The NHL’s American-born all-time leader in goal-scoring and points, Modano was drafted 1^st overall in the 1988 NHL Draft by the Minnesota North Stars , a team that would relocate to Dallas following the 1992-93 season. Now Modano and his wife, actress-singer Willa Ford, are the ones who look to relocate after listing their Dallas property for $2.495 million.

The writer also says “Modano’s home can be found roughly 15 minutes away from American Airlines Center in the affluent ‘burb of Preston Hollow.”

Sweetheart, Preston Hollow is NOT a ‘burb of Dallas. It is a neighborhood in Dallas. 15 minutes away from American Airline Center yes, with no traffic.

The writer, Neal J. Leitereg, also says Modano’s home was once featured on an episode of MTV Cribs. And he called it an estate, which it is not, not on a 125 by 150 foot deep lot!

Neal, the estate area is west of here. (These long-distance writers!)

Also, I thought the Modanos were divorcing… happy if they have patched things up!

And their home was nicely featured in D Home Magazine in 2008…

Update: Mandy (Willa Ford) told D Home they picked the home on Mimosa because of the total privacy afforded in the back yard by soaring Cypress trees, trees you can not even apparently plant anymore. In fact, the couple almost got married in the backyard.  They also dolled up the back as job one when they moved in — pool resurfacing, adding a cabana and fireplace, and complete outdoor kitchen. There are two TV’s outside, twelve total in the house and not sure if those are included in the deal. The furnishings are stunning — especially the master. Also, that butcherblock island looks fabulous in the graceful kitchen. Somehow, the “word “butcherblock” evokes mental images of 1908′s fake wood laminate but actually, I am loving the island in Mandy’s kitchen. Bet the new homeowner will, too. PS: Where are the goldens?

That is all I thought about yesterday when I heard about the children at Plaza Towers Elementary School.

We have a lot of personal ties to Oklahoma. My daughter’s in-laws live in Edmund and OKC. She went to law school for a bit there, lived in Bricktown in downtown OKC. We made sure she saw the tornado shelter that was right across the street from her complex.

In Oklahoma, they take tornados very, very seriously.  It’s ”Tornado Alley” there, too — Moore OK has been hit by five severe tornados now. I’m sure you have seen this touching video of the hearty woman who did what she has done for years whenever the tornado sirens sounded: sat on a stool in a “safe place” in her home.

Well, in yesterday’s EF5, no place was safe. Heartening, of course, that she found her little dog — I can totally relate. (Biscuits and water are in my tornado room.) But I am haunted by the thought of those parents who took their children to school in the morning only to have the school walls ripped away, blown apart, by Mother Nature.

Bernadette Schaeffler, Dallas Design District showroom owner extraordinaire, is furious — furious that we don’t have better storm shelters for children in schools.

“If we can build them at all, why can we not have them near schools?” she asked me.

Paige Winburn, who works for Bernadette, is leaving for Moore, Oklahoma this weekend to support her home state. Paige attended college near Moore and wants to reach out to help. She is collecting clothing and other items, but she was told by the Red Cross this morning that monetary donations are most helpful. That way money goes directly to victims to assist them to buy the basics on their own.

Bernadette started thinking about the devastation in Moore — THOUSANDS are homeless — and decided to take immediate action:

“I immediately decided to support her by opening the showroom this Friday, May 24th from 4-7 p.m, ” said Bernadette. “This will be a fundraising event where you either can donate on your own or for any purchase made I contribute 10% of the sales price to the efforts to help the tornado victims in Oklahoma.”

Katherine Campbell at Superior Abstract & Title is collecting clothes:

“Please bag them in small bags and label them…Example: Ladies size 8 or girls size 4 or boys size 6. **Additional information to follow on supplies needed. Drop off during week, 9am to 5pm @ Superior Abstract & Title – 8240 Preston Road, Suite 250, Plano, TX 214-705-1310.”

This is just the beginning. The good thing about us is we love to help our fellow human beings when tragedy strikes, and we do! My friend Barbara Workman, an Oklahoma native, has her Facebook page loaded with ways to help.

Also, I wonder if we should hold off on buying bottled water in Dallas stores — they may need it in Moore.

Here are the many other wonderful organizations seeking to help our friends and family in Oklahoma:

American Red Cross
The Red Cross has shelters in various communities. You can donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund here, and the organization also suggests giving blood at your local hospital or blood bank. Kevin Durant, of the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team, gave a one million Red Cross pledge via his family foundation.

Missing Relatives: check the Red Cross Safe & Well’s site.

