Thursday, September 16, 2010

This Weekend: Short North Tour of Homes and Gardens

Sycamore tree-lined Neil Avenue. Gallery Hop. Al fresco dining. Art galleries. Coffee shops. Diversity. The ways to experience the Short North are varied and plentiful. This weekend another unique opportunity arises: the Short North Tour of Homes and Gardens (formerly known as the Victorian Village Tour of Homes and Gardens).

Showcasing ten homes and two gardens from the surrounding neighborhoods, this year's Tour of Homes and Gardens will take place on September 18 and 19. This one-of-a-kind community voyage showcases the architectural styles, interior design, landscaping, and colorful personalities of the Short North neighborhoods.

Sunday Tour sponsored by Dooley & Company Realtors

September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Guests can walk along the tree-lined tour route or ride in an old-fashioned trolley car. Tickets cost $20 on the day of the tour or may be purchased for $15 in advance

Preview Tour, Cocktail Reception, & Hosted Dinners sponsored by SDG Security

September 18 with exclusive tour of homes from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., cocktail reception from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., and hosted dinners at private residences beginning at 8:00 p.m. Reservations are required and tickets cost $100 per person.

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Homes on Tour Preview Event Sponsors Volunteer Sign up


2010 Tour Highlights

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DAVID JACKSON/JANET CUTSINGER 895 DENNISON AVENUE

This circa 1890 home was on the 2003 tour as a “renovation in progress” and much has been accomplished since. The entry hall is flanked by ladies’ and gentlemen’s parlors with handmade fireplace tile created by a previous owner along with reproduction English tile. Every room was renovated while some scars of harder use were left as reminders of days gone by. All floors and woodwork are original. The back courtyard and raised teak deck were added along with the garage rebuild. The attached garage is rare in century-old homes and dates in various forms to prior to 1910. The current structure was created to resemble neighborhood carriage houses while maintaining the original entry to the former basement living quarters. Occupying a former kitchen and butler’s pantry, the kitchen was finished just prior to this year’s tour. Upstairs off the large landing is a master bedroom with sleeping alcove and sitting room as well as an office and guest room. The original maid’s quarters has been redone into a large master bath with beautiful mosaic tile. A former third floor apartment was completely rebuilt as a recreation room with the ceiling opened to the rafters. Walls are decorated with some of the homeowner’s favorite entertainment quotes.


ROB WAGNER 929 N. FOURTH STREET

The original 1870s home was determined to be structurally unsound due to termite damage, holes in the floor, weak beams, water damage caused by roof leaks, and the absence of a foundation. The Italian Village Commission reluctantly approved demolition but requested that the new home replicate the look of the old historic cottage - at least from the street. The original 650 square foot structure became 2200 square feet of living space due to a rear addition and an underground room. Architectural advice was sought from Urban Order and Ketron Custom Builders handled the demolition and reconstruction. The long narrow living-dining room floor plan was retained but separated by a double-sided fireplace and custom art glass doors. The kitchen was enlarged and the four-season room was added. The living-dining areas’ floors are Brazilian Cherry; the kitchen and sunroom floors are slate. The high-tech lower level features a black granite bar with soda fountain, a state-of-the-art theater, and a huge shower ideal for washing the puppies. Radiant heat is piped to both floors as well as a snow-melt system under the exterior walkways. The two-story structure at the rear of the property has a garage/party room on the first level and a guest suite (currently in progress) on the second level. The owner is a professional landscaper as evidenced when viewing the entire property.

