Morningside Development Highlights 48th Annual ‘Showcase Of Homes’
Take a mosey along the Spokane Valley’s newest Street of Dreams.
That’s what the Spokane Association of Homebuilders hopes you’ll do during the 48th annual “Showcase of Homes.” This year’s show takes place at Morningside, a development on Chapman Road and 32nd Avenue. It opened Friday and continues through July 27.
This is the fifth time in the last 15 years that the home show has been held in the Valley. In 1991, the show was at MeadowWood. Bella Vista was the site of the show in 1989, and the show stopped at Midilome and Northwood in the 1980s, said Suzanne Knapp of Spokane Home Builders.
Sites are selected based on the development’s popular appeal as well as builders’ interest. Other factors include space for parking and open space for crowds.
“Dreams Come True” is the theme of the 1997 show, which highlights innovations in home design, technology and construction.
“It’s seven different dreams,” says Knapp, who estimates that 20,000 people will attend the showcase.
“People will see seven homes in all different price ranges, everything from architecture to furnishing.”
This year’s show features two separate price categories: $175,000 to $275,000 and $350,000 to $475,000.
Organizers are also focusing on some less-likely home buyers. “McDream Street” is a virtual fairyland for kids, featuring 11 built-to-scale playhouses for the sheer enjoyment of youngsters.
Kids can hop through a tepee, or work the counter of a miniature McDonald’s restauant. They can shout, “all aboard!” at the mini railroad depot, or explore the summer cottage, Victorian mansion, ocean lighthouse, fire station or log home.
The playhouses will be raffled off, with the proceeds benefitting the Ronald McDonald House.
“I don’t know any other showcase in the United States that has done this,” said Knapp, referring to the houses built just for tots.
Special events are scheduled for each day. Home builders will give workshops on decorative amenities, such as cabinetry, skylighting and landscaping. Ice cream parties, free music, and prize giveaways round out the week.
To get to the show, travel south on Sullivan Road to 32nd. Turn east, heading up the hill to Chapman Road. Then, follow the signs for parking.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of area
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HOMESHOW Admission to the home show is $6. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Military personnel get $1 off on July 21. Show hours this weekend are: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Next week: daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hours on July 26 and 27 are the same as this weekend’s schedule.