The Art House condos, designed by architect Lionel Morrison, were cutting-edge when they were completed in 2004. It’s a testament to Morrison’s genius that, 21 years later, this eight-unit building remains ahead of its time.
Finding an architecturally significant, completely updated luxury condo in the heart of Dallas is like finding the proverbial needle in the haystack. They don’t come along often. In fact, the last time we saw one available to purchase at Art House was five years ago.
When Kay Jones found out there was availability at Art House, she didn’t hesitate. After all, she loved Lionel Morrison; the condo offered two bedrooms, three bathrooms and one-level living. It was only a block from Turtle Creek, a quick walk to the Katy Trail, and halfway between Highland Park and Downtown Dallas.
Her first call was to friend and architect Cliff Welch, founder of Welch Architecture, with whom she had worked on multiple projects. While Morrison is truly a genius, remember Art House was built two decades ago. Materials, techniques, and tastes have evolved, and Jones particularly wanted to display as much of her art collection as possible. That may sound easy, but it’s not. It required removing the ceilings, and as happens, it quickly became a complete renovation.
“It was exciting to work in an architecturally significant building and rewarding to honor the space while making it work for the client,” Welch said. “Working with a client you have a relationship with means I know her art, furniture, and taste. To figure out how to layer things into a new environment is exciting. It’s a kind of a Rubik’s cube.”
Lighting is a significant part of architecture, and Welch has consistently integrated lighting consultants into his projects, working with Mike and Mitchel Oborny, owners of Focus Design.
“With the advances in technology, it has gotten to the point where you need that expertise, and lighting is critical on an interior space like this,” Welch said.
Lighting was not the only innovative addition to the 2,275-square-foot condo. “Cliff brought in something unique called 2tec2 flooring,” Jones said. This flooring is produced by a Belgian company that has become a global pioneer in woven flooring and is generally seen in commercial applications. Half the condo’s floors are covered in 2tec2. “It has probably been the thing people comment on the most,” Jones said. “It’s a nice offset to concrete flooring and a worthwhile investment.”
Welch designed a Poliform wall system in the media room and special shelving to display Jones collection of blocks by a South African artist. “This is the first time I’ve had a full media room, and I’m going to miss that,” Jones said.
“It has been fun to live at Art House,” Jones said. ” I’m going to miss one level of living, the media room, and the big outdoor patio. I’ve enjoyed the lock-and-leave lifestyle.”
Allie Beth Allman Realtors Shelly Tillery and Eve Sullivan have this exceptional Art House condo 2-D at 3740 Holland Ave. available for $2.35 million.
