Henry B. Thomson, Dallas Architect
Past Dallas and Texas Architect
Hal Thomson introduced the architecturally refined mansion to Dallas. He was an architect with a background of privilege, the son of a prominent Texas oil and cattle man. He was educated in elite private and preparatory schools before he attended the University of Texas, followed by an additional bachelor’s and master’s degree from MIT in 1906.
He traveled extensively in Europe and studied its period architecture. His society bearings were furthered when he married the daughter of J. B. Adoue, the prominent banker and civic leader in Dallas in 1914.
He designed the Southwestern Life Building and his own home at 3925 Potomac and designed far more elaborate and grander homes on Swiss Avenue and in Highland Park. Many consider the Aldredge House, a French Eclectic style home with Renaissance detailing, the high mark of eclectic architecture by Hal Thomson. The home is owned by the Dallas County Medical Auxiliary. He moved as easily within his profession as president of AIA, as he did in his social circles as a member of the Dallas Country Club. Every Dallas architect who designs eclectic homes has been influenced by Hal Thomson. Hal Thomson homes can be identified by the gentle curves, bowed front porches and an intuitive grace and planned proportion that permeates the structure.
Example of Homes Architect Henry B. Thomson Designed
One of the Five Best Homes on Swiss Sold – Architect Hal Thomson
5323 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas
Hal Thomson Historic Home on Swiss Avenue – Sold by Douglas Newby
Swiss Avenue is the cradle of Dallas architecture and architecturally significant homes. Architect Hal Thomson, who designed this home in 1914 at 5323 Swiss Avenue, is the godfather of Dallas architects. Many don’t realize the impact and influence the homes on Swiss Avenue and architect Hal Thomson have on the architecture and architects in Dallas. Many consider 5323 Swiss to be one of the best five homes in the Swiss Avenue Historic District and one of the most architecturally significant homes in Dallas. You can scroll through Centennial Pictures of all 100 homes on Swiss Avenue and determine what you think are the best five homes on Swiss Avenue.
After a Grand Tour of Europe, Hal Thomson Made His Mark on Swiss Avenue
Henry B. Thomson (Hal Thomson) was a society architect who after his grand tour of Europe made his mark on Swiss Avenue before he began designing architecturally significant homes in Highland Park. The Aldredge house also on Swiss Avenue and 5323 Swiss Avenue that Douglas Newby recently sold quickly come to mind when one thinks of architect Hal Thomson.
4908 Lakeside Drive, Dallas, Texas
This Hal Thomson architect designed Highland Park neoclassical home at 4908 Lakeside Drive had been a Dallas and Highland Park favorite home for over 100 years. In 1997, the American Institute of Architects Dallas Chapter selected 4908 Lakeside Drive as one of the Dallas 50 Significant Homes to help celebrate their 50th Anniversary. This home is architecturally and historically significant because it was designed by the most revered and respected early 20th century Dallas architect, Henry B. Thomson, and the home exemplified the architecture of Old Highland Park.
5500 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas
Many consider the Aldredge House, a French Eclectic style home with Renaissance detailing, the high mark of eclectic architecture by Hal Thomson. The home is owned by the Dallas County Medical Auxiliary. 5500 Swiss was designed by Hal Thomson in 1917.
3925 Potomac Avenue, Dallas, Texas
How does a home become one of the favorite homes in Highland Park? In the case of 3925 Potomac, it has happened over a span of 100 years. From the time architect Hal Thomson designed this home for his family, it has been admired by those in Highland Park and across Dallas.
4236 Armstrong Parkway, Dallas, Texas
This stately home with the steep roof and renaissance detailing is well suited for the grand and almost ceremonial quality of Armstrong Boulevard in Highland Park.
4324 Saint Johns Drive, Dallas, Texas
One of the most frustrating trends in the country’s historic suburbs is to tear down a historic home form the early part of this century to build a home of almost the same size and architecture period.
4726 Drexel Drive, Dallas, Texas
Highland Park Mediterranean Style Home
This Mediterranean style home designed in 1919 along Hackberry Creek in Highland Park, is significant both architecturally for its renovation and for who has lived in the home over the years. Architect Wilson Fuqua did the renovation and expanded the home in one of the most beautiful and effective ways to enjoy the creek and lush gardens.
3926 Potomac Avenue, Dallas, Texas
While Hal Thomson is often associated with grand and opposing homes, he often created charming homes including the one in which he lived. On Potomac you will find the best of his work in this style and scale.
5022 Seneca Drive, Dallas, Texas
This early home in Bluffview was designed by Hal Thomson in 1936. In 2002, Wilson Fuqua renovated this prominent Dallas estate, keeping the character of this home found on the wooded, rolling terrain of Bluffview.
6801 Baltimore Drive, Dallas, Texas
6801 Baltimore was designed by Hal Thomson for George T. and Isabel Brown Lee in the Spring of 1929. The solid brick exterior walls are reminiscent of the Georgian style buildings that can be seen in the distance.
5439 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas
Swiss Avenue Historic Home
This home was designed by Hal Thomson in 1914 for George Greer, the president of Magnolia Petroleum Company, which later became Mobil Oil. Truly eclectic, the home is not true to a design of the eighteenth century, but includes Georgian details and a nod toward Italian Renaissance.
Hal Thomson Designed Home on Swiss Avenue Sold by Douglas Newby
5520 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas
Henry B. Thomson Designed Residence – Sold by Douglas Newby
I always strive for a gracious transaction like this one between a fabulous buyer and seller who both love historic homes. The seller, a Swiss Avenue home owner for nearly 4 decades, asked me to sell her home. I was delighted and honored to represent her. Also, I was excited to offer a home for sale designed by Hal Thomson, the first prominent society architect of Dallas and his junior architect partner James Cheek who went on to design Highland Park Village and many architecturally significant homes with his architecture partner Marion Fooshee.
3801 Gillon Avenue, Dallas, Texas
This 1915 English garden home is also designed by Hal Thomson. This romantic home was renovated by Wilson Fuqua in a way that allows the original home to recapture the imagination of Dallas and provide contemporary convenience for the owners.