$10 donation can be sent to the Disaster Relief fund via text message, you can do so by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.

Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.

OK Strong Disaster Relief Fund
The state of Oklahoma, in coordinating with the United Way of Central Oklahoma,  established the OK Strong Disaster Relief Fund for the needs of victims of the May 20 tornado in Moore and the May 19 tornado near Shawnee.

Donations for can be made online at UnitedWayOKC.org.

Phone: 1-405-236-8441.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief

Think of the basics these people need. OBDR says donations will “go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters.”

It is requesting monetary donations, not clothing. For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief’s website.

Salvation Army

God bless the Salvation Army, always organizing disaster response units to serve hard-hit areas. This time, it’s central Oklahoma, including Moore, where it is sending mobile kitchens that can serve meals to 2,500 people a day, and to South Oklahoma City.

I just love the SA! Supporters can donate online via the organization’s website, SalvationArmyUSA.org. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation via cellphone. If you want to send a check, the Salvation Army asks that you put the words “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.

Phone:  1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

Feed the Children

Feed the Children has set up five locations in Oklahoma City to accept donations to help victims of the Moore tornado. Talk about basics: the organization is accepting items including diapers, canned goods, non-perishable food, snack items, water and sports drinks.  Donate online, or make a $10 donation by texting the word DISASTER to 80888.

Phone:  1-800-627-4556

United Way of Central Oklahoma
A disaster relief fund is being activated as of May 21 so that individuals can specifically donated to tornado relief-and-recovery efforts, the organization says on its site.

“Financial contributions are the best way to help unless otherwise requested.” Donations can be made online at

United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open.  Donations may be made online here. Checks, with a notation of “May Tornado Relief” can also be sent to the United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK , 73101.

Feeding America
Through its network of more than 200 food banks, Feeding America, whose mission is to “feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks,” says it will deliver truckloads of food, water and supplies to communities in need, in Oklahoma, and will also “set up additional emergency food and supply distribution sites as they are needed.” You can donate onlinehere.

Phone: 1-800-910-5524.

Operation USA 
The international relief group, based in Los Angeles, says it is “readying essential material aid — emergency, shelter and cleaning supplies” to help Oklahoma’s community health organizations and schools recover.

You can donate online here. You can also give a $10 donation by texting the word AID to 50555. Checks should be sent to: Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: 1-800-678-7255.

Convoy of Hope
The Missouri-based nonprofit organization has done work in other disasters, including the Haiti earthquake, with a mission of getting food and water to those after disaster strikes. Now it’s doing the same for Moore, Okla. You can donate online here. Convoy of Hope is also going the crowd-sourced route, using HopeMob, a site similar to Kickstarter but for raising money to help disaster victims and others in need, which charges no fees to the organizations that use it.

Phone: 1-800-988-0664

Direct Relief 
The Santa Barbara, Calif.-based, non-profit organization provides medical assistance and personal hygiene items to those hurt in disasters, as well as in other circumstances.

“So far we have heard from health center partners responding in Oklahoma and are preparing an emergency shipment to help support the efforts there.  Direct Relief has been receiving requests for emergency supplies, personal care and protection items — including hygiene supplies, infection control products, gloves, soap, shampoo, deodorant, sanitary napkins, diapers, wipes and formula,” said Kerri Murray, Direct Relief vice president, in an email.

To donate, visit DirectRelief.org.

Phone: 1-800-676-1638

AmeriCares
The Emergency Response team for AmeriCares is in Oklahoma, “coordinating deliveries of emergency aid and assessing the needs of survivors and health care organizations in the disaster area.”

Since 1982, the Connecticut-based nonprofit has delivered medicine, medical supplies and aid to those in need around the world and across the United States.

You can donate online here. You can also give a $10 donation by texting the word LIVE to 25383. Checks or money orders can be mailed to: AmeriCares, 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, CT 06902.

Phone:  1-800-486-HELP (1-800-486-4357)

Operation Blessing International
Humanitarian organization Operation Blessing International, which last week coordinated more than 500 volunteers here in Granbury, Texas, is working with The Home Depot and dispatching a construction unit, mobile command center, trucks with tools and supplies and a team of construction foremen to Moore.

Late Monday, Operation Blessing International also “loaded and deployed two tractor-trailer truckloads of food and emergency relief supplies from its warehouse in Dallas, Texas, in partnership with the humanitarian organization, Mercury One,” said a Operation Blessing spokeswoman.

The Virginia Beach-based group’s online link for donations is here.

