The Anual Victorian Christmas Tour and Tea returns again.

For complete information, go here to get the full scoop.

Mark your calendar for the evening of December 7,  starting at 6:30 pm, for the 4th Annual Victorian Christmas Tour Block Party.  Plans are well under way, for a fun-filled evening.

We will have live music by Chris Bednar and One Rock Taylor. Webb’s will be serving food for purchase.  We will be having 2 separate tastings:  a holiday drink tasting,  brought to you by 927 Reserve and a wine tasting by Vinology.  Charitable donations for a local charity will be collected for the tastings.

Santa's Seigh and Santa himself will be there for photos apps.  

We plan to have several tents set up in the parking lot for cover, if the weather doesn't cooperate. Fleck’s Gulf has space but, overflow is in the parking lot.

See you there.

The Christmas Tour Block Party Committee

The Anual Victorian Christmas Tour and Tea returns again.

For complete information, go here to get the full scoop.

Please join us at our New Neighbor Welcome Party. Mingle with old and new neighbors and get info about getting involved in our vibrant community. We have many clubs and activities always going on so there is something for everyone.

If you are an existing East Row resident, please encourage any new neighbors to attend. If you don’t know any new neighbors, come anyway.

Adult refreshments will be provided by the East Row Historical Foundation, but we ask if you could please bring an appetizer to share.

Sorry about the relatively short notice but a Renovation Happy hour has been rescheduled for Thursday August 8th from 6 to 8pm.   We are hoping you will all be able to join us.

We will be looking at the “After ” of the renovation project at 603 Monroe Street. You viewed the “Before" in a previous Renovation Happy Hour in July of 2023. Many of you commented about the extensive amount of work that was going to be needed to bring this building back.

The 600 block of Monroe is where the annual East Row Block Party is held and is regarded by many as one of the more desirable blocks to live in the East Row.

603 Monroe is a brick Italianate with a characteristic style very typical of many of the other houses on the block.

The renovation has been very extensive. The back of the house was expanded to create a Primary Bedroom on the 2nd floor replacing the existing slanted roof.  A deck was added over the expansion at the third floor level.  The two car garage at the rear has also been renovated.

Our host for the event is Ramzi Nuseibeh who has now tackled several renovations of this type in the neighbourhood that most people would never even think of taking on.

Renovation Happy Hours are designed to showcase appropriate renovations of properties in the East Row. They are an opportunity to learn about the structure of our historic homes, to develop renovation ideas for our own homes, and to learn techniques for implementing those historic renovations. You will get to meet and chat with people who are very knowledgeable about renovations in our historic district.

As always, the East Row will provide refreshments.  You are welcome to bring additional food and beverages if you would like to contribute.

You are also encouraged to linger and enjoy connecting with your neighbours.

We hope to see you there.

Fantastic opportunity to sell your stuff and buy other’s stuff!

Sign up to be included on the map. You have the option to participate one or both days -- totally up to you. If it rains on Saturday, we’ve still got Sunday! Just send me - Paula Brandon (pabrand1@yahoo.com) an email if you want to participate in the yard sale. Include

• Your name

• Address

• Whether you anticipate setting up on Saturday or Sunday, or both days

• A photo if you want to highlight what you are selling. I can also use additional photos for your map entries and our Craigslist ad, which you will also see below. The photos really drive people to your location if you show specific things you are selling. So send me your pics (also mentioning your address) as soon as possible.

Links to the map and Craigslist are below.

Remember, the East Row Historic Foundation (ERHF) pays all fees for the yard sale, so this is a great opportunity to clear out clutter with minimal effort. We always have a huge crowd of shoppers. 

Once again have the Donation Dumpster at our ERHF yard sale. Feel free to take advantage of the dumpster even if you are not participating in the sale. It's a great feeling to give items you no longer need a new life by donating them to people who could really use them. And it couldn't be easier! 

The Donation Dumpster will be available at 726 E. 9th St. from noon Saturday, July 13 through Sunday evening, July 14. 

ERHF partners with Junk King for the donation dumpster. Junk King is a local franchise that partners with, and donates to, many local non-profits. They have won numerous awards for their community involvement. They also are stewards of the environment and do their best to donate, reuse, repurpose, or recycle every item that comes to them, including broken items. Beyond the yard sale, consider them for your hauling or junk removal needs

Hats off to the ERHF for sponsoring the sale including coordination, publicity and signage, plus paying all fees. 

Questions? Contact Paula Brandon (pabrand1@yahoo.com).

Yard Sale Map

Craigslist page:

Fantastic opportunity to sell your stuff and buy other’s stuff!

