5023 Reiger Avenue

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Sponsored by Texas Backyard Living

·       Original Owner: Benjamin B. Cain, Vice President/General Manager of Gulf, Texas & Western Railway Co. Their office was in the Praetorian Building downtown.

This house, designed by architect DeFreeze and completed around 1909 for Benjamin Cain, stands out as one of only two other homes in Dallas constructed in the distinctive ‘Eastern Stick’ architectural style. Over time, several modifications have shaped its character.

The original front porch roof, extending to the westernmost edge of the house, underwent changes before 1950. Today, only an “A”-frame roof over the front door remains in its original form. In the backyard, the carriage house, originally serving as a coachman or caretaker’s quarters, is a rare survivor—one of the few remaining original structures of its kind in the neighborhood. As you explore, you’ll notice that the next-door neighbor’s garage still retains their attached carriage house. Interestingly, the previous owner Jim Akin, one of the first Munger Place urban pioneers of the 1970’s, hydraulically lifted and detached the carriage house from the ground floor stables. The stables were demolished and the quarters were lowered onto piers.

The current owner, who acquired the home in 1984, dedicated his spare time to all renovations excluding major systems. His personal contributions include adding a “peek-a-boo” window while repairing the dining room pocket doors to observe the carpentry, masonry, mechanical, heating and wall covering work of these homes. He added the upstairs deck off the primary bedroom that he later converted to a bathroom and renovated the existing bathroom. He has also updated the carriage house into an efficiency studio by adding plumbing, electricity, a door, windows, and finishing the floor and roof. The previously built three-car garage now serves as his studio/workshop. 

Wine Offerings

Standard Pour (Selected by Jimmy’s Food Store) 2020 Cantina Zaccagnini (Montepulciano d' Abruzzo)

This Italian red wine exhibits an intense violet robe with aromas of plum and ripe blackberry.

Premium Pour (Selected by Jimmy’s Food Store) Donnafugata Bell'assai (Sicilian)

With a ruby red color with violet reflections, Bell'Assai radiates intense floral notes of roses, freesia and lavender followed by fruity aromas of strawberry and cherry. Fresh and fragrant on the palate with a soft tannin.