Allen House, Italianate residence in Lowell, United States.
Allen House is a 2.5 story residential structure in Lowell featuring a gabled roof, decorated with cloverleaf windows and ornamental brick details along its eaves. The building currently serves the University of Massachusetts Lowell as exhibition space and houses administrative offices for its Honors College.
The building was constructed in 1854 for Charles Herbert Allen, a prominent local businessman with strong political influence in the region. Allen gained national importance when he rose to a leadership position in a newly acquired American territory in the early 1900s.
The residence displays architectural choices favored by wealthy businesspeople of the 19th century, and its elevated position reflected the social standing of those who lived there. The Italianate style with its ornamental details was a symbol of prosperity and refined taste during that era.
The house sits on elevated ground and is visible from the street, making it easy to locate. Visitors should know the building houses offices and gallery access may vary depending on university schedules and events.
This house is the only surviving structure from what was once an elegant street lined with similar townhouses. The other residences on this street have disappeared, making this building a rare remnant from that prosperous era.
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