By Donna Cornelius
Journal features writer
Those who visit the Decorators’ ShowHouse every year know some things never change.
The ShowHouse, hosted by the Symphony Volunteer Council to benefit the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, annually offers inspiration and ideas from Birmingham area designers.
But there’s something new this year: the ShowHouse location. For the first time, Hoover’s Riverchase neighborhood is home to the event.
The house, once the home of Dr. William Bryant, wife Konie and their four children, is in the Chadwick Square area of Riverchase’s Cross Haven subdivision.
Kathie Ramsey, SVC president and chairman of the showhouse steering committee, said Chadwick Square residents have been hospitable to their temporary neighbors.
“The neighbors here have been so gracious and welcoming,” Kathie said. “Some have even stopped by and offered to help if we need extra volunteers.”
This is the 37th showhouse, said Nan Teninbaum, SVC publicity and marketing chairman. It opens April 20 and will close May 5.
Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and 2-6 p.m. on Sundays.
Those who want to see the Charleston-style house should park at nearby Riverchase United Methodist Church, 1953 Old Montgomery Highway, in the overflow parking lot directly across from the church on Carl Raines Lake Road and ride the shuttle to Chadwick Square.
“There’s no parking at the house,” Nan said.
Tickets are $15 until April 19. For a list of ticket sale locations, visit www.symphonyvolunteercouncil.org. After that date, tickets will be $20 at the door.
ShowHouse visitors can have lunch for $13 at the Margaret Alford Tea Room, where the food is from Homewood Gourmet. Tea room hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more; call 987-9520.
Those who need a sugary pick-me-up after touring the house can stop by Bailey’s Sweet Shop. It’s open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 2-5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Treats donated by Birmingham area bakeries are $3.
The Symphony Shop will be stocked with handmade items, artwork, antiques and, in the Patrons’ Boutique, items donated by SVC members.
And visitors who fall in love with something in one of the showhouse rooms can stop by the Decorator Sales office to buy it.
The SVC’s annual Sneak Peak party is April 19, the day before the house opens to the public. Reservations are required for this event, which includes entertainment by Puttin’ on the Ritz.
Opening day and ribbon-cutting ceremonies are at 10 a.m. on April 20.
According to SVC officials, the house has several sets of stairs. No children younger than age 8 are admitted, and no backpacks, umbrellas, large tote bags and purses or cameras are allowed in the house.
