From Shell to sWan at the W Residences: Why Buying a Blank Canvas Can Be Your Best Bet

Share News:

I don't know why shells scare so many buyers. Jump right in, I say!

I don’t know why shells scare so many buyers. Jump right in, I say!

Recently I was invited back to The W Residences to see a special transformation … unit number 2404 to be exact. The home was purchased by the current owner as a shell from the developer. It was the second shell purchased after the owner realized the views weren’t quite right.  And kiddos, it’s all about the views. You see, the owner wanted guests (and himself) to see the Dallas skyline perfectly framed by the windows while seated. That first unit decapitated some of the city’s best architecture, so it had to go.

The home is three-bedroom, three full and one half bathroom stretching over 3,610 square feet and listed with Wes Lewis at Coldwell Banker for $2.65 million.

As you can see, a lot has changed since its days as a shell.

Living-View Night

After sucking in the view, visitors are first struck by the large format marble tile floor. They’re blissfully unaware of the process of laying those tiles. To perfectly level the floors and provide a perfect base for the tile, a three-inch layer of self-leveling concrete was laid before the tile. Those three-inches also raised the floor the pinch needed to better align with the doorways leading out to the 900 square foot terrace (accessible from every room, save the bathrooms!).

Kitchen 1

A grand, open entertaining space

The living area incorporates the kitchen, living, and dining areas into one grand, open space – just like I like it. The owner realizes that no matter how large your home, storage is always a concern. One of the custom built-ins the owner commissioned was a wall of deep cabinetry surrounding the TV. The mirrored panels add visual interest while hiding whatever needs hiding (no judging here!).

Is it "storage" when it's so handsome?

Is it “storage” when it’s so handsome?

The kitchen is of course high-end with matching cabinetry and all the standard fittings along with a giant wine fridge and a built-in coffee bar.

Can't whine about running out of wine!

Can’t whine about running out of wine!

Don’t see a fridge? It, along with the dishwasher are hidden behind matching cabinet panels. More storage comes from the full height cabinets that, while a bit high for everyday dishes, make a keen cubby for all those holiday dishes and other infrequently-used items.

M Bath 1

The master bath doesn’t disappoint either. Double sinks and a stand-alone bathtub make for a sleek but dramatic space. If you want to bathe looking over Dallas, just leave the door open. However, if you’ve started your holiday over-noshing early, close the door and leave any voyeur’s memories intact.

M Closet

The closet, as you’d expect, is BIG and kitted out with custom cabinetry. It even has a commercially-inspired hanging “waterfall” in the back corner.

M Bed 2

The master doesn’t disappoint in the view department either. Thankfully there are shades, or I’d be transfixed 24/7 looking out the window at the changing light show. Yes, that’s a motorized drop-down TV so as not to permanently mar the view.

View 2 Night

But let’s not forget the reason we’re here. It’s all about the perfect view that just happens to be encased by one fabulous home.

Join agent Wes Lewis for a wine and cheese broker open house on December 2nd from 5-7pm.

Remember: Do you have an HOA story to tell? A little high-rise history? Realtors, want to feature a listing in need of renovation or one that’s complete with flying colors? How about hosting a Candy’s Dirt Staff Meeting? Shoot Jon an email. Marriage proposals accepted (they’re legal)! [email protected]

Jon Anderson is CandysDirt.com's condo/HOA and developer columnist, but also covers second home trends on SecondShelters.com. An award-winning columnist, Jon has earned silver and bronze awards for his columns from the National Association of Real Estate Editors in both 2016, 2017 and 2018. When he isn't in Hawaii, Jon enjoys life in the sky in Dallas.

Leave a Comment