Star Brewery National NominationTHE CITY OF ~~'
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Planning Services Department ~" '
City Hall ~ ~ ~~ U ~ ~
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
planningC~?cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org
January 30, 2007
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: National Register Nomination -Dubuque Star Brewery, 500 East 5th Street
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the above-
cited request. The nomination, staff memo and related materials are attached for
your review. There were no other public comments.
Discussion
Chad Walsh, Epic Construction and Jeff Morton, Morton Design presented the
nomination, reviewed the renovation plans for the property, and spoke in favor
the request.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the criteria for significance. He noted the
nomination indicates that the property is significant under criteria A and C.
Criterion A is a property that is associated with events that have made a
significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Criterion C is a
property that embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method
of construction of represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic
values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components
lack individual distinction.
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the nomination and proposed
renovation and reuse of the property. The Commission noted the nomination
may also be considered signficant under criterion B locally. Criterion B is
property that is associated with the lives of persons signifrcant in our past. The
Commission stated the property warrants placement on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Recommendation
By a vote of 5 to 0, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends
nomination of the Dubuque Star Brewery to the National Register of Historic
Places based on its significance under Criteria A and C statewide, its significance
Service People Integity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
National Register Nomination -Dubuque Star Brewery
January 30, 2007
Page 2
under Criteria B locally, and that it is an important visible entry to the city of
Dubuque.
A simply majority vote is needed for the City Council to concur with the request,
and to forward the nomination to the State Nominations Review Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
;:%O~
Christine Olson, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
January 30, 2007
TO: Historic Preservation Commission
FROM: David Johnson, Assistant Planner
RE: National Register Nomination for the Dubuque Star Brewery
The State Nominations Review Committee plans to consider the Dubuque Star
Brewery, 500 East 5th Street for nomination to the National Register of Historic
Places during their February 9, 2007 meeting. As a participant of the Certified
Local Government Program, the City of Dubuque is required to review and
comment on the proposed National Register nominations of properties within its
jurisdiction. The State has provided copies of the nomination, photographs, and
review form for this nomination.
The Commission should review this nomination at a public meeting, which is
scheduled for January 18, 2007. The State is requesting the Commission review
the nomination, and then comment on whether the Dubuque Star Brewery meets
the significance criteria (A, B, C or D) for listing on the National Register of
Historic Places. The nomination indicates that the property is significant under
criteria A and C. Criterion A is a property that is associated with events that
have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
Criterion C is a property that embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period, or method of construction of represents the work of a master, or
possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components lack individual distinction.
Please review the attached documents and be prepared to recommend to the
State Nominations Review Committee whether the Dubuque Star Brewery should
be listed or not.
attachment
/dj
STATE
HISTORICAL
~QcWA~f
A Division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
January 8, 2007
The Honorable Roy Buol
Mayor
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
RE: Dubuque Star Brewery, 500 East Fifth Street, Dubuque, Dubuque County
Dear Mayor Buol:
1
We are pleased to inform you that the above named property will be considered by the State National Register Nominations
Review Committee for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places on February 9, 2007. The National Register is
the Federal Government's official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. Listing in the National Register provides
recognition and assists in preserving our Nation's heritage. Listing of the property provides recognition of the community's
historic importance and assures protective review of Federal projects that might adversely affect the character of the historic
property. Listing in the National Register does not mean that limitations will be placed on the properties by the Federal
government. Public visitation rights are not required of owners. The Federal government will not attach restrictive
covenants to the properties or seek to acquire them.
Listing in the National Register results in:
Consideration in the planning for Federal, federally licensed, and federally assisted projects. Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires Federal agencies allow the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation an opportunity to comment on projects affecting historic properties listed in the National Register. For
further information please refer to 36 CFR 800.
Eligibility for Federal tax provisions. If a property is listed in the National Register, certain Federal tax provisions
may apply. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 revised the historic preservation tax incentives authorized by Congress in
the Tax Reform Act of 1976, the Revenue Act of 1978, the Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980, the Economic
Recovery Tax Act of 1981, and Tax Reform Act of 1984, and as of January 1, 1987, provides fora 20 percent
investment tax credit with a full adjustment to basis for rehabilitating historic commercial, industrial, and rental
residential buildings. The former 15 percent and 20 percent Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) for rehabilitation of
older commercial buildings are combined into a single 10 percent ITC for commercial or industrial buildings built
before 1936. The Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980 provided Federal tax deductions for charitable contributions
for conservation purposes of partial interests in historically important land areas or structures. Whether these
provisions are advantageous to a property owner is dependent upon the particular circumstances of the property and
the owner. Because tax aspects outlined above are complex, individuals should consult legal counsel or the
appropriate local Internal Revenue Service office for assistance in determining the tax consequences of the above
provisions. For further information please refer to 36 CFR 67 and Treasury Regulation Sections 1.48-12 (ITCs) and
1.170A-14 (charitable contributions).
Consideration of historic values in the decision to issue a surface coal mining permit where coal is located, in accord
with the Surface Mining and Control Act of 1977. For further information please refer to 30 CFR 700 et seq.
Qualification for Federal and State grants for historic preservation when funds are available.
Eligibility for State Tax Credits for rehabilitation. Properties listed on the National Register, eligible for listing on
the National Register or Barns constructed before 1937 are eligible to apply fora 25 percent state tax credit for
rehabilitation. The cost of a 24-month qualified rehabilitation project would exceed either $25,000 or 25 percent of
the fair market value for a residential property or barn less the land before rehabilitation. For commercial properties,
the rehabilitation project would exceed 50 percent of the assessed value of the property less the land before
rehabilitation -whichever is less. The State Historic Preservation office must approve the rehabilitation work before
600 EAST LOCUST STREET, DES MOINES, IA 50319-0290 P: (515) 281-5111
an amount of tax credits will be reserved for your project. There are limited credits available each year, so let us
know if you want the application information.
Owners of private properties nominated to the National Register of Historic Places have an opportunity to concur in or object
to listing in accord with the National Historic Preservation Act and 36 CFR 60. Any owner or partial owner of private
property who chooses to object to listing is required to submit to the State Historic Preservation Officer a notarized statement
certifying that the party is the sole or partial owner of the private property and objects to the listing. Each owner or partial
owner of private property has one vote regardless of what part of the property that party owns. If a majority of private
property owners object, a property will not be listed; however, the State Historic Preservation Officer shall submit the
nomination to the Keeper of the National Register for a determination of the eligibility of the property for listing in the
National Register. If the property is then determined eligible for listing, although not formally listed, Federal agencies will
be required to allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment before the agency may fund,
license, or assist a project which will affect the property. If you choose to object to the listing of your property, the notarized
objection must be submitted to the State Historical Society of Iowa, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines, IA 50313 not more than 75
days from the date of this notice.
If you wish to comment on the nomination of the property to the National Register, please send your comments to the State
Historical Society of Iowa before the State Nomination Review Committee meets on February 9, 2007. A copy of the
nomination and information on the National Register and the Federal tax provisions are available from the above address
upon request.
You are invited to attend the State Nomination Review Committee meeting at which the nomination will be considered. The
meeting will take place in Mickle Center, 1620 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, Iowa. A meeting agenda is enclosed.
Unfortunately, due to state budget cuts, our grants have been temporarily frozen for at least one year.
Should you have any questions about the National Register of Historic Places, Tax Incentives or about this nomination in
particular, please feel free to contact me by telephone at 515-281-4137 or by e-mail at beth.foster(a~iowa.gov. You may enjoy
visiting the National Register website at http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/index.htm.
Sincerely,
.~ :. 11 ~I
` ~.....i for
Lowell Soike
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
STATE NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
February 9, 2007
AGENDA
The February meeting of the State Nomination Review Committee (SNRC) will be held at the Mickle Center, 1620 Pleasant Street,
Des Moines, Iowa (see map on back).
If you are representing a particular nominated property, please arrive one half-hour before the nomination is scheduled on the
agenda. Due to the unpredictable length of time it takes to review each nomination the times on the agenda may change. You may, if
you wish, request to speak in favor of or in opposition to that nomination. You can simply be available to answer any Committee
questions if you wish to do so.
Refreshments will be available for all that attend Committee meetings. Slides are used to better aid the public in following Committee
proceedings. The Committee can determine to nominate, to defer judgment or to reject any particular nomination. Accepted
nominations are forwarded for National Park Service for review and probable listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
9:OOa Refreshments
OLD BUSINESS
9:30a Minutes/Announcements
NEW BUSINESS
9:45a D. S. Chamberlain Building, 1312 Locust Street, Des Moines, Polk County
10:00a Dubuque Star Brewery, 500 East Fifth Street, Dubuque, Dubuque County
10:15a Lincoln Township Mausoleum, County Road E18, north end of Pearl Street, Zearing, Story County
10:30a Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm Historic District, 2224 Highway 1 South, Fairfield, Jefferson County
10:45a Break
11:OOa Knoxville WPA Athletic Field Historic District, Bounded by Lincoln Street, Robinson Street, Stadium Street and
Marion Street, Knoxville, Marion County
11:15a Antlers Hotel, 1703 Hill Avenue, Spirit Lake, Dickinson County
11:30a Sioux City Fire Station Number 3, 1211 5`h Street, Sioux City, Woodbury County
11:45a Schmidt, Louis C. and Amelia L. (Huschke), House, 1138 Oneida Avenue, Davenport, Scott County
12:OOp Henderson Lewelling House, 401 S. Main Street, Salem, Henry County
12:15p Tabor Anti-Slavery Historic District, park, Center, Orange, Elm streets, Tabor, Fremont County
12:30p Lunch
1:30p Netcott-Pfeiffer House, 206 Buswell Street, Parkersburg, Butler County
1:45p Beaconsfield Supply Store, 1621 Main Street, Beaconsfield, Ringgold County
2:OOp Break
2:15p Committee Administrative Discussion
3:15p Adjourn
s~P a 5 zoos
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NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 10024-0018
(Get. 1 Sy01
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National
Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A-. Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering
the information requested. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural
classification, materials and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative
items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a1. Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items.
