O'Neil Ford's Texas Modern Home at 3201 Wendover featured on Lakewood Home Tour — O’Neil Ford’s Texas Modern masterpiece at 3201 Wendover is a revered landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Photography courtesy of Jennifer McNeil Baker.

Discovering a Texas Modern Icon: The O’Neil Ford Masterpiece at 3201 Wendover on the Lakewood Home Tour

For four decades, the Lakewood Home Tour has been a cornerstone of community spirit and architectural appreciation in Dallas. Each year, with remarkable dedication, its organizers manage to unearth an exquisite collection of homes, from cutting-edge new builds to profoundly historic architectural treasures. These proud homeowners graciously open their doors, sharing their unique spaces with the public, all while contributing to a noble cause. Since its inception in 1976, the tour has raised millions of dollars, directly benefiting local schools and enriching the educational landscape of the Lakewood community. This year marks a significant milestone, as the tour, heading into its 40th anniversary, proudly showcases six exceptional properties. Among these, one stands out as a true icon of Texas Modern architecture: 3201 Wendover. We were privileged to receive an exclusive preview of this magnificent estate, a home that perfectly encapsulates the tour’s commitment to both architectural legacy and community enrichment.

The Lakewood Home Tour: A Legacy of Community and Architectural Excellence

The Lakewood Home Tour isn’t just an event; it’s a tradition. It represents the collective effort of a vibrant community to support its educational institutions while celebrating the diverse and captivating architecture that defines the neighborhood. The tour committee consistently manages to curate a selection of homes that offer a fascinating journey through different eras and styles, from sprawling contemporary designs to meticulously preserved historic residences. This year’s lineup, featuring six distinct homes, promises an unforgettable experience for attendees. The funds raised are instrumental in providing critical resources and enriching programs for Lakewood Elementary, J.L. Long Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School, demonstrating a tangible commitment to the future generations of the community.

Unveiling a Hidden Gem: 3201 Wendover – A Texas Modern Icon

Nestled discreetly behind the Lakewood Outdoor Learning Area (LOLA), a beloved program at Lakewood Elementary School, lies the enigmatic 3201 Wendover. For years, this sprawling 10-acre property has captured the imagination of local children, who are well aware of the unspoken rule: do not cross the creek behind LOLA. Yet, the allure of the unknown, of discovering what lies beyond the tree line, has always been potent. Now, the Lakewood Home Tour offers an unprecedented opportunity to step inside this fabled estate, a true masterpiece of Texas Modern design. This architectural marvel was meticulously crafted in 1939 by two titans of regional architecture, O’Neil Ford and his esteemed partner, Arch Swank, for its original owners, Juanita and Alfred Bromberg. Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places underscores its profound cultural and architectural significance.

Exterior view of 3201 Wendover, O'Neil Ford designed home — The captivating facade of 3201 Wendover, a testament to O’Neil Ford’s enduring vision for Texas Modern architecture.

A Legacy Preserved: The Bromberg Family’s Vision for Stewardship

Following Mrs. Bromberg’s passing in 1999, her children embarked on a thoughtful and deliberate search for a new owner. Their primary concern was not merely a transaction, but a profound commitment to finding someone who would cherish and meticulously preserve the integrity of this architectural gem and its expansive grounds. They sought true stewards, individuals who understood the historical and cultural value embedded within every beam and acre of the property. This careful discernment process speaks volumes about the original family’s love for their home and their dedication to its enduring legacy.

The Pattersons: Custodians of a Dallas Landmark

Enter Dan Patterson and his wife, a woman who happened to be the president of Preservation Dallas at the time. With two young children and a desire for more space than their Swiss Avenue residence could offer, they were actively seeking a new family home when 3201 Wendover came onto the market. Patterson vividly recalls their initial tour: “There was a hole in the roof, and there had been deferred maintenance for years, but I loved the land and my wife loved the house.” Despite its needing considerable care, the property’s innate beauty and historical significance resonated deeply with them. They submitted an offer slightly above the asking price, only to be met with a month of silence. Finally, their Realtor conveyed that the Bromberg children wished to meet them. This two-hour interview was pivotal, a deep dive into the Pattersons’ vision for the house and land. Their genuine passion and commitment to honoring the home’s heritage shone through, ultimately leading the Bromberg family to accept their offer. They had found the perfect custodians, individuals who shared their love for the house and promised to be diligent guardians of its future.

Meticulous Restoration: Blending Heritage with Modern Comfort

With the acquisition complete, the Pattersons embarked on an ambitious and meticulous four-year renovation journey. This monumental task was expertly helmed by another renowned architect, Frank Welch, known for his sensitive approach to historic properties. Welch’s genius lay in his ability to enhance and update the home with essential modern amenities, such as central air conditioning and heating, without ever compromising its original character or architectural integrity. O’Neil Ford and Arch Swank had designed the 5,500-square-foot home with natural ventilation as a core principle, incorporating two exposures in every room. Consequently, the house lacked any existing central air or heat, relying instead on attic fans for cooling and a series of seven magnificent fireplaces for warmth. These fireplaces, each a unique work of art, were handcrafted by O’Neil Ford’s brother, Lynn Ford, further embedding family artistry into the home’s very fabric.

Living room fireplace with delicate beading detail — The delicate beading detail on the living room fireplace surround is a custom design, replicating the intricate pattern found on one of Mrs. Bromberg’s cherished bracelets.

Interior view of 3201 Wendover showcasing architectural details — A glimpse into the thoughtfully preserved interiors, where O’Neil Ford’s vision meets the warmth of a family home.

