The demolition of a Highland Park mansion has dismayed and concerned local preservationists.
A historic Highland Park estate once owned by the late Dallas oilman Edwin Cox is being reduced to rubble by its new owner, billionaire banker Andrew Beal, the Dallas Morning News reported.
The mansion at 4101 Beverly Drive was celebrated for its architecture and society parties.
Following Cox’s death in 2020, his estate, including a valuable art collection and the mansion, was put up for sale. In 2021, Beal purchased the property for an undisclosed price, securing a $41 million loan.
While the specifics of Beal’s plans for the mansion remained shrouded in secrecy, initial renovations gave preservationists hope that the home’s historical significance would be respected. However, bulldozers and demolition have dashed those hopes.
Larry Good, a former architect who leads Preservation Park Cities said he is angry, frustrated and sad.
“The combination of its former owners, beautiful architecture and its prominence looking over Lakeside Park for the Christmas lights made it a joy for everyone.”
Beal, known for demolishing North Texas landmarks like the former estate of Margaret and Trammell Crow, has yet to provide a public explanation for his decision to tear down the iconic house. Cox’s mansion adds to the increasing number of historic homes in Dallas and Highland Park that have been demolished, including a mansion that stood for over a century at 4908 Lakeside Drive.
The lack of historic preservation protections in Highland Park — an ultra wealthy suburb that sits entirely inside the city limits of Dallas — has made it easy for property owners to tear down significant structures, said Ron Siebler, director at Preservation Dallas.
While Highland Park officials have expressed a desire to see historic properties preserved, their commitment to upholding individual property rights leaves decisions about property preservation solely in the hands of owners.
“I’ve just seen this happen over and over and over, particularly in Highland Park,” Siebler said. “Unless somebody teaches people about it, and unless it’s ingrained in the community, then we’re going to keep seeing demolition of important homes.”
“I hope people will see this and write to their city council members,” Good said, urging action to protect Highland Park’s architectural heritage before more iconic homes are lost.
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—- Andrew Terrell