Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon

Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon is a historic building in Ames, Iowa, United States. It is a large four-story brick structure that was built in 1931 for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Iowa State College (now Iowa State University). 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.[2] The 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.

Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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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[1]
Added to NRHP	February 5, 2014

The Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon was chartered on April 20, 1916. It was the fraternity's fortieth local chapter. 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. In 1952, the kitchen and the house mother's quarters were expanded. Journalist Robert L. Bartley resided here until his graduation from Iowa State in 1959. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.[1]

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
2. Scott M. Blum. "Iowa Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2017-11-25.