Rollins Mansion

This elaborate home was built in 1925-27 by Ralph Rollins, owner of Rollins Hosiery Mills. Rollins was friends with cosmetics maker Carl Weeks, who built another signature Des Moines home, Salisbury House. Both homes were designed by local architects Byron Boyd & Herbert Moore, & both are on the National Register of Historic Places. According to an official history of the Rollins home, the two Des Moines businessmen "spent a considerable amount of time studying English homes & Tudor architecture." As part of their travel "Mr. Rollins brought back 16th century ship beams & ceiling beams from the Inn where William Shakespeare performed," the history says. Rollins Mansion is available for private and corporate events. The property can be rented for receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings and private gatherings.