A well-known Texas billionaire, Andrew Beal, is stirring up controversy once again, this time with grand plans for the property where the iconic Cox Mansion once stood.
Beal, a banker and real estate investor, has already made headlines for tearing down the beloved historical home.
Now, he’s pushing for permission to build a strikingly modern feature atop his new house—an ultra-modern steel and glass dome that would tower over the area.
Controversial Zoning Change Proposal
Beal has requested a change in local zoning regulations to allow ornamental structures to rise 65 feet tall, 10 feet higher than current regulations permit.
The Highland Park Zoning Commission gave its initial approval on Thursday, but with some limitations, such as capping the dome’s size at 3,000 square feet.
The final decision, however, won’t come until February 4 when the proposal is presented to the Town Council.
If the council approves the change, it will mark the first time in six decades that the district’s zoning code is updated, affecting just four properties in the area.
Supporters Argue for Modernization
During the zoning meeting, Moshe Itzhakov, a partner at Weinreb Ventures representing Beal, argued that the town’s existing height restrictions were outdated and needed to be modernized.
He stressed that the community had the opportunity to evolve with the times and create a more progressive environment, in line with design preferences seen today.
Opponents Decry the Plan as a Reward for Destruction
Despite the zoning commission’s vote in favor of Beal’s request, there has been vocal opposition.
Local residents, including Larry Good, a board member of Preservation Park Cities, have strongly criticized the potential change.
Good argued that allowing Beal to build his dome would effectively reward him for demolishing a historic treasure.
He questioned the fairness of offering more building permissions as compensation for tearing down a significant landmark.
Realtor Douglas Newby, who also voiced his concerns, highlighted that the Cox Mansion was integral to the community’s history.
He warned that changing the zoning laws would have repercussions far beyond Beal’s project, affecting the entire Highland Park area.
The Demolition of the Historic Cox Mansion
Beal’s involvement with the Cox Mansion began quietly when he purchased the property in 2021.
The mansion, located at 4101 Beverly Drive, was once owned by Dallas businessman Edwin L. Cox and built in 1912.
Beal shocked the Highland Park community when he demolished the mansion in 2024.
Many viewed the mansion as a piece of Dallas history, and its destruction has left a lasting impression on the area.
Previously, the mansion had been home to Susie Rose Lloyd, a socialite known for hosting lavish parties.
Beal’s decision to demolish it has raised eyebrows, particularly since the property sat on about seven acres of prime land along Turtle Creek.
Some reports have suggested that Beal made a $41 million loan to a trust associated with his bank to facilitate the purchase, although details remain scarce.
A Pattern of Destruction
This isn’t Beal’s first time demolishing historic properties.
In 2016, he purchased the mansion of business magnates Margaret and Trammell Crow for $60 million, only to tear it down and sell the land shortly thereafter.
The demolition of the Cox Mansion is part of a broader pattern of buying and gutting historic homes in the Dallas area.
Community Loss and Disappointment
The nonprofit group Preservation Park Cities expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the Cox Mansion, calling it the end of an era.
The group, which advocates for the preservation of Dallas landmarks, lamented the mansion’s destruction, noting that many questions about how and why this happened remain unanswered.
The group shared heartbreaking images of the mansion reduced to rubble, describing it as a significant loss for the community.
As Beal’s plans move forward, the debate over preserving historic architecture versus embracing modern development continues to divide the community, with some fearing that the demolition of one of Dallas’ most iconic properties will set a troubling precedent for the future.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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