1. Name of Pro
historic name Dubuque Star Brewery
other names/site number
2. Location
street & number 500 East Fifth Street N/A Not for publication
city or town Dubuque N/A vicinity
state Iowa code IA county Dubuque code 061 zip code
3. State/Federal Af;enty Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this L] nomination [
j request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of
Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property
LxJ meets [.] does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant
(~ nationally (, statewide IJ locally. IU see continuation sheet for additional comments.
Signature of certifying official/Title Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
In my opinion, the property [~ meets U does not meet the National Register criteria. (U See continuation sheet for additional
comments.)
Signature of certifying official/Title Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
4. National Paris Service Certification
hereby certify that the property is: Signature of the Keeper Date of Action
U entered in the National Register.
(_] See continuation sheet.
L] determined eligible for the
National Register.
U See continuation sheet.
U determined not eligible for the
National Register.
U removed from the National
Register.
[.] other, lexplain:)
Name of Property
5. Classification
Ownership of Property
(Check as many boxes as apply)
L] private
~] public-local
[,~ public-State
L,] public-Federal
County and State
Category of Property Number of Resources within Property
(Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.)
[, building(s) Contributing Noncontributing
[, district 1 0 buildings
[~ site
[, structure sites
L] object
1 structures
objects
Tota I
Name of related multiple property listing
(Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.)
Historical & Architectural Survey of Dubuque
6. Function or Ilse
Historic Functions
(Enter categories from instructions)
AgricultulrelSubsistenceJarocessina/brewery
7. Description
Architectural Classification
(Enter categories from instructions)
Late Victorian/Romanesque
Number of contributing resources previously listed
in the National Register
0
Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions)
Vacant Not in use
Materials
(Enter categories from instructions)
foundation brick
walls brick
roof asphalt
other
Nanrative Description
(Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)
Dubuque Star Brewery
Name of Property
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria Areas of Significance
(Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property (Enter categories from instructions)
for National Register listing.)
U A Property is associated with events that have made Industry
a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history.
[ ] B Property is associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past.
[XJ C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics Architecture
of a type, period, or method of construction or
represents the work of a master, or possesses
high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack Period of Significante
individual distinction. 1899-1998
[,_] D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield,
information important in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations Significant Dates
(Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) 1899
Property is:
L] A owned by a religious institution or used for
religious purposes.
Significant Person
LJ B removed from its original location. (complete if criterion B is marked shovel
Rhomberg, J. H.
L] C a birthplace or grave.
Cultural Affiliation
L] D a cemetery.
[, E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
L] F a commemorative property.
[,_] G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance Architect/Builder
within the past 50 years. Fred Rautert
Narrative Statement of Significance
iExplain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)
Dubuque County. Iowa
County and State
9. Maior Bibliosraahical References
Bibliography
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.)
Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data:
[) preliminary determination of individual listing [XJ State Historic Preservation Office
(36 CFR 67) has been requested [, Other State agency
[~ previously listed in the National Register [, Federal agency
L] previously determined eligible by the National L] Local government
Register U University
L] designated a National Historic Landmark U Other
L] recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: # Dubuque Star Brewery
[, recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #
Dubuque Star Brewery
Name of Property
10. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property To be determined
tJTM References
(Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet.)
Dubuque County, Iowa
County and State
1 1 5 [6)9]2)7]7]0] I4)7]O1716)8)Ol 2[ ] l j) l l]] l[)) l l l) l
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing
3[]IIL~])l)[)])]]l1 4[I]I))])))~l))])))
~,J See continuation sheet
Verbal Boundary Description
(Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.)
Boundary ]ustifiwtion
lExplain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.)
11. Form Prepared By
name/title James E. Jacobsen
organization History Pays! Historic Preservation Consulting Firm date -September 1, 2006
street & number 4411 Ingersoll Avenue telephone 515-274-3625
city or town Des Moines state IA zip code 50312-2415
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the complete form:
Continuation Sheets
Maps
A iJSGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources.
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items
(Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)
Propert~r Owner
IComplete this item at the request of SHPO or FPO.)
name Citv of Dubuque (contact person, Mr. David Johnson, Plan & Zone Department)
street & number Ci~r Hall, 50 13`" Street telephone 563-589-4387
city or town Dubuque state Iowa zip code 52001
Paperwork Reductbn Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate
properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a
benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended 116 U.S.C. 470 et seq.}.
Estimated Barden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of
this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of
Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Projects (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503.
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 702400!8
18-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 1
Dubuaue Star Brewery Dubuaue County, Iowa
7. Narrative Description:
The Dubuque Star Brewery is the most notable historic building on the Mississippi River in Dubuque. Typical of other
mid-sized breweries of its day, this one features a visually dominant five-story brick brew house, designed in the Romanesque
style, atwo-story northern section that housed offices, residences and a saloon, and five other original buildings, each of which
had its own particular function. Two other rear additions represent later business expansions.
While a "complex" in terms of its apparent assemblage of multiple buildings, the brewery is treated as a single building
given that it was built simultaneously and with party wall connections. One structural and key component, the chimney, is
counted separately because it pre-dates the brewery. The southernmost building, with its stone side and rear walls similarly
predates the 1898-1899 brewery construction, but it was refaced with brick and integrated into the larger plan.
The Brew House Exterior:
The brew house fagade utilized a tri-partite composition, with the raised foundation and first floor comprising the base,
the middle two floors the shaft, and the upper two floors the capital of the classical column form. Overall the building massing
assumes a rectangular form, with a centered square-cut penthouse or fifth floor being set atop the core mass. The penthouse
(Figure 1)caps a centered pediment effect which brings the central front bay forward of the wall plane. The pediment has a
centered double front entrance at its base (with asemi-circular brick arch, stone spring stone and key stone inserts), and full
fenestration on the floors above. The overall fagade has amirror-image composition on either side of the pediment, the only
deviation being that the massive square brick chimney that is on the southeast corner of the brew house, is minimally balanced
by a corner pilaster and turned chimney-like finial on the opposite, northeast front corner.
The fenestration reflects the interior floor arrangement. Two half-window sets on the second floor denote the location
of the mezzanine. On the ground floor, single doors with transoms are set into each outer front corner (Figure 2), and are
(Photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
18-88)
united States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 2
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, lows
balanced by broad double-hung window openings. The half window sets above are arranged in pairs within each of the three
front bays, including the pediment. The third floor windows are the most obvious Romanesque feature given their massive
radiating multi-light semi-circular transoms. Their pediment counterparts have semi-circular brick arches (Figure 1) and a stone
tracery across the top of their intersecting arches, and the third floor fenestration is consequently tied together by this rounded
arch pattern. The fourth floor windows depart from the norm within the outermost bays in that there are three short openings in
lieu of two, all with semi-circular arches. Finally the fifth floor features two elongated windows, each with a circular transom.
Figure 2: Detail, massive brick arches with vertical coursing on lower openings, view west
(Photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
The column effect of the farrade is accentuated by the use of horizontal lines. On the first floor, a raised stone
foundation with plain coping parallels aspring-stone level stone beltcourse that runs the full width of the facade, dividing the
transom level from windows below it. The division point between the first and second floors is accentuated by the use of
another full-width stone belt course and the pediment has twin stone capitals that support a corbelled brick parapet that is
capped by that stone line. Stone sills on the mezzanine level and third floor connect the window sets in the outer bays and
distinguish the windows in the center bay or pediment. A short stone belt course, set outside of the spring stone points on the
larger Romanesque style fourth floor windows, runs to the outer comer or to either side of the pediment. The fourth and fifth
floors are separated by a corbelled brick row of brackets and a final stone belt course that runs the full width of the facade. A
final stone belt course runs beneath the base of the uppermost story. That level is surmounted by a projecting brick parapet with
NPS Foam 10-900-a OMB App~ova/ No. 1044-0018
(8-8B~
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Secdon number 7 Page 3
Dubuque Star Brewery ~ Dubuque County, Iowa
corbelled base. The main parapet has a corbelled brick base and the words "DUBUQUE -STAR- BREWG Co" are affixed
across the base of the parapet front (Figure 1).
Countervailing vertical design elements include corner pilasters on either corner of the pediment, a northeast corner
pilaster and the chimney, and projecting pilasters with pointed pendant bases, that emerge between the fourth and fifth floors.
