After a four-year hiatus, the Western Springs Historical Society House Walk returns on May 19, from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The fundraiser brings together residents, designers, florists, and other industry professionals for a day of home décor, design, and architectural inspiration, according to a news release. Unique to this year’s event, all seven participating homes will be in the Old Town neighborhood, which will allow guests to walk from home to home, in the true house walk spirit.
“On May 19, 2024, we look forward to welcoming guests to the Old Town North neighborhood of Western Springs,” Julie Kemnitz, House Walk Co-Chair, said in the release. ”In focusing on a single neighborhood, we hope to encourage guests to explore the community on foot, taking in the gorgeous tree-lined streets and our diverse housing stock. To that end, we have selected a beautiful collection of homes, which perfectly capture that diversity, historic homes, new construction gems, expansive renovations, cozy cottages, and charming family homes.”
The history of local homes is also on the proverbial map at this year’s Western Springs Historical Society House Walk on May 19. File photo. (Steve Johnston)
The release said there will be two complimentary “hop on/hop off” trolleys available for their convenience. The trolleys will depart from the Water Tower and First Congregational Church and make a loop through Old Town with stops near each of the tour’s homes. These trolleys have been donated by @properties and Proper Rate.
New this year, homeowners are allowed to decide how much of their homes they would like to share with the public, according to the release. Therefore, some homes will show first levels only, while others will share multiple levels.
Celebrating Western Springs’ rich history, the 2024 House Walk will feature an exceptional collection of homes from historic to contemporary, in a variety of sizes. Guests will have a chance to gather design and architectural inspiration via a program book and docent commentary, the release said. Attending the event is a great way to give back to the community while enjoying a day of design inspiration and fun.
“We’re thrilled that the house walk is back this year, and we look forward to showcasing an extraordinary and diverse collection of Western Springs homes,” Mike Scrodo, Western Springs Historical Society president, said.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 if purchased the day of the event. Tickets are available for purchase online now and paper tickets will be available for purchase at Clever Girl, Thomas Ford Library, and the Tower Museum, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. On the day of the event, visitors will exchange their tickets for program books which allow them entrance to each home.
Online tickets must be exchanged at the Tower Green; paper tickets can be exchanged at the Tower Green, First Congregational Church, or at any of the seven homes. For more information and to purchase tickets: https://westernspringshistory.org/programs-events/house-walk/
