Terrace Hill
Encyclopedia
Terrace Hill, also known as Hubbell Mansion, Benjamin F. Allen House, and Iowa Governor's Mansion, is the official residence of the Governor of Iowa. Located in Des Moines, Iowa
, it is an example of Second Empire architecture. The home measures 18,000 square feet (1,600 m²). It sits on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, and has a 90 foot (27 m) tower that offers a commanding view of the city. The house became a National Historic Landmark
in 2003.
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.
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-present), Tom Vilsack
(1999–2007), and Chet Culver
(2007–2011) have occupied Terrace Hill since then.
. Most visitors stop first at the Carriage House, which is located near the house. Nowadays the building is used as a reception area for most visitors who arrive to tour the home. It also contains permanent and unique changing exhibits - such as a permanent display on the previous owners of the house, the Hubbell family.
The Vestibule is the entry area to the mansion. Formerly, a servant would greet guests in the Vestibule. They would enter through two sets of doors there that weigh more than 200 pounds (90 kg) each.
From there, guests would be taken to the Reception Room. Guests would wait while their presence was announced to the owners, and the host or hostess would greet them in that room.
Across the hall is the Drawing Room. At one time it was used for weddings and funerals of the home's residents. Now the room is used for important events - which include entertaining of foreign dignitaries. The room also features a 7.5 foot (2.3 m) crystal chandelier, and handcarved, laminated, rosewood Belter furniture.
The Music Room was previously an entertainment room. Young women would usually play music in this room. The room features a Steinway "Music Room Grand" from 1869 - the same year the house was completed.
The Dining Room was used for formal dinners by the previous owners of the home. Today the Dining Room continues to be used for state dinners and receptions. Food served in the dining room is prepared in the kitchen in the basement.
The Library was another important room on the first floor. It served originally as the gathering place for the men of the home, and as a storage place for knowledge. The room contains several interesting items, which include F. M. Hubbell's leather chair. Because he was just over 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, the chair sits close to the floor to accommodate him. There is also a portable gentleman's "desk", and a partners' table, where two people could work at once.
The Sitting Room was the family room during earlier times.
All of these rooms are connected by the Main Hall. The ceilings in the hall are 14.5 feet (4.4 m) tall. The Main Hall has carpets by Wilton. There are also a number of interesting portraits.
Outside there is a large porch that overlooks the downtown area. It is still used occasionally for parties.
At the landing between the First and Second Floors, there is a stained glass window. The window is often described as "garden in glass" and measures 9 by 13 feet (3 by 4 m). This window colors the landing and part of the staircase with colorful light. The window was added by F. M. Hubbell between 1884 and 1890.
After the landing, the staircase divides into two approaches to the Second Floor. Originally the Second Floor served as the bedrooms for most of the family. Now the formal office of the Governor is located on the Second Floor (his working office is located at the Capital).
The First Lady's office is also located on the Second Floor. Her office is not normally part of tours because she uses the office as her working office for writing speeches, scheduling appearances, and planning special events.
The Basement, like the Third Floor, is also not open to the public. The Governor, his family, and certain staff members have a private entrance in the basement. A kitchen located in the basement prepares meals for special events.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the US state of Iowa. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small portion of the city extends into Warren County. It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857...
, it is an example of Second Empire architecture. The home measures 18,000 square feet (1,600 m²). It sits on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, and has a 90 foot (27 m) tower that offers a commanding view of the city. The house became a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
in 2003.
History
Terrace Hill was built by Benjamin Franklin Allen, the first millionaire in Iowa, as a home for his family. 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 m²) 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.
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
William L. Harding
William Lloyd Harding was from Sioux City, Iowa and the 22nd Governor of Iowa from 1917 to 1921.-Biography:Born in 1877 in Sibley, Iowa, Harding opposed extending voting rights for women and road improvements...
(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
Robert D. Ray
Robert Dolph Ray served as the 38th Governor of Iowa from January 16, 1969 to January 14, 1983. He served in the United States Army. He received his B.A. in Business from Drake University in 1952 and his Law Degree in 1954...
