Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon

Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	228 Gray Ave. Ames, Iowa
Coordinates	42°01′13.8″N 93°38′25.6″W
Area	less than one acre
Built	1931
Architect	Amos B. Emery
Architectural style	Tudor Revival
NRHP reference No.	13001140
Added to NRHP	February 5, 2014

Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon is a historic building in Ames, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

History

The Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was chartered at Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) on April 20, 1916. It was the fraternity's fortieth chapter. The chapter built its chapter house in 1931 at 228 Gray Avenue in Ames, Iowa.

During World War II, part of the building was rented to female students as many male students left to join the military. A fire damaged the third floor in 1943. Journalist Robert L. Bartley resided here until he graduated from Iowa State in 1959.

The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Architecture

This large four-story brick structure was built in 1931 for the Iowa Beta chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. The Tudor Revival style building features ornamental half-timbering and stucco veneered walls, a steeply pitched roof with two separate cross-gabled sections, and a two-story wing that is oriented diagonally from the main body of the house. Three of the four floors are above grade and one is exposed on the back side via the sloping lot.

It was designed by Des Moines architect Amos B. Emery. It is the only Tudor Revival style building designed by Emory, and only one of two fraternity houses that he designed.

In 1952, the kitchen and the house mother's quarters were expanded.

See also

• North American fraternity and sorority housing

External links

• Iowa Beta House Tour 2021 (video)