Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes Makes Convert Out of a Renter

This year’s director of the 42^nd Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes has become evangelical about the annual Mother’s Day weekend event, to be held this year from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12.

“I’ve learned how important the historic nature of the neighborhood is,” said Kelci Cox. “It has been so much learning more about the neighborhood and its history. I have fallen more and more in love with the event and the community and watching people learn about this neighborhood and what they’ve invested in.”

It wasn’t always this way. Cox first moved into the neighborhood in 2017 as a renter. The tour, she thought, was an annoyance, maybe even a waste of time. But no longer — she’s a convert. She loves the tour, promotes the tour, and increased her involvement.

“The Fairmount Historic Home Tour is pretty phenomenal because Fairmount includes some of the best and oldest preserved craftsman homes from the late 1880s into the 1900s,” she said.

Fort Worth’s Near Southside

The Fairmount Southside Historic District occupies about one square mile in Fort Worth’s revitalized Near Southside. Established between 1883 and 1907, Fairmount was a fashionable neighborhood at the turn of the century. It was a professionally diverse community with doctors, lawyers, executives, railroad workers, and brick masons.

After World War II, Fairmount declined as Fort Worth’s suburbs sprouted. Now, through careful renovations and cultural interest, the area stands revitalized with property values soaring.

Some of the most interesting examples of this will be highlighted in an “ambitious” public tour over the two days, according to Cox. This year eight stops — six houses and two businesses — will be included, and she is enthusiastic about what visitors will experience.

“When you come to the Historic Fairmount Historic Home Tour, you’re not only getting to experience the quirkiness and the beauty of the neighborhood but also get a glimpse into the historic nature of the neighborhood that has established the foundation of Fort Worth,” Cox said.

Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes Offers Education, Restoration

At each home, house captains welcome visitors and docents escort them through the properties. Education about the renovation process is taken so seriously that each tour includes one house mid-remodel, revealing the work that goes into the restoration.

Tied to that is the choice for the tour’s “featured stop,” Old Home Supply House. Located at 1801 College Ave., the retailer is known for its array of salvaged architectural pieces, vintage hardware, claw tubs, and garden décor.

“I think Old Home Supply House is one of the best resources to remodel accurately the homes in the neighborhood,” Cox said. “They rescue a lot of things from the old homes.”

Kicking off the home tour festivities will be a public parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Then from noon to 5 p.m. a vendor fair, now in its second year, with 30 local artists will follow. Food trucks will be available, too.

Tour tickets cost $20 in advance online and $25 at the event.

Everyone’s Invited, Even Renters

“This is a neighborhood community event for the community and by the community,” Cox said. “We want everyone to be a part of it.”

Despite her initial reaction to the tour seven years ago, Cox today is excited by Fairmount’s upcoming event. Do you know how converts are often the most enthusiastic? Cox is among those.

She now has transitioned from an interested renter to tour director and a proud owner of a 1940s Fairmount home.