Close House (Iowa City, Iowa)

The Close Mansion, also known as the Close House, was one of the great mansions of Iowa City, Iowa, USA, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1874 at a cost of around $15,000.[2] The mansion is located at the corner of Gilbert and Bowery in Iowa City. The Close family was involved in a linseed oil company and a glove factory, both of which were located near that home.[2]

Close House
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	538 S. Gilbert St. Iowa City, Iowa
Coordinates	41°39′16″N 91°31′47″W
Area	less than one acre
Built	1874
Architect	August Hazelhorst
Architectural style	Italianate
NRHP reference No.	74000791[1]
Added to NRHP	May 31, 1974

Uses of the home

After the Close family sold the home it was used by Acacia Fraternity and later was occupied by the Johnson County Department of Social Welfare. During the years of the home's renovation, several of the Italian style characteristics were removed, including the widows walk, the front balconies and the glassed-in cupola. The red brick of the house was temporarily painted gray but the paint has since been removed.[3] The cupola and balconies have since been restored to the home. The Close Mansion currently houses an interior design firm and a picture framing shop.

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
2. Nineteenth century home architecture of Iowa City; Margaret N. Keyes; 1993 edition; University of Iowa Press
3. Nineteenth century home architecture of Iowa City; Margaret N. Keyes; 1993 edition; University of Iowa Press