Grand Rapids Community College uses this house to entertain, but their preservation of this landmark home is an honor to its heritage and history. Don’t miss this unique walk into the past of this 1865 Italianate home at 74 Lafayette NE.
Never seen on Tour before, this 1882 Craftsman style jewel at 27 College NE was lovingly and artistically restored to its current splendor by a creative couple who also work out of the home. Once you see it, you’ll agree it would be hard to leave every day.
Another brand new offering, this beautifully restored shingle style home at 440 East Fulton houses three outstanding condominiums. Two of the current owners are kind enough this year to let us in and see what they have discovered in this 1906 mansion. . . “condo living doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice space or privacy.”
Visitors will be enthralled by an eclectic mix of furnishings and collections that enhance the quaintness and beauty of this 1875 home located at 416 Washington SE. Located on one of the prettiest blocks in Heritage Hill, the yard out back is like an oasis in the middle of the city.
This 1894 shingle style home is a holiday classic. At this home of collections, it is Christmas — and every other holiday – all year round. 47 Union SE
Just down the street is another home never seen by annual Tour goers. This owner-occupant has graciously opened his two-apartment home. After seeing his place, you’ll swear you’ve seen it all. It’s elegance is tempered by simplicity and fine furnishings that don’t detract from the lines and form of this 1905 Georgian Revival house. 116 Union SE
Over at 309 Madison SE, this 1920 English cottage style home puts the “fun” in functionality. While the owners have respected the home’s design — inside and out — they have created they’re own colorful (sometimes coloring outside the lines), intriguing and homey touches throughout.
Further down the block at 515 Madison SE, the trim work and (as you get inside) the ornate woodwork throughout this home will have you gazing in awe. This grand 1882 Eastlake home offers space and elegance to spare without forgetting that “family feel.”
In the southwest end of the neighborhood, this 1897 shingle-style home at 573 Prospect SE reminds you of dwellings in many New England towns. The large porch invites the visitor up from the street and the fireplace in the entry hall — with its crackling flames on a chilly day — pulls you in. Don’t stop there . . . there’s more.
And finally, we reach the far southeast end of the neighborhood. Another new offering for Tour, this 1910 house at 549 Pleasant SE is much, much more than pleasant. The owner has a dream — which is quickly becoming reality — to offer totally renovated homes or apartments to people visiting and/or working in downtown Grand Rapids. This home marks the beginning of that vision and the rejuvenation of this block of homes.
Besides the private homes, the gorgeous Fountain Street Church — and an accompanying tile exhibit, will be open to the public.
And as if that isn’t enough, two other outstanding favorites continue to provide added enjoyment for the crowds on Tour weekend: the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed and built Meyer May House and the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Voigt House.