SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 Volume XXXV, No. 5

Heritage HeraldHeritage Hill AnnualWeekend Tour of Homes

Saturday, October 3rd

11:00 am to 5 :00 pm &

Sunday, October 4th

12 noon to 6:00 pm

Tickets are available at allGrand Rapids Area . . .

•FamilyFareandD&WStores•LakeMichiganCreditUnions•Martha’sVineyard•TheWealthyStreetBakery...andtheHeritageHill AssociationOffice

$15.00eachON TOuR wEEkENd, TiCkETS will BE$18.00 EaCh aNd aVailaBlE ONly aT

GRCC EaST415 E. FulTON.

FOR iNFORMaTiON Call 459-8950 ORhERiTaGE@hERiTaGEhillwEB.ORG

126 College S.E.Grand Rapids, MI 49503616-459-8950 Fax: 616-459-2409Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Mon. - Fri..Answering machine available for after-hours messages.EMAIL: heritage@heritagehillweb.orgWEBSITE: www.heritagehillweb.org

Purpose:The purpose of the heritage hill association is to provide neighbors a way of collectively building a healthy, historically preserved community in which people can live and work in a secure and stable environment.

Office Staff:Jan Earl, Executive DirectorBarb Lester, Crime Prevention OrganizerMaria Zache, Administrative AssistantWilhelmina Daniels, Afternoon Receptionist

The heritage hill association Board of directorsPresident*Mike Clark, 310 Washington SE, (C) 644-6453Vice President*Steve Yared, 259 Morris SE, (H) 454-2703Treasurer *Tom Czerwinski, 457 Paris SE, (H) 443-5608Secretary*Jackie Taylor, 5155 N Quail Crest Dr SE, 49546 (H) 942-5941

*Kathi Barkan, 253 Morris SE, (H) 451-1906*Deb Bryker, 6601 36th Ave, Hudsonville 49426, 669-6754* Justin Fales, 233 College SE #1, 581-1472*Margaret Farratell, 41 Prospect NE, 885-2518*Dave Hathaway, 401 Morris SE, (H) 451-4556*Nikki Hoort, 135 Lafayette NE, (H) 454-5101*Jane Lovett, 29 Gay SE, (H) 458-4504*Jaime Misner, 303 Madison SE, (H) 454-3309*Jim Payne, 27 College NE, (H) 454-2367*Mary Robinson, , 220 Union SE, (H) 459-2119*Amy Ruis, 414 Prospect SE, (H) 822-9451

* 1st Term** 2nd Term

The Heritage Hill Association Board of Directors meets at 7 pm the third Tuesday of each month at Davenport University, 415 East Fulton. The meeting is in theRobert Sneden Lecture Hall #1 and is open to the public.

The heritage hill Foundation Board of TrusteesChairmanBarbara L. Roelofs, 227 College SE, 459-0091James Booth Burr, Jr., 1244 Lake Drive SE, 458-1246Sam Cummings, 15 Ionia SW, 458-5235Rebecca Smith Hoffman, 454-5373Jim James, 3082 Thornapple River Dr. SE, 949-8484Milt Rohwer, 30 College SE, #64, 235-7528

heritage hill association Committee ChairsBlock Rep: Barb Lester, 459-8950Garden Tour: Kathi Barkan, (H) 451-1906 Nikki Hoort, (H) 454-5101Finance: Tom Czerwinski, (H) 443-5608Newsletter: Jan Earl, 459-8950Pledge Drive: Jackie Taylor, (H) 942-5941 Preservation: Jaime Misner, (H) 454-3309 Traffic and Dave Hathaway, 451-4556 Parking: Barb Lester, (W) 459-8950Zoning: Craig Nobbelin, 458-0471Home Tour: Judy Jorgenson, 454-2583Staffing: Chris Truesdale, 456-5448 Sue Karsen, 455-1223Distribution: Don Rietema, 776-1716Publicity: Tom Truesdale, 456-5448

The Heritage Herald - Circulation 4,800The Heritage Herald is published by the Heritage Hill Association Board of Directors six times a year (bi-monthly). The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Board of Directors. We reserve the right to edit. Address correspondence to The Heritage Herald, 126 College SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Typography & Printing: Storr Printing Services, Inc.

The heritage hill association

2

October 3 and 4 = heritage hill weekend Tour of homes = you Participate = Big Fun plus applause!It just needs you to insert yourself in the equation and it will all add up! We do need all residents of Heritage Hill and all their friends and family to COME on Tour. We also could really use you to VOluNTEER for a shift of Tour. That means you will get a ticket to Tour for FREE! The answer is very simple: contact the Heritage Hill Association, 459-8950 or heritage@heritagehillweb.org and purchase tickets and/or volunteer! You can’t use an excuse like “I’ve done it, seen it” because six of the nine residential Tour houses have never been open before. So this is your time …this is your moment … to hit the streets and … TOUR! Not only can you get inside these great houses, you can view art along the way with the incredible ArtPrize venues in Heritage Hill, chill at the German Fest and the North College Block Café, and take another break at our great corner bakeries and pizzerias! And you never have to leave your neighborhood – how much more local and green does it get!!!!! I’m sure world peace will soon follow with the ripple effect of Tour – so don’t miss your chance to be part of the solution!

