ERC selects 30th Annual Designers’ Showhouse Sites

ERC Resource & Referral announces sites for the 30th Annual Designers’ Showhouse, an annual grassroots fundraiser for the non-profit, community service agency. The event raises critically needed support for ERC though a partnership between ERC, local home owners, and area designers and craftsmen. This year, ERC has select two homes with unique features to transform and showcase for public tours and activities:

A historic, Victorian home at 1621 SW Boswell, in the College Hill neighborhood --- The home built by the Sweet family in 1922 has been a private residence, a home for unwed mothers and was recently purchased by the United Methodist Church as a campus ecumenical ministry center. The first and second floors are identical, however, the first floor will be transformed into a gathering room, small group conference space, offices and fellowship areas. The second floor will be transformed into communal student residences featuring bedrooms; bathrooms; and kitchen, dining and living room space.

A new construction home at 5029 NW Derby Drive in North Topeka --- This 3400 square-foot home is being built in the Sterling Chase housing edition by Russ King Homes for a Topeka family. The home will feature "green," or environmentally friendly, construction techniques and energy efficiencies, and will be rated as an Energy Star home. This project will help educate the public about the latest in "green" building, as well as showcase the creativity of area decorators and interior designers.

"This year’s event is a little different from the previous 29 Showhouses. We are featuring two homes. We have never featured ‘green building’ before. The timing seemed right as our society is becoming more aware and interested in green building techniques and learning ways to conserve energy. The north home will create public awareness and entertain at the same time," said Reva Wywadis, ERC executive director. "The Topeka Home Builders Association Green Council is heavily involved with the project."

"The home on Boswell is interesting because of it’s history and intended use as a campus ministry and student residence. It will create new and interesting design challenges for our interior designers as they help transform the space into a functional, livable, yet fun environment that appeals to the college crowd and young-at-heart," said Wywadis.

Because the home on Boswell is an ecumenical ministry with limited funding, ERC is encouraging local businesses and philanthropic community members to consider adopting a room to provide the funding necessary to makeover the property. "We really need the support of the community on this showhouse property. Community support will benefit two local non-profits---ERC and Campus Ministry at Washburn University."

"We have a lot of space this year to design and decorate. We need area designers to help us transform both properties with the latest and greatest design trends, while keeping the intended purpose of both properties," said Wywadis.

Local businesses and individuals interested in supporting the project and area designers interested in decorating a room at either property are asked to contact Reva Wywadis at ERC Resource & Referral at 785-357-5171 as soon as possible.

A "bare bones" showing of both properties is scheduled for February 18-21, 2010. The Bare Bones Preview kicks off the Showhouse event by giving the public the chance to tour both properties for $5 before work begins. Special events at area showrooms are also being planned this year in conjunction with the Bare Bones Preview showing.

Visit www.ercrefer. org for updates on the 30th Annual ERC Designers’ Showhouses and associated events.