Once you’ve checked out the Elite Auctions preview of 11322 E. Ricks Circle on Sept. 14, join me from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Claridge (3510 Turtle Creek Blvd., Units 18 A and B) for your chance to tour my Penthouse Plunge before demolition as I revive and return two Turtle Creek penthouses to their glory, and one to the market. 

Renovate: Reuse and Recycle

Every renovation has items from the existing home that no longer work with the new design. For my Athena renovation, I donated appliances, built-in cabinetry, lighting, doors and frames plus bathroom fixtures. The Claridge penthouses are no different. In and amongst the wine and nibbles, you’ll see what doesn’t fit with my plans and so is being donated, bartered, and frankly, for sale to anyone interested.

Respectful renovation isn’t the HGTV spectacle of sledgehammer-wielding destruction. It’s about taking a few minutes and finding a new home for eminently usable items that just aren’t “you.”

For example, kitchen and bathroom cabinets would be welcomed by housing charities. Ditto doors, windows, faucets, etc. You’re doing good and getting a tax write-off.

So far, in the “for sale” bin are four NOT-Chihuly chandeliers – one in each entry and two in the office (and my future bedroom). The clear/white one seen above is in the B-unit entry.

The A-unit entry features a red/orange light that could be confused with molten lava. Both entry chandeliers measure approximately 24-inches across.

The two NOT-Chihulys found in the office are comprised of brown, tan and beige glass. The larger measures approximately 60-inches long by 30-inches wide. The smaller is round and measures about 20-inches.

But some items have already potentially been spoken for. The etched glass Dallas skyline measuring 87- by 39-inches has been of interest to one of my glass contractors who will swap a discount for the piece.

Yup, more glass. A second glass contractor is similarly thinking about swapping services for this piece. They’re opening a showroom and it would be used to show the kinds of special effects possible for custom glass projects.

Finally, we have the super-expensive Siematic kitchen in the A-unit. It’s high-gloss lacquered maple – that’s barely been used (Dallas has a lot of show kitchens). Being Siematic, there are tons of secret drawers and inserts that make this a very efficient kitchen.

I’ve been in contact with Habitat for Humanity about donating the whole kitchen. They’re thrilled.

So remember that when renovating, “one man’s castoff is another’s treasure.”

Oh! I almost forgot the bevy of tube-TVs (some combos with VCRs!), and a few more leave-behinds, so come check it out. But this isn’t about a high-rise yard sale, it’s to show the “before” so you can follow my progress to  the “after.”  Better yet, love the space and make an offer on the A-unit post-renovation. Ha!

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Remember:  High-rises, HOAs and renovation are my beat. But I also appreciate modern and historical architecture balanced against the YIMBY movement. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, the National Association of Real Estate Editors recognized my writing with three Bronze (2016, 2017, 2018) and two Silver (2016, 2017) awards.  Have a story to tell or a marriage proposal to make?  Shoot me an email [email protected]. Be sure to look for me on Facebook and Twitter. You won’t find me, but you’re welcome to look.