It’s been a year in the planning and so many dedicated volunteers, committee members, hosts, house captains, and the Heritage Hill Association Staff all collaborate to make Tour Weekend possible. We sincerely thank each of you: home Tour Steering Committee:Deb BrykerJan EarlJudy JorgensonSue KarsenMike KlinzingJoyce MakinenDon RietemaTom TruesdaleChris TruesdaleMaria Zachehistorian:Tom LoganTicket Booth Coordinator:Craig NobbelinBus Coordinator:Tom PostmaSignology:Ron HoortTour artist:Esther Tanis VanAllsburghome Tour hosts:Deb and Bill Bryker/Bryker PropertiesAnn and John Finkler/Team RestorationHermione Kidd and Rodney Jubelin Kim and Matt LargeBill and Kate Leeder

David and Roxie McGeeSusan ShivelyReid and Jane TaylorMeyer May HouseFirst United Methodist ChurchMcCabe Marlowe HouseVoigt Househouse Captains:Margaret and Robin BowlesDeb BrykerDave EppelheimerNikki HoortVicki HudsonFred Hulce and Susan SmithJudy JorgensonSue KarsenDavid KlinzingMike KlinzingJim LindblomJoyce MakinenRoxie McGeeJaime MisnerMichelle MottMary RobinsonKen SchmidtTodd ThiesenPatrick TischlerSteve YaredwEB Master:Don Bryanthha Staff:Maria ZacheBarb Lester Wilhelmina DanielsJan Earl

Remember that free ticket to Tour. We need volunteer guides right up to the days of Tour to cover any cancellations. Please call today (459-8950 or email heritage@heritagehillweb.org) and help Tour work smoothly with an easy 4 hour shift.

See you on Tour!!!! Jan EarlExecutive Director

Heritage Family Dental

Bruce M. Weny, DDS616/451-2336

255 Washington SE, Suite 4, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

3

It is a good time to take your turn in service to your neighborhood association’s Board of Directors. Nominations are currently being accepted for candidates vying for five Board seats of the Heritage Hill Association that are open for annual election. The election takes place at the Holiday Potluck and Annual Meeting on December 4, 2009. (Save that date on your calendar). The Board terms are for 3 years that begin on January 1, 2010 and end December 31, 2012. To serve, Board members must be residents of the Heritage Hill neighborhood or be paid non-resident members. It is also helpful to have been somewhat active in Association activities, committees or neighborhood block clubs, but this is not a requirement to serve on the Board. The duties of Association Board members include:

Monthly Board Meetings - the •third Tuesday of the month - approximately 2 hours long - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.Chairing or active participation •on a HHA committee - monthly or quarterly meetings. Some committees such as Tour demand more of a time commitment.Attendance at HHA sponsored •

Think Globally, act locally! Serve on the hha Boardevents - i.e. Tour, fundraising, and social events.Actively representing your •neighbors to the Board.Actively representing the Board to •your neighbors.

The Board needs active leadership in the organization and representation from the entire neighborhood. If that’s not enough, there are treats at all meetings! If you or someone you know wants to serve (please obtain their

permission), please call the Association office at 459-8950 or email to heritage@heritagehillweb.org.

The absolute deadline is November 3, 2009 to be included on the slate of candidates. This slate will appear along with a brief statement from each candidate in the November/December Herald. (The HHA Bylaws state that Board candidates need to submit their candidacy to the office 30 days before the annual meeting.)

616-454-93371034 Wealthy SE

Visit www.grandriverbuilders.com to see over 100 photos of our work

Carpentry. But that’s not all.

Grand River Builders has been making

historic properties work again and look

beautiful with their expertise in not only

carpentry, but architectural sheetmetal,

historic roofi ng, masonry, and contracting.

20 years of Historic Building Restoration

house history workshopSaturday, October 10 Main LibraryRegister online at www.grpl.org/register.

Meet in the Vander Veen Center for the Book on Level 49:00 – 9:30 Coffee9:30 – 12:30 Overview & Tour12:30 – 6:00 Research time – we’re here to help!

You will learn:• HowtofindinformationaboutthehistoryofyourGrandRapidshome• HowtofindinformationabouttheformeroccupantsofyourGrandRapidshome• Howtouseourresources• HowtointerpretoldrecordsYou could learn:• Whoplantedyourmapletree?• Whoishauntingyou?• Whatdidthepreviousownersdoforaliving?Andmore…

4

Cottage Bar / One Trick Pony136 East Fulton

235-7669

2009 TOUR MAJOR SPONSORS:

TOUR SUPPORTERS

Family Fare andD&W Supermarkets

P.O. Box 8700Grand Rapids, MI 49518

TOUR SPONSORS

Alexander's Awesome Artand Antiques

1200 Leonard NW456-9109

Art of the Table606 Wealthy St SE

301-1885

Blu House Properties1426 Wealthy St SE

901-4541

John Buckley, Realtor301 Crescent NE

451-9696

Craig Decorators Painting Company816 Lafayette NE

458-3276

Cromwell Electric, Inc.1521 Lyon St NE

458-8886

Ebling & Son Blacksmiths4500 Roger B. Chaffee SE

532-8400

Lake MichiganCredit Union

P.O. Box 2848Grand Rapids, MI 49501

Martha’s Vineyard200 Union NE

459-0911

Scott McPheetersEdward Jones Investing

451-8645

Elders' HelpersLive on Your Own with a Helper in Your Home

454-8305

Elves Antiques47 Union SE

459-0474

Founder's Trust Bank161 Monroe NW

235-4649

Godwin Heating and Plumbing3703 S. Division

243-3131

The Green Well924 Cherry St SE

808-3566

Martha’s Vineyard200 Union NE

459-0911

Michigan State UniversitySchool of Medicine

Secchia Center / 234 Division North233-1678

Roxie and David McGee217 Madison SE

Midtown Craftsmen1600 Marshall SE Suite A West

245-5970

Nantucket Baking Company 208 Union NE

726-6609

Overhead Door Companyof Grand Rapids

5761 N. Hawkeye Ct. SW261-0300

Esther Tanis Van Allsburg -Design/ Illustration

616-458-7638

Wealthy Street Bakery610 Wealthy SE

301-2950

Winter-Troutwine Associates Inc937 Fairmount SE

451-8311

TOUR FRIENDS

Please Thank and Support Your 2009 Heritage HillWeekend Tour of Homes Sponsors

Wealthy Street Bakery610 Wealthy SE

301-2950

Robbins Lock Shop2004 S Division

452-6575

Grand Rapids Pizza Delivery340 State SE

742-4773

The Shade Shop422 Leonard St NW

459-4693

Grand River Builders1034 Wealthy SE

544-9337100 Michigan NE

391-1467

415 East Fulton451-3511

The best reason to go will be obvious when you leave.

