Marion Hall Mansion
Origins with Frank Enger
Constructed in 1897, the mansion was commissioned by Frank Enger, a prominent figure in Cincinnati’s early automobile industry. Enger founded the Enger Motor Car Company, one of the city’s first automobile manufacturers. The Beaux-Arts style home, designed by architect Matthew H. Burton, featured a 15,000-square-foot main house and a 4,500-square-foot carriage house. The estate was designed to serve as both a family residence and a venue for entertaining high society. Notably, Enger’s daughter Ruth’s debutante party in 1915 was attended by approximately 300 guests from Cincinnati’s elite families .
Transition to Xavier University
After Enger’s death in 1917, the mansion remained in private hands until the 1940s. In 1943, the property was donated to Xavier University and repurposed as a women’s dormitory, known as Marion Hall, a role it fulfilled until 1991 . During this period, the mansion’s interior underwent modifications to accommodate student life, though many original architectural features were preserved.
Returning Marion Hall to all her Glory
With the vision and courage of James Mesuraca and Ryan Messer, Marion Hall went from run down and vacant, to beautiful and luxurious. Read more about the complete renovation at Cincinnati.com, and Cincinnati Refined.