This Saturday, August 5, select members of the AHCA will be walking the neighborhood, in search of the most beautiful houses. Homes selected will receive recognition at our September general membership meeting on Wednesday, September 13.
So – if you hear a knock on your door this Saturday afternoon, answer it! We want to tell you how gorgeous your yard is, and congratulate you on a job very well done.
What Is House Beautiful?
The House Beautiful Awards, created in 2011 and first given in that year, were established as a biannual event to recognize the outstanding effort of homeowners who maintain their overall property, thereby enhancing the quality of life in Archer Heights and increasing the desirability of homes and buildings in our community.
Three classes of awards are presented as follows:
- Single family homes, two-flats and three-flats – up to 25 recipients.
- Best commercial business.
- Best industrial business.
Selection Criteria:
- Curb appeal which includes the overall condition of each building and the attractiveness of the front garden, lawn and parkway.
- Health of the grass including regular fertilization, watering, cutting and edging.
- Condition of landscaping, maintenance of trees, shrubbery, plants and flowers.
- Overall balance and any unusual or creative landscaping aspects including such things as fountains, statuary, decorative elements and outdoor art pieces.
- Overall cleanliness of the property.
- All styles of landscaping from simple to elaborate considered.
- Corner addresses given special consideration since it takes substantial effort to maintain a larger property area and sometimes the corner house sets a visual tone for a block.
Some Disqualifiers:
- Lawns with brown spots, weeds or high grass.
- Leftover hanging Christmas lights or other holiday decorations.
- Too many flowers, plants, shrubbery, ornaments, pots or garden toys, projecting a cluttered look.
- Poorly maintained building, chipped paint, broken windows, awnings, etc.
- No front porch handrails.
- Cracked front walks, broken or sinking porch steps.
- Gating of front lawns, sectioning off a house from what otherwise is a beautiful open block.
- Uncollected newspapers, advertising flyers, children’s toys or garden hoses.
Why We Do This
We present these awards to not only honor those homeowners or businesses that perform extra effort to maintain their properties, but to also encourage others to do the same. Beautifully maintained home and business properties are a win-win situation for the entire community.
(Photos are of past winners of House Beautiful Awards.)