Winchester Underground returns on April 19 for a tour of several properties along South Kent Street. Tours will be docent-led inside the properties. The tour is geared toward rarely seen gems that are not open to the public, or are “works in progress” to show historic preservation in action. It is the theme of progress that brings PHW to Kent Street in 2008. A sense of renewal and promise follows you as you travel down South Kent Street and admire the turn of the century vernacular architecture. So come aboard the Winchester Underground—our next stop is South Kent Street!
About Winchester Underground
The Winchester Underground tour series was conceived in 2007 by Preservation of Historic Winchester as a way to raise awareness and educate the public on the value of historic buildings in downtown Winchester. The tours offer an interactive aspect not available to a slide presentation alone—by physically seeing the buildings, tour-goers can better appreciate the special history and unique character of Winchester’s architectural legacy.
The tour is geared toward rarely seen gems that are not open to the public, or are “works in progress” to show historic preservation in action. It is the theme of progress that brings PHW to Kent Street in 2008. A sense of renewal and promise follows you as you travel down South Kent Street and admire the turn of the century vernacular architecture. So come aboard the Winchester Underground—our next stop is South Kent Street!
Why Kent Street?
PHW has been fighting a plan to demolish a row of houses in the 400 block of South Kent Street. Many have asked, including some of our own members, “What’s the beef?” “Why should we citizens be concerned about Kent Street?” We invite you to come see for yourself—see what progress has been made by private owners to restore the street, see what a commitment to community and neighborhood can accomplish, see what promise Kent Street holds—and see what challenges remain. Judge for yourselves if demolition should be the future of the street. Also take this opportunity to learn more about the “Patsy Cline House” and the plans for its future.
Tour Stops:
219, 220, 310, 506, 518, 606, and 608 South Kent Street in Winchester. 608 South Kent will be exterior only, while you will be able to enter the rest of the houses on the tour. Click here for a copy of the brochure (PDF document.)
Approximately 100-125 people showed their support by touring the seven houses that Saturday. Thank you again, and stay tuned for more Winchester Underground events!
Read the Winchester Star articles covering the event here and here.