A view down Arlington Avenue in the River Bend neighborhood on Saturday. Photo: Andrew Houp
(Des Moines, IA) -- History and architecture enthusiasts are being given another chance to browse through some of the oldest homes in Des Moines this weekend. The River Bend neighborhood is hosting its 25th annual home tour.
"There's a very passionate group of homeowners that's looking to preserve and restore the historic fabric of the neighborhood for future generations to enjoy," says Mike Hildebrand, coordinator of the tour for the last 12 years. "Not a lot of people have the stomach for renovating old houses," he says, "they come through and see how the other half lives." There are 11 homes on this year's tour.
River Bend was originally part of North Des Moines, the first suburb of Des Moines, until annexed pursuant to an act of the State Legislature in 1890. Some of the area homes date to the 1870s. The self-guided tour runs 10 A.M to 4 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets can be obtained at the ticket booth at 1535 7th Street, across from Moulton Elementary, or online.