Nominate And Vote For Final RPO Symphony Showhouse

Rochester, NY – For those who know a house crying out for a grand makeover, or the one that elicits the “oohs” and “ahhs” by passersby, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra wants to hear about it.  Since 2000, the RPO’s biennial Symphony Showhouse has been a significant fundraiser for the orchestra, transforming a home through the time and talent of dozens of designers, artisans, landscapers, and more, and then opening up the house for public tours, concerts, and special tasting events.  Next year’s Spring 2010 Showhouse – to be the RPO’s final and most commemorative ever – has a new twist.

For the first time, the RPO is both opening the nominations to the public for its 2010 Showhouse property, as well as having a public vote for the final home selection as the 2010 Showhouse winner.  Potential properties can be either existing or historical homes or new builds, for-sale or occupied.  Other criteria considerations for an ideal property are as follows:

• High-visibility on or near well-traveled streets
• 5,000 to 14,000 square feet
• Suitable space on the property for a Symphony Showhouse Boutique
• Appeal to the professional interior design community
• Condition of the property
• Availability of parking

Consent of the owner is necessary prior to nomination of a property – as well as a contact for the neighborhood association, if applicable.

Email nominations can begin on Monday, July 27 and should be sent to mmerrigan@rpo.org.  Individuals can nominate more than one property, including their own, as long as the owner has given consent.  At the end of the nomination period in mid-August, a selection committee comprised of designers, former Showhouse leaders, RPO representatives, and photographers will identify the finalists and announce them to the public for final online voting through the RPO’s website.  Public voting will be completed by Friday, September 4, and the 2010 Symphony Showhouse winner will be announced on September 10, 2009. 

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