Oak Avenue

Many of the homes we’re about to pass were fraternity and sorority houses for Butler University.

Oak Avenue features beautiful old oak trees and contrasting architectural styles. Note the diversity of the architecture with Queen Anne, American Arts and Crafts, and even a few post World War II cottages as we walk along. Here are two houses that illustrate the differences between Queen Anne and the Arts and Crafts style.

Queen Anne - 5825 Oak Avenue:

• Loud, whereas Arts and Crafts is quiet
• Asymmetrical
• Round or polygonal corner tower
• Decorative spindlework on porches and gable trim

Arts and Crafts - 5828 Oak Avenue:

• Quiet, whereas Queen Anne is loud
• A reaction to Queen Anne architecture featuring many smaller rooms and parlors. A&C rooms tend to be larger, rectangular open spaces
• Full or partial front porch with sturdy columns
• Low pitched gable or hipped roof
• Overhanging eaves with exposed rafters or braces