Life in Dallas - Page 2

Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes is the Finest Highland Park Home Developer

Blair Pogue, owner of Blantyre Homes, successfully developed the estate home at 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park, Dallas, Texas, 75205.
Blair Pogue, the founder and owner of Blantyre Homes, developed 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park. Architectural and real estate experts have already called this Spanish Revival style home the best new home in Highland Park. Blair Pogue develops Highland Park homes with the intention of elevating the architectural landscape. You can see his success with this Highland Park estate home at 4400 Belfort Place.

Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes is a native of Highland Park who has developed a home with the type of Highland Park homebuyer in mind that he grew up with. Rather than relying on generic contemporary styles that are currently so commonplace, Blair Pogue selected the Spanish Revival style that evokes the best of Highland Park. This Spanish Revival style includes a little bit of Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean style elements. The avant-garde and affluent in the 1920s selected the Spanish Revival style for their homes, and the avant-garde and affluent desire this style today.

Cristin and Blair Pogue at the Spanish Revival designed home at 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park, Texas.
Highland Park home developer Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes is pictured with his wife, Cristin, at 4400 Belfort Place during a gathering for a few of his friends and members of the design team that created the home as the finishing elements of the home are being completed.
Home developer Blair Pogue and his wife Cristin seen on the parterre designed by landscape architect Harold Leidner at this estate home of 4400 Belfort Place, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
Blair and Cristin Pogue are standing on the parterre that surrounds the pool and pool house that is linked to the main house by a covered walkway. They are looking over a large expanse of gardens and terraced lawn.

Maybe most importantly, Blair Pogue recognized that a great appeal of Highland Park is its large lots interspersed with parks and parkways. Having been raised around the corner from 4400 Belfort Place, Blair Pogue recognized that a nearly one-acre lot on the corner of Belfort Place and Armstrong Parkway is considered the best of Highland Park – the privacy of Belfort Place and the forested parkway presence of Armstrong Parkway. Few realize that there are only 36 lots that are one acre or larger in Highland Park. When so many new homes are being built in Highland Park, it is refreshing to see a developer like Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes to develop a home with the architectural grace and precision of 4400 Belfort Place. This Spanish Revival style home certainly fulfills Blair Pogue’s goal of elevating the architectural landscape of Highland Park while building on its earlier traditions.

Developer Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes and friends at 4400 Belfort Place, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
From left is Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes; Douglas Newby the real estate broker representing Blair Pogue on the sale of 4400 Belfort Place; John Reoch, real estate attorney who has represented Pogue family development interests since he first came to Dallas; and Les Ware, who has renovated one of the most important historically significant homes in Dallas.

It was great fun to join real estate attorney John Reoch and Blair Pogue at 4400 Belfort Place. I helped John Reoch and his wife buy their first home in Dallas when they moved from Philadelphia decades ago. John Reoch’s first client was the legendary developer Mack Pogue, who founded Lincoln Properties. Before John Reoch retired, his last transaction he worked on was the acquisition of the nearly one-acre lot at 4400 Belfort Place where Blair Pogue has developed this home. John Reoch, who has owned several architecturally significant homes, was delighted to see the success of this home that Blair Pogue has developed.

John Reoch and developer Blair Pogue at reception of 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
It was a delight to listen to John Reoch and Blair Pogue exchange stories and reminisce about the late Mack Pogue.
Developer Blair Pogue and John Reoch at reception for 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
The stories that John Reoch and Blair Pogue shared about the late developer Mack Pogue at 4400 Belfort Place were incredible. John Reoch, as Mack Pogue’s real estate attorney, and Blair Pogue, Mack Pogue’s son, have both worked on developments of Mack Pogue’s around the world. The instinct for quality runs in the family and John Reoch was delighted to see this quality at 4400 Belfort Place.

It is a great honor to represent Blair Pogue and Blantyre Homes as the listing broker selling 4400 Belfort Place. Blair Pogue has developed the finest new home in Highland Park. Since I specialize in architecturally significant homes, this is the only occasion where a developer has built a home to sell that has the same architectural significance of the homes in Highland Park designed by the finest architects in Highland Park in the 1920s.

Developer Blair Pogue and Realtor Douglas Newby at reception for 4400 Belfort Place, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
On the left is Highland Park home developer Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes and real estate broker Douglas Newby who is listing 4400 Belfort Place for sale.
Developer of 4400 Belfort Place, Blair Pogue, and Realtors Douglas Newby and Connie Harkins seen at reception of this home in Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
Pictured from left is developer Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes, listing broker of 4400 Belfort Place, Douglas Newby, and associate broker of Douglas Newby and Associates, Connie Harkins.
Cristin and Blair Pogue, the developer, with Realtors Douglas Newby and Connie Harkins at the Spanish Revival designed home at 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park, Texas.
Blair Pogue, Cristin Pogue, Connie Harkins, Douglas Newby.
Developer Blair Pogue and wife Cristin with friend Margot Otte, who has lived in many architecturally significant homes in Highland Park, at the reception for 4400 Belfort Place, Dallas, Texas.
Friends looking at 4400 Belfort Place including Margot Otte, third from left, who also grew up in Highland Park and has lived in many architecturally significant homes herself, and has a great eye and appreciation for fabulous design and quality. Also pictured from left are developer Blair Pogue of Blantyre Homes, his wife Cristin Pogue, Margot Otte, and listing broker Douglas Newby.
Developer Blair Pogue explaining the design of 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park, the Spanish Revival estate home.
Blair Pogue at 4400 Belfort Place explaining his approach to developing this Spanish Revival style home.

