I’m always amazed at how many tucked-away neighborhoods there are in Dallas that I’ve never heard of.  With really good architecture.

Just drove over to an area that I guess might be called Casa View Oaks, in an area of east Dallas that can only appreciate, near Ferguson and Oates.  There’s quite a pocket of Cliff May-designed houses over there that are crying out for young families to come on in, buy a house for next to nothing, do some restoration work, and end up with affordable architectural significance.

Cliff May, who is sometimes referred to as the Father of the California Ranch House, practiced throughout the mid century (20th, right).  His houses were notable for their close connection between interior and exterior spaces, which tends not to be the case with the ranch houses we all grew up in.  The houses over in Casa View Oaks clearly have it.  One current listing, 2651 Andrea Lane, is on the market for $146,000 and has been a hot topic over at livemodern.com.   Take a look at the photos.

One of the great things about the house is that, although it was built as a modest-sized house, Ford designed a second story and engineered the foundation with that in mind.  The fortunate person who buys this house gets an architectural gem, a cultural landmark, and a great view of the lake.  More photos can be found at 3625 Amherst.

In addition to being (I think) a great architect, Frank is an author, an artist, an extraordinary photographer and a generous teacher.

I was sitting at his feet in this picture and happy to have had the opportunity to do so yet again.  The shot was taken at the wonderful David Williams house at 3718 Lovers Lane during the Preservation Dallas tour this morning.

Get your walking shoes ready.

“I’ve heard from several well-placed sources that this home is grossly overpriced, even now with its price reduction. Also heard comments about unusual choices, etc. If you zoomed out on that pic, you’d also notice the neighbors homes look like 1970’s ranch houses. Great home if you want to stick out like a sore thumb!”

 I find this a fascinating comment. When we moved into our Hillcrest Estates neighborhood eight years ago, we were surrounded by 1950’s ranches, with the exception of one neighbor’s circa 1980’s home. Today we still have the ’80’s neighbor and the one on the other side, who is hardly ever at home (don’t get me started). We have one tick tacky ranch catty corner that has to go. This home is like Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard  after a plane crash. Once someone’s mid-century modern jewel, she moans for the dumpster. Not only has this home not been loved, it’s been abused — crystal meth, bad tricks. The day that house goes you can all come party chez moi. But I digress: my point is the others are gone. Vamoosh. Two ranches towards Northaven, adios. Ranch across the street, bye bye. More scrapers bit the dust further down the street. My point, which you already know, is that 4512 Isabella is a pioneer. Never mind those 1970’s ranches — unless we are all in bread lines with Warren Buffet and Bill Gates serving up soup, those houses will go eventually.

“Major price slashing in the last week at the Palomar Residences.  They were grossly overpriced from the start and haven’t been selling, so maybe this will start the ball rolling.  Some of the more expensive condos have been cut by 30% or more, like a $1,315,000 unit that is now $880,000.  The hotel seems to be doing well and is getting very good reviews, but the developer seriously overestimated the condo prices that this location could achieve.  The current $250/sq.ft. is much more appropriate than $400.”

My question: who’s financing them?