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By Jessica Valentine | Photos Provided by Mesta Park resident & Dr. Jim Pickens
Mesta Park is easily perceived as one of the most unique neighborhoods in Oklahoma City. The quaint homes, green grass, old street lamps and rows of canopy trees distinguish the area from arguably any other in Oklahoma City. The neighboring Heritage Hills provides the same walkability and charm, but perhaps what separates Mesta Park from the others is the contemporary feeling that seems to welcome people who stumble upon it for the first time. As the holiday season peaks and the feeling of Christmas fills the air, Mesta Park invites everyone to come discover just what it is: “a modern community in a historic setting.”
The 38th Annual Mesta Park Holiday Home Tour kicks off Saturday, December 5, proving historic homes can be modern, holiday retreats on the inside. Sarah Jordan, Mesta Park Holiday Home Tour chair, says the tours attract people from all walks of life who are inspired by the historic neighborhood’s charm.
“A lot of people are really curious to see what it would be like to live in an old home and to also know what it’s like to live in an urban neighborhood,” Jordan says. “People come out because they’re architecture buffs, history buffs or interior design buffs. We have a broad interest.”
People of all ages are invited to come take part in the unique tradition of touring the beautiful, holiday-themed streets and homes during the Christmas season. The traditional walking tour will continue with five newly renovated homes available to view and with the increased interest this year, there are also some fun new additions.
Jordan says the interest hasn’t just grown in the amount of guests who want to experience the holiday tours. They have multiple sponsors and other businesses wanting to be a part of Mesta Park’s Christmas spirit.
“We went from last year, having less than ten [sponsors]to having more than 20 this year,” Jordan says.
For example, Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City and Spokies, a bike-sharing organization, will be providing transportation for the first time. Calvert’s Plant Interiors is donating the charming holiday garland and wreaths, which will adorn the welcoming front doors of the homes on the tour. In addition, Elemental Coffee will be providing warm, festive beverages for visitors in between home viewings.
Jordan says the tour’s success is crucial to the renovation and upkeep of the neighborhood’s park and surrounding assets.
“It’s the neighborhood’s largest fundraiser by far,” Jordan says. “All the funds earned go straight back in to the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association.”
Jordan and her family have lived in Mesta Park for only one year, but as soon as they got settled, she was first in line to organize this year’s home tour.
“It’s such a great neighborhood and there’s such a huge sense of community here,” Jordan says. “I just wanted to be a part of it.”
An important characteristic which distinguishes Mesta Park from other Oklahoma City neighborhoods is the contemporary, urban merging with historic charm. Jordan says one of the homes on the tour is especially representative of the urban-meets-vintage appeal.
“There’s a new house that was just built last year and it’s an incredible example of fitting a new home into a historic neighborhood,” Jordan says. “ You would never walk by and know it’s a new home.”
With the recent renovation in the Uptown 23rd District, it’s no surprise young people have shown an interest in a neighborhood which sits so close to all the excitement. However, Jordan says a broad demographic of people are buying and renting homes, which she hopes will continue.
“It feels just like a special, little enclave right here in the middle of the city,” Jordan says. “From dawn ‘til dusk there are people outside walking or riding bikes.”
In addition to the strong sense of community, visitors can expect to feel the magic of Christmas as they stroll through the neighborhood, especially on the Saturday evening tour.
“We call that the ‘candlelight tour’ because we have luminaries that light all the walkways up to the homes,” Jordan says. “We also have carolers walking the neighborhood.”
Those carolers are Mesta Park residents who offer additional Christmas cheer for curious visitors wanting to experience one of the oldest, unique communities in Oklahoma City.
“The home tour is an opportunity to show people what it’s like to live in a historic neighborhood and experience urban living and see the surroundings of the neighborhood,” Jordan says.
Tour Details
Saturday, December 5 | 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday December 6 | 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door for adults. Childrens tickets are $7. Children 5 and under are free.
For more information, visit mestapark.org.
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