Historic Kessler Plaza Cottage Reimagined for Modern Living on Heritage Oak Cliff Tour

The 2025 Heritage Oak Cliff Fall Home Tour is set to kick off Oct. 25 and 26, and CandysDirt.com is proud to be the tour’s media sponsor. One of these homes on this outstanding tour is 2623 Marvin Ave. in Kessler Plaza:

The Oak Cliff neighborhood of Kessler Plaza — developed between the 1930s and 1950s — remains a tapestry of eclectic architectural styles, from Tudor and Colonial Revival cottages to postwar ranches. Tenth Street and Marvin Avenue hold some of the area’s most picturesque examples: compact stone and brick houses, often two-bedroom in scale, set amid tree-lined streets.

Built in 1941, 2623 Marvin Avenue is emblematic of this tradition — a stone-fronted cottage with historic charm, now reinterpreted for contemporary living.

Homeowners Josh Petty and Paul Aguilar purchased the 1,354-square-foot residence and have approached it with both preservation and reinvention in mind. The layout, originally two bedrooms and a single bath, has been expanded with the addition of a primary en-suite bathroom and closet, cleverly carved from what was once a sunroom. The home’s single bath was completely updated, complementing the new suite to create a balance of historic structure and modern comfort.

The kitchen renovation exemplifies Petty’s design-forward eye — he owns a design firm, Josh Petty Design — and establishes the home’s aesthetic language: streamlined cabinetry, fresh finishes, and an emphasis on craftsmanship.

Every inch of the home’s interior and exterior has been repainted, a transformation that highlights its architectural detail and brightens natural light. The careful selection of fixtures, art, and furniture reinforces the balance between restraint and statement, seen in sculptural lighting, layered textiles, and curated objects.

The interiors mix dramatic contrasts and quiet neutrals: a moody dining room cloaked in deep black, where modern lighting plays against vintage silhouettes; a light-filled living room with soft furnishings, crisp drapery, and tactile accents; and bathrooms that juxtapose bold graphic tilework with timeless subway tile and warm wood cabinetry.

Equally important is the landscape design, a personal passion of Aguilar’s. The front and back yards have been completely reimagined, pairing structured beds with lush greenery and creating a sense of outdoor rooms. The result enhances curb appeal while extending livable space into the garden.

Future plans include an expansion, but already 2623 Marvin Avenue demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate a historic Dallas cottage into a home that is both deeply personal and perfectly suited for modern life.

The Home Sponsor for 2623 Marvin Ave is Emily Ruth Cannon, Ann Andrews, and Bill Farrell of Oak Cliff Real Estate at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, and Josh Petty of Josh Petty Design Studio.