If you walk down Union Drive toward the west side of the Iowa State University campus, you’ll see it. Martin Hall Iowa State stands there looking like a standard, modern brick residence hall. It’s polished. It’s got that "built in the early 2000s" aesthetic. But honestly, most students living there or walking past have no clue that the name on the front of the building represents one of the most radical acts of rebellion in Ames history.
We’re talking about Archie and Nancy Martin.
They weren't university presidents or wealthy donors. They were a couple born into slavery who moved to Ames in 1915 and basically decided that if the university wouldn't house Black students, they would. For decades, their home at 218 Lincoln Way was the only safe harbor for students of color. Even George Washington Carver stayed with them when he came back to visit. When people talk about Martin Hall Iowa State, they usually focus on the suite-style bathrooms or the air conditioning. Those things are great, but the soul of the building is about a couple who fought the status quo until the university finally opened its doors to everyone.
Why Martin Hall Iowa State is Different
Most dorms at Iowa State are what we call "traditional style." You know the drill. Long hallways, one roommate, and a communal bathroom where you have to wear shower shoes and hope the water is hot. Martin Hall is a different beast entirely. It’s a suite-style setup.
Essentially, you have two rooms—two people in each—connected by a shared bathroom in the middle. You’re only sharing a toilet and shower with three other people instead of thirty. That’s a massive upgrade.
The Loft Secret
If you’re lucky enough to snag a room on the fourth floor, you’re in for a surprise. The top floor of Martin Hall Iowa State features lofted suites. These aren't just high ceilings. There’s an actual staircase inside your room that leads up to a second level. It feels more like a tiny New York apartment than a college dorm.
Students use the loft for beds, turning the downstairs area into a massive lounge or study zone. It changes the whole vibe. You aren't just sleeping in your office; you actually have "zones" for your life.
Living the Suite Life: Pros and Cons
Is it the best place to live on campus? Maybe. But it depends on what you're looking for.
- The Social Trade-off: In traditional halls like Helser or Friley, people tend to leave their doors open. You meet everyone. In Martin, the suite layout encourages people to stay inside their "pod." It’s quieter. Kinda more private. If you're an introvert, it's heaven. If you're looking for a 24/7 party, you might find it a bit isolated.
- The Bathroom Responsibility: Having your own bathroom means you (and your suitemates) have to clean it. The university doesn't send janitors into your private suite. If your suitemate is a slob, that’s on you to figure out.
- Proximity to Food: You are literally steps away from the Union Drive Community Center (UDCC). That means easy access to Windows Dining Center and the West Side Market. On a freezing Iowa January morning, being that close to coffee is a life-saver.
Recent Updates and Maintenance
The university is constantly tweaking things. Just recently, in late 2025, there was a project initiated to replace windows in the kitchenettes. Apparently, the old windows didn't open, which made it tough for the fire department to vent smoke if someone burned their popcorn (which happens more than you'd think). They spent about $60,000 just to make sure those seven kitchenettes had operable windows for better safety and airflow.
The Academic Vibe
You’ll find a lot of engineering and science majors here. Why? Because it’s right across the street from the west side of campus where the heavy-duty academic buildings are. It’s also often home to "houses" (that’s ISU-speak for floor communities) that lean toward upperclassmen or students who are really focused on their GPA.
💡 You might also like: The Best Christmas Dinner Appetizer Recipes That Actually Save Your Sanity
One floor—usually the third—is designated as an Honors floor. It’s quiet. People are studying. If you want to pull an all-nighter, you won't be the only one with your desk lamp on.
What Most People Miss
There is a portrait of Archie and Nancy Martin hanging in the main den. Take a second to look at it next time you’re in there. Beside it, you'll see a piano, which is a nod to the one Nancy had in her home. She used to make sure the students she housed were not only fed but also keeping up with their studies. She was like a combination of a grandmother and a Dean of Students.
Archie was the one who actually sat down with President Raymond Pearson in 1926 to demand that the university house Black students. It took two meetings, but he eventually won. That's the legacy you're living in.
✨ Don't miss: Bed With Desk Underneath for Adults: Why Your Studio Apartment Might Actually Work
Actionable Insights for Future Residents
If you're thinking about moving into Martin Hall Iowa State, keep these things in mind to make the transition easier:
- Coordinate with suitemates early: Since you share a bathroom, decide who is bringing the bath mat, the cleaning supplies, and the shower curtain. Don't wait until move-in day.
- Request the 4th floor: If you have the seniority or the luck, go for the loft. It’s the most unique living space on campus.
- Invest in a good rug: The floors are standard college tile/carpet mix. A big, plush rug in the "foyer" area of the suite makes it feel way more like home.
- Check the "operable" windows: If you're in one of the rooms near the kitchenettes, you might benefit from the brand-new 2025/2026 window replacements. Better air, less "burnt toast" smell.
- Use the dens: Martin has great common areas. Don't just stay in your suite. If you want the "college experience," you have to actually step into the hallway.
Martin Hall isn't just a place to sleep between Calc II and Physics. It's a bridge between a messy, segregated past and a modern, inclusive campus. Whether you're there for the private bathroom or the history, it's easily one of the most significant corners of the Iowa State map.