Sign up to be included on the map. You have the option to participate one or both days -- totally up to you. If it rains on Saturday, we’ve still got Sunday! Just send me - Paula Brandon (pabrand1@yahoo.com) an email if you want to participate in the yard sale. Include

• Your name

• Address

• Whether you anticipate setting up on Saturday or Sunday, or both days

• A photo if you want to highlight what you are selling. I can also use additional photos for your map entries and our Craigslist ad, which you will also see below. The photos really drive people to your location if you show specific things you are selling. So send me your pics (also mentioning your address) as soon as possible.

Links to the map and Craigslist are below.

Remember, the East Row Historic Foundation (ERHF) pays all fees for the yard sale, so this is a great opportunity to clear out clutter with minimal effort. We always have a huge crowd of shoppers. 

Once again have the Donation Dumpster at our ERHF yard sale. Feel free to take advantage of the dumpster even if you are not participating in the sale. It's a great feeling to give items you no longer need a new life by donating them to people who could really use them. And it couldn't be easier! 

The Donation Dumpster will be available at 726 E. 9th St. from noon Saturday, July 13 through Sunday evening, July 14. 

ERHF partners with Junk King for the donation dumpster. Junk King is a local franchise that partners with, and donates to, many local non-profits. They have won numerous awards for their community involvement. They also are stewards of the environment and do their best to donate, reuse, repurpose, or recycle every item that comes to them, including broken items. Beyond the yard sale, consider them for your hauling or junk removal needs

Hats off to the ERHF for sponsoring the sale including coordination, publicity and signage, plus paying all fees. 

Questions? Contact Paula Brandon (pabrand1@yahoo.com).

Yard Sale Map

Craigslist page:

East Row Block Party

Saturday, June 22.  The 600 block of Monroe St will host the annual East Row Block Party from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.

"Block Party" has become something of an understatement, as this event has evolved from a handful of neighbors gathering and grilling, to what is certainly among the tri-state's best community-driven events. With hundreds in attendance beneath a canopy of lights, neighbors gather to contribute their collective talents for a mem

orable evening of food, fun and live music.  – I think the line up is 8 Bands this year!!!

We will have the same delicious BBQ as in years past for everyone. We just ask that you bring a side dish to share along with some chairs and your own beverages. Jeff Richardson of Overton St. and Joe Webb of Lexington Ave. will provide the cornerstone entrée of authentic Carolina barbeque, slow-smoked over night prior to the party and served with a selection of sauces from their familys’ recipes.  

The event is BYOB, with most folks bringing coolers as well as folding chairs and tables, or blankets to create their own sitting and dining areas. The North end of the block will offer a wonderful play zone for kids of all ages and including a Bounce House for the kiddos.

Live music has always been the centerpiece of the Block Party and this year's lineup promises to be one of the best yet.  The East Row is home to many of the area's leading bands and recording artists.  The covered, lighted stage will host an array of blues, jazz, world, alternative, and original rock performed by neighborhood residents and East Row-based bands.  

The East Row Block Party is among the many reasons that this neighborhood is extraordinary and it provides a great opportunity to invite friends to come and experience this special place.  The fun begins at 5:00 pm on Monroe St. between 6th and 7th.  We hope to see you on Saturday, June 22nd.

Wiffle Ball

Friday, June 21st

·        Arrive at field: 5:30  Mussman Tee ball Field #2 at the base of 7th street steps behind Newport Highschool

·        Kids playtime – Tee ball, Parent pitch, run the bases and socialize – 5:30 – 6:00

·        Game time 6:00 – 7:30 or so 

As is the tradition the Wiffle Ball game is the kick off to the best neighborhood “Block Party Weekend” in the world with the Annual Block Party to be held on Saturday.   For those that have not participated in the past, this is a friendly competition between the Mansion Hill (North of 6th) and Gateway Neighborhoods (South of 6th)

Join us to come to play or watch and socialize with friends - new and old.

The field is at the east end of 7th Street down a long set of stairs.  The field is a T-ball field with plenty of room for spectators either on the bleachers or on blankets.  Bring the kids, a cooler, plastic cups and blanket.   This is always a great time.

Please pass this along to any of your neighbors; All Newport Families are invited. 

Please join us for our next 
New Neighbor Welcome Party
Thursday, June 20, 6:30 p.m. 
St. John’s UCC Church,  located at Fifth & Park. Representatives will be on hand to share opportunities to get involved in our vibrant community. Learn about our many clubs and activities. There is something for everyone! Whether you are new to the East Row or have been a long time resident and wish to learn more, please join us for an informative & social gathering! Adult refreshments provided by the ERHF. Please bring an appetizer to share. We encourage residents to invite new neighbors in the East Row! Please help us get the word out! Thank you!

