~ a landmard designation ~
Architectural Significance
The L.O. Daniel Mansion
Located at 2223 West Jefferson Boulevard, Cedar Crest is an excellent example of a transitional Victorian country estate. The home was built in 1905 and boasts a spacious floor plan of over 5,000 square feet. At one time the home was situated on 27 acres, but that was subsequently subdivided. However, Cedar Crest and its site still exhibit the grandise proportions of an early twentieth century residential estate.
Cedar Crest could almost be described as a large Victorian farmhouse that also exhibits some Greek Revival detailing. The proportions and styling are Victorian with the narrow windows and high pitched hip roof creating a dramatic sense of ver- ticality. Greek Revival influences are expressed in the homes columns and in the large wrap around porch. As a country estate, the structure is enormous in size and substantial in appearance. Three stories in height, Cedar Crest’s size is augmented by Its simplicity in design and detailing.
The most dominant architectural features of the home are the wrap around porch at the first and second level and the abreviated widow’s walk at the third level. The porch exhibits a ballustrade as a railing on the second level and Is supported by small Greek Revival columns. The third level porch is supported by two massive columns. Wooden dentils help form the cornice lines at the second and third floors, while a porte cochere is integrated into the wrap around porch on the west facade.
The house is of wood construction on a brick foundation, with clapboard siding through out. Some wood shingles are found on the gables and dormers at the third level. The high pitched hip roof is covered with composition shingles.
The windows in Cedar Crest are a simple one over one arrangement, with narrower windows being found on the side and rear facades. Bay windows protrude on the east and west facades, and transoms can be seen over both doors. Period architectural features include pocket doors; ornate wood paneling on the staircase; newell post lamps; beveled, leaded glass bay windows on the staircase landing; a pie—shaped sitting room dominated by a 19th-century Regency chandelier; sidelights and transom set off the front entry; and, outside, two, seven-foot brick pillars mark the entrance to a 65-foot walkway leading to one of two wraparound porches.
Cedar Crest is a visual and architectural landmark in Oak Cliff that evokes memories of courtry estate living in the early twentieth century. The home has been meticulously renovated by its new owners and will continue to serve as a landmark for the community
On 13 December 1983, the Landmark Designation was signed into effect by the Chairman of the Landmark Survey Task Force and the Program Manager of the Historic Preservation Program.