An angled finial or chimney-like structure is on the northeast corner and matches smaller versions of the same form on the front
corners of the fifth floor.
The fifth floor extends only across the two front bays of the brew house and that front section, three bays in width and
two in depth, is fully walled off as a separate structure. The fully insulated cooling house, three-four stories in height,
measuring structurally three bays across and six in depth, comprises the rest of the core building. The front four bays are of
original construction, the rearmost two bays date to 1935 and just three stories in height.
The front brew house section proper is fully fenestrated on its side walls, while the cooling unit to the west/rear has no
fenestration save on the fourth floor of the middle section. On the brew house side walls, three brick pilasters define the side
walls into a narrow front bay, and a broader back one. Window height is comparable to that on the facade. Window arches are
flattened on the second and fourth floors, while those on the third floor are more fully semi-circular. Elongated openings on
that level are capped with large round-topped transoms. A flagpole caps the whole.
Brew Pub Exterior:
The two-story brick section has an off-square massing due to the angle of the adjacent East Fourth Street. The facade
design combines a ground level storefront with angled comer entrance, with upper level residential quarters. A prominent
cantilevered round turret with conical roof, projects above the comer entrance. The storefront has two components, asingle-
bay office area on the south end, and the two-bay wide adjacent store area. The office front has a continuation of the raised
Figure 3: Main entry detail, view west
(Photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Appiovs/ No. 1024-001 B
(8-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 4
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
stone foundation, one large rectangular window and asingle-width door with transom to the right of the window. The storefront
has a cast iron front. The storefront display window is continued or wrapped around the first bay of the north sidewall.
Unusual pilasters with stone bases, capitals rise up from the water table line and terminate just above the second floor sill level
(the pilaster on the fagade has two additional stone inserts, at the midpoint and transom cap levels). A number of horizontal
lines break up the fagade. A plain cast iron beam runs the full-width atop the transom level and a stone belt course similarly
traces the second floor sill level across the entire front. A metal cornice with flat base and a rounded cap is in turn topped by a
plain brick parapet front and file coping.
The north side wall is more broadly fenestrated on the upper story, and less so below. A single rear door is in the
northwest corner. A cast iron fire escape/stairway was added c.1910-1 l and an upper level window was converted into a door
in the center of the plan. The rear (west) wall originally featured atwo-story covered porch and stairway. Both floors have
three openings, the windows being full length double hung sash with rounded yet flattened brick arches. A door is centered on
the second floor and on the north end of the lower floor.
South Wing Exterior:
The south wing comprises a row of three single-story flat roofed buildings which infill the front of the plan, asingle-
story separately walled rear (west) section that is in line with the middle building, and atwo-story building that is in line with
the northern building of the three. The front buildings have a differential building line, with the central one being slightly
recessed from the main wall plane. The two flanking buildings have the same raised ashlar stone foundation across their fonts,
while that on the middle section is lower. Floor levels also differ across the three front sections and the center one has a raised
shipping door. It is the most changed, with more recent brickwork across its lower front, and raised basement windows have
been infilled with brick. All three buildings are front drained using scuppers and downspouts, and the roofs consequently drop
to the east, which is somewhat unusual. The three buildings are further unified by an identical corbelled brick cornice.
Fenestration differs across the three fronts. The south unit has semi-circular brick arches and separate in line transoms with
flattened arches. The latter have stone sills and the raised foundation coping forms a matching sill line on the lower windows.
There is a broad centered door with semi-circular brick arch. The middle building has the centered square-cut shipping door
(there is a cast iron lintel and a relieving arch above it), with flanking sets of short windows, with flattened rounded arches and
stone sills, two windows on either side of the door. The north building has a large square-cut opening (with matching lintel and
relieving arch) and two separated larger windows, with semi-circular arches and transoms to the north of it. These windows are
recessed into the raised stone foundation, interrupting the coping line. The two-story building to the rear is fenestrated on the
east and south sides, and the building roof also drains to the east.
The southernmost building has thick rubble stone sidewalls and west end wall. Given that the walls and roof height rise
to the west, this section assumes atwo-story height and there are two upper level rectangular windows with wood lintels on the
south side wall. There are two stone arched doors, the westernmost of which is broader with a true semi-circular stone arch.
The stone wall continues to the west, is interrupted by a later-date garage door, and the stonework continues west the full length
of the building and there is another semi-circular stone arched door.
The Rear Additions And Their Exteriors:
The southernmost building is longer than those to the north and a large rectangular void was created when the brew
house was lengthened to the west in 1935. This area was walled across the west side and northwest corner with file in 1942. A
sizeable concrete block bottling plant was built to the west of this infill in 1974. The 1942 component had three west side
shipping doors but today the building is completely buried within the complex. The 1974 addition had exterior pilasters and
each bay has a centered narrow glass block window. The building extends three bays east/west and six bays north and south. A
` NPS Form 10.900-e OMBAppiovai Na. I02400i8
18.88)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 5
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
square single-story brick addition of post-1974 date is located in the southwest corner of the brewery complex. Single small
windows are centered on each of the three exterior walls.
The Chimney:
The chimney dates to the Rhomberg Distillery and was built c.1863. Like the Shot Tower just to the north, this
structure is square obelisk in form with a circular interior form. The original chimney stood 80 feet high. In 1933, the upper
portion of the chimney was rebuilt from just above the fourth floor level. The new square portion was ornamented with rowlock
courses of darker bricks and capped with a corbelled cap. The remainder of the chimney was laid up in circular form using tile,
and gain, a decorative cap was added just below its top. The chimney measwes 10 feet square at its base.
Floor Plans:
The overall dimensions for the original core are 167 feet 9 inches north/south and 75 feet 8 inches east/west. The Brew
House with its 1935 extension, measwes 61.5 feet in width, and 75 feet 8 inches in depth. The two-story north section has a
frontage of 39.5 feet. When the rear porch was present, the width on the west end was 24 feet. The power/engine house, just
south of the Brew House front, measures 34 feet in width and 42 feet in depth. The two-story section just behind or west of it,
has a depth of 25 feet. The Washing unit, immediately south of the engine plant, is 33 feet in width and 48 feet in depth. The
single-story section just west or behind it has the same width and a depth of 15 feet. The pre-existing south end section, with its
stone walls, has yet to be measured.
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Figure 4: First Floor plan (based on Durrant plans dated October 2001)
' NPS Form 70-900-e OMB App~ovaf No. 1024-0018
(6-861
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 6
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
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i ure 5: Second Floor and Mezzanine fans based on Durrant Tans dated October 200
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r>gure 6: Upper floor levels (based on Durrant plans dated October 2001)
The two sections represented as the fifth floor plan actually consist of the front penthouse which is on the fifth floor and
the upper portion of the fourth floor penthouse which is on the west end. The latter is currently inaccessible.
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB App/oval N0. 1024-0018
19-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 7
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County. Iowa
Figm ;001)
The Structural Support System:
The perimeter footing system consists of continuous spread footings which have a concrete base and stepped stone
layers above the concrete. The column support systems are identical and the support pads nearly touch inside the Brew Hall
lower area. Figure 8 depicts the base of an interior column and shows the upper levels of stone.
. _,~b~.
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Figure 8: Exposed stone foundation support, main building, rear wing, first floor, view southwest
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPSForm1Q-900-a OMBApproralNo. /OZ4.0018
18-861
United States Department of the interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page S
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
The perimeter brick walls are double walled with an interior eight-inch-wide separate wall that is tied in with the
exterior wall using metal ties. The void is filled with pitch, presumably for insulation and moisture-proofing purposes. This is
true of all original walls that enclosed refrigerated functions. Proof of the existence of this hollow wall construction is the
presence of leaking pitch where the system has been damaged. The exterior walls do not reduce in width until the uppermost
(fifth) floor where they stage back only one brick length.
The Brew House interior is supported by astate-of--the art cast iron column and beam system with floors of brick
arches. The same structural support system, with paired beams, is depicted in Figure 9. The columns are welded round hollow
casts and they rest on cast iron bases which are bolted into the foundation (actually the bolts were cast in concrete once they
were put in place).
Figure 10 depicts the column and beam system in place in the back portion of the Brew House. I-beams form the
supports for the brick arches. These arches were plastered on the undersides and concrete floors were poured over them. All
other roofs, apart from the post-war additions, utilized heavy timber roofs, the exception being the engine room which had a
central truss upon which wooden beams were hung (Figure 11). Three massive skylight housings originally provided natural
light for three of the buildings on the south of the Brew House. The base for one of these survives. Figure 12 depicts the
opening left on the upper floors for a wooden grain storage unit. The same image shows the arched floor system and the metal
stairways.
Figure 9: Cast iron bre
;ompany, Minneapolis
NPs Form 10-900-s OMB Appiova/ No. 7024-0078
(9-88)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Nationai Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 9
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
Figure 10: brick ceiling arc
Figt
~theast (the beams removed
forth
at the left will allow for the construction of a central elevator).
