FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The popular Fairhope Historic Homes Tour, now in its 13th year, will feature a variety of homes that have been lovingly preserved and updated on a two-mile walking tour Sunday, May 1, 1-4 p.m. Organizers recommend starting and ending at First Baptist Church on South Section Street.

Tour organizers from the Historic Fairhope Preservation Committee have donated proceeds toward various projects including community education on historic preservation, markers for historic districts, and assisting with the renovation of the old City Hall, which now houses the Fairhope Museum of History. Tickets are available for $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the tour at Page & Palette and Green Gate Market.

For more information call 251-929-3944 or email mdonald@me.com.

311 Fels Avenue

In 2004, this early 1900s home was rescued. It had been labeled endangered by the state historical preservation board when a local businessman came upon it. He had a plan for this little house that would forever change its future.In a fast-track renovation (58 days, to be exact), this once-abandoned residential property was transformed into the eye-catching corporate headquarters of Beaufort Engineering Services (BES).

Because the home was situated along the outer edge of Fairhope's business district, BES's goal was to create a harmonious relationship with surrounding buildings and the adjoining residential neighborhood, while accommodating the needs of the business as well. The result is an inspired balance of form and function.

BES's restoration team took great care in preserving the architecture of the small home. Heart pine flooring, bead board paneling, and millwork were kept intact to maintain the residential feel and historical accuracy of the home. In an effort to remain true to the original design of the bungalow, significant details were extended into the new addition; specifically, bead board paneling, hardwood flooring, millwork, double-hung mullioned windows, and even an original porcelain drain-board sink. New additions to the building include aglass front porch, carport, and executive office. What was once a potting shed has since been restored and is now the employee lounge. An inlaid-compass counter, though new, is a stylish nod to the bungalow's Arts and Crafts origin.

BES's respect for the environment and its sensitivity to context factored heavily in the design and restoration of this historic property. Some of these thoughtful considerations include harnessing and exploitation of solar energy and natural daylight, recycling available materials, use of indigenous plants in landscaping, and modernization of electrical components with an eye toward increased energy conservation. All of which has helped make BES the sixth LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) project in the state of Alabama.

60 WHITE AVENUE

Where there were two residences now there is one. Situated on a corner just one block from the bay, 60 White Street was once a duplex - two distinct residences, each with its own entry, porch, driveway, kitchen, pair of bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces. Now, there is a lovely yellow home with a semi-circular driveway and garden.

When the current owners discovered the property in 1987, they set about converting the 1941 structure into a family home. Still very much in its original state, the duplex had no central air-conditioning and its primary heat source came from space heaters. But despite what it may have lacked in modern-day creature comforts, it did boast quality craftsmanship typical of its day - beautiful hardwood floors, random-width poplar paneled walls, and 9-foot ceilings.

After so many changes in the 20-plus years since they purchased it, this property suits its owners' lifestyle with so much of the original space being "repurposed" - where once there was a kitchen now there is a laundry room, the original porches were enclosed and are now incorporated into the formal dining room and entry hall, a bedroom was opened up into a den while another was converted into a bath and hallway. More recent changes include a master bedroom addition as well as a large two-car garage and workshop. Above the garage lies a large playroom for the grandchildren to stay, play and enjoy.

3 MOSS OAK COURT - "Lagniappe"

Just 500 feet from Mobile Bay lies a small gated community. Nestled here are just five homes. Each is distinctly its own; all are beautiful. As your gaze falls upon 3 Moss Oak Court, something clicks in your mind. Standing there before you is the incarnation of what you've always imagined as the classic "grand old southern home." Double verandas, columns that soar, multiple-sets of French doors, and beautiful landscaping make one take notice of this genteel home.

The winding front walk leads you past the crepe myrtle and up the brick stairs onto the lower-level veranda. Take note of this sumptuously-furnished outdoor living area with its cushioned seating and ceiling fans. Once inside the entry you are rewarded with a 4,500 square-foot showplace. These owners are avid collectors of antiques, local art (some by the gentleman-of-the-house), and the unexpected yard-sale treasure. (Be sure to find the old pharmacy sign which was salvaged by the owner and refurbished with special care.)

Outside are more treasures. As you pass through the backdoor and into the garden you come upon a variety of citrus trees and then a small fish pond. Stroll about the grounds a bit and you will find a second, larger fish pond, as well as a rose garden and a partially hidden walkway laden with a variety of plants and ivy. But be sure not to rush; after all this is the South.

206 PIER AVENUE

Truth be told, the beautiful lot is what captured the attention of these homeowners. In their eyes, the cottage that sat upon it was merely a bonus.

Constructed with just a single bedroom and bath,the original structure was likely built as little more than a weekend hideaway. Thanks to a couple of extensive renovations by the current owners as well as a previous one, the now spacious home includes a master suite, three bedrooms, a lovely kitchen, laundry room and breezy screened porch.

Careful thought has gone into preserving the original feel of the once tiny cottage. Original windows and hardwood floors have survived many modifications that were made to the house over the decades. The most recent changes, like the kitchen and bathroom.additions, were designed to make them feel as if they were simply updated rather than entirely new additions. The resulting home is truly befitting of the beautiful property it sits upon.

354 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET

The broad front porch beckons you to grab a tall, cool drink and take a seat under the breeze of the gently rotating fans. But although this home has all the hallmarks of Southern hospitality, it boasts what what surely must be a bit of Yankee ingenuity.

In 1939 a baker from Chicago purchased a small tract of land along South Summit Street. He spent the ensuing 10 years building his family home on the property using his own two hands. He spent decades thereafter enjoying the fruits of his labor. The home that resulted would make any born-and-bred Southerner proud.

Larger than one might think at first glance, this cottage was built with a full basement (a rarity in old Fairhope) as well as an elevator (even more rare) which ran from the basement to the attic. The elevator has since been removed and the basement has been renovated to include two bedrooms, a bath, and a living space. Prior to its renovation, the basement was rumored to be a popular gathering place for neighbors when hurricanes bore down on the area. When hurricanes were not threatening the neighbors, the basement functioned as a workshop where the lady-of-the-house made the lamps and lampshades for which she was fairly well known.

In later years, subsequent owners divided the tract of land adjacent to the home, thus reducing the size of the property but aside from thoughtful modifications, little of the house has changed in seven decades. As an example, although the kitchen has undergone renovation, the original kitchen cabinets remain, as do the original hardwood floors which were discovered underneath layers of linoleum and tile flooring. Interior doors, wood moldings, and cottagestyle windows (complete with wavy-glass) are all original to the home. And when the home's current owners decided to expand without changing the home's original footprint they insulated and drywalled the attic thus creating new living and storage areas. But it was in looking at their options for flooring in the attic that they used a bit of ingenuity of their own-they simply took up the pine planks, flipped them, and had them reinstalled using the previously untouched surface.

With such thoughtful care it is no wonder than even today, over 70 years later, this charming wood-clad home with the wrought-iron-adorned porch remains a testament to true craftsmanship.