Phone:  1-800-730-2537

Samaritan’s Purse
The international Christian relief organization focuses on cleaning and repairing damaged homes and sent two disaster relief units from North Wilkesboro, N.C. to Oklahoma Tuesday. “The tractor-trailers are stocked with heavy-duty plastic, chainsaws, generators, and other tools and equipment. The units also will serve as command centers for the response,” Samaritan’s Purse says on its website. Of course, how many homes are left standing to clean and or repair? You can donate online here. You can also give a $10 donation by texting the word SP to 80888.

Phone:  1-800-528-1980

Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federations of North America is working with the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma, which is coordinating efforts with a local food bank, Habitat for Humanity and the Red Cross. The Jewish Federations of North America has established an Oklahoma City Tornado Relief fund. Donors can contribute online here.

Checks can also be sent to the JFNA national mailbox at: The Jewish Federations of North America, Wall Street Station, P.O. Box 148, New York, NY, 10268. Please indicate “JFNA Oklahoma City Tornado Relief Fund” on all checks or in the designation box online.

DonorsChoose.org
DonorsChoose.org is creating a special online fund to collect donations for the teachers and schools of Moore, Okla., to help respond and rebuild. Donors Choose will work with the teachers of Moore to assess what they need for their classrooms and allow them to identify the real-time solutions and supplies their community and their students need: everything from clothing for their students to first-aid kits.

To donate, visit www.donorschoose.org

How to know if you are helping or being scammed?

The Federal Trade Commission has guidelines about charity donations, including these tips:

• Donate to charities you know and trust. Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight in connection with current events, like the tornadoes.
• Ask if a caller is a paid fundraiser, who they work for, and what percentage of your donation goes to the charity and to the fundraiser. If you don’t get a clear answer — or if you don’t like the answer you get — consider donating to a different organization.
• Don’t give out personal or financial information — including your credit card or bank account number — unless you know the charity is reputable.
• Never send cash: you can’t be sure the organization will receive your donation, and you won’t have a record for tax purposes.
• Check out the charity with the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.
• Find out if the charity or fundraiser must be registered in your state by contacting theNational Association of State Charity Officials.

Last December I had my hissy fit about Roy’s Transmission & Autocare at 138 W. Davis. The shop lies splat in the center of the city’s plans to create a cute million dollar plus plaza and streetcar stop at Zang and Seventh. Basically, Roy Smith has been fixing cars at this location for 18 years. The city wants to buy Smith’s tire shop property to build a way cool entrance to Bishop Arts, including a children’s playground. Smith has no objections except the green kind: he wants to be paid enough money to relocate and get another business. Last year, he said he had his property appraised at $775,000 when the city offered him “only” about $205,000.

The Bishop Arts District shop is exactly where the city wants to bring a streetcar stop as early as 2015. Before the streetcar extension was funded, the city had planned to improve the wonky intersection at Zang and Seventh by turning it into a plaza. The shop has been appraised at $485,000, but demolition and clean-up of the site were deducted from the sale price.

Last year, I reported that the city valued his biz at $2000, and wondered how in the hell someone could someone appraise it for $775,000? The city first offered Smith $205,000, he said no, then he said the city bugged him to clean up his property, mow his grass and remove some cars. As I wrote last December:

“Wow, imagine that: they want him to keep the place tidy. Isn’t that the whole point of what code enforcement does?”

Readers and property tax experts explained to me the different methods the Appraisal District uses to calculate business taxes versus residential real estate, stay tuned for more on that with our Tax Doctor. 138 W. Davis is currently appraised at $109,760. The city is paying $375,368. That, according to Realtor/broker Richard Patten, is a “meeting in the middle” for both parties.

Well, I still think it’s too high. The city is upping appraised values on some of my properties, looks like they didn’t on Roy’s. Your thoughts?

This is a residential real estate blog, and when it comes down to it, it’s a blog about people and homes. After the deadly tornado that tore through Oklahoma yesterday, thousands of people who once had a place to call home have absolutely nothing left.

I won’t get into the statistics regarding yesterday’s massive tornado that ripped through Moore, Okla., causing 17 miles of destruction and leaving thousands homeless. What I do think is important is what Weather Channel officials just said during today’s on-the-ground coverage: Tornado shelters save lives.

We live in Tornado Alley, and there’s no mistaking that every spring we are at risk for a huge, widespread weather event that could level any structure. We need to take that risk more seriously, and there is no better way to do that than to have a safe place to wait out a tornado.

Candy posted about this before, but it bears repeating. It may cost a lot in initial investment, but consider that a tornado shelter will pay for itself when you sell your house. Not only that, but it dramatically increases your chances for survival should an F-4 or F-5 tornado hit.

Today, conditions are ideal for a tornado to develop throughout North Texas, and after last week’s deadly storm in Granbury, we know that even ample warning may not be enough to reach safety. It’s best to prepare for a storm while you can. Find out more about preparedness from FEMA.

That said, if you want to help with relief efforts after the Moore, Okla., tornado, find out more from the Red Cross.

I love a good loft, don’t you? I do get a little tired of everything being exposed and stained  concrete floors, but sometimes I see one and I just fall in love. This loft condo inside Fort Worth’s Houston Street Lofts at 910 Houston St. is a great property with a little extra.

Like most lofts, this one is a one-bedroom, one-bath unit. It’s spacious, though, with 1,067 square feet. This is a 107-year-old building, too, and Unit 303 benefits from having the city built around it. There’s a lovely park you can seen from the gorgeous arched windows, and the exposed brick is just enough detail to give this condo some texture.

The kitchen features stainless steel appliances with maple cabinets and granite counters. It hugs a wall opposite the main living area, and while there’s very little prep space, a well-placed island could fix that problem. And priced at $254,000, you’ll have a little extra in your budget to make that happen.

The bedroom is divided off in to a master suite area, which is perfect to give you a little privacy from the rest of the unit. As with the rest of the condo, there are brand new bamboo floors inside the suite. It’s a great touch that keeps this unit from feeling sterile.

This unit is perfect for anyone who works downtown in Fort Worth or in the suburbs and wants to live in a fantastic historical building. What do you think?

We’re seeing Jed Kolko’s name pop up all over the place nowadays. This time it was in this Wall Street Journal piece comparing how the word “cozy” is often used to denote “small” properties in real estate markets.

“Cozy is one of those words that means very different things in different markets. Cozy in Texas is not what’s cozy in San Francisco,” says Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia, TRLA +0.02% a real-estate website.

Trulia examined for-sale listings, excluding foreclosures, in 100 U.S. metro areas between Jan. 1, 2011, and Nov. 30, 2012. “In every metro area, homes that mention cozy are smaller than listings that do not,” Mr. Kolko says.

I love how the story compares Dallas “cozy” to New York “cozy” (read: claustrophobic). Of course, we get the total cliche out of the way thanks to Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s agent Christy Berry:

“Cozy almost means small, and we don’t have small. Everything is bigger in Texas,” she says.

Maybe it’s true: We do have some gigantic properties in Texas, but really, can Texas do “cozy” justice?

He’s best known for his amazing work on the 21st floor penthouse at the Ritz Carlton Residences that was recently purchased by Charles and Moll Anderson. Featuring bold shapes and textures, this project is a feast for the eyes.

Browse Leidner’s projects and designs on his Houzz page or find out more about his work on his website.

CandysDirt.com: Where are you from?

Harold Leidner: Born and raised in Dallas. Great place to live and work.

CD: How did you get into landscape architecture?

Leidner: Started in high school when I was mowing lawns and taking care of landscapes. It piqued my interest in the design of landscapes and the value of beautiful properties and gardens.

CD: Innovative outdoor design is a hallmark of your brand. What inspires you most?

Leidner: Sophisticated and modern design that is well detailed. I also enjoy seeing and incorporating unique items in the garden that are not typically found there. The recent Chihuly exhibit at the Arboretum was a great example. Having the artistry, color, and delicacy of the glass blended into the gardens was beautiful.

CD: Where is home for you in Dallas?

Leidner: I live in the Prestonwood neighborhood off Preston and Arapaho. We are fortunate to have a great lots that back up to a natural creek.

CD: And you drive ….let me guess, Mercedes Benz?

Leidner: BMW X5 M. Fun to drive and I love the gadgets.

CD: What is your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?

Leidner: Tough to call. Many great areas in Dallas like Preston Hollow, Kessler Park and Lakewood. I would probably say Uptown, mostly because I’m a Mavs fan.

CD: What project are you most proud of?

Leidner: Now that is even more difficult. I have had the pleasure of working for many wonderful clients and on many gorgeous projects. One of my recent favorites was a residence we completed in Highland Park for Betty Lou Phillips. Combination of a beautiful site, superb architecture along with a client with an exquisite design sense.

CD: Likewise, what was your most challenging or memorable project?

