Preservation Austin Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Its Beloved Homes Tour
The Two-Day Event Features 11 Unique Homes, Including a Transformed Train Depot
Homes tours are perhaps one of the most fun ways to spend a weekend afternoon. Between “oohing and ahhing” over the interior design to wandering around breathtaking gardens, a sneak peek behind the white picket fence is one of Texans’ most favorite traditions. Luckily for Austinites, the city has no shortage of stunning historic homes. Enter Preservation Austin.
Founded in 1953, the local organization’s mission is to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient and meaningful community culture through preservation.
This year, Preservation Austin is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its annual Homes Tour from 10 am through 5 pm on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the diversity of Austin’s historic architecture by visiting 11 homes that all showcase different sides of the city.
The Homes Tour is Preservation Austin’s marquee event and most important fundraiser. Proceeds from the tour, including ticket sales and sponsorships, support the nonprofit’s advocacy efforts and educational programming year-round and sustains efforts to protect Austin’s historic places for generations to come.
This year’s two-day event will feature six homes in Central and East on Saturday and five homes in West and South Austin on Sunday. While we can’t give all the details away, we can share that this year’s homes include stunning interiors, lush designs and incredible histories, including a home that once housed civil rights activist Heman Sweatt, a transformed 1904 train depot and a charming 1920s bungalow with innovative modern flair.
“We’re using this opportunity to celebrate not one particular theme or neighborhood but histories and cultural heritage throughout the city,” says Lindsey Derrington, Preservation Austin’s Executive Director. “The Homes Tour makes people feel good about our city, our history and preservation.”
And even more exciting news for homes tour aficionados, this year Preservation Austin is unveiling a new way to engage the city’s architectural enthusiasts with their debut VIP Preview Party on Tuesday, April 18. This exclusive party will offer a curated, behind-the-scenes look at an exquisite Queen Anne-style home in Travis Heights, with food and drinks by MML Hospitality, William Chris Wines, Desert Door Distillery and more.
Tickets are now available for both the VIP Preview Party, as well as the Homes Tour, here.