Third Thursday Trolley Tour Celebrates Downtown Living

As Millennials graduate into the workforce and Baby Boomers retire, downtowns acrossthe country as seeing a surge of interest in urban living. A recent article in Forbes magazine reported that downtowns are seeing a double-digit increase in residential growth.

Once every two years, the Downtown Development Authority, with the help of downtown residents and owners, hosts its popular Downtown Residential Open House. This year’s tour is Thursday, April 18th from 5 to 8 p.m. The tour will run the gamut from open concept lofts to penthouse pads to a suite where stars lounge in between movie shoots.

A special treat will be an upstairs space that looks much as it did in the 1880's. The space is most definitely the "Before" shot, but you will also be able to see the vision for "After" with the help of downtown architect Kevin Bryan. Bryan re-imagined the space for a modern lifestyle and his 3D plans will be on display, showing you what the space could become.

Those wishing to take the tour must register at artspace, 710 Texas Street. A photo ID will be required. Transportation will be provided.

In addition to the tour, there will be a full night of activity at artspace, with the Shreve Memorial Library presenting its "Are You Smarter than a Librarian?" competition along with the opening of artist Stephen Porter’s "SixtyFeet" exhibit. All events are free.

***Tour Tidbits***

Strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour. It is not recommended to bring children under the age of 12. Most of these private residential spaces are not ADA accessible and there will be a lot of stair climbing throughout the evening.

(Article courtesy of Downtown Development Authority)