HOTEL JULIEN

The Hotel Julien’s rich history spans nearly two centuries in Dubuque. Constructed in 1839 as “the Waples House,” it was known for its fine dining and extravagant furnishings. In 1854, it was renamed the Julien House, enlarged and refurbished. It is believed that Abraham Lincoln stayed at the hotel when he traveled to Galena, IL to attend to legal matters.

 

In 1913, the Julien House was destroyed by a fire and very little was left standing. Construction on the present building began shortly after and was completed in 1915.

 

Throughout the years, many renovations have taken place. In 2007, the owner, Fischer Companies, began a complete rehabilitation, restoring the hotel to its original appearance inside and out. Gronen was engaged to consult on the project and work toward securing funds needed for a complete rehabilitation. In 2009, the hotel reopened its doors under the name Hotel Julien Dubuque and is a vibrant center on lower Main St. in downtown Dubuque.