The Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association (MKNA) celebrates its 36th annual Home & Garden Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, 2009, from Noon until 5:00 p.m. It provides patrons a view of unique architecture, innovative interior design and recent renovations.

From Indianapolis' grandest early 20th century homes to quaint and cozy bungalows, the area retains its historic charm with hundreds of well maintained and recently restored homes. Tour proceeds support MKNA and its revitalization efforts. Sponsors include Citizens Gas, radio station WTTS 92.3 FM, Angie's List, Sullivan Hardware, Colby Equipment, The Oxford Shop and Mama Carolla's Italian Restaurant.

"The MKNA Home & Garden Tour is the largest and oldest running tour of vintage homes in Indiana. This year's tour features seven beautifully diverse homes - everything from a cozy bungalow to a grand colonial. What makes it unique is that our homes aren't specifically designed as show homes; they are lived-in, comfortable, family homes that portray the diversity of our neighborhood. Meridian-Kessler is recognized for its historical significance. Every year, our residents generously open their doors to give the public a peek into some of the most architecturally and distinctive homes in the city," said Kelly Colby, Home & Garden Chairperson.

"One of the things that differentiate the MKNA Home & Garden Tour from other home tours is that there aren't designers that decorate the homes only for the purpose of the tour. Each home on the tour is gorgeous, but none of them are decorated specifically just for the tour. Attendees get to see how the home owners really live," explained Meghan Mayer-Martin, Publicity Co-Chair of the event.

"We are very excited about the seven homes on tour this year, showcasing a diverse selection of homes and design concepts. There are several architectural styles that will be featured, including Colonial, Tudor, Cottage and even a Sears Kit home. Companies like Sears used to sell house plans via catalog!" she noted.

"Attendees might also be interested to know that the tour is the only fundraiser for MKNA that does so much to keep the area a vibrant part of Indianapolis. Celebrating its 36th year, the tour's longevity attests to the popularity of the event!" Martin added.

Tickets can be purchased the day of the event for $15 at any tour home. Advance discounted tickets are $12 online at www.mkhometour.com or at the following retailers: G. Thrapp Jewelers (5609 N. Illinois St.), The National Bank of Indianapolis (4930 N. Pennsylvania St.), Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant (5212 N. College Ave.), Taste Café (5164 N. College Ave.), The Fresh Market (5415 N. College Ave.) and The Paradise Bakery & Café (9510 N. Meridian St. & their downtown location at 111 Monument Circle).

MKNA's 2009 Twilight Tour and Silent Auction is Friday, June 19 from 6 p.m. to Midnight at the Indianapolis Opera, located at 4000 N. Pennsylvania. As one of MKNA's newest neighbors, they are hosting the event for the first time.

The Twilight Tour features two homes not shown on the Home & Garden Tour. It includes dinner catered by MBP and dancing under the stars with live entertainment by The Fabulous Imports. Pianist/organist David Graf will also play during the Twilight and Day tour. Reservations are $50 per person if made by June 15 and $60 after that date. A table for eight may be reserved for $400. Past silent auctions at the event have raised $17,000 that provides direct grants to local groups like the Kaleidoscope Youth Center.

Father and daughter Kent Schuette and Catherine Schuette Hmurovich are the artists for this year's tour. He is a registered architect and a professor in the Landscape Architecture Program at Purdue University. She graduated from Indiana University's Radford School of Fine Art and taught in the Chicago Public Schools before returning to Indiana with her family in 2008 and starting a children's clothing company, Rom & Rem.

According to their website www.mkna.org Meridian-Kessler was originally located on the outskirts of the city and became a highly desirable neighborhood in the early 20th century. The area is home to many historic properties, including mansions built for city leaders as well as smaller bungalows and cottages. The Home & Garden tour began in the 1970s to promote the neighborhood's history and unique architecture.

Today, MKNA uses tour proceeds to fund efforts such as street lighting, new schools, public safety partnerships and revitalization projects. The neighborhood is bordered by Kessler Boulevard to the north, 38th Street on the south, Meridian Street on the west and the Monon Railroad line to the east.

MKNA's annual home tour offers the public a chance to experience the history, beauty and allure of one of Indianapolis' premiere neighborhoods.