This stately Colonial Revival-style home was constructed in 1938 for Clarence and Minna Benjamin. It was designed by the New Albany architectural firm of Hawkins and Walker, precursor to Walker, Applegate, Oakes and Ritz, the firm that designed many of the city’s most notable mid-century buildings. The original blueprints exist and will remain with the house. Mr. Benjamin was secretary and president of Bensinger & Benjamin Apparel Shops, which later became the iconic Fashion Shop.
 
The Benjamins resided here until about 1951, when they relocated to another home on Sunset Drive in Silver Hills. It was then purchased by Harold and Edith Switzer, and subsequently by James and Nancy Gray. The current owners purchased the home in 1988 and have lovingly cared for it since.


 
The Benjamin House offers 1745 square feet of living space, including four bedrooms and 1½ bathrooms. The brick exterior of the house is a restrained example of the Colonial Revival style, with a largely-symmetrical, three-bay façade. The focal point of the front elevation is the front door surround, with a decorative crown supported by pilasters and a row of dentils below the crown. The front door opens into a central hallway with wide, quarter-sawn oak floors and a telephone nook. The house retains its original eight-over-eight and six-over-six double hung windows throughout, as well as original woodwork and trim.



The pegged wood flooring continues into the living room, which also includes a wood-burning fireplace with a simple wooden mantelpiece and a tile surround and hearth. Glass doors flanking the chimney open into a cheery sunroom ringed with windows.



On the opposite side of the center hall is the dining room, which features the same wide plank flooring, as well as interior shutters on the windows. The kitchen is located at the rear of the house and offers lots of natural lights and period charm.



One end of the room includes a knotty pine breakfast nook with built-in benches and table, seen on the original blueprints. A half-bathroom is also found on this level.



 
A staircase with delicate, tapered balusters and newel posts rises from the center hall to the upper level. Four bedrooms are found upstairs, each with wood flooring and a closet.



Large windows – with storm windows added for extra energy efficiency – let in abundant natural light. The octagonal floor tiles, pedestal sink and partial-tile walls of the full bathroom complement the style of the house, and it also includes a linen closet. The unfinished attic and full basement provide lots of storage space.
 
A two-car garage is located at the corner of the house, with an additional paved parking area adjacent. A patio is nestled in the corner of where the house and garage come together, providing a cozy and private area to enjoy the outdoors.