The inaugural LeDroit Park House and Garden Tour is October 28th!

From a press release:

“The inaugural LeDroit Park House and Garden Tour, a showcase of the neighborhood’s unique architecture, history, and diversity, will be held October 28, 2018, from 1-5 pm. The tour introduces visitors to LeDroit Park’s development from its time as an exclusive enclave, through its heyday as a center of African American intelligentsia, to the present day.

A historic neighborhood since 1974, LeDroit Park was originally designed as one of the first suburbs of DC and retains a tranquil character while remaining close to the bustle of the U Street corridor. Visitors will enjoy the interiors and gardens of Victorian homes, rowhouses, and contemporary developments.

“We’re thrilled to launch the inaugural house and garden tour,” said Ethan Arnheim, President of the LeDroit Park Civic Association and Co-Chair of the House Tour, who initiated the event. “LeDroit Park is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood. We look forward to sharing LeDroit Park with visitors and supporting neighborhood priorities at the same time.” he added.

This inaugural LeDroit Park House and Garden Tour is a fundraiser for the Civic Association, which itself dates back to the 19th Century. The proceeds will benefit neighborhood activities that are sponsored by the Civic Association including beautification projects, landscaping of the arch, seasonal clean-ups, and other community needs.

When developing the house tour, the organizers looked at the other neighborhood house tours around the city. Input and suggestions were solicited from the organizers of house tours in Logan Circle, Bloomingdale, and Dupont Circle. The Mount Pleasant and Georgetown house tours were visited.

Tour visitors will have interior access to eight homes that show the neighborhood’s range of sizes, periods, architectural styles, and interior design. The tour will include two homes designed by James McGill, the noted 19th Century architect who planned each house with an original design. Visitors can explore Worthy Ambition: LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale Heritage Trail, a collection of signs throughout the neighborhood highlighting its former residents. A booklet will include a map of the featured homes for self-paced tours plus highlights of each home’s historical aspects and architectural significance.

Event details, ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities are at www.ledroitparkhousetour.org.”