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-present), Tom Vilsack
Tom Vilsack
Thomas James "Tom" Vilsack is an American politician, a member of the Democratic Party, and presently the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He served as the 40th Governor of the state of Iowa. He was first elected in 1998 and re-elected to a second four-year term in 2002...
(1999–2007), and Chet Culver
Chet Culver
Chester John "Chet" Culver was the 41st Governor of Iowa, from 2007 to 2011. He was also elected as the Federal Liaison for the Democratic Governors Association for 2008-2009. He founded the Chet Culver Group, an energy sector consulting firm, in 2011.-Early life and education:Culver was born in...
(2007–2011) have occupied Terrace Hill since then.
The Governor's Home
Terrace Hill is located at 2300 Grand Avenue, south of Interstate 235Interstate 235 (Iowa)
Interstate 235 in Iowa is an auxiliary Interstate Highway that runs just north of downtown Des Moines through the heart of the Des Moines metropolitan area. I-235 runs from the junction of Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 in West Des Moines to the separation of the same two interstates in Ankeny...
. Most visitors stop first at the Carriage House, which is located near the house. Nowadays the building is used as a reception area for most visitors who arrive to tour the home. It also contains permanent and unique changing exhibits - such as a permanent display on the previous owners of the house, the Hubbell family.
The First Floor
The first floor of Terrace Hill is a formal area. The rooms on the first floor were used often for reception of important guests, a tradition which continues.The Vestibule is the entry area to the mansion. Formerly, a servant would greet guests in the Vestibule. They would enter through two sets of doors there that weigh more than 200 pounds (90 kg) each.
From there, guests would be taken to the Reception Room. Guests would wait while their presence was announced to the owners, and the host or hostess would greet them in that room.
Across the hall is the Drawing Room. At one time it was used for weddings and funerals of the home's residents. Now the room is used for important events - which include entertaining of foreign dignitaries. The room also features a 7.5 foot (2.3 m) crystal chandelier, and handcarved, laminated, rosewood Belter furniture.
The Music Room was previously an entertainment room. Young women would usually play music in this room. The room features a Steinway "Music Room Grand" from 1869 - the same year the house was completed.
The Dining Room was used for formal dinners by the previous owners of the home. Today the Dining Room continues to be used for state dinners and receptions. Food served in the dining room is prepared in the kitchen in the basement.
The Library was another important room on the first floor. It served originally as the gathering place for the men of the home, and as a storage place for knowledge. The room contains several interesting items, which include F. M. Hubbell's leather chair. Because he was just over 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, the chair sits close to the floor to accommodate him. There is also a portable gentleman's "desk", and a partners' table, where two people could work at once.
The Sitting Room was the family room during earlier times.
All of these rooms are connected by the Main Hall. The ceilings in the hall are 14.5 feet (4.4 m) tall. The Main Hall has carpets by Wilton. There are also a number of interesting portraits.
Outside there is a large porch that overlooks the downtown area. It is still used occasionally for parties.
The Second Floor
At the end of the Main Hall on the First Floor, there is a grand staircase that leads up to the Second Floor, with a landing in between.At the landing between the First and Second Floors, there is a stained glass window. The window is often described as "garden in glass" and measures 9 by 13 feet (3 by 4 m). This window colors the landing and part of the staircase with colorful light. The window was added by F. M. Hubbell between 1884 and 1890.
After the landing, the staircase divides into two approaches to the Second Floor. Originally the Second Floor served as the bedrooms for most of the family. Now the formal office of the Governor is located on the Second Floor (his working office is located at the Capital).
The First Lady's office is also located on the Second Floor. Her office is not normally part of tours because she uses the office as her working office for writing speeches, scheduling appearances, and planning special events.
The Third Floor and the Basement
The Governor of Iowa and his family live in the private apartment on the third floor of the house. This floor is not normally open to tours; it opens only for special events, such as fundraisers for restoration or holiday tours.The Basement, like the Third Floor, is also not open to the public. The Governor, his family, and certain staff members have a private entrance in the basement. A kitchen located in the basement prepares meals for special events.