A newsworthy home design that stands the test of time
by
Jim Newell 
Typically, when we say a home has stood the test of time, it means the home is simply still standing and often has been remodeled substantially and resembles little of its original design. It’s rare that one has retained its original design and layout, while staying functional as times change.
At 5766 Central Avenue, you can see a home for sale that is one of those rare ones. An original design that appears as it did ninety years ago when built, that still has a very contemporary, functional feel.
Completed in 1925, this home was designed and built by T. W. Mitchell. It was so unique that it was featured in a front-page article in the Indianapolis Star on October 4 of that year. At the time, Mitchell was quoted as saying “I didn’t try to build an English house, or a Colonial house, or a Spanish house, but tried instead to make a real American house.” He defined that quality as one containing plenty of room space, plenty of windows and “all the closets any wife could want.” Now, ninety years later, the home is for sale, listed by Carpenter Realtors(r) and Reinhard Pollach.
Originally, a circular drive rounded the house from the south to the northwest corner, which served as the front and drive entrance. The homes entrance on the north east corner leads to a vestibule with mirrored door closets typically only found in larger mansions on Meridian Street. The main level landing features a center staircase to the right and a three arched doorways that lead to the home’s living room; the one on the left and right side are traditional French Doors and the center is a pull down design that disappears in the ceiling when not in use. The extensive original woodwork and built-ins have been meticulously maintained and refinished; naturally a home of this caliber features original quarter sawn oak hardwood floors throughout. The elegant and rounded staircase leads to the the four bedrooms on second floor; the size and placement for windows creates a very livable space – even on the the upper level. The current owners added a full bath and 5th bedroom on the third level.
Today’s 4,293 square foot 90-year-old “real American home” has all the current updates that one would seek – new energy efficient period style windows throughout, updated three and a half baths (heated floor in master) and a kitchen that any gourmet chef would adore. But the original design – featuring arched entries, tons of natural light, large closets and all the space you’d want – remains intact, as does much of the original woodwork and tile. This is one home that was worthy of the attention it received when built, and worthy of our appreciation for the way it has stood the test of many years since.
