CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Brucemore estate has long been a central feature of family traditions, particularly during the holidays. Tours of the late-1800s Queen Anne mansion, decorated for the season, are a highlight for many families, along with relatives and friends visiting Cedar Rapids. The coronavirus pandemic limited many of those travelers, and the […]
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Category: historic architecture
Disturbing the peace: Iowa cemeteries re...
The derecho windstorm that packed up to 140 mph winds Aug. 10 in Iowa — equivalent to a category 4 hurricane — not only destroyed homes, businesses and trees, but wreaked havoc on some of the state’s final resting places. Cemeteries in the Cedar Rapids area were particularly hit hard when the straightline windstorm, which […]
Preservationists pore through the past w...
Scores of musicians, presidential hopefuls, writers and other luminaries have passed through the doors of The Mill in Iowa City during its storied history. Now, advocates hope that legendary past will serve as a lifeline to help carry the restaurant and live music venue into the future. “I love The Mill and I really love […]
Photos: Historic Cherry Building centenn...
CEDAR RAPIDS — John George Cherry founded the J.G. Cherry Company as a dairy equipment manufacturing company, but its most permanent physical legacy, the Cherry Building, has evolved into an arts and small business center. The building, 329 10th Ave. SE, was constructed in 1919 and celebrated its centennial on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, with […]
Saving a Victorian mansion from fading i...
VINTON — Sharon Happel has long pondered the question: How do you encourage the community to take ownership of a community asset? Such has been the conundrum with the historic Ray House in Vinton, Iowa, one of three properties owned by the Benton County Historical Society, and the most expensive to maintain. Related: Couple leaves […]
Not haunted; couple leaves behind their ...
Randy Pittman wonders if he might garner more interest in the brick Victorian mansion he and his wife are selling in Bonaparte, Iowa, if they could claim it was haunted. As it stands, though – fortunately or not – “it’s the most comfortable house I’ve ever lived in,” Pittman said. “It’s absolutely not haunted.” He […]
Marion, Iowa, takes first steps to save ...
By Cindy Hadish MARION — As demolitions of historic buildings bulldoze ahead in Cedar Rapids, leaders in neighboring Marion are poised to lead the way in saving some of the city’s architectural heritage. The Marion City Council last night voted unanimously to refer proposals by Seven Hills East LLC to the city’s Economic Development Committee. […]
Photos: Grand opening of The History Cen...
CEDAR RAPIDS – The History Center celebrated its new home in a historic house with a grand opening today. Hundreds of visitors streamed through the doors of the building, used for years as a funeral home after serving two prominent families and renovations by Iowa’s most renowned artist, Grant Wood. The four-year effort began with […]
Photos: Historic Mills Seed Company buil...
WASHINGTON, Iowa – For more than a century, the Mills Seed Co. building has stood the test of time, and now, in its new location, has moved into a new era. Built in 1907 to house the Mills Seed Company’s western wholesale and distribution center, the three-story brick building has had a series of owners […]
Final photos: New Bo Mercantile and Vint...
CEDAR RAPIDS – After 16 years in business, Sandy Rosenberger will close shop one final time. New Bo Mercantile & Vintage Shop, 215 11th Ave. SE, will end its run on Dec. 30, 2017. Rosenberger first opened her business, Hearthstone Gifts & Supplies, in Marion in 2001. The store carried soaps, do-it-yourself supplies and more. […]