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The tour is co-presented by South Fountain Preservation, Inc. and the Westcott Center for Architecture + Design.
The tours of South Fountain have been going for nearly 40 years, with interest in the various houses built in the 1870s and 1880s of French Second Empire, Queen Anne, Italiante and Arts and Crafts architectural styles.
Homeowners like Joan Elder are eager to share the updates and restorations since the last tour.
Elder loved the neighborhood, and after years of living in other areas of Springfield purchased a property at 912 S. Fountain that was on the market for 17 years along with her spouse, Andy.
“It’s a great example of things going on in Springfield of people taking pride in their neighborhood,” Elder said. “We get such a great turnout for these. People tend to appreciate the history.”
Moving into such a house isn’t a project people should take lightly, she advises. They haven’t fully moved in but the Elders have been so inspired they even purchased the adjoining lot and planted a vegetable garden.
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Given some of the properties in nearby neighborhoods, some people get the impression the area would be unkempt, but Elder dismisses that.
“There are some great things happening in this neighborhood,” she said. “People tend to appreciate the history.”
Another appeal is the diversity of the residents in both nationality and age, as well as some college students who rent rooms in the neighborhood..
Tour stops and home owners will include: 611 S. Fountain, Justin and Addy Staten; 717 S. Fountain, Diana and Boler Cuy Castalanos; 725 S. Fountain, Mandie and Nate Fleming; 736 S. Fountain, Justin and Allie Larocque; 800 S. Fountain, David and Rhonda Pitsch; 912 S. Fountain, Joan and Andy Elder; 919 S. Fountain, South Fountain Association; 517 S. Limestone St., Rick Benning; 620 Piqua Place, Gammon House.
Some properties will also be available for purchase. Interested people can contact Basil Fett at 937-325-3120.
Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be part of the tour. Tours will begin First Baptist Church, 638 S. Fountain.
Advance tickets are available at Katie’s Hallmark, Schneider’s Florist, UnMundo Café and the Westcott House.
HOW TO GO
What: South Fountain Tour of Homes
Where: Several homes along South Fountain Ave., Springfield
When: Sunday, Sept. 30, 1-6 p.m.
Admission: $15 advance $20 day of tour; kids 12-under free
More info: www.southfountain.org/tour-of-homes
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