College Heights | Grosslight

The Grosslight House is one of the “Houses for Three Veterans” grouped together on Glenn Road. (See also The Tukey House and The Berlin House.) While the homes were all built by contractor Harry Falk, the dwellings are all highly distinctive in appearance, reflecting the personal wishes of the three families.

The homes were of average size for the times, and each cost $18,000. In comparison, several nearby homes by architect William Hajjar cost about $25,000 each and were among the more expensive in town when built. The Hallock designs are no less stylish, however.

Joseph was a professor in psychology at Penn State. Jane was an expert in lighting (also one of Hallock’s special interests) and wrote a book on the subject. The couple later relocated to Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

The house is shown near the time of completion. Note Hallock’s typical “pattern of squares” on the wall to the right of the chimney. The dwelling has the same low-pitched main roof and flat roof over the breezeway and carport/garage as the Hajjar home behind it.

The house is shown as it existed 50 years later. Enhancements include stone facing on the chimney, enclosing the carport, adding a screen to the rear of the breezeway, installing new casement windows, and extending the front to the right.

The fireplace has a raised hearth and side window, favored Hallock touches.

The same fireplace blocks were formerly used outside as well as for the interior.

Hallock frequently included built-in adjustable shelving into his designs.

Note the large beam to allow the structure to provide for a cathedral ceiling.