This Charles Dilbeck-Designed Park Cities Duplex is The Opposite of Cookie-Cutter Density
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We have loved this Charles Dilbeck-designed Park Cities duplex for years. When CandysDirt.com Publisher Candy Evans first spotted it for sale in 2017, it needed some TLC. That’s just what it received.
Admittedly, it takes vision to breathe new life into a historic home, but when that happens, the result is nothing short of magnificent.
There was no one better suited to take on the challenge of bringing an exceptional historic property into this century than Kent Stainback, Chairman and CEO of The Stainback Organization.
This family business offers commercial and luxury residential real estate services. You may be familiar with some of their recent projects like The Morrow at Daniel, beautiful luxury townhomes for lease in the Park Cities.
When Stainback had the opportunity to purchase this Dilbeck-designed Park Cities duplex, he did not hesitate.
A tangle of wisteria vines almost concealed the two-story structure, the original Dutch doors were in sad shape, the famous horse head gate had been removed, and if you take a look at Candy’s original story in 2017, you can see the interiors needed a major upgrade.
Stainback was not deterred.
“We bought it with the intention of having it as a rental property,” he said. “The entire intent was to keep the charm but update it to basically create a brand new house.”
Stainback even recreated the iron horse head gate. A lot of people are not in the position to spend what Stainback did on the property, but he knew the importance of the structure and also knew what today’s buyers and renters expect in the Park Cities. In fact, one of Stainback’s favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin.
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” –
“You are never sorry for doing something of high quality because there is always a market for it,” Stainback said.
Stainback truly pulled out all the stops, adding sound attenuation (meaning you won’t hear any traffic noise), new windows, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
The kitchens and bathrooms were remodeled to match those in any new build you can find on the market today. There is smart home technology, and the garages have climate-controlled storage.
Stainback thought of everything, and it came in handy when his own home had an unexpected flood.
“This was the only property our company had vacant at the time, so we moved in,” Stainback said. “It had all the amenities we were used to. We loved living here.”
Rare Quality For a Park Cities Duplex
When I featured this Dilbeck Ranch last summer, I turned to the founder of The Charles Stevens Dilbeck Architecture Conservancy, Willis Winters. His words bear repeating.
I’ve always considered this to be his premier ranch duplex. Everything comes together on it: proportion, massing, and roof materials. His signature details are on this, like the horse’s head on the gate and the little cantilevered windows. A duplex is an interesting design challenge because you are putting two families together but with dedicated entries and privacy. This University Park duplex has outdoor living space, which many duplexes don’t have. He designed walled-in courtyards and patios. I feel this is one of his best residential designs.
WIllis Winters
What is especially appealing about this particular Dilbeck is that it’s a rare remaining Park Cities duplex. When we think about the popularity of multi-generational living, it offers a rare opportunity for that lifestyle in the heart of University Park. You can see just how well it works at the open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25.
This is an amazing opportunity to own one of the most important historic homes in the Park Cities, within walking distance of Highland Park High School, SMU, and Highland Park Village, and at an incredible price per square foot. It’s simply a great buy.
Allie Beth Allman & Associates‘ Alexis Collard has this Dilbeck-designed Park Cities duplex at 4100 University Blvd. listed for $2.599 million.
