On the first Sunday of each April, residents of Old Seminole Heights (OSH) host an annual Home Tour of their many Bungalows, Four-squares, and Arts and Crafts-style homes. This is a uniquely Urban Corridor opportunity to step back through history and into some of Tampa’s oldest and most distinguished residences.

 

More than 1,500 Floridians ride the free trolley (provided by the neighborhood association) and stroll down the oak-lined streets of the picturesque community; making it one of the most popular and well-attended home tours in the state.

 

Whether traveling by trolley, foot or even personal automobile, the self-guided event offers attendees the rare chance for an in-person, up-close look into the private homes of the 100-year-old neighborhood. But Eric Krause, coordinator of the tour and owner of Eric Krause Designs, pointed out that visitors can also take advantage of other opportunities.

 

“If you already live in the area, it’s a perfect time to get to know your neighbor,” said Eric. “But for those who don’t, it’s a wonderful way to see and hear first-hand accounts of how these homeowners have lovingly restored and preserved their little piece of the past.”

 

“Over the years, I’ve seen some stunning homes,” added Diana Massimini, Seminole Heights resident and co-owner of The Heights Group. “Their interiors are often as exquisite as their exteriors are charming.”

 

OSH is a sub-section of the greater Seminole Heights area. Its Home Tour, first held in 1999, has featured more than 100 houses. In tribute to the event’s 10-year run, tour guests this year will re-visit some of the most memorable to have been highlighted throughout the decade.

 

“It’s sort of like our greatest hits collection,” said Eric. “With a touch of ‘where are you now?’”

 

He went on to explain that a few of this year’s tour homes were considered “works in progress” when they were originally visited, but have now been completed. Others have been updated with room additions, new paint jobs or interior overhauls. While the remaining homes have not changed at all; staying perfect in their owners’ eyes – and placed back on the list because many visitors felt the same.

 

Thanks to the encouragement of the Seminole Heights Bicycle Club, this year’s Home Tour will also include a bike route. Maps will be available the day of the event and provided free to bicyclists.

 

The 2008 Old Seminole Heights Home Tour will be held Sunday, April 6, 2008, 11:30am-5:30pm, and begin at the Seminole Heights Garden Center, 5810 Central Ave. Tickets can be purchased for $12 on the day of the event. Advance tickets are $10 and available at Sherry’s YesterDAZE Vintage Clothing & Antiques, 5207 N. Florida Ave., and Tampa Antiquarian Books, 6116 N. Central Ave.

 

For more Home Tour information, contact Eric Krause (813) 310-3124 or visit www.OldSeminoleHeights.com.