Go ahead and be nosy - It's Architecture Month!

Here's another perk of being a real estate agent - getting to look at other people's homes for a living.  If you're the nosy sort, it's a pretty great arrangement.  Developers, sellers, other agents, they all invite you over to look.  Wait, not just look.  Really investigate.  Go ahead: open cabinets, check out the pantry, marvel at the closet space.  Some even host after-hours cocktail events with hors d'oeuvres so you can really imagine yourself unwinding from a hard day's work while sipping pinot on your magnificent balcony with the panoramic river view and strains of the Dave Brubeck Quartet in the background.  I take my job very seriously, people.  I go to these events for you.

You mean I have to tour this? This job is so hard sometimes.

Seriously, I love touring interesting homes and buildings, getting the scoop on the history, and imagining "what if these walls could talk."  Memphis is a great city in which to do just those things, real estate agent or not.  Downtown and Midtown are covered with old warehouse conversions, early 20th century mid- and high-rise buildings, arts-and-crafts style homes, bungalows, Victorians, mid-century modern, ranch-style, infill, LEED certified new construction, and more.  It really is a remarkable microcosm of architectural marvel.  To celebrate all of that design fabulousness, AIA Memphis is presenting it's 7th Annual Architecture Month.  There are lectures, tours, a film series, and other events to mark the month-long celebration and there's really no reason not to delve into our city's rich architectural and design history (and indulge your inner Nosy Nelly while you're at it).  A few of the highlights:

• Jimmy Ogle's Walking Tours.  If you've met this guy before, you know he's a walking primer on Memphis and all her history.  Seriously, ask the guy anything about Memphis and I'll bet you dollars to donuts he knows the answer.  His walking tours of the Central Business District meet on Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. at different locations throughout the month and cover roughly 4 city blocks.  Check the section marked Tours at http://www.architecturemonthmemphis.org/.
• 34th Annual Central Gardens Home & Garden Tour.  One day I'll live in Central Gardens.  Until then, I'll settle for peering in their houses.  This year's walking tour features six homes that will be open Sunday, September 12th from 1 to 6 p.m.  I'm hoping to sit down with Leigh Martin later this week for all the details.  In the mean time check their site, http://www.centralgardens.org/ for more info.
• Virtual Tour of Modern Public Buildings in Memphis from 1940-1980.  If you can't get away for any of the on-site events, you can get to know more about Memphis from the comfort of your own web browser.  A new building is featured every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Just go to http://www.architecturemonthmemphis.org/ and check Tours to see the latest feature.
• AIA Memphis.  They've been bunking with Memphis Heritage in Midtown for a while, but now they've got a place all their own.  They just flung open the doors at 511 South Main on the first of this month and you should definitely stop by, check out their new digs, view "The Art of Architecture" Exhibit on display this month, and maybe join in their first Trolley Tour party on the 24th.  While you're there, ask about joining lunITECTS.  It's a great little group that meets (mostly) once a month to tour something marvelous.  I joined as soon as I heard the Annsdale-Snowden Mansion was on the schedule.  Our last get-together was at the Sky Cottage, a wonderful home designed by and for Barry Yoakum of Memphis' award-winning design firm, Archimania.

So, go ahead.  Being nosy is an actual sanctioned event this month!