Wednesday, December 4, 2024–9:20 a.m.
-News Release-
The Rome Area Heritage Foundation (RAHF) and MSP Attorneys will host the fifth annual #ThisPlaceMatters Historic Home Tour on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the College Heights Historic District. This year’s tour will feature five residences showcasing a wide range of architecture and design, all adorned in their holiday best. Home tour tickets are available online for $35 each and include a 2025 membership to RAHF. Lifetime RAHF members are welcome to tour at no charge and do not need to reserve tickets in advance.
“This is certainly a rare opportunity to explore these historic properties,” said Jeb Arp, a RAHF board member and local REALTOR who coordinates the event each year. “We are very excited to usher in the holidays with a Christmas-themed tour in a beautiful neighborhood that is filled with history but sometimes flies under the radar.”
Featuring curvilinear, tree-lined streets, College Heights holds the distinction of being Rome’s first residential community designed with automobiles in mind. Its history is closely intertwined with neighboring Shorter University. In 1910, when plans were made to relocate Shorter College from downtown Rome, real estate developer and merchant Capt. J.L. Bass — for whom Bass Avenue was named — played a pivotal role. He offered his estate, Maplehurst, along with 20 acres of land for the relocation. The all-female college purchased an additional 135 acres from Capt. Bass to create the school’s original footprint. Recognizing its historical significance and deep ties to local heritage, the Rome City Commission designated College Heights as a local historic district on July 3, 2000.
Christmas Tour of Homes patrons will explore five unique residential settings, including:
· A meticulously restored Craftsman-style bungalow with original woodwork and period details
· A Tudor Revival home with a towering gabled roof and charming leaded glass windows
· A stately Georgian residence known for its symmetrical design and elegant interior finishes
· An eye-catching Dutch Revival, complete with its iconic gambrel roof and unique architectural flourishes
· A sprawling 1930s ranch with Cape Cod elements, immaculately decorated for the season
“We are so grateful to the property owners for taking the time during this busy season to open up their beautiful homes, and to our sponsors for their ongoing support of this fun annual tradition,” added Arp.
In addition to support from presenting sponsor MSP Attorneys, the Rome Area Heritage Foundation is proud to partner with the Blaylock Agency, Dogwood Restoration & Design, Fast Printing & Signs, Hardy Realty, and Toles, Temple & Wright Real Estate to make this event possible. Joyristas from Java Joy will also be onsite during the tour serving coffee and hot chocolate, compliments of College Heights resident and REALTOR Katie Edwards.
Tour wristbands and guides will be available for pickup at the corner of Fairway Drive and Rockridge Road from 4 to 5 p.m. on the day of the event. Any unsold tickets will be available for purchase at the same location. Event patrons are encouraged to park on Bass Avenue, Fairway Drive, or Rockridge Road and walk between participating residences. To ensure ample time to visit each home, attendees are encouraged to begin the tour promptly at 4 p.m.
For tickets and more information, visit www.RomeAreaHeritageFoundation.org.