The suburbs have lost their sizzle, and downtown is hot. That's why the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra League (MSOL) is moving its annual showhouse event from its usual North Shore or Western suburban location. Sharp Flats will trumpet the resurgence in downtown living to help raise money for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and its joint youth music education programs.

"We are celebrating Milwaukee's renaissance in urban living and showcasing as many of its variations and offerings as possible," said League President Mary Connelly. "Sharp Flats is going to be the visual equivalent of Mozart's 'A Little Night Music' in which there's something for everyone, whether it be the young professional or the empty nester. And it's all for the great cause of providing support for our world class orchestra and our music education which touches 50,000 children and their families each year."

This year's showhouse will feature seven sophisticated living spaces throughout downtown, from the Historic Third Ward to Brewers Hill -- a significant departure from past years when a single home was featured.

The 29th Showhouse, Fri., Sept. 19-Sun., Oct. 5, includes tours of the following spaces:

• Third Ward penthouse, featuring spectacular skyline and Lake Michigan views. Jefferson Block, 144 N. Jefferson St.
• Two East Town condos, with contrasting floor plans. The Grain Exchange, 741 N. Milwaukee St.
• Penthouses (one traditional/one contemporary), overlooking the Milwaukee River. Riverfront Lofts, 720 N. Plankinton Ave.
• Two-story cosmopolitan condo. Highbridge Condominiums, 1888 N. Water St.
• Fashionable Victorian-style home (built specially for the showcase). Brewers Hill Commons, 2020 N. Hubbard St.

Each unit -- home prices range from $275,000 to $1.5 million -- will be decorated by a local designer.

Pre-sale tickets to Sharp Flats are $17 from participating designers and other retail locations; otherwise, during the run of Sharp Flats, tickets are available only at Jefferson Block, 144 N. Jefferson St., for $20.

Tour hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Parking will be free at the Historic Third Ward parking garage at 225 E. Chicago St. (Water Street & Chicago Street). "Sharp Flats" ticket holders can then hop aboard a Milwaukee County Transit trolley for a free ride to each of the sites. Call (414) 291-6010 for more information and a list of ticket locations.