Carriage House masonry to be repaired thanks to new grant

By Rae vonHoldt

2001

The State Historical Society of Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs recently announced that Terrace Hill’s Historic Site Preservation Grant Program project was approved for funding up to a maximum of $100,000. The grant was submitted by the Terrace Hill Foundation to restore the masonry on the Carriage House.

“This is a particularly large masonry repair project because of the extent to which the bricks have decayed. On most areas of the Carriage House, the bottom two or three feet of wall surfaces have severe damage. On other wall surfaces of the structure, there are random deteriorated bricks that will be replaced,” said Administrator David L. Cordes.

The historic Carriage House was an important auxiliary building in the original function of the estate. It provided stables for the horses as well as storage for carriages. It presently serves as a Welcome Center where guests begin their tour with an introductory video. After the tour of the mansion concludes, visitors return to the Carriage House to view permanent artifact displays and private collections that rotate on a three-month schedule. Visitors also have a chance to browse and buy in the Gift Shop.

The exhibit space in the Carriage House also serves to place the Allen and the Hubbell families, as well as their time, in context—enhancing the volunteer-led tour of Iowa’s most famous home.

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