Elaine Pearl on behalf of our New Neighbor Welcoming Committee. Questions, please text or call 513-315-7228. 

Complimentary canvas bags are being delivered to recently sold homes identified via the MLS on  Sat/Sun, June 15/16. Please text 513-315-7228 if you are a new resident and do not get one. They will be available at the party as well!

Spring East Row Block Party

Saturday April 27th, 2024

300 Block of Overton St (between 3rd St and Waters Alley)

Starting at 5pm till whenever

We'll have some main dishes (Webb's BBQ, or something similar)  

Bring your best sides or desert to share!

Bring your own seating, coolers, drinks (BYOB), and tents if desired

This is intended to be easy going and more like the fall Blocktoberfest on Maple than our summer blowout, but still a good time for the neighborhood!

We'll get the speakers and some music setup.   More information to come!

Come and enjoy the spring weather with your neighbors!

Our next Renovation Happy hour will be held April 11, Thursday evening, 6-8PM at the home of Mark and Isabel Storolis, 323 Overton. The property, which has undergone extensive restoration, is a fine example of quality, innovative workmanship, with many significant features, still a work in progress.

Light refreshments will be served.

The next Renovation Happy Hour will be held on Thursday, January 25 6-8 PM, at 503 Lexington, the property belonging to Jon and Karen Minzner (see description below). We have visited this property in the past, and it is now in its finished state, ready for prime time. It is my understanding that it is a fine example of a loving renovation.

 The Minzners state: 503 Lexington was built in approximately 1889 in the Italianate style. One of the early owners of the house subdivided the lot and built a new home at the back of the property in 1910, where he resided until the 1950s. In November 2018 the former owner passed away and the property sat vacant for 3 years until we purchased the home at auction, thereby reuniting the original lot under the same owner.

 The restoration process was an arduous but rewarding experience. Extensive water damage from a leaking roof was repaired and the roof replaced. Massive debris from years of neglect was removed. Masonry was repointed. Plumbing and electrical systems were replaced and updated to modern standards. The decrepit boiler was replaced with a state of the art HVAC. Insect critters of many species, shapes and sizes were ruthlessly exterminated. 

 The renovated structure retains as much of the original charm as possible. All but one of the 17 windows in the home were original and we removed, re-glazed, and re-roped them. The missing window was recreated in accordance with historic guidelines. Several layers of flooring were removed revealing the original wood floors, which were preserved and refinished. The original woodwork and staircase were largely intact and were restored. Original transoms that had been removed have been restored. The living room fireplace that had been plastered over has been uncovered. Non-historic metal porch components were replaced with period appropriate wood. 

 We believed that the property is now appropriately updated to conform to current lifestyles. A full bath en suite was added to the primary bedroom, a non-historic 1st floor full bath was converted to a powder room and laundry, and the kitchen was fully modernized. Custom cabinets were also added to the dining room.  The final result is a 3 bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath home that will hopefully last another 130 years.

The next renovation happy Hour will be held at the property of Don and Teri Mettens, located at 422 E 4th St in the East Row. This is a substantial renovation project, in which the house was completely gutted and only the fireplace, finished with Spanish Alhambra-style tiles in the front room remains.

The roof line in the rear of the house was raised, increasing the usable square footage significantly, to 1300 square feet. Attention is being paid to the interior detailing, to make sure the home retains a period specific style.

Typically, in January there is a lack of social activity in the East Row, so this will be a good opportunity to schmooze with your friends and neighbors and catch up on activities in the Hood.

Beverages provided by the East Row Historic Foundation.

Come celebrate the holidays with your neigbors and show your apprecation for the homeowners who opened their homes for the Victorian Home Tour.

Catering and drinks provided. Please bring an appetizer or a dessert to share.

The East Row Winter Block/Street Party will take place Saturday Dec 2,  in Hamlet Alley and Coaches Corner.   6:30 pm - 10:00 pm.  Live music performing on Coaches’ stage, food truck, outdoor tent, fire pits and gas heaters to keep warm.  Coaches will be serving drink specials all night, Santa and his sleigh will be there so bring the kids and grandchildren. this will be a great opportunity for special photo opportunities. Come join your neighbors,  friends & Christmas Tour guests for some holiday cheer and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

Pets welcome!

Renovation Happy Hour!

