Award Home Winner Found Her Historic Southwood Park Home on the Internet

Ruthie Ilnicki found her Historic Southwood Park home at 4616 Tacoma Avenue on the internet in 2004 and looked no further.  It was a big step from condo living to a house and she's taken it in stride to make her house an appealing home. I first met Ruthie when she came to a pruning class I gave a few years back; she reminded me that it snowed that day ... in April!  Then I met Ruthie again when it was time to improve the Tacoma Ave. sidewalks.  At the completion of that project last fall, Ruthie rose above the trauma by planting three new trees in her front yard.  It's clear that Ruthie takes pride in her home, but that doesn't end with the curb appeal.  Inside, she did a major upgrade to the kitchen and turned a breezeway into an inviting den. She's even building a custom grill and smoker station in her back yard, in perfect reaching distance from a sweet little herb garden.One last note:  When our little interview was winding down I asked if there was anything she'd like to add and she replied that she wanted to express how much she appreciates all the good the Association does.  It's a great neighborhood we're in, no doubt.