Ellen Kenna House

Ellen Kenna chose architect Augustus Laver to design her home. He had previously worked on James Flood's mansion on Nob Hill which is today the Pacific Union Club and Linden Towers. During this time, she competed with her neighbours, the Valentines, whose mansion cost even more than hers did. On September 24, 1903 Ellen Kenna's daughter Isabel married Irving Burrell in the home which had over 150 guests in attendance. Ellen Kenna continued to live in her home until her death in 1925.

After this, the home was purchased by the Pacific Protective Society whose purpose was to rehabilitate problem girls by giving them an opportunity for the "higher and nobler things in life that characterize true womanhood."  At some point, according to online title records, the property was purchased by Kendall Ray and Rhoada Simmons. In 1980, the Simmonses sold the property to Gabe Sheridan and Frank Rapp, who worked to restore the house into a private residence with some of its former elegance.

In 1982 the house was sold to Bill Brainer and Don Boultinghouse, who continued with additional interior renovations. In 1990, the house was sold to the Center of Third World Organizing (CTWO), who used the home for training and a retreat, with the spacious rooms utilized for meetings and workshops. On June 23, 1992, the Ellen Kenna House was designated Oakland Landmark.

In 2013 the Home was purchased by Steve Kopff and Josh Stenzel who have begun the lengthy process of restoring the home to its original glory.