Our next renovation happy hour will be held at the home of Bob and Trisha Meek at 812 Overton on the 26th 0f October from 6-8 PM. Please enter through the gate and proceed to the back of the house. Libations and snacks provided.

You will be able to view this wondrous renovation of this space by our very own John Phelps, Renovator Extra Ordinaire!

Halloween costumes encouraged!

Blocktoberfest is happening again and not to be missed!

Come, join your neighbors and celebrate fall in the lighted 800th block of Maple. We’ll have chalk, bubbles, cornhole and a fire pit or two.

Grilled wursts, buns and condiments provided. Bring your own chair, a dessert or side to share and beverage of your choice.

Visit the Facebook Blocktoberfest page for up to date info.

The East Row Historic Foundation and the West Side Coalition have joined forces for our first ever combined Renovation Happy Hour on Friday August 25th 6-8pm. It will take place at 326 Elm Street, Newport KY which is owned by our East Row neighbours Charla and Mike Haley.

Here are the details from Brant Owens who is organizing this event for the West Side:

Join us as we show off a newly renovated building in Newport’s dynamic Westside neighborhood!

Logistical support, light snacks and beverages will be provided in conjunction with, and via a generous donation from Newport’s East Row Historical Foundation! Much appreciation goes to Commissioner Julie Smith-Morrow, Dr. John Morrow, and Ian Budd for lending their expertise and approaching the ERHF Board for funding support, and to the Board itself for their willingness to provide this funding and spreading cross-neighborhood goodwill!

Property is located at 326 Elm St and was purchased by the current owners, Charla and Mike Haley, in Jan 2022.

This house is separated into a duplex consisting of a 2-BR unit on the first floor and a 1-BR unit on the second floor.  This house showed definite neglect by previous owners and was in desperate need of TLC.

The original portion of the house was built in 1875.  It is unknown when the rear addition was added.

The 2-BR unit on the first floor (Unit 1) was renovated during 2022 with completion in Feb 2023.  This unit is currently rented to tenants who were displaced by Victora Square. 

The apartment available for review is #2, the 1-BR unit on the second floor.  This unit is currently undergoing renovations and is about 85% complete.  Expected completion date is mid-September.  Of particular note is that renovation costs were able to be kept to a minimum by salvaging and reusing as many original materials as possible. Many other materials, like tile and cabinets, were obtained from other local homeowners, who had spare or unneeded items left over from their renovations.

The entry door for Unit 2 is found midway down the left side of the house.

NOTE: Unit #1 will NOT be open to the public during this event.

I hope you can all make the journey over to the West side and join us for this event. 

It's a great opportunity to support our neighbours over there and  learn more about another part of our city that you might not have had much of a chance to explore.

Letting you know that the Renovation Happy hour has been rescheduled for Monday July 17th from 6 to 8pm.   We are hoping you will all be able to join us on this new date.

We will be looking at the “Before” of a recently started renovation project at 603 Monroe Street.

The 600 block of Monroe is where the annual East Row Block Party is held and is regarded by many as one of the more desirable blocks to live in the East Row.

603 Monroe is a brick Italianate with potential to be a great renovation in a style very typical of many of the other houses on the block.

The renovation will be very extensive given the initial condition of the house. Additional plans are to expand the back of the house to create a Primary Bedroom on the 2nd floor replacing the existing slanted roof.  A deck will be added over the expansion at the third floor level.  The two car garage at the rear will also be renovated.

Our host for the event is Ramzi Nuseibeh.

Renovation Happy Hours are designed to showcase appropriate renovations of properties in the East Row. They are an opportunity to learn about the structure of our historic homes, to develop renovation ideas for our own homes, and to learn techniques for implementing those historic renovations. You will usually get to meet and chat with people who are very knowledgeable of renovations in our historic district.

As always, the East Row will provide refreshments.  You are welcome to bring additional food and beverages if you would like to contribute

Spring has sprung, more or less, so it's time to start thinking about clearing out the clutter (and bringing home new goodies) at our much-anticipated East Row Yard Sale. 

As always, our sale occurs on the second Saturday of July which this year is ...

 July 8 

9 am - 3 pm

As you do your spring cleaning, you may want to set aside a pile of items for the sale. Literally everything is in demand these days, from clothing to toys to household goods, holiday decor, tools, hobby materials, gardening supplies, pet items, and more. In addition to material items -- bake sales, arts & crafts and lemonade stands are always a hit.

It couldn't be easier for you. The East Row Historic Foundation does all the legwork including coordination, advertising and signage -- plus pays all fees for participating East Row residents.  All you have to do is take your items outside and meet the buyers. Watch for the official map and signage, coming soon. 

