CEDAR FALLS - With roughly 6,000 square feet of living space, the University of Northern Iowa's President's House is the smallest at the three state-supported universities.

But it lives large, says Pat Allen, wife of UNI President Ben Allen.

"The house is used for a broad range of activities and gatherings," says Allen. "In the past year, there have been breakfasts, meetings with student government leaders, local legislators and civic groups and organizations, receptions, dinners, cocktail parties, open houses, fundraising events, as well as tours. It's also our home."

In the past year, more than 125 events have been hosted at the home, with more than 1,500 guests passing through the front door.

Built in 1909, the UNI President's House is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, culminating with homecoming activities in October. The home's architecture has been described as Chicago Prairie-style with Italianate influence.

Originally the UNI president and his family resided in quarters in classroom buildings. President and Mrs. Homer H. Seerley found the arrangement lacking for a family with four young children in the 1880s. In 1890, a two-story brick house was built and dubbed the President's Cottage. The college grew - and the cottage itself was outgrown as the president's professional role as a host grew. In 1907, construction of a new President's House was approved by the board of trustees at a cost not to exceed $16,000. The final cost was $18,000.

"Both homes were designed and construction supervised by James E. Robinson, superintendent of buildings and grounds from 1890-1930. He oversaw the development of the 14 buildings that make up the central campus today," explains Catherine Griffin, facilities coordinator at the President's House.

All UNI presidents have been required to live in the home in order to provide accessibility for students and faculty, for the president to host university functions and "providing a bridge between the university and community," Griffin says.

Structurally the house has changed very little in the past 100 years, Allen says. Porches were added to the original footprint in its early days and there has been one major renovation in its history, along with periodic updates and interior design and decorating alterations. "The entry was changed to provide a welcoming setting and better flow into the house, and the staircase is original."

The home has four levels, including a formal entry, two parlors, a library, kitchen and formal dining room. A soft neutral color scheme highlights the maple and oak-finished woodwork. In the basement, a game room is decorated with a purple-and-gold Panther theme.

Energy-efficient windows were made this summer, and a new roof and porch repairs were installed in 2006. Other improvements were made throughout the house, and the Allens provided new furniture for the main floor. "We needed new furniture and the budget was tight, so Ben and I bought it. We live here, it's our home, and we wanted our two grandchildren to feel comfortable visiting," Allen says.

Friends gave the Allens a new dining room table as a gift, hand-built by Floyd Haight of Independence.

Generally, updates are timed with new presidents. In 1983, the building was completely renovated and restored at a cost of about $200,000 when Constantine and Jo Curris arrived. The price tag included a new heating, cooling and ventilating system, electrical upgrades, repairs to the basement wall, a new foundation under the back porch, a kitchen remodel, landscaping and a privacy fence.

In 1995, Robert and Yvonne Koob moved in and the exterior underwent a face-lift. Access to the home's driveway also was changed.

"It's a gracious and comfortable house," Allen says. But there's still room for improvements.