Strait Lane has been one of our millionaire miles for decades. Name a mover and shaker, from Ross Perot to Kenny and Lisa Troutt to Phil Romano, Andy Beal, and Dirk Nowitzki, they’ve all lived here. Now you too can live here in this Strait Lane Modernist designed by two of our most respected architects, Bill Booziotis and Downing Thomas.
Downing and Booziotis were architectural stars of their generation with residential and commercial projects under their belts as well as the restoration of historic buildings. I think they would be thrilled that one of their residential designs was rescued from the wrecking ball and completely renovated by Clyde Kemp’s Co & Bray LLC. When Kemp saw it a couple of years ago, he didn’t know the provenance, but he did know good design and the appeal of Strait Lane.
“I knew it had to be architecturally significant because when you look out a window, you realize the architects foresaw every view out of each window,” he said.
Kemp was spot on. I remembered a conversation I had in 2023 with the brilliant architect Max Levy. He told me,” The most elementary act of architecture is the framing of a view. The true power of architecture lies in the fact that you don’t need much interior decoration. You wind up with a beautiful natural space graced with an awareness of nature that colors your life.” That is the beauty of architect-designed homes and why we should never bulldoze them.
There is so much to love about this tranquil creek property, from the canopy of mature trees that offer immense privacy to the obvious architectural beauty. This 1971 Strait Lane Modernist is reflective of the era in so many ways. Expansive windows frame the views, as Levy said, and emphasize the importance of nature and light.
There was a touch of Brutalism at this time, especially notable in the facade of the home and its pool house. And, of course, the use of natural materials is evident in the ceilings, which are wrapped in wood, offering a warm counterpoint to the striking white walls that provide clear definition to the home’s beautiful lines. There are 7,955 square feet with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, one powder bath, and a media room. The footprint stayed the same, but every finish was upgraded. Kemp also had it beautifully staged by George Bass Stage & Design.
The 1970s continued the trend of open-concept living, and we saw a significant increase in the use of dramatic interior balconies as a connection between lower and upper floors. That architectural feature is especially striking in this Strait Lane Modernist.
One of the things I think was done particularly well in the remodel was the kitchen, which manages to honor the 1970s style while being fully modern. Note that even the kitchen is a room with a view.
The home is set on a lot that backs up to Bachman Branch and it’s got the most striking outdoor feature. Booziotis and Thomas created a trio of open concrete box structures by the pool. I pulled an old photo to show you the pure architectural form so you can compare it to what it became: an outdoor kitchen. That really was not a thing in the 1970s. We just grilled on the good old Weber! But this is next level.
You have privacy, architectural significance, and this beauty is on the millionaire mile. What more could you ask for?
