The Lakewood Conservation Expansion Will Protect Homes Like This Dines & Kraft Eclectic Cottage

Wouldn’t you hate to think of Lakewood without homes like this eclectic Dines & Kraft cottage? The historic Tudor, Spanish Eclectic/Revival, French Eclectic, Neoclassical, and Colonial homes define the character of Lakewood. 

This was originally the home of Mrs. F.W. Boedeker. Her husband was the founder of Boedeker Ice Manufacturing Co., a large ice cream factory. Jay Firsching wrote a great post for us on the renaissance of Mr. Boedeker’s factory in the Cedars. One can only imagine the ice cream socials in this home!

After attending the 18th meeting concerning Lakewood Conservation District’s Expansion on Tuesday evening (yes, 18th), it made me wonder why anyone would not want to protect these historic homes. I think, basically, there is a lot of assumption and misinformation about how conservation districts really work, and, of course, people don’t like rules.

Meeting Set Oct. 29 to Review Final Revisions for Lakewood Conservation District 

I can safely say, I have lived in the Hollywood Heights conservation district since 1990 and it’s never adversely impacted me or any neighbors I know. The fact we have the largest collection of stone embellished cottages in America, two fantastic Pueblos, some drop-dead gorgeous Spanish Eclectics and adorable minimal traditional cottages is WHY people move to Hollywood Heights.

For those who believe that homes in Lakewood are not being torn down, let’s not forget the rare Spanish Eclectic by historic architect Clifford Hutsell that was tragically demolished on Lakewood Blvd last August. This was a significant loss to our community and a stark reminder of the importance of preservation.  

Rare Lakewood Spanish Eclectic Designed by Clifford Hutsell is Available For The First Time in 48 Years

This particular Dines & Kraft cottage is a rare gem, boasting an intriguing combination of stylistic influences. As preservation architect and former Preservation Dallas president Norman Alston described, “It features both English Tudor and English Elizabethan details on part of the home’s exterior, with Spanish Baroque Barley twist columns.” Its eclectic nature, which defies categorization, only adds to its charm and allure.

This is quite an opportunity to own a 1927 Dines & Kraft eclectic cottage that has been fully updated and expanded. That is another thing that opponents of the expansion don’t seem to grasp fully. You CAN alter the interior of historic homes and add on to the back. Come over to Hollywood Heights and have a look! We have what amounts to homes behind homes because the original Tudor cottages were about 1400 square feet. The owners have made amazing additions that blend beautifully, exactly like architect Eddie Maestri has done on this Dines & Kraft.

Hiring the right architect is 100% of getting it right on any historic home. Maestri Studio has beautifully preserved what makes these homes so sought-after while adding in the elements and square footage modern families need. The living room’s original plaster molding, vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and a seldom-seen Calco Mayan tile fireplace were all preserved to ensure the character of the home was retained. The breakfast room has been transformed to double as a bar, which is rather a stroke of genius. It features the original pique assiette floors that people are emulating today.

Lee Lamont of EXP Realty has this wonderful Dines & Kraft eclectic cottage at 6921 Westlake Ave. available for $3.249 million. I’d buy it simply for that incredible fireplace!

This house is a perfect example of why preservation matters and how conservation expansion is the right move.