Worthington Tour of Homes and Gardens
Once again the Worthington Historical Society is excited to host the Worthington Tour of Homes and Gardens, which this year will take place on Sunday, July 12. Fans of architecture and design will appreciate the great variety and unique styles represented in this year’s selections, as well as the breathtaking gardens and green spaces.
Here’s a peek at the homes included in this year’s tour:
Toll Gate Square
Designed by Denver Hague in 1965, Toll Gate Square, which is Ohio's oldest condominium complex, features 20 units in 11 different buildings. The condominiums, which are compatible with Worthington’s early Federal Style buildings, were designed in a variety of sizes and styles. They were named after a 19th century toll road that ran from Columbus to Sandusky, along the current Route 23. This year’s tour will feature eight units within the complex.
Each unit tells a unique story. From fine arts and souvenirs collected around the world, to antiques, historic family portraits and a secret woodland garden, attendees will enjoy the history and design represented throughout the complex.
W. North Street
In 1937, Lawrence F. and Marie Mattison built a small, 720-square-foot home on 60 feet of property at the southwest corner of North Street and High Street. Seventy-eight years later, the home is still standing, although it looks quite different. The current owners purchased the home in 2011, and a massive renovation occurred soon after. The current 2,600-square-foot structure will be part of this year's tour, and visitors can witness the transformation of this unique home in Worthington’s history.
W. North Street
With the exception of a two-room addition in the late 1950s, the structure of 70 W. North Street has remained largely unchanged. Built in 1933, the home’s interior features original wood floors, antiques, industrial and repurposed furniture and an extensive collection of Southwestern décor, which was accumulated by the owners during numerous visits to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The home sits on a one-acre lot, overlooking a meticulously landscaped yard. Substantial work has gone into the home’s garden over the years, including stone work, a large patio and a bridge over the creek at the back of the property.
In addition to these homes, the Orange Johnson House will be open for informal tours during the event, and Kim Johnson, a docent and natural fibers expert, will be in the garden demonstrating the art of fabric dyeing.
If you go…
- The tour takes place on July 12 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Pre-event tickets are on sale for $15 at Fritzy Jacobs on High Street and at the Shop at the Old Rectory. Tickets will be available on the day of the event for $20 at the Orange Johnson House
- Parking is not permitted within Toll Gate Square or on W. North St. in the block west toward Oxford Street; several lots will be available for use south along High Street to the Griswold Center and north at Wilson Drive
- For more information or to volunteer at this year’s tour, visit worthingtonhistory.org or call 614/885-1247
Convention & Visitors Bureau of Worthington
Worthington, Ohio, offers a variety of activities, attractions, specialty shops and dining options for visitors of all ages and interests. The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Worthington is your resource for all the latest information, including the event calendar at VisitWorthingtonOhio.com. You can also follow us on Facebook at Visit Worthington Ohio.