By Rebecca Caldwell, Special to Colorado Community Media
The much-loved Jewels of Highlands Home Tour made a spectacular return on Sept. 21, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the tour.
Approximately 500 tour participants checked in for the tour at Nostalgic Homes Group along West 32nd Avenue and received their tour booklets, which included information about the six beautiful homes on the tour.
Proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales surpassed $32,000, with every dollar going to directly support students at North High School, the neighborhood’s historic public school.
Tour participants then toured the stunning private residences located in the West Highlands neighborhood on their own.
The easily walkable tour included the iconic Carter Mansion at 2959 Perry St., the largest private residence in Northwest Denver; the Dr. Mary Ford House at 3825 W. 32nd Ave.; as well as 4000 W. 32nd Ave.; 3933 W. 30th Ave.; 3106 Lowell Blvd.; and 3362 W. 32nd Ave.
The self-guided tour allowed four hours to peruse the beautiful properties and explore new and time-tested favorites in Highland Square. Tour goers even stopped mid-tour for a coffee, lunch or a bit of shopping at one of the vibrant businesses along the route.
The Jewels Tour included various architectural and design styles from vintage Victorian to bungalow and foursquare to chic new construction.
The event was staffed entirely by parent and student volunteers from North High School and sponsoring brokers from Nostalgic Homes Group.
“This outstanding event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for area DPS schools over the years, and we’re thrilled that the proceeds now benefit North High,” North High School Principal German Echevarría said. “We are incredibly thankful to Nostalgic Homes Group for their presenting sponsorship and to the homeowners who graciously open up their homes for the tour.”
The last Jewels of Highlands Home Tour took place in 2019 and funds raised were donated to Skinner and Lake Middle Schools. Following 2019, the tour was paused due to the COVID pandemic.
The Jewels of Highlands Home Tour has also supported Academia Ana Marie Sandoval, Denver School of the Arts and Brown International Academy over the years. As in so many years past, The event was organized by Jenny Apel and Nostalgic Homes Group, whose staff has worked with tremendous dedication to champion this event that means so much to schools.
The tour would not be possible without the generous sponsorships by ZAGA Design, Hibler Mortgage Team, Jaxann Riggs of The Mortgage Network, GJ Gardner Homes, First Alliance Title, Discount Rooter, Speaks Orthodontics, Metalmark Fine Jewelry, Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval, Highlands Animal Clinic, Tennyson Pediatric Dentistry and Claro Creative Group.
Rebecca Caldwell is a marketing and communications professional with Denver Public Schools.