This Saturday step inside more than a dozen homes in and around Luongo Memorial Square, as Providence's hippest neighborhood welcomes visitors for the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) House Tour.

1. It’s not a house tour for fuddy-duddies.

Vacant to Vibrant Tour1

This self-guided walking tour has something for everyone (even if you're fussy). Love old houses? We’ve got you covered. Urban planning geek? Yup. How about modern architecture, reimagined industrial spaces, reno projects and interior design? We have all of that, plus folklore and stories, a slide show, and the feel-good wonder at how a small group of people can make great things happen in a neighborhood.

*History buffs, extend your fun by downloading the new Rhode Tour app and checking out the West Side Walking Tour!*

2. It’s not a "perfect house" tour.

 

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Wait, what? Isn’t this a showcase of fancy houses? Featured among the many fascinating and splendid homes of this year's House Tour is a 1864 "before" house — you know, the kind that’s had its siding stripped off and looks like a wreck. Tour goers get a rare chance to see inside the blood, sweat and tears of a full house restoration, and maybe get some ideas for their next reno project.

3. There are treats!

One of the magical things about the tour area is the mix of public places, interesting startup shops, destination restaurants, unique bakeries, bars and commercial spaces that are tucked in among the residences. Grab a coffee and pastry, or stop for a fantastic lunch along the tour route!

4. It tells a really good story.

Lungo Square Transformation

How did a tiny pocket of Providence’s West Side known for its abandoned homes and intense blight become one of the city’s most vital, vibrant and desirable places to live, work and play? At noon during the tour, join Clark Schoettle of the Providence Revolving Fund for a slide show and presentation about how Luongo Square was transformed from vacant to vibrant and into a place for people once more.

5. It’s cheap, and 20 percent off if you buy tickets now!

 

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The Vacant to Vibrant! WBNA House Tour is Saturday, October 7, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and starts at 372 West Fountain Street. Tickets are $20 in advance ($15 for students & seniors) and $25 day-of. Also join us for our fabulous Vacant to Vibrant Preview Party on Friday evening, October 6, 6–9 p.m.