LUXURY HOMES

despite the depression, the 1920s and 1930s were prosperous times for many in Dallas. Cotton was king-Texas produced more than one-third of all the cotton raised in the nation, and merchants from around the world traveled to Dallas to buy it at the Cotton Exchange,

At the same time, the advent of the automobile and better roads made it possible for Dallas’ affluent fiamilies to move from downtown to newer neighborhoods that began to encircle the inner city. Often when we think of neighborhoods populated by the well-heeled, we think of Highland Park first, but neighborhoods like Lakewood, east of downtown, and Kessler Park, south of downtown, had their share of luxury homes. They still do.

“Today, neighborhoods like Lakewood and Kessler Park have incredible historic value,” says Briggs-Frceman agent Karen Fry, who adds that these areas haven’t suffered from the tear-down scenario that has plagued Highland Park.

On May 15, Fry sold a landmark home at 6921 Tokalon Dr. in Lakewood to a young Park Cities couple. The two-story, eclectic French manse on a wooded lot, built in 1936, had originally been listed for $799,000, was later reduced to $699,000 and sold for $662,000.

The home’s seller, Jerry M. Lewis III, grew up in the house and bought it from his parents in 1987. Carefully renovated by Jim Dauterman in 1988, the old and the new were beautifully integrated. Spacious formais and a mahogany-paneled library were preserved, yet the kitchen now opens to a large family room. Also a master bath and walk-in closet were carved from existing space in Today’s style.

The house had never been on the popular Lakewood Tour of Homes, so when Fry opened it for a tour last September, more than 300 people showed up, some coming from as far as El Paso. Fry says that the home’s age, unique architecture and location all contributed to the appeal. The tall trees and winding hills of Tokulon Drive have had a lasting allure, Fry says.

Several other recent sales in Lakewood prove that the neighborhood has its share of pricey homes. The 4,453-square-foot home at 7010 Delrose Dr, sold for $535,000 on June 14. It had originally been listed for $549,900. Built in 1950, the house, on a 223-by-168-foot lot behind an elaborate iron and brick fence, features marble and wood floors and paneling imported from Greece.

Lakewood’s best-known street, Lakewood Boulevard, home of the annual Fourth of July parade, has some of the finest examples of the neighborhood’s 1920s architecture. A prime example is 6702 Lakewood Blvd., built in 1927, which sold for $455,500 on Feb. 16. Originally listed for $515,000 and later reduced to $499,000, the three-story, 4,148-square-foot Colonial has three large bedrooms plus a nursery, a game room and something rarely seen in Dallas-a partial basement

South of the Trinity River, Kessler Park touts its share of history, hills, trees and luxury homes. 1228 N. Windomere Ave. sold on March 12 for $417,000. The 3,985-square-foot house had been listed for $429,000. Built in 1930 on one of Kessler Park’s premier streets, the homes interior had been completely rebuilt with a gourmet kitchen and enormous master suite.

In April, 1203 N. Clinton Ave. sold for $300,000. The 3,115-square-foot house, built in 1934, originally listed at $329,000 and had been completely updated in the previous year. The house features four wood-burning fireplaces (even though Kessler Park looks like Connecticut, it still doesn’t snow there) and brand-new kitchen appliances.