May is National Preservation Month!

Tickets are on sale now for the Preservation Park Cities Historic Home Tour and Market

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Look for the Preservation Park Cities signs in yards of historic homes celebrating 100 years!

 May is National Preservation Month!  Celebrate by supporting Preservation Park Cities (PPC) and learn more about these dynamic neighborhoods, Highland Park and University Park, that make up this unique community.

Kick off Mother’s Day weekend with the Historic Home Tour and Market on Friday, May 8^th from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. Presented by Benchmark Bank and Trust, this annual Historic Home Tour offers an exquisite look into some of the most beautiful residential architecture, interior design and landscapes in the Park Cities.

These homes showcase different architectural styles with rich history and wonderful examples of how architecturally significant homes can be renovated to fit the needs of today. Historic Home Tour co-chairs are Cory Bowen and Krista Porteous. Preservation Park Cities 2026 president is Jason Morski.

The homes on tour are 3530 Princeton Avenue: Sponsored by Meredith Ferrell Group/Isler Homes; 3801 Beverly Drive: Sponsored by Allie Beth Allman & Associates (Market home) and 4308 Overhill Drive: Sponsored by Dr. Evan Beale. Additional sponsors are Underwriters Party Sponsor: M. M. Moore Fine Gardens and   Masonry and Home. Photography Sponsor: Truett Fine Carpets and Rugs.

Tickets are sold online only. No tickets sold at the door. $45 day-of tour, if there are any left. Limited number available online only: https://preservationparkcities.org/2026Tour

Returning this year, the Historic Home Tour Market will be held at the 3801Beverly house. Enjoy a curated shopping experience featuring Dallas-based vendors perfect for finding a special Mother’s Day gift! The Market is included with your Home Tour ticket and will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

For more information contact hometour@preservationparkcities.org

Proceeds from the Historic Home Tour benefit Preservation Park Cities whose mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.

Join us and celebrate these homes and homeowners in the name of historic preservation as this event generates awareness of the role history and preservation play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the Park Cities communities.
 

Celebrate Homes of the Park Cities 100 Years Old!
May is National Preservation Month and Preservation Park Cities is proud to recognize the historic homes in our community turning 100 years old in 2026.  Look for the commemorative signage honoring not only these remarkable homes, but also the dedicated homeowners who have preserved their legacy for generations to come.

This effort is headed by Joan Clark and Kathy Myers, Preservation Park Cities board members. 

Overview:

•  The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.

•  The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.

•  The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.

•  Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
PPC mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PPC archives at the University Park Library, fund landmarking initiatives, award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history and fund the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School. Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org

Preservation Park Cities invites everyone to join us as we landmark three significant Park Cities homes.   We meet outside in front of the homes.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. the first home is 4421 Arcady. Then 10:30 a.m. at 4726 Drexel followed by 3601 Beverly at 11:00 a.m.

One of the Preservation Park Cities board members shares background on the home, architectural background.

Most times the owner/s are there and give some highlights of the home’s history. This is not a home tour.

It’s a lovely morning learning more about the homes in our community and meeting their owners.

Our Landmarking Program was started as a way to celebrate those home owners who have preserved (or renovated) homes in our community that maintain their original architectural integrity. Although the awards themselves have no bearing on future renovations (or even demolition), we feel many home owners deserve a public acknowledgement for their efforts.

We have established three award categories in order to:

• Encourage the preservation of the fabric of the community we treasure.
• Make a statement about the importance of architecture and history in our community.
• Commend a homeowner for their care of a property.
• Raise the visibility of our Society in the community.

Award Categories

• Historic Significance
• Architectural Significance
• Renovation Excellence

For more information, visit https://preservationparkcities.org/landmarking

The gala featured a stirring story from Babe Laufenberg and a compelling mission video

LEAP Global Missions 2025 Gala Miracles in Motion, chaired by Stephanie and Michael Byrd along with Dr. Michael Lee, celebrated LEAP celebrated LEAP and their mission inspired by the love of Christ to bring specialized surgical services to underserved populations around the world. Since 1991, LEAP Global Missions has been called to serve others by sending surgical teams to treat children without access to appropriate medical care, bringing hope and healing in an effort to make the world a better place.
        
