This year marks the 47th Annual Benton House Tour of Homes, which is the longest consecutively running home tour in the city of Indianapolis. Determined to continue the tradition, even during the pandemic, organizers developed an ingenious way to bring the beauty and uniqueness of Irvington properties to the public.
“Truly Historic” is a spot-on title for the 2020 tour of homes. In hopes of providing some normalcy and comfort, organizers will be able to present a modified format for this year’s tour to ensure the safety of all. 360 Tour Design of Central Indiana partnered with the Benton House to provide this unique tour of truly outstanding properties in the neighborhood.
The 47th Annual Benton House Tour of Homes will be held online between Sunday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 27. For $10, visitors can log in to the site and be able to experience the four homes showcased this year, including the Benton House Caretaker’s apartment and basement that is usually off-limits to visitors. People who may have wanted to go on the Home Tour in the past but couldn’t due to accessibility issues or scheduling conflicts will love this virtual access over the entire week! To buy tickets on Eventbrite, visit https://tinyurl.com/y2t2kuyk
In addition to the Benton House, visitors can tour three outstanding Irvington Homes:
• The home of Billy & Drew Hall-Linn on St. Clair. Constructed after World War I, on nearly an acre of land on the high ground above Pleasant Run in Irvington. Consulting engineer and architect Charles Henry Kohler Brossman probably designed this masonry residence, as he was the first owner. The current owners have completely renovated the 4,000+ sq. ft. home, including a garage addition, while keeping the interior layout and charm intact.
• On Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive, the home of Megan & Tim Schultz. One of twelve homes built in the Bankers Pleasant Run Addition. Built in 1939, the house was first occupied by locomotive engineer Raymond “Ray” LeRoy Feezle. The Schultz’s are the 8th owners of the home and have made some structural updates, such as a french drain, and most recently gutted their upstairs bathroom.
• On Springbrook North Drive, the home of Amy & David Leising, is a colonial brick ranch style house built in 1951. Like most of the area, the land had previously been used for farming until the development of Warren Park. Research is still being conducted on the original owner of the property, but the Leisings are the 4th owners. Amy stated that many people tell her family that they have been to their house for parties… not surprising when we find out that the previous owners had eight children!
George Thomas created flower arrangements for each home, and the Irvington Historical Society provided the home’s history to the owners. Many, many volunteers have worked hard to bring the 47th Benton House Home Tour to reality during very unusual circumstances!
In addition to the homes, the Classy Car Show will be virtual and take place on The Benton House Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thebentonhouse) A photo album will be set up there, displaying all the entries. The Crowd Favorite award will be the only award and there is no registration fee this year.
There’s still time to enter the Classy Car Show:
• Option 1: Send up to 5 photos of your car to bentonhousecarshow@gmail.com by 11 a.m. Sunday Sept. 20 Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number for our reference. Also include the make and model and a quick bio or description of your car that will be included with the picture.
• Option 2: Visit the Facebook page anytime after 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 20 and add your photos of your car to the album titled Benton House Classy Car Show. Be sure to include the make and model of your car, along with a description.
Participants may enter multiple cars. Entries will be displayed from noon Sunday, September 20 to Sunday the 27th at 5 p.m. At 5 p.m. on the 27th, the “likes” on each entry will be tallied up, and the entry with the most likes will win the Crowd Favorite award.
