Where do you start if you are planning to restore a historic home? Laura and Holly walk you through the steps they are following in the restoration of the Alexander Mansion in association with The Dallas Woman’s Forum. See inside this architectural gem yourself by joining Laura and Holly at several upcoming events at the Alexander Mansion. Links and dates to the events open to the public appear below.

See photos and full show notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh76.

 
in this episode
In Episode 76 of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, here’s what we learned:

The Alexander Mansion was built by Charles H. Alexander in 1904 and is located at 4607 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas.
The Dallas Woman’s Forum purchased the building in 1930.
There is a specific order you should follow if you are going to begin a home restoration project.
Top priority in a home restoration or in maintenance is to keep water out
A historic home is something to be celebrated and appreciated no matter what stage the restoration is at.

Come visit the Alexander Mansion and see why we love it so much!

Alexander Mansion, built in 1904
notable and shareable take aways
Where do you start if you are approaching a home restoration project?

Water intrusion – stop the water from getting in – check the roof, cracks in brick, leaks around windows and doors, and seepage at the foundation and basement
Stabilize the foundation – cracks that will let water in can be caused by foundation movement
Mechanical – air conditioning units, look for condensation, mold, make sure HVAC units are working properly
Plumbing – look for cast iron pipes that could be broken, rusted, or blocked by mineral build up inside the pipes
Electrical – old wiring can be a risk for fire
Interior finishes – only after the home is dry, stable, and safe from flood and fire should you invest in restoring the fine finishes on the interior of the home

Hand carved door surround

 

Cracking brick mortar in basement foundation walls

 

Dining Room at the Alexander Mansion, original mahogany paneling

resources and links

The Dallas Woman’s Forum
Belo Mansion
Siplast Roofing
2018 Dallas Woman's Forum Events at the Alexander Mansion

Girls Night Out – October 19
Craft Fair at the Alexander – October 20
Halloween Costume Ball – October 26
Trunk or Treat Halloween Family Festival – October 30
The Dallas Woman’s Forum Holiday Home Tour – November 30 – December 2
European Holiday Tea Room December 5-9 & 12-16



 



 
about your hosts
hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture.

Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust.

 
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