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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1049.jpg 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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1009.jpg 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.
Built in the English manor style of architecture, this striking structure was made mostly of brick and accented with dramatic elements.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1059.jpg Outside, a metal and glass awning greeted visitors. Inside, gorgeous patterned rugs and exquisite imported tapestries added a bit of texture.
Its grounds were accented with floral beauty, which was evident both in the greenhouse and in the rose garden.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1054.jpg 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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen2102.jpg 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.
Outside, a modest 45-acre yard encompassed exquisite gardens and walking paths.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1050.jpg The Formal Garden and Japanese Garden were favorites of visitors. All throughout the garden, ornate landscaping and enchanting statues could be found.
No expense was spared on this estate. Even the pavilion was imported from Korea!
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1036.jpg Aiming for authenticity, this gorgeous pavilion was even constructed in the style of Korean temples after its import.
Visitors were enamored by fine details like those in the hand-carved mahogany grand staircase.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen2098.jpg 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.
The sprawling estate was truly a testament to the Severance family’s wealth. Its magnificence astonished visitors and passerby during its short lifetime.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen2081.jpg
The estate was demolished following its owner’s death in 1945. All that is left of its existence are photos and a few bricks.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen2113.jpg 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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1049.jpg
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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1009.jpg
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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1059.jpg
Outside, a metal and glass awning greeted visitors. Inside, gorgeous patterned rugs and exquisite imported tapestries added a bit of texture.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1054.jpg
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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen2102.jpg
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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1050.jpg
The Formal Garden and Japanese Garden were favorites of visitors. All throughout the garden, ornate landscaping and enchanting statues could be found.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen1036.jpg
Aiming for authenticity, this gorgeous pavilion was even constructed in the style of Korean temples after its import.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen2098.jpg
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.
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen2081.jpg
Clifford Norton/Photograph albums of Glenallen Identifier: glenallen2113.jpg
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.
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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