Fab for Less 2008 is here!

Fab For Less Design Home Tour 2008

What: Fab For Less Design Home Tour 2008 featuring the renovation of entire neighborhood.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 23-24.
Where: 1400 and 1500 blocks of South New Jersey Street.
Cost: $8 in advance, $10 at the event
Info: (317) 634-5079, www.fabforless.org

The annual Fab For Less Design Home Tour returns Aug. 23-24 with the expanded goal of transforming two city blocks in the historic Bates Hendricks neighborhood. This year’s event, which serves as a fundraiser for Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND), not only showcases the renovation of formerly vacant homes, but also highlights the beautification of occupied homes, infrastructure, and community greenspace.

With the help of local designers and landscapers, SEND hopes Fab For Less 2008: Building Blocks for Affordable Living demonstrates how organized community development can create attractive and eco-friendly designs that are both affordable and livable.

“Fab for Less really gets to the heart of what we’re doing here at SEND,” said SEND president Mark Stewart. “What’s really exciting this year about Fab For Less is that it’s not just about doing two houses, but it’s about revitalizing two entire blocks and really engaging the people who live on the street to come forth with their vision.”

The featured homes — 1407, 1411 and 1425 S. New Jersey St. — will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 23 and 24. Tickets are $8 per person if purchased at SEND’s office on 1030 Orange Street during the month of August or $10 per person if purchased at the event. All proceeds benefit the SEND housing program, which focuses on redeveloping the city’s Southeast Side. For more information call (317) 634-5079 or visit www.fabforless.org

Each year Fab For Less selects homes with a low property value and renovates them to showcase home-improvement designs that are affordable, beautiful, and livable. The homes are then decorated, with a budget limited to $1,500, and opened up to the public as a fundraiser for SEND.

Fab For Less got its start in on the Southeast Side in 2002 as Deco’ Down before taking on the new name in 2005 and finding a permanent organizer with SEND. In 2005, Fab For Less highlighted what two very different designers could do working with identical homes. The 2006 event featured eco-friendly new construction and green remodeling. Last year’s event focused on interior design in the industrial loft setting of the Wheeler Art Center.

SEND is a non-profit community development corporation created by residents to revitalize the near southeast side of Indianapolis and to enhance the quality of life of its diverse spectrum of residents. Since 1991, SEND has invested more than $35 million dollars in affordable housing, commercial renovation, youth development, and greenspace improvements.