Terrace Hill, also known as Hubbell Mansion, Benjamin F. Allen House or the Iowa Governor's Mansion, is the official residence of the Governor of Iowa in the capital city of Des Moines.

An example of Second Empire architecture, the Terrace Hill gubernatorial residence sits on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines and features a prominent tower. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003. The architect for this project was William Boyington, a popular Chicago architect. Construction began in 1866, and was finished in 1869. The total cost of the project was $250,000 for the Mansion, the Carriage House, the original furnishings, and about 30 acres (120,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) of land. The house had very modern features for its time, which included hot and cold running water, indoor restrooms, an elevator, and gas lights.

When the house was first built, it was on the western edge of Des Moines. However, the city expanded westward. As a result, Terrace Hill is now nearly in the center of the city.

In 1884, the mansion was bought by local Des Moines businessman F.M. Hubbell. The mansion was purchased for $60,000 from Benjamin Franklin Allen.

From the time Iowa became a state in 1846 until 1947, no official residence was provided for the governor aside from Governor William L. Harding (1917–1921). In 1947, Iowa purchased an old colonial style home to serve as the residence for the governor, but by 1970, a new home was needed to serve the needs of the governor and the state to host visiting dignitaries. At first, the Iowa government considered building a new home to serve as the governor's residence. The Hubbell family—the owners of Terrace Hill—then offered the home to the state for use as a residence for the governor and his family. In the fall of 1976, Robert D. Ray became the first governor to use Terrace Hill as his residence when he moved there with his wife Billie Ray and their three daughters. Governors Terry Branstad (1983–1999, 2011–2017), Tom Vilsack (1999–2007), Chet Culver (2007–2011), and Kim Reynolds (2017–present) have occupied Terrace Hill since then.

Design information

An example of Second Empire architecture, the 18,000 square feet (1,600&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>) Iowa gubernatorial residence sits on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines. Terrace Hill tower that offers a commanding view of the surrounding city of Des Moines. The building's steeply pitched mansard roof, open verandas, long and narrow and frequently paired windows, and bracketed eaves give this house an irreplaceable design. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003.

Tour information

Terrace Hill is open for guided tours Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:30&nbsp;am and 12:00&nbsp;pm by reservation made 48 hours in advance. Terrace Hill's touring season is March through December.

See also

  • List of governors' residences in the United States
  • List of National Historic Landmarks in Iowa
  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Polk County, Iowa

References

  • Official website