By Sarah Mitchell
Dan and Adam’s story is one of both new beginnings and preserving tradition. Dan, originally from Chicago, moved to Dallas in 2019 with his job at BMO Financial Group, which was expanding into Texas. He grew up in Arlington Heights, a suburb on the northwest side of Chicago, while his parents and brother’s family now reside in North Barrington. Dan went to college at Notre Dame and later received his MBA from Chicago Booth. Today, Dan is a Managing Director at BMO where he leads the bank’s Corporate Advisory practice. Adam, on the other hand, comes from a small town near Jackson, Mississippi. He moved to Dallas 25 years ago to attend SMU, where he studied international studies and economics, and has remained in the city ever since. Adam has lived in various neighborhoods throughout Dallas, offices in the Dallas Design District, and enjoys frequenting places like Snider Plaza and HP Village. Adam’s parents and brother’s family also live in Dallas in nearby Preston Hollow. He is the co-CEO and Owner of The Saxton Group and Saxton Properties Holdings, his family’s businesses, which operate over 75 McAlister’s Deli franchises and develop restaurant real estate projects across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Dan and Adam’s move to Beverly Drive was somewhat unexpected; they were only casually house hunting when they found their home, the second house they looked at. Built in 1929, they fell in love with the home’s location on tree-lined Beverly, leading to a two-year renovation and expansion project, which they documented on Instagram at The Beverly Casa (@thebeverlycasa). Working with Briggs Architecture & Design and Hudson Construction Group, they focused on preserving the house’s historical charm while incorporating modern touches. They sourced original materials, like bricks from the same quarry and reclaimed clay roof tiles, to maintain the house’s classic appearance. “We were inspired by the house as it was presented, saw that classic style of the house and the period in which it was built and wanted to honor and respect that, particularly on the outside,” explained Adam. “One of the most appealing things about the house is the classic view from the front street. We have an 80-year-old oak tree, and the limestone carving around the front door is exactly as it was when it was built in 1929. We really just went with what was here and tried to enhance it. On the inside, we kept everything we love about an older home like some of the more formal spaces – we have a library with a cozy fireplace, a marble entryway, and a downstairs gallery.” Dan added, “Each room has its own character to it, but it’s all cohesive.”
Their efforts to preserve their home have resulted in the property receiving landmarking status from Preservation Park Cities. Recently, Dan and Adam also received the 2024 Preservation Achievement Award from Preservation Dallas and The Beverly Casa was a featured episode on the popular web channel Homeworthy.
The couple’s journey together began in Dallas, where they met on the dating app Hinge. Their first date was dinner at Shinsei and a gallery opening at Samuel Lynne Gallery, where they later got engaged. They married in April 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. Adam has twin boys from a previous marriage, Patrick and Harry, who are ten years old and attend The Episcopal School of Dallas. Both boys are active, with one enjoying football and the other robotics and engineering. This summer, they participated in the University Park Makos swim team and enjoyed summer camp in Colorado.
Traveling is a shared passion for Dan and Adam. Their honeymoon took them to the Maldives, and they recently traveled to France with Patrick and Harry, marking the boys’ first big international trip. Regular visits to Aspen, Colorado, and Naples, Florida, to see family are also part of their routine.
Life in their neighborhood is perfect, with their two Golden Retrievers enjoying walks in the neighborhood and spending time at nearby Fairfax Park and Flippen Park. Dining out locally is a favorite pastime, with frequent visits to Mi Cocina and Lovers Seafood. Japanese cuisine holds a special place in their hearts, from casual sushi spots to upscale restaurants like Nobu. Even though he likes to try different foods, Dan’s favorite restaurant remains Chili’s, where he has ordered chicken fajitas since he was five years old. “It’s the only thing I’ve ever ordered,” he laughed. “Ever since I was five, it’s always been the chicken fajitas!” Highland Park Village is another cherished spot. “Sometimes we just go and walk around with nothing in mind,” explained Dan. “Other times we go for an afternoon drink or a meal. One of the things that I liked about the neighborhood when we were looking was the fact that there are sidewalks. Our last neighborhood didn’t have sidewalks and the accessibility here is great.”
Dan and Adam’s story is all about mixing new adventures with a love for history and tradition, both in their personal lives and how they renovated their home. Their dedication to keeping their home’s original charm while adding their flair shows how they live: respecting the past but always looking forward to what’s next – including welcoming a new family member! Dan and Adam are expecting another son, Asher Adam Saxton-Murphy, via surrogate in early 2025.