House walk spotlights old, new of Lombard architecture
Two Victorian homes built in 1885, two large homes built in the last eight years and the Victorian Cottage Museum built in 1882 will be open for public tours Friday, May 17, as the Kiwanis Club of Lombard presents its 10th annual Lilac Time house walk, “Over the Threshold — A Tour of Distinctive Lombard Homes.”
The old and the new blend together in a small area, showing the architectural diversity of the Lilac Village, and creating an easy touring zone for those who participate in the walk from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m.
“We have really some of the oldest homes in town and some of the newest homes in town, and those four houses are within eight blocks of each other,” said Susan Friend, a Kiwanis member organizing the house walk. “That’s going to make it a nice and easy walk for those that are joining us.”
The house walk has become a tradition for homeowners interested in gathering decorating ideas or remodeling tips and finding new inspiration from the furnishing ideas employed by others.
Along with stopping in five homes, house walkers are invited to a meet-and-greet with owners of the four private homes from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Carriage House behind the Victorian Cottage Museum, 23 W. Maple St.
“It also gives us a way to acknowledge the homeowners with a larger audience to thank them for opening their homes and lives to benefit the charities Kiwanis of Lombard supports,” Friend said.
The club supports the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry, the Lombard Fire Department’s Trauma Teddy program, the Lombard Junior Women’s Club’s TLC Camp, Healthy Lombard, the Salvation Army, Special Olympics and several other causes. All house walk proceeds are donated to these groups.
Tickets cost $30 and are available before tour day by calling (630) 408-4412 or at Mr. Z’s Supermarket, 401 S. Main St.; BMO Harris Bank, 345 S. Main St.; Potted Petals, 732 S. Main St.; Lombard Pharmacy, 805 S. Main St.; Phillip’s Flowers and Gifts, 1110 S. Main St.; and the Lombard Chamber of Commerce, 10 Lilac Lane.
On tour day, tickets are available at Mr. Z’s Supermarket and at each stop on the tour.
124 N. Main St.
As one of two Victorian homes built in 1885 on the tour, the Wilkinson house has a typical “gingerbread” look on the exterior but a more open, modern feel inside, Friend said.
Visitors will see a porch converted into a four-season sunroom and a variety of alcoves and unique shapes, especially in the master bedroom.
150 N. Main St.
Known to many Lombardians as the “Santa House,” the Klein residence has more than 55 windows and originally was a doctor’s office and home. It also was once used as a boardinghouse and has unique features, including a third-floor suite and spa complete with a fireplace and a “speaking tube” that allowed for eavesdropping.
Friend said the Kleins recently completed extensive interior renovations to help their 1885 home make it through its next 100 years.
353 W. Grove St.
Built in 2008, the Klonowski home follows the arts and crafts style. It features an entrance door with stained glass and lighting, a decorative ceramic tile inlay in the foyer floor and a red oak floor in the dining room.
369 W. Grove St.
Not far from the Klonowski home, the Picchiottino home was built in 2012 after extensive research to create the feel of a French or English cottage, Friend said. Specially chosen stone and arch designs are incorporated in the interior and exterior.
The master suite takes up half of the second floor and includes his and hers closets, an exercise and sitting area, and a bathroom with two vanities and a makeup area.
23 W. Maple St.
While no longer a private family home, the Victorian Cottage Museum preserves life as if it were 1882, when the house was built as a summer cottage for the family of Noah Matson.
Period furniture and replica period wallpaper and carpet furnish the home, which includes a front room used for entertaining with musical instruments and a kitchen with a stove, dry sink, pie safe and ironing area.
Friend said she encourages Lombard residents to stop by the historic home, especially if they’ve never toured it before.
“It’s surprising how many people who live in town have never taken the time to go,” Friend said.
If you go
What: Over the Threshold A Tour of Distinctive Lombard Homes
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 17
Where: Homes at 124 N. Main St.; 150 N. Main St.; 353 W. Grove St.; 369 W. Grove St.; and 23 W. Maple St. in Lombard
Cost: $30; proceeds benefit charities supported by the Kiwanis Club of Lombard
Details: House walk also includes a reception with the homeowners from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Carriage House behind the Victorian Cottage Museum, 23 W. Maple St.
Info: (630) 408-4412 or kiwaniscluboflombard.org