Laura Brady is a Great Example of Young Dynamic Business Leaders that Dallas Attracts

Laura Brady, business leader of Strive in Dallas.
Laura Brady, Executive Vice President, Business Development-Wealth Management,of Strive is a great example of the dynamic business leaders that Dallas attracts.

Laura Brady is a great example of the dynamic business leaders that Dallas attracts. Here her success building Strive and her contributions to Dallas are being celebrated. Harvard graduate, Captain of her college hockey team, her contagious success inspires all who meet her. No wonder Dallas keeps building on its success when it attracts this type of talent!

St. Thomas Aquinas Neighborhood Church and School

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church is located at 6306 Kenwood Avenue in the Wilshire Heights neighborhood of Old East Dallas, Dallas, Texas.
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church is both a neighborhood Catholic church and a prominent neighborhood school in Old East Dallas.

For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, St. Thomas Aquinas is an Old East Dallas landmark that is found in the Wilshire Heights neighborhood. The church serves a vibrant Catholic population spanning several generations of Lakewood and Old East Dallas residents. The St. Thomas Aquinas school is a valuable educational resource for both Catholic and non-Catholic students who live in the nearby East Dallas neighborhoods. The church has been expanded in a graceful way over the years, enhancing versus diminishing its architecture. Regardless if one is a member of the church, one can think of the church fondly as part of their neighborhood and part of their life.

Dinner Under the Stars at Cafe Pacific for Interior Designer Stars

Carla Fonts of Dunbar Road hosts dinner for designers at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
Interior Designer Carla Fonts of Dunbar Road organized and hosted a dinner for talented designers across Dallas and the country. As an advocate of great design, I was fortunate enough to be included in this magical dinner. When one is surrounded by talented, charming and fun people, it is easy to understand the allure of Dallas.
Chelsea Fontes enjoys Dinner Under the Stars for designers held at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village shopping center of Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
Chelsea Fontes of New York Design Center is among those attending the “Dinner Under the Stars” at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village. Vivacious, smart and engaging, Chelsea Fontes added much to the success of the dinner.
Guests mingling at the "Dinner Under the Stars" hosted by designer Carla Fonts at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
Just as one would expect, a dinner for interior designers hosted by an interior designer would be lovely in every way, from the flowers to the perfect series of courses served at dinner. Most of all, the guests were fun.
Mingling of attendees at the dinner held by designer Carl Fonts at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
The weather is perfect, the secluded patio at Highland Park Village is lovely, and the guests are vibrant. A perfect way to celebrate both Dallas and talented interior designers.
Designer Carla Fonts of Dunbar Road hosts guests at "Dinner Under the Stars" at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
Carla Fonts was the perfect host for “Dinner Under the Stars.”
Carla Fonts designer pictured here with Cafe Pacific General Manager Dieter, Event Manager Joanna, and Chef Terry Cook, at the dinner she hosted for designers at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
Carla Fonts, interior designer with Dunbar Road, hosts “Dinner Under the Stars” at Cafe Pacific. Pictured left to right: Dieter Krappl the General Manager of Cafe Pacific; Joanna, the event manager; Carla Fonts; Terry Cook, the chef at Cafe Pacific.
Carla Fonts designer with Cafe Pacific General Manager Dieter and Chef Terry Cook at Cafe Pacific "Dinner Under the Stars" in Highland Park Village, Highland Park, Dallas.
Interior designer Carla Fonts of Dunbar Road is pictured with Cafe Pacific General Manager Dieter Krappl on her right and Chef Terry Cook on her left at “Dinner Under the Stars” for interior designers.

How can one have a more elegant and fun evening than joining gracious and clever interior designers that are the best in their field in Dallas and across the country exchanging ideas, stories and past hijinks. Cafe Pacific on the patio was the perfect setting for this April dinner under the stars.

Dallas City Councilperson Bill Roth Takes Office

Dallas City Councilperson Bill Roth with community leaders at a reception hosted by Allyn in Dallas, Texas.
After his first day in office, the Honorable Bill Roth was celebrated at a reception at the Allyn office by a group of community leaders.

After his first day in office as a City Councilperson, Bill Roth is celebrated by community leaders at a reception hosted by the Allyn Company. I served with Bill on the Metrotex Association of Realtors Board of Directors. He filled a position on the board reserved for commercial brokers. I found him to be dedicated to service and a thoughtful board member. When MLS was considering selling all of the images in MLS to the Dallas Morning News, I expressed my concern at several meetings and at the MLS meetings. This was also at a time when MLS would use a photograph already on file if the current agent had not submitted one. The board attorney and other board members were unconcerned with the copyright issues and liability because this had not previously been an issue. Bill Roth was the only board member who took an interest in this issue which to this day I appreciate. Ultimately, I flew to the Chicago National Office of Realtors and spoke to the chief attorney. He agreed with my opinion and assessment of the issue. He wrote an opinion and directive to the Greater Dallas Association of Realtors that required them to change course, which they did.

