McDermott House is One Modern Masterpiece on Preservation Dallas Fall Tour

The McDermott House is one of five modern masterpieces on the Preservation Dallas Fall Architectural Tour on Oct. 26. 

By Carol Roark, Preservation Dallas
Special Contributor

In July 1953 Margaret and Eugene McDermott bought a property across the street from Highland Park Town Hall. Befitting his status as the Chairman of Texas Instruments, the couple needed a residence that could not only house their family, but offer space for them to entertain.

Landscape architects Marie and Arthur Berger, who were formulating plans for the property, suggested that the McDermotts use architect Scott Lyons to design their home. Lyons had, with his mentor and partner O’Neil Ford, designed a house for the Bergers in 1952.

Scott Lyons’ plans for the McDermotts spoke to their appreciation of color as well as to their insistence on elegance and quality.

Lyons planned a small house where the family could live while the larger residence was being constructed – and connected to the smaller house. The two-part design took its inspiration from the house Ford and Lyons had planned for the Bergers, which consists of two linked sections. The McDermotts worked closely with Lyons, who ran a one-person practice and did all of his own drawings.

Lyons’ plans for the McDermotts spoke to their appreciation of color as well as to their insistence on elegance and quality. After the larger portion of the residence was completed in 1970, Eugene McDermott used the smaller structure as an office space. The main residence not only showcased the couple’s remarkable art collection but served as an impressive setting where the McDermotts could entertain in support of the many causes they promoted. Eugene McDermott lived there until his death in 1973, and his wife Margaret occupied the home for another 45 years.

This house will be showcased along with four others and a bonus house for Preservation Dallas members only, on the October 26 Preservation Dallas Modern Masterpieces Fall Architectural Tour featuring unique modern designed homes from the 1950s to 1970s.

IF YOU GO:
Preservation Dallas Fall Architectural Tour: “Modern Masterpieces”
When: October 26
Tickets: $40 for Preservation Dallas members, $50 for the public — click here to purchase