The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Esther Allen Greer Museum

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Esther Allen Greer Museum (front facade), University of Rio Grande

Institution Name: University of Rio Grande
Original/Historic Place Name: Allen's Store
Location on Campus: West College Ave.
Date(s) of Construction:

ca. 1880

original construction

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Romanesque revival, Victorian, Regionalist/Vernacular (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, education
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: stone

Walls: red brick

Roof: shingles

Function:

ca. 1880	library (college library)
ca. 1880	residence hall (boarding house for students)
ca. 1880	private residence
ca. 1880	other (country store and barbershop)
ca. 1880	old main
ca. 1980-present (2006)	library (university archives)
ca. 1980-present (2006)	museum (art gallery)

Narrative:

Built in the 1880's, the Esther Allen Greer Museum was originally a general store, home, and student boarding house owned by Frank and Miriam Allen. Their son Don was born there. He later became a trustee and benefactor of the University, as well as the owner of one of the largest automobile dealerships of its day. Acquired by Rio Grande College in the 1960's or '70's, the building was condemned in the 1980's, but was saved and renovated through a fundraising campaign led by Esther Allen Greer, widow of Don Allen, son of the early occupants of the building. Today the building houses an art gallery and the university archives.

References: