A Very Brady (Ewing) Renovation

[Rove]

I'd focus on recreating the most iconic rooms: the living room, dining room and foyer.

I'd imagine many visitors would be content in seeing those rooms. The upstairs might be more problematic structurally so I'd leave them as they are. Those rooms you mentioned are the main players here. It's where most of the drama happened.

 

[Pamela_E]

An Australian website had the audacity to state boldly The Brady Bunch house was second only to The White House as the most recognized house in America. I'd offer a resounding no way on this. Southfork would have to be more famous.

I agree. As Dallas begins to fade from peoples memories I'd imagine less and less people will visit Southfork Ranch. It would be a crying shame if one day the current owners realize no one is visiting and it eventually closes.

It probably makes most of its money from non Dallas related events. Its not like its going to gain new fans, it's a dwindling audience.

It will eventually be sold off and developed.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

It probably makes most of its money from non Dallas related events. Its not like its going to gain new fans, it's a dwindling audience.

It will eventually be sold off and developed.

I think now, Southfork is just a convention center, many of whose participants may not have ever paid much attention to the old show.

And, yes, it will likely be sold off and developed. (It's much too late to do anything to the interiors).

 

[Chris2]

Yep - it will sadly go some day. While the “Bonanza” series was still airing, some people created a theme park based on the series, including a replica of the ranch house. A number of later episodes actually shot exteriors at the park (the ranch house at the studio had a “fake” exterior, a la the fake Southfork on “Dallas”). The Bonanza park was open from 1967-2005, when it finally closed, a victim of declining attendance.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

Yep - it will sadly go some day. While the “Bonanza” series was still airing, some people created a theme park based on the series, including a replica of the ranch house. A number of later episodes actually shot exteriors at the park (the ranch house at the studio had a “fake” exterior, a la the fake Southfork on “Dallas”). The Bonanza park was open from 1967-2005, when it finally closed, a victim of declining attendance.

I've heard that the Ponderosa was still doing well, but the Lake Tahoe property taxes were through the roof.

So cute:

 

[Rove]

It will eventually be sold off and developed.

I agree. Looking at Google Earth images those new builds are fast approaching Southfork.

 

[Miss Texas 1967]

I'd love to see a renovation to the interiors to more faithfully reflect the show. Unfortunately, realistically the comments about audience/visitors, housing developments and the convention venue would weigh on the mind of any investor in a project with such heart. A true fan with Ewing wealth is probably the best hope for such a project, but how likely is that to happen?

 

[Rove]

but how likely is that to happen?

There is always hope. Here in Australia this week one of our lottery games has hit $150 million. I could still invest $50 million in having the required renovations done at Southfork Ranch and still have loose change. Come to think of it I'd probably spend $100 million in producing a 30 episode continuation of Dallas to correct the flaws of TNT Dallas and offer some semblance of closure to the best series ever.

If I win I'll be accepting applications for the following positions:

History consultant.
Security Guard to keep CC well away from my creation.

 

[Chris2]

I've heard that the Ponderosa was still doing well, but the Lake Tahoe property taxes were through the roof.

Not doing well enough to pay those taxes, and attendance was declining. How many people under 40 are aware of or care about “Bonanza”? The Lawrence Welk Theatre in Branson has also hit difficulties as the number of people who remember the old Lawrence Welk Show have aged and died. The same thing will happen or already is happening to Southfork.

Time marches on.

 

[Rove]

Time marches on.

I'm afraid so...but till my last breath I'll carry the memories of Dallas...and hopefully one day have the opportunity to visit Southfork Ranch.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

Not doing well enough to pay those taxes, and attendance was declining. How many people under 40 are aware of or care about “Bonanza”? The Lawrence Welk Theatre in Branson has also hit difficulties as the number of people who remember the old Lawrence Welk Show have aged and died. The same thing will happen or already is happening to Southfork.

Time marches on.

I believe you.

 

[Sarah]

I agree. Looking at Google Earth images those new builds are fast approaching Southfork.

Not on my watch. If I can help it.

 

[Pamela_E]

I agree. Looking at Google Earth images those new builds are fast approaching Southfork.

I don't expect SF to be around long. It's prime land and the ranch is unlikely to be making much of a profit, if at all. So if you want to visit I would go sooner rather than later.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

I don't expect SF to be around long. It's prime land and the ranch is unlikely to be making much of a profit, if at all. So if you want to visit I would go sooner rather than later.

Sunset for Southfork -- is it not doing well as a convention/event center anymore?

 

[Pamela_E]

Sunset for Southfork -- is it not doing well as a convention/event center anymore?

I heard not brilliantly, unless thats changed but they will make a nice profit selling it off for someone to build Southfork Towers.

 

[Rove]

I'd hope the city of Dallas will slap some type of heritage order on Southfork if it ever was sold to the highest bidder. Sell the land sure but please retain the house and associated driveways. This house more than any other should be preserved as national significance.

 

[Sarah]

I think they will @Rove - the city has benefitted enormously from Dallas. I wish I was a millionaire - I would buy the house and invite you all round for parties.

 

[Billy Wall]

An Australian website had the audacity to state boldly The Brady Bunch house was second only to The White House as the most recognized house in America. I'd offer a resounding no way on this. Southfork would have to be more famous.

I’ve heard that too. It’s certainly a possibility that the Brady house is just as or even more famous than Southfork. The Brady Bunch had its run from 69-74 and it became super popular as an after school staple on WTBS in the 80’s and have been on syndication around the world ever since. I even remember reading that The Brady Bunch is on somewhere in the world every minute at one point.

And the actors don’t get a thing. SMH

 

[Seaviewer]

That establishing shot of the Brady house must be seared into the memory of millions to whom Dallas is only a name and Southfork perhaps not even that.

 

[Toni]

I still think it should be transformed into a Soapland Theme Park and be surrounded by the KL cul-de-sac, the Trashington Manor and the Falcon Crest big house. And maybe even Flamingo Road´s Lute Mae´s brothel!!

"Oh I got clients! Come on in kids!"​