The Irvington Tour of Homes presented by the Benton House on Sunday, September 21 will showcase the history, charm, and architecture of Irvington neighborhoods while inspiring and educating visitors. Celebrate 41 years of outstanding home tours by touring an array of stunning historic properties in vibrant Irvington. Many of the homeowners not only live in Irvington, but invest further in the development of the 143 year old community through business and volunteer connections.
Megan Krol-Schultz has been the President of the Benton House Association for the past two years, and has been an Irvington resident since 2009. “The first year, my husband and I went to the Halloween Festival we were just amazed. I wanted to get involved in the community. It felt like home to us.” They got involved in the Benton House shortly thereafter, after falling in love with the historic home on Downey.
The home tour is the largest fundraising event for the historic Benton House, and proceeds go toward the preservation of the 141-year-old landmark. What started 41 years ago as a group of eager neighbors opening their homes for others to tour and share ideas has now turned into the longest consecutively run home tour in the city of Indianapolis, showcasing nearly 200 homes and landmarks over the years.
Last year’s tour broke attendance records, thanks to the hard work of the volunteers who make it happen. Schultz noted that last year’s funds went to make many repairs inside the home, including reinforcing the first floor, basement work, new flooring in the downstairs bath and kitchen, having storm windows built, and fixing water damage in the ceiling above the staircase. The goal for next year is to paint the exterior. “That will be a very large expense,” Schultz noted.
In addition, Ed Myers of the Irvington Garden Club applied for — and got — a historic designation for the gardens at the Benton House. The club maintains the gardens. Schultz said that the designation is the only one in Indiana.
The homes on the tour this year include the Irvington Lodge, and Irvington Presbyterian Church — properties that are spiritual and cultural homes for the community. The Benton House and nearby Bona Thompson Memorial Center speak to the days when Butler University was in Irvington. Other homes on the tour include 320 Layman, a rare Victorian home that has been renovated top to bottom; a chic apartment in Butler Place Apartments, a uniquely decorated home on Sheridan, and a collaboratively staged home on Audubon. The bungalow on Hawthorne has many restored features, and the townhouse on South Johnson boasts a great office space. Visitors to this year’s homes can get a glimpse of how Irvington is “redefining legendary” by drawing — and keeping — diverse residents who are contributing to the rich present (and future) of the neighborhood.
The 2014 self-guided Irvington Tour of Homes starts at noon and continues until 5:00 p.m. on September 21. In addition to the Tour of Homes, the Benton House will feature a Classy Car Show running the same hours, with registration starting at 11:30 a.m. There is no registration fee to enter. A “Best in Show” award will be given in the afternoon.
Stop by the Benton House for a free cupcake, designed exclusively for the Home Tour, to keep your energy up. While there, take a look at the Photography and Art Show featuring the works of photographer David Van Deman and artist Andy Chabot. Biking and walking is encouraged between homes. Tickets are $12 advance, $15 the day of the tour. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at local Irvington shops and restaurants, including Central Ace Hardware, Dufour’s, Black Sheep Gifts, Bookmamas and Antique Mall (Jack &Jill’s). Purchase tickets the day of the home tour at the Benton House, 312 South Downey Ave. For more information please call 317-372-2372.
