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April 3 - April 5, 2009
The 2009 Houston Heights Association Spring Home & Garden Tour, scheduled for the first weekend in April, has a unique focus this year. Its theme, “Soaring to New Heights,” emphasizes the way the neighborhood continues to invite growth while maintaining tradition.
“The Heights is a new hot spot. Many new faces are moving into this neighborhood where others have lived for generations,” said Christine Spin, the committee chair. “We want visitors to come and see why everyone is talking about the Heights—exciting restaurants, eclectic boutiques, rare antiques, and the annual Spring Home & Garden Tour is one of the neighborhood’s most-anticipated events. Once you spend a day here, you will want to return soon to explore more of this diverse community.”
All of the stops on the tour reflect the spirit of putting a new face on historical tradition. Five of the six houses are renovated historic homes while the only new home on the tour was built in a style that reflects the traditional architecture of the neighborhood.
Many of the homes also reflect green initiatives by “recycling” several elements of the original in their updated forms. One home dates back to 1898, and another is a 1915 Craftsman bungalow, both renovated to suit contemporary lifestyles. One 1930s bungalow has been expanded to serve as art gallery and studio to local renowned artist John Palmer. Still the remodeling projects preserve the original nature of the homes, using original forms, salvaged materials, original doors and wood floors. This mix of old and new, of antique furniture and contemporary art, exemplifies the homeowners’ vision of the new Heights.
“This is an exciting chance to appreciate different styles and tastes, and even get new ideas,” Spin said. “All of these homes truly reflect the passions of the homeowners.”
Event organizers have added John H. Reagan High School to this spring’s tour. They are eager to showcase the school’s renovated auditorium and one of Houston’s oldest campuses as another example of the forward movement of the neighborhood.
The annual Candlelight Dinner & Auction will kick off the festivities from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, April 3 at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street. The dinner follows a private tour of the homes.
Spin encourages visitors to explore the Heights on Home Tour weekend, which coincides with the Heights First Saturday, featuring an arts market and special events from local businesses.
Shuttle rides will be available to escort people along the tour and can be boarded at the Heights Fire Station at Yale and 12th Street. Waiting passengers can view the HHA’s fourth annual Youth Art Show, where student work will be judged and recognized by a panel of local artists.
“It’s hard to find something you can do with the family, especially something you can do all day that doesn’t cost a lot of money,” Spin said. “This is a great opportunity to spend an entire day enjoying new and wonderful experiences all in one vibrant neighborhood.”
FEATURED HOMES
Ellis Home -- 1233 Allston Street
Stephenson/Piké Home -- 1233 Tulane
Poirrier Home -- 1524 Allston
Mathews/Douglas Home -- 1623 Harvard
Goff/Martin Home -- 1421 Columbia Street
Palmer/Lindsay Home -- 1218 Heights Boulevard
Click here to read more about the homes on this Spring's tour.
The HHA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and proceeds for the Spring Home & Garden Tour go directly into the community for beautification, restoration, maintenance and education.
Tickets are $17 in advance, available at www.houstonheights.org and at Antidote Coffee, Another Place in Time, the Artful Corner, Buchanan’s Native Plants, Eclectic Home, Jubilee and Waldo’s Coffee House.
Day-of-tour tickets are $20 and may be purchased at Buchanan’s Native Plants, Another Place in Time, Heights Fire Station, and at each home.
Tickets include all homes and bus shuttles.
Tickets for individual homes are $5 each.
Parking is available at the Heights Fire Station at Yale and 12th Street, which is where the shuttles can be boarded.
Candlelight Dinner & Auction individual tickets are $100 and $1,000 for a reserved table of 10; seating is limited and advanced purchase is required.
Info Phone: 713.861.4002, extension 3
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