Iowa House

Now a bed and breakfast inn called the Iowa House, this large and elegant historic residence is the former Sigma Sigma-Delta Chi fraternity house. It was built in 1924 and sold in 2006. Its design is an attractive blend of Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and Classical Revival architectural styles. Notable features include Tudor decorative brickwork, a complex Craftsman-style roof system with eaves and rafters, and classical arches. The Iowa House also represents the history of fraternities at the university, many of which began independently and then merged with a national fraternity. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

The Sigma Sigma fraternity was established at Iowa State College (as it was known then) sometime in the early 1900s. Membership grew from 16 in 1918 to 26 by 1923. In all, there were 49 fraternities and sororities at the college at the time. A number of them already became chapters of national organizations by 1922.

In 1923, Sigma Sigma considered joining a new fraternity called Phi Kappa Pi but nothing came of that idea. It is possible that the need for a large residence was the reason why. Members knew that a bigger house would attract more pledges so as a result, they formed the Sigma Sigma Building Corporation to build it. The house stood out from the other Greek residences in Ames, many of which were designed in either the Colonial, Georgian Revival, or Classical Revival styles. The Sigma Sigma house was notable for its size and eclectic design.

Sigma Sigma finally achieved its goal of national affiliation in 1933 when it merged with Delta Chi, which already had a chapter at Iowa State. However, a primary motivation to make the move was perhaps financial. It probably made sense for both organizations to merge as a result of financial difficulties caused by the Great Depression.

Delta Chi originated at Cornell University in 1890. It was established at Iowa State in 1923 when a local fraternity, Hau Ki, became a chapter. Delta Chi was active at Iowa State for several decades and appears to have reached its peak in the 1950s. Interest in Greek organizations across the country declined by the 1970s. They became mostly known for having parties and little else and students became move involved in social activism and anti-war activities. In the 1990s, the number of pledges to Delta Chi decreased significantly. Eventually, the low membership could no longer maintain the chapter (and the house) financially and it was forced to close. The house remained vacant until Delta Chi sold it 2006 and it became the bed and breakfast at that time.

Page, William C. "Sigma Sigma-Delta Chi Fraternity House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. July 10, 2008. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/08000684_text.