Historic Corner Market Conversion in Kings Highway

Though I absolutely love the idea of loft living, the biggest turnoff, is the lack of easily accessible green space. But what if you could live in a historic commercial conversion that lived more like a single-family home? That’s what Jenni Stolarski‘s latest Kings Highway listing is, to a tee.

And the isn’t the first time Stolarski has listed this particular property, either. When homeowner Jennifer Waddell was ready to sell this two-bedroom, two-bathroom converted corner market at 805 N. Montclair in the historic Kings Highway Conservation District, her first and only call was to Stolarski. 

Truth be told, I’ve always been intrigued by this property. Back when I was an editor and reporter for Oak Cliff People, I would frequently drive by on my way to PTA functions at nearby Rosemont Elementary and play something of a guessing game with myself regarding this house. “I wonder who would live there? What does it look like inside? What did it used to be?”

Now, with all the answers, I can share with you that anyone who appreciates the rich texture of history could live here, that it is an absolute textural feast for the eyes inside, and that it used to be Moore’s Market for 30 years, after which it was used as a potato chip factory. 

Though many of the commercial aspects of the property have since been lost (sadly, including the potato chips), it still has a working phone booth, tall ceilings, and a few of the original window frames within the interior spaces. Let’s have a look:

Over the decade that Waddell lived at 805 N. Montclair in North Oak Cliff, she’s fielded quite a few questions from curious passers by. “Mostly it was ‘What was this?’ and ‘Do you own all of it?’ because there are two entrances,” she said. Of course, everyone’s favorite thing about the house — myself included — is the phone booth. “Yes, it works,” Waddell said. 

Of course, after living here for some time, she’s fallen in love with the openness, the character, and the easy entertaining offered by this 2,753-square-foot one story. “I call it the donut,” she mused, because its floor plan is a circular flow of rooms around a center wall. “It’s a great home for art. There’s so much light,” she said. “In the morning, when the sun first comes up, there’s so many beautiful shadows.”

Though it’s move in-ready, there are several opportunities for you to put your mark on it, mainly in the kitchen. Keep the Bertazzoni range and the double doors into the enormous pantry. Paint or reface the cabinets and consider doing some tile work on the walls. 

And while there is a lot to love about this home, Waddell’s favorite thing is the tin ceiling in the second bedroom. Coming in a close second is the master bath. “When people visit, everyone wants to use the master shower,” she said. Because of that, the recently renovated second bathroom is basically brand new.

The master bedroom, with its exposed framing, skylight, and cool hanging lamps, is an absolute delight. I can’t imagine a better retreat, and I love that the original window frames are intact, offering cool vignettes between rooms. 

And if you share my frustration about wanting loft living but needing your own outdoor space, there are lovely little gardens running along the back and side of the house. One is just on the other side of the cool, modern fireplace in the living room. The other is a patio just off the sunny breakfast room.

Stolarski has listed 805 N. Montclair for $625,000. Considering all of the delicious texture and character in this house, it’s an absolute steal!