Vintage houses can be full of new surprises. Jeff Conrod's 1915 Arts and Crafts bungalow in St. Paul has a metal roof lined with solar panels. A 1920s Minneapolis colonial owned by Blake Zochert is warmed by high-tech in-floor heat.
Both houses are among the urban residences on the Minneapolis & St. Paul Home Tour that show how homeowners have injected eco-friendly features, along with re-used and recycled materials.
"My home is an example of how easy it is to incorporate green design when remodeling an old house," said Conrod. "And even with modern amenities, you can still maintain the historical character."
Next weekend, the welcome mats will be out at more than 50 homes, encompassing everything from an 1890s restored Queen Anne to new-construction lofts for sale. Owners will share their experiences and show off their remodeled kitchens, bathrooms, additions, refinished attics and basements, as well as green construction. Tourgoers also can find out what it's like to live in the heart of the city and explore the diverse neighborhoods.
"You don't have to leave the city to have a spacious, comfortable home that fits your needs," said Conrod, who will be on hand to answer questions about his many home-improvement projects. "And the West Side is an undiscovered gem in St. Paul."
