Annual Elgin Historic House Tour
The Gifford Park Association (GPA) is a non-profit neighborhood organization committed to Historic Preservation and Neighborhood Revitalization. The 29th Annual Historic House Tour will take place on Saturday September 11, 2010.
Each year, the House Tour features a different historic neighborhood of Elgin. This year the GPA is very excited to be in the Northwest Neighborhood just south of Wing Park! The House Tour will be in the area from Vincent Street west to North Worth and north of Highland to Wing Park Boulevard! Only one of these homes has been on the House Tour before!
The Annual Historic Elgin House Tour is an educational event that offers something for everyone. There’s architecture, history, home remodeling, interior decorating, gardening and more. The interior tours of the homes are guided and interpreted. The houses may be toured in any order. Wear comfortable shoes & allow yourself the full day to see all of the homes.
Advance Tickets will be available at advance locations, by mail and online at a reduced rates are ON SALE NOW. Tickets are also available at registration the day of the Tour. Advance tickets are $15, day of Tour are $20. Under 12 years and over 65 are $10 the day of the Tour. For additional information contact Fran Cella at 847-695-4022 or via .
For those interested in supporting the House Tour and GPA's continuing historic preservation efforts, multiple levels of participation are available. Sponsorship details can be found online here.
2010 Elgin Historic Houses
Neo-Classical
This landmark property, with its eye-catching curb appeal, has attracted the attention of passers-by for decades. The home is based on the Colonial Revival Style, but features a dramatic Neo-Classical front portico highlighted by the soaring columns and other classical details.
Queen Anne
The oldest home on this year’s tour, it was constructed in 1892. Featuring Victorian-era charm, this home was typical of the late 19th century. The house then underwent many changes as it became a multi-unit rental property. Now back to a single-family home, it has been updated to accommodate the modern lifestyle.
Colonial Revival
This sumptuous residence was constructed in 1927. The home features spacious rooms, great woodwork and excellent craftsmanship. The beautiful furniture fits right in to create a very special environment. Outside, the sprawling garden is practically a tour in itself.
Tudor Revival
Popular in the late 1920s and 1930s, these middle- class homes shed most of the exterior ornamentation of the Tudor Style while retaining its overall shape and spirit. This home is a real treat, with a surprising amount of room inside, and a beautiful backyard garden and outdoor living area. Lovingly renovated and smartly decorated with Craftsman-Style furniture and other touches, this home is sure to please.
Prairie
This American-born style was popular after 1900 and was built in a variety of configurations. Our featured home retains the hip roof and horizontal lines of the Prairie Style while accommodating two full floors of living space. The garden is a horticultural jewel box of plants and colors.
Colonial Revival
This exquisitely detailed home boasts a masterfully designed front entrance, tile roofs, a stunning sunroom and even a matching garage – all set in a large, beautifully landscaped yard.
Italian Renaissance Revival
Architect and original owner Ralph Abell drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance period when he designed this fashionable home in 1940. The result is a rare blend of old-world elegance and mid-20th century chic. The current owners are working to show off the home’s architectural heritage. The spacious yard is a perfect setting for this unique property.