"Building
on our dream" is the theme of the 26th annual Bedford-Stuyvesant
house tour, which showcases both meticulously restored brownstones
and those turn-of-the-century architectural gems still in the
renovation process. With new shops blooming on the main drag
of Lewis Avenue, the neighborhood has been undergoing a renaissance,
so the Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant (the non-profit group
organizing the tour) want Brooklynites to see first-hand how
homeowners can help turn a place around.
"The theme reflects the hope and dreams that we have for
our neighborhood," says Brenda Fryson, president of Brownstoners.
"We want to encourage people to stay and bring young families
in."
The self-guided tour departs from the Brooklyn Academy High School,
at 832 Marcy Ave. at Putnam Avenue, beginning at 11 am on Sept.
16, with 10 homes to visit. Houses close promptly at 4 pm.
Also inside the school, there will be a homebuyers’ seminar at
9 am, as well as a bazaar of crafts and home decor goods, from
10 am to 4 pm. Proceeds from the tour help fund a number of neighborhood
initiatives, including scholarships and adult literacy programs.
Tickets are $20, available in advance or on the day of the tour
at Brownstone Books, 409 Lewis Ave. between Decatur and MacDonough
streets, (718) 953-7328; The Juke Joint Juice Jaffe, 1585 Fulton
St. between Albany Avenue and Marcus Garvey Boulevard, (718)
778-0777; and Lewis Gallery, 525 Atlantic Ave. between Third
and Fourth avenues, (718) 624-8372. For more information visit
the Web site www.brownstonebooks.com/
events_housetour.html.
BED-STUY TOUR
