SPECIAL EVENTS

The Houston Heights Association presents the 2011 Houston Heights Spring Home & Garden Tour and Candlelight Dinner & Auction. Themed There's No Place Like Home, this year's events take place April 1, 2 and 3.  Six stellar Houston Heights homes, four historic and two recently constructed, will go on tour in this captivating neighborhood that offers a diverse mix of architectural styles and magnificent gardens. Make plans early to attend these greatly anticipated annual events that take place in the charming neighborhood of Houston Heights, known for maintaining its small-town feel as it sits just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Houston.

The Candlelight Dinner & Auction — will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011 (no foolin’) at the fabulous and funky locale of Spring Street Studios. Often referred to as the Houston Heights’ social event of the year, this evening begins with a private tour of homes from 5 to 7 pm (before they are opened to the public that weekend) and a fun evening of fine dining, open bar, a spectacular live and silent auction, and other special entertainment from 7 to 11 pm.

Attire this year is “Red Footwear—Sneakers to Stilettos,” so start looking for that perfect pair of shoes that fit your style – as long as they are RED! Tickets are $125 per individual (open seating) and $1,250 for a reserved table for ten. Invitations are mailed out for this popular sell-out event in March 2011 and are available on a first-come first-served basis up to 500. Re-visit this website to get your tickets early: www.houstonheights.org.  

The Home & Garden Tour — will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3, 2011, from noon to 6 pm each day, and consists of six spectacular homes and gardens—four historic and two recent construction—each reflecting the unique character and architecture of one of Houston’s most cherished and eclectic neighborhoods. Also on the tour this year will be an opportunity to see the “before” version of Immanuel Lutheran Church—a historic structure which will soon be transformed into a community center for art exhibits, receptions, and community and youth programs.

Luxury Bus Shuttles to all of the homes, included in the price of your ticket, will be standing by at the Heights Fire Station at Yale & 12th Streets where parking is available. Buy your tickets early and online for $20 each and at the Fire Station and at each home tour home during the tour for $25 each. Special pricing for blocks of 10 tickets (before the tour only) will be $175.

You may pay by credit card anytime online at www.houstonheights.org or at the Heights Fire Station on the days of the tour. All other locations (including the home tour homes) will only accept cash or checks.

Tickets purchased online may be picked up at the Heights Fire Station – Yale & 12th Streets – during the hours of the tour.

While you are at the Fire Station, you will want to see the artistic gifts of our area children at the HHA’s Sixth Annual Youth Art Show. Visitors will also want to explore the charming Houston Heights area, rich in antique shops, art galleries, clothing and jewelry boutiques, home furnishings and décor, outdoor cafes, and world-class restaurants.

THE 2011 FEATURED HOMES & GARDENS:

Cohen Home—726 E. 8th St.
Completed in 2009, this three-story modern structure, designed by Natalye Appel and Associates and built by Eimar Virkus, references the Craftsman style of the Houston Heights. Large windows and balconies on each level provide light and views in all directions. Handmade artisan furnishings create a unique backdrop for the amazing international collections of pottery, ceramics, glass and baskets. A large stainless steel water feature framed by grasses, bamboo and gingers highlights the low-maintenance contemporary xeriscape. These homeowners can be found most evenings relaxing by their cozy outdoor fireplace or on one of their view-inspired balconies.
Homeowners: Wanda and Mark Cohen
Head Docents: Natalye Appel | Stuart Smith
Florals: The Empty Vase

Bohnn/Green Home—945 Columbia Street
A sense of community and “real” yards drew the homeowners to the Houston Heights. In this 1920 classically renovated Craftsman-style home, Bill Baldwin Restoration incorporated custom updates and expansions to fit the homeowners’ modern lifestyle. Furnishings, fixtures and art throughout generous living spaces are a comfortable mix of contemporary, traditional and antique—including the home’s original claw foot tub. The awe-inspiring landscape features several distinct, wildlife-friendly sitting areas, including a tranquil pond, butterfly and migratory bird gardens with vintage concrete benches, and a roomy back porch overlooking their New Orleans courtyard-style pool.
Homeowners: Brett Bohnn and Bill Green
Head Docent: Benjamin Graham and Holly Simmons
Florals: Bergner & Johnson Design

