4511 Balcones Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Lovers of vintage Mid-Century Modern must not miss this fabulous home. Recent $1,700,000 "from the studs" renovation. New Plumbing, New Electrical, New Whole House Generator, 4 New HAVAC systems, 3 New Tankless Water Heaters...and much, much more. Sky Crest, located at 4511 Balcones Drive, was designed by Austin architect Charles Granger of Fehr & Granger and built for Dr. and Mrs. Byron Smith (Irene) and their four sons in 1963. Fehr & Granger is perhaps best known for its design of the Robert Mueller Airport, built in 1960, with its iconic air control tower that still stands as a tribute to the former airport. The architectural firm is also noted for the design of the Austin National Bank Building, Westwood Country Club, Saint Stephen’s Church, Villa Capri Hotel and about 500 other homes, churches and businesses in Austin and surrounding areas. Due to a complete remodeling of the house in 1985, the original interiors were lost. Obtaining a copy of the original, pencil-drawn, blue prints from the Austin History Center, an extensive restoration was undertaken by the fifth and current owners. The couple named the house Sky Crest in honor of the graceful air control tower at Mueller and took the house’s blue color scheme from the tower as well. At first desiring simply to replace the paint and carpet and move in, once the owners obtained the original 1963 blueprints, they soon embarked on a complete renovation to return the home back to its original 1963 aesthetics. Living space Square Footage measured by Floor Plan Graphics, LLC.

Highland Park West has the highest concentration of original mid-century ranch homes still standing in any Austin neighborhood west of MoPac. While other areas have torn down their 1950s houses to build new, Highland Park West has largely preserved its character, and that combination of period homes, big lots, and a live oak canopy with 60 years of growth gives the neighborhood a feel that no new construction can reproduce.

Highland Park West sits between MoPac to the east, Mount Bonnell and Lake Austin to the west, Bull Creek Road to the north, and Balcones Drive to the south. Downtown is about 12 minutes south on MoPac. The 35th Street corridor provides walkable access to Central Market, Tiny Boxwoods, and local shops. Mount Bonnell Road runs along the western edge, giving direct access to one of Austin's most iconic overlooks. The location is genuinely central - equidistant from downtown, the Domain, and the Arboretum.

Mid-Century Ranch homes account for roughly 45% of stock, defining the neighborhood's identity. These are single-story, three- and four-bedroom homes built between 1950 and 1970, typically 1,500 to 2,500 square feet on quarter-acre to half-acre lots. Many retain original rooflines, stone fireplaces, and terrazzo floors. Updated Ranch homes with modernized interiors make up about 25% and represent the sweet spot for buyers wanting character without a full renovation. Modern Hill Country builds account for 15%. Pricing starts around $800,000 for unrenovated originals and reaches $2 million for updated homes on premium greenbelt lots.

Highland Park West is served by Austin ISD. Casis Elementary draws families from across west Austin and consistently ranks among the district's top elementary schools. O. Henry Middle School continues the pipeline, and Austin High School completes it. Austin High's central location and strong college placement make it a draw for families wanting quality public education. Many Casis families walk to school along shaded residential streets, adding to the community feel.

The lifestyle is defined by what it is not. It is not a see-and-be-seen neighborhood. Streets curve with the terrain rather than following a grid, and lots are large enough that houses feel spaced apart. Perry Park and Dellana Park provide green space. Mount Bonnell and Mayfield Park are within five minutes. Bull Creek Greenbelt is accessible from the northern edge. For dining, Chez Zee has served comfort food on Balcones Drive for decades. Tiny Boxwoods brings its garden-setting farm-to-table concept. Postino in Bryker Woods does wine and bruschetta. Eldorado Cafe handles Tex-Mex. Bartlett's offers steaks and an old-school bar. Central Market on North Lamar serves as the de facto town square.

Highland Park West threads the needle between Tarrytown's higher prices and Rosedale's more modest scale. It offers larger lots and more character than Northwest Hills' production builds. It is more affordable than the Eanes ISD neighborhoods across MoPac. And it has a more residential feel than Clarksville, which has absorbed more commercial development. The main consideration is that many original homes need meaningful investment - new roofs, updated electrical, HVAC replacement, and kitchen renovations.

Highland Park West fits buyers who value architectural character and mature landscaping over new construction. It works for families wanting Casis Elementary and Austin High without the Tarrytown premium. It suits people who want proximity to downtown but prefer quiet, curving streets. And it draws buyers who appreciate mid-century design and want a home that feels like Austin rather than a suburb. If you need a brand-new kitchen and a four-car garage, you will pay a renovation premium. But if you want to live under a canopy of live oaks in a neighborhood that has resisted tearing everything down, Highland Park West is one of the few central Austin places where that is still possible.