A Return to Classic Highland Park Architecture

If you remember the 1980s in Dallas, you’ll remember the joke. It was common cocktail banter that the construction crane was the new state bird of Texas. Although construction is not as pervasive as it was in the 1980s, some impressive new residences are being built. However, most of them are contemporary. So what a treat to see a brand new Classic Highland Park home in the heart of the neighborhood.

Highland Park was created at a time when there was no such thing as contemporary residential construction. Colonial Revival, Spanish Revival, French Eclectic, Neoclassical, Tudor, and Georgian are among the styles that defined the look of Highland Park for generations.

When this classic Georgian-style new build from Robert Elliott Custom Homes hit my inbox I did a double take. Generally I never get a chance to write about their projects because they are always busy creating custom homes. But, once in a while, they have an opportunity to build a spec home, and they always knock it out of the park. 

“We love building all styles of homes,” Poppy Berg said.

Berg is the co-owner of Poppy McGough Design House with Shannon McGough and has also been the interior design brain at Robert Elliott Custom Homes since they began in 2009.

“When we see the market push us in one direction, we are excited to go back to our roots, which are in classic, traditional construction,” she said. “It feels like a reward when we go back to what we love to do, creating a beautiful, well-built traditional home that will serve a family for generations.”

That’s the thing about Highland Park. It’s a generational neighborhood. Families don’t leave and they often pass down homes.  Seeing a new traditional come to the market is exciting because it is a return to those classic styles that created the Highland Park look. We’ve had some wild builds here over the years. There’s Tom Workman’s Gnome House at the corner of Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road, which will likely see the bulldozer soon, and the impressive modern estate that Larry Speck designed on Potomac. While they are wonderful additions, they are anomalies when we consider the Highland Park look.

The classic style has a permanence to it. It feels and looks like it will last for generations because it does.

“We wanted a Classic Highland Park home, “Realtor Ty Vaughn with Robert Elliot and Associates said. “From the Georgian facade to the dark slate roof, it is Classic Highland Park in our eyes. It’s just beautiful architecture. Between the architect, Brenton Kyle, and the design team, it feels strong, sturdy, and beautiful. It feels custom.”

Emily Lester of Excel Staging created a warm, inviting atmosphere where potential buyers could understand each space.

“When I walked the house, I took in the details and thought, if I lived here, what would I want”? Lester said. “So, I curated from there and decided on textures and furnishings and highlighted the beauty of each space.” 

And yes, the furniture is available for sale, which is a nice bonus for those looking for a true move-in-ready home.

Ty Vaughn has this impressive Highland Park classic at 4508 Belfort Ave. available for $5.5 million.