Northaven Home Tour Brings School, Neighborhood Together

While the Northaven Home Tour is an amazing opportunity to see some of the finest homes in a historic Dallas neighborhood, organizers say it’s also a great opportunity to work with the school it benefits — Kramer Elementary School.

The tour, which will be held April 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with special remarks by Katherine Seale, chairperson of the Dallas Landmark Commission at 9:30 a.m. at the Kramer Auditorium at 7131 Midbury Road, features six exquisite homes. The tour is presented by the Kramer Elementary PTA.

Kramer students have been spending the weeks leading up to the tour learning more about the homes on it, as well as some history of the neighborhood. For instance, Kramer fifth graders created drawings depicting neighborhood homes, using a broad selection of recent photographs for inspiration.  Their artwork will be displayed at the home tour.

“Kramer Elementary is proud of the connection between the school and the surrounding neighborhood,” said event co-chair Pete Peabody. “It’s also quite literally a two-way street.”

“Local volunteers assist in school programs throughout the year and the Northaven Home Tour is no exception,” he continued. “Students are also engaged. The fifth grade art classes have been busy interpreting pictures of homes around the neighborhood.”

“They understand the commitment the community. They see it every day as the new sports court behind the school was possible in part because of the support of the neighborhood.”

Peabody said the support the home tour gets goes directly to supporting the school they consider a neighborhood gem, from its International Baccalaureate status to its personalized learning and school garden.

“When you attend the 2018 Northaven Home Tour, you are supporting a neighborhood school where children literally jump out of the car ready to learn,” he said.

The homes in the tour this year include 7405 Kenshire Lane, 7206 Azalea, 7531 Midbury Drive, and 7219 Baxtershire.

Peabody gave us the low-down on two of the homes featured in the tour – 7405 Kenshire Lane and 7531 Midbury Drive.

Of 7405 Kenshire Lane, Peabody said, “Dramatically positioned on this corner lot, this home catches the eye as you enter the neighborhood from the Forest Lane entrance via Hill Haven. The use of ledge stone is a period statement that is a fresh today as it was in 1958. The home has been modified over the years retaining the clean lines typical of mid-century modern homes of this period. Modern furnishings are paired with one-of-a-kind artwork, including paintings by renowned local blind artist John Bramblitt.”

Newer home 7531 Midbury Drive, Peabody said, still respects the midcentury roots of the neighborhood.

“This stunning home extends a clear and respectful nod to its mid-century neighbors,” he said. “Designed by Bernbaum/Magadini Architects, the sophisticated structure provides ample opportunity to display modern furnishings and unique art. Light streams into the home from indirect sources providing an openness while maintaining privacy from the street.”

The tour will be held Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with check-in at 9 a.m. The title sponsor for the event is Bernbaum/Magadini Architects. Tickets are $25, and include the self-guided tour. For tickets and more information, click here.