In the vibrant heart of Dallas, where art and innovation seamlessly converge with luxury living, lies a truly exceptional residence. It’s a delightful revelation, and for many, a deeply satisfying discovery, to learn that the nationally recognized artists responsible for the iconic Bird sculptures found adorning a captivating Highland Park treehouse are the creators behind some of the city’s most beloved public art. This isn’t just a house; it’s a living canvas, a testament to the boundless creativity of its celebrated owners.
You undoubtedly recognize their signature style. The charming, whimsical, and instantly recognizable Bird sculptures have captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, becoming an endearing symbol within the Dallas landscape. Yet, these delightful avian forms are merely a glimpse into the expansive and impactful portfolio of Brad Oldham and his visionary wife and artistic partner, Christy Coltrin. Together, this dynamic duo has profoundly shaped Dallas’s public art scene, embedding their imaginative works into the very fabric of the city.
Their monumental sculptures, including the poignant “Waiting on a Train,” the inspiring “The Traveling Man — Awakening,” and the majestic “Traveling Man — Walking Tall” found in the historic district of Deep Ellum, have transcended mere art installations to become bona fide Dallas icons. These works are as familiar and cherished by residents and tourists as the venerable flying Pegasus, symbolizing the city’s dynamic spirit and rich cultural tapestry. Oldham and Coltrin’s ability to imbue public spaces with character, narrative, and a sense of wonder is unparalleled, making them true legends in the contemporary art world.
Self-described as “fearless fabricators” and “place makers,” Brad and Christy don’t just create art for public consumption; they live and breathe it. This ethos is nowhere more evident than in their extraordinary Highland Park residence. Far from a conventional home, they have meticulously transformed and personalized their three-story dwelling into what can only be described as an expansive, live-in art installation – a captivating “treehouse” that perfectly encapsulates their unique artistic vision and adventurous spirit. Every corner, every surface, and every detail within this home has been thoughtfully curated and often custom-fabricated, blurring the lines between living space and gallery.
The spirit of creation thrives within their home. Most weekends, one can find Brad and Christy in their garage, sleeves rolled up, deeply engrossed in a myriad of projects. The garage itself, however, is not merely a workspace; it is an integral part of their artistic narrative. Upon opening its custom-designed doors, you don’t just enter a functional space – you step into a meticulously crafted piece of art. The interior walls boast a vibrant, calming blue hue, providing a striking contrast to a multi-colored honeycomb pattern adorning the back wall. This transformation of a typically utilitarian area into a visual delight speaks volumes about their philosophy: every space has the potential for beauty and artistic expression, especially in an artist’s home.
The charm of this Highland Park treehouse lies in its endless capacity for surprise and delight. Around every corner, a new detail unfolds, reflecting the inventive minds of its creators. Some elements are pure flights of fancy, whimsical touches designed to inspire joy and wonder. Others are born from a deeply practical mindset, showcasing how functional design can be elevated to an art form. This thoughtful blend of utility and artistry makes the home not only beautiful but also incredibly livable, a true sanctuary where creativity flows freely and every need is met with an elegant solution. It’s a living testament to how a home can be a continuous project of passion and ingenuity.
On the immensely practical side, a particularly ingenious feature addresses a modern household necessity: the almost daily ritual of package deliveries. “I absolutely adore the parcel box downstairs,” Christy shared with enthusiasm. “Deliveries are securely dropped into it from the outside, and we can retrieve them at our convenience from inside the house. It truly feels like Christmas morning every single day when you open that door to find your packages!” This innovative solution not only provides convenience and security but also integrates seamlessly into the home’s artistic design, transforming a mundane function into a moment of daily delight. It exemplifies their ability to blend practical needs with imaginative design, a hallmark of their work.
When their artistic fancy truly takes flight, one can almost always guarantee that birds are central to the theme. This recurring motif is not just a stylistic choice but carries a deeper, personal significance for the couple. A decade ago, when they officially closed on their Highland Park home, they witnessed what they could only interpret as a profound good omen: two majestic red-tailed hawks gracefully circling directly overhead. This powerful moment of natural beauty inspired one of the home’s most enchanting artistic features.
“We were instantly captivated and knew we had to capture that moment forever,” Christy recounted. Their solution was brilliantly inventive: they crafted intricate stainless steel bird windows for the soaring vaulted ceiling wall that gracefully connects the dining room to an enclosed third-floor bedroom. These unique windows function “like a big cookie cutter,” as Christy describes, allowing generous streams of natural light to flood the space during the day, creating dynamic patterns of light and shadow. As dusk settles, these stainless steel silhouettes begin to glow softly, transforming the space into a magical, ethereal realm. It’s a poetic tribute to that initial auspicious encounter, constantly reminding them of the beauty of nature and the artistry of their own connection to the home.