RICK GORE/PETER YOCKEL 43 BRICKEL STREET

The first owners of this new 3½ story condo recently moved here from Ft. Lauderdale. The condo was still under construction when they first saw it, so they had the opportunity to finish it to their tastes. The cinder-block exterior was chosen to match the wall across the street and the contemporary interior by Urban Order was exactly what the new homeowners were seeking. The first level is designed to entertain guests with a media room and bar. The outdoor room includes a custom-designed metal enclosure (by Fortin Ironworks) to hide the A/C unit and complement the other metal sculpture and art. The lower level features a gallery of abstract outdoor paintings by Dayton artist Mike Elsass and a guest suite with lots of natural light from the window well. The second story provides the main living space with cathedral ceilings in the great room and master bedroom. The kitchen and outdoor room reflect the industrial era of Italian Village a century ago. Since Rick was a writer for National Geographic for 30 years, art was collected from his travels around the world. They worked with Christy Collection to perfect their interior design. The third floor office can be quickly converted to additional guest space if needed. The meditation space in the loft has a collection of spiritual objects. Their visitors are surprised and impressed with the many shops and nightspots within walking distance of their home.

NEIL AVENUE CONDO 914 NEIL AVENUE

The original structure of four condos was built in 1890 and came close to meeting the wrecking ball in 1989. Purchased in 2006, the current owners engaged the services of Urban Order Architects, Creations/CRI Interior Design, and Aurora Industries to make their vision into reality. They started at the top and worked down so the construction crew would not be going through finished space. Most of the home was gutted and reconfigured. The third floor has some space-saving storage ideas such as the custom dresser and media stand by Fortin Ironworks and large drawers on either side of the bed created by cutting into the eaves. The elevated bath features a walk-in shower with multiple shower heads, glass mosaic tiles, a slate floor, and zebra wood cabinets. A private balcony provides a great view of the city. On the second floor, the guest bath features an imported circular Jacuzzi with rain shower and colored lights. The walls, floor and vanity are various types of marble. The owner's Tiffany collection is displayed in the guest room while the front room is their office with one of the desks being an 1890s communion table. Another balcony overlooks Neil Avenue. The just-completed first floor has two flat panel televisions above the fireplaces--one behind a two-way mirror and the other hidden behind artwork. A drop-down projector and screen complete the audiovisuals installed by Resolution Audio and Video.

KAREN & DAVID WILSON 967 HIGHLAND

The Wilson’s bought their home in 2005 while living in the suburbs. Over the next 2½ years, these “weekend warriors” spent most of their spare time working to restore their home - completing the majority of the work themselves. About 10 months were spent stripping wallpaper, woodwork, and refinishing floors. Most of the rooms had dropped ceilings and cheap wood paneling covered original plaster walls. When possible, they retained original woodwork, doors, windows, and hardware. The kitchen was reconfigured and new Arts and Crafts cabinets installed. Wainscoting thought to be damaged beyond repair was removed and in the process they discovered the backside to be in perfect condition and re-installed it with that side showing. When removing linoleum they discovered the original wood floor and stained it red. The antique dining table belonged to Karen’s grandmother. Several items were found on e-bay -- antique light fixtures, floor grates, and the front door. The bath was redesigned and enlarged by stealing space from an adjacent bedroom. A light wall was created to allow natural light from the laundry room windows to enter the bath. A new garage was built and an old metal awning was replaced with a beautiful wisteria-covered pergola.

BEVERLY and HERB BROWN 148 BUTTLES AVENUE (Work In Progress)

This grand home was built in 1890. For almost four decades it was the home of Clarice Branson, a well-known local realtor. The Browns purchased the property in 2009 with the intent of renovating the entire house. In the rear portion of the house virtually everything was removed except for the exterior brick structure. Many of the interior walls were reoriented. A conservatory with heated tile floors and stained glass windows has been added to create additional space for dining and relaxing while overlooking the garden. The second floor features two complete master suites plus a study surrounded with custom book cases and cabinetry. Overlooking the park, the third floor contains a second study, a seating area, and a unique octagonal-shaped room. Great effort was made to keep much of the Victorian era detail including fireplaces, finish carpentry, and intricate plaster ornamentation. Benjamin Niswander of Taliesin Construction managed the extensive renovation while Damon Baker designed the new space. Interior decoration is being done by Sunflower Design. The house seamlessly combines Victorian era design with a more functional and contemporary use of space. The home will be featured on a future tour when fully complete.