Willis Home—711 E. 19th Street
This 2010 LEED green building certified house was realized from the homeowners’ dream of a comfortable, sustainable and efficient home. The large front porch welcomes visitors into the grand hallway banked by a set of pocket doors that were reclaimed from a sunken 1906 yacht once owned by Mussolini. The home is filled with one-of-a-kind furnishings and Russian artwork collected in their travels. The architectural design, by Newberry Campa Architects and builder Kerry Galvin Homes, reflects the couple’s desire for clean lines and functional open spaces perfect for entertaining. The equally comfortable outdoor space functions as a roomy extension and features a fabulous outdoor kitchen pavilion.
Homeowners: Dawnia and Darryl Willis
Head Docents: Sue and Bob Burleson
Florals: Darlene’s Flowers

Vaughn Home—1802 Cortlandt
When the homeowners purchased this 1920s American Foursquare in 2008, they immediately began interior and exterior renovations. Believing that the outdoors is as important a living space as the indoors, they paid careful attention to both. The result is a spacious and open indoor living space and beautiful outdoor dining area, both of which are perfect for entertaining and reflect the homeowners’ comfortable and welcoming style. The spectacular landscape design, including raised vegetable gardens, was inspired by the Wildflower Center in Austin where the Vaughns were married.
Homeowners: Gena and Michael Vaughn
Head Docent: Jeannine Coffey and Mitzi Micholas
Florals: Central Market

Immanuel Lutheran Church—15th & Cortlandt
In a terrible state of repair, this historic Gothic Revival Sanctuary was scheduled for demolition in 2010 until a neighborhood group formed to save the magnificent structure. Stop in and see the “before” version of this important historical building, which was designed by German Architects in the early 1930s, as well as the soon-to-be “after” version, depicted in drawings and 3-D renditions by Ziegler Cooper Architects, and to be executed by Fretz Construction. A new roof has recently been installed on the building and the committee is currently raising the necessary funds to restore the building, which will function as a community center, including art exhibits, theatre performances, receptions, and youth services.

Perez/ Eronko Home—1401 Herkimer Street
This 1914 Pomona Style Bungalow was saved from demolition by Historic Houston and moved to its current location by Bungalow Revival. Though still in its original footprint, this home has been meticulously restored using reclaimed materials and antique, period style lighting fixtures. Minor floor plan modifications seamlessly complement the home’s many boastful and original architectural elements and features. The homeowners’ attention to period architectural detailing, thoughtfully handpicked furnishings and textiles, and an eclectic art collection create a unique yet timeless living space echoing the comfort and informality that inspired the original American Bungalow movement.
Homeowners: Nick Eronko and Gilbert Perez
Head Docent: Hilary Parr-Cobb
Florals: Killion Milam Florist
Table Designer: Bespoke by GJCD

The Sitton Home—247 W. 21ST STREET
Previously named “Toad Hall,” after the former owner’s love of A.A. Milne’s play, “Toad of Toad Hall,” Gary and Annie renamed it “The Bunny Bungalow” as soon as the mass collection of toads moved out. The 1920 Arts and Crafts bungalow has recently undergone an extensive renovation, including the kitchen and master and guest baths. Reflecting the homeowners’ own creative style and years of collecting, the cozy home is filled with art from local galleries and artists, mid-century and Stickley furnishings, and of course, antique and vintage bunnies of every imaginable stripe. Beautifully designed by Rogers + Labarthe Architects, the new detached garage studio apartment is an architectural jewel box, filled with art, collectibles, and his and hers bookshelves.
Homeowners: Annie and Gary Sitton
Head Docents: Pen Morrison | Paula Swain | Penny Fiederlein
Florals: Jana’s Flowers | Another Place in Time
Table Designer: Jubilee in the Heights

For more information, call us at 713-861-4002, option 3, or email the home tour committee at springtour@houstonheights.org   for questions or more information on this exciting event.

The HHA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and proceeds for the Spring Home & Garden Tour go directly into the community for beautification, restoration, maintenance and education.

Poster art above by Patrick Palmer. Photography below by Christine Tremoulet.