You’ve heard the stories about college graduates

pushing brooms and waiting tables. And while

no college can guarantee you employment upon

graduation, Davenport University operates on the

premise that making you immediately employable

is our job.

Davenport offers over 70 high-demand programs in the

business, technology, and health professions. Programs

like Health Information Management, Computer Gaming

& Simulation, Biometric Security, and Forensic Accounting.

Get prepared for your career after college.

1.866.383.3548 www.davenport.edu

Over 6,000 colleges and universities can give you a degree. Davenport takes you one step further.

616-454-93371034 Wealthy SE

Visit www.grandriverbuilders.com to see over 100 photos of our work

Carpentry. But that’s not all.

Grand River Builders has been making

historic properties work again and look

beautiful with their expertise in not only

carpentry, but architectural sheetmetal,

historic roofi ng, masonry, and contracting.

20 years of Historic Building Restoration

143 Bostwick Ave &415 East Fulton

234-GRCC

5

Student alert: Two words will make your life less stressful: lOCk EVERyThiNG…. doors, windows, bikes, cars. Clear everything from your vehicle when you leave it. Thieves will break a car window to grab your change, glasses, GPS and whatever you have hidden in your gym bag or backpack. They will also break a window just to see if you hid something under the newspaper on the seat of your car. Last spring a medical student lost all off his books and notes just before exams. Take your bike inside. Those locks that are theft-proof – aren’t. Having a party? “Friends of a friend” always show up so lOCk OR hidE ValuaBlES. Want more info on personal safety and apartment security? Call 459-8950 and ask for Barb.

The National Night Out Picnic on August 4 in Foster Park was lots of fun thanks to the work of volunteers listed below who helped with food, door prizes, ice, bike helmet fitting, set-up and clean-up, face painting, sack races and grilling! See you next year!

Picnic Volunteers and Contributors:Dave Hathaway • Don Rietema • Tom and Chris Truesdale • Jane Lovett • Jackie Taylor • Mary and Mohinder Singh • Mike Sak • Kathy Barkan • Mary Robinson • Steve Yared • Mei Chow • Mike Clark • Wood TV8 • Clark’s Market • Margaret Farratel • Justin Fales •Mike Raymond At GR Pizza & Delivery • Davenport College • Cheook Yet Chan • Taylor Gebben • Hannah Earl • Jim Talen • Tina Demling

Other Special Picnic Guests:Grand Rapids North Police Chief Kevin Belk • Deputy Manager Eric Delong • GRPD North Police Team Captain Pam Carrier • Lt. Theresa Budzilek • Officer Dan Myers • Officer Neil Gomez • Grand Rapids City Manager Greg Sundstrum • Grand Rapids Fire Fighters • Assistant City Managers Haris Alibasic • Jose Reyna

N e i g h b o r h o o d P o t p o u r r i by Barb Lester

(Cont'd on page 6)

Please use our great curbside

recycling service! Save

money and the earth. Go to the

City’s website, www.grcity.us for all the details and schedule

National NightOut Picnic

9/14/2009 12:08:00 PM

Tidy Home Helpers offers very affordable and professional home and small office cleaning services to those in the greater Grand Rapids area. We use environmentally-friendly Green Seal certified products so you, your loved ones, and your environment are safe in our hands.

“At Tidy Home Helpers we’ll keep your home looking great.”

Call 616-233-4832 to set up a free assessment Or Visit Us Online: www.tidyhomehelpers.com

6

Calvin College Freshman hit State Street: Calvin Frosh descended on the Heritage Hill neighborhood for three hours of digging and weeding in the dirt as part of their service to the Grand Rapids community. Students pulled weeds, trimmed foliage and, picked up

fine interior and exterior painting and finishingCHECK OUT SOME PICTURES AT:

www.grstar.com/precision_painting.html

(616) 862-4758Builder's License #2102168827

Exactly the way youwant it!

litter to spiff up the 300 block of State Street and Foster Park. Two are from South Korea, one from Canada, one from Holland (MI,) three home-grown Grand Rapidians, one from Illinois and several from outside west Michigan.

Foreclosures Born again in the hill: Foreclosure housing can spell doom to some blocks or neighborhoods but we have been blessed with a number of beautifully renovated homes that had seen some sad days. Several multi-unit buildings and one-family homes have been well-repaired and rehabbed and provide safe, affordable and attractive homes and apartments for residents.

344 washington SE: Check out the new deep blue paint job with white trim here. The addition of four white painted rockers on the front porch is owner Michael Wright’s finishing touch. He went through every apartment to renovate and update this building that had some great bones but needed a lot of fixing and refining of its special features -- like the fireplace that graces one of the upper apartments.

132 Madison SE: A new paint job, new side porch, every window re-glazed and tons of scraping, sanding, painting and updating going on after Marcia Peterson purchased this four-family. This house had suffered some significant neglect over the years and its rebirth as a functional and attractive rental is very welcome to the area.

319 lyon NE: A large eight-unit building that had been hard-used for over a decade and desperately needed some tender loving care. The DeJong family, a father and son team, purchased it after it had sat vacant for a year. Rain damage added to the challenge set before the ambitious buyers. The slate-tiled kitchens and baths, new appliances and hardwood floors renew this house that was almost lost.

There are more house-to-home stories like these in the Hill and elsewhere in the city. Look for interviews with owners in the next Herald.

