The East Kessler Park Neighborhood Association is a unique neighborhood with a sincere pride of ownership, a rich history, and a community of volunteers brought together to achieve and preserve a vibrant community for living, working, learning and playing.
The mission of the East Kessler Park Neighborhood Association is to build community by connecting neighbors, promoting social events, supporting beautification projects and creating avenues for communication which ensure our neighborhood remains a desirable, enjoyable and safe place to live.
The vision of the East Kessler Neighborhood Association is to:
When you support a strong neighborhood association you:
The vision of the East Kessler Neighborhood Association is to:
- Enhance the overall quality of our neighborhood
- Support beautification projects in the neighborhood
- Encourage communication, cooperation, and friendliness among the residents
- Maintain and increase the spirit of awareness, security, and safety
- Express the interest and opinions of all to our local government
When you support a strong neighborhood association you:
- Build ‘community’ within your neighborhood
- Establish strong communication with your neighbors
- Help make your neighborhood a safer place
- Create and maintain a beautiful place to live
In sight of Dallas’ skyline, East Kessler Park is situated among tree covered hills and criss-crossed by creeks. While affording easy accessibility to any point in Dallas, East Kessler Park remains quiet and secluded, a haven for birds and small wildlife. Most of all, East Kessler Park possesses a sense of community and belonging that is generated by residents, old and new, who take great pride in their very special neighborhood.
Officially established in 1937 by developer Roy Eastus and the Stemmons Family, East Kessler Park is bordered by Sylvan Avenue, North Beckley Avenue, West Colorado Boulevard and I-30 Freeway. The East Kessler Park Neighborhood Association, one of the oldest in the City, was organized in 1950.
Many streets that do not have the word ‘hill’ in them take their names from the generation of real estate magnates who developed the area.
Allison Drive and Stemmons Avenue were named for Leslie Allison Stemmons, the father of John Stemmons whose family once owned most of the land that is now East Kessler Park. Junior Drive was named in honor of Hugh January Jr., the son of Hugh January who was the exclusive sales agent for the original Kessler Park and, later, the developer of East Kessler. In 1933, at age 13, Hugh Jr. died of a heart attack while playing in a neighbor’s yard. The wide expanse of Eastus Drive, named after developer Roy Eastus, was to allow him to make a u-turn without having to stop.
Methodist Hospital was built in 1927 on land donated by the Stemmons family. For many years, East Kessler Park was dubbed "Pill Hill" for its high population of doctors.
The houses in East Kessler Park blend into the chalk cliffs of the hilly, wooded landscape located southwest and within walking distance of downtown Dallas. Streets follow the steep, winding topography of Coombs Creek and Kidd Springs Creek as they meander through the neighborhood on their way to the Trinity River. Popular Kessler Parkway Park and the Coombs Creek walking and bike trail line the northern border.
The residential architectural styles range from late 1930s Austin stone to ranch, mid-century contemporary to ultra modern. Sizes range from cottages to multi-story houses, including dwellings that climb their hillside lots. Today, East Kessler Park is considered to contain the most eclectic mix of architecture inside the entire city of Dallas.
One of the oldest masonry structures in Dallas County exists in East Kessler Park. S.A. Rush may have begun construction on the house known as The Rock Lodge at 1622 Cedar Hill as early as 1850. It is still a residence and obviously built to last as the limestone walls, quarried in the neighborhood, are two feet thick in some places. Legend has it this home was once a stop on the long-established Cedar Hill stagecoach trail.
Other homes of particular note include:
East Kessler Park is the most eastern of the Kessler Park neighborhoods. Early Dallas families such as the Guggenheims from Switzerland and the Stemmons once resided in the area. The neighborhood we know today was established in 1937. The neighborhood association, one of the oldest in the city, was organized in 1950. Its borders are Sylvan Avenue, North Beckley Avenue, West Colorado Boulevard and I-30 Tom Landry Freeway. Methodist Medical Center, built in 1927 on land donated by the Stemmons family, anchors the southeast corner of the neighborhood.
The residential architectural styles range from ranch to modern and present-day contemporary. Sizes range from small cottages to large multi-story houses. The art moderne house at Cedar Hill Road and Colorado Boulevard, built in 1936 as one of the first all-electric residences in the city, retains many original features. Several mid-century modern houses are located here including the former home of AIA award winning architect David Braden.
