Benton House - 312 Downey Avenue

Year Built: 1873

Architecture Style: Second Empire

Key Features:

• Mansard Roof
• Large Tower and Narrow Windows
• Decorative Brackets

Built in 1873, on a beautifully wooded lot, the Benton House is a charming example of the Second Empire style of architecture (note the Mansard roof, tower, and tall narrow windows indicative of this architectural style). It was built by Nicholas Ohmer, and was one of five styles intended to be models for the community of Irvington. However, the economic panic of 1873 forced people to build more modest homes on smaller lots, as you can see all around us. For twenty years, it was the home of Allen R. Benton, twice president of Butler University in Irvington. One hundred years after it was built, the home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.