By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
The day when Westgate residents invite all of central Ohio to visit the charm and character their neighborhood offers is here.
The 2017 Westgate Home and Garden Tour will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. June 10. Now in its seventh year, the event will reveal some of Westgate’s appeal, including a concealed solar array in a certified “Green Home” and an innovative house with accessibility-minded updates that highlight the increasingly popular principles of universal design.
“The tour is much more than just open houses, and this is certainly not your average tour,” Tour Co-Chair Becca Rohner said.
Visitors should be prepared to marvel at the creativity of homeowners while picking up affordable decorating ideas, she said.
While there is no shortage of fireplaces and hardwood floors, the Westgate neighborhood also offers homes that balance modern technology with architectural integrity. It’s also steep in history, built on the former grounds of Camp Chase, a Civil War outpost.
“The tour continues to draw people from all over central Ohio who appreciate the character of our homes, built primarily in the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s,” said Betty Jaynes, president of the Westgate Neighbors Association.
Tour guests will find a variety of architectural styles from Dutch Colonial Revival to Cape Cod, and from Tudor to American Four Square.
“They also appreciate seeing affordable ideas they can replicate in their own home or garden,” Jaynes said.
This year’s tour includes nine stops, with registration beginning at the Westgate Lodge, 2925 W. Broad St. Many of the homes in the neighborhood, including on the tour, have seen 40 to 50 years of family gatherings, Jaynes said.
“Some have even purchased and renovated their grandparents’ home,” she said. “They are balancing modern conveniences with keeping the charm and character.”
Two of the homes on this year’s tour are complete remodels, she said.
Advance tickets are $12 and available at westgateneighbors.org, as well as at Haldeman Cleaners, 3115 W. Broad St.; Gypsy Soul Antiques, 11 N. Westmoor; and the Westgate Farmers Market.
On the day of the tour, tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the registration tent.