One of the oldest masonry structures in Dallas County can be found in East Kessler Park. Construction on the Rock Lodge, may have started as early as 1870 using stone quarried in the neighborhood. The lodge functioned as a stop on a nearby stagecoach trail at one time. It currently is a residence obviously built to last as the stone exterior walls are two feet thick in some places.
Many houses in East Kessler Park blend into the hilly, wooded landscape and are located within walking distance of downtown. Coombs Creek and Kidd Springs Creek flow through the neighborhood on their way to the Trinity River. Kessler Parkway Park and the Combs Creek walking and bike trail line the northern edge.
Officially established in 1937 by developer Roy Eastus and the Stemmons Family, East Kessler Park is bordered by Sylvan Avenue, North Beckley Avenue, West Colorado Boulevard and I-30 Freeway. The East Kessler Park Neighborhood Association, one of the oldest in the City, was organized in 1950.
Many streets that do not have the word ‘hill’ in them take their names from the generation of real estate magnates who developed the area.
Allison Drive and Stemmons Avenue were named for Leslie Allison Stemmons, the father of John Stemmons whose family once owned most of the land that is now East Kessler Park. Junior Drive was named in honor of Hugh January Jr., the son of Hugh January who was the exclusive sales agent for the original Kessler Park and, later, the developer of East Kessler. In 1933, at age 13, Hugh Jr. died of a heart attack while playing in a neighbor’s yard. The wide expanse of Eastus Drive, named after developer Roy Eastus, was to allow him to make a u-turn without having to stop.
Methodist Hospital was built in 1927 on land donated by the Stemmons family. For many years, East Kessler Park was dubbed "Pill Hill" for its high population of doctors.
The houses in East Kessler Park blend into the chalk cliffs of the hilly, wooded landscape located southwest and within walking distance of downtown Dallas. Streets follow the steep, winding topography of Coombs Creek and Kidd Springs Creek as they meander through the neighborhood on their way to the Trinity River. Popular Kessler Parkway Park and the Coombs Creek walking and bike trail line the northern border.
The residential architectural styles range from late 1930s Austin stone to ranch, mid-century contemporary to ultra modern. Sizes range from cottages to multi-story houses, including dwellings that climb their hillside lots. Today, East Kessler Park is considered to contain the most eclectic mix of architecture inside the entire city of Dallas.
One of the oldest masonry structures in Dallas County exists in East Kessler Park. S.A. Rush may have begun construction on the house known as The Rock Lodge at 1622 Cedar Hill as early as 1850. It is still a residence and obviously built to last as the limestone walls, quarried in the neighborhood, are two feet thick in some places. Legend has it this home was once a stop on the long-established Cedar Hill stagecoach trail.
Other homes of particular note include:
- The streamline Art Moderne house, on a bend of Colorado Boulevard at 1302 Cedar Hill, built in 1936 by Dallas Power & Light as the first all-electric residence in the city.
- The 1950’s home at 1411 Cedar Hill built in the shape of the state of Texas.
- The former home and studio of AIA award winning architect David Braden at 1435 Cedar Hill. Occupying a forested slope amid luxuriant vegetation, the cantilevered wood deck is reputedly the first of its kind in Dallas.
- The palatial home at 1707 Rio Vista built in 1940 by Charles Moore, founder of Austin Industries.
East Kessler Park is the most eastern of the Kessler Park neighborhoods. Early Dallas families such as the Guggenheims from Switzerland and the Stemmons once resided in the area. The neighborhood we know today was established in 1937. The neighborhood association, one of the oldest in the city, was organized in 1950. Its borders are Sylvan Avenue, North Beckley Avenue, West Colorado Boulevard and I-30 Tom Landry Freeway. Methodist Medical Center, built in 1927 on land donated by the Stemmons family, anchors the southeast corner of the neighborhood.
The residential architectural styles range from ranch to modern and present-day contemporary. Sizes range from small cottages to large multi-story houses. The art moderne house at Cedar Hill Road and Colorado Boulevard, built in 1936 as one of the first all-electric residences in the city, retains many original features. Several mid-century modern houses are located here including the former home of AIA award winning architect David Braden.