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPS form tO900•a OMB Approval No. JO14-0018
IS-BB)
Linited States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 10
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County. Iowa
Figure 12: multi-story void that held grain storage, view from third floor, view southeast
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
Figure 13: Steel cc
floor, view east
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPS Form f 0-900-a OMB Appro~el No. 1024-0018
(B-B61
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 11
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
The several rear additions necessarily used structural support systems keyed to their times. Figure 13 depicts the 1935
extension of the Brew House refrigeration section. Plain steel I-beams were used and the ceiling was formed with cast concrete
rather than brick arches. The 1942 bottling house addition used the walls and what appears to be reused bridging timber for its
structural roof system. The joists are greatly oversized and innumerable spikes, the heads of which project from the undersides,
have been flattened. The 1974 bottling plant used concrete block walls and a steel web truss roof support system. Despite a
commitment to avoiding the use of wood at least in the Brew House, a massive King Post Arch was used in the penthouse,
apparently to support what was a heavy wood post flagpole (Figure 14).
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPS FO/m 10-900-a OMB Approva/No. 1024-OOiB
(8.88)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
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Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 12
Dubuque Star Brewenr Dubuque Counter, Iowa
Surviving Interior Features and Equipment:
Fi
:st
Very little original equipment or finish survives in the building. Ali of the vertical power transfer and elevator
functions took place in the southeast front corner of the Brew House. Figure 15 depicts the original power transfer system still
in place.
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approve/ No. /024-0018
18-88)
United States Department of the Interior ----
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 13
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
Two Vilner Manufacturing Compressors with a shared flywheel, remain in the ground floor of the Brew House. They
provided massive compression necessary for the ice-making system. Although dated to the 1940s, they appear to be much
older.
Figure 17: Brewing
~, _ _h from mezzanine level.
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
The original copper brew kettle survives on the second floor of the Brew House (Figure 17).
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPS Form 10.900-a OMB Approve/No. 1024-0018
{e-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 14
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque Counh-. Iowa
The original office area (Figures 18-19) survives along with its pressed metal ceiling, company vault door (Figure 19).
The vault itself is being removed.
Figure 19: Coy
Integrity and Alterations:
west and east
The Dubuque Star Brewery maintains a high degree of all seven aspects of integrity: location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and association. The integrity of the immediate setting of the brewery, illustrated by the riverfront, raised
railroad right-of--way, the Shot Tower, and the open areas around the complex (the former locations of later-date outbuildings),
contributes to the house's ability to maintain integrity of feeling and association. Because the brewery is being nominated under
Criterion C, integrity of design, materials, and workmanship are especially important. The overall form of the brewery remains
unchanged by later and lesser rear additions and no substantial exterior alterations have impacted the surviving original core
buildings apart from the loss of three skylight housings (which might be replicated). All the original architectural materials and
detailing, including entries, window openings, and ornament remain. The interior, while thoroughly gutted, retains its structural
support system and brick wall surfaces (although all or most of these were plastered originally).
Building Permits:
1935, June 14
1943, November 3
1957, June 13
1967, October 23
1967, October 23
1974, July 26
1975, January 2
1980, December 23
1982, June 8
1988, September 6
erect three-story addition $ 5,000
roof repairs $ 90
same $ 1,500
re-roof bottling house $ 1,700
re-roof connecting bldg. to pump hse. $ 330
roof repair on frame storage building $ 500
addition to brick building $45,000
60x102 addition $84,000
re-roof commercial building $ 9,000
re-roof office building $$14,267
Dubuque Star Brewing Co.
same, Geisler Brothers
same, same contractor
same, Geise Sheet Metal Co.
same, no contractor named
Pickett Brewing Company
same
same, Maryville Construction
AGRI, Jim Giese & Company
City of Dubuque, Rafoth Const.
(photo by J. Jacobsen, August 2006)
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
1&881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 15
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
8. Significance Statement:
The Dubuque Star Brewery is historically significant on the state level on the basis of its Romanesque style architecture
(Criterion C) and its industrial role in the regional production of beer. It was one of a handful of Iowa breweries to revive after
the end of national prohibition in 1933 and for many years this was Iowa's only functioning brewery in the years before the
emergence ofmicro-breweries. The brewery is also significant for its association with industry in Dubuque, and the context of
prohibition. This was the first Iowa brewery to resume brewing after the end of national prohibition in 1933.
The multiple property document, "Dubuque: The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque,
Iowa, 1837-1955" recommended that the Dubuque Star Brewery was eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places for its association with the historical context "Dubuque's Golden Age, 1894-1910." The registration requirements for
that context specified that Criterion A significance required that a building be directly associated with the development of
Dubuque, 1894-1910, and Criterion C significance required that a building had to best illustrate significant design and
construction techniques in the city of Dubuque during the years 1894-1910. Regarding integrity considerations, the MPDF
stated:
In all cases, the most important integrity consideration is that the property or district retains sufficient
elements of the original design, materials, and setting, so that the historical owner during the period of
significance would theoretically recognize it today. The property must retain its ability to convey a sense of
time and place as it relates to this context.
Buildings should reflect the original function of their designs, as well as their original construction
materials. They should possess their original shape and proportions, windows and doors should not have been
substantially changed (Jacobsen, pp. 96, 195, 243, 293).
Bruce Kriviskey, in his original Dubuque historical survey, gave the brewery his highest rating for significance and the State
Historic Preservation Office has determined the brewery to be National Register eligible.
Dubuque Beer Brewing and Brewery Context:
Architecturally the Dubuque Star Brewery represents the later phase of large brewery complex design and construction
in both Dubuque and the state. A series of mid-1911i Century technological improvements, notably the development of
refrigeration, advances in the understanding of pasteurization, automatic bottling, and the distribution of the end product by rail,
resulted in the ability to produce beer throughout the year and substantially increased beer production levels. A considerably
more massive brewery architecture was the result as beer production evolved from what had been a localized cottage industry,
to a modern vertically integrated manufacturing process. Genman-Americans introduced the cold maturation lager to the public
mid-century and lager beer displaced ales in popularity. Brewery design necessarily reflected a German dominance in beer
brewing and brewery architecture tended to utilize highly ornamental continental styles. Brewery design had long focused on a
single tall and monumental core building and brewery complexes added an increasingly complex array of towered adjoining
buildings and structures to those dominant main buildings. While modern refrigeration at least in theory made it possible to put
a brewery anywhere, which is to say away from a river and its natural ice source, the Dubuque Star Brewery assumed a
prominent riverfront location in spite of the fact that the river appears to have played little or no shipping role for its product.
The company did have its own ice houses at least until 1911 so at least early on, cut river ice augmented artificial refrigeration
in its production. The presence of a high quality artesian well on the site also made the location a good one (Wagner;
www.breweryhistory.com ).
NPS form 16900-a OMB Approval Na. 7024-0018
1&881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 16
Dubuque Star Brewenr Dubuque County, Iowa
Figu
888
Dubuque had a large number of brewery complexes beginning from its earliest years. None of the earlier breweries had
the formal architecture and massing of the Dubuque Malting Company and Dubuque Star breweries. The absolutely massive
Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company plant, begun in 1891, and located in the northernmost reaches of the city's residential
area (Jackson and 27'h Streets) set the bar for what a brewery was to look like in Dubuque. While the earlier breweries had
taller component buildings, sometimes with fancy roof forms, the designs were simply functional and incremental in their
arrangements (Figure 20). The later breweries reflected brewery design work in the other major brewing centers of the country
and particular architects or architect/engineers emerged after the Civil War as brewery specialists. Notable examples included
Bernad Barthel (Minneapolis), Charles Stoll (Baltimore and Phi]adelphia), Fred W. Wolff (St. Louis, Minneapolis), and Otto
Wolf (Philadelphia. Boston}. The business and scale of brewery design was such that these designers could command sufficient
market areas that focused on their home cities with little need to practice very far from home. Otto Wolf is the best-documented
example. Between 1883 and 1905 he prepared 150 designs and was responsible for virtually every major new brewery or
alteration. Chicago architect William Lehle teamed up with the Fred W. Wolff Company to design the Grain Belt Brewery in
Minneapolis (Figure 22). A comparison of that design with Lehle's subsequent Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company
design, betrays some stunning similarities (Figures 21 and 22) (Wagner; www.uchs.netlHistoricDistricts/fapoth.html;
www.historicboston.org/99cb/eblana.htm; www.emporis.com; Jacobsen, Phase V Survey, pp. 90-94).
The Dubuque Star Brewing Company was challenged to emulate Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company when they
planned their complex in 1899. While theirs was to have been an evolving building effort, adding production capacity over
time, the original core building was both impressive and prominent. Necessarily there was an architectural design competition
and naturally the winner had to be a nationally known Chicago brewery designer. Fred Rautert, "one of the leading engineers
and architects of Chicago" emerged as the chosen designer. Born in Germany in February 1847, Rautert had emigrated to
America in 1884 and was working in Chicago as of 1899, by which time he was 54 years of age. By 1910 he was retired and
living in Fort Worth, Texas, where he died prior to 1930 (1900 Federal Census, T623, R-263, p. 198; 1920 Federal Census;
T625, R-1848, p. 251).
(Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, Photo NGL 2001)
NPS Form 14900-a OMB App/ovaJ No. 1024-0018
18-BB)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 17
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
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Figure 21: Dubuque Malting Company, Louis
Figs
tect
1895)
Company/Building History
Joseph H. Rhomberg (1861-?) was the initiator of the Star Brewery project. He owned adequate Mississippi riverfront
property, the former location of the Rhomberg Distillery, which his father Joseph A. Rhomberg (1833-1897) had built in 1863.
Joseph Sr. was born in Tyrol, Austria and emigrated to the United States in 1852, reaching Dubuque in 1853. He was most
Lehle- architect and eneineer (Herald- Au9uCt 4
i
. J{
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.
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NPS Form 70-900-e OMB Approve! No. 1024.0018
18-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 18
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
noted for his involvement in railroad construction around Dubuque and in Texas and he owned the Dubuque Street Railroad.
Joseph H. Rhomberg married Elizabeth in 1892 and the couple had a son, Joseph W. Rhomberg (bom in 1895) and a
daughter Margurite (born in 1898). While early local newspaper reports would attribute the funding source for the new brewery
to "wealthy outside parties" who considered the venture to be a good investment, the organizers were all local and the principal
funding source would be the local sale of capital stock. The other key founders were Joseph J. Ott (president of Ott, Meuser &
Company and its subsidiary, the Dubuque Altar Manufacturing Company), R. M. Kunz and John P. Page (owner of the nearby
Page Hotel, where company offices were established) (Carlson, p. 35; Enterprise, January 24, 1903; Globe, March 9, 1898).
The new venture met with the usual array of community doubts. The Enterprise later recalled in mid-1903:
The Dubuque Star Brewing Company was organized four years ago. In its inception its promoters had the same
experience of many of the other enterprises that to-day are prospering and giving Dubuque its commercial
importance. There was skepticism regarding its future, and its projectors were some months in getting it
started. However, with the energy that has characterized them in the management and development of the
business, they pushed their project, aroused enthusiasm it and secured the necessary funds to go ahead. Their
confidence in the undertaking and that they had the practical knowledge and appreciation of the opportunity for
it, has been abundantly demonstrated in its success and is emphasized in the fact that it is recognized in
business circles today as a signal success and its increasing the scope of its operations every month
The success was, as implied, due to plenty ofpre-design study of the brewery process. Joseph Rhomberg spent fully six months
traveling "among the modern breweries and noting their advantages. With his practical experience in the business he was
enabled to outline plans combining the best features in all and these plans were executed by expert architects in brewery work"
(Dubuque Enterprise, January 24, May 9, 1903).
The first public word regarding a new brewery to be established principally by J. H. Rhomberg appeared in the Daily
Globe on March 9, 1898. "Reliable authority" was the source and it was reported that Rhomberg had "been considering the
question for some time and has at last concluded that there is room in Dubuque for two breweries." The location was
Rhomberg's former distillery site on East Fourth at the west end of the High Bridge. Plans and specifications were said to have
been approved and that preliminary site work would begin within one or two weeks. The Globe added "the matter has been
kept rather quiet during the past two or three days." The project would cost from $250,000 to $300,000 and the equipment
would be "of the latest and most improved pattern." The site was ideal given the presence of railroad tracks {with direct
connections to four railroads) to the site and central access to all roads. Consequently, "the expense of hauling beer for
shipment" would be avoided. The city's existing brewery, the Dubuque Malting Company, was said to be "not in the least
disturbed over the prospect of a rival [brewery] (Daily Globe, March 9, 1898; Enterprise, January 24, 1903).
NPS FOIm f 0-900-a OM8 App7ovel No. 7024-0078
(8-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 19
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
Figure 23: Left to right, Joseph H. Rhomberg; Joseph J. Ott, and John Page
(Farmers and Merchants Review, February 1, 1904)
More than a month later, the same source reported that the new brewery plans had not been finalized and in fact, a
competition of sorts was underway, with multiple contending designs having been submitted. A final decision on the
architect/engineer was two to three weeks away. The Globe offered the concern that, given the delay, "it is very doubtful if the
new institution will be delivering beer by the l a` of next December" (Daily Globe, April 19, 1898)
The Dubuque Start Brewing Company filed its articles of incorporation in early May, corporate operations having been
initiated on the previous April 14. The incorporation was for a period of 20 years. Capital stock was set at $100,000, to be
increased to $250,000 on the consent of company shareholders. Shares would be valued at $100. The stock sold quickly and by
May 22, $80,000 of the offered $100,000 was taken. The five original directors (each of whom had to hold at least five shares
of stock in order to be eligible to serve as a director) of the new company were J. H. Rhomberg (president), John P. Page (vice
president), Ferdinand Broehl (secretary-treasurer), Gustav G. Henelman and John Fitz. The directors announced that final plans
had been accepted and that the brewery construction would begin before the end of May i 898. The Telegraph announced "New
Brewery Is A Go" (Telegraph, May 6, 1898; Daily Globe, May 6, 1898; Herald, May 22, 1898).
True to their promise, the future brewery site was being cleaned up in anticipation of breaking ground that same month.
Not content to wait, the Telegraph titled its notice "Breaking Ground For Brewery" and added that the plans and specifications
were being rushed to completion so that contracts could be awarded and work begun "as speedily as possible." The Daily
Globe simply announced that the foundation contract would be let soon and that the work force on the site was moving a saloon
that was just north of the future brewery site (Telegraph, May 17, 1898; Daily Globe, May 24, 1898).
Five days later, the Daily Herald invited contractors to examine the foundation plans which were available at J. H.
Rhomberg's office, at the Page House. The Telegraph announced that the foundation contract had been awarded but couldn't
name the awardee until a formal contract was finalized (Herald, May 22, 1898; Herald, May 25, I898; Telegraph, May 3l,
1898).
Isaac Proctor got the contract and started the foundation excavation work on June 2 and set "a large force of men" to
work to finish his part of the construction effort as quickly as possible. The building designer, Fred Rautert, was finally named
NPS Form 10-900•a OMB Approve! Na. 1024-0018
18-861
United States Department of the Interior
Natio~l Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 20
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
and was introduced to the community as being "one of the leading engineers and architects in Chicago." His design would be
"a model of modern [brewery] architecture." The brewery would have an initial production capacity of 100,000 barrels of beer
a year but an increase of capacity was built into the design. The Telegraph described the planned complex:
The building will begin on the south side of the road to the high bridge and in that corner will be located a
modernly appointed cafe. Next to this will be the office and then the brew house, next to the brew house will
be the boiler house and engine room.
The brew house will be 100 feet high and will be handsomely finished.
Looking toward the increase of the capacity, one ice machine will be put in to begin with and space left for
another, and the same in the boiler room, two boilers will be put in, and space left for five. The stock house or
store room is immediately back of the brew house and its capacity can be easily increased by simply extending
the building further west. The company owns a tract of land 500 feet square so that it will not be hampered for
room.
The present plans to not contemplate the stables, bottling department and other accessories, which will
however, be put up while the brewery is being constructed.
The office and saloon building on the north will be of two stories. And affording a residence in the second
story for the crew master. The large flat room of this building will afford a splendid view of the river and could
be made a very desirable resort.
Local contracts, to the extent possible, were promised with at least $150,000 in labor costs being committed to the community
(Telegraph, June 3, 1898; Daily Times, same date, verbatim account).
The foundation work was reported as complete by early August. The first story of the brew house was similarly
finished by mid-September. The foundation construction had consumed "considerable time" and delays in securing brick had
also slowed the progress of the building. The obvious challenge was to get the remaining stories up and enclosed before cold
weather. The Telegraph predicted "when the building reaches its [intended] height it will be an imposing looking
establishment" (Telegraph, August 2, 1898); Telegraph, September 13, 1898).
Weather during October was unkind to expediting the construction progress, slowing brick laying in particular. In late
October, Rhomberg redoubled the work pace, running electric lights to the work site and adding a night work force. The roof
was yet to be put on and it was required to allow for interior work to proceed once the weather turned cold. The cold did come
with the first major snowstorm striking in late November and by December 6, the main Mississippi River channel was frozen to
a depth of five inches (Telegraph, October 26, November 22, December 6, 1898).
Brewery directors Page and Rhomberg journeyed to Milwaukee in mid-November to purchase machinery, particularly
the ice-making equipment. The local Iowa Iron Works was contracted to produce all of the boilers and similar iron work. Only
the engines were yet to be ordered. On the work site all of the iron and steel structural materials were already on hand. Much
of the nearly-finished building remained uncovered due to the delays in securing the iron and steel (Telegraph, November 16,
1898).
The race to enclose the brewery was eventually won and interior work completed. By early 1899 the brewery equipment
was being installed. The Daily Telegraph offered this detailed descriptive account of the building progress on January 16,
1899:
NPS Farm 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
(8-8fi1
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 21
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
NEW HR$WERY
Work of Finishing up the Interior Heing Hurried Along
SINKNG AN ARTISIAN WELL
A Strictly Modern Structure With the Very Latest in All Departments.
The work of finishing up the interior of the new Star brewery building down on the river front near the ends of
both bridges, is being hurried along as rapidly as possible. Workmen are putting in long days, and working on
Sunday in order to hasten the completion of the structure.
