Modern Masterpieces tour tickets are still available!
Director Letter: Tornado Damage in Dallas
Usually my letter is further below in the newsletter but with the damage caused by the recent tornado I wanted to move it to the top to talk about the tragic event that North Dallas suffered this week. Devastation from a natural disaster is a terrible thing to have to deal with on all levels. Our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by the storm, including many of our Preservation Dallas members which live in North Dallas, and hope that everyone is okay. It is also tremendously sad to see the damage across North Dallas, including to the many wonderful historic mid-century homes in that area of the city.

While I have not suffered personally from a natural disaster, I do know what it is like to deal with the aftermath from working in Mississippi post Hurricane Katrina. I saw the incredible devastation first hand shortly after the storm and was rendered speechless by what terrible destruction a storm can cause. I have written before about my work after Katrina on the tenth anniversary of the storm, but for those that may not have read that, I was the director of the Mississippi Heritage Trust, a statewide nonprofit preservation organization when Katrina hit.

For nearly two years, I worked on numerous recovery issues facing historic structures damaged by Katrina from the storm surge, wind and even casino barges and shipping containers slamming into buildings and land. The process of recovery for owners of damaged properties was difficult as they dealt with the devastation, cleanup, and rebuilding. However, I also saw that recovery can happen and that lives and buildings can be put back together. There were many historic properties on the coast that defied the odds and were able to be saved from a state of destruction. Below is just one example of that, this one of a historic house in Biloxi which was saved and restored by the owner, who just happened to be the grandson of the original builder of the house.
For those that have suffered damage to their homes, Preservation Dallas has lists of architects, engineers, contractors, and craftsman which we can provide to help with repairs or rebuilding. Just contact the office by email or phone at 214-821-3290 and let us know which lists you are looking for and we will send them to you.

We hope that everyone who suffered damage will be able to recover as quickly as possible from this incredibly devastating disaster. 
Fall Architectural Tour is this Saturday
We are moving forward with our annual Fall Architectural Tour this Saturday providing a chance to visit several of the best contemporary houses in Dallas . Sadly, one of the houses slated to be on the tour was damaged in the tornado and will not be on the tour. However, the rest of the houses are okay and will be open.

The tour houses this year are incredible with bold modern designs from the 1950s to the 1970s by notable architects who interpreted forward thinking and technology in the field of architecture. Houses include: the 1965 Shwiff House with its Polynesian feel, the 1962 Charles Dilbeck designed Lobello House which was recently rebuilt after a devastating fire, the rarely seen 1970 Eugene and Margaret McDermott House designed by Scott Lyons, and the 1977 gem of a town home designed by HKS Architects founder Harwood K. Smith for his personal use. As a very special bonus exclusively for Preservation Dallas members only, they will get the incredible chance to see one of O’Neil Ford’s most impressive residential works with the 1958 Haggerty House on an amazing creek side setting with landcaspe design by Marie and Arthur Berger. These Modern Masterpieces all have an incredible craft to them which warms up the modern spaces and provides a feast for the eyes.

The day will begin at the Angelika Film Center with morning refreshments and an architectural discussion highlighting the evolution of the modern style. Featured speakers for the discussion will be Marsha Prior, Ph.D., an urban anthropologist and a preservation planner for the City of Dallas, and Bang Dang, an architect and an architecture professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. They will discuss how the modern architecture movement came to be in Dallas and how the characteristics of the modern style are prevalent in the houses on the tour.

Check in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Angelika with breakfast treats and coffee. The symposium begins at 9:00 a.m., and the tour houses will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees are REQUIRED to check in at the Angelika Film Center by 9:00 a.m. to receive their tour booklet and route map.
Support for Parks and Historical Sites
on November 5 Ballot
On the November ballot this year is a proposition that will help state and local parks and historic sites. Proposition No. 5 calls for a constitutional amendment which will automatically direct all revenue from the current sales tax on sporting goods to be spent on parks and historic sites across the state. If passed, it would go into effect in 2021 and would provide an estimated $183 million in funding for parks and historic sites according to the Texas Conservation Alliance. No new taxes will be required to do this as the sales tax on sporting goods is already in place with 40% going to parks and historic sites. This proposition will make sure that the rest of the sales money also goes there instead of the balance going into the general fund.

The proposition language is as follows:

“The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas’ natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.”

