Urlin Mansion/Summit Chase

George Cambridge Urlin and several other early pioneers purchased land on the bluff above what would become Goodale Boulevard with the intent of establishing a small community. Urlin was instrumental in the founding of Grandview Heights, as he and his colleagues laid out the plans for what would ultimately become the city. Urlin initially owned a well-known photography studio in downtown Columbus, later branching out into real estate with his Suburban Real Estate Company. Urlin and his wife Alice also donated the property on which the Grandview Heights Public Library was built. 

The Urlin Mansion was built on the hill overlooking the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers in 1890. The Victorian mansion was a landmark in the community, visible from afar sitting high on the hill. Urlin died in 1942, and the house was torn down in 1950.

Milton and Claudine France (the former Claudine Urlin), who had been married in the tower of the mansion, ultimately sold the property to a developer, Scioto House, Inc. The 23-story Summit Chase was built on the Urlin Mansion site in 1965. Claudine Urlin France later maintained an apartment in Summit Chase, precisely 100 feet above where she was born shortly after her parents George and Alice Urlin built their mansion. 

Summit Chase was once proclaimed by Columbus' Mayor Sensenbrenner as the best thing for Grandview and Columbus. Summit Chase also has the distinction of being a former home for John Glenn, U.S. Senator from Ohio from 1974 to 1999, and member of the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

The name is deriving from “summit” meaning the highest point on a hill or mountain; and “chase” meaning in the United Kingdom, “open land.” Summit Chase opened its doors in June 1966. It was initially marketed and leased for its high-end luxury apartments featuring top-notch amenities such as Hotpoint appliances, parquet flooring, and a master antenna for color and black & white television service. In 1977, the apartments were converted to condominiums.  

Based on public sales information, Summit Chase condominiums were sold from $125,000 up to $650,000 in late 2018 to early 2020.   

Note:  Summit Chase condominiums are private residences.  Please respect the owners' privacy and observe the building from public access points only. 

A cow relaxes in the field near Goodale Boulevard and Urlin Avenue below Urlin Mansion. The access way from Goodale Boulevard to the mansion on the right is still a main access drive to Summit Chase. The field (donated by the Urlins to the city) is now tennis courts and ball diamond at McKinley Park.

Summit Chase lobby 2019.

John Glenn on his Summit Chase apartment terrace. 

1966 advertisement for Summit Chase.