The building is five stories in height, with a cupola and smoke stack much higher, and the front is very
ornamental and imposing in appearance. A railroad track has been laid along in front of the building, and from
cars coal, grain and all other materials used in the carrying out of the business can be unloaded right onto
elevators and sent to any part of the building without any extra handling.
On the corner is a very handsome office, and a room with a plate glass front which will be used as a saloon.
This is two stories high, the upper rooms to be used for a residence. The first floor of the brewery contains the
heavy machinery. In the south room heavy foundations are in on which the boilers will be taken down this
week and put in just as soon as possible. In an adjoining room are immense foundations on which the ice
machines wilt rest. Everything about the foundation and walls of the whole structure are of the most substantial
material and consist of stone, iron and brick, there being no wood used in the building except doors and
windows.
The floors are made of solid concrete (several inches thick finished off on the surface with cement, giving
them a smooth appearance.
On the second floor are the hoppers and heavy copper utensils in which the barley and malt are cooked and
prepared. In the selection of these articles the company has purchased the very latest and most improved
apparatus made. These machines are designed for economy and perfectness in turning out the product, and are
far superior in make, to those in use a few years ago. They are also made of the very best material. Another
very perfect part of the building is the hop room, in which a large stock of this necessary article can be stored.
Then there are cooling rooms, store rooms and every other apartment on up through the building which is
necessary for carrying on the extensive business.
South of the main building is a large wash room, where empty kegs will be received and prepared for filling.
In another room the shipping will be done. in the rear of which wagons can be loaded, and in the front, goods
can be loaded right into cars. Under these rooms is a large cellar which will be used for storing empty kegs and
the company is especially favored in drainage, which is a very necessary thing about an establishment of this
kind. All waste pipes empty into a large pipe which extends out into the river, which will always insure a quick
and safe drainage of alt refuse matter about the establishment.
1n the manufacture of beer one of the most necessary articles is pure water. The company now has a drilling
machine at work in the rear of the main building, boring an artesian well. They have already reached a depth of
300 feet, and they will go on down until they get the proper article. They have also extended the walls of the
cellars back in the rear of the building, and can at any time build on and add more room to their storage and
shipping facilities.
J. H. Rhomberg, president of the company, is at the building all the time looking after every detail, and
attending to every thing that will hurry the work along. He has already purchased a large lot of hops and barley,
and has engaged a brewer to take charge as soon as they are ready. The putting up of machinery will be begun
this week, and they are in hopes to start up by the first of March.
NPS Form 10-9008 OMBappraval No. 1024-00/8
IB-88)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 22
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
The stockholders of the company held a meeting last week and elected the following directors: J. H.
Rhomberg, John Page, G. H. Hesselman, Fred Brill and John Fitz. The directors then elected the following
officers for a term of one year:
President-J. H. Rhomberg.
Vice President-John Page.
Secretary-G. H. Hessleman.
Treasurer-Fred. Brill.
The cold that had hindered the work returned in early February to such an extent that the city water mains froze and it
was simply too cold for the men to continue working. By this time only machinery installation was underway but work
was shut down completely on February 8 (Telegraph, February 8, 1899).
By mid-June the new brewery was ready to deliver it's first beer. The company dated the start of its business to June
29, 1899, but clearly the initial beer production and first deliveries pre-dated that date. Butt Brothers delivered five new
delivery wagons with red bodies and yellow running gear and the first six purchased horses arrived on June 15 from Dyersville.
The first beer would be delivered early the next week and the Herald announced on June 20 that local "principal saloons"
would have the new brand and the citizenry was urged to "Ask for it" (Telegraph, June 16, 1899; Herald, June 20, 1899;
Enterprise, June 20, 1903}.
The Daily Times offered some targeted glimpses of the new brewery complex at that same time. One curiosity was the
juxtaposition of two four-inch wide steam pipes, barely a foot apart, one was too hot to touch white the other was coated in
three inches of ice. The chilled cellars replaced the old manner of beer cooling while it aged, replacing stored and cut river ice
with modem refrigeration. A second feature was the brewery's artesian well, which measured six inches across and had a
natural pressure that would have shot the water up several feet absent any containment. The main point of interest was the
chimney, and the following explanation was offered to the curious public regarding it:
Many wondered when the old stone [distillery] structure was being removed why the chimney was left
standing. That's easy. Experts say that it is one of the most substantial samples of brick and mason work to be
found in the city. The foundation was laid broad, deep and strong to overcome any danger by reason of the
sandy character of the site, and with the lapse of many years the whole has settled and become so firmly
cemented that it is like one solid mass of stone. To create one like it now in dimensions and character of
foundation would cost $5,000 which seems a good reason why the old landmark was preserved.
The Illinois Central Railroad had announced plans on March 26 to remove the westernmost 200-foot long bridge span from its
1868 railroad bridge over the Mississippi River. That bridge paralleled the High Bridge on its north or upstream side. The
railroad company wanted to fill the distance with sand given that the water beneath that part of the bridge was quite shallow
anyway. The idea meant that the riverfront in front of the new brewery was to be considerably expanded. The Daily Times, in
June 1899, alluded to this project, the gaining of two acres of riverfront be filling the area between the existing west end of the
bridge and the Boat Club House. The new area could become a park with the brewery as a centerpiece, the whole becoming "a
marked improvement" at what was the point of entry into Dubuque from Illinois and Wisconsin (Telegraph, March 26, 1899;
Daily Times, June 20, 1899).
The promised bottling plant was built in 1900 and was located west of East 4s' Street, behind the brewery proper. Two
years later, stables were built on the opposite side of East 4`h, across from the bottling plant.
NPS Foam 10-900-e OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
18-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 23
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
Figure 24 is apparently the first of two lithographic overviews of the brewery complex, this one published as a postcard.
Both images date to circa 1903 and the second image (Figure 25) was commissioned for Enterprise Magazine that year. The
two views are different, the first being drawn at a lower perspective than the second one. The depictions are accurate as to the
layout of East Fourth Street and the main Star Brewery and its associated corner building. It also accurately depicts the railroad
spur that ran in front of the brewery and the twin bridges, High Bridge (vehicular toll bridge) and the Illinois Central Railroad
bridge. The bottling works are made much more impressive in scale as are the buildings to the south of the main brewery
building. The several single-story extensions (boiler and wash rooms) are shown as two-story buildings. Everything further
south are presumably planned additions or flights of fancy, given that they are not depicted on the 1909 Sanborn Map {Figure
25) and there is no other evidence that they ever were built. One of the purposes of the image was to depict the planned public
park that was to have run the length of the brewery frontage along the Mississippi River shore. Still, when the image was
printed, the Enterprise stated it "shows the extensive, modem plant of the Dubuque Star Brewery company..." (Enterprise,
June 20, 1903).
r~gure ~4: ~~ar nrewery ~,omp~ex, Lnnograpn, rust version, c. iyus
(Loras College, The Center For Dubuque History, Photo FBL #3707)
NAS Form 70-900-a
18-881 OMB Approve/ No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 24
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque Counter, Iowa
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Nigure 25: Star Brewery Complex, Lithograph, Second Version
(Loras College, The Dubuque Enterprise, May 9, 1903)
The impetus for the park project was the shortening of the Illinois Central Railroad bridge, previously discussed,
wherein the westernmost span was removed and the bridge approach filled. This advancement of the riverfront was a
continuation of a filling effort that dated back to the early 1890s when Fourth Street was extended to the High Bridge (opened
in 1887) with the purpose of encouraging land filling to the west of the brewery. The 50-foot wide street, which replaced
abandoned Clark Street (which ran east and west on the other side of the raised Illinois Central right-of--way) was widened to 62
feet and A. H. Rhomberg had transferred land from his distillery property for that purpose on April 11, 1894. As a result of the
filling, sloughs and a former navigable channel west of the brewery, over one hundred acres in size, had disappeared and partly
developed. By 1902, a new filling source, bountiful and in need of being hauled away and dumped somewhere, was available in
the form of punched clam shells from the Pearl button factories in the city. The tract in front of the brewery measured 200 feet
in depth and 500 feet in width. Thirty thousand cubic yards of the shell refuse was dumped as a fill foundation during 1902 and
the project was hailed for its potential to beautify the city riverfront. By mid-1903 the Star Brewing Company was planning to
expend $25,000 in the final filling operation, using dredged sand fill. By that time the High Bridge owners were ready to
eliminate the west span of their bridge, as the railroad bridge had already done. This opened up additional land for filling. The
new brewery was already a local landmark and one that was prominently placed at the city's front door on the river. The
distillery had placed a similar role for some forty years. The Enterprise remarked that the brewery "is one of the first objects
that attracts the attention of travelers on the trains and it makes a most favorable impression for the city...its location gives it a
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NP5 Form 10-900-a OMB Approve! No. 1024-0018
18-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 25
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
strong advertisement." The Star brewery, by improving its river front, has set the example and it will be but a few years until
other improvements will follow and we will have from the harbor to the bridges, a distance of half a mile, one of the most
attractive river front parks on the Mississippi." The planned park was to include a concrete floodwall and a fountain. Water for
the fountain was to come from the excess discharge of the artesian well, given that the brewery used just half of its (Property
Abstract; Enterprise, January 24, May 9, June 20, 1903).
