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Community Corner

City Ready to Roll Out the Welcome Mat for the Birmingham House Tour

Mark your calendars for Thursday's annual tour to benefit The Community House.

“You’ve driven past these houses many times and, if you’re a fan of home design, have often wondered what the interiors look like,” said Michelle Schwab, referring to the eight homes that adorn the line-up of this week’s 24th annual .

The event, presented by , runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 15 and promises a peek inside homes with a variety of décor styles, from French country to contemporary.

“It’s an opportunity to see how families live their lifestyles in the home,” added Schwab, co-chair of the tour with Kristen Catto Armstrong. Armstrong is the owner of interior design firm Kristen Catto Interior Design in Birmingham.

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“We strive to select special homes that showcase the diversity of architecture and design styles that make up this area,” said Armstrong. And that’s precisely why attendees like Connie Doherty enjoy the event. 

“I look forward to the variety of architecture and design in the different houses,” says Doherty of Troy. “And I always come away with ideas to use in my own home.” Doherty has attended at least six tours over the past several years and looks forward to seeing the selection this year.  

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Among the homes featured this year are a sophisticated London-style town home, an Aspen-inspired family home in which the natural materials bring the outdoors inside, and a classic 1920s Tudor where the influences of both the father/architect and daughter/artist combine to create a unique modern appeal. 

All House Tour attendees are invited back to The Community House from 3-4:30 p.m. for an informal afternoon tea, which is complimentary.

In addition, a salad buffet luncheon, sponsored by Talmer Bank and Trust, will be offered from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Van Dusen Terrace of The Community House.  

Advance reservations are recommended as the event has sold out in the past. Proceeds from the House Tour are used to fund the outreach programs of The Community House. 

If you go

  • When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday
  • Where: Attendees should meet at
  • Cost: $30 in advance, $35 day of the tour; $45 to attend both the tour and the luncheon.

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