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Commission denies repainting plan for Winnetka Heights home, recommends color revisions
Summary
The Dallas Landmark Commission denied without prejudice a homeowner’s request to repaint 119 North Windermere Avenue in Winnetka Heights after commissioners concluded the proposed dark, closely‑matched colors would obscure the house’s architectural details.
The Dallas Landmark Commission on March 3 denied without prejudice an application to repaint a contributing house at 119 North Windermere Avenue in the Winnetka Heights Historic District after a majority of commissioners said the two proposed colors lacked enough contrast to emphasize the structure’s architectural features.
The homeowner, Tyler Grama, had proposed a darker greenish‑blue as the primary color with a darker trim; staff had recommended approval, while the neighborhood task force recommended denial without prejudice and asked for paint samples and clearer details about color placement.
Why it matters: Commission rules for contributing structures require paint colors to be compatible with a house’s form and the district’s character. Several commissioners said the chosen colors were too similar in tone and would cause the house’s distinctive gables, porch and other details to visually “meld” rather than stand out.
Commissioner Sherman moved to deny the application without prejudice, citing the low contrast between the two colors. Sherman said the gradient — the transition between the primary and trim color — was “too similar” and would cause the property’s architectural details to be diminished. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion.
Tyler Grama, the applicant, told the commission the colors were intended to be inspired by a nearby house and that he was open to adjusting the palette or adding a third color. Commissioners suggested alternatives such as lightening the trim, adding a third accent color, or re‑siting contrast to ensure the gables and porch details read clearly from the street.
After discussion, the motion to deny without prejudice carried. The chair said the applicant may reapply and was advised to consult with staff and the district task force to present paint chips and revised color placement that show stronger contrast and a clearer highlighting of architectural elements.
What comes next: Denial without prejudice means the applicant may submit a revised application without a new appeal fee basis; staff and the task force will work with the applicant on color options before the owner returns to the Landmark Commission.
