Jon Anderson

An award-winning columnist, Jon has earned silver and bronze awards for his columns from the National Association of Real Estate Editors in both 2016, 2017 and 2018. When he isn't in Hawaii, Jon enjoys life in the sky in Dallas.

Why Are Newer High-Rise Floor Plans So Bad?

By Jon Anderson / October 17, 2019 /

Back in 2016, I recognized 3525 Turtle Creek for having the best high-rise floor plans. I said they were pretty fine as-is, but also were very malleable for owners to change with the times. Most of you know this building was built in 1957 as Dallas’ first residential high-rise. Since that column, I’ve often wondered why older…

AIA Dallas Built Design Awards Highlight Local Projects

By Jon Anderson / October 15, 2019 /

Last week, The Dallas branch of the American Institute of Architects awarded winners in their annual Built Design competition (versus June’s Unbuilt awards). There were 72 nominations, which consisted of eight private residences, 10 medical facilities, and nine educational projects – and one scrappy Tyler, Texas, bank who had three entries. Above is my favorite…

Gaggenau Cooks Up Quality And Beauty At Hall Arts Residences

By Jon Anderson / October 7, 2019 /

Serendipity — an unplanned series of happy intersections. It all began when I attended Craig Hall’s 50th anniversary bash for his Hall Group company – as a “plus one” of Dave Perry-Miller agent Sharon Quist. She introduced me to Hall Group VP Lea Anne Laughlin and we spoke about the under-construction Hall Arts project betwixt and…

Oak Lawn Committee Sees Two Contrasting Projects

By Jon Anderson / October 2, 2019 /

Before I begin, I have to give a shout-out to my Chicago brethren who have upped the bar for project location mapping. Usually we’re treated to a line drawing or a Google Maps image with various shaded boxes. The above map was supplied for Ari Rastegar’s project at 1900 McKinney Avenue. We have an earthquake-like…

Real Estate Relies on People: What Happens When People Change

By Jon Anderson / September 25, 2019 /

Dwellings, offices, factories, warehouses, restaurants, even zoos, are all built for people. Seems an exceedingly obvious statement. Equally obvious is the fact that as society changes, its man-made structures change, too. Ebb and flow and all that. But what I find fascinating is how little we learn. The old saying goes that those who don’t…