Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!

SFP Editor: What's the Logan Circle Holiday House Tour? Dara Duguay: The 33rd Annual Logan Circle Holiday House Tour will be held Sunday, December 4, from 1 - 5pm. More than 12 unique properties that represent a mix of historical architecture and modern renovations will be open to the public for a self-guided tour. Tickets for the House Tour can be purchased in advance for $25 at the Logan Circle Community Association web site or Eventbrite. Same day tickets can be purchased for $30 on the day of the tour at the Studio Theatre, 14th and P St. Pre-sales tickets holders can check-in and start the tour at the Studio Theatre.

Dara Duguay: This is my third year being the Chair of the Tour. I have been an avid Tour goer for years so when I heard the Logan Circle Community Association was looking for a Chair I offered my services.

SFP Editor: What is your favorite part of the tour?

Dara Duguay: My favorite part of the Tour has been meeting the homeowners and visiting their beautiful homes. This neighborhood has undergone such a tremendous renovation and I love to see how homes have been fixed up. Each homeowner brings their own unique sensibility to their homes and that is what is so interesting.

SFP Editor: What do you hope attendees will learn about Logan Circle?

Dara Duguay: That Logan Circle is a changing, vibrant and hip community. Walking distance to metro stations and even downtown. It has so much to offer but has not lost its historic charm.

SFP Editor: What is most challenging about the organizing the tour?

Dara Duguay: The biggest challenge is working with volunteers who are busy people. Everyone has been so wonderful about sharing their precious time. Coordinating all that is involved is very time intensive and the committee has been unselfish in their willingness to give of their time and energy to ensure the Tour is a success.

SFP Editor: What is the most rewarding to you about the tour?

Dara Duguay: My biggest reward is seeing the tour-goers reaction after they have visited the homes. The beautiful interiors can be so inspirational. For anyone who is interested in architecture, renovation or interior design, the day provides much in these areas.

SFP Editor: Can you further explain this year's theme: Restoration & Renewal: Historic Past Lives On Through Home Renovation?

Dara Duguay: This year's theme, Restoration & Renewal, reflects the revitalization of the Logan Circle neighborhood and the ongoing improvements that continue to define the community as a premiere place to visit and live.

SFP Editor: Can you share some interesting Logan circle history?

Dara Duguay: It was not until 1930 that Congress finally passed a Law changing the name from Iowa Circle to Logan Circle in memory of Civil War General and Senator John A. Logan (D-IL). The General had lived (very briefly) at #4 Logan Circle during 1885, just one year before his death (this house is on the Tour this year). The statue was commissioned in 1891 and was formally dedicated in the center of the Circle by President William McKinley on April 9, 1901.

SFP Editor: What brought you to DC, and specifically Logan Circle?

Dara Duguay: I moved to DC from Los Angeles for a job running a national non-profit. After 10 years of suffering in LA traffic, I wanted to live in a neighborhood where I didn't have to drive. Logan Circle has been great. I drive rarely and take my bike or the metro to most places. It is very liberating to not be stuck having to drive everywhere.

SFP Editor: What changes to Logan Circle have impacted you the most?

Dara Duguay: The Logan Circle neighborhood has undergone and continues to undergo tremendous change. This change has been very positive for the community as homes are being restored and new businesses are opening. As you walk around the neighborhood, you can just feel the vibrancy.