The Victorian Alliance was founded in 1972 by a group of private citizens who were alarmed over the demolition of entire neighborhoods of San Francisco rich with Victorian era architecture, as well as the trend to strip Victorian homes of their ornament. This non-profit organization is committed to the preservation and restoration of Victorian and other historic structures and actively supports the preservation efforts of elected and appointed representatives. The Victorian Alliance sponsors an annual house tour in October, and a benefit garden tour in May of even-numbered years. The 2006 house tour celebrated the survival of a grand Victorian neighborhood that escaped, by a scant block, the great fire which destroyed much of San Francisco a century ago. The tour showcased interiors of stately Italianate and Queen Anne homes designed by some of San Francisco's best known architects, and built between 1875 and 1895 for affluent business and professional leaders of the day. These homes have retained or regained their original Victorian elegance, with beautifully detailed interiors adapted to reflect contemporary lifestyles.