Iowa State Martin Hall: What Really Happened Behind Those Suite Doors

You’ve seen the brick, the glass, and the students hauling laundry across Union Drive. If you’re a Cyclone or just passing through Ames, Iowa State Martin Hall probably looks like just another upscale residence hall. It’s got that "new campus" smell, even though it’s been around for two decades.

But here’s the thing. Most people walk past the portraits in the lobby without a second glance. They think they’re looking at some wealthy donors. Honestly? They couldn't be more wrong.

The Story You Weren't Told in Orientation

Before Martin Hall was a $20-million-plus suite-style building, it was a promise. Or rather, it was a rebellion.

Back in the early 20th century, Iowa State had a nasty little secret. They welcomed Black students to class—they even let George Washington Carver graduate—but they wouldn't let them sleep on campus. It was an "unofficial" rule, the kind that’s harder to fight because it isn't always written down.

Enter Archie and Nancy Martin.

They weren't university administrators. Archie worked for the railroad; Nancy cooked for a local fraternity. They built a Craftsman bungalow at 218 Lincoln Way in 1919. While the university looked the other way, the Martins opened their doors. Their home became the unofficial dorm for Black students who had nowhere else to go.

Why the Name Actually Matters

When you live in Iowa State Martin Hall today, you’re staying in a place named after two people born into slavery. That’s a heavy legacy for a building that mostly sees kids stressing over Chem 177 midterms.

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Archie Martin didn't just provide beds. He was a bulldog. He marched into President Raymond Pearson’s office in the 1920s—not once, but twice—to demand that Black students be allowed into the residence halls. He won.

Fast forward to 2004. The university finally put their names on a building. It sits right next to Eaton Hall, forming a sort of "power couple" of west-campus housing.

What Living There is Actually Like (2026 Edition)

If you're looking for the classic "closet-sized room with a communal bathroom down the hall" experience, you're in the wrong place. Martin is basically the "bougie" wing of the Union Drive Association.

The setup is almost entirely suite-style.

Basically, you’ve got two rooms sharing one bathroom. You don't have to do the "towel-clad dash" past twenty strangers every morning. It’s a luxury that makes Martin one of the most requested spots on campus.

• The Loft Factor: If you’re lucky enough to snag a room on the fourth floor, you get lofts. We’re talking high ceilings that make the room feel twice as big.
• The Piano: There’s a piano in the main lounge. It’s a direct nod to the piano in the Martins' original home, where students used to play classical music to de-stress.
• The Climate: It has air conditioning. In an Iowa August, that’s not a "perk"—it’s a survival requirement.

The "Suite" Maintenance Reality

It’s not all sunshine and lofts. Maintenance at Martin is a frequent topic in the Cardinal service neighborhood logs. Just recently, the university had to shell out roughly $60,000 to replace windows in the kitchenettes because the fire department couldn't vent smoke properly.

If you’re a resident, you've probably noticed those non-opening windows. They were a safety hazard. Propping your door open so the fire department doesn't have to break it down during a popcorn mishap? Yeah, that was a real thing until the 2025-2026 upgrades.

Navigating the 2026 Housing Crunch

Getting a spot in Martin is like trying to get front-row seats at a Hilton Coliseum sellout.

The Department of Residence (DOR) has a very specific "recontracting" timeline. If you’re a current resident looking to stay for the 2026-2027 year, you basically had until February 8 to claim your spot. If you missed that window? You're at the mercy of the "Open Selection" phase starting February 23.

Here is the hierarchy of who gets first dibs:

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1. On-Campus Seniors/Grad Students: They get the earliest selection times.
2. Juniors and Sophomores: The middle of the pack.
3. Freshmen: Usually the last to the party.

If you sign a contract and then change your mind, watch out. If you cancel after March 1, the university hits you with a $3,000 penalty. That’s a lot of CyCash down the drain.

Is It Worth the Higher Price Tag?

Let's talk money. Living in Martin is significantly more expensive than "traditional" halls like Helser or Friley.

In recent years, the rate for a double room in Martin has hovered around $41.75 per person, per night for short-term stays, while the semester rates for full-time students are among the highest on campus.

You’re paying for three things:

1. Privacy: You only share a bathroom with three other people.
2. Location: You’re a five-minute walk from State Gym and the West Side markets.
3. Stability: The building is relatively new (built in 2004), so you aren't dealing with the "vintage" plumbing issues found in older halls.

Hidden Perks and The "West Side" Vibe

People call the west side of campus "the quiet side," but that's a bit of a myth. Between the Union Drive Community Center (UDCC) and the proximity to the athletic complexes, there’s always something happening.

The Martin Conference Desk (Room 2104) is the nerve center. It handles mail and lockout keys for Martin, Eaton, Friley, and Helser. If you lose your key at 2 a.m., that’s where you’re heading.

One thing that surprises people is the diversity. Because of its history, Martin Hall has always been a focal point for the university’s multicultural initiatives. It’s common to see legacy events here that you won't find at other dorms.

Actionable Tips for Future Residents

If you’re serious about moving into Iowa State Martin Hall, don’t wait for the university to send you a reminder.

• Check the Loft Map: Not all rooms are created equal. Use the Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) portal to look at specific floor plans before your selection time.
• Find Your "Pull-in": If you have a friend already living in Martin, they can "pull you in" as a roommate during the February 9–15 window. This is the ultimate "cheat code" for getting into a high-demand hall.
• Visit the Original House: Walk down to 218 Lincoln Way. The original Martin house is still standing. It’s a historical landmark now. Seeing where it all started makes living in the "new" Martin feel a lot more meaningful.

The hall isn't just a place to sleep between classes. It’s a monument to a couple who forced a university to grow up. Whether you’re there for the A/C or the history, make sure you know whose name is on the door.

To ensure your housing for the upcoming semester, log into the StarRez portal before the March 1st deadline to avoid the waitlist. If you are already a resident, verify your room selection status by checking your ISU email for the "Selection Start Time" notification usually sent out in mid-February.