Modern Marvel
Lionel Morrison's famous Urban Reserve home tempts buyers who see architecture as art
Lovers of modern design, take note: The home at 51 Vanguard Way is for sale, and it’s one you architecture buffs have probably seen before.
Designed by Lionel Morrison, the co-mastermind behind One Arts Plaza and NorthPark Center, the home on Vanguard is located in the Urban Reserve, a sustainable development of 50 architect-designed modern residences. The neighborhood tackles issues such as energy efficiency, water conversation, air quality and durable material usage. And, yes, it’s good-looking.
The home has attracted features in architectural publications and the Wall Street Journal, and it has made multiple appearances in both the Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s catalogs. Perhaps most impressive, it was also featured in the book 21st Century Houses: 150 of the World’s Best (Images Publishing Group, 2010).
Located east of Central Expressway and north of Royal Lane, just off the White Rock Creek Trail, the home is compact at 2,791 square feet, with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The living spaces are arranged in a row, with soaring ceilings and an abundance of natural light that shines on museum-quality detailing throughout.
Other signature Morrison touches include white interior and exterior walls; heavy use of Calcutta gold marble; and an emphasis on open, airy spaces. The home also boasts 21-foot, floor-to-ceiling walls of commercial-grade windows; master bedroom with a spa and fireplace; heated pool with waterfall; second-level additional master; media room and office; and garage with car lift allowing for storage of three cars.
Looking for personal touches? You’ve got them here, with a Burmese sculpture of Quan Yin in the courtyard, a balsa wood model of the home and — if you look closely within one of the tiles on the front porch — Morrison’s signature. It even is listed with a location photography company with rates starting at $1,000 per day, should you want to turn your home into a revenue generator.
Listing agent Alan Smith doesn’t believe another home with this level of detailing and quality is available on the market at this price point — $819,000 — and his vision for the new owner is clear.
“This home is for an individual or individuals who look at architecture as an art form,” Smith said. “They will be someone who loves museum-quality finishes and detailing that are sophisticated in their simplicity.”