The architecture in Irvington and surrounding area is as diverse as they people who call the area home. The Benton House, built in 1873, is the Second Empire home of Butler University’s president for many years is stately, semi-formal, and always elegant. Just down the street is the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, the former library of Butler University, has Greek Revival elements, which heralds its purpose as a place of learning and education — a serious building with a commanding presence. The homes on this year’s Benton House Tour of Homes represent the craftsmanship and individuality that make the historic neighborhood stand out.
The homes on this year’s tour range from classic Craftsman style to mid-50s “small house” builds that housed World War II veterans and their families. In addition to individual homes, Schoolhouse Flats is a cleverly repurposed school. Every structure has its own personality, instilled by all the previous owners as well as the current occupants.
The Benton House Home Tour begins at noon and runs to 5 p.m. Tour tickets are $15 in advance at Ace Hardware, Black Sheep, and Hampton Designs, or $20 the day of the tour. On the day of the tour, tickets will be for sale at all homes for cash, or at the Benton House (312 S. Downey Ave.) with cash or credit card. Ten properties are on the tour, and visitors are encouraged to see two historic sites in Irvington — the Kile Oak at 5339 Beechwood Ave. and the Wilson Parker Pioneer Cemetery at 5120 Julian Ave. The Benton House will also be hosting the Classy Car Show, complete with prizes given in a variety of categories.
Several Arts and Crafts/Craftsman homes are on this year’s tour, including the beautiful and historic “Wheeler House” on Lowell Ave., which has been lovingly preserved and carefully updated. Clifton Wheeler, the noted American Impressionist, owned the home and taught painting in what is now the family room. The home, over 100 years old, has all the unique features of a Arts and Crafts/Craftsman home, including exposed roof eaves, the use of natural materials, and porches. Another notable Craftsman home was the former home of local historian William “Bill” Gulde, who preserved the history of the home and recently passed it on to the current owners. The house was also once home to the Irvington School of Music.
A couple of Foursquare homes are also on the tour. These classic homes are sturdy examples of practicality and utility. The Foursquare on South Audubon, as an example, fit the new family’s needs, and also played to their love of books.
Mid-century bungalows are also an important part of this year’s tour. Check out the Justus-built home on North Hawthorne in Community Heights, or the bungalow built in the mid-50s that is perfect for a small family. The simplicity and clean lines of these homes, plus the smaller scale, has lead to new popularity among home buyers.
Schoolhouse Flats on South Arlington will also be on the tour this year. Core Redevelopment re-imagined the elementary school as market-rate apartments with up-to-date amenities, as well as “old school” features like chalkboards. A model unit will be open to view.
There is definitely something for everyone on this year’s tour. All proceeds from ticket sales go to support the maintenance of the Benton House.