Blair Pogue is Highland Park Home Developer with Best Experience and Greatest Insights for Architecturally Significant Homes

Blair Pogue has established himself as the finest home developer in Highland Park, Dallas, Texas, with a Spanish Revival style home he has built.
Celebrating with Blair Pogue, pictured above, the wonderful success, architectural significance and refinement of the Spanish Revival and Mediterranean style home he has developed at 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park. This is a home that draws from the original architecture of Highland Park and perpetuates great architectural design into the future.
See Architecturally Significant 4400 Belfort Place in Highland Park Developed by Blair Pogue

Visiting the Dallas Mayor at City Hall

Riding the elevator up to the fifth floor office to visit Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, I realized he was the tenth mayor that I had personally met with, most of them at some point at their Mayor’s Office at City Hall. When I arrived on the fifth floor, there was a row of photographs of every past Dallas mayor. These images brought back memories of my first visit to Mayor Robert Folsom’s office and my visit to the mayor’s office when Starke Taylor was mayor. It was fun to see in Mayor Taylor’s office a 12-inch walnut spool of copper wire with two tin cans at the respective end of the wire that had been presented to him when he presided over a Restoration House of the Year Award on his first day in office. This was given to him as a hotline to the neighborhoods of East Dallas. Looking at the pictures on the wall made me recall many of the conversations I had with each of these mayors in their office. It was a treat to meet Mayor Eric Johnson in his office, as I so admire how he has continued to build on the success of the previous mayors. Under his leadership, Dallas has never been stronger. There has also been much written recently about the I.M. Pei designed-City Hall building. It was fun to see the city from the balcony that I.M. Pei designed for the Dallas Mayor.

Douglas Newby on Dallas City Hall elevator going to see Mayor Eric Johnson in his fifth floor office.
A photograph of Douglas Newby on his way up to the fifth floor to see the Mayor of Dallas Eric Johnson in his office. It is interesting that often architects place the mayor’s office on the fifth floor of City Hall.
Former Dallas mayors' photographs at City Hall in downtown Dallas.
In chronological order, one enjoys on the fifth floor of Dallas City Hall viewing photographs of all the former mayors who led and nurtured Dallas to its current place of prominence. I have privately met with the last ten mayors of Dallas. I recount all my interactions with past Dallas mayors with great admiration and fondness.
Mayor Eric Johnson is standing on the balcony of his fifth floor office in Dallas City Hall designed by architect I.M. Pei. The Dallas City Hall Plaza and Dallas skyline is seen behind the mayor.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson has much to smile about as his successful leadership has made Dallas the strongest city in the country.
Mayor Eric Johnson in his office at City Hall in downtown Dallas designed by architect I.M. Pei.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson is shown pointing at pictures of him and his mother when he first arrived as a freshman at his Ivy League college and then again with his mother years later at the same place on campus. The M Award that he was given by SMU is also seen in the photograph at his Dallas City Hall office.
Evening view of downtown Dallas skyline from the fifth floor balcony of the mayor's office of Mayor Eric Johnson at Dallas City Hall.
From the balcony of the mayor’s office on the fifth floor of Dallas City Hall, one takes in the breathtaking view of downtown Dallas in the evening. It is remarkable that the locally owned businesses and buildings downtown have now become international towers of commerce.

John Reoch Pivots from Fine Food and Fine Wine to Gourmet Root Beer Float

In the Bluffview neighborhood, John Reoch, known for his culinary taste and appreciation of fine wines, is enjoying a root beer float at Bluffview restaurant at Lovers Seafood and Market, Dallas, Texas.
John Reoch, known for his high style and exquisite taste in fine wines and food, pivots to having his first root beer float since his youth at the Country Club 60 years ago.

Mary Peyton Burgher Promotes Good Architecture, Preservation and Aesthetics in Dallas and Across Texas

Mary Burgher, the Texas Coordinator of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA) at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village, Highland Park, Dallas, Texas.
As the Texas Coordinator of the Texas Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, ICAA, Mary Peyton Burgher, has led the way in promoting good architecture, preserving historic homes, and elevating the aesthetic understanding and appreciation of art and architecture in Dallas and across Texas.

John Reoch Opens Bluffview Home

After seeing my post of the Trenton Doyle Hancock exhibition at a New York museum, John Reoch invited me to see his Trenton Doyle Hancock painting. I think this is a particularly good example of his work and is even more meaningful as John purchased it at the first show of Trenton Doyle Hancock that took place in Dallas at the Gerald Peters Gallery.

Art collector John Reoch opens Bluffview Dallas, Texas, home to allow look at Trenton Doyle Hancock painting.
John Reoch on front terrace of his Bluffview modern home in Dallas.
Trenton Doyle Hancock painting in private collection of John Reoch.
Trenton Doyle Hancock painting in the private collection of John Reoch.

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