Something Old, Something New

Terry Lantrip, a third-generation representative of the Lantrip family’s real estate development company, is blessed with a special eye that sees unique visions. A native of Aubrey, he looks at a piece of raw property and sees the possibilities. And he seldom dreams in glass, steel, and concrete. Instead, there are softened edges in his projects, both new builds and renovations.

Lake Dallas is the lucky recipient of many of Lantrip’s developments. He purchased one acre of undeveloped, restriction-burdened land in 2002 in the middle of the small, sleepy town that stretches along Lake Lewisville. Today, that land is the Lake Dallas Tiny Home Village, the first development of its kind within city limits. 

He has wrought iron-trimmed office buildings, combined with upstairs apartments, on Main Street. Each exudes an aura of yesterday’s romantic charm. He built a string of welcoming, colorful bungalows just off Main Street, incorporating historic bricks in a style known as retro-urban design.

Lantrip believes strongly in breathing modern life into historic structures.

“That’s why I bought the Woodman Building in 1991,” he explained. “It was built in 1908 and has a tremendous history. The city wanted to tear it down, but I talked them out of it. It was originally on Main Street, with a Sergeant’s General Store on the bottom floor and a nook for a post office. Upstairs was a Woodman of the World Lodge Hall.

“The entire building, including the out-house, was picked up and moved to 275 Market Street in 1954. It still has its original wood floors, shiplap walls, and beadboard ceilings.” On the second floor are three residential apartments, with Lantrip’s signature style of modern convenience combined with yesteryear’s charm.

Over the past 116 years, the building also served as a church and a home for the Lake Cities Sun newspaper, also owned by Lantrip.

Currently, the pristine white building with black trim houses Beatitudes Tea Room and Café, owned/operated since 2015 by Alicia Christenson and husband David. They launched in Grapevine but found their true home in Lake Dallas. Happily, Lantrip and Beatitudes is a match-up of values, philosophies, and visions.

“We see Beatitudes as a haven from the stress and rush of everyday life,” Alicia said. “It has a unique personality since it’s a place for celebrations, as well as a quiet and unhurried haven. Our goal is to provide a space where our guests can walk in, close the door behind them, and breathe a sigh of relief.

“Beatitudes has a servant’s mindset. We strive to provide fresh and delicious food, served with kindness in a relaxing atmosphere.”

The mission is truly accomplished. The food is undeniably delicious. The desserts are the stuff of dreams. The atmosphere of love is palpable. And you could swear you lost ten pounds while there but, really, it was just the stress of the outside dropping off while feeding your stomach and your soul.