100 Block of College, Campbell and 500 block lyon NE neighbors organized a meeting with City Traffic Safety in August to discussion traffic speeding through the alley that runs parallel to Lyon NE. Pedestrians report close calls as they walk to Martha’s on

N e i g h b o r h o o d P o t p o u r r i (Cont'd from page 9)

7

Over 400 volunteers are needed to orchestrate our 2009 Weekend Tour and we certainly could use your help. Please call our office and sign up for a shift. You will receive a FREE Home Tour ticket plus a pat on the back for helping your neighborhood association!!

PLEASE CALL THE HHA OFFICE 459-8950 WITH YOUR PREFERRED DAY AND SHIFT

(Office hours are 9 am - 5 pm; voicemail is available for after-hours messages; or email us at: heritage@heritagehillweb.org)

Home Tour Shifts: Saturday, October 3rd: 10:30 to 2:30 and 2:00 to 5:30 Sunday, October 4th: 11:30 to 3:30 and 3:00 to 6:30

Volunteers still Needed for the

Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes

Please remember us when your apartment needs renters. Your dollars not only find you tenants but also support the programs of the Heritage Hill Association!You can list your apartment right at the website or stop by theHHA office. We welcome you!

RENT HERITAGEHILLWEB.ORGHeritage Hill Apartment Rental and Home Sales ListingsAll sizes and prices -- Spread the word!!!

Don’t Miss the

TIMELESS TREASURES SALE

Women’s City Club - 254 E Fulton

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24 – 10am-6pmFRIDAY, SEPT. 25 – 10am-2pm

A unique sale of treasures from the members of the Women’s City Club - linens, china, crystal, silver, jewelry, collectibles, holiday decorations, silk flowers, lamps, scarves – and the list goes on. No clothing or books. The building is handicapped accessible. Two parking lots. Use the back door off of the Fulton Street parking lot.

Union and Lyon. They also petitioned to have the City repave Lyon NE and by the next morning the work had started. Some would call that a coincidence but NO… that paving project illustrates the power of the collective unconscious. A big thanks to Bob and An, Ken and Connie and Kimberly for coordinating this meeting.

Please call me for a free home or apartment security check. Home security is part of our Neighborhood Watch program here in the Hill.You will find out if anyone can get in through your doors, windows, basement, rear hall, an upper porch or emergency exits quickly and quietly. I know how and where they will try. I also know a few tricks you can use to make entry too risky for intruders. You are also protected by the City of Grand Rapids’ Housing Code security regulations. Call 459-8950 to set up a time for your security check and to put your mind at ease.

bestwayCLEANING SERVICES windows • carpets

commercial • residentialinsured • bonded

ROBERT I. DANIELS

P.O. Box 68492Phone 616.827.8473

Grand Rapids MI 49508Fax 616.827.8828

bestway@iserv.netCell 616.498.2004

Water, fire, and wind don’t care about the historic value of your home.

Team does.

Call the Experts. Call the Team.

616.863.8118 www.teamrestoration.com

TR_EmerAd.indd 1 8/18/09 7:08:08 PM

8

This 1901 Craftsman-style house sits on one of Heritage Hill’s busiest streets, but its backyard oasis can make you forget where you are. The current owners have lived in the house for just barely a year and have already tackled two of the biggest projects many homeowners face: the renovation of their kitchen and the creation of a second-fl oor nursery for their fi rst little one due just two months after this year’s home tour. Our hosts are Kim and Matt Large.

2009 MARKS THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANNUAL HERITAGE HILL WEEKEND TOUR OF HOMES

Advance tickets for the 2009 Heritage Hill Annual Weekend Tour of Homes are $15.00 and available through Friday, October 2nd at the Heritage Hill Association offi ce, all Grand Rapids-area Family Fare stores, D&W Fresh Markets, Lake Michigan Credit Unions, Martha’s Vineyard and The Wealthy Street Bakery. Advance tickets are also available on-line:www.heritagehillweb.org.

On the weekend of Tour, tickets are $18 and available only at the Grand Rapids Community College - East Campus (Davenport), 415 E. Fulton.

See you on Tour!

211 LAFAYETTE NE 439 LYON NE 62 UNION SE

The Annual Home Tour began in 1969 as a twice-a-year (spring and fall) event meant to educate the visiting public as to the grand history of these homes, bring light to the tenuous nature of their future, assure a safe neighborhood and, fi nally, to raise funds to ensure that future and safe environment. In its 40th year, the Tour has not ventured far from those original themes, nor is the need any less important. Today’s world brings with it new perils that threaten the houses within this district daily, including increased traffi c, sometimes inadequate parking, and an economy that was

kind to us just a few short years ago, but now makes owning these wonderful homes a burden for some. Just one year before that fi rst Tour in 1969, Heritage Hill stood at a crossroad. It was then that a group of “old-home-loving radicals (it was 1968 after all)” felt the time was not only right, but the need urgent, to lead the way to saving these magnifi cent structures. People such as John Logie, Linda Dejong and Barbara Roelofs, among others, took up the gauntlet to protect the neighborhood and its homes from future encroachment and/or demolition. Though many folks were involved in the actions result-

ing in the designation of this neighborhood as historically signifi cant and protected under the National Trust, it was under that pioneering framework that they gave the name, Heritage Hill Association, allowing us to stay united in our efforts to keep the neighborhood strong and vibrant. It is for those people, for the Association and its work, that the Annual Weekend Heritage Hill Tour of Homes stands as testament. Every tour from 1969 through this 2009 event has been offered as proof that hard work pays off and that education can prevent harmful actions from taking place again.

On these pages you’ll fi nd a short introduction to this year’s Tour homes and more. We hope you’ll be interested enough to fi nd out more about them, as well as many others in the neighborhood, and join us on October 3 and 4.

