Dallas Icon Jane McGarry Finds Her Perfect Pied-à-Terre at Historic Imperial House, Preston Hollow

August has a way of bringing about exciting new beginnings, and for beloved media personality Jane McGarry, it heralded a significant life and career transition. Moving from her cherished Fort Worth roots to the vibrant metropolis of Dallas, Jane has embarked on a thrilling new chapter as the magnetic co-host of WFAA-TV’s Channel 8 program, Good Morning Texas, gracing screens daily at 9 a.m. This move wasn’t just about changing cities; it was about finding a new home that perfectly aligned with her demanding schedule, sophisticated tastes, and desire for a convenient, yet luxurious, lifestyle.

Given her stature, Jane could have chosen any of Dallas’s many exclusive enclaves. One might have imagined her settling into a chic Uptown high-rise, a sleek downtown loft, or perhaps a grand estate along the picturesque Turtle Creek Boulevard. Yet, Jane, with her signature blend of practicality and panache, made a truly discerning choice: a magnificent pied-à-terre nestled within Preston Hollow, specifically BEHIND THE PINK WALL! And not just any residence, but a unit within the elegant Imperial House, a distinguished architectural masterpiece designed by the legendary George Dahl. This decision speaks volumes about her desire for privacy, timeless elegance, and a unique living experience unlike any other in Dallas.

The Allure of Imperial House: A Preston Hollow Gem

The Imperial House stands as a testament to mid-century modern luxury, offering residents an unparalleled living experience that seamlessly blends the grandeur of a bygone era with contemporary convenience. Designed by the esteemed architect George Dahl, whose work has shaped much of Dallas’s architectural landscape, Imperial House provides a distinctive “un-condo-like” ambiance, more akin to sophisticated European flats than typical apartment living. It’s a place where history, elegance, and exclusivity converge, creating a truly unique residential offering in the heart of Preston Hollow.

It begs the question: how did Jane McGarry, with her extensive knowledge of Dallas and discerning eye, unearth this fabulous and somewhat hidden treasure? Her story, as revealed in an exclusive interview, offers a fascinating glimpse into her journey to finding the perfect Dallas home.

Finding Home: Jane McGarry’s Journey to Imperial House

CD: Jane, many are curious about your exceptional choice. How did you discover Imperial House and this wonderful, tucked-away nook on Northwest Highway at Preston?

Jane: Oh, it was thanks to daltxrealestate.com! I religiously read your blog every day, and I must admit, I had never even heard of Imperial House until I stumbled upon your “Tuesday Two Hundred” feature last February. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to investigate. By the time I managed to get to Imperial House, just a few hours after the article went live, there were already five potential buyers booked to view the unit you featured. The demand was incredible! But as soon as I walked through the front door of my chosen unit, I instantly fell in love with the property. The grand foyer, with its exquisite detailing and timeless charm, evoked the feeling of stepping into a scene straight out of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”! It was absolutely enchanting.

CD: That’s wonderful to hear, and we hear similar sentiments quite often! What specific qualities were you looking for during your house hunt that led you to this unique property?

Jane: My priorities were very clear. First, I absolutely needed one-story living for ease and convenience. Second, a first-floor unit was highly desirable. Critically, given my new role, I needed to be within a 15-minute commute of Victory Plaza, where I have to be bright and early every morning at 6:30 a.m. to start my day on “Good Morning Texas.” Beyond the practicalities, I yearned for spacious rooms and a property that genuinely “lived like a house,” offering ample space for both relaxation and entertaining, yet with the low-maintenance benefit of a “lock and leave” lifestyle. What I’ve come to appreciate deeply after just a few weeks at Imperial House is how these units truly feel like sophisticated “flats” you might encounter in the most fashionable districts of Paris or London. They are truly exceptional properties, a cut above anything else I encountered during my extensive search across Dallas.

Finding the Perfect Match: Jane’s Comprehensive Home Search

CD: Tell us about some of the neighborhoods and types of homes you explored before making your final decision.

Jane: My search was incredibly thorough and covered a wide spectrum of Dallas’s diverse real estate offerings. I looked at contemporary condos in the bustling Oak Lawn area, charming cottages nestled in the tree-lined streets of Lakewood, expansive “ranch” style homes within the prestigious enclaves of Preston Hollow, and even a fabulous Dilbeck architectural gem in the historic Kessler Park. In fact, every time Candysdirt.com featured a property within my desired price range, I made sure to go and see it! My real estate agents, Ryan Streiff and Carmen DiPenti of Dave Perry-Miller Realtors, were absolutely invaluable throughout this process. I simply must give them a heartfelt shout-out here. Carmen is, without a doubt, one of the most courteous, professional, thorough, and dedicated young agents I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Her energy and commitment were truly remarkable. Ryan, on the other hand, possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of Dallas property; he knows the market like the back of his hand. Most importantly, I developed an immense trust in both of them. They weren’t just focused on making a sale; they provided honest, insightful advice, counseling me when NOT to buy a property, which is just as crucial as advising when we had found a true contender. Had it not been for their determined hard work, tireless dedication, and expert guidance, I genuinely believe I would not have found a home I am so utterly thrilled with today.

The Visionary Behind the Design: Ken Blasingame

CD: And if I recall correctly, you never make a significant purchase, not even a decorative thread, without first consulting your fabulous interior designer, Ken Blasingame, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at The Greenbrier?

