Swing Into Style in This East Kessler Midcentury Modern

This East Kessler Midcentury Modern is the proverbial jaw-dropper. Coming across a perfectly updated, move-in-ready 1960s home is like finding the needle in the haystack, so I could not wait to share this one with you.

Because Oak Cliff is known for some of the most beautiful historic Craftsman and Tudor homes in Dallas, many buyers are surprised to learn that several neighborhoods feature distinctive Midcentury Modern homes.

If you are a regular reader, you will remember that in 1955 Earl Hayes built his incredible Midcentury Modern home on 718 Kessler Lake Drive. Former Dallas Mayor Robert Folsom chose Timbergrove Circle in the 1960s to develop homes primarily in a contemporary style. With such close proximity to Methodist Hospital, East Kessler has drawn doctors who have built extraordinary homes here for decades. It’s not surprising the neighborhood was dubbed Pill Hill!

The houses in East Kessler Park blend into the chalk cliffs of the hilly, wooded landscape located southwest and within walking distance of downtown Dallas. Streets follow the steep, winding topography of Coombs Creek and Kidd Springs Creek as they meander through the neighborhood on their way to the Trinity River. Popular Kessler Parkway Park and the Coombs Creek walking and bike trail line the northern border.
The residential architectural styles range from late 1930s Austin stone to ranch, mid-century contemporary to ultra modern. Sizes range from cottages to multi-story houses, including dwellings that climb their hillside lots. Today, East Kessler Park is considered to contain the most eclectic mix of architecture inside the entire city of Dallas.

East Kessler Neighborhood Association

When former owner Curtis Liberada purchased this East Kessler Midcentury Modern home atop a dramatic cliffside, it was a far cry from what you see today. Liberada founded 2clighting, where he was principal and creative director for 26 years. The company managed domestic and international projects for a wide variety of clients including hospitality, commercial, high-end residential, civic projects, and charitable events. I’m not sure there could have been a more suitable steward for this home.

In 2007, Liberada took this house to the studs. He deftly recreated this East Kessler Midcentury Modern, paying homage to its roots while offering everything today’s homeowner needs. That jaw-drop starts at the entrance, which opens into a dramatic vaulted living area with a massive window wall. The space is divided by an enormous double-sided stone fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows run throughout the home, offering unobstructed views of the hillside.

The kitchen transformation offers an idea of how well Liberada blended midcentury detail with modern function. Mocha quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and top-of-the-line appliances blend beautifully with windows that are reminiscent of the era.

With 1,698 square feet with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, the home also offers an unexpected feature — an elevator. It’s conveniently located near Methodist Hospital, the Bishop Arts District, Sylvan Thirty, Ty-Po, and Stevens Park Golf Course. 

Dave Perry-Miller Realtor Melissa O’Brien has this East Kessler Midcentury Modern home at 438 Greenbriar Lane available for $899,000. This is one of those rare finds so I would not be surprised if it has multiple offers by the time you read this.