Dallas’ ‘Beetlejuice’ House: A Dream Deferred Amid Struggles

A striking, unfinished structure known as the ‘Beetlejuice House’ looms in the Cedars neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. Designed by artist and former teacher Carl F. Hess II, the five-story home at 1401 Seegar St. embodies both ambition and adversity as its future hangs in the balance.

Hess, who envisioned the property as a boutique hotel and art gallery to showcase the work of underprivileged high school students, has faced numerous obstacles since purchasing the land in 2018. Financial struggles, construction delays, and personal setbacks—including a divorce—have contributed to the current state of the building, which Hess describes as a “canvas” that is yet to be completed.

The house, often referred to by various nicknames due to its unusual design, stands at 64 feet tall on a small lot. Despite its imposing height, many locals regard it as an eyesore. “It seems like he was building with the least expensive materials available,” said William Baker, a local architect who has observed the project since its inception. “It’s a pretty damn ugly duckling, if you ask me.”

Hess’s initial dream was to create a family home, but complications soon arose. After laying the foundation in 2022, he briefly halted construction to participate in an HGTV show that ultimately did not materialize. This pause, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, led to unexpected increases in costs. “I ran out of money,” Hess admitted, as he tried to balance painting portraits during the night and working on the house during the day.

In May 2022, Hess transferred ownership of the property to his company, Chess Homes LLC, and subsequently took out a loan of $532,300 from Bay Mountain Fund I LLC. However, as the project stalled, he was unable to meet the loan obligations, resulting in foreclosure. His legal attempts to reclaim the property were unsuccessful, as a court dismissed his case in July 2022 due to his absence at a hearing.

The house is currently listed for sale at $629,000, but Hess remains hopeful. Although the ownership has shifted, he believes discussions are ongoing with the current owners to realize his vision for the property. “It’s more for me the passion behind it versus a piece of real estate,” he shared, emphasizing that his goals extend beyond mere financial investment.

Local residents have voiced mixed opinions about the house. While some express concern over its architectural quality, others hope it can eventually enhance the neighborhood. The Cedars area is characterized by its eclectic mix of properties, making it challenging for large-scale developers to enter the market.

City officials have confirmed that while the property has passed certain inspections, a final inspection has yet to be scheduled. According to Chalonda Mangwiro-Johnson, a spokesperson for the city’s planning and development department, “Final inspections are a critical part of the process and must be completed before a final determination can be made.”

As Hess reflects on his journey, he remains committed to completing the ‘Beetlejuice House’ and transforming it into a space that uplifts young artists. “There’s a lot of passion behind this building,” he stated. With the future of the project uncertain, he clings to the hope that his artistic vision will one day become a reality.