The Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association (MKNA) celebrates its 41st annual Home and Garden Day Tour, Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Tour is one of Indiana’s largest and oldest tours of vintage homes, offering guests a view of unique architecture, innovative interior design and recent renovations.
The Homes
The Hicks Home: 5881 Washington Blvd
Nichole and Mark Hicks purchased their 1925 Tudor-style home in 2010 and immediately undertook major restorations to highlight the home’s best features. Perched up on a hill on Washington Boulevard, the stately home is as sophisticated as it is comfortable for this young family of four. The Hicks home is filled with natural light, accenting their architectural styling and heirloom antiques.
The Scherschel Home: 5414 Washington Blvd
After months of searching, Patricia and Leo Scherschel found their 1920s English Cottage-style home in 1992. Since that time, they have completed many home restoration projects. These empty nesters travelled extensively and lived in Washington, D.C. and Singapore, before returning to Indiana to raise their daughter. Their eclectic home is filled with interesting treasures and artifacts from their travels, creating a uniquely personal space for these professionals who often work from home.
The Colby Home: 5208 Delaware
As a newly married couple, Kelly and Nick Colby purchased their 1920s bungalow in 2005 and immediately volunteered for the Meridian-Kessler Home Tour. Fast-forward nine years, two children and one major renovation later, and this lovely home is showcased once again. Originally built as a 2 bedroom, 1 bath Sears Kit home, it now offers all of the space, personality and modern amenities that the Colbys desired for their family (and without leaving their beloved block of Delaware Street!)
The Litz Home: 5221 Washington Blvd
Cathleen and Brad Litz purchased their 1920s English country cottage in 2006. The home’s floor plan is unique in Meridian-Kessler with its side entry, long center hall and front-facing courtyard. In 2013, with a toddler and another baby on the way, they knew they needed more functional space, but loved their tree-lined block of Washington Boulevard. No strangers to home remodeling (Brad is the owner of Litz Real Estate, a local developer), they moved their family into the basement and took on a major project of their own.
The Pippen Home: 614 East 52nd St
Upon looking for a new home for her family, Christina Pippen found herself drawn to this classic, early 1920s light-filled Colonial, located close to many favorite shops and restaurants. Previously a rental property, the home needed some care but she knew she could make it work for her family. Christina used her creativity to put a personal touch on the décor and layout. Her eclectic flair is apparent throughout this home.
The Egger Home: 4820 Washington Blvd
Jenni & Howard Egger were living in the 5000 block of Washington Boulevard, but had dreams of taking on a restoration project in the neighborhood. Jenni, an interior designer by trade, was working on a nearby home and became curious as she walked past this overgrown Colonial. She tracked down the owner and learned that it had been empty for seven years. In 2012, she took on the design project of a lifetime, restoring and enhancing the home she had envisioned for her family.
The Bridge Home: 4735 Washington Blvd
Cathy and John Bridge, both recently retired attorneys, purchased their 1935 Tudor home in 1978. Many thought that this was too much house for this young couple at the time, but the Bridges knew that the home’s timeless style and quality construction would be an investment for a lifetime. The home boasts four floors of living space (the fourth floor was originally the maid’s quarters). The Bridges are only the third owners of the home, and have taken care to preserve it’s authentic character. The home appeared in the 1997 film “Going All The Way” with Ben Affleck, depicting a classic, period Indianapolis home following the Korean War.
Tickets
Tour tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $20 at any tour home. Presale tickets are available for $15 online at www.mkhometour.com or by visiting any of the following locations through Friday, June 6:
- Fresh Market – 54th and College
- G. Thrapp Jewelers – 56th and Illinois
- National Bank of Indianapolis – 49th and Pennsylvania