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Historic homes tour sells out; foundation seeks matching funds for preservation
Summary
Elaine Studley told the Centreville Town Council the foundation's candlelight homes tour sold out quickly, that volunteers stepped up, and that the group will seek town matching funds for tree plantings and preservation work on two at-risk houses.
Elaine Studley, representing the Centreville Historic Foundation, told the Town Council the foundation's candlelight historic homes tour sold out in about 10 days and met most of its promotional goals while retaining a small number of complimentary tickets for military and first responders.
Studley said the foundation's goal for the event was $10,000 in revenue and an attendance target of roughly 300 heritage tourists; marketing ran for 30 days and the public response exceeded expectations. She told the council tickets were bought by visitors from five counties and four states, though she cautioned that out-of-state entries are self-reported by buyers and may not be completely reliable.
The foundation used five outreach channels and identified two as especially effective: targeted social-media advertising to heritage tourists within a 20- to 30-mile radius and an "every door direct" mailing to roughly 3,000 homes. Studley said volunteers'effort was significant: almost 50 volunteers stepped forward to staff the tour on short notice. The foundation has retained 20 tickets reserved for military personnel and first responders and offered complimentary admission for town staff as VIP guests.
Studley outlined how raised funds would be used if the foundation meets its $10,000 target, including matching grants to replace a roof on a property described as "right sides" and exterior woodwork work on the Tucker House, both of which the foundation described as at-risk properties. She also said the foundation is exploring creating a fund to help historic-home owners cover expensive repairs such as lead abatement, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars for a single house.
The tour is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m.; it will be a self-guided walking tour centered in the downtown. Studley invited council members and staff to attend as guests.
