Dingbats are all over the Sun Belt if observers know what to look for. No, not those dingbats, the smarts-challenged among the population who get on everyone's nerves. The architectural ones, the (usually) stucco, box-like constructs stacked two or three stories into apartments. They could be found all across the Sun Belt landscape in the 1950s and '60s.
And there's one at 1953 Richmond Avenue in Montrose that just hit the market this week, represented by Bobby Tyson and Loren Miner of Eastwood Realty. The asking price is $1.5 million.
Originally built in 1955 by architect Burdette Keeland, the home has been gorgeously restored to midcentury modern splendor by Scarlet, the Houston real estate and development group headed and co-founded by brothers Alexander and Daniel Ron. The result is an eye-popping array of natural light, terrazzo floors, and touches created for modern convenience.
Courtesy photo
The courtyard includes a reflecting pool.
The two-apartment structure features living spaces upstairs and down, covering a total of 2,250-square-feet. Sitting on one-eighth of an acre, 1953 Richmond blends functionality and form in its redesign. The project saw Daniel take on the upstairs unit with its leafy views. Brother Alexander headed up the renovation of the one-story brick structure nestled in the back.
Urban design firm Asakura Robinson joined Scarlet on the project, redesigning the connecting courtyard as a lush and serene communal meeting point, complete with a reflecting pool and outdoor lounging enclaves. Industrial steel roll-up doors secure and enclose the streetside covered parking.
Inside, the building's original built-in shelving and cabinetry have been maintained, creating not only storage space, but also eye-catching elements. Updated bathrooms make the most of cozy spaces, turning them into spa-like retreats. Golden hardwood floors and white walls amplify the open layouts. Exposed brick walls provide engaging accent points.
1953 Richmond is ideally located for any commute, with easy accessibility to Houston's major thoroughfares, along with being in the heart of a neighborhood known for restaurants, bars, and activities. Whether used as a home base or an investment, 1953 Richmond is a dingbat that's sure to delight.
A rendering illustrates one of the building's penthouses.Rendering courtesy of Shimahara Visual