It has been used for various university and private functions since then, most notably as the design studio for the Department of Architecture until its dissolution in 1972.

In preparation for becoming the first Alumni House of Case Western Reserve University, the house underwent an intense renovation process beginning in February of 2007.  Determined to honor the historic traditions of the home, considerable effort was taken to refurbish the significant architectural details. Interior work included restoring the beautiful woodwork in the parlor, uncovering architectural details covered by walls and refinishing the first floor wooden flooring.  On the exterior, all of the copper valleys, peaks and gutters were replaced. The antique slate roof was dismantled and all of the pieces that were intact were cleaned and replaced. Fortunately the original purveyor of the slate roof, The Vermont Roofing Company, was able to provide new matching replacement tiles.

Other significant infrastructure work included the addition of a 4 story elevator to the rear of the building, porches on either side of the front entrance complete with a special needs ramp, new windows that retain the historical architecture, all new landscaping and the addition of a rear porch and patio.

The Alumni House features vintage Case Western Reserve University memorabilia and select furniture pieces from across the university.  The house  is located next to The Coffeehouse at University Circle, is two doors away from The Glidden House Hotel, and is across from the residence halls, home of our future alumni.

If you have not already stopped by, please come by to tour the house and discover a place on campus where you always feel at home. Except on university holidays, the house is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Future

The Alumni House is the first phase of the Alumni Center Project. The next phase will see the building of a great hall, located adjacent to the house. The hall will provide additional meeting, banquet facilities and office space.

A fund raising campaign is under way to fulfill the dream of a complete Center. About half of the total has been raised to date. If you are interested in exploring how you can contribute to the Alumni Center campaign please email alumnihouse@cwru.edu.