Dining room fireplace with leaf design matching china pattern — The dining room fireplace surround features a custom leaf design, meticulously created to match Mrs. Bromberg’s elegant china pattern. A thoughtful gesture, the Pattersons were gifted the original china by the Bromberg family.

Fireplaces with a Story: Artistry and Personal Touches

Indeed, each of the seven fireplaces within 3201 Wendover tells a unique and captivating story, a testament to the home’s deeply personal design. The living room fireplace surround, for instance, boasts a delicate beading detail, a precise replication of a pattern from one of Mrs. Bromberg’s most beloved bracelets. In the dining room, the fireplace surround was custom-designed to perfectly complement her cherished Wedgewood china pattern, a subtle yet profound nod to her personal taste. The Pattersons were even touched to receive a set of this very china as a gift from the Bromberg family, further intertwining their lives with the home’s history. Perhaps most fascinating is the fireplace in the master sitting room, which emerged from a collaborative effort involving University of North Texas art students. As Patterson recounts, “Ford offered UNT art students a prize to design panels that his brother Lynn could craft for the fireplaces.” The winning designs, rendered in nickel and copper, were then skillfully integrated around the fireplace, creating a lasting legacy of artistic collaboration and craftsmanship.

Master sitting room fireplace with student-designed panels — The fireplace in the master sitting room, adorned with unique nickel and copper panels, is the result of a creative competition among University of North Texas art students.

Seamless Expansion and Unexpected Finds During the Renovation

One of the most significant yet seamlessly integrated changes made during the renovation was the transformation of an outdoor dining area into a bright and inviting family gallery and breakfast nook. The architectural brilliance of this conversion is such that a visitor would be hard-pressed to guess that this space was not part of O’Neil Ford’s original design. Maintaining the home’s authentic heritage also presented unique challenges, particularly in the kitchen. The original blue tile, showing years of wear and tear, was chipped and damaged. A trip to Dal-Tile with the hope of having custom matching tiles fabricated led to an astonishing stroke of luck. “They called us after we’d left,” Patterson happily recalls, “and said they’d found a matching tile from the 1960s in their warehouse and we could have it all.” This unexpected discovery allowed the Pattersons to restore the kitchen’s original charm with authentic materials, preserving its unique character.

Converted outdoor dining area into family gallery and breakfast area — The brilliant transformation of a former outdoor dining space into a light-filled family gallery and breakfast area, seamlessly integrated into the home’s original design.

Kitchen with original blue tiles restored — The kitchen, now beautifully restored with period-appropriate blue tiles, reflects a harmonious blend of original design and meticulous preservation efforts.

Architectural Details and Natural Serenity at 3201 Wendover

Beyond its striking exterior and storied interiors, the 5,500-square-foot home at 3201 Wendover is replete with thoughtful architectural details that enhance both its functionality and charm. It features four spacious bedrooms and five well-appointed bathrooms, each designed with Ford’s signature touch. Clever built-ins are found throughout the house, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical storage solutions, a hallmark of mid-century design. On the second floor, an original telephone seating area stands as a quaint reminder of a bygone era. True to O’Neil Ford’s architectural trademark, the home boasts an abundance of screened porches and balconies, designed to encourage indoor-outdoor living and capture refreshing breezes. Dan Patterson highlights the front screened porch as a particularly special place, often serving as the primary setting for entertaining guests. While the home is undeniably built for hosting memorable parties and gatherings, it is the profound sense of serenity it offers that Patterson treasures most deeply.

The 10-Acre Wonderland: A Meditative Landscape Transformed

The magnificence of 3201 Wendover extends far beyond the walls of the house, encompassing a breathtaking 10-acre property that has undergone its own incredible transformation. What was once an overgrown tangle of foliage has been lovingly restored into a meditative wonderland, a serene sanctuary of interconnected trails, sprawling meadows, and verdant forests. This monumental landscaping effort was guided by the expertise of noted landscape architect David Rolston. The property, originally part of the Metzler Dairy Farm, was considered a suburban escape when the Brombergs first built their home in 1939. Today, it offers an unparalleled connection to nature, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Enhancements to the property include a refreshing swimming pool, a spacious entertainment pavilion perfect for outdoor gatherings, and a dedicated exercise room, all thoughtfully integrated to complement the estate’s historic charm while providing modern amenities for relaxation and recreation.

Historic Metzler Dairy Farm property, now 3201 Wendover grounds — Once part of the Metzler Dairy Farm, the extensive Wendover property was considered a suburban oasis when the Brombergs commissioned O’Neil Ford to build their home in 1939.

Swimming pool, entertainment pavilion, and exercise room added to 3201 Wendover property — Thoughtful additions to the property, including a serene swimming pool, a versatile entertainment pavilion, and a modern exercise room, blend seamlessly with the historic landscape.

Bust of O'Neil Ford on the grounds of 3201 Wendover — A timeless bust of O’Neil Ford himself stands sentinel on the grounds, gazing thoughtfully towards the architectural legacy he created.

Ten acres of trails, meadows, and forests on the 3201 Wendover property — The sprawling ten acres of trails, meadows, and forests create a truly serene sanctuary, offering a peaceful escape and connection with nature.

Experience the O’Neil Ford Legacy: Visit 3201 Wendover on the Lakewood Home Tour

The opportunity to explore 3201 Wendover, a true architectural masterpiece by O’Neil Ford, is a rare and enriching experience. This home, along with five other spectacular residences, forms the heart of this year’s Lakewood Home Festival and Home Tour, scheduled for November 11–13. Don’t miss your chance to step inside these incredible properties, learn about their unique histories, and contribute to the vital support of local schools. Secure your tickets today and be part of this enduring Dallas tradition. Tickets can be conveniently purchased here.