Turtle Creek Association, a nonprofit organization whose primary focus is to enhance, preserve and protect the Turtle Creek Corridor, announces their 2012 Home Tour on April 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. with a post tour “After Party” reception from 6 to 8 p.m. This year’s 11th annual tour features high-rise living and includes some of the most distinguished homes in the Dallas area opening to the public for the first time.

Five luxurious residences are featured on the tour, including four high rises and a free standing home in the Place des Vosges community on Turtle Creek. A penthouse at The Tower Residences at The Ritz-Carlton will also be featured at a separately ticketed post-tour After Party. This highly anticipated annual tour showcases Turtle Creek lifestyles and is an important fundraiser for Turtle Creek Association (TCA). Sweeping views of downtown Dallas and the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge can be seen from several different vantage points from these homes.

Featured among the five homes on the tour is The Centrum residence of Garrett and Cecilia Boone. Garrett hand-carved much of the home’s furniture and Cecilia’s handcrafted quilts are found throughout.

Their Max Levy-designed home includes 5,000 square feet of interior space and 2,000 square feet of outdoor balconies. The Boone’s residence is a national example for the use of sustainable materials in residential living and has received Gold LEED certification. The casually elegant and modern-style penthouse includes native Texas limestone interior flooring which is also on the exterior balconies, motorized window shades that are programmed to raise or lower depending on the position of the sun, rainwater harvesting used to irrigate outdoor planting and semi-transparent polygal walls made from recycled materials that allow natural light to filter throughout the space.One standout element is a true plaster suspended arch ceiling that is made with natural oxide pigments (yellow color) which simulates the rising morning eastern sun.

“We are so appreciative to all the Homeowners who have so graciously opened their homes for the tour,” said Cathy Golden, president of Turtle Creek Association. “Each year I am amazed by the array of homes we are able to feature with a wide variety of architecture, design and art, as well as unique views of the area.”

Other noteworthy items on the tour include Margaret Jordan’s fabulous collection of African American art and artifacts in her residence at The Vendome, Vester Hugh’s modern architecture and furnishings blended with custom accents portraying his ranching heritage at Park Towers and the breathtaking wrap-around view of downtown and surrounding area from the top floor of the Ritz Tower Residences.

Tickets: Home Tour tickets are $60.00 for non-TCA members and $45.00 for TCA members. After Party tickets are $100 each and a limited number will be sold on a first-come, first serve basis and must be purchased by April 24.

Tickets will be available for purchase beginning March 26th through the TCA website (turtlecreekassociation.org) or by calling 214-526-2800. A 10% early bird discount will apply to tickets purchased before April 17th.

Home Tour tickets may also be purchased on the day of the tour at Park Creek Place (3635 Hall Street) at the southeast corner of Welborn and Hall. Parking: Parking will be available at the Park Creek Place parking garage, (entry on Welborn) and is not available at individual residences.

Shuttles: Buses will shuttle guests from the Park Creek Place garage to all homes on the tour and can be met at any tour location. Homes: The featured private residences are located in the following buildings:

· The Centrum, 3111 Welborn Street

· The Claridge on Turtle Creek, 3510 Turtle Creek Blvd.

· Park Towers on Turtle Creek, 3310 Fairmount

· Place des Vosges (pictured above), 3901 Turtle Creek Blvd.

· The Vendome on Turtle Creek, 3505 Turtle Creek Blvd. After Party location:

· The Tower Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, 2555 N. Pearl Street