One of the oldest masonry structures in Dallas County can be found in East Kessler Park. Construction on the Rock Lodge, may have started as early as 1870 using stone quarried in the neighborhood. The lodge functioned as a stop on a nearby stagecoach trail at one time. It currently is a residence obviously built to last as the stone exterior walls are two feet thick in some places.
Many houses in East Kessler Park blend into the hilly, wooded landscape and are located within walking distance of downtown. Coombs Creek and Kidd Springs Creek flow through the neighborhood on their way to the Trinity River. Kessler Parkway Park and the Combs Creek walking and bike trail line the northern edge.
President: Ellen Parill
Ellen moved to East Kessler in 2007. She is married to Alicia Parill, and they currently have three fur babies. She retired from her ob/gyn practice in 2020. Ellen has never lived anywhere that compares to East Kessler. She loves the beauty of the neighborhood and of the neighbors.
Ellen moved to East Kessler in 2007. She is married to Alicia Parill, and they currently have three fur babies. She retired from her ob/gyn practice in 2020. Ellen has never lived anywhere that compares to East Kessler. She loves the beauty of the neighborhood and of the neighbors.
Vice President: Vince Fall
Vince has been in East Kessler Park five years this May and could not imagine living anywhere else. "It is such a beautiful well kept secret. I want to preserve this very special area of Dallas, which is the driving force behind my participation of being on the board of EKPNA."
Vince has been in East Kessler Park five years this May and could not imagine living anywhere else. "It is such a beautiful well kept secret. I want to preserve this very special area of Dallas, which is the driving force behind my participation of being on the board of EKPNA."
Communications: Harsh Agarwal
Harsh, his wife, Jill, and their two dogs, Molly and Lampard, have lived in the EKP neighborhood for two years since moving to Dallas from Houston in 2018. The 1950’s architecture / old homes, tall trees and close proximity to Downtown / Bishop Arts were attractive to Harsh and Jill when they were considering various parts of Dallas for a place to live but it was the culture and neighbors in EKP that made them stay here and call it their “home.” Taking their dogs for a walk around the neighborhood and the neighborhood happy hours every other Friday are some of their favorite things to do in EKP. Harsh, 27, and Jill, 30, hope to add generational diversity to the EKPNA board and advocate for initiatives that benefit all stakeholders.
Harsh, his wife, Jill, and their two dogs, Molly and Lampard, have lived in the EKP neighborhood for two years since moving to Dallas from Houston in 2018. The 1950’s architecture / old homes, tall trees and close proximity to Downtown / Bishop Arts were attractive to Harsh and Jill when they were considering various parts of Dallas for a place to live but it was the culture and neighbors in EKP that made them stay here and call it their “home.” Taking their dogs for a walk around the neighborhood and the neighborhood happy hours every other Friday are some of their favorite things to do in EKP. Harsh, 27, and Jill, 30, hope to add generational diversity to the EKPNA board and advocate for initiatives that benefit all stakeholders.
Treasurer: Amber Patteson
Ken and Amber moved to this beautiful neighborhood in early 2017. "I love the fact that every home is different along with the hills, winding streets, large trees and just the lovely park feel it has, EKP is AWESOME. I decided to volunteer on EKPNA board to get to know the neighborhood and my neighbors better."
Ken and Amber moved to this beautiful neighborhood in early 2017. "I love the fact that every home is different along with the hills, winding streets, large trees and just the lovely park feel it has, EKP is AWESOME. I decided to volunteer on EKPNA board to get to know the neighborhood and my neighbors better."
Beautification: Tina Bass
Tina Bass has lived in Kessler park for six years. She was drawn to the neighborhood by the hills and trees. She enjoys dedicating some of her free time to neighborhood improvement.
Tina Bass has lived in Kessler park for six years. She was drawn to the neighborhood by the hills and trees. She enjoys dedicating some of her free time to neighborhood improvement.
Secretary: Chris Hendrix
Chris and his partner David moved to East Kessler in 2003 from Oak Lawn. "We moved here because we love the beauty of the area, the trees, the hills and architecture can’t be beat in Dallas! You can catch us periodically walking our dog Dexter around Kessler Parkway. I am volunteering on the EKP board to help make our neighborhood the best in Dallas!"
