by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Riverside Avondale Preservation is hosting its tour of homes April 26-27. Diverse architectural styles of 10 historic structures in the Riverside-Avondale area will be spotlighted during the two-day event.
“All of them are over 95 years old,” said Amy Brewer, RAP membership and advertising coordinator. “We like to have homes, bungalows, businesses, two-stories, mansions — as much variety as possible. Even tiny homes are on the tour.”
During its almost three decades of existence, the tour has gained enough exposure and popularity to attract property owners without RAP members having to seek them out. Because of RAP organizers knowledge of the community, many of the individuals wishing to participate already know the principals and they, in turn, know the owners.
“The owners always come to us,” said Brewer. “We don’t pick them. Bonnie [Grissett, RAP executive director] usually knows them. She’s watched them restore their homes so she knows what those houses look like.
“We want the whole neighborhood involved. It gives people ideas on how to restore their own homes and it pulls neighbors together.”
The tour runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $15. For more, call 389-2449.