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The Washington Park House Tour, Sat., May 9, 10a.m.-4p.m., showcases an even half-dozen of the East Wash Park neighborhood’s eclectic variety of homes. Pictured above is a 3,400 square foot Mediterranean-influenced 4-bedroom beauty at 605 S. Gilpin St.

A good way to have a peek behind the curtains is by signing up for home tours featuring residences in the Washington Park East and University Park neighborhoods. Not only will you snag some great ideas for improvements you might consider for your own hacienda, but you’ll be lending a hand to students at two of south Denver’s well respected elementary schools.

The 5th annual University Park Home Tour will take place Sun., May 3, 11a.m.-5p.m., benefitting students and programs at University Park Elementary School, 2300 S. St. Paul St. Blending the past with the present seamlessly, the tour features an inside look at five beautiful homes, as well as the historic Chamberlin Observatory.

Energy conservation principles have become part of the mainstream consciousness in recent years. “Green” philosophy is exemplified in the “urban transitional” residence at 2403 S. Milwaukee St., the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified home in the area, complete with a geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as beech doors, soapstone counters in the kitchen, recycled cork flooring in the wine room area and many other “green” features.

The newer build (1999) home at 2475 S. Clayton St., is a contemporary Victorian, with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, sporting a completely copper bar in the basement and a sports court in the back yard. Grecian-style columns grace the back patio, throwing light in elegant patterns.

A 1922 bungalow at 2432 S. Clayton St., one of the last pre-WWII brick homes built in the area, bears the fruit of a long and loving renovation by its current owners who purchased the home in 1992. This classic design brings interesting contrast to the contemporary home at 2350 S. Monroe St., with elements evocative of Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the Denver Art Museum. Its 24,000-square-foot lot is impressive all by itself.

New and old continue to contrast at 2500 S. Cook St. The residence was designed to look like it has grown up with the neighborhood, but in truth, it is a new build in Victorian style. The owner is a watercolor artist with a studio on the second floor.

Tour some of the University Park neighborhood’s most interesting homes,  Sun., May 3, 11a.m.-5p.m., when the University Park Home Tour spotlights five stunning homes blending the old and the new, as well as historic Chamberlin Observatory.

A not-to-be-missed part of any tour in the University Park area, the Chamberlin Observatory was built in 1890 and is a stunning example of the Romanesque construction style popular at the time. Be sure to return during one of the frequently scheduled nighttime viewing sessions to check out our celestial neighbors through Chamberlin’s 26-foot-long telescope.

During the tour, snacks will be available for purchase at the school, and a Scholastic Book fair will be held. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase fantastic furniture creations on display in each tour home, as well as a variety of Silent Auction artwork and “chance” items.

Tickets for the University Park Home Tour cost $15 in advance, $20 on tour day. They can be purchased at the school, at Lulu’s Furniture & Decor, 2553 S. Colorado Blvd., or online: www.uparkhometour.org. Info: 303-550-0831.

Barely a week later, the East Washington Park neighborhood takes the spotlight, when the 11th annual Wash Park Home Tour is held on Sat., May 9, 10a.m.-4p.m. This year’s tour, in keeping with tradition, will benefit a multitude of programs at Steele Elementary School, 320 S. Marion Pkwy. The original school was built in 1912 during Denver’s “City Beautiful” movement; a late 1920s’ renovation edged the architecture in a decidedly Art Deco direction.

The Wash Park Home Tour also presents a selection of properties recalling the rich history of the area, along with those that fuse the old and the new. All are sure to whet your appetite for change on the home front.

The 1911 home at 492 S. Williams St. began life as a 1200-square-foot variation on a bungalow. The current owners enlarged the ground level and added a 1250-square-foot second floor, bringing the interior space to nearly 3400 square feet. The eight-month renovation blended the intimacy of the older parts of the house with the openness of a modern floor plan.

A 1937 Spanish-style bungalow at 232 S. Franklin St. reveals the soul of an artist.  The expansion undertaken by the previous owner – an artist – was enhanced with personal touches applied by the current owners, one of whom is a woodworker and collector of New Mexican artwork. The entrance is one of the few spaces where the original bungalow still has a strong voice. A path of delicate halogen lights takes your eye straight back, through the modern galley kitchen, into an elegant living room and out into a stunning courtyard.

The newly-built 4-bedroom beauty at 201 S. Lafayette St. was finished just a few months ago. A completely modern, open floor plan, including a basement level with high ceilings, provides ample space and comfort for 2009 living, while the exterior design and construction might lead you to believe the home was built in years gone by. The mortar is stained a bit darker and left rough to add texture. Sandstone quarried near Lyons, Colorado caps the posts around the house. Copper gutters and corbels are made to appear load-bearing.

For a look at a still-classic Washington Park bungalow, stop by 285 S. Williams St.  At just over 1500 square feet on the main floor, this home has the best of both worlds – an intimate, cozy feel, but enough space to feel generous rather than cramped. In addition, it has a very open and fully finished basement that the family really uses. The original details of this 1920s’ beauty have been maintained so thoughtfully, you’ll easily envision life in simpler times.

Nicely situated on a corner lot at 605 S. Gilpin St., this new home’s stucco walls and beautiful red roof tiles lend an elegant Mediterranean feel. At 3,400 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, it is both expansive and intimate. Step inside, and the attention to detail and beautiful craftsmanship are what jump out at you. The use of local sources and artisans was very important to the owner, in the creation of his modern homespun home. He knows the people who made his stairs. He knows where the wood came from. A friend welded his wrought iron fences.

This year, tour organizers have thrown in a bonus sixth home “just because it’s so darn cute.” Nicknamed the “Doll House,” visitors to 432 S. Gilpin St. will be able to peek inside one of the smallest homes in Wash Park. After sneaking a peek – purchase refreshments, a snack and handmade cards made by Steele students before continuing your tour of the other homes. 

Topping off the day’s fun, check out the Plant Sale, BBQ, art show and live performances at Steele School, 10a.m.-3p.m. on tour day.

Tickets for the Wash Park Home Tour cost $15 in advance, and can be purchased at the school, First Bank of Cherry Creek (1st Ave. at St. Paul St.) from any Steele student or online at www.washparkhometour.org. Ticket prices jump to $20 on tour day. For information, call 303-744-1717.