Hill McClelland Bell House

Iowa, United States

Exterior only

Visible from the street; the inside is private.

Find out more

Heritage registerNational Register of Historic Places↗

Built in 1902 in Des Moines, Iowa, the Hill McClelland Bell House is a 2½-story Victorian residence with a rectangular plan, gable front, and wrap-around porch. Decorative details include wood shingles in the gable end and diamond mullion window patterning. The house gains historical significance from its association with Hill McClelland Bell, who served as president of Drake University from 1902 to 1918—a period of substantial institutional growth marked by North Central Association accreditation, the establishment of faculty pensions, increased endowment, reduced debt, recruitment of prominent professors, and construction of five significant campus buildings. Enrollment expanded considerably during his tenure. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.