Among the myriad of bespoke features, one of the aspects the couple cherishes most is the distinct “treehouse” sensation, an experience unique to a thoughtfully designed three-story residence. Their master bedroom, strategically situated on the top floor, exemplifies this feeling. “We absolutely adore our bedroom,” Brad expressed. “With its two expansive windows, you truly feel as though you’re floating serenely amidst the treetops. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful up here, and on those crisp, beautiful fall days, we love to open the windows, feel the gentle breeze waft through, and listen to the soothing symphony of the birds.” This elevated sanctuary offers an unparalleled sense of privacy and connection to nature, a rare luxury within the bustling city, making it a true urban retreat.
The artistic ingenuity extends even to the most intimate spaces of the home. “My all-time favorite part of the house has to be our bathrooms,” Christy declared, her voice filled with admiration for the spaces they painstakingly crafted. “We are already making plans to recreate them in our next home, that’s how much we love them.” The primary bathroom features stunning white tile work, meticulously installed behind the tub, forming a pristine backdrop. Brad, with his signature flair, then integrated custom stainless steel inserts, transforming a functional space into a sculptural masterpiece. “It was actually a riff off a tile pattern I had created for a Britney Spears feature in Cosmopolitan magazine,” Brad revealed with a chuckle. “I received a call asking for a couple of design patterns to mimic a bathroom wall, and that concept eventually found its way into our home.” This anecdote not only highlights their diverse creative range but also underscores how inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, culminating in a truly unique and luxurious bathing experience.
After a decade of pouring their hearts and artistic genius into this magnificent Highland Park treehouse, this talented duo is now embarking on their next exciting project in Greenway Parks. The recent period of sheltering-in-place provided them with ample time for reflection, reinforcing just how much they cherished the intricate and rewarding process of conceptualizing, designing, and physically creating every aspect of this remarkable home. “We dedicated ten wonderful years to working on it, and we absolutely adored every moment of the process,” Christy shared, a hint of bittersweet nostalgia in her voice. “Now, we’re eagerly looking forward to doing it all over again, bringing our artistic vision to a new space.” This continuous cycle of creation is central to their artistic journey, and prospective buyers have the rare opportunity to acquire a home steeped in such profound dedication and artistic history.
This exceptional Highland Park treehouse spans a comfortable 2,199 square feet, thoughtfully laid out to include three spacious bedrooms and three well-appointed bathrooms. Its coveted location within the highly desirable Highland Park Independent School District (ISD) adds significant appeal, making it an ideal choice for families seeking top-tier education and a vibrant community. The home’s position offers unparalleled access to some of Dallas’s most cherished amenities and attractions. “It truly is one of the very best locations in all of Dallas,” Brad affirmed with conviction. “The property backs directly onto the renowned Katy Trail, providing immediate access to miles of scenic pathways perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Furthermore, it’s just a leisurely three-minute stroll to the acclaimed Toulouse restaurant, offering exquisite dining right at your doorstep.” The proximity to such coveted features underscores the unparalleled lifestyle offered by this artistic haven.
The emotional connection Brad and Christy feel to this home is palpable. “We have loved this house beyond measure,” Brad confessed. “It will undoubtedly be difficult to leave, primarily because so much of us, our creativity, our work, and our memories, are deeply embedded within its walls.” Christy echoed this sentiment, revealing a touching intention: “I feel an overwhelming need to compose a heartfelt letter to the new owners, sharing with them all the hidden treasures and beloved aspects of this home that only we truly know.” She excitedly mentioned one such charming detail: “For instance, Brad meticulously crafted an artistic, sculptural laundry line that is ingeniously hidden from view. It’s one of the coolest things you’ll ever see!” These personal touches and the stories behind them are what transform a house into a truly unique, irreplaceable home, brimming with character and artistic spirit.
You may have keenly observed “SpeedBird,” one of the charming signature sculptures, perched with characteristic grace on the corner of a balcony in the very first photograph of this extraordinary home. The question of his future, whether he might remain as a guardian of this artistic abode, adds another layer of intrigue. Brad recently sparked a conversation about SpeedBird’s fate, posting on Instagram about his desire for the sculpture to potentially stay with the house, creating a direct, personal connection from the artists to the new owners. This playful gesture underscores their deep affection for the home and their wish for its artistic spirit to endure with its next custodians.
This rare opportunity to own a piece of living art, a masterfully designed residence by two of Dallas’s most celebrated artists, is now available. This unique Highland Park treehouse, located at 4612 Abbott Avenue, is currently priced at $739,000. For further details or to arrange a private viewing of this extraordinary property, please do not hesitate to contact Keller Williams Realtor Kim Hammond. She will be delighted to assist you in making this dream home your reality and securing your signature on the contract for a property unlike any other in Dallas. As the artists depart for their next creative adventure, one can only hope that the whimsical “SpeedBird” gets to maintain his cherished perch, continuing to inspire and delight the new residents of this truly artistic sanctuary.