SHEILA CORNELIUS 178 BUTTLES AVENUE

This home was built in 1897 for David Horner who immediately sold it to his daughter and son-in-law, Nettie and Charles Woodward for “one dollar and love and affection” --presumably as a wedding gift. It remained in the Woodward family until 1946. From the 1950’s – 1970’s, Dr. Denton Adams practiced medicine on the first floor. (Featured on the 2001 Tour, a guest viewing the home exclaimed, “I gave birth to my son in that dining room!”) Purchased in 1990, the current owner began a complete renovation in keeping with the home’s original Victorian style. The seven fireplaces are believed to be original to the home as are most of the chandeliers and stained and leaded glass windows. Well-aged leather lines the den’s walls and the front staircase. An avid collector, the home showcases the owner’s family antiques and mementos. Recent projects include a fully renovated master bath, a cookbook library off the kitchen, and work is underway to turn the third floor into a guest suite and the fourth floor “lookout” into a sundeck. Landscaped back yard plans have been scrapped since Maggie her Springer Spaniel has “torn up everything that has been planted over the past 20 years including an apple tree.”

CHRIS HARPSTER 325 W. HUBBARD AVENUE

The previous owner lived in this home for 50 years, kept it well maintained but it was definitely in need of attention. With the able assistance of Dave Fox Remodeling, the current owner has created a beautiful new kitchen with all the latest conveniences as well as updating the baths with colorful glass tile designs. In addition, this restored home features new and/or updated electric, plumbing, windows, floors, woodwork, security system, and zoned HVAC. The front porch was rebuilt and the third floor was finished. Notice the unique fireplace screens throughout the home and the clever new transoms on the second floor. The brick fireplace in the back yard was created by a previous owner. Progress throughout the duration of the project was filmed and broadcast earlier this year on the ABC-TV’s Home Makeover.


VERONICA VIELAND/JOHN OBERG 326 WILBER AVENUE

Four years ago, when Veronica and John purchased this circa 1890’s home, it was very livable but with an old-fashioned room configuration that did not fit with their family’s use of space. They engaged local architect, Urban Order, and local remodeler, Renovations Unlimited, to reconfigure the space into something more functional. A back staircase was removed which gave extra space for a much larger kitchen, dining area, and music room plus a first-floor powder room and laundry. The old wood pocket doors were replaced with new doors featuring glass inserts to visually open the space while keeping sound at a minimum. Old moldings and doors were salvaged and used whenever possible and new doors and finishes were chosen to fit with the old detailing. Upstairs, a big master bath was added and arches were created to mimic the arches on the first floor. Since the homeowners previously lived in Iowa, much of the art throughout the home was created by Iowa artists including the two large hanging quilts by Iowa City textiles artist Susan Shinnick.

CHUCK ARIDA 807 HAMLET STREET

A brick Victorian with pine floors, a 1915 painted piano, and 1960s fixtures – this home reflects both the history of a neighborhood on the rise as well as the interests and travels of its current dweller – an architect turned marketer, a modernist and preservationist. From cottage garden to the salvage signs, from the book-lined shelves to the art-filled walls, this home has surprises – skylights, a twisty staircase, a collection of vintage horns and furniture. The generous front porch and gracious tree-lined street keep the temperatures cool; diffuse light ebbs in through large-scale windows. Open flow between large rooms on both floors has made for many joyful social gatherings, sometimes with more than 100 friends and family members. This is a home and garden in which to celebrate life. Yes, there is a draft in winter. And a few more outlets would be nice. Obviously there is much work yet to be done (next up: the kitchen) but the home, in its current state of stalwart perseverance, is a lovely and wonderful reminder that beauty is in the eye of the survivor.