By 1903, the new brewery was well established. The brewery itself was a city landmark, and was claimed to be "the
largest institution on the river front north of St. Louis." Twenty local investors had provided the bulk of the company capital.
When it first opened, the brewery had an annual production of just 35,000 barrels of beer, but by 1903 that figure was up to
50,000 barrels. Explosive growth was experienced between April 1902 and April 1903, when production increased by fifty
percent. Company sales agencies were established as far west as Council Bluffs and Sioux City, and "throughout northern Iowa
and in the contiguous territory of Illinois and Wisconsin, some of these agencies handling upwards of a hundred car load lots
annually." Business had increased so as to require the employment of six office assistants under the charge of W. W. Lindsey
(Enterprise, January 24, May 9, June 10, 1903).
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DUBUQUE STaR RItfWING CU.
Figure 26: Star Brewing Company advertisement, 1904
(Farmers and Merchants Review, February 1, 1904)
NP$ Form 10-900-a OMB Approval Na. 1024-0018
IB-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 26
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
-om west end of High Bride, c.1909-]0
To[I collector John Linehan and toll booth are at front left, bartender Nick Willand in tavern door
(Loras College, The Center For Dubuque History, Photo Klauer, #12)
The brewery building capacity was 150,000 barrels a year and that level of output could be achieved simply by adding
the requisite machinery, but using the existing engine, elevator, pumps, grain storage, and brewing kettle. Only additional
boilers and more cold storage equipment were required. Additional footings had been built in 1898-99 for extending the main
building to the west. The brewery design was a model of automation, as the following description indicates:
...the entire process is by machinery. The hops and grain used is hoisted by means of elevators into the top of
the building where it is stored in bins and cold storage with chutes connecting with the brewing kettle. This
grain is weighed automatically before it is turned into the kettle and the right proportions thus obtained. The
brew kettle is on the second floor and by means of a rotary pump the brew is forced up into the hop jack on the
fourth floor whence it runs down over the cooling plates again to the second floor. By the time it has thus
gravitated to these receiving tanks it is thoroughly cooled and purified and is again pumped up to the fourth
floor, being turned this time into the vats in the cold storage rooms. Again, in the process of fermentation and
curing, it gravitates to the third and second floors, and when finally, after the three months of curing it, it comes
into the great 100 barrel vats in the first floor, it is the finished product ready to be bottled or kegged for use.
In all the process, from the time the barley, hops, and other ingredients are hoisted into the brewery until the
beer comes out in kegs and bottles, it has been automatic and the only agency human hands have had in its
manufacture is in the starting of the machinery that carries it through the different stages in the process of its
manufacture (Enterprise, May 9, 1903).
NPS Form 10-900-a
OMB Approve! No. IOT4-OO1B
18.881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Nations[ Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 27
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
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Figure 28: Detail. 1909 Sanborn Fire Insurance Man
An ice house was reportedly built in 1908-09 but this building is not apparent on the 1909 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
(Figure 28). By this time, city directories list both the brewery proper, the ice house, and the Star Brewery Jobbing House, as
being located on Fourth Street on the "new levee." As early as 1903, the company was producing two brands of beer. "Gold
Star" was a darker ale, while "Silver Star" was a lighter brew. By 1911, Alphonse L. Rhomberg (1858-?) was company
president. He was the son of Joseph A. Rhomberg and a brother to Joseph H. Rhomberg. Joseph Ott was vice president, and
Ott's business partner, William H. Meuser, was secretary/treasurer. By 1915, the city's baseball park, titled the "Dubuque
Athletic Field," was located immediately west of the brewery. The proximity certainly boosted sales at the company saloon,
which was as of 1915, operated by Joseph H. Rhomberg (city directories).
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
18-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 28
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
Figure 29: View southwest, 1911
(Greater Dubuque, 1911)
Figure 29 documents the absence of any major brewery complex buildings to the south of the original buildings. It also
depicts atwo-story full-width rear porch on the saloon/office/residence section, and a metal fire escape on the north side wall of
the same building.
The brewery came perilously close to destruction by fire during the disastrous lumberyard fires of late May 1911.
These fires destroyed the city's lumber industry. The first fire took place on May 26, and the next the day after. It was the fire
of May 28 that destroyed the area around the brewery, burned the brewery ice house, and scorched the main building's
windows. The total loss was $7,000 to the company. The ice house contained no ice at the time, the building being full of kegs
and barrels and lumber (Telegraph-Herald, May 26, 28, 29, 1911; January 28, 1962; September 25, 1963
NPS Form 10.900-e
(8.89) OMB Approval No. 1074-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 29
Dubuque Star Brewen- Dubuque County, Iowa
_ I
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0: Hoffman photo, view northwest, c.1911
(Loras College, The Center For Dubuque History, Photo Hoffman #1261)
Figure 30 underscores the Rhomberg Dubuque Streetcar Company affiliation by depicting a streetcar hulk on the levee
front. The raised walkway connected with the Dubuque Boat Club House, which was further east. The paving in front of the
brewery dated to 1902-03. Obviously, the planned front park and additional filling of the frontage had not occurred.
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Appiova/ No. 1024-0078
18.881
United States Department of the lnterlor
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 30
Dubuque Star Brewenr Dubuque County, Iowa
While an indistinct image, this view shows painted signage on the west rear wall of the main brewery. The gable roofed
frame building to the east of the brewery is the Dubuque Boat Club. Again, no other larger buildings, specifically the ice house,
is apparent.
The first national prohibition was adopted as the 18"' Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by Congress in December
1917 and went into effect January 1, 1920. A built-in "sunset provision" mandated Congressional review every seven years and
this would finally serve as its undoing and it was the only Constitutional Amendment to be invalidated in the form of the 21"
Amendment which Congress enacted in December 1933. Congress amended the Volstead Acton March 22, 1933 to legalize
the production and sale of 3.2 percent beer and wine. Both commodities were heavily taxed as new national tax revenue
sources.
Despite the 1920 initiation date for prohibition, December 31, 1915 (or 1916) is offered as the day on which prohibition
went into effect at least in Iowa. Annual brewery production at the point of the shutdown was just 30,000 barrels. The brewery
was maintained throughout the prohibition years, 1917-33 and part of it was used as an egg-candling plant. City directories
locate Joseph H. Rhomberg's real estate business there as well, likely in the north end of the complex. Star Jobber continues to
appear in directory listings through 1925 and it is said that beer production actually continued to produce beer until the
"revenuers" shut it down. The 1925 city directory locates Harry E. Marshall's boiler works and Beutin Beuhler Warehouse at
this address. The Star Brewing Company let its articles of incorporation lapse in 1918 (Untitled typed MS, Business Firms File,
Breweries F-5 subfile, Center for Dubuque History; Schlesinger, pp. 438; 453, 462; Telegraph-Herald, June 1, 1933).
The Star Brewery was the first Iowa brewery to resume operations post-prohibition. Plans to reopen the plant
immediately followed the passage by the Iowa legislature of legislation that legalized 3.2 percent beer. The former Dubuque
Brewing and Malting Company Brewery, now titled the Julien Dubuque Brewing Company, expended some considerable
resources to ready that facility as well, but beer production was never resumed there. A third brewery, the Key City Brewing
Company, also announced plans to set up operations in a Lower Main Street building. Work to renovate Star was underway by
June 1, 1933 and beer production was promised within a month's time, with the first batch reaching the curing vats by July 1.
New articles of incorporation were filed on August 7, 1933 with capitalization still set at $100,000. Officers were A. L.
Rhomberg, president, Joseph W. Rhomberg, vice president, and John Anthony Rhomberg as secretary-treasurer (Telegraph-
Herald, June 1, August 15, 1933).
Necessary changes were limited to machinery, the plant having been carefully maintained since its closing. Anew
steam plant was installed and the upper portion of the chimney was rebuilt, this time in a circular profile. Anew bottling
department was set up and the old artesian well was finally abandoned and replaced with a new one that was drilled 1,350 feet
deep, beyond the complex to the west. Other planned changes, for future implementation, included building a garage near the
company loading dock and repairing the ice house. New wooden beer storage barrels were ordered and the public was informed
that Star Brewery at least, would not be using the new metal storage containers. The restarted operation would employ 100
male workers. It was reported that the former brew master of the company, William J. Fischer, would return to the plant from
Chicago (although Figure 31, which shows the first keg filling, identifies the brew master as John Rauwolf). The existing 100-
barrel capacity kettle was refurbished and three daily batches would enable the brewery to produce 300 barrels daily or 115,000
barrels a year, nearly four times its pre-prohibition level of production (Telegraph-Herald, June 1, October 22, 1933).
Unanticipated delays meant that actual beer brewing would not be begun until the latter part of August 1933. The first
kegged beer was loaded on trucks for delivery on October 25, 1933, as part of a statewide distribution. New white oak wooden
kegs were used (in lieu of metal kegs) and only keg beer was produced until August 1935. The first keg was shipped directly to
Iowa governor Clyde L. Herring and Dubuque Mayor M. R. Kane officiated at the "racker" when the keg was filled and Kane
scrawled a message to the governor on the key at the time (Telegraph-Herald, October 22, 25, 1933).
