Dukes Redux
San Antonio, Texas
2025 HISTORIC RESTORATION AWARD
Built in 1961 by architect William Dukes for his own family, this remarkable residence stands as a rare example of mid-century modern architecture in San Antonio. Influenced by the Case Study House movement and the regional modernism of O’Neil Ford, the Dukes House reflected a forward-thinking approach to design — light, efficient, and expressive of structure and material.
But by 2011, the home had fallen into disrepair. Years of abandonment, poorly done renovations, and water damage had left it on the brink of demolition. In 2020, the house was purchased by architect Craig McMahon and interior designer Holly McMahon, who saw past the decay and recognized the home’s architectural significance. They embarked on a meticulous restoration guided by the original 1961 construction drawings.
The restoration team faced many challenges. Nearly every system in the house had to be replaced, from sewer lines to electrical and HVAC, while preserving the building’s original proportions and materials. The distinctive “cemcrete” exterior panels — precast concrete panels with asbestos insulation cores — had deteriorated beyond repair. Rather than substitute a modern lookalike, the McMahons created a custom casting bed on-site, fabricating new concrete panels to replicate the originals.
The original Douglas fir window and door frames were damaged beyond repair. New frames were milled in a workshop set up in the backyard to match the originals. All of the single glazed window panes required replacement. The 48 original Beaumont Mood light fixtures were disassembled, rewired, and restored one by one. And the wood panel front door took nearly a year of patient restoration to bring back its original finish.
Throughout the process, the team found creative ways to integrate modern, up-to-code building materials and methods without altering the home’s historic integrity. For instance, the home had very little insulation and new wall systems required a unique rigid insulation system in order not to change the look. Every decision was made in service of the architect’s original vision.
Today, the house has been reactivated for contemporary living as the private home of the McMahons. It has become a gathering place once again, hosting AIA San Antonio events and design programs, and serving as a testament to the enduring beauty of modern design.
The award was presented at Preservation Texas’s 2025 Honor Award Ceremony in San Antonio on October 30, 2025.
Owner: Craig and Molly McMahon
Project Manager, Architect, & Contractor: Craig McMahon, AIA, Craig McMahon Architects, Inc.
Other Partners and Stakeholders: Bryan Lee, Lee Landscape and Design; AIA San Antonio
