Preserving distinct, older home styles and the uniqueness of area downtowns stands as an important element in what often can become a cookie-cutter design world.
Columbus residents Ryan and Tricia Brand believe in that idea of bringing the past gracefully and stylishly into the present. And visitors to the Bartholomew County Historical Society’s Open Door Tour on Saturday of 13 locales, including the Brands’ Craftsman-style bungalow, can see for themselves.
“Restoration work is like trying to eat an elephant,” Ryan Brand said. “You’ve got to do it one bite at a time.”
The Brands’ appetite for the massive project grew partly out of a love and appreciation for varied home styles of the past. The extensive renovation of their home, dating to sometime between 1908 and 1910, stretched into a five-year project. Restoration included keeping the original features such as the white oak floors in the 2,000-square-foot space.
“When we bought it (in 2014), the house was not far from being condemned,” Brand said, adding that overgrown weeds, bushes and trees dominated much of the exterior.
Come Saturday, others can see for themselves what the Brands did to get their home into shape.
The fundraiser marks the historical society’s return to a building tour for the first time since 2010, when 16 structures were featured. Back then, the tour that sometimes drew 1,000 people was scheduled every other year.
What: The Bartholomew County Historical Society’s Open Door Tour of homes, businesses and gardens.
When: Visit at your own pace 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, except for the Bartholomew County Courthouse which has set tour times of 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. only. The day closes with an After Party at from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Inn at Irwin Gardens, including a home tour, music, light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Where: 13 locales in downtown Columbus in a walking-tour format.
Tickets: $20 in advance and $25 on Saturday. Children 10 and younger admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets available at Bartholomew County Historical Society, 524 Third St.; Viewpoint Books, 548 Washington St.; and Columbus Area Visitors Center, 506 Fifth St.
Information: 812-372-3541.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
