Architectural history walking tour

The Minnesota State Capitol building is Cass Gilbert's best-known work. But the renowned architect also designed a number of private homes and churches, many of which are still standing in St. Paul.

The Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians is hosting a fall walking tour featuring Gilbert's work in the Summit Avenue area. The tour, "Cass Gilbert's Houses and Churches: Architecture and Social Context in St. Paul," will start at the Virginia Street Church on Selby Avenue, continue with a tour of the Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church and then offer a walking tour of several nearby homes, including the Crawford Livingston House and the Charles and Emily Noyes House. Architectural historians Kate Solomonson and Jeanne Kilde will lead the tour.

The tour will be held 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, and the registration deadline is Thursday. The cost is $20 ($5 for students). To register online, visit www.mnsah.org. For more information, call Rolf Anderson, 612-824-7807.

Accessory collection

What's new in home accessories? Room & Board is celebrating its new collection of American-made home accent pieces, including artwork, pillows, tableware and lighting, with an event Thursday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors can sample beer by Rush River Brewing Company and light bites from Never Enough Thyme.

RSVPs are requested at 952-927-8835. Room & Board is located at 7010 France Av. S., Edina.

Grand re-opening

A longtime family-owned interior design firm is unveiling its new space at a grand re-opening this week. Romens' (formerly Romens Interiors and The Find) has moved just a few blocks, into a new design studio and retail store in Eden Prairie. The 40-year-old firm now includes three generations of designers (Ginny Romens, her daughter Lynn Goodwin and her daughter Bridget Connell).

The new Romens’ design studio/store in Eden Prairie.

On Thursday from 4-7 p.m., Romens' will host a Grand Re-Opening party with food and wine catered by Tavern 4 & 5, plus discounts, contests and giveaways featuring home decor and gift items. Romens' new studio/store is located at 7820 Terrey Pine Court, Eden Prairie.

Festive fundraising

Sip and nibble for a good cause at "Wine, Women and Wishes," a fundraiser to benefit Make-A-Wish Minnesota, hosted by Crystal Kitchen Center. The event, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, will include cooking demonstrations by David Fhima, chef and owner of Faces, desserts from Buttered Tin, beverages from 2 Gingers Whiskey, meditation and relaxation exercises from Steel Fitness, decorating tips from Gertens, and modeling of clothing from West End shops and jewelry from Unrefined.

The cost is $50. Crystal Kitchen Center is located at 3620 Winnetka Av. N., Crystal.

Exploring the North Loop

Curious about living and working in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood? The North Loop Neighborhood Association is sponsoring a tour of condos and offices from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. The cost is $10, and all proceeds go toward greening in the North Loop. For more information, visit www.northloop.org.

Kim Palmer