Early voting is open now until November 1 and election day is November 5. To find out more, download the Texas Conservation Alliance flyer or go their web site . You can also go to the Texas Wildlife and Parks web site for more information. To read the state legislation go here .
Most Endangered Places Nominations Due November 4
Do you know of a threatened or endangered historic place in Dallas? If so, nominate it for the 2019 list of the Most Endangered Historic Places. Download a nomination form below. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, November 4. The new list of Most Endangered Places in Dallas will be announced in December.
Corporate Partner Highlight - Sutliff & Stout
Sutliff & Stout, Injury & Accident Law Firm was founded on the belief that every individual, regardless of wealth or social standing, is entitled to the highest quality legal representation. Founding partners  Graham Sutliff  and  Hank Stout are committed to serving their clients with compassion, personal attention, and respect.

Graham Sutliff and Hank Stout are Board Certified Personal Injury Attorneys. Sutliff & Stout handles a variety of personal injury claims and have successfully litigated cases against some of the largest corporations and insurance companies. We have the expertise and financial resources to help you level the legal playing field. They work hard to ensure our clients obtain the best resolution possible. They regularly represent clients in the following areas:
·  Car Accidents
·  Truck Accidents
·  Pipeline Explosions
·  Oil and Gas Cases
·  Offshore Injuries
·  Wrongful Death
For more information visit their website . 
PRESERVATION ISSUES
Bella Villa Apartments - At the Landmark Commission meeting this month the Bella Villa Apartments was recommended for City of Dallas Landmark Status. Now the case will go to the City Plan Commission for a recommendation before heading to the City Council for a final vote. The Bella Villa Apartments were constructed in 1926 on the foundation of a former school. The three-story, Mediterranean Revival style apartment building is the only 1920s era apartment building constructed in the combined neighborhoods of Vickery Place, Belmont and Greenland Hills. It is one of two constructed in the area before the 1950s and has remained in continuous operation as an apartment. The building is highly intact with its original floor plan and most of the original exterior character defining features.

Mountain Creek Interurban Bridge - This month the Landmark Commission also initiated the Landmark designation process for the bridge, as the previous initiation had expired. The 45 foot tall and approximately 400 foot long concrete bridge was constructed in 1930 as an important part component of the interurban system in north Texas.

Juanita Craft House - This month the Dallas City Council officially accepted at $500,000 grant from the National Park Serve to preserve and restore the Juanita Craft Civil Rights House & Memorial Garden which will be a big help in preserving the very important historic site.

Forest Theater - Plans for the rehabilitation of the Forest Theater are moving forward. The new owner of the property, City Square, would like to transform the building into a community and arts center. The theater is currently going through the Landmark designation process and the owners are working on the designation report and preservation criteria. They also plan to use Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits for the project.
EVENTS
InTown Outing - Turner House
Save the Date!
Tuesday, November 12

Save the date for a special InTown Outing to the historic Turner House in Oak Cliff. Even if you have been there before you won't want to miss this Outing as we will hear about the history of the house and the recent renovations that have taken place to preserve its historic character. And of course you will also get a chance to explore the house. The Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts will be hosting us for the evening. More information and registration coming soon!
Preservation Dallas participates in the Kroger Community Rewards program. Enroll your Kroger Plus card with Preservation Dallas as the benefactor. Our number is TX617. Enroll your card here!
Preservation Dallas participates in the Tom Thumb Good Neighbor program. Link our Good Neighbor number to your Tom Thumb loyalty card and a percentage of your purchases will be credited towards us! Our number is 11352. Enroll your card here!   
Please Welcome our New Members!
Sustainer
Patty Hussey

Individual
Diane Blackman
Robert Blome
Steve Cairns
Dennis Coleman
Frederic Gasser
Lauren Gray
Diane Gruber
Rebecca Gruber
Miranda Pereyda
Bobby Stephens
Toya Thompson

Urban Armadillos
William Hayden Glasstetter
Thank you to the following members for renewing!
Karen Casey
Ben Cass & Collin Ice
Ellie Hajek
Marlow Hunter
Kevin McLaren
Marsha Ann Murray
Carey Roper
This newsletter is sent to all current and past members, and those interested in preservation in Dallas. To become a member or to renew or upgrade your membership, please click below.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Joe M. and Doris R. Dealey Family Foundation
Preservation Dallas | 2922 Swiss Avenue | Dallas TX 752518