Tourgoers will be invited to step inside six wonderful homes, as well as the historic Byers Junior High School, 150 S. Pearl St. Proceeds benefit the West Washington Park Neighborhood Association (WWPNA); Lincoln Elementary School; and Washington Street Community Center (WSCC).

The West Wash Park Home Tour had its first run in 1976, when longtime resident Charlotte Winzenburg and a number of other neighborhood residents hosted a “Handyman’s House Tour.” The goal of that inaugural event was to show homeowners examples of renovations they might undertake to improve the livability of the aging housing stock while at the same time increasing their property’s value.

This year’s tour focuses on homes in the Speer neighborhood north of Alameda Ave. which is under the watchful eye – and within the boundaries – of WWPNA. Tour spokesperson Karen Hinkel explains, “As many people have been priced out of West Wash Park south of Alameda Ave., many people are now buying in Speer, north of Alameda, where homes are more affordable and there are still good houses to remodel.”

Houses on the tour include: 217 S. Pearl St. (part of an infill project on the old Byers playground); 225 E. Cedar Ave. (remodel of a dumpy duplex into a single-family home); 164 & 170 S. Grant St. (on a historic block – Historic Denver will be on site with information); 201 & 227 S. Lincoln St., both foreclosure remodels (these show off designs by renowned architect William Lang, credited for the design of over 250 Denver buildings).

Byers School was built in 1921, and named for William N. Byers, founder of the now defunct Rocky Mountain News. If voters approve a DPS bond issue in November, the structure is slated for major renovation for a new branch of Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST). DSST & DPS folks will be on hand for questions.

Tickets for West Side Stories cost $20; purchase at westwashparkhometour.com; in person at WSCC (809 S. Washington St.); and at any tour stop on event day (cash/check only.)