Replacement of Historic Highland Park Mansion Worries Neighbors – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Some neighbors worry about what will replace a historic mansion in Highland Park after the new owner’s plans make the rounds.
Conservationists say too many old mansions have disappeared and they are not excited about the replacements.
A backhoe and dump truck working on 3800 Beverly Drive Thursday only raised concerns about the future of the great house, which was built in 1922.
Dallas County’s tax filings show the 4 bedroom, 5 bath, 3 half bath home is valued at $ 8 million.
Interior designer Amy Berry grew up in the neighborhood.
“It’s a nice house. I don’t feel like it needs to be demolished. I mean, this block has so many beautiful old houses and they all have so much history. It’s a shame, ”she said.
Builder Bob Tabesh with Avedon said the old house would not be demolished. He said the workers are only clearing the way for the house to be moved to another location.
An online post from his company shared by neighbors says that a huge 35,000-square-foot house with 3 basement levels and 3 levels above ground is planned on the property.
Tabesh said moving companies would assemble the house into pieces and truck it away.
MVL Inc. landscaper Bryant Griffith, who works on the Highland Park mansions, said he had seen house moves before.
He said it was also possible to move large trees behind the Beverly house to make way for moving companies.
Griffith said he preferred to see the old houses saved, but that wasn’t always feasible.
“Sometimes it’s less expensive to tear them down and start from scratch,” Griffith said.
Tabesh said the Beverly house had frost damage, foundation problems, and a layout that is unsuitable for modern use.
“I don’t think they tried very hard,” said Berry. “Old houses are just worth saving.”
Some of the replacement new builds in Highland Park don’t look like the older ones.
Preservation Park Cities group employees said they are not against architectural diversity, but are pushing for historical structures to be preserved.
“It’s a shame to see houses like this being demolished, not just this one but many others in the Park Cities,” said member Burton Rhodes.
The home at 3800 Beverly was designed by noted architect Hal Thomson, and moving to another location would remove the history of that location, members of Preservation Park Cities said.
“We don’t know what to replace it with, but this is one of the most important homes in our community and it’s heartbreaking,” said Member Tish Key.
Tabesh said it would be about a month before the house was moved when a new location is found.
The president of arms manufacturer Springfield Armory is the new property owner along with his wife.
Your agent said they were out of the country on Thursday and unavailable.
Highland Park City officials did not return a message.
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