In Town Dallas

Oak Cliff Home Tour

Old Oak Cliff Conservation League
Tickets may be purchased
At Kessler Theater
1230 W. Davis Street
Saturday, October 10; Noon - 6 pm
Sunday, October 11; Noon - 6 pm
on-line

Well, there are three things you can count on for sure from Oak Cliff, East Dallas and Park Cities.  Diverse period architecture from the turn-of-the last century through today, unwavering neighborhood pride and on occasion, eye rolling errant behavior that becomes infamous lore for generations which, let’s face it, gives Big D and PC its rich legacy of colorful characters and history.

The three neighborhoods generally accept each others separate but equal eccentricities and home tours are a perfect way to catch up with friends from around the city and support each others causes and conservation.   If you haven’t been to Bishop Arts yet, this Saturday as well as on Sunday during the Old Oak Cliff Conservation Leagues Home Tour, Julie McCullough Kim has produced the semi-annual Urban Street Bazaar event.  Eighty-five artists, artisans and vendors with handmade goods that are wearable, doable, frameable and simply “all that” from around North Texas will be on hand along with live music.  Check vendor highlights here.  

President of OOCCL, Michael Amonett said there are twelve homes on the tour in nine of their member neighborhoods and the homes range in age from 1913 to 2008.  In addition, the Kessler Theater hit by a tornado in 1957 and currently undergoing extensive renovations, estimated to be complete in December is also on tour.  Located at 1230 W. Davis Street, the theater was closed in the 1950’s.  The neighborhoods include Beckleywood, Elmwood, East Kessler, Kessler Woods, West Kessler, Kidd Springs, Winnetka Heights and Wynnewood Estates.   Oak Cliff is where you go when you need a lift, topographically speaking.  While the other areas have a couple of scenic vistas, OC is the only place in Dallas proper that has actual hills – by flatland standards anyway.  Amonett says, “What began 35 years ago as an effort to spotlight, restore and protect a few neighborhoods has grown to include 29 different neighborhoods throughout the area.”   Check their website or go to the Kessler Theater for tickets. 

If the sneak peek at a few of the homes looks familiar, it helps you understand why the aforementioned three neighborhoods have so much in common.  

 

This California Style Bungalow on Montclair built in 1913

is located in Winnetka Heights and was enlarged in the 1930’s

and again in the 70’s.

 

 

 

Located in the new subdivision, Kessler Woods,

this 2,450 SF home built in 2008 is loaded with 1950’s

and 60’s designer furniture, lamps and accessories.

 

 

The super cute Tudor in Kessler Plaza built

in 1942 has quarters

 

 

 

Beckelywood Estates was cut in half in the 1960’s

when imminent domain to build R. L. Thornton

displaced many families.  Although prevelant in many

Dallas neighbohroods, the charm of the 1949

Austin Stone Bungalow has been conserved.

 

 

The East Kessler Mid Century built in 1951

by architect David Braden for his family is situated

on a sloping lot and has a deck bridge into the house. 

A playhouse in the back resembles the residence.

 

Other events

Urban Street Bazaar: Saturday, October 10; Noon - 8 pm  and Sunday, October 11; Noon - 4 pm

Tyler Street Block Party between 7th and 8th:  Saturday, October 10; 6 - 10 pm