Chris and his partner David moved to East Kessler in 2003 from Oak Lawn. "We moved here because we love the beauty of the area, the trees, the hills and architecture can’t be beat in Dallas! You can catch us periodically walking our dog Dexter around Kessler Parkway. I am volunteering on the EKP board to help make our neighborhood the best in Dallas!"
Membership: Becky Casey & Mary Grimley
Mary Grimley has been an East Kessler resident for five years but has been passionate about Dallas her whole life. She enjoys cooking, travel, live music, running, outdoor activities and spending time with her family including daughter, Maggie, who lives in Austin.
Mary Grimley has been an East Kessler resident for five years but has been passionate about Dallas her whole life. She enjoys cooking, travel, live music, running, outdoor activities and spending time with her family including daughter, Maggie, who lives in Austin.
Becky Casey and her husband, Mike Casey, moved to East Kessler in 2011. They initially fell in love with the charm and beauty of the area, but after moving, they have especially appreciated and enjoyed the uniqueness of the neighborhood and surrounding areas, meeting their friendly, interesting neighbors and making many new friends. Becky is retired from running her family business, Harold's Stores, Inc, and Mike was chairman/CEO of the former Grand Bank of Texas (which recently sold to Banc Corp South). They have three grown children and two grandchildren (plus Oscar, their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). They have loved getting involved in this special neighborhood.
EKPNA Representative to Heritage Oak Cliff: Steve Springfield
Steve Springfield has lived in East Kessler Park since 1990. His motivation to serve on the board is the opportunity to continue carrying out his passions for architecture, art, urban design, neighborhood and social justice advocacy, conservation, spirituality, philosophy, volunteerism and altruism. He is a retired architect and vice president at HKS whose projects included buildings such as the UTSW Clements University Hospital, Fort Worth Thistle Hill restored mansion, M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Tower, TAMU Veterinary Research Building and Engineering Tower, Miami Children’s Hospital Clinical Tower, Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital Rehab Tower, Las Vegas Spring Valley Hospital Surgery addition, and The Walt Disney Company’s Walt Disney World’s Wide World of Sports Arena, Celebration town center, and Boardwalk Resort hotel.
Steve Springfield has lived in East Kessler Park since 1990. His motivation to serve on the board is the opportunity to continue carrying out his passions for architecture, art, urban design, neighborhood and social justice advocacy, conservation, spirituality, philosophy, volunteerism and altruism. He is a retired architect and vice president at HKS whose projects included buildings such as the UTSW Clements University Hospital, Fort Worth Thistle Hill restored mansion, M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Tower, TAMU Veterinary Research Building and Engineering Tower, Miami Children’s Hospital Clinical Tower, Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital Rehab Tower, Las Vegas Spring Valley Hospital Surgery addition, and The Walt Disney Company’s Walt Disney World’s Wide World of Sports Arena, Celebration town center, and Boardwalk Resort hotel.
Neighorhood Issues: Andy Merlino
Andy is currently the safety coordinator for the EKPNA with a passion for keeping the neighborhood safe and clean for all. He has resided in East Kessler since 2003, and North Oak Cliff since 1991, with his recently retired wife, Lynne from DISD, along with his son and daughter. During this time, the memories with family and friends have been priceless. Andy enjoys golf and tennis and just about any sport-related activity with yard work being his salvation. "I foresee the Eastus Cup displayed in my front yard in the near future!!! It's all about the green ... If I'm not first, I'm last."
Andy is currently the safety coordinator for the EKPNA with a passion for keeping the neighborhood safe and clean for all. He has resided in East Kessler since 2003, and North Oak Cliff since 1991, with his recently retired wife, Lynne from DISD, along with his son and daughter. During this time, the memories with family and friends have been priceless. Andy enjoys golf and tennis and just about any sport-related activity with yard work being his salvation. "I foresee the Eastus Cup displayed in my front yard in the near future!!! It's all about the green ... If I'm not first, I'm last."
East Kessler Park Neighborhood Association is a non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Download the EKPNA bylaws. Please direct questions about the bylaws to the current EKPNA secretary Charlie Haley.
We have a number of sponsorship levels available that provide access to more than 400 neighborhood households via regular email blasts, website advertising, promotional material and more. EKPNA has created many ways for our local businesses to reach out to our neighbors to help drive traffic to your business. There's something for everyone!
