University Park Historical Renovation

This 1929 Tudor in Dallas’s historic University Park was reimagined by Urbanology Designs for homeowners Ashley and Austin Robertson. With its Tudor exterior softened by Colonial Revival details, the home holds a timeless presence on a tree-lined street in one of Dallas’s most coveted neighborhoods. For the Robertsons, this move was about more than just finding a house—it was about finding a community that aligned with their vision of family life. After years of searching, this home checked every box.

This is our second home with Ashley, whose first property—a new construction in North Dallas completed in 2019—was defined by a more restrained and pared-back sensibility. That design was elegant and safe, a reflection of her style at the time. In contrast, this home reflects Ashley’s evolution: a more intentional aesthetic layered with ornate detailing, softened by simplicity, and guided by strong European and Soft Parisian influences. Watching this design journey unfold has been remarkable; one of the greatest joys of our work is seeing clients discover themselves and translate that discovery into the language of their homes.

Urbanology Designs was entrusted with preserving the home’s historic integrity while enhancing its livability. Preserving original plaster walls, crown molding, and textured details was central to the design ethos, ensuring the home’s architectural soul remained intact.

At the same time, thoughtful expansions increased the home’s square footage by over a thousand feet, introducing a new den, breakfast nook, and an elegantly serene Primary Suite.

A show-stopping French limestone fireplace, salvaged and installed in the den, now serves as the architectural centerpiece of the home. Its old-world grandeur anchors the space, playing against sculptural lighting, plush seating, and curated artwork, creating a soulful and elevated gathering space. Furnishings throughout the home strike a collected balance: spindle-leg chairs upholstered in velvet nod to history, while striped upholstery, sculptural coffee tables, and modern fixtures lend contemporary refinement. Artwork and objects—landscapes, portraits, antique books, and patinated vessels—were chosen to feel curated over decades, reinforcing the home’s “collected, not decorated” spirit.

Though the kitchen has been fully designed, its renovation will be reserved for Phase Two, scheduled for early next year. That transformation will be a defining moment in the home, with something truly special planned to marry everyday practicality with refined European elegance.

The result is a home that is rooted in history, layered with Parisian charm, and refreshed with modern sensibility—a deeply personal retreat for a family invested not only in their home but also in the community it belongs to.