STEELCASE’S MEYER MAY HOUSE450 MADISON SE

Also on Tour This YearGRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC

MUSEUM’SVOIGT HOUSE

115 COLLEGE

SE

FIRST UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH OPENS ITS DOORS TO TOUR-GOERS

THIS YEAR.227 EAST FULTON

This attractive home draws its infl uence from the Gothic style. To those familiar with the midwestern vernacular style of architecture, this circa 1885 home is a joy to behold. The current owners, having spent over 30 years as missionaries in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, among other African nations, are proud to show us their home and a bit of African art and craftsmanship collected from the villages in which they lived, taught and learned. Our hosts are Mary and Paul Kortenhoven.

This circa 1867 home was one of the last built on this street, at one time the site of a cavalry camping grounds during and following the Civil War. This home’s recent renovation garnered the current owners recognition this past May from the Grand Rapids Historical Preservation Commission. They walked away with the award for Outstanding Residential Preservation Project. Our host is Susan Shively.

573 COLLEGE SEThis Craftsman-style house, built circa 1895, was not actually occupied by the couple that had it built until nearly 10 years later. They continued to live just a few houses up the street and were at that time, it seems, what we would call today, real estate speculators. They owned several lots (about two dozen at one point) which they purchased once this part of the neighborhood was platted around 1894. The home has many fi ne features, not the least of which is its brand new kitchen, designed by the one of the owners, a professional chef. Our hosts are Kate and Bill Leeder.

217 MADISON SE 440 LOGAN SEIt’s back! This English-style home built in 1914, was on Tour in 2008 as a work-in-progress. The reaction from tour-goers enticed us to ask the homeowners if we could bring it back this year, fi nished! Home to one of the pioneers of the electric refrigerator and owner of the Grand Rapids Refrigerator Plant – later the Kelvinator plant, this home’s journey from riches to rags and riches once again is breathtaking. The current owners have created a bed & breakfast haven in a home too big for one family to live in, but too beautiful to change. Our hosts are Ann and John Finkler, owners of Team Restoration.

Sitting on land once home to an early Grand Rapids cemetery, this circa 1876 home was built follow-ing the eventual move of the graves to the Fulton Street Cemetery in the late 1830s. Enlarged around 1912, and then converted to three apartments in the 1950s, this single-family home today still retains some remnants of its multi-family use. The main fl oor, however, will have visitors thinking they’ve stepped back to the 1912 once again, especially upon seeing the living room, dining room and the wonderfully ornate and truly Tudor Gothic library.Our hosts are Roxie and David McGee.

LAST YEAR’S WORK-IN-PROGRESS

NOW FINISHED!

CELEBRATING ITS

100TH BIRTHDAY!

GRAND RAPIDSCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE’S

MCCABE-MARLOWE HOUSE

74 LAFAYETTE NE

HOSTING THE 3RD ANNUAL GERMAN

FEST!

246 UNION SE 440 COLLEGE SEBuilt in 1906, this house offers stained and leaded glass windows throughout as well as quarter-sawn oak in both trim work and fl ooring around every turn. Unique features like a full main fl oor bath that actually sits a half fl ight below the front staircase and the original, old-fashioned turn-type light switches are among the features that make this home a treasure. Our hosts are Hermione Kidd and Rodney Jubelin.

Built by George L. Keeler, owner of Keeler Brass, circa 1905, this house is another example of prairie-style construction: side gabled, symmetrical, but with an off-center entrance. Unlike many homes of the area, this home has an openness and fl ow about it that carries the visitor smoothly from room to room. The kitchen’s open layout invites the outside in as the large windows allow an almost conservatory atmosphere to the garden beyond. Our hosts are Jane and Reid Taylor.

The 40th Anniversary of the

H

eritage Hill Tour of Homes

These two grand buildings built in the late 1800s house 27 apartments total on a block that has no single-family homes and nearly another 50 apartments to go along with these. Conversion to apartments was, for the most part, tastefully done and much of the original charm and beautiful craftsmanship still remains. Though only two apartments will be seen in each building, tour-goers will get a good sense of, and marvel at, the craftsmanship and detail these building have to offer. Our hosts are Bryker Properties.17 AND 25 LAFAYETTE SE

While on tour this year, be sure to check out the ArtPrize competition. There will

be as many as 8 venues within the neighborhood and nearly 20 more

within easy walking distance. LOOK FOR MANY OF THE LOCATIONS ON THE TOUR MAP

IN THE 2009 TOUR BROCHURE.

Not only is this the 40th anniversary of the Heritage Hill neighborhood’s Annual Weekend Tour of Homes, but falling in the middle of the newly-created and much-heralded ArtPrize competition provides a double helping of fun for visitors this year!

9

This 1901 Craftsman-style house sits on one of Heritage Hill’s busiest streets, but its backyard oasis can make you forget where you are. The current owners have lived in the house for just barely a year and have already tackled two of the biggest projects many homeowners face: the renovation of their kitchen and the creation of a second-fl oor nursery for their fi rst little one due just two months after this year’s home tour. Our hosts are Kim and Matt Large.

2009 MARKS THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANNUAL HERITAGE HILL WEEKEND TOUR OF HOMES

Advance tickets for the 2009 Heritage Hill Annual Weekend Tour of Homes are $15.00 and available through Friday, October 2nd at the Heritage Hill Association offi ce, all Grand Rapids-area Family Fare stores, D&W Fresh Markets, Lake Michigan Credit Unions, Martha’s Vineyard and The Wealthy Street Bakery. Advance tickets are also available on-line:www.heritagehillweb.org.

On the weekend of Tour, tickets are $18 and available only at the Grand Rapids Community College - East Campus (Davenport), 415 E. Fulton.

See you on Tour!