To register as a participant in the sale, just send your name and address to Paula Brandon, pabrand1@yahoo.com.

 If you are among the dozens of families that have already signed up, keep me updated with details and photos of what you want me to promote on the map and in our publicity. 

Thanks, 

Paula

Additional info from Tiffany Budd re the donation dumpster

I want to follow up on just a couple additional items about the donation dumpster:

• Please do NOT donate furniture. The dumpster is barely large enough to handle all the items that get donated already. Furniture will not fit in the dumpster. There are many other avenues for donating furniture.

• You can donate broken electronics and appliances. These items will be properly recycled by Junk King. Again, no large items please, only smaller electronics and appliances. If you have a large broken appliance, put it in your alley and the scrappers will gladly take it off your hands (generally).

• Please try to stack things in an orderly manner in the dumpster as much as possible. This allows us to fit in more items.

As Paula mentioned, the donation dumpster has been overflowing each year since we started this initiative, so THANK YOU for your participation with this! Also, you do not have to be listed in the yard sale in order to take items for donation to the dumpster. It is open for anyone to donate.

The additional benefit of this donation dumpster is that Junk King donates the items to multiple charities and tries to recycle anything that is unusable. They have won numerous awards for being good stewards of the community and they have been great to work with for the yard sale and other projects. They also accept and haul many other types of materials so I would suggest checking them out for future project needs.

Please join us for our next New Neighbor Welcome Party,  Thursday, June 29, 6:30 p.m. St. John’s UCC,  located at Fifth & Park. Representatives will be on hand to share opportunities to get involved in our vibrant community. Learn about our many clubs and activities as there is something for everyone! Whether you are new to the East Row or have been a resident and simply wish to learn more, please join us for a social and informative neighborly gathering! Adult refreshments provided by the ERHF. Please bring an appetizer to share. We encourage residents to invite new neighbors living in the East Row! Please help us to get the word out! Thank you!

Elaine Pearl on behalf of our New Neighbor Welcoming Committee. Questions, please text or call 513-315-7228. 

Complimentary canvas bags are being delivered Sun/Mon., June 18/19.Please text 513-315-7228 if you are a new resident and did not receive one. They will be available at the party as well! 🏡

This Italianate style home was built in ca. 1889. One of the early owners subdivided the lot and built a new home at the back of the property in 1910, where he resided until the 1950s. Subsequently, the house was purchased by a new owner, who occupied the property until his death in November 2018. It was vacant for 3 years until purchased by Karen and Jon Minzner with the goal of saving and restoring a crumbling historic structure in the unique neighborhood that we love.  

The restoration process has been arduous and challenging; extensive water damage was repaired and the roof replaced. Massive debris from years of neglect was removed. Masonry was repointed. Plumbing and electrical systems were completely replaced and modernized including contemporary HVAC. Insects of indeterminate and questionable parentage met their maker.  

While stabilizing and updating the mechanicals, the Minzners retained and restored as much of the original character as possible. They learned how to remove, re-glaze, and re-rope windows and applied their new found skills to all but one of the 17 original windows in the home. One missing window was recreated using historic techniques. Several layers of flooring were removed revealing the original wood floors, which will be preserved and refinished. The original woodwork and staircase were largely intact and will be refinished. Original transoms that had been removed have been restored. The living room fireplace that had been plastered over has been uncovered and now sees the light of the 21st century. Non-historic metal porch components were replaced with period appropriate wood. 

Some updates appropriate for contemporary life styles have been added. A full bath en suite was added to the master bedroom, a modern first floor, a full bath was converted to a powder room and laundry, and the kitchen will undergo a full modernization. The final result will be a 3 bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath residence that will welcome families for at least another 130 years.  

Annual East Row Block Party

600 Block of Monroe ( street closes at 3pm for set up)

The East Row Block Party picnic table is BACK in its best biggest way!

Our friends and neighbors Joe Webb and Jeff Richardson, the master collaborators of smoke and heat, will be serving their top-notch BBQ.  Let’s compliment their contribution!! All salads, sides, and desserts are encouraged and appreciated. Please bring your most delicious dishes to share.  We are looking forward to a culinary feast! 

Bring your own seating, coolers, tents if desired
Music line up of neighborhood bands: Opening with: Smokin’ Zeus, followed by Annette Shepherd Trio, New Usuals, Dummy Ups, St. Evelyn, closing with One Rock Taylor

Circus entertainment and bounce house for the kids.