Annual Palmer Woods tour features more homes and a renovated gem

Detroit’s most spectacular residential neighborhood, filled with classic Tudor’s and modern mansions, is once again offering a tour of some of its best estates. The Palmer Woods Home & Garden Tour, which takes place on July 13 and 14, will feature 10 homes and an evening soiree.

Starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, continuously-running motor coaches will take guests door-to-door to homes on the tour. Strolling is also encouraged. Some of the homes include the first built in the neighborhood, a 9,000-square-foot French Chateau–style home, and the famous Dorothy G. Turkel House, the only one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Detroit.

There will also be a Welcome Center at 1700 Wellesley Drive where guests can take a break and buy snacks from food trucks. The 8,670-square-foot French-inspired mansion was owned by Dr. Alma Rose George, the first African-American woman surgeon in the city. It was recently purchased by a couple with building and design expertise, and is being renovated in time for the tour.

The Saturday evening soiree runs from 5 to 10 p.m. and will feature a strolling dinner, special drinks, live music, and guided tours of homes. Tickets cost $35 for the day tour and $125 for the soiree.

The tours are organized by the Palmer Woods Association. According to event co-chair Joshua Ronnebaum, proceeds go towards neighborhood beautification efforts, other community-oriented projects, a group of local charities. Past recipients of charitable contributions include COTS, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy, Alternative for Girls, and Mosaic Youth Theater.

Tickets to both events are limited; purchase or learn more here.