The Architecture Happy Hour

Thanks to our AHH friends who joined us for our first Zoom Meetup this week! It was great to connect with you all and hear how you are being creative in your businesses. Stay strong and healthy all! We’ll see you again soon.
❤️, your hosts Laura & Holly

Built in 1906 at the end of East Dallas’ Victorian era, the Shiels House is a combination of Queen Anne Victorian, Prairie School, with a touch of Craftsman style influence. The two-and-a-half story frame home can be found in the Peak’s Addition Neighborhood. Thomas and Mary “Willie” Shiels were the first owners of the home. At the time, Mr. Shiels owned a large East Dallas mill, was the contractor on the original construction of his home, and was very instrumental in the development and shaping of East Dallas.

The home has a wrap-around porch with solid box wood columns featuring large decorative brackets associated with the Craftsman style. There is also a gable dormer, a roof with overhanging eaves, and a large chimney. In later years, a new door and large sidelights at the back entrance were added. Many of the home’s original interior features are still in tact including milled woodwork from Mr. Shiels’ milling factory, two parlors, and two original fireplaces to name a few. The home was sold in the mid-1940s and presumably, the second owner subdivided the lot and sold the rear portion. While they don’t exist today, a two-story house and servants’ quarters were supposedly built on the rear lot.

The Shiels House is in a neighborhood comprised of mostly 2-story frame houses built between the 1890s and 1920s. It is the oldest one on the block and is considered to have a high level of architectural and historic integrity. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, and was designated a Dallas Landmark in 2007.

On we are featuring some of Dallas County’s unique residential architecture that have earned their prestigious spot on the Texas Historic Landmarks record. Content derived from historical data at Dallas City Hall’s Landmark Structures & Sites. Photo credit: Dallas City Hall.

MARCH HAPPY HOUR UPDATE: After much consideration and serious thought, we have decided to cancel the March AHH event. As we are all well aware, countries throughout the world are confronting heightened challenges due to the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus). The organizers of Meetup distributed a list on Friday, March 6 outlining precautions for groups meeting face-to-face. One significant precaution is limiting group gatherings for the immediate future. hpd feels such a precaution merits wisdom.

*The above being said, we will hold the AHH next month, Wednesday, April 15, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Aloft Dallas Downtown, 1033 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202.* Please "save the date" on your calendars. For "seasoned" AHH attendees, this venue has an exuberant vibe and fun decor. More details soon on the AHH Meetup event page. We look forward to seeing each of you there!