Texas billionaire Andrew Beal, known for demolishing historic properties, has set his sights on transforming the land where the iconic Cox Mansion once stood.

Beal, a wealthy banker with a penchant for tearing down historic homes, has applied to change local zoning laws to allow for an ultra-modern steel-and-glass dome on top of the new home he’s constructing in place of the former mansion.

The proposal would allow ornamental structures to be as high as 65 feet—10 feet taller than the current zoning limit.

Beal is seeking approval from the Highland Park town council to amend the zoning code, which could set a new precedent for future developments in the area.

Zoning Commission Approves Beal’s Proposal

The Highland Park Zoning Commission gave its approval to move forward with Beal’s dome plans during a meeting held on January 25, 2025.

However, the commission placed a restriction on the dome’s size, limiting it to 3,000 square feet.

While the commission’s approval is a step forward, the final decision on the zoning amendment will be made by the town council during a vote scheduled for February 4.

If the council approves the amendment, it will be the first change to the district’s zoning code in over 60 years.

The change would affect only the ‘A’ district, which includes just four properties along Beverly Drive and Preston Road.

Opposition to the Zoning Change

Despite receiving the green light from the zoning commission, Beal’s proposal has sparked significant opposition from local residents and preservationists.

Critics argue that approving the zoning amendment would reward Beal for demolishing a historic landmark.

Larry Good, a Highland Park resident and member of the Preservation Park Cities board, voiced his concerns, stating that granting Beal greater permissions to build a modern structure would be unjust after demolishing the Cox Mansion.

Realtor Douglas Newby echoed these sentiments, warning that altering the zoning code would have a broader impact on the community.

Newby stressed that the Cox Mansion was a symbol of the town’s history and that changing the regulations could set a dangerous precedent for the entire neighborhood.

The Demolition of the Cox Mansion

Beal quietly purchased the Cox Mansion in 2021, and by 2024, the historic property was reduced to rubble.

The mansion, located at 4101 Beverly Drive, was a stunning example of Italian Renaissance architecture, originally built in 1912 by Hubbell & Greene architects.

It had long been a prominent feature of Dallas architecture, admired by many for its historical significance.

The mansion was previously owned by Edwin L. Cox, a Dallas businessman who had carefully preserved the estate until his passing in 2020.

The property was also home to socialite Susie Rose Lloyd, known for hosting lavish parties, further cementing its place in Dallas’ social history.

Beal’s History of Demolitions

Beal has a history of purchasing and demolishing historic properties.

In 2016, he bought a mansion once owned by Margaret and Trammell Crow for $60 million, only to demolish it and sell the land.

This history has raised concerns among preservationists, who fear that Beal’s new project will continue to erode the city’s architectural heritage.

A Sad Farewell to the Cox Mansion

In August 2024, Preservation Park Cities, a non-profit dedicated to preserving historic landmarks, expressed its sadness at the demolition of the Cox Mansion.

The organization posted emotional images of the mansion reduced to rubble, mourning the loss of what had been one of Dallas’ most iconic structures.

The end of the Cox Mansion marks a significant loss for the community, and the fate of the land now rests in the hands of the Highland Park town council.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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