Architect. He is perhaps best noted for his extraordinary works in Richardsonian Romanesque architecture ranging from single-family homes to public school buildings. A native of Illinois, Allen acquired some of his early-age training in Chicago and was practicing architecture full-time in Streator by 1880. Six years later he formed a small architectural firm alongside colleague John Coxhead which was known as Allen & Coxhead. The following year in 1887, the partnership between the two men abruptly dissolved and the two went their separate ways, with Coxhead settling in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Allen in Joliet, Illinois where much of his best works were created, such as the Joliet Township High School. In 1893, Allen received an award from the commission of the World's Columbian Exposition for an exhibit of his work in school architecture, a moment that would lead to the expansion of his practice. In 1904, Allen and his family moved to Pasadena, California after being commissioned there for work, and then three years later to Los Angeles, where he remained until his retirement and death. To date, many of Allen's surviving works can still be found in various parts of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
Architect. He is perhaps best noted for his extraordinary works in Richardsonian Romanesque architecture ranging from single-family homes to public school buildings. A native of Illinois, Allen acquired some of his early-age training in Chicago and was practicing architecture full-time in Streator by 1880. Six years later he formed a small architectural firm alongside colleague John Coxhead which was known as Allen & Coxhead. The following year in 1887, the partnership between the two men abruptly dissolved and the two went their separate ways, with Coxhead settling in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Allen in Joliet, Illinois where much of his best works were created, such as the Joliet Township High School. In 1893, Allen received an award from the commission of the World's Columbian Exposition for an exhibit of his work in school architecture, a moment that would lead to the expansion of his practice. In 1904, Allen and his family moved to Pasadena, California after being commissioned there for work, and then three years later to Los Angeles, where he remained until his retirement and death. To date, many of Allen's surviving works can still be found in various parts of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
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