Prepare to be swept away by the holiday spirit as the annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place Home Tour returns, promising an unforgettable experience for both long-time fans and first-time visitors. This cherished Fort Worth tradition offers a unique glimpse into five distinct homes, each adorned for the season and brimming with history, architectural beauty, and captivating stories. Beyond the visual feast of decorated residences, the air will be filled with the joyous sounds of live music from groups like the Texas Wesleyan Choir, along with vibrant performances by local bands such as Music Junkie, Basement Apes, and more, creating an immersive festive atmosphere throughout the historic neighborhood.
This year’s carefully curated portfolio showcases an intriguing blend of architectural marvels. Visitors will discover familiar Ryan Place houses that have undergone thoughtful, refreshing updates, breathing new life into their historic bones. Additionally, the tour proudly features a new build, a truly remarkable and innovative structure that stands as a conversation starter within this esteemed Fort Worth community. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal and evolving character of Ryan Place, where tradition and innovation harmoniously coexist.
The Englander Home: A Century of Enduring Elegance
Standing proudly at 1111 Elizabeth Blvd., The Englander Home is a true rara avis – a rare bird among historic properties. Built in 1916, this grand residence exemplifies the meticulous care and thoughtful stewardship passed down through successive owners. Unlike many older homes that suffer neglect, this property has been consistently loved, tended, and meticulously updated, ensuring its original charm remains intact while embracing modern comforts.
The home’s distinguished history begins with its original owner, George W. Armstrong, the visionary founder and president of Consumers’ Light and Heat Company, which later evolved into the renowned Fort Worth Power and Light. From 1935 to 1955, the house served a different but equally significant role, functioning as the parsonage for the First Methodist Episcopal Church, adding another rich layer to its narrative. Its historical importance is officially recognized, as the house is not only listed in the National Registry of Historic Places but has also been honored with a prestigious Fort Worth Historical Preservation Award.
The current custodians have undertaken remarkable efforts to restore and enhance the home’s original structural details. A prime example is the retrieval of a lost window in the living room, which had previously been converted into a bookcase, now once again bathing the space in natural light. Comprehensive updates have been made to the kitchen and all three bathrooms, blending period aesthetics with contemporary functionality. The enclosed sleeping porch has been transformed with a striking vaulted ceiling, adding a touch of drama and spaciousness. Furthermore, the house benefits from its advantageous position on a double corner lot, now elegantly defined and secured by a handsome masonry and wrought iron fence, enhancing both its curb appeal and privacy within the Ryan Place neighborhood.
The Nickelsen-Ballard Home: A Resilient Revival
At 101 years old, the Nickelsen-Ballard Home stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered a long chain of ownership and experiencing numerous fluctuations in its fortunes over the decades. Its journey began in 1922 when the lot was acquired from The John C. Ryan Land Company for $3,750, a sum equivalent to approximately $70,000 in today’s money—a stark contrast to current property values in the highly sought-after Ryan Place neighborhood. Just four years later, in 1926, the house commanded a price of $15,000. However, the Great Depression cast its shadow, and nine years later, the property was sold for half its previous value, highlighting the economic turmoil of the era.
Having been featured on this very tour seven years prior, this author has closely followed its remarkable rehabilitation journey, from the initial stages when every brick lay stacked on the ground. This once derelict property was incredibly fortunate to fall into the capable hands of premier builder and restorer, Brent Hull. Hull, whose expertise is rooted in museum-quality preservation, received his specialized training at the prestigious North Bennet Street School in Boston. His impressive portfolio includes significant work on landmarks such as the Tarrant County Courthouse and the Santa Fe Pacific Terminal, alongside hundreds of high-profile residential projects across Fort Worth’s most historic neighborhoods, solidifying his reputation as a master craftsman.
The current owners have continued this robust program of improvement, building upon Hull’s foundational restoration with a keen eye for both historical integrity and modern comfort. Their extensive work includes a complete renovation of all four bathrooms, transforming them into luxurious and functional spaces. The primary suite has undergone a thoughtful rework, enhancing its layout and amenities to create a serene retreat. Significant upgrades to the lighting throughout the home further accentuate its architectural details and create a welcoming ambiance. Additionally, extensive landscaping efforts have beautifully integrated the house with its surroundings, ensuring that the Nickelsen-Ballard Home not only retains its historical charm but also flourishes as a comfortable and elegant modern residence within Ryan Place.
The Smith-Tovar Home: Blending Past and Present with Passion
Nothing quite focuses the mind like a hard deadline, especially when preparing a beloved home for a public tour. Just yesterday, while strolling with my dogs, I observed a flurry of activity at the Smith-Tovar Home: a dedicated team of painters diligently at work, windows wide open, and an array of tools spilling out of the garage. Indeed, the unpainted wood topping the columns propping up the arched broken pediment, a detail from earlier observations, has now been beautifully painted. This scene is wonderfully reminiscent of my own experience when our house first opened its doors for a tour – a palpable sense of excitement, dedication, and last-minute touches that infuse a home with a unique energy.
Originally built by the esteemed John C. Ryan Land Company in 1927, this charming bungalow began its latest chapter of renovation in 2020, under the passionate ownership of Ann Smith and Ed Tovar. Their vision was clear and ambitious: to thoughtfully integrate modern amenities and functionality while meticulously preserving and respecting the bungalow’s inherent period charm and historical character. This delicate balance between past and present is a hallmark of truly successful historic home renovations.
