Historic house walk
Getting a workout while eyeing historic Glen Ellyn houses is a win-win situation.
But there'll be more to talk about than just notable houses during Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation's fifth annual Historic House Walk and Preservation Seminar.
Organizers plan to kick off the day with a seminar, "Main Street: How to Revitalize Downtown Glen Ellyn," from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Ben Franklin School.
Nick Kalogeresis of the National Trust Main Street Center will present information about ways to revitalize historic downtowns.
"Given that downtown Glen Ellyn just seems to be losing businesses, we would like to see the revitalization preserve the character of the village," Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation President Chris Wilson said.
The Main Street Program that will be presented focuses on preserving smaller communities' downtowns, and preservationists are hoping to educate village officials and residents on the program, she said.
From 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., people can check out six houses that will be showcased Saturday. Houses include a 1951 traditional colonial home at 690 Grand Ave.; a 1913 Mediterranean at 695 Main St.; a 1928 French Tudor at 251 Crest Road; an 1898 Queen Anne farmhouse at 386 Main St.; a 1922 Bungalow at 340 Prospect Ave.; and a 1923 contemporary-style house at 373 Oak St.
"I'm excited about the houses on the walk this year as I am every year," Wilson said. "But this year… people have really returned the call for help."
The preservation organization has about 350 members and has been around for six years. Proceeds go back to the group to finance newsletters, education and awareness.
If you go
What: Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation's fifth annual Historic House Walk and Preservation Seminar
When: Saturday; seminar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and walk from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Seminar, Ben Franklin School, 350 Bryant Ave.; walk: Main, Grand, Crest, Prospect and Oak streets
Cost: $25 for Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation members, $35 for nonmembers. Seminar tickets are $5.
Details: Betsy Summers at (630) 545-1587 or visit www.glenellynpreservation.org