Terrace Hill
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Terrace Hill is the official residence of the Governor of Iowa. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, it's an excellent example of Second Empire architecture. The home measures 18,000 square feet (1,600 m²). The house sits on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines. The house has a 90 foot (27 m) tower that offers a commanding view of the city.
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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, which covered 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, a lift, and gas lights.
When the house was first built, it was on the western edge of Des Moines. However, as the city expanded over time, the city pushed out further to the west. As a result, Terrace Hill is now nearly in the center of the city.
From the time Iowa became a state in 1846 up 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 talked of 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 1977, Robert D. Ray became the first Governor to use Terrace Hill as his residence when he moved his family there. This was followed in 1982 by Terry Branstad and his family, and in 1998 by Tom Vilsack and his family. Vilsack and his wife Christie currently occupy Terrace Hill.
The Governor's Home
Terrace Hill is located at 2300 Grand Avenue. Most visitors will stop first at the Carriage House which is located near the house. Today 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 often used for the reception of important guests, and that tradition continues today.
The Vestibule is the entry area to the mansion. In previous times a servant would greet guests in the Vestibule. They would enter through two sets of doors there that weigh over 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 the weddings and funerals of the home's residents. Today the room is used for important events - which include entertaining of forigen dignitaries. The room also features a 7.5 foot (2.3 m) crystal chandelier, and handcarved, laminated, rosewood Belter furniture.
The Music Room was an entertainment center in the younger days of the Mansion. 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 originally served 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 signed portrait of Queen Victoria. And there is also a portable gentleman's "desk", and a partners' table, where two could work at once.
Then there is the Sitting Room. This was the family room in earlier times as it provided a relaxed place to gather.
All of these rooms are connected by the Main Hall. The celings 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 potraits.
Outside there is a large porch that overlooks the downtown area. It is still used for the occasional party.
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. The grand staircase leads to a landing between the First and Second Floors.
At the landing between the First and Second Floors, there is a beautiful stained glass window. The window is often described as "garden in glass" and measures 9 by 13 feet (3 by 4 m). This window paints the landing and part of the staircase in 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.
Today the Second Floor the formal office of the Governor is located at Terrace Hill. However his working office is located at the Capital.
The First Lady's office is also located on the Second Floor. Her office is normally not part of tours because she uses the office as her working office. Mrs. Vilsack uses the office to conduct her business, writes speeches, schedules appearances, and plan 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, the only time it's open is 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 has a private entrance in the basement. There is also a garage located in the basement for the Governor's vehicles. A kitchen located in the basement prepares meals for special events.
Tour Information
Terrace Hill is open for guided tours from 10:00am to 1:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday, March through December. The tours begin on the hour and half-hour. The tour usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour.
From I-235, Terrace Hill can be accessed from either the 19th and 31st Street exits. It is located on Grand Avenue south of I-235, with street signs pointing to this destination.
External links
- The Terrace Hill Web Site (http://www.terracehill.org)