When more than 300 people turned out recently to tour six vacant wrecks in Reservoir Hill, it was clear evidence of tremendous curiosity in what once was one of Baltimore's most desirable neighborhoods.

The question now is how to turn this faith in the city's future into buyer demand.

The answer: Continue bringing in suburbanites, particularly from the Washington area, who recognize the inherent value of the area's tarnished Victorian and Edwardian houses and have the deep pockets to restore them.

Such suburbanites were much in evidence during the Oct. 26 tour. A good thing, too. Because the first six vacant homes -- and a hundred others that the city hopes to offer for redevelopment within the coming months -- are badly deteriorated shells. They require costly, full rehabs and professional contractors.

Less well-heeled buyers, too, have plenty of challenging fix-up opportunities. Habitable rowhouses can be found for under $70,000. By contrast, a restored 7,500-square-foot house near Druid Hill Park is on the market for $350,000.

Few things in Baltimore have proved more difficult than neighborhood turnarounds. The successes depend on their proximity to areas where prices have gone through the roof. Patterson Park gets the overflow from Canton. Reservoir Hill is now emerging as a cheaper alternative to nearby Bolton Hill.

Many Baltimoreans are understandably skeptical; too many previous efforts have flopped in Reservoir Hill.

This time, things seem different. Aside from thorny housing issues, the city is addressing other quality- of- life matters as well. One plan calls for an uninterrupted jogging path around Druid Hill Lake.

That proposal has created a storm; it requires controversial traffic changes. Yet one way or another, the jogging path must be created. A pedestrian bridge across Druid Park Lake Drive also should be constructed.

Such amenities would make Reservoir Hill even more attractive for new investment.