Join the Westcott Center for Architecture + Design as we celebrate our region’s distinctive architecture and history with our annual Summer Tour Series.The Summer Tour Series examines the architecture, design, and history of the built environment in the Greater Springfield Region. The 2021 series includes a variety of walking tours and happy hour tours featuring diverse subjects and fascinating stories. Architects, curators, historians, and local professionals guide each tour. This year’s series starts on July 23rd and runs through September 15th.
Please be advised that we do not mail tickets. You will receive an order confirmation by email. You will be automatically added to the attendee list upon the completion of your order.
It is perhaps appropriate that the Metallic Casket Company factory complex wraps around two sides of Springfield’s oldest cemetery. This land, set aside by James Demint in 1801, is the eternal resting place for Springfield’s earliest residents, including Demint himself. Join historian Kevin Rose on a walk of hallowed ground and hear the stories of Springfield pioneers, Revolutionary War soldiers, and a member of the Boston Tea Party. We will visit Mother Stewart’s Brewery, housed in a restored section of the Metallic Casket Factory, and sample one of their award-winning beers. Meet outside the brewery at 102 West Columbia Street. $20, which includes a beer or glass of wine at Mother Stewart’s. Guided by Kevin Rose. Mobility 3.
With the success of the Champion Reaper in the late 19th century, Springfield led the nation in the production of farm machinery. These industrialists’ vast and often newly-acquired wealth manifested in opulent Gilded Age mansions along East High Street. Tour with us through this open museum of architecture and enterprise and discover the rich histories of Governor Bushnell, famed publisher W.W. Norton, and more. Meet at the corner of East High and York Streets. $15 General / $12 Members. Guided by Kevin Rose. Mobility 2.
From the Community Walls Project of the 1970s to Project Jericho’s work in the 2010s, public art has played a key role in shaping Springfield’s urban environment and giving live to local revitalization efforts. Join historian Kevin Rose on this Public Art Crawl as we explore several significant works, including David Black’s Flipover, Mariah Kaminsky’s Rose City mural, and Ronald Bladen’s controversial sculpture Oracle’s Vision. This special tour includes two drinks at The Market Bar, one for the tour and one at the end. Meet outside COhatch Market, 101 South Fountain Avenue. $40, which includes two craft cocktails (or other drink) at The Market Bar. Guided by Kevin Rose. Mobility 2.
At the end of the 19th century, local leaders understood that great architecture was part of their civic duty. With downtown as their canvas, architects painted a streetscape that exemplified Springfield’s past achievements and future aspirations, including Warder Library (1890), City Building and Market (1890), and Bushnell Building (1893). Tour through Springfield’s Golden Age of architecture. Meet outside the Heritage Center, 117 South Fountain Avenue. $22, which includes a craft cocktail (or other drink) at The Market Bar. Guided by Kevin Rose. Mobility 2.
Ferncliff Cemetery, covering over 240 acres of rolling hills and pastoral landscape, was platted during the Civil War as Springfield’s new rural cemetery. Its many mausoleums and memorials, including those of leading citizens and industrialists, are replete with religious symbolism and imagery. Join Ferncliff historian Ski Schanher on a tour of this hallowed ground, as he interprets Springfield’s rich history preserved in stone. Meet at the Ferncliff Cemetery Chapel, 501 West McCreight Avenue. $15 General / $12 Members. Guided by Ski Schanher. Mobility 3.
It is perhaps appropriate that the Metallic Casket Company factory complex wraps around two sides of Springfield’s oldest cemetery. This land, set aside by James Demint in 1801, is the eternal resting place for Springfield’s earliest residents, including Demint himself. Join historian Kevin Rose on a walk of hallowed ground and hear the stories of Springfield pioneers, Revolutionary War soldiers, and a member of the Boston Tea Party. We will visit Mother Stewart’s Brewery, housed in a restored section of the Metallic Casket Factory, and sample one of their award-winning beers. Meet outside the brewery at 102 West Columbia Street. $20, which includes a beer or a glass of wine at Mother Stewart’s. Guided by Kevin Rose. Mobility 3.
Prominent Americans like Oliver S. Kelly, William N. Whitely, and Harry S. Kissell are just part of South Fountain’s storied past. With their success, and that of their neighbors, South Fountain came to be recognized as a premier neighborhood for Springfield’s affluent class. Experience the renaissance of this National Register Historic District with resident experts Jeff Smith and Richele Shepard. Meet outside First Baptist Church at 638 South Fountain Avenue. $15 General / $12 Members. Guided by Jeff Smith and Richele Shepard. Mobility 2.
In the 1960s and 1970s, a new vision for a vibrant downtown materialized through a series of structures that remain today as an enduring imprint of the modern era in Springfield. Join us as we examine the buildings that redefined the downtown experience, from the elegant minimalism of SOM’s Credit Life Tower to the sleek expressionism of Alfred Shaw’s Key Bank Building. Meet outside COhatch Market, 101 South Fountain Avenue. $22, which includes a craft cocktail (or other drink) at The Market Bar. Guided by Suzanne Cavazos. Mobility 1.
At the end of the 19th century, local leaders understood that great architecture was part of their civic duty. With downtown as their canvas, architects painted a streetscape that exemplified Springfield’s past achievements and future aspirations, including Warder Library (1890), City Building and Market (1890), and Bushnell Building (1893). Tour through Springfield’s Golden Age of architecture. Meet outside the Heritage Center, 117 South Fountain Avenue. $22, which includes a craft cocktail (or other drink) at The Market Bar. Guided by Kevin Rose. Mobility 2.
If you feel unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. CDC recommends that even fully vaccinated people should still get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you develop symptoms after purchasing your tickets, please contact our staff at info@westcotthouse.org for a refund.
Our patrons, as well as staff and volunteers, are welcome to wear a mask. However, in accordance with CDC and State of Ohio, masks are optional indoors and outdoors for fully vaccinated persons.
We request that unvaccinated patrons wear a mask.
We limit each Summer Tour Series program to 15 attendees
Our tours and programs are developed for a broad audience, including those with disabilities and decreased mobility. Tours move at a leisurely pace with brief periods of standing at tour stops. If entering a building or house, some stairs or inclines may be possible. All tours are assigned mobility levels between 1-3.
Mobility Level 1
Up to 6 blocks walking, mostly flat terrain, paved, stairs not likely. Wheelchair accessible.
Mobility Level 2
May be more than 6 blocks walking, some hills, mostly paved, some stairs possible. Please call or email about wheelchair accessibility.
Mobility Level 3
Considerable walking, various terrains, unpaved areas. All bicycle tours. Please call or email about wheelchair accessibility.
