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GERMAN BANK

Location: Dubuque, IA

Project Size: 6,500 SF

Sector: Multi-Family Housing, Commercial, Historic Rehabiliation

Services Rendered: Owner, Developer, Project Manager, Construction Manager, Contractor

Built in 1901 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the German Bank was one of five Main Street businesses that sustained structural damage during the construction of an adjacent parking ramp in 2001. Just one week later, it was ravaged by a devastating fire and stood vacant until restoration efforts began in 2007.

 

The German Bank has one of the most distinctive façades in the City—an ornate design created from white terra cotta, glazed with a porcelain-like finish. Known locally as the Silver Dollar Cantina, this building served as a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike for decades—even while the surrounding buildings fell deeper into disrepair.

 

The $1.6 million project meticulously restored the façade of the building as well as completely rehabilitated the interior, restoring and/or repairing all character-defining features spared by the fire. Using a combination of old and new, the rehabilitation allowed for more dining space and a larger entertainment area. Miraculously, two upper floor spacious apartments were spared much of the fire and structural damage and were also restored to near-original condition, each with hardwood flooring and fireplaces.

Awards

Dubuque County Historical Society

House Preservation Award—2007​

Dubuque Main Street Award

Best Total Building Rehabilitation Under 5,000 SF—2007/2008

 

Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance—Preservation At Its Best Award

Small Commercial—2009

 

NATIONAL HOUSING & REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION—
J. Timothy Anderson Awards for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation

Finalist—Best Market Rate Residential—2009
Finalist—Best Commercial/Retail/Non-Residential Project—2009

Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Award

Excellence in Historic Preservation—2009

 

Main Street Iowa Award for Exceptional Revitalization

Best Total Building Rehabilitation—5,000 SF and Under—2009

 

State Historical Society of Iowa

William J. Wagner Award—Outstanding Preservation Project—2009

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