EBEN & JEANNE KENT (garden only) 851 NEIL AVENUE

The Kent’s are nature lovers and wanted a perennial garden that would attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife—an urban garden designed to complement their century-old Victorian home. While on a stroll through the neighborhood last year they came upon a garden that was similar to what they had in mind. When they discovered the garden belonged to landscape architect Greg Krobot, principal of GrKLA, they contracted with him to design their garden. Greg’s challenge was to mold a small back yard into visually distinct rooms within the overall space. This was accomplished with elevation changes, vertical elements such as trees, a decorative iron fence, and pavement pattern manipulation. They also wanted an “eco-friendly” atmosphere. Beneath the entire lower patio is a two foot deep “dry well” into which is piped all the storm water from the back roof of the house. The storm water then percolates into the earth rather than being dumped into the city sewer. The Kent’s also compost their garden waste on site which they then use as a soil amendment. Shade perennials and shrubs were selected for the beds closer to the house and full sun perennials toward the rear half of the yard. The Midwestern prairie was the inspiration for the planting design—alluding to the great open spaces of the urban oasis.

KEN BRUSHABER/SUE NICHOLSON (garden only) 333 W. HUBBARD AVENUE

The beautiful landscaping throughout the property reflects a ten year project. The azaleas, hostas, holly, hemlock, and hydrangeas in the front existed when the home was purchased but many perennials have been added including the sculpted evergreens. The side yard features unique stone benches that provide a quiet place to sit. In back, Ken built the stone fountain and fire pit, added the decorative fretwork, and installed the three-tiered fountain. Notice the Weeping Japanese Maple and, leaning over the stone fountain, a Weeping Purple Birch. They found the art on the back porch when on their honeymoon in Jamaica. The home’s multi-color exterior trim is from a historic color palette, carefully chosen after “a lot of experimenting.” They love to entertain outdoors—especially in conjunction with OSU football games. Notice the OSU logo in cement in the side yard. This is the last time you will see the garden in its current state since they are planning an addition on the back of the house. The interior of the home is currently in progress and will be on a future tour when complete.

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Saturday, September 18
Preview Party
Preview Tour of Homes: 4 to 7 pm
Cocktail Reception:
The Jackson On High roof top pool

6:30 to 8 pm
Dinners:
8 pm - ?

Your ticket to this premier event entitles you to a tour of the featured homes and gardens, a cocktail reception, and dinner at a private residence.

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Dinners hosted by:

Antonietta Deborah Quinci - SOLD OUT

Serata Siciliana
A sicilian culinary event presented by Antonietta Deborah Quinci in her home

Antipasto - Caponeta - traditional sicilian eggplant dish, served with a sict chocolate sauce
Primo - Timballo del Gattopardo - oven-baked pasta wrapped in eggplant and pastry
Secondo - Costolette d'Agnello - herb encrusted lamb chops
- Patate mille foglie - thousand layer potato
Dolce - Cassata Siciliana - ricotta and spongecake bomb wrapped in marzipan


Rick Gallagher

Travel back in time to the Ottoman empire and dine on Turkish Eggplant, Spiced Almonds, Roasted Olives, Nann, Pappadums, Shrimp Paella, Grilled Chicken Curry, Grilled Baby Lamb Chops, Lobster, Beef Tenderloin, Turkish Vegetables, Hummus, Fresh Fruit, Dahl and an assortment of Mini Desserts as Belly Dancers and Turkish Musicians entertain you. Take this magic carpet ride and maybe Aladin will grant your wish.


Chris Stenger & Rob Pettit - only a couple seats left

Appetizers: Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves with Garlic Yogart
Assorted Olives plate
First Course: Chilled tomato and Sweet Pepper Soup
Second Course: Roast Loin of Pork Stuffed with Figs, Olives and Almonds
Stuffed squid
Porcini and Parmesan Risotto
Dessert: Chocolote Pot de Creme

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