Hot Properties
By Meda Kessler
This year’s AIA Dallas Tour of Homes includes a residence in Southlake and one in Colleyville.
The two-day event in November is curated solely by architects and includes homes of various sizes, including one that is 2,050 square feet. The contemporary and modern homes feature innovative uses of traditional materials, sustainable spaces and unique history.
Included is a historic property designed by Dallas architect Harold Prinz in 1950 for himself and his wife. That year, it won the AIA Dallas First Honor for Excellence in Residential Architecture. A midcentury modern home in Dallas’ Preston Hollow neighborhood was rebuilt from the ground up after the 2019 tornado. It was expanded by 1,000 square feet and now includes a storm shelter.
In Southlake, A. Gruppo Architects, a Dallas design-build firm, uses a mix of traditional brick with modern elements to create a sophisticated but welcoming home for a family with young children. Front and back patios and walls of windows connect the interior to the outside. Durable materials, including concrete floors, help make it kidproof.
In Colleyville, the Sherwood Lane home was designed for a family of four. The client wanted a place to accommodate large social gatherings for adults and kids. Malone Maxwell Dennehy Architects came up with an energy-efficient design by adhering to LEED standards. They also followed best practices for sustainability, salvaging millwork, doors and cabinets from the Lupe Murchison estate in Dallas to use in this new build. Repetitive building elements ensured the home’s simplicity.
To check out the other tour stops and for ticket information, go to the website.
THE DETAILS
AIA Dallas Tour of Homes This self-guided tour includes eight homes. Tickets, $50, are good for both days. The houses are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5-6. hometourdallas.com
OPENINGS
At Nikko Southlake, go for the sashimi but try everything
While we’ve not had a chance to try the omakase (chef’s choice tasting menu) at this welcome addition to Southlake Town Square, we’ve sampled our way up and down the hot and cold menu. Sitting at the sushi bar gave us a chance to chat with one of the chefs, who patiently showed us the fresh fish that became our sashimi lunch (get a large platter to share, or pick and choose from a list of about 15 options). From the hot menu, we like the wagyu dumplings and the kabocha — deep-fried Japanese pumpkin. The carpaccios — hamachi and salmon belly — on the cold menu are all quite good thanks to the housemade sauces such as the gochujang vinaigrette and herb-spiked yuzu. Salads, soups and intriguing veggie dishes allow you to put together an interesting multicourse experience. The dining room is modern but serene, and there’s a private dining room in the back. Dinner is available daily; lunch is served Friday through Sunday. The omakase requires reservations and is available Thursday through Sunday only.
Southlake Town Square, 1420 E. Southlake Blvd., 469-369-1839, nikkosouthlake.com
Roots and Water offers wine lovers a new experience
This Dallas-based wine shop has expanded to Southlake’s District 114 development at Kimball Park with the same carefully selected collection of wine and champagne. Roots specializes in older vintages from California and around the world, along with limited-production “cult” wines and some gems that won’t break the bank. While the retail store is open to everyone, Roots also has a private club next door. A yearly membership gives you access to a nicely appointed space where you can sip and sample with fellow wine lovers and enjoy club perks including wine tastings and special buys. Manager Blake Maso has brought in a top-notch master sommelier, Barb Werley, former wine director at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas and a veteran of some of the top restaurants and resorts in the country. Expansion plans include an outdoor patio, Maso says.
District 114, 2102 E. State Highway 114, 972-327-3382, rwsouthlake.wine