Mrs. Eugene McDermott Announced as Honorary Chair of the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society 2014 Distinguished Speaker Luncheon Series and Historic Home Tour Architects of Distinction Presented by Pritchett IV and D HOME

Harlan Crow will speak on “Architectural Features and Historical Collections in the Harlan Crow Library” at the luncheon on Wednesday, April 2

The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society (PCHPS) is honored to announce Mrs. Eugene McDermott as the honorary chair of the 2014 Distinguished Speaker Luncheon Series and Historic Home Tour Architects of Distinction presented by Pritchett IV and D Home.
       
“Mrs. McDermott’s joining our luncheon as honorary chair is truly an honor,” said Al McClendon, president, PCHPS. “Her appearance and literally pulling the switch at the lighting of the Highland Park pecan tree at Armstrong Parkway during the last holiday season reminded us of her dedication to our community. At that same time, PCHPS unveiled a landmarking plaque celebrating Highland Park’s Centennial and commemorating the Cole Family Farm, where the tree stands. Now Mrs. McDermott joins us in this 2014 Home Tour kick-off raising awareness of the unique attributes of the Park Cities, which we seek to preserve and protect."

Lucia Hrncir, luncheon chair, agreed with McClendon, saying, “This is PCHPS’ third annual Distinguished Speaker Series luncheon and Mrs. McDermott’s involvement and support as honorary chair, along with Harlan Crow as the featured speaker, is a celebration of the history of our community. We are all looking forward to an exciting event.”

Harlan Crow is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Crow Holdings, a private family business holding company.  The company owns and manages real estate investments throughout the United States and overseas.  Mr. Crow serves on several boards, including those of AEI, Supreme Court Historical Society, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and as a member of the American Antiquarian Society.  He serves the Dallas area as Honorary Consul of Denmark.  He and his wife, Kathy, have three children, Jack, Rob and Sarah.

Former honorary chairs were Lindalyn Adams in 2012 and Ray and Heather Washburne in 2013.  Former speakers were Ray Washburne in 2012 and Dealey Decherd Herndon in 2013. 

Slated for Wednesday, April 2^nd at the Dallas Country Club, the luncheon features Crow’s presentation entitled “Architectural Features and Historical Collections in the Harlan Crow Library” and will include a slide show. Scott Murray is emcee.

Proceeds from the luncheon will fund scholarships at Highland Park High School for graduating seniors who plan to study architecture, history, preservation, or another major related to the preservation of our heritage.  The purpose of the scholarships is to promote interest in education in fields of study related to historical preservation of the Park Cities Communities.

Underwriting and sponsorships are available. Tickets are $125, $250, $500, $1,000 each with different benefits in seating, private reception with the speaker, according to the level of purchase.  For details visit the website at www.pchps.org, email info@pchps.org or call (214) 528-0021.

Also, remember to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 12 for the12^th Annual Historic Home Tour Architects of Distinction from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Open to the public, tickets will be available at Park Cities Tom Thumb stores beginning March 29^th.

What: Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society (PCHPS) annual Historic Home Tour is themed “Architects of Distinction” and is presented by Pritchett IV and D HOME. The home tour and luncheon celebrate historic preservation and are designed to generate awareness of the role history and preservation play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the Park Cities communities.

Details: The 2014 Historic Home Tour will feature architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities.

 •  The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled and updated to serve the lifestyle needs of families today. 

•  The Historic Home Tour and Distinguished Speaker Series Luncheon are the Society’s only fundraiser each year. The proceeds are allocated for scholarships and to help further our mission to promote, protect and preserve the historic, architectural, cultural and aesthetic legacy of the Park Cities.

 •  The Society landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park

Cities, some of which are on the Historical Home Tour. 

•  Members of the Society enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs. 

Overview: PCHPS mission is to protect, preserve and promote the historic, architectural, cultural and aesthetic legacy of the Park Cities. A portion of the proceeds of the 2014 Home Tour Weekend will be used to help preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, which was the second home built in Highland Park. It also funds the Society’s landmarking ceremonies. The proceeds from the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon Series will go toward the PCHPS scholarship program for Highland Park High School.

Photo of Crow Library exterior by Dan Piassick

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