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Gastonwood / Coronado Hills
Gastonwood / Coronado Hills continues to be one of Dallas' popular older
neighborhoods. "Pricey" for their modest size, these brick houses are
still affordable by the professionals working Downtown.
Driving under a canopy of oaks and pecans that graces the parkway, a visitor to Gastonwood
/ Coronado Hills today might pause to rethink the original meaning of suburb. In
the 1930's, Gastonwood / Coronado Hills represented a conscious attempt to create a
quality residential development on the fringe of Dallas. Built on cotton fields,
this plan incorporated architectural guidelines and well-conceived landscaping. This
careful thought has culminated in fully grown trees, picturesque streets and the same
pleasant environment that continues to attract young families, who also enjoy the city and
easy access to Downtown.
Undoubtedly, Gastonwood / Coronado Hills represents Dallas' most uncluttered district in
terms of architectural continuity. Although the houses were not all built by the
same builder, they all seem to be variations on a theme: Tudor-style versions of English
cottages. In house after house are seen distinct high-gabled roofs, leaded-glass
windows, intriguing stonework, large masonry chimneys, carved columns and other
scaled-down, castle-like features.
Despite the Great Depression, the houses proved popular to young professionals who could
not afford the more opulent homes in Highland Park and Munger Place, which were developed
only a few years before Gastonwood / Coronado Hills.
The same phenomenon seems to be recurring today as young families are returning to this
close-in neighborhood, often referred to as the "C" Streets. The houses
are predominantly in the 1500- to 1800-square foot range (before attic or porch space is
converted) and offer exceptional opportunities for renovation, remodeling and
restoration. Despite their planned development ancestry, each home possesses a
distinct floor plan replete with alcoves, mantels, ceramic tile work and hardwood floors
showcased by wide, floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows.
Along with its proximity to Downtown, Gastonwood / Coronado Hills is next door to the
city's favorite restaurants, night spots and retail establishments on lower Greenville
Avenue, walking distance to The Lakewood Village, and a short jog to White Rock Lake.
This area, too, is the focus of considerable restoration activity. In
Gastonwood / Coronado Hills many young families are engaged in restoration, and their
efforts are complemented by the long-time residents who are responsible for the stability
this neighborhood has enjoyed.
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