(Candy’s Dirt) — If you’ve ever dreamed of living on Swiss Avenue, that dream can now be a reality. We’ve found you a historic, fully renovated Swiss Avenue Prairie home for under $800,000. It’s hard to believe, right? But what most people don’t realize is that Swiss Avenue has homes that are not gigantic multimillion-dollar mansions but are still beautiful homes with incredible histories.
This Swiss Avenue Prairie home is in the Peak’s Suburban Addition Historic District. That’s important for a number of reasons. No. 1 is the home cannot be demolished and replaced with a big white Lego box. You will also not suffer if the ForwardDallas comprehensive land use plan moves ahead because, according to a city planner who spoke at District 1 Dallas City Councilman Chad West’s last meeting in Oak Cliff, historic and conservation district status means no developer can invade the neighborhood. Third and probably the most lucrative reason, is this Swiss Avenue Prairie home is eligible for the excellent historic preservation tax incentive program, which is a historic tax exemption.
The City offers tax incentives to property owners completing rehabilitation projects for historic properties (City of Dallas Landmarks or structures in Landmark Districts). The tax incentives are administered by the Historic Preservation Program. These incentives consist of tax exemptions for rehabilitation or residential conversions. In order to qualify, the property must be designated as a City of Dallas Landmark or be a contributing property within a Landmark District.
City of Dallas
The Peaks Suburban Addition Historic District became the 14th historic district in Dallas in 1995. Prairie and Victorian architectural styles are the most prominent. You will also find examples of streetcar apartments from the 1920s and ’30s because streetcars used to run up and down many of the larger streets.
This fully restored Swiss Avenue Prairie home was built in 1915 as Jacob Reichenstein’s first home. Reichenstein eventually became president of Cowser and Company, a large lumber company, which explains all of the beautiful wood in the home.
Restoring a historic home is not only a labor of love but also a testament to tenacity and vision. Kristen Martin had restored 4826 Worth St., so she knew what she was getting into, but that still does not make it easy. She’s done another beautiful job with this Swiss Avenue Prairie home.
A wraparound porch instantly connects the house to the neighborhood, affording any new owner the opportunity to invite neighbors up for a coffee or an adult beverage. The gorgeous gas lanterns Martin added enhance that welcoming aura.
The two-story home, with 2,895 square feet, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms seamlessly blends the charm of the past with the comfort of the present. The original character has been retained, and the updates are nothing short of inspiring. Each bathroom looks like it is straight out of the pages of a magazine, and the kitchen, while paying stylistic homage to the past, is as modern as they come.
The attic space was converted into a principal suite with a skylight and a secret walk-in Narnia closet. Of course, beautiful tile and cabinetry created a stunning transformation, but Martin also had all the important gut work done. There is a new foundation and roof. All of the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are new. She has not overlooked a single detail.
Although restoring a 1915 home can be daunting, Martin is already looking forward to her next project.
“Houses just speak to me,” Martin said. “I walk around the house and talk to it, and I know what to do. My neighbor Sharon Sadacca was a mentor to me, and I feel like she handed me the preservation baton when she passed away last month. So I’m dedicating this house to her memory and her dedication to preservation.”