Len Roberts, a giant of American business with a legendary career at the head of chains like Arby’s, Shoney’s, and RadioShack, made headlines nationwide recently with the sale of his grand Fort Worth mansion. At age 74, Roberts is not driven by financial necessity but by a gentle desire to simplify life as he and his wife, Laurie, begin their empty-nest years. The nearly 12,000-square-foot home, the fruit of his ambition and public-spiritedness, was marketed not as a business deal, but as a deliberate entry into a new existence. The choice is the same smart vision that defined his commercial years, striking a balance for convenience and human closeness over the hassle of a showplace. The auction, which opened at $2.5 million, was a practical measure to bring about an expedient, trouble-free sale of so uncommon a house.
- Strategic Downsizing: Roberts decided to put the estate on auction owing to a need to downsize life, a practical approach to change.
- Community Legacy: The mansion was a venue for Fort Worth’s social and charitable events, a role Roberts hopes its new family will continue.
- Personal Inspiration: The sale was driven by a shared wish between Len and Laurie not to have to contend with the maintenance of a large house in their later years.
This transition wasn’t selling a house; it was shifting life priorities. Roberts and Laurie, now into a more appropriate home in Mira Vista, found a place that is just right for where they are in life. The downsizing decision by the couple reflects a true universal principle: life changes, and so must our environment. New accommodations, mere miles from their old home, bring comfort and convenience in line with a conscious aging-in-place strategy. Interluxe guided the auction process, selecting it as a means of efficiency in order to have closure and move on without the extended limbo of the customary sale.
There was a sense of emotional weight in letting go of a home that was replete with memories, but Roberts did it with serenity and clarity. He and Laurie went and had a chat with themselves, asking, “Would you want to be living in this enormous house by yourself?” The answer was a resounding no, something that guided their decision to let go. This wasn’t giving up on a dream but giving in to a future that is about being together and simple. Their new house, overlooking the 17th hole in Mira Vista, is a new start, one where they can focus on what matters most each other and their path. The transaction, which went through at $5.28 million, was not a conclusion but a major turning point to a life more in harmony with their needs.
A Limestone Dream Fulfilled
Born on Chicago’s west side, Len Roberts was awed as a youngster by the limestone facades of the city’s great museums, and the dream took root in his mind to one day own a home constructed of the same material. He brought that dream to life in Fort Worth, where he and Laurie built a 11,792-square-foot limestone house, a monument to individual success and beauty. The limestone wasn’t used just for its aesthetic appeal; it was a nod to Roberts’s up-bringing, a real tie to those early experiences that shaped him. Construction on a house of this type wasn’t simple, with hand-cut stone and brute labor, but it was a necessary part of his vision. This commitment to a personal vision rendered the construction of the estate something more than a residence it was a legacy.
- Childhood Inspiration: The appreciation for limestone by Roberts was fostered through family visits to the Chicago museums, where the beauty of the material left an indelible impression.
- Elegant Excess: The ornate stone balustrades at the edges of each wing were a costly indulgence, proving Roberts’s focus on detail and quality.
- Visionary Collaboration: Laurie’s vision in collaboration with architect Don Wheaton and contractor Rick Williams led to this daring idea.
Laurie helped shape Len’s vision into reality, overseeing the design and construction with careful attention and devotion. Together with a team of talented professionals, such as architect Don Wheaton and interior designers from Sandra Sampson Interiors, she made every detail reflect their dreams. The ordeal, taking nearly five years, was a labor of love, with no expense spent bringing perfection. The French-style mansion, completed in 2004, testified to their teamwork and efforts.
Every detail, from the limestone exterior to the embellished interiors, was an expression of their wish to create a personal yet lavish space. Construction was not without its bumps, however, as contractor Rick Williams jokingly went past the “unlimited budget” with the scope and intensity of the work. The 1.82-acre tract required massive terracing and site work, and materials were trucked in from all over the nation to meet the high standards of the couple. Woodworking craftsmen, stone artisans, and marble experts were commissioned to fashion each element with great precision. The result was a home that not only fulfilled Roberts’s childhood dream but also became the center of Fort Worth’s social scene. It was a place where individual legacy and community meet were drawn together, creating a heritage that extended far beyond the property’s borders.