Jane: You are absolutely right! Ken is an indispensable partner in creating truly livable and beautiful spaces. Just look at that magnificent cheetah print carpet I’m sitting on in the picture at the top of the article – it’s pretty fabulous, isn’t it? Ken’s design philosophy ensures that his rooms are not only aesthetically stunning but also completely functional and comfortable for everyday living. I still fondly remember my vibrant turquoise kitchen, the elegant coral dining room, and the cheerful yellow family room in my Fort Worth home. These spaces, which were featured in several prominent magazines, brought a genuine smile to my face every single time I walked through them. That’s the magic Ken creates – spaces that truly resonate with joy and personal style.

CD: I absolutely love that! And isn’t Ken also the esteemed interior designer for Laura Bush?

Jane: Yes, he is! Ken was already working with Mrs. Bush when I first had the opportunity to meet her. At that time, she and Governor Elect George W. Bush and their family lived on Del Norte, which, interestingly enough, is just around the corner from Imperial House. Ken’s extensive and prestigious portfolio includes working with Mrs. Bush on the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, meticulously designing both the private and public spaces within the Bush White House, and later transforming the iconic Bush “ranch” at Prairie Chapel, a project that was famously featured in Architectural Digest. And, of course, he played a pivotal role in designing the interiors of the Bush Presidential Library, ensuring every detail reflected the dignity and historical significance of the institution.

CD: It’s clear Ken has a remarkable career. And how did your professional relationship, and friendship, with Ken Daria begin?

Jane: It’s actually quite a memorable story! I pulled up to his shop on Camp Bowie in Fort Worth one day in my hot pink Porsche 911, with a vibrant lime green laundry basket conspicuously sitting in the back seat. Let’s just say, it didn’t take him long to discover my profound love for color – a very, very strong love for color!

CD: That’s a fantastic image – classic Lilly Pulitzer colors! I adore it! So, beyond the initial charm, what do you truly love about living at Imperial House?

More Than a Condo: The Imperial House Lifestyle

Jane: Imperial House truly embodies the essence of a perfect pied-à-terre. It offers an unparalleled combination of sophistication and convenience right in the heart of the city. I’m in a magnificent one-floor flat, boasting incredibly generous and fabulous living spaces – approximately 2500 square feet, complemented by copious amounts of storage, which is a rare luxury in urban living. It truly is unique in Dallas. The attention to detail is remarkable; for instance, the bathroom marble is entirely original from 1961, yet it has been beautifully preserved and meticulously restored. Such craftsmanship and material quality are simply irreplaceable and practically impossible to replicate today. The closets are enormous, especially for a property of that era, clearly indicating that the original inhabitants were exceptionally well-heeled and lived a life of considerable luxury. From my window, I look out onto a serene interior courtyard where, legend has it, some of Dallas’s most glamorous socialites once conducted their important phone calls poolside – the original “jack” that facilitated those whispered conversations is still remarkably present on the kitchen wall, a delightful nod to its storied past.

It’s fascinating to observe that several other units within the two Imperial House buildings are also undergoing stunning restorations, featuring gorgeous period marbles and exquisite gilt finishes. There’s a true renaissance happening here, and I simply feel incredibly fortunate that I got in on the ground floor, so to speak, to be part of this revival of classic elegance.

Behind the Pink Wall: Dallas’s Most Coveted Neighborhood

CD: You certainly did! And you’ve really embraced the “Behind the Pink Wall” area, haven’t you? Full disclosure, I actually have a small place just across the street from you…

Jane: I absolutely adore “Behind the Pink Wall”! Beyond its romantic and somewhat mysterious allure, there’s the truly marvelous convenience it offers. It stands out as one of those rare, genuinely “walkable” neighborhoods in Dallas, a quality that is increasingly sought after but difficult to find. Every evening, I enjoy jogging over to “Sprinkles” in Preston Center with my beloved chocolate lab, Addy. The biggest “danger” we encounter there is simply the irresistible temptation of the sugar in those delicious cupcakes! It’s a peaceful, charming, and wonderfully accessible community that perfectly complements my lifestyle.

Crafting a Dream Home: Jane McGarry’s Renovation Journey

CD: That’s hilarious! And I understand you’re embarking on a bit of remodeling within your new home? Something we’re going to have the pleasure of chronicling on CandysDirt.com?

Jane: Yes, absolutely! I’m diving into a significant remodeling project, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the journey with your readers. When I took possession, the unit had already been expertly taken down to the studs, revealing beautiful wood floors throughout and a serene, lovely shade of white paint on the walls. It was a perfect blank canvas. However, as you know, I have a profound love for color, and I also possess a wonderful collection of Italian, French, and Spanish antiques that I intend to freshen and invigorate by blending them with some fantastic modern pieces. My vision is to create a space that is incredibly glamorous, yet utterly comfortable and reflective of my personal style, all while remaining true to the inherent elegance and historical character of the Imperial House property itself. I am so thrilled and grateful that you are going to give me the incredible opportunity to share the progress and the transformation on daltxrealestate.com!

CD: We are absolutely thrilled to be part of this exciting venture and genuinely cannot wait to see the magnificent space you and Ken will undoubtedly create!

Jane McGarry’s journey to Imperial House epitomizes the pursuit of a lifestyle where convenience meets luxury, and timeless design harmonizes with personal expression. Her decision to make her home “Behind the Pink Wall” in Preston Hollow not only reflects her discerning taste but also highlights the enduring appeal of this unique Dallas enclave. As she embarks on this exciting renovation, guided by the masterful eye of Ken Blasingame, her Imperial House flat is poised to become a vibrant testament to classic elegance infused with contemporary vibrancy. The Dallas community eagerly awaits the unveiling of this stunning transformation, a true reflection of one of its most cherished personalities.