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The renovated stair with a new balustrade by John Tackett Design compliments the original style of the house. The custom stencilled decorative painting was executed by the late Robert Jackson and his crew.
Photo by Pieter Estersohn. |
As a continuation of the series of posts on the house in Volk Estates, University Park, Dallas, the improvements for the main staircase in the Entrance Hall are presented here. Although the house was built in the Tudor Revival style in 1934, it had been remodelled in the 1950s with many of the original details replaced by more modern and eclectic features. The Fifties iron stair balustrade was the first thing noticed on entering the house, and it was the feature at the top of the list that the new owners were most eager to change.
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A BEFORE view of the Fifties balustrade showing the new oak handrail.
Photo by John Tackett Design. |
New wood balusters, newel and handrail were designed to compliment the architecture and comply with safety requirements. The curve of the stairs was continued above, with the floor opening altered and a curved second floor partition added to redefine the space.
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An IN PROGRESS view showing the new balustrade and the altered floor opening to continue the curve.
Photo by John Tackett Design. |
These changes led to a reconstruction of the entrance to the second floor bedroom located above the main entrance. Although the bedroom had an attractive triple exposure, the original locations of the doors prevented a comfortable placement of furniture. The new plan proposed by John Tackett Design shown below was realized, relocating the entrance to a large walk-through closet that also provided acess to an adjacent second guest bathroom and guest bedroom (not shown).
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The Proposed Plan of the renovated second floor Stair Hall and the Guest Bedroom.
Drawing by John Tackett Design. |
On the exterior, the unique original oriel window of Douglas fir, copper, and leaded glass placed against the exterior wall of random Texas fieldstone and diaper-patterned brick makes the house memorable. The original architect was Clyde H. Griesenbeck, noted for his picturesque Tudor manors in both University Park and adjacent Highland Park.
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An Exterior view of the main entrance with the Guest Bedroom above.
Photo by Steve Clicque from THE HOMES OF THE PARK CITIES, DALLAS: GREAT AMERICAN SUBURBS. |
The 2008 book THE HOMES OF THE PARK CITIES, DALLAS: GREAT AMERICAN SUBURBS may be purchased through The Devoted Classicist Library at a discount of 37% off the published price and the option of free shipping by clicking here.
