An excellent example of the Prairie School of Architecture, Ricker House was designed by Walter Burley Griffin of Chicago, an associate of both Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright and designer of the Clark Fountain, formerly in Central Park. Griffin's wife, Marion Mahony, created the tile work in the home.
The house was built in 1911 for Benjamin Ricker and his wife, Mabel; at the time, Ricker was a partner in the Morrison-Ricker Manufacturing Company, which made gloves.
The exterior has a strong horizontal emphasis, accented by vertical detailing on the second story. Interior highlights include oak woodwork, cove lighting, recessed bookcases, and sleeping porches. Marion Mahony Griffin's terra cotta tilework appears on the fireplaces in the study and living room as well as the exterior of the house.
Grinnell College acquired the house in 2000-01 and it is now used as a guest house and conference center.

Located at 1510 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112. This video was made possible through a Grinnell College Mini-Grant.