A most compelling statement and in reality, the nonprofit truly changes lives for the better for not only the patients, but their families, as well.
        
Guests mixed and mingled at the reception while enjoying wines, cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres before entering the ballroom, which was set to capacity.
        
J.D. Miles, emcee and an award-winning reporter for CBS Texas, welcomed the crowd, and Michael Byrd gave the invocation. As everyone began their three-course meal, Dr. Lee introduced a video showcasing LEAP’s work around the world, saying they show love through service in places such as Mexico, Ukraine, Belize and Zimbabwe.
        
Babe Laufenberg, the featured speaker and a longtime friend and supporter of LEAP, took the stage, saying he was honored to join everyone this evening and shared the story of his late son’s life’s journey, cancer diagnosis and passing. He said that he understands how the parents of LEAP’s patients feel, watching their children suffer and thinking there is nothing someone can do, nothing can change it. But with LEAP, miracles do happen, and LEAP’S surgeons and doctors do change lives through their surgical services.
        
Dr. Alejandra Garcia de Mitchell, LEAP’s Medical Director, introduced a video, the story of a child named Dominic in Belize who is so brave, even though he has suffered so much pain from his condition and many surgeries. He and his family said they are overwhelmed with gratitude and that truly, LEAP performs Miracles in Motion.
          
A most entertaining portion of the evening was the spirited live auction conducted by J.D. and Babe, which raised even more funds with the paddle raise.
        
After a few updates and news of past and ongoing missions, Stephanie closed the evening saying next year is LEAP’s 35^th Anniversary celebration, thanked the staff, host committee and board.
        
This event is LEAP’s only major annual fundraiser. It raises funds to support the organization and help continue providing free specialized surgical and medical care to those in need around the world.
        
Host committee are Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie, Dina and Jason Arnott, Amy and Dr. Evan Beale, Debbie and Justin Bono, Lindsey and Ben Brewer, Darla Cherry, Mary Kat and Dr. Jeffrey Cone, Brooke and Blake Davenport, Alexis and Dr. Richard Derksen, Mimi and Dr. Grant Gilliland, Linda Hardison, Brooke Hollis Hortenstine, Emily Huskinson, Natalie and Mike McGuire, Caroline and Brian Mitchell, Linsey and Ryan Nixon, Michelle and Dr. Thornwell Parker, Abby and Peter Ruth, Bunny and Michael Tibbals, Adair and Clark Webb, Missy and Chris Wyszynski.
        
To know more about LEAP Global Missions, inside scoop with photos and more about their specialized surgical services and how to support them, visit the website at www.leapmissions.org

About LEAP:        LEAP Global Missions is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ. Founded over 33 years ago by Dr. Craig Hobar, LEAP volunteers have performed over 10,800 surgeries and procedures on patients (mostly children) from 24 countries at no cost to the patients and their families.
        
LEAP Global Missions sends teams of highly skilled medical professionals to other countries to provide medical and surgical care and clinical education. Our current outreach includes Belize, Mexico, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. While our primary focus is on craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate, LEAP also provides oculoplastic and ophthalmological, orthodontic and dental, Mohs skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, hand, and ENT surgical care based on the needs of our host countries. We also bring patients with complex surgical needs to the US from other countries for surgical care when needed.
        
LEAP is committed to developing long-term relationships with our patients, their communities, and other partners involved in our missions. By returning to the same countries, we are able to build trust, offer ongoing education, and continue caring for those who need long-term medical services.
        
Learn more by visiting the website at www.leapmissions.org 

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

Presented by Highland Park Village

The Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon presented by Highland Park Village featured Brent Hull, an award-winning builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings, as the keynote speaker on the topic “Texas Preservation.”
         
