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Find out why 'Small is Beautiful' on 34th annual Historic Elgin House Tour

Posted September 01, 2015 11:00 pm

Daily Herald staff report

1177 Bellevue Ave.: Built in 1940, the home is loosely based on the Tudor Revival style on its exterior. Inside, the room layout is more typical of the Colonial Revival style, reflecting the mix-and-match designs common to residential architecture. The home combines appealing warmth and tradition with an up-to-date kitchen, efficient use of space and a large yard. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com

You won't find any McMansions on the 34th annual Historic Elgin House Tour, which features six homes of modest size in a section of Elgin that has never been featured on a previous tour.

The tour takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, in the city's north-northeast neighborhood, with tickets, $15-$20, available in advance or on the day of the tour.

Members of the Gifford Park Association, which organizes the annual house walk, have unofficially dubbed this year's tour the "Small is Beautiful" Home Tour, as it takes place in a neighborhood rich in architectural diversity and visual interest.

According to organizers, the houses on this year's tour, built in the first few decades of the 20th century, were originally marketed to middle class buyers seeking value and comfort. These houses illustrate that average-sized homes with good craftsmanship in well-kept neighborhoods are a viable alternative to newer homes in less distinctive locations.

Here is a preview of the homes featured on the tour.

Funds raised from the tour are "recycled" into the community. The Gifford Park Association regularly donates to other not-for-profit organizations; supports youth groups; architectural rehabilitation and has added historic signs to the public rights of way. For details or to purchase tickets, visit www.gpaelgin.org.

1171 Bellevue Ave.: The Colonial Revival-style home is one of America's most enduring and popular designs. This 1926 Dutch Colonial variant shows why. The traditional floor plan is highlighted by a large living room, adjacent sunroom and formal dining room. Adding to the attraction are plenty of windows, new landscaping and a large yard, all on a quiet street. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com

1183 Cedar Ave.: This design was inspired by the Norman Revival style, which lends much to its curb appeal. The warm and relaxing interior spaces provide a great backdrop for the owners' collections and the home's handcrafted artistry. The gardens invite tour-goers to enjoy a slow stroll that is full of discoveries. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com

1039 Prospect Blvd.: This classic American Foursquare design features Prairie style-inspired details. Built in 1909, it has a large front porch, ample-sized rooms and two full stories of floor space. The spacious backyard combines gardens, a lawn and a patio. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com

372 Congdon Ave.: This 1930 Tudor Revival-style home captures the essence of the style. The front-facing gables, large chimney, metal handrail, arched front door and attic window are a few of the characteristic details. The backyard "secret garden" is an eclectic mixture of collectibles, plants, whimsy and comfortable outdoor living space. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com

310 Cooper Ave.: This 1927 Tudor Revival-style house is a seldom-seen variation, with only one front-facing gable. The original home abounds with Tudor-inspired details. A later remodeling of two rooms added vintage midcentury features - a Geneva kitchen with metal cabinets and an office featuring knotty pine woodwork. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com

If you go

What: 34th annual Historic Elgin House Tour, featuring six homes on the city's near-northeast side neighborhood

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

Where: Day of tour registration and ticket sales at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin

Tickets: Advance purchase, $15 for adults. Day of event, $20 for adults, $10 for seniors (65 and older) and children (12 and younger). Seniors and children can purchase tickets only on the day of the event.

Where to purchase: Ziegler's Ace Hardware, 215 N. Spring St., Elgin; Ziegler's Ace Hardware, 1158 Lillian St., Elgin; Al's Café and Creamery, 43 DuPage Court, Elgin; Jewel-Osco, 1660 Larkin Ave., Elgin; Jewel-Osco, 1040 Summit St., Elgin. Tickets can also be purchased online at <a href="http://www.gpaelgin.org">www.gpaelgin.org</a> or by mail at GPA, P.O. Box 928, Elgin, IL 60121. Specify the tickets desired, enclose payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Details: <a href="">www.gpaelgin.org</a>; (847) 421-4022

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