The Long-Gone Glen Allen Estate In Cleveland Heights Lives On Through Vintage Photographs
By Nikki Rhoades|Published December 29, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland’s Millionaires’ Row no longer stands, but modern-day locals have heard of its magnificence. Visitors from all around the world marveled at its exquisite architecture and boastful display of wealth, but few remember the illustrious countryside estates of this street’s former residents. Back in the day, Clevelanders retreated into what is now the suburbs for a bit of rest and relaxation. As time marched on, even the residents of Millionaires’ Row began to prefer the quiet life to the bustling atmosphere of the city. The Glen Allen Estate in Cleveland Heights was one of the most illustrious countryside estates and, though it’s gone, its legacy lives on in photographs.
As Clevelanders were starting to migrate into the suburbs and further away from Millionaires' Row, even the most wealthy looked to the suburbs for solace.
Glen Allen, pictured above, was one of the most magnificent structures to stand in the suburbs. It was built in 1915 and designed by Charles Schweinfurth, who was famous for designing Old Stone Church, the Cuyahoga County Courthouse, and several mansions on Millionaires' Row.
Glen Allen (also styled Glenallen) was one of four gorgeous estates that sprang up at the intersection of South Taylor and Mayfield roads in Cleveland Heights.
John D. Rockefeller, John L. Severance, and Dr. Benjamin Millikin and Julia Severance Millikin were all neighbors of this stunning estate. It was built for recently widowed Elisabeth Severance Allen, so she truly wasn't far from family.
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Built in the English manor style of architecture, this striking structure was made mostly of brick and accented with dramatic elements.
While rare prints and fantastic artwork decorated the interior of the home, extensive gardens decorated the exterior. In many early photos, Elisabeth Severance Allen herself can be seen wistfully wandering through the gardens.
Inside, 15 large rooms hosted most of the entertaining space. Several smaller rooms provided additional space for service.
The property, all in all, stretched from Yellowstone and Woodridge roads. The land on which the estate was built had been in the family, providing a countryside retreat in the summer months.
As a philanthropist, Elisabeth Severance Allen Prentiss appreciated the fine arts and education. In fact, she founded the Allen Memorial Medical Library at Case Western Reserve.
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The sprawling estate was truly a testament to the Severance family's wealth. Its magnificence astonished visitors and passerby during its short lifetime.
Elisabeth Severance Allen Prentiss passed with no children in 1944. Though her estate fell to the wrecking ball, her legacy lives on in her financial contributions to the city.
Exquisitely designed and a testament to the Severance family’s wealth, Glen Allen Estate in Cleveland Heights was one of the area’s early architectural marvels. Though long gone, its legacy still surprises locals.
Want to see more of the Severance Family’s impact on the local landscape? Pay a visit to Severance Hall, which dazzles visitors to this day.
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