One of the coolest and most historic neighborhoods in Joliet is the Cathedral Area. There are many beautiful, historic homes and mansions that were built by import people of the city’s founding years, and they all offer something unique in terms of history and architecture.

There’s also a group that’s purpose is to preserve and promote the area, aptly named CAPA, or the Cathedral Area Preservation Association.

This weekend, they are hosting their annual Housewalk Speakeasy event! It’s super cool! There are five homes along Buell Avenue, all with something unique to share about the city’s history and architecture of the time. While you walk the neighborhood and tour the homes, you get a specially crafted cocktail to enjoy while you do it!

The five homes on the tour this year are as follows…and I HIGHLY encourage you to click those real estate links to check out the photos of each home’s interior. Each is gorgeous!!

427 Buell Avenue (Italianate style, circa 1887)

510 Buell Avenue (Shingle style, circa 1889)

603 Buell Avenue (Tudor Revival style, circa 1937)

613 Buell Avenue (Dutch Colonial Revival style, circa 1908)

614 Buell Avenue (Free Classic Queen Anne style, circa 1912)

House tours will run from 12 pm to 5 pm. Tours can be completed at your own leisure.

There will also be a “speakeasy tent” located on the front lawn of 506 Buell Avenue that will be active from 3:00 pm until 10:30 pm. Admission to the tent is free (in other words, a housewalk ticket is not required for entry into the speakeasy party tent). There will be live music throughout the evening!

5:00-6:00 – Molly Rose
6:30-7:30 – Broshi
8:00-9:00 – Fine Tunes
9:30-10:30 – Big Lagniappe

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and food by Mo Joe’s will be available to purchase.

A map depicting the homes, “Speakeasy Tent,” and designated parking can be viewed here on their event page where you can also purchase tickets. You can buy a ticket just to tour the homes, which is $25. Or for $40, you can include a cocktail at each home.

Neither I, nor the radio station, has anything to do with the event. I just thought it was a great way to get outside, have some fun, and learn about some local history and architecture!

Parking will be available at the University of St. Francis parking lot at 500 Taylor Street, which is a short walk down from the houses and Speakeasy Tent.