Since 1978 the building has served as a fraternity house for Delta Sigma Chi from the Palmer College of Chiropractic.

"[5] The house is associated with Charles August Ficke (1850-1931), who was a prominent Davenport attorney, politician, and developer.

[6] Born in Beitzenburg, then in the Duchy of Mecklenburg, Ficke moved to Davenport as a young child in 1851.

Improved public works during his mayoral administration included street paving and sewer construction.

It is the ultimate expression of Victorian excess, and it is considered one of the finest examples of Second Empire construction in the state of Iowa.