A House Made for Gathering The Fort
Worth home was designed to be a place of entertaining, a reflection of Roberts’s role as a leader of the community during his time as CEO of RadioShack. With facilities like 120 sound speakers and a complete PA system, the house was intended to hold big parties without compromise on comfort. Crystal chandeliers, a sweeping spiral staircase, and Versailles-style floors lent an air of grandeur, which served for the charity balls and company parties that defined its legacy. The 12-seat home theater, a replica of Chicago’s Marbro Theatre, was Len’s personal indulgence, reminiscent of his and Laurie’s teen years. This red velvet recliner room became a go-to spot for guests and a source of common history for the couple.
- Entertainment Center: The estate hosted over 100 events, ranging from intimate dinners to parties for 250, all benefitting local charities and raising millions.
- Thoughtful Touches: Considerate elements like the PA system enabled guests to hear speeches without congestion, enhancing the event experience.
- Personal Touch: The replica of the Marbro Theatre was a nod to the couple’s Chicago roots, combining nostalgia and luxury.
In over 19 years, the estate was an institution of Fort Worth’s philanthropic scene, being used for events by groups ranging from the Fort Worth Symphony and United Way. Roberts was happy to report that nearly every major CEO in the Dallas-Fort Worth area had entertained in their house, attesting to its reputation as a social hot spot. A sense of exclusivity was offered by the 10-foot wrought iron fencing and 12-foot gates, while terraced limestone stairs and resort-style pool created a dramatic backdrop for parties. These amenities were not just indulgences; they were purposeful, designed to smooth out every occasion and make it unforgettable.
The ability of the house to bring people together was its strongest suit, one that Roberts hopes endures. The theater, with its meticulous recreation of the Marbro’s Art Deco aesthetic, was a luxury, certainly, but also a love letter to the couple’s past. They went the extra mile to obtain the original plans, ensuring that everything, from the ceiling to the wall coverings, was as it was in its original form. The only modification was the oversized recliners, a practical upgrade for relaxation. This room, like the rest of the house, was built to foster connection, whether through shared history or new experiences. As Roberts and Laurie exit, they are taking with them a home constructed not just for living, but for creating moments that will endure in the heart of all who walked through the door.
A Personal Refuge and Community Hub
Beyond its designation as an entertainment complex, the mansion served as a refuge for Roberts and Laurie, featuring a workroom, sauna, and steam shower for individual therapy. The 1.82-acre estate, with its views from the hilltop of Texas Christian University’s stadium and downtown Fort Worth, created a serene escape from the drama of their own public lives. The landscaping, including terraced stairways and light-controllable lighting, was as meticulously designed as the interior, creating an unbroken transition of indoor and outdoor luxury. Roberts’s commitment to the community encompassed his neighbors, whom he valued with personalized invitations in handwriting to a victory dinner upon completion of the five-year construction. The action was a reflection of his immense admiration of those who surrounded him, a characteristic of his personality.
- Private Retreat: The spa facilities and exercise room provided a personal retreat within the expansive estate.
- Community Appreciation: Roberts’s personally written invitations to neighbors showed that he was thoughtful and respectful of their perseverance.
- Breathtaking Panoramas: Its hilltop location gave a scenic view, which enhanced the estate as a residence and guesthouse.
Building, though imposing, was not without annoyance, from clogged traffic to noise that tested neighbors’ patience. Roberts’s act of inviting all to a thank-you party, neighbors, builders, and artisans alike, was a sign of his humility and gratitude. It was not just about building a house; it was about building relationships. The event was one of common effort, an opportunity to acknowledge the community that had fed their dream. This feeling of community defined the role of the mansion, not so much as a home but as a gathering space that solidified Fort Worth’s social fabric.
