Llenroc was built for Ezra Cornell between 1865 and 1875. It is a fine and well preserved example of masonry Gothic Revival architecture. The house is constructed of "Llenroc limestone", a name used for the limestone quarried as building material taken from west of Libe Slope. Artisans from around the world created the many elaborate fixtures of the house including: English woodcarvers responsible for the carved interior molding on the first and second floor and stonemasons from Germany completed the exterior stonework. Irish, Scottish, Italian, and Indian craftsmen also made significant contributions. Eight complete marble fireplaces were also imported from Europe to be placed throughout the house. At the suggestion of Andrew Dickson White, the university's co-founder and first President, the phrase "True and Firm" was carved over the entrance to the house. Ezra Cornell died in 1874 as Llenroc neared completion. His wife and children lived there for 32 years, but vacated it in the early 20th century, as it was too extravagant for their needs. In 1911, Cornell's daughters Mary and Emma sold the house to the Delta Phi fraternity. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Construction
According to The History of Llenroc and Pi Chapter, construction on Llenroc began in 1867. Ezra Cornell hired an Albany firm, Nichols and Brown, to design the plan for the house, which borrowed heavily from rural Gothic Villa and High Victorian Gothicstyles of architecture. Cornell was also forced to open a rock quarry to acquire grey Lockport limestone with which to build the house. German artisans were commissioned to carve elaborate designs into the limestone, while English artisans were hired to carve the woodwork for the house. Irish, Scottish, Italian and Indian immigrants, were employed as laborers for the construction project. The house has 17 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Up to 26 people may make their residence at the house at any one time. Since the initial construction, a number of renovations have been carried out. In 1946, a major overhaul of the house was performed, during which time the house's basement was converted into a living area, complete with a bar. In 1955, a garage was erected adjacent to the house. In 1967, the upstairs bathroom was renovated. In 2007, the kitchen was renovated.
Notable features
There are a number of notable aspects to the Llenroc property, other than the actual house. In 1925, the Delta Phi Memorial Staircase, at the southernmost extreme of the property, was donated to the Delta Phi fraternity by Arthur Baldwin in commemoration of his son, Morgan Smiley Baldwin, who was killed in World War I. The property also boasts tennis and basketball courts on its of land. Inside the house, hand-made twin chandeliers hang in downstairs living spaces, in the living and music rooms.
Fraternity chapter
The Pi chapter of the Delta Phi fraternity was founded in 1891 on the Cornell campus. After a brief stint in downtown Ithaca at 405 East State Street, the brotherhood moved to 515 Stewart Avenue. In 1911, the brotherhood made its last move, into the current residence of the Pi Chapter: Llenroc .