211 LAFAYETTE NE 439 LYON NE 62 UNION SE

The Annual Home Tour began in 1969 as a twice-a-year (spring and fall) event meant to educate the visiting public as to the grand history of these homes, bring light to the tenuous nature of their future, assure a safe neighborhood and, fi nally, to raise funds to ensure that future and safe environment. In its 40th year, the Tour has not ventured far from those original themes, nor is the need any less important. Today’s world brings with it new perils that threaten the houses within this district daily, including increased traffi c, sometimes inadequate parking, and an economy that was

kind to us just a few short years ago, but now makes owning these wonderful homes a burden for some. Just one year before that fi rst Tour in 1969, Heritage Hill stood at a crossroad. It was then that a group of “old-home-loving radicals (it was 1968 after all)” felt the time was not only right, but the need urgent, to lead the way to saving these magnifi cent structures. People such as John Logie, Linda Dejong and Barbara Roelofs, among others, took up the gauntlet to protect the neighborhood and its homes from future encroachment and/or demolition. Though many folks were involved in the actions result-

ing in the designation of this neighborhood as historically signifi cant and protected under the National Trust, it was under that pioneering framework that they gave the name, Heritage Hill Association, allowing us to stay united in our efforts to keep the neighborhood strong and vibrant. It is for those people, for the Association and its work, that the Annual Weekend Heritage Hill Tour of Homes stands as testament. Every tour from 1969 through this 2009 event has been offered as proof that hard work pays off and that education can prevent harmful actions from taking place again.

On these pages you’ll fi nd a short introduction to this year’s Tour homes and more. We hope you’ll be interested enough to fi nd out more about them, as well as many others in the neighborhood, and join us on October 3 and 4.

STEELCASE’S MEYER MAY HOUSE450 MADISON SE

Also on Tour This YearGRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC

MUSEUM’SVOIGT HOUSE

115 COLLEGE

SE

FIRST UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH OPENS ITS DOORS TO TOUR-GOERS

THIS YEAR.227 EAST FULTON

This attractive home draws its infl uence from the Gothic style. To those familiar with the midwestern vernacular style of architecture, this circa 1885 home is a joy to behold. The current owners, having spent over 30 years as missionaries in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, among other African nations, are proud to show us their home and a bit of African art and craftsmanship collected from the villages in which they lived, taught and learned. Our hosts are Mary and Paul Kortenhoven.

This circa 1867 home was one of the last built on this street, at one time the site of a cavalry camping grounds during and following the Civil War. This home’s recent renovation garnered the current owners recognition this past May from the Grand Rapids Historical Preservation Commission. They walked away with the award for Outstanding Residential Preservation Project. Our host is Susan Shively.

573 COLLEGE SEThis Craftsman-style house, built circa 1895, was not actually occupied by the couple that had it built until nearly 10 years later. They continued to live just a few houses up the street and were at that time, it seems, what we would call today, real estate speculators. They owned several lots (about two dozen at one point) which they purchased once this part of the neighborhood was platted around 1894. The home has many fi ne features, not the least of which is its brand new kitchen, designed by the one of the owners, a professional chef. Our hosts are Kate and Bill Leeder.

217 MADISON SE 440 LOGAN SEIt’s back! This English-style home built in 1914, was on Tour in 2008 as a work-in-progress. The reaction from tour-goers enticed us to ask the homeowners if we could bring it back this year, fi nished! Home to one of the pioneers of the electric refrigerator and owner of the Grand Rapids Refrigerator Plant – later the Kelvinator plant, this home’s journey from riches to rags and riches once again is breathtaking. The current owners have created a bed & breakfast haven in a home too big for one family to live in, but too beautiful to change. Our hosts are Ann and John Finkler, owners of Team Restoration.

Sitting on land once home to an early Grand Rapids cemetery, this circa 1876 home was built follow-ing the eventual move of the graves to the Fulton Street Cemetery in the late 1830s. Enlarged around 1912, and then converted to three apartments in the 1950s, this single-family home today still retains some remnants of its multi-family use. The main fl oor, however, will have visitors thinking they’ve stepped back to the 1912 once again, especially upon seeing the living room, dining room and the wonderfully ornate and truly Tudor Gothic library.Our hosts are Roxie and David McGee.

LAST YEAR’S WORK-IN-PROGRESS

NOW FINISHED!

CELEBRATING ITS

100TH BIRTHDAY!

GRAND RAPIDSCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE’S

MCCABE-MARLOWE HOUSE

74 LAFAYETTE NE

HOSTING THE 3RD ANNUAL GERMAN

FEST!

246 UNION SE 440 COLLEGE SEBuilt in 1906, this house offers stained and leaded glass windows throughout as well as quarter-sawn oak in both trim work and fl ooring around every turn. Unique features like a full main fl oor bath that actually sits a half fl ight below the front staircase and the original, old-fashioned turn-type light switches are among the features that make this home a treasure. Our hosts are Hermione Kidd and Rodney Jubelin.

Built by George L. Keeler, owner of Keeler Brass, circa 1905, this house is another example of prairie-style construction: side gabled, symmetrical, but with an off-center entrance. Unlike many homes of the area, this home has an openness and fl ow about it that carries the visitor smoothly from room to room. The kitchen’s open layout invites the outside in as the large windows allow an almost conservatory atmosphere to the garden beyond. Our hosts are Jane and Reid Taylor.

The 40th Anniversary of the

H

eritage Hill Tour of Homes

These two grand buildings built in the late 1800s house 27 apartments total on a block that has no single-family homes and nearly another 50 apartments to go along with these. Conversion to apartments was, for the most part, tastefully done and much of the original charm and beautiful craftsmanship still remains. Though only two apartments will be seen in each building, tour-goers will get a good sense of, and marvel at, the craftsmanship and detail these building have to offer. Our hosts are Bryker Properties.17 AND 25 LAFAYETTE SE

While on tour this year, be sure to check out the ArtPrize competition. There will

be as many as 8 venues within the neighborhood and nearly 20 more

within easy walking distance. LOOK FOR MANY OF THE LOCATIONS ON THE TOUR MAP

IN THE 2009 TOUR BROCHURE.

