Renovated Modern: Lake Cliff Tower

The twelve-story Lake Cliff Tower at the corner of Zang and Colorado has undergone a momentous renovation. The 1930s-era landmark has evolved from glamourous hotel to apartments to old folks' home to hip loft condominium. Sitting atop the Zang Boulevard hill and just down the street from the Trinity Townhomes project I blogged about earlier, the 60 units--one or two bedrooms, ranging in price from $189K to $600K-- command spectacular views of downtown and of surrounding Oak Cliff parks. The first units are starting to close after over 18 months of construction, which was strewn with challenges. "It has been a very long and arduous process to preserve the exterior and renovate the interior," developer Stephen Everbach told the Dallas Morning News. "It's taken a little longer than anticipated. The complexities of dealing with a structure that is 75 years old are endless, and so are all the surprises one uncovers when renovating a building like this." A mixed-use development is slated to be built across Zang from the building and will house a fitness center among other businesses.

A recent Cliff Dweller article shares a sneak-peek at the new project and its inhabitants. The project aimed to "marry luxury, history, and style" by embracing the classic design of the building and melding in the open, clean lines of concrete floors, stainless appliances, and exposed beam ceilings. The Dallas Morning News featured the property and highlights celebrity occupants like former Dallas Cowboy Jethro Pugh, who appreciated the unique surroundings. "I decided to buy it because of the Trinity River and the trees and everything around there."

"There's been a lot of excitement, and now that it's about to open, we expect even more interest," selling agent Keith Cox to the DMN. "Obviously, we're not for everybody. But for those people who want loft living, this is much more affordable than some of the new construction going up in Uptown or Oak Lawn. And nobody can beat our views."