A Fresh Take on The Modern Duplex

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modern duplex

In my younger years, I lived in a duplex in East Dallas. Back then, they were all circa 1920s, so they had the traditional floorplan. I loved the lifestyle, and man did we party there.

If anyone had designed a modern duplex like this one, I’d have moved heaven and earth to buy it because it’s built to entertain! 

modern duplex

When architect Jeff Rennells decided to branch out into development, he partnered with his friend Nic Jung and the two set out to make their mark in East Dallas with their company DUAL workshop.

Boy, did they.

The perspective the two have brought to this area is like a breath of fresh air. Over the past 10 years we’ve seen crazy development from Henderson to Cityplace — and it all looks the same. Rennells and Jung have banished the boring and brought us an exciting new look with this modern duplex. 

modern duplex

“We wanted to bring something different to the area,” Jeff said. He and his wife Stephanie, who owns the Uptown wine bar Cork, like to entertain, a lot.

Stephanie is also a Realtor with The Rise Team at Paragon Realtors so she knows a thing or two about what buyers want, and they both know what their target demographic wants, a place where entertaining is at the top of the wish list in a home.

modern duplex

“We changed the layout by flipping tradition on its head, putting the private spaces on the first floor, and raising the living space,” Jeff said. “Then we created a completely open floor plan with the kitchen in the heart of it because we all know that’s where the action happens!”  

modern duplex

“The main living area is a huge entertaining space,” Stephanie said. “We entertain a lot, so it’s based on our lifestyle. We focused on you having a grand old time in your house!”

The large open concept living space has floor-to-ceiling windows and doors with an impressive 15-foot vaulted ceiling to allow natural light to fill the space.

“Oddly enough, when you are in the space since you are elevated, you get to see the trees, and you capture nature even though you are in an urban setting,” Jeff said.

modern duplex

Jeff and Nic worked with Propel Build to bring their ideas to life in this 2,500-square-foot modern duplex. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a powder bath, and a Walk Score of 80, this is what buyers are looking for today.

modern duplex

Jeff and Nic are on my list of Ones to Watch because it’s evident they are interested in adding to the surrounding community and enhancing it with their designs. We cannot wait to see what they do next!

Although one modern duplex has been sold, you can still nab 4402 Capitol Avenue if you move fast. Stephanie has it listed for $669,900.

Open House: Sunday, December 6, 1 to 3 p.m.

Karen is a senior columnist at Candy’s Media and has been writing stories since she could hold a crayon. She is a globe-trotting, history-loving eternal optimist who would find it impossible to live well without dogs, Tex-Mex, and dark chocolate. She covers luxury properties and historic preservation for Candys Dirt.

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