A variety of homes will be open to the public for the 4th Annual Broad Ripple Historic Home Tour on Saturday, September 27, 2008, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

This year's tour features ten homes from the 1910s through the 1940s. Their architectural styles illustrate the diversity of this era of home development, including Bungalow, Craftsman and Tudor Revival, among others. "This is the first year we've featured a home built in the 1940s," said Sue Zilisch, Broad Ripple Historic Home Tour Chairman. "There has been a recent trend of trying to preserve the ranch style home from that era. The homes have to be at least 50 years old to be on the tour to be considered historical. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is encouraging communities across the nation to preserve ranch homes," she emphasized.

With residences ranging in size from an 850-square-foot Bungalow to a more than 3,500-square-foot residential expansion, decorating and remodeling ideas abound for any type of homeowner.

Broad Ripple resident and committee member Heather Lusk said, "The homes were built anywhere from the First World War until the 1940s. Some of the dates are a little uncertain. Research is still being done and documents are not always exact in determining the precise date that the house was built," she noted. Her home was among those featured on the 2007 tour.

Lusk explained how houses are selected for the tour. "There are a couple of different ways. We ask people to volunteer putting their houses on the tour. Committee members drive through neighborhoods, view homes and contact home owners, asking them if they would like be on the tour. Committee members also walk through homes and select those that represent a wide variety of styles in the village. We look for homeowners who have done restorative work on their residences. One home has been in a family for several decades that has expanded significantly," Lusk said.

"Tickets will be available on the day of the tour for $12 each at certain tour homes. Advance tickets are $10 apiece at presenting sponsor Old National Bank branches, Hubbard and Cravens Coffee Co. or at select Marsh locations in Broad Ripple, Nora, Castleton and 86th and Ditch Road in addition to 52nd and Keystone Court," she added.

"Tour proceeds will benefit the Broad Ripple Village Association. Not only will people get decorating ideas for their homes, but also they will be helping the village as well," Lusk mentioned.

BRVA maintains several Broad Ripple lots, medians and parks, in addition to initiating village cleanup efforts. They are a not-for-profit volunteer organization acting as the voice of Broad Ripple concerning the interests of its residents and merchants. BRVA is involved in many facets of the village, including beautification, public safety, zoning issues and a wide variety of events and festivals. They also represent the neighborhood in city affairs.

For more information about this year's Broad Ripple Historic Home Tour, please call (317) 251-BRVA (2782) or visit www.DiscoverBroadRippleVillage.com