Terrace Hill is an architectural marvel. It was completed in 1869 in the fast-growing community of Des Moines.
Des Moines became Iowa's capital city in 1857 and exploded in size after the Civil War.
As the capital city grew, its first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen, began working on his dream home: Terrace Hill. Allen hired renowned Chicago-based architect William W. Boyington to shape his vision into a reality. The cost of construction amounted to a lofty $250,000.
Terrace Hill's unique features include:
- Two elaborate towers
- Projections
- Bays
- Balconies
- Canopies
- Columned porches
Terrace Hill also has a superb location. Perched high above the Raccoon River on its "terraced hill," it commands expansive views in every direction.
Terrace Hill has intrigued and inspired the public since the first guests walked through its doors for the housewarming in January 1869. Not long after Allen built Terrace Hill, he lost his fortune and sold the mansion to Frederick Hubbell, a prominent Des Moines real estate, railroad, and insurance magnate, for only $60,000.
Frederick Marion Hubbell and his descendants lived in Terrace Hill for over 70 years. In 1957 it was vacated and remained unused. In 1971, slightly over a century after its completion, the Hubbell heirs donated Terrace Hill to the State of Iowa.
Terrace Hill was transformed to become the official home for Iowaβs governors. The first governor to live here was Governor Robert Ray, who moved in with his family in 1976.
Terrace Hill celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019.