As the couple settled into their new existence, the mansion’s reputation as a community hub remained. Roberts hoped the new owners would continue its legacy of hospitality, leveraging features like the PA system in order to host important events. The functionality of the estate in both private and public use was a distinction a place where one’s own vision and public impact coexisted together. The actual worth of the house, in Roberts’ mind, was the memories within it and the people they built, something that drove his calm acceptance of its sale and his excitement of its future.
A Strategic Sale for a New Beginning
The decision to sell the estate by auction was a masterstroke of business acumen, one that continued to emphasize Roberts’s business acumen even after he exited the game. When on the market for three years at $8.9 million, the pair opted to sell by auction in order to expedite the process, choosing Interluxe for their expertise in luxury residences. The $2.5 million minimum bid was a tactic to attract a broad audience of potential bidders to bring competitive purchase. Previews during April 21-23 made it possible for potential buyers to live the magnificence of the house, and bidding started on April 24, leading to a $5.28 million sale. This process was not selling a house; it was making the transition to life’s next stage easy.
- Streamlined Process: The auction saved time, bypassing delays in typical listings.
- Extremely Popular: The starting bid at a low level encouraged participation and drew six registered bidders from other markets.
- Cooperation by Professionals: Interluxe’s partnership with Williams
Trew gave the unique property national coverage. The selling price, though below the $12 million building cost and $21 million replacement cost, didn’t discourage Roberts. He viewed the loss as a lesser issue compared to the 19 years of joy that the house provided. We got our money’s worth,” he recalled, thinking of all the events and memories that defined their time there. The financial gain was secondary to the psychic dividend the friendships, the charity, and the sense of satisfaction.
The new owners, who share the taste of the house as well, have already formed a “special friendship” with the couple, adding a touching element to the sale. For Roberts, the auction was just a stepping stone, a way of moving on from one chapter to another with grace. The move to Mira Vista, a mere three miles away, was a calculated choice, offering a house that is of their current needs without sacrificing quality. A pending estate sale in mid-May will conclude their relocation, allowing them to plan their new home with intention. This action is not about building a legacy but continuing it anew, one centered around simplicity and human connection rather than grandeur.
A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy
Even in retirement, Len Roberts remains a force to be reckoned with, devoting his time to the writing of a memoir that will come out in November 2023. The memoir will have revelations from his life, like a chapter about his relationship with Hank Aaron, to provide insight into the different facets of his life. His J.C. Penney, Rent-A-Center, and Texas Health Resources show his ongoing dedication to leadership, and his work with United Way and Mothers Against Drunk Driving record his dedication to the community. The mansion, once a location for such activities, was an outward manifestation of his vision of giving back. Sale of it isn’t the end of his giving but a change in the way it’s done.
- Current Influence: His book and board positions keep him busy with impacting business and community settings.
- Philanthropic Enthusiasm: His non-profit endeavors with United Way reflect a life-long commitment to social benefit.
- Personal Connection: The memoir chapter on Hank Aaron adds personal significance to his business life.
The use of the mansion as a philanthropic headquarters, bringing in millions for Fort Worth charities, was an accomplishment Roberts took pride in. He wishes the new owners would be able to continue with this tradition, employing the qualities of the home to foster community engagement. The PA system, donated for the purpose, is a modest yet significant gesture, which keeps the estate as a focal point. Roberts’ vision for the future of the property stems from its past a location where people meet, share ideas, and make a difference.
It is a testament to his belief in the power of bonding, a recurring theme throughout his life and work. As Roberts and Laurie settle into their new life, they carry with them the same principles that governed their sojourn at the mansion. Their move to Mira Vista is not an exile but a redefinition of the manner in which they live and pay back. The estate sale, the memoir, and their ongoing philanthropy are all part of a greater narrative a tale of purpose, gratitude, and a commitment to leaving the world a little better than they came into it.The Fort Worth mansion, now owned by someone else, is still a testament to their legacy, a home that will still inspire and connect for years to come.
