Llenroc, Ithaca

Llenroc, a remarkable Gothic Revival villa, stands as a testament to the vision and legacy of Ezra Cornell, the founder of Cornell University. Completed in 1876, this Victorian-era home, designed by the Albany firm Nichols & Brown, showcases Cornell's only architectural extravagance. The villa features three-foot-thick stone masonry walls adorned with intricate carvings, arches, turrets, and the motto "True and Firm" above the entrance, symbolizing the enduring craftsmanship of the structure.

Its interiors are equally opulent, with Georgia Pine and black walnut accents, molded plaster ceilings, nine elaborate fireplaces, and Gothic-style carved balustrades. Highlights include hand-made chandeliers in the living and music rooms, as well as large leaded glass mirrors, all of which reflect Ezra Cornell's appreciation for artistic detail.

Since 1911, Llenroc has been the home of the Pi Chapter of the Delta Phi fraternity, marking its transition from a private residence to a cherished fraternity house. The chapter acquired the property from Ezra Cornell's daughters, Mary Emily Cornell and Emma Cornell Blair, and has since maintained its historical and architectural significance. The fraternity has also contributed to the property’s legacy, including the addition of the Smiley Baldwin Memorial Stairway in 1925, which commemorates a chapter brother who died in World War I. The staircase, connecting Cornell Avenue and University Avenue, serves as both a functional structure and a poignant memorial.

Llenroc is not only a symbol of architectural excellence but also a cornerstone of Cornell University’s history. It is featured in numerous books, academic courses, and even a master’s thesis, highlighting its significance in the university's heritage. Esteemed architect and Cornell alumnus M. Arthur Gensler praised Llenroc as “one of the great buildings in America.”