Foreclosure Prevention Workshops. The Minnesota Home Ownership Center is holding workshops/open houses for those having difficulty making their mortgage payments, facing foreclosure or who are interested in learning about the foreclosure process. Foreclosure counselors and mortgage lenders will give free advice. No registration required. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19. Free. St. Cloud Civic Center, 10 S. 4th Av., St. Cloud, Minn. 651-659-9336 or visit www.hocmn.org.
Minnesota State Fair Eco House. The 2,000-square-foot flat-roofed home, designed by SALA Architects, showcases green building features such as a solar water-heating system, passive heating and cooling features, rain screen system and energy-efficient fixtures and appliances. The home, furnished by Natural Built Home, will be open for tours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 21 through Sept. 1 as part of the Eco Experience in the Progress Center Building, at the corner of Cosgrove Street and Randall Avenue. Fair admission: $11 adults, $9 seniors, $8 ages 5-12. 651-288-4400.
Homes by Architects Tour. More than 25 homes designed by members of the Minnesota chapter of the American Institute of Architects in the Twin Cities, Lindstrom and Lake City, Minn. Architects will be in homes to answer questions. Appetizers prepared by Twin Cities chefs will be offered in select homes. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 and 21. Tickets: $30 at www.homesbyarchitects.org and 612-338-6763. Discounted tickets can be purchased at restaurants listed at www.tcoriginals.com.