Leidner: My most memorable project was probably the penthouse terraces we completed a couple years ago at the Ritz Carlton Residences in Dallas. A once in a lifetime project overlooking the skyline of downtown Dallas. Spectacular views, especially at night. The construction was an immense challenge however, in getting all the workers, tools and materials from the ground to the 21st floor. Not as easy as you might think.

CD: Has your work taught you any life lessons?

Leidner: Everything changes except the completion date.

CD: What does the future of design look like?

Leidner: Our designs and clients are all pushing towards a clean and modern design style that fits their lifestyle. Fortunately we are seeing more residential architecture lean a bit more towards modern, which allows us to respond with luxurious landscapes and gardens that simplify the outdoor living experience and enjoyment of nature.

CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…

Leidner: Become a doctor like my daughter.

CD: Do you have a second home?

Leidner: Besides my office and car, no.

Now here’s something interesting: Jaap co-owns the unit with violinist Michael Guttman. Sources tell me the two are very good friends, and often make real estate investments together. Which is interesting, but not a totally unique concept: families and friends often purchase homes together, particularly second vacation homes. It’s a great way to spread out costs and split equity.

Jaap, who is married to Aaltje, has four children. They also have a family home in Amsterdam. He and Guttman purchased unit #1102 in 2008. Dallas interior designer extraordinaire Sherry Hayslip designed it to perfection. She also, of course, designed the Ritz itself from the very start.

At $2.9, #1102 is now the most expensive listing in Residence I, which only has — I cannot believe this — SIX active listings as of today. You recall that Pogir sold Tim Headington’s stunner of a penthouse #2100 last March 1 for about $1040 a square foot.  Moll and  Charlie Anderson are busy redoing the space. Colin Lardner’s listing #1901 is in option contract, and listed at $800 ish a square foot. That unit is 2928 square feet for $2,450,000, but it’s up on the 19th floor.

By the way: there are 20 cancelled listings, and 12 expired at The Residences. Agents tell me the downtown condo market is almost as steamy as Park Cities/Preston Hollow/Lakewood… which is on fire!

Let me tell you, when I look around for interesting luxury properties to feature on our Monday Morning Millionaire spot, I often get a surprise. Take this Lakewood Soft Contemporary for example. Built in 1956,  it has three bedrooms, two full and two half baths, and a hot tub inside. Yeah, that hot tub is inside the house. And a steam room. Amazing.

This is a new one for me. Usually, yes, you see the spa right next to the pool outside. If I want an indoor hot tub session or a good sauna, I go to King Spa off Royal and I-35. If that trek seems like too much for you, than 7231 Twin Tree Lane is right up your alley.

Of course, there’s much more to this Green Cove Estates one-story. It’s one block from White Rock Lake, it’s in the Lakewood Elementary attendance zone, and it has some amazing landscaping that will keep you feeling zen just by stepping outside. Priced at $1.1 million, it’s a great buy considering all of the updates and the gorgeous kitchen.

With almost 4,000 square feet of space, you won’t be elbow-to-elbow at the next luncheon you host, that’s for sure. And with an open floor plan, you’ll be entertaining crowds for just about every occasion.

Another bonus is the private feel of the lot, which is just larger than half an acre. That’s perfect considering all of the huge picture windows throughout the main living areas. You can see the water features and lush landscaping in the comfort of air conditioning. That’s my cup of tea!

Do you have your tickets for the Dallas Modern Expo? It runs from today to Sunday at Victory Park and features some of the hottest galleries and artists, as well as designers and decor.

We’re talking high-caliber people, folks. For example, Austin-based award-winning designer and artist Wells Mason of Ironwood Industries will have his unique work for sale at the expo. This guy is so legit!

Here’s a little bit about Mason from Allison Week:

Located in Coupland, Texas, Mason’s studio specializes in custom furniture, contemporary sculpture, and site-specific installation for residential and commercial environments. Notable clients include The Austin Children’s Museum and Steven Holl Architects in New York City.

From furniture to sculpture, from his signature designs to his commission-based projects, Mason’s range is impressive. Through 2013, he has residential and commercial projects lined up, plus an exhibition schedule for his furniture and sculpture that keeps him busy in his down time.

Mason’s work has been on display in galleries and museums around the country, including the Jones Center for Contemporary Art in Austin, the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, and Gensler in New York City. He has shipped his work to clients in Canada and Korea.

Both Mason and his work have been featured in a variety of publications over the years, from Architectural Digest to Fine Furnishings International to Forbes.

Sound like your bag of chips? Head over the Dallas Modern Expo today.