Read this article in the premier issue of The Savvy Life
Building a foundation of Historic Sensitivity in Dallas’ Park Cities Neighborhoods
Proceeds from Preservation Park Cities’ membership fees, Historic Home Tour, Classic and Antique Car Show, and Distinguished Speaker Luncheon are used to fund its important work. Its work includes preserving and maintaining the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village; supporting the new PPC archives at the University Park Library; funding landmarking initiatives; awarding scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history; and funding the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School.
It Started with Park Cities Historical Society
In 1982, the Park Cities Historical Society first began the important effort. Members began compiling an extensive photographic survey of the historical residences in Highland Park and University Park. Together these wealthy and self-governing cities are Dallas’ Park Cities. The two municipalities share a border and are surrounded by Dallas. The area has tree-lined streets, green spaces, walking trails, and upscale neighborhoods.
As an accompaniment to the survey, the PCHS landmark designation instituted a program for buildings and sites. The first designation was in December 1986. The Society also established an educational program about the history and heritage of the Park Cities.
From Preservation Park Cities to Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society and Back
Preservation Park Cities later developed to encourage homeowners to preserve their older homes and protect them into the future. The historic marker program recognized older or historic Park Cities homes that retained most of their original architectural details.
In 2006, the Historical Society and Preservation Park Cities recognized that they were working for similar purposes and merged. Together the organizations became known as the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society. PCHPS continued the landmarking activities, recognizing over 180 homes and building sites through rigorous valuation. PCHPS also established an annual Historic Home Tour.
In 2021, the name of the organization changed back to Preservation Park Cities. This made it more consistent with other organizations such as Preservation Dallas and Preservation Austin that share the same goals.
For more information about Preservation Park Cities activities and memberships visit www.preservationparkcities.org
Four beautiful homes featured for the 2024 Tour:
The recent Preservation Park Cities’ 2024 Park Cities Home Tour provided a small window into the past and a celebration of those who share the community’s values. The annual event is a wonderful treat for those who appreciate historic architecture.
Margot Perot and Family Donates $1 million to Forest Forward Initiative
Arts patrons recognize that preserving arts center landmarks is essential for maintaining the cultural, historical, and social fabric of communities. Indeed, their support of Forest Forward enables the major renovation and expansion of the 75-year-old Forest Theater in South Dallas. The iconic landmark was, in its heyday, a mecca of art, music and community gatherings. Opened in 1949, it was a treasured hub that welcomed legendary artists such as Tina Turner, Prince, Sidney Poitier and Gladys Knight & the Pips.
Once complete, the theater complex will yield 66,000 square feet encompassing a 13,000-square-foot arts education hub; a 1,000-plus seat performance hall; a multi-use, 200-seat studio theater; a recording studio; and amenities such as a café, restaurant and roof-top feature.
The design architect for the Forest Theater project is HKS, and the co-general contractors are the Linbeck Group and Con-Real Construction. Managing the construction process is The Projects Group. Renovations are expected to be completed by December 2025.
The Forest Forward vision is to re-establish the theater as a thriving neighborhood anchor and versatile arts center, creating cradle-to-college education pathways with Dallas ISD through the formation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy, and developing mixed-income housing surrounding the theater.