Not only is this the 40th anniversary of the Heritage Hill neighborhood’s Annual Weekend Tour of Homes, but falling in the middle of the newly-created and much-heralded ArtPrize competition provides a double helping of fun for visitors this year!

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jim@winter-troutwine.com616-451-8331Grand Rapids, Michigan

Specializing in historic:

• Restoration, planning anddesign

• Community planning

• Mainstreet design andconsulting

• Tax credits

• National RegisterNominations

Winter-Troutwine Associates, Inc.Preservation Architecture and Planning

Monday, October 12thNoon at Suzy's Donut Shop

on Knapp near Leonard

Tuesday, November 10th5pm at the Green Well

located on Cherry Street

2009 HHA Pledge Drive

If you have yet to send in your 2009 contribution, remember that we put your money to good work right in your neighborhood and right away. Oursafety and neighborhood improvement services succeed!

Thank You!

Huge thanks to our recent Heritage Hill Association contributors:Theresa and Bill BruursemaBryker Properties, LLC / Bill and Deb BrykerBob and Julie ConnorsMark DunningLisa DeFarrari and Dan DeWittBen and Susan EmdinKim DeStiger & Patty GardnerStephanie GerdesCamille and Bob Guinnane, in Memory of Jim KarsenCynthia-Lee HobbsIan and Maggie Janice KitchenBarbara MagnottaGary E. Mitchell and Mary Beth QuillinBarbara RoelofsMartin RowleyGerry and Karen RuisM/M John VenderveenHester Willis

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Board NotesDiscussions at the August 2009 Heritage Hill Association Board Meeting included:

Treasurer’s Report: Tom Czerwinski reported that as of the end of June, all seems to be on target with the budget. Staff Reports: Barb Lester was asked about and commented on various hap-penings on Washington Street. Community involvement Picnic – Barb commented on the good weather, the attendance of many city offi-cials, the Chief of Police and many police officers. She again heartily thanked all of the volunteers. Board members reported that they had heard comments suggest-ing a later start time and also that many liked having Picnic on the National Night Out night. Barb said that she would put the date and time suggestions out in e-alert for feedback.Education – Kathi Barkan reported that the Montessori program as of now will not be split from its campus and that the College Prep school that has been at the Vandenberg School will be moving to the Central High campus. Neighborhood Safety Task Force – Barb reported that the group needs to meet again and that the renovation continues at Clarks. Progress is slow, but the maintenance is ongoing and the management has been very cooperative with the police.land use issues – Dave Hathaway commented that many issues were ad-dressed in Jan’s staff report.Foster Park / hh Founders tribute – Jim Payne presented some figures for rocks and plaques for the park and asked interested members to join him after the meeting to come up with a game plan.Zoning – Mike Clark reported that the HHA zoning committee is meeting on August 26 is discuss the Zoning issues at 253 Prospect NE and the demolition of the former Rite Aid for surface park-ing. The committee will also explore strategies on addressing the GR Zoning Appeals Board in light of recent zoning decisions. administrative – institutional liaisons – Mike comment-ed that Jan has been working with Coun-ty Commissioner, Jim Talen, on setting up a time to meet with GVSU concern-ing the Rapid / Silver Line. The Rapid is looking for federal funding to continue this project and RAPID’s consultants have yet to issue the white papers on the Silver Line’s two alternative routes. Members repeated that a route on Lafay-ette would still have to go through SHPO and that a station would be better served on Ransom. Mike also commented that GRCC has officially taken possession of the Davenport campus. A meeting is also scheduled at the new GRCC East campus for the neighbors; Barb will send out an e-alert notice with this information.

Nominating –Mike reminded the board that there will be 5 open positions for the December 4th election.Personnel - Jackie Taylor will talk to Jan about evaluations and will work with her to set new goals and objectives.Fundraising Garden Tour – Mike asked for applause for the Committee chairs, Kathi Barkan and Nikki Hoort. Thanks were also given to Deb Bryker for soliciting sponsors. Kathi reported that plans have begun for next year, many gardens have already been lined up and that the entire tour may be on College Ave. Kathi also sug-gested discussion for the formation of a board committee for this event in 2010.home Tour – Maria Zache reported that the brochures have gone out and that volunteer post cards are going out this week. The Home Tour Committee will have its last meeting on 8/27. Members also discussed the many venues in Heri-

tage Hill for Art Prize which is happening September 23 through October 10. This will be happening during Home Tour weekend.Pledge drive – Jackie reported that nearly 100% of Board members have con-tributed to the drive and that the phone-a-thon that Barb had run had been quite successful. Barb commented that she will do more phone-a-thons and that they have a goal of raising $1,000 per session.

The HHA Board meets at 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at GRCC East (formerly Davenport,) 415 East Fulton at the Robert Sneden Lecture Hall. Neighbors are welcome to attend. If you would like an item placed on the Board agenda, please call the HHA office at 459-8950 before 4:00 p.m. of the second Tuesday of the month. If you would like to address the Board regarding an agenda item, public comment is taken at the beginning of each meeting. For non- agenda items, public comment is taken at the end of each meeting. Typically, Board meetings last from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 to 9:00 p.m.

