Our History
From twelve founding families in 1958 to the neighborhood MPE is today.
Skillman Street was extended after World War II, opening farmland once owned by the Merriman and Murdoch families — split by present-day Colfax — to new development. What began as a single street of homes has grown, over nearly seven decades, into the twelve-street neighborhood residents call home today.
1940
Developer Hal McGraw acquires the Merriman family land.
Dec 1956
McGraw opens Merriman Park on the south side; Andrew and Anna Freed become the first MPE residents.
1957
Merriman Park Estates ("the Estates") opens with larger lots. Louise and Frank Hicks host the first resident Christmas party.
March 1958
MPE Club, Inc. is formed by twelve original families.
1960
The first issue of The Estater newsletter is published. By September, all but ten lots are complete.
1967
McGraw acquires the neighboring Murdoch farm.
Nov 1975
Construction begins on Claybrook and Winedale streets. RISD purchases 9 acres at Greenville/Walnut Hill for a future Merriman Park Elementary.
March 1982
Original resident R.B. Brooks passes away.
March 1986
The Dallas Park Department names the park along Merriman Parkway in his honor.
Oct 1996
Volunteers In Patrol (VIP) is organized with 35 volunteers.
Sept 1999
Playground equipment is installed at R.B. Brooks Park.
March 2000
Resident Ric Moseley creates and hosts the first MPE website.
April 2001
Street sign toppers are installed throughout the neighborhood.
May 2006
Forbes lists the 75231 zip code among the highest home-value-growth areas of 2003–2005.
Nov 2007
Groundbreaking for the Lake Highlands Town Center.
Dec 2010
The Lake Highlands DART station opens.
2013–2014
Town Center phase one opens: a parking garage and the Haven Lake Highlands apartments.
Nov 2014
NorthRock Lake Highlands apartments open.
Aug 2015
Artistik Edge becomes the first Town Center retail tenant.