This weekend, you're invited into the home of a stranger. Several strangers in fact.
Milwaukee's Concordia neighborhood hosts its 19th annual "Tour of Homes;" opening 12 area homes to reveal the historic relevance and amazing architecture hidden in Milwaukee's near west side.
"The neighborhood is changing and transitioning; all the families living here really strive for change. The theme of this year's event is 'Value Beyond Measure' and we really wanted to highlight the great housing stock," says Chris Mandel, "Tour of Homes" chairman.
The Concordia neighborhood, 27th to 35th Streets between Highland and Wisconsin Avenues, is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods and is composed of Victorian mansions and specialized architecture.
"This year we have one bed and breakfast, one mansion used as a law office and the rest are private residences. They're all in different stages, one or two are completely rehabbed, others are works in progress that have been going on for 10 or 15 years," Mandel says. "It's a very fresh housing stock that we haven't seen in the tour in quite some time."
In all, 12 homes will be on display; linked on a walking tour complete with a barbershop quartet and Sprecher and Lakefront beer tastings.
Paul Jakubovich of the Historic Preservation Commission will speak about the neighborhood architecture early in the day and a silent auction will be held at the Tripoli Shrine, 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave.
"We want to create awareness of the neighborhood. It's a well kept secret and it's particularly strong because of the families who live here. It takes people to change a neighborhood and that's what we're doing," Mandel says.
The event is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A chicken dinner will be available at the Highland Community School, 3030 W. Highland Blvd.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
