Maestri Studio hosted an intimate unveiling of Paloma—a boutique neighborhood we’re proud to be designing from the ground up. Located in East Dallas and composed of 15 custom homes, Paloma is more than a new development—it’s a continuation of the design story that has long defined this area.
East Dallas has a rich architectural heritage, much of which can be traced back to the influence of builder and designer Clifford D. Hutsell. In the 1920s and ’30s, Hutsell helped define the character of neighborhoods like Lakewood by drawing inspiration from the romantic Mediterranean architecture of Santa Barbara and Southern California. Though he didn’t replicate these styles directly, he adapted their spirit—favoring red tile roofs, archways, and decorative tile—while working with materials suited to the Dallas climate, such as painted brick in place of stucco.
This spirit of creative adaptation is central to Paloma. In imagining the next generation of homes for East Dallas, we began by looking back—not only to the classic homes of the area, but to the inspirations behind them. We took cues from Hutsell’s artistry and sense of place, while also revisiting the elegance of historic neighborhoods like Hancock Park in Los Angeles. From romantic Spanish Revival elements to New American warmth, and refined European silhouettes, Paloma is a collection of 15 custom homes designed to feel timeless from day one.
Each home is unique, yet all are layered with proportion, personality, and intention. With generous setbacks, tree-lined lots, front porches, and private courtyards, the streetscape is designed to invite connection while maintaining architectural cohesion and soul. Homes will range from 3,000 to 5,800 square feet, each one crafted to feel like it has always belonged.
At our studio event, guests previewed Eddie Maestri’s original hand-drawn elevations and a full 3D model of the neighborhood. These sketches reflect more than design ideas—they tell the story of a neighborhood rooted in history but looking forward with purpose.
As East Dallas continues to grow and change, Paloma offers a vision for what thoughtful development can look like: one that adds beauty and brings fresh energy while honoring the architectural lineage of the place.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this early look at Paloma. We’re honored to be part of this next chapter—and can’t wait to share more as these homes begin to take shape.
From paper to place—this is just the beginning.
Further Reading:
Curious to learn more about Clifford D. Hutsell and his influence on East Dallas architecture? We recommend this profile from Doug Newby:
Clifford D. Hutsell – Architect and Builder of Lakewood