The extensive improvements are evident throughout the residence. The kitchen has undergone a complete overhaul, now featuring a spacious island that serves as a central hub for cooking and gathering. The striking rainbow limestone counters add a touch of unique elegance, while the exposed brick chimney provides a rustic warmth and character, perfectly complementing the home’s historic essence. Clever space planning is also on display; by ingeniously repurposing 75 square feet from the existing hall, a functional and much-needed laundry room was created – a testament to thoughtful design. The original oak and pine floors have been painstakingly stripped and refinished, revealing their timeless beauty, and even the original double-hung windows have been meticulously restored and are now fully operational, allowing for gentle breezes and natural light to flow through. The restoration efforts are truly at full force, touching nearly every surface, from the vintage bathroom fixtures that evoke a bygone era to the grand living room fireplace, ensuring that every detail contributes to the home’s renewed splendor and historical integrity.
The Papa Home: A Centenarian Masterpiece of Italian Grandeur
Without dispute, The Papa Home stands as one of the grandest and most imposing residences in the distinguished Ryan Place neighborhood, and this year, it proudly celebrates its centenary. This architectural marvel is the exquisite work of the renowned architect Wyatt Hedrick, a titan in American architecture whose illustrious career includes designing iconic structures such as the majestic Will Rogers Coliseum and the opulent Shamrock Hotel in Houston, among numerous other notable commissions that shaped the urban landscape of Texas and beyond. His legacy of grandeur and meticulous design is clearly evident in every detail of The Papa Home.
The residence is conceived in the extravagant Italian Renaissance Revival style, a design choice that speaks volumes of its ambition and elegance. This architectural language is characterized by its classical proportions, sophisticated ornamentation, and a sense of enduring majesty. Indeed, many of the building materials were carefully selected and imported directly from Italy, contributing significantly to its authentic European character. Among these exquisite elements are the striking majolica column faces, intricate ceramic pieces known for their vibrant colors and detailed designs, which lend an artistic flourish to the façade. The lively arches that spring from these columns are elegantly covered in pristine marble, reflecting light and adding to the home’s luxurious appeal. The exterior is further distinguished by its glazed bricks, which shimmer subtly, and its deep, protective eaves, all capped by a truly beautiful green Ludowici tile roof – a premium material known for its durability, distinctive texture, and characteristic hue that perfectly complements the house’s overall aesthetic.
The imposing structure is strategically sited on a sprawling double lot, offering expansive grounds that enhance its presence. The current owners have thoughtfully added further enhancements to this already magnificent property, including a serene pool and an elegant pergola, creating an inviting outdoor oasis perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Inside, the kitchen has also undergone a sophisticated renovation, seamlessly blending modern functionality with the home’s timeless grandeur. The Papa Home is more than just a house; it is a living monument to architectural artistry, historical significance, and enduring luxury in the heart of Fort Worth.
The Westhoff-Moore Home: A Bold Vision for Modern Living
Without a doubt, the Westhoff-Moore Home stands as the intriguing “odd one out” on this year’s tour, deliberately challenging conventional notions of architecture within a historic neighborhood. This bold conception is the brainchild of owner and architect Jeff Westhoff, who appears to thoroughly enjoy the dialogue and even controversy that his innovative construction invariably provokes. He has openly shared the various comparisons his creation has drawn, from a storage unit and a dog kennel to even a prison – all of which, surprisingly, seem to elicit a sense of mirth and pride in the architect. This playful defiance underscores his unwavering commitment to his unique vision.
Through all the spirited discussion, Westhoff has steadfastly adhered to his strict architectural philosophy. His core objective was to construct a compact, 1,400-square-foot residence designed with a notably low carbon footprint, where the structure itself and its surrounding landscape exist in perfect harmony. This intentional design philosophy emphasizes sustainability, efficiency, and a deep connection to the natural environment, contrasting sharply with the more ornate and sprawling historic homes that characterize much of Ryan Place. The choice of materials further highlights this modernist approach, featuring a robust palette of stone, steel, and concrete blocks. These elements are not merely functional but contribute significantly to the home’s industrial-chic aesthetic, offering a stark yet compelling visual statement.
The Westhoff-Moore Home serves as a fascinating counterpoint to the more traditional residences on the Candlelight Christmas tour. It’s a powerful architectural statement that challenges perceptions, encourages critical thinking about contemporary design within historical contexts, and offers a glimpse into sustainable living. Its inclusion is a testament to the tour’s commitment to showcasing the diverse and evolving architectural tapestry of Ryan Place. This is one particular stop on the tour that promises to be not only visually stimulating but also intellectually engaging, and I, for one, eagerly anticipate experiencing it firsthand.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place Home Tour! The tour will take place this Saturday, December 2nd, from noon to 9 p.m., and continue on Sunday, December 3rd, from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets may be conveniently purchased online in advance, or on the day of the tour at St. John’s Anglican Church. Join us for a magical weekend filled with historic beauty, festive music, and the warm, welcoming spirit of Fort Worth’s cherished Ryan Place neighborhood. It’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday season and experience the timeless charm of these magnificent homes.