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Rebuilding historic chimneys involves knowing how to use historic masonry techniques and materials, and modern materials and designs. A rebuilt

about historic Chimney Rebuildingchimney will incorporate the best of the old with the best of the new. Setting up scaffolding for a chimney project is often complicated

SHOP LOCAL – EXPERT AUTO REPAIR – SHOP LOCAL-IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

FOREIGN - DOMESTIC - BRAKES - EXHAUST - SHOCKS STRUTS - ALIGNMENTS -TUNE-UPS - MOST REPAIRS –– FREE ESTIMATES & LOCAL TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM

90 days same as cash McGRAW TIRE

(F I R E S T O N E) SINCE 1927

HERITAGE HILL AND DOWNTOWN 141 WEALTHY SE (AT LaGRAVE)

459-3393

and time consuming, particularly for tall chimneys that pass through the center of the building. It is important for the masons to be able to position themselves correctly for efficient work, and this is worth taking extra time during scaffolding setup. Materials must also be able to move to the point of work quickly and relatively easily. Inside the building, all fireplace and flue openings should be sealed with paper, plastic and tape to keep dust and debris out. Dampers should be closed and all attached appliances must be disconnected. It is common for an old chimney to be dismantled simply by lifting off the bricks. Old lime mortar easily releases from the brick, leaving the brick reusable for the new chimney. The chimney may need to be lowered slightly to accommodate loss from damaged bricks. If new bricks are needed, concessions have to be made to modern brick sizes and available styles. Old “Chicago common” bricks can sometimes be located, although they are expensive to clean, package and ship. Exactly matching distinctive old brick styles is usually not possible, although there are old brick dealers who sometimes can come up with a match. The mortar must be matched to the brick being used (or reused). Old bricks need old mortar made with lime, while new bricks can use new mortar made with Portland cement, but lime mortar is a good choice even for new bricks. Failure to design the right mortar to the brick can destroy the brick. Likewise, how the joint is finished (“tooled”) is one of the most frequent errors in chimney rebuilding. Modern tooling techniques using a sledrunner will make the rebuilt chimney look out of place and obviously new. If the proper mortar is used, traditional struck and raked joints will make the chimney look old, even if new bricks are used. Of course, old bricks and traditional mortars must always be struck or raked and never tooled with a sledrunner. If the chimney had no liner, then one should be added during reconstruction. The liner type and size must be selected to fit the appliance that uses that flue. If a clay tile flue passes through a cast concrete cap, there must be an expansion joint between the cap and the flue, as the flue will grow and shrink with temperature changes. If the flue is cast directly into the cap, they will be damaged, or will damage the cap. All historic details of chimneys should be retained, unless they will cause accelerated wear. Chimney caps in particular often benefit from being redesigned to include an overhang that keeps rainwater dripping free of the chimney. Typical materials for caps

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Family Gatherings, Weddings, Holiday Parties, Business Meetings, Fundraisers, Reunions and more….

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Phone: (616) 459-0116E-mail: catering@mvwines.comWeb: www.mvwines.com

include concrete, stone, or sheetmetal. Caps must always include a “faint” or drip edge on the underside that keeps water from crawling underneath and

getting back to the chimney. These are easily added to sheetmetal cap design, and are either cast or cut into a stone or concrete cap.

Concrete caps are poured in place, and must have aggregate (stone) sized to fit the thickness of the cap, and rebar cast in place. Sheetmetal for caps can be painted galvanized or lead-coated copper, but plain copper will often leave blue-green staining on the masonry below. All caps must be shaped so water does not puddle on top. It is a bad decision to go “cheap” on chimney work, as so much of the expense is in setting up. Paying for the additional time to attend to the details that make chimneys last, look good, and work well is money well spent.

Grand River BuildersHistoric Building Restoration

Remember Heritage Hill Property Owners:

There is a City Preservation Ordinance that governs all exterior changes, repairs and/or additions to Heritage Hill properties. Call the

Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission at 456-3451 for information on approvals. You

can access the application form at the City’s website, www.ci.grand-rapids.mi.us at the

Planning Department section or at the Heritage Hill Association’s

www.heritagehillweb.org. This ordinance applies to all

exterior changes, repairs, and/or additions to your home and property. Items such as doors and windows including storms,

yard structures, driveway and sidewalk approaches, and

fences do need HPC approvals.

Traditional in StyleProgressive in ThoughtEngaged in the Community

10 East Park Place NE • Grand Rapids616.459.3203 • www.parkchurchgr.orgWorship Service 11:00 a.m.

E

2009 Home Tour Puzzler Thanks to Jim Starkey’s photo shoot, you can win free Home Tour tickets by matching these photo details to the address where they are found.

Be the first to correctly match all the details with their homes and win two free Home Tour tickets … the next five correct responders get one Home Tour ticket.

439 Lyon NE 211 Lafayette NE 62 Union SE 217 Madison SE 246 Union SE 440 College SE 573 College SE 17 & 25 Lafayette SE 440 Logan SE

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A

Get set …Hit the streets!Sorry no one associated with Tour can enter …that would be too easy!G H

D

C

F

B

I

“Gorgeous! But what’s really beautiful,it’s going to stay that way.”

“Gorgeous!They removed the peeling paint down to the bare wood.The siding on my historichome is like brand new. But what’s really beautiful, it’s going to stay that way.”

– lauri shepherd

paint available

Specializing in architectural paint restoration. For a free consultation, please call 616.475.4300www.VanDerKolkPainting.com

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The heritage hill association126 College SEGrand Rapids, MI 49503

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI

Permit No. 523

DATES TO REMEMBERAll Heritage Hill Association Meetings are open to neighbors.

Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th, 200940th annual Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009hha Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m.

GRCC Campus (Davenport)Robert Sneden Academic Building Lecture Hall

415 East Fulton

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009hha Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m.

GRCC Campus (Davenport)Robert Sneden Academic Building Lecture Hall

415 East Fulton

annual dates to Remember:

Friday, december 4th, 2009Holiday Potluck and Annual Meeting

• Plant Health Care • Pruning • Removals • Cabling & Bracing • Tree Fertilization • Insect/Disease

Control • IPM Programs

Brian McKenzie ISA Certified Arborist

1-877-BARTLETT 616-245-9449 www.bartlett.com

Residential & Manufactured Home Sales

ALAN STOCKTONRealtor®

2213 Wealthy SE, Suite 200East Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Office: (616) 458-3655Direct Line: (616) 974-6910Direct Fax: (616) 974-6911

Cell: (616) 581-4472astockton@greenridge.com