The street is named after the 17th century poet Joseph Addison who lived at Holland House. Addison was founder of The Spectator magazine.
The southern section of Addison Avenue (up to Queendale Road) was built between 1840 and 1843. Nos. 18-36 (even) are on the east side and overlook Queensdale Walk at the back. Nos. 17-35 (odd) are on the west side. They are generally two-storey houses with stuccoed façades built in pairs.
The houses were of various designs because individual plots were taken by many different builders.
Smaller houses were built closer to Holland Park Avenue.
