On a cloudy, but comfortable day, our streets were filled with visitors who came from near and
far to visit six beautiful houses, thoughtfully selected for this years UDCA Home Tour. The
homes offered an insight into the historical nature of our neighborhood. Many visitors
commented on the beautiful plaster work, the interesting stairways, or the lovely tiles they saw.
The reconstruction and renovation of spaces were admired. Everyone we talked to came away
impressed, inspired, and filled with appreciation for the architects and craftsmen who helped to
create the University District Community.
We sold nearly 1000 tickets, breaking the record number set in 2024. Revenue from ticket
sales and sponsorship was double what we anticipated. Expenses were about what we
anticipated. UDCA cleared about $20,000 from the event, thanks to the generous time and
talent of over 135 volunteers who took on docent duties, set-up and take down, registration, and
so many other tasks. Proceeds will be used to support UDCA projects and social events, such
as the New Resident Welcome Party, the Harvest Fest, and other various neighborhood
gatherings.
Planning the Home Tour is a huge undertaking. We are fortunate to have neighbors who have
the skillset and commitment to contribute in meaningful ways. Meetings began in October 2025
with past chairs Dinah Dittman and Lisa Jones, who shared important information needed to
create a successful home tour. A task forces was put together to curate homes and we were
fortunate to find 6 amazing houses for the tour. After several small meetings we were ready to
put out a call for volunteers needed to create a working committee. Fortunately our 1st meeting
on February 11th brought together an enthusiastic group of people who were ready to commit to
a variety of important tasks. By our 3rd meeting we were able to delegate a variety of jobs. We
had someone to handle sponsorships, editors for written work, a promotion team, and someone
looking into bike rentals and food vendors. Home owners were given a “to do list,” which
included a timeline to help them organize.
Our Home Tour Committee met every month and the momentum grew. Thanks to our fantastic
Sponsorship Chair we had a record number of sponsors, which included new contributors
Gardner White, the Detroit Zoo, Cregger Plumbing, Blossoms, Federal Industrial Services,
Crystal Robertson (State Farm), as well as the continued support of DTE, Hamilton Anderson,
Lisa Jones Reality, Gesu, Dream Girl Detroit, People for Palmer Park, and U of D Mercy
Theatre Company. We are also grateful for the in-kind gifts provided by Black Light, Dakota Inn,
Dutch Girl Donuts, Mike’s Grocery, Savon, and Trader Joes. Special thanks to All Saints
Episcopal Church for hosting our Welcome Center.
A special shout out to all who worked on promotion of the Home Tour. This group began by
finding area events and places where they could personally talk with people and hand out over
a thousand save the date postcards. Next came television and radio promotion, along with a
great article in the Free Press. Promotions ended with a social media blitz using a variety of
available platforms. Kudos also to our UDCA communication chair for continuing to update
everyone in the neighborhood regarding the Home Tour.
A new addition to our Home Tour were Community Tables for our visitors to visit. These tables
were set up at all the homes and included the Detroit Zoo, the Detroit Historical Museum, the
Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Opportunities Knock, Welcome Home Yoga, People for Palmer
Park, and Marygrove Conservancy.
Lastly, thanks to all our neighbors who took time to give special attention to their properties.
Our UDCA community looked terrific! Planning for the 2028 University District Home Tour will
start in June 2027. If you think you might like to be involved, including having your home in the
tour, please email info@udca.info
