The Riverside Avondale Preservation staff, Board of Directors, sponsors and countless volunteers are proud to announce the 44th annual Spring Tour of Homes on April 14-15. Homeowners and community institutions graciously open their doors to benefit Riverside Avondale Preservation, an official partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the district’s dedicated grassroots preservation organization. This year’s tour promises to be truly historic, featuring thirteen homes, an apartment building and for the first time in the Tour’s history, a “Twilight House”. With special viewing hours of 8PM - 10PM, this home showcases extensively lit gardens. 

“Each April RAP is given the opportunity to showcase our beautiful neighborhood and each year we do so in more exciting and innovative ways,” said Home Tour Chair, Kyle Williams, “This year will be no different. I hope everyone will come out Home Tour weekend to see what’s new this year and enjoy perennial favorites.”

RAP’s mission of historic preservation is much more than saving old buildings. Modern preservation efforts are about saving the heart of communities and ensuring vibrant, special places full of character. Our historic neighborhoods are a reflection of our community and the value we place on them.

“I love the historic district of Riverside Avondale because it gives us a glimpse of who we were at the turn of the twentieth century,” explained Williams, “Through architecture, civic planning and the vast park system we are able to harken back to a less harried and vastly more graceful existence.”

We are honored to be stewards of this special and unique treasure, Riverside Avondale, which includes varied architecture, cultural centers like the Cummer Museum and Riverside Arts Market, lush and well-loved parks, tree-lined streets, and stunning river views.

Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non members, and are good for both Saturday and Sunday. You can purchase tickets online at www.raphometour.com or at the following locations: Five Points Vintage, Design Additions, Berkshire Hathaway-Avondale, Southern Crossing, RAP Office, Philips Garden Center, Watson Realty-Avondale/Ortega, Riverside Liquors, Riverside Arts Market and Bold Bean (all three locations). Tickets can also be purchased at any ticketed stop the weekend of the tour.

The RAP Home Tour Preview Party takes place on Thursday, April 12, 6-10 PM, at 3919 St. Johns Avenue. The party is an opportunity to get a sneak peek of showcased designers and mingle with Tour homeowners and other VIPs. Admission is $75 per person, which includes one Home Tour ticket. The theme is The Great Gatsby and patrons will be treater to food, libations and entertainment. Start the night at the Design House and visit a second amazing Home Tour stop for more bites, deserts and bubbly. There will be a prize for the best dressed guest.

For more information on this year’s Home Tour including information on all stops and the Preview Party, visit www.raphometour.com. The tour takes place Saturday between 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.