Richardson toy builder, Earthbound Martian, creates Castle Jade for the Dallas CASA Parade of Playhouses
Castle Jade, Earthbound Martian
Dallas CASA’s 29th annual Parade of Playhouses features 13 imaginative children’s playhouses, each one custom designed and built by local architects and builders who donate the houses.
For toy company owners Chris and Cally Rogers of Earthbound Martian, building their second playhouse for Dallas CASA’s annual Parade of Playhouses was particularly emotional this year. Their company’s “resident elf,” Jade Byas, passed away in January 2024, and they decided to build Castle Jade in her honor. Jade loved castles and the color purple, so the initial design was straightforward: a castle with a purple marble tower.
“The actual house went up really quickly this year, but it’s the details we spend the most time on,” Chris Rogers said. “We really let our inner kids drive the design.
Castle Jade features specially made “stones” of foam, a tiny fairy door, a purple marble armory, swords and shields donated by Black Dragon Armory and even a glittery dragon claw mark, from an imaginary magical dragon attack.
The greatest challenge during construction came from a severe thunderstorm that hit Richardson in May. Castle Jade was being constructed in Martin’s driveway, and he was concerned the 70-mile an hour winds would damage the playhouse. “We built it to withstand dragon attack but turns out that’s good for massive thunderstorms, too,” Martin said. The house was undamaged in the storm.
Ultimately, it’s Dallas CASA’s mission that motivates Martin and his company. “As much as we love building these houses, we would not do it just for anyone,” he said. “Dallas CASA is just a great cause.”
Martin has already been thinking ahead to next year – really far ahead, in fact. He’s thinking about building a futuristic vehicle with an observation tower and swivel seating.
The 29th annual Dallas CASA Parade of Playhouses continues through June 30 at NorthPark Center. The playhouses will be raffled off, and tickets can be purchased in person at NorthPark Center or online at dallascasa.org.