Chaired by Lauren Cooper and Porter Fuqua with Jan and Bruce Harbour as honorary chairs and Jason Morski as president, the reception began with guests enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres and wine, along with a VIP reception and book signing.

        
Jason began by welcoming everyone saying that Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.  He also shared insight into his own experience owning and carefully renovating an historic home, his was built in the 1800s, saying “Old is gold!” to a rousing round of applause. He gave insight into upcoming events, including the Historic Home Tour in May 2026 and the Park Cities Car Show.
        
After the chairs thanked sponsors, including D Home as magazine sponsor, Brent presented a very interesting slideshow and spoke about how to build better and more beautifully. From the history of housing from post-war in 1946 when the focus was on supplies to the cookie-cutter homes of the 1950s, then through the housing crisis, modern houses and how construction has changed through the years. Focusing on historic buildings, he said that’s what ties the community together, the history of our homes, saying that when we save these buildings, we save who we are.
        
To learn more about Preservation Park Cities or to join, visit the website at www.preservationparkcities.org.   

Brent Hull is an award-winning master builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings. For over thirty years his craftsmanship has enhanced nationally registered properties and homes across the country. Hull honed his expertise at Boston’s North Bennet Street School where he trained in the art of traditional building and historic preservation prior to founding Hull Millwork & Hull Homes in Fort Worth, Texas. When Brent is not working with his teams, speaking or consulting about how to build better and more beautifully, he enjoys reading and writing about historic architecture. He has authored five books on historic millwork; his most recent book released this spring, Millwork: The Design and Manufacturing of Historic Millwork from 1740-1950.

Overview:

• The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.
• The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.
• The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.
• Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to fund:

• Property Landmarking
• Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
• HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
• The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
• The “Save the Top 100” campaign and the new book: The Houses of the Park Cities: An Architectural Guide to the Historic Houses of Highland Park and University Park Texas

Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org

Social Media: Facebook @preservationparkcities     Instagram @preservationparkcities/                                                            

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

2025 Park Cities Car Show Presented by Preservation Park Cities
Sponsored by URBAN/Allie Beth Allman & Associates A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate

The Annual Park Cities Car Show presented by Preservation Park Cities is sponsored by URBAN/Allie Beth Allman & Associates a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate happens on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.  (Rain Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025)

Where:       Burleson Park
3000 University Boulevard
Dallas, TX  75205

To Show:   Registration is accepted through the website and will close midnight, Wednesday, October 15.
Unfortunately, we will not be accepting day-of registrations. Please visit www.Preservationparkcities.org  and the registration form will be on the Events Tab under the Park Cities Car Show. Registration fees are $35 for cars and $30 for motorcycles.

What:         Preservation Park Cities is proud to host the Park Cities Car Show where hundreds of classics and hot rods will be on display. Many of these garage queens make a rare appearance at this show. Join us for this fun event!

                   Admission to the show is free and open to the public. If you like cars (or just like getting outside), the Park Cities Car Show is the event for you! We are always impressed with the entries each year and this party just continues to grow.

Additional Sponsors:   Sewell, Hilltop Securities, Earth MotorCars and more TBA  

Community Partners: City of University Park, Texas A&M Forest Service, University Park Library and more TBA

Register: www.PreservationParkCities.org/CarShow or email carshow@preservationparkcities.org

Contact and More information:  Visit the website at www.PreservationParkCities.org or email carshow@preservationparkcities.org or call 214.528.0021.
There is also a fun video from previous car shows on the Car Show page.

                   Instagram: @parkcitiescarshow  FB: @PCHPSCarShow

Overview:

•  The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.

•  The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.

•  The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.

•  Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to fund:

• Property Landmarking
• Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
• HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
• The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
• The “Save the Top 100” campaign and the new book: The Houses of the Park Cities: An Architectural Guide to the Historic Houses of Highland Park and University Park Texas
•  Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org             

Social Media: Facebook @preservationparkcities     Instagram @preservationparkcities/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_swSPVCjY5RaWXbpHTXxTMUqLtKcY8sl
                                                           

Photo of chairs by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio