‘We’re back’ home tour

Homeowners in southwest Minneapolis have made “small” tweaks to make their old homes work better for them while blending in with the neighborhood. Their ideas will be on display during the Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The tour is free and self-guided. More at www.msphometour.com.
Ken and Sarah Balogh at 5036 Russell Ave. S. worked with AMEK Design + Build to refresh and open up the kitchen and living room in their 1961 Cape Cod, plus add a bedroom and bath upstairs. Melanie Beck and T.J. Gaffney at 4638 Garfield Ave. added just 40 square feet to the outer footprint of their kitchen and dining room with New Spaces. In the process of opening it up, they moved a vintage buffet to a new prominent spot in their 1920s bungalow.
Bob and Keri Diem at 5100 Garfield Ave., where the street takes a jog, have a new covered landing area at the side which is not only functional, but gives visual interest in keeping with the neighborhood rhythm. That 2020 renovation was part of a kitchen remodel. During the pandemic Bluestem Remodeling came back to refinish the basement with an entertainment area, plus laundry room and basement bath refresh.
There are two new builds on the southwest tour as well: 4201 Washburn Ave. S, an American FourSquare by Anchor Builders, and the Linden Row townhome at 3123 West 43rd St. by Sustainable Nine Design + Build.