dallas
I find it funny that you chose the term “Euro-trash”. First, let me state upfront that I am not a fan of the Modernist style, nor am I a student of architecture. However, the house design, based on the pictures that I have seen, are very Euro-influenced. Take out the furnishings and just look at the house. It is reminiscent of the Saabs from the 70’s and 80’s. It is very linear and boxy. It reminds me of everything sold by IKEA: plain and square, no curves or soft edges. Now, I will also praise the design for two things: the masterful use of windows to maximize natural light throughout the house and the way the house and exterior uses changes in level. Still, though, it’s a simple, plain box. Take away the Oglesby connection and no one would be crying much about this house.
Your are right about one thing, you are definitely not a student of architceture nor do you know one thing about it. Therefor you really shouldn’t be making comments about issues like this one here. That house was an acknoledge great design & piece of architecture. You are an unexposed, uneducated idiot & should only comment on subjects you are educated in. Otherwise keep your opinions to yourself.
So glad a distinguished architect like you spoke to the hypocrisy of the owners statement. I’ve never been in that house ( or seen it in person) but know that it is totally salvageable. Just destroy it & be honest- we know your lying Mr. McReynolds. With so much land around the home, why not use the house as a guest house or retreat within the same compound. Be creative before tearing down history people!
Also, for lovers ofclassical homes and older neighborhoods- two distinguished homes are being torn down in this moment. The above mentioned 3508 Crescent is sitting with its “face” sheared off. As soon as the dozer driver is done with lunch, down goes the rest. Sad days for all these significant homes- traditional & modern.
This tragedy hits just as many great older classical houses as it does contemporary ones. Is tragic for all.
It’s down. Sigh. I did a drive-by today…
Heartbreaking.
In a situation like this, where everyone knows that destruction of a house is going to generate controversy, it seems to me that the sellers — if they care — should at least ask the prospective purchasers what their plans are. If the purchasers are upfront about tearing it down, and the owners don’t care, at least the “blame” is shared. Of course the new owners can lie, or later say that significant problems arose that they were not aware of, but that does not appear to be the case here.
This is truly a really sad story about people who have too much money!
Candy–Who is the architect on the new house?
Stay tuned…
The contractor is John Sebastian
What a shame that people with no class have the money to destroy a city’s history like this.
@davidrbecken — are you new here? This is SO Dallas. And yes, it is a shame.
Lol, I know this has been going on in Dallas for many years. I’m actually in Shreveport, where the same thing has started happening. Some of our mid-century modern houses have been demolished to make room for ugly and big. One family tore down two eighty-year old houses and put up a monstrosity that looks almost like it is made of resin. The Broadmoor area of Colorado Springs was suffering the same thing when I lived there 13 years ago. I would have more respect for history and neighbors if I was in the position to destroy things.
This isn’t Nancy’s furniture. Guessing it was staged? I drove by months ago and it appeared to be being added to? Did they tear it down? BO houses are fantastic. Henry and Nell Beck bought Toddy Lee Wynne’s house in Highland Park and it is wonderful. The Dedman house was too, really fabulous.