This Modern Estate in Highland Park is Destined to Become Iconic

There are a handful of architects in Texas that I’d consider placing on the ladder when it comes to modern architecture. Larry Speck is at the top.

His design of this modern estate in Highland Park is everything we hope for in architecture today. It blends so beautifully into the serene setting, it’s almost part of the scenery.

Speck does not build a lot of residences. He did a stunning renovation and addition to a 1970s home by Bud Oglesby in Turtle Creek. Other than that, I am not certain he’s done another in Dallas. If so, please let us know.

Speck is primarily known for his Texas landmarks, including the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, the Austin Convention Center, and the architecture for Discovery Green, a 12-acre park in downtown Houston. He also led the team designing Rough Creek Lodge, and his contributions to the Town Lake Master Plan were instrumental in shaping downtown Austin. His University of Texas bio completes the picture:

Larry Speck has been a faculty member at UT Austin since 1975 and served as Dean of the School of Architecture from 1992-to 2001. Over the last 25 years, his design work has won over 100 national, regional and local design awards. He has authored three books and has edited or co-edited four publications. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and served as chair of the jury to select fellows in 2005. He has also served on the Architectural Advisory Board for the U.S. State Department Overseas Building Operations, as a National Peer Reviewer for the U.S. General Services Administration Design Excellence Program, and on the boards of national environmental groups such as Greenguard Environmental Institute and Air Quality Sciences. Larry has received 19 University-wide teaching or service awards at UT Austin. He is also the 2011 recipient of the ACSA/AIA Topaz Medallion given to one individual in North America each year in recognition of their contribution to excellence in architectural education.

This information is essential for many reasons, particularly because of the present social media furor over the destruction of Highland Park’s historic homes.

I get it. We all hate to lose the past. But we need to dispel the myth that all of these historic homes are being replaced by developers’ big white builder boxes without an architect involved. It’s simply untrue.

This house replaced one built in 1975, so no beloved historic home was harmed in the process, and as you’ve read above, there could not be a more talented and experienced architect involved. This home will become iconic because that is what happens. We create new architectural history when — and only when — significant architects are a part of the process. This modern estate is part of the fabric of our future architectural history.

The home is spectacular. From the exterior that is wrapped in warm tones reminiscent of redwood trees to the walls of glass offering stunning views of Turtle Creek and the Dallas Country Club golf course. The beauty of new construction, done right, is how well it flows and works for the way we use our homes today.

The living and dining rooms flank the foyer in a traditional manner, but that is where tradition takes a step back. The living room leads to the study, and the dining room shares a fireplace with the family room, which opens into the breakfast room and kitchen. The flow is seamless.

Guest quarters, a playroom, and an elevator complete the first level of this 6,809-square-foot modern estate.

Upstairs you’ll find the principal suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the creek, an office, and two additional bedrooms.

The outdoor areas are exceptional, with spots for large gatherings as well as cozy ones to curl up in with a book and enjoy your privacy.

Allie Beth Allman has this magnificent, architecturally significant modern estate at 3932 Potomac Ave. listed for $16.8 million.