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Close House (Iowa City, Iowa)

Coordinates: 41°39′16″N 91°31′47″W / 41.65444°N 91.52972°W / 41.65444; -91.52972
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Close House
Close House (Iowa City, Iowa) is located in Iowa
Close House (Iowa City, Iowa)
Close House (Iowa City, Iowa) is located in the United States
Close House (Iowa City, Iowa)
Location538 S. Gilbert St.
Iowa City, Iowa
Coordinates41°39′16″N 91°31′47″W / 41.65444°N 91.52972°W / 41.65444; -91.52972
Arealess than one acre
Built1874
ArchitectAugust Hazelhorst
Architectural styleItalianate
NRHP reference No.74000791[1]
Added to NRHPMay 31, 1974

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]

Uses of the home

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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 Italianate-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 Public Space One, a community driven, non-profit contemporary arts center.[4] The LGBTQ Iowa Archives & Library is housed on the mansion's second floor.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. ^ a b 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
  4. ^ Public Space One
  5. ^ "Our Leadership – LGBTQ Iowa Archives & Library" Archived 2023-04-29 at the Wayback Machine