NP9 Form 10-900-a
OMB App/ova/ No. 1024-0018
19-891
l]nited States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Secdon number 8 Page 31
Dubuaue Star Brewer~r Dubuaue Counter, Iowa
A three-story brick 54 feet by35 feet addition to the west end of the main brewery was underway as ofmid-July 1935
and its completion would make bottled beer available by the end of that month. Two layers of the concrete floor sandwiched
insulating cork and the walls and roof were also covered with cork on the inside. A dozen new beer storage vats were installed
on the upper floor of the addition, each having a capacity of 110 barrels. On the second floor, a dozen steel storage tanks, each
ho]ding 200 barrels, comprised "the ageing cellar." The "finishing cellar" was on the ground floor and contained six two-
compartment tanks, each measuring 11 feet long with a diameter of 10 feet. Each empty tank weighed six and a half tons and
each was glass-lined. These last described tanks were produced by a firm that held the patent, while Morrison Brothers, a local
foundry, produced the other tanks and equipment. The entire new addition was refrigerated. Separate rooms housed the
"filtenmaffe" process where beech wood chips were washed. The addition increased plant storage capacity by 6,000 barrels.
The general contractor was William Yokum, who was issued the $5,000 building permit for the work on June 14, 1935. The
beer bottles were of brown glass and came in three sizes, 12, 24, and 60 ounces (Building permits, Telegraph-Herald, Ju]y 14,
1935).
Left to right in background, A. T. Phillippi, Northwestern Brewing Supplies Company, Andon Gloden and Fred Lay;
foreground; Anthony Rhomberg with bung hammer, Mayor M. R. Kane, and John Rauwolf, brewmaster
(Telegraph-Herald, October 25, 1933)
NPS Form 10.900-a OM8 A
pprove/ No. 7014-OO/8
IB-881
united States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 32
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
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Figure 32: Detail, 1909-1936 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
By 1936 the separate bottling works was no longer in use and the bottling function was located on the ground floor of
the north two-story building (the former saloon). Two rear additions, both post-dating 1909 and the previous Sanborn Map, are
indicated. There is athree-story rear addition to the brewery proper and a single story extension on the south end of that
addition. The former bottling works is now a storage building, as is a post-1909 building opposite it across the street, possibly
the former stables.
Company officers as of 1937-42 were Joseph W. Rhomberg, president, Charles H. Rhomberg, vice president, and John
Anthony Rhomberg, secretary-treasurer. Rhomberg Realty Company continued to co-exist on the same site through 1942. By
1945, Joseph W. Rhomberg was listed in city directories with no brewery role.
NPS Form 10-900-a
I&881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
OMB Approve/ No. 7024-0018
Section number 8 Page 33
Dubuaue Star Brewen- Dubuaue County, Iowa
Fire again struck the brewery on August 11, 1938, when the company's coal pile caught on fire. A few weeks later, on
September 1, another fire destroyed the last surviving ice house, which dated to 1908-09. A brewery warehouse had recently
been demolished and its lumber was stored in the ice house in lieu of ice. The 100 foot by 100 foot frame structure burned
rapidly, but apart from the threat it posed to the other buildings, the only real loss was the cost of cleaning up the mess
afterwards (Telegraph-Herald, September 1, 1938).
DUBUQUE
Extra Quarity
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A NEW BREW
Perfected for Your Pleasure
THRILeTY
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A BETTER BEER
For Particular 1'eapte
Figure 33: Detail from full page 1950 Star Brewery advertisement, the six-pointed star was
A traditional symbol of purity that was associated with brewing as early as the 1300's
(Cores College, The Center For Dubuque History, Business Firms File, Brewery Sub-file F-5)
NPS Form 10-900-a
IB-881 OMB Approve/ No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 34
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
The post-prohibition years were the best for the brewery in terms of production levels, stability and profitability. The
Rhomberg family retained ownership and John Anthony Rhomberg assumed complete control of the company operations in
1944. The brewery complex was expanded in 1942 with the construction of a the bottling plant that was for the first time
actually attached to the brewery. The "Golden Era" of the company began with Arnold Caitham was hired as brewmaster in
1952 with the commitment to make the company notable on a regional basis. Caitham remained with the brewery into the early
1970s and continued to serve as a consultant when the Pickett family took over management in 1971. By 1957 Star was one of
just two surviving Iowa breweries, a Davenport brewery having closed that summer. Within five years of Caitham's hiring, and
with the provision of some new equipment, company sales increased 250 percent, and 700 barrels of beer were being produced
monthly. During that same period, the number of Star city and county sales outlets increased 48 percent, reflecting a measure of
growing local market support. Brewery taxes paid at the federal and state (Iowa and Wisconsin) totaled $347,759. By 1969,
annual brewery production was 35,000 barrels (31 gallons each) (unidentified newspaper clipping, c.1958; Telegraph-Herald,
June 26, 1969),
The land and building ownership was divided in 1971 when Joseph Pickett & Sons Brewing Company purchased the
building and its equipment. Pickett, in partnership with his sons Val, Steve and Joseph Jr., brought the perfect mix of energy,
creativity, promotional skills and beer-making skills to the brewery. Pickett himself was a former president of the Master
Brewers Association of America. He held a degree in chemistry and bacteriology (Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, 1431) and
had graduated from the brewmaster's school at the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago. John Anthony Rhomberg and
Arnold Caitham were also graduates of that same program. At the time of the Pickett purchase, Dubuque Star Brewery had 18
employees and an annual capacity of 75,000 barrels. The products were Dubuque Star and Vat 7 (Telegraph-Herald, undated
clipping (1971) ).
If Joseph Pickett suffered any early frustration, it was the refusal of the local market to consume his beers. As of late
1972, ninety percent of sales were local, including nearby portions of Illinois and Wisconsin. Despite local preference surveys,
Pickett's success in increasing both quantity of output and its quality, was driven by a regional and to a lesser extent a national
market. Anew concrete block bottling house was built in 1974 on the west end of the brewery complex and for the first time,
canned beer was marketed, a reflection of changing public tastes in packaging (quicker to cool and less bulky for home storage
in the refrigerator). Anew refrigeration system followed. Qualitatively, under the new brand name of "Picketts" the brewery
worked to produce ahigh-quality premium beer. German hops were imported, artificial flavoring was eschewed, and the water
for the beer was said to "come from somewhere north of the Canadian boarder." Rave reviews were received from Chicago by
1975 and excellent national publicity followed in the Wall Street Journal. The latter source recorded that annual brewer output
had skyrocketed from 11,000 barrels in 1971 to 80,000 in 1975. Pickett himself continued to be frustrated with the lack of local
interest even as he was besieged by distributors from across the country. During 1976 and the Bicentennial, he generated local
and state publicity by reusing the nearby Shot Tower to produce lead show for sale to sponsor local commemorative events
(Telegraph-Herald, September 29, 1974; Wall Street Journal, October 8, 1975; Des Moines Register, November 12, 1972;
October 10, 1975).
In 1977, all this publicity drew Hollywood to Dubuque and began what would be a substantial Iowa participation in
film-making. The film "F.I.S.T." was produced by United Artists and was partly filmed at the brewery. The city gained an
estimated $2 million in revenues and 300 locals found employment in the filming. The brewery gained a $30,000 1930's style
pub interior (titled "Zigli's) and a $3,000 sign. Jce Pickett provided all the free beer that the crew could stomach and the
imbibers were sufficiently impressed that additional distributor contacts followed as the crew members scattered after the film
was finished (New York Times, reprinted in The Ledger, July 7, 1977).'
` Additional films shot on the brewery site followed. Most notably "Take This Job and Shove It" was filmed there in 1980 and yet another bar
was built in a different location within the complex. That area reverted to office use. The brewery was also featured in "Take Down" and
had a cameo appearance in "Pennies From Heaven" (The Iowan, Fall 1981, pp. 25-27).
NPS Foam 10-900-a OMB Appiova! No. 1024-0018
(8.861
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 35
Dubuque Star Brewen- Dubuque County, Iowa
Debts accumulated and the American Grain and Related Industries (AGRI), a Des Moines-based grain cooperative, was
brought in as a financial backer. Once AGRI achieved control of a majority of the company stock, the Pickett family was
removed from having any role in the brewery operation. AGRI's interest in the business was driven more by an interest in the
multi-acre riverfront parcel that came with the brewery. The company wanted to establish a grain hauling terminal in Dubuque.
At any rate, the terminal never materialized. AGRI expended $175,000 in improvements (new warehouse, introduced a new
can) brought in J. J. Scott Cowper as the new brewmaster and manager. Cowper also tried without success to develop a strong
local market for his product. The brewery was shut down abruptly in 1983 and was producing 35,000 to 40,000 barrels
annually at the time, well below the levels achieved by the Picketts. It was sold in August 1983 to a Milwaukee consortium of
five investors that was headed by Richard Armitage (Typed MS, "Dubuque Star Brewing Company," Dubuque County
Historical Society; Julien's Journal, March 1985, pp. 34-38; Newsweek, June 6, 1983).
The Armitage management renamed the company "The Rhomberg Brewing Company" in 1985 and broadened the range
of beer brands. The list consisted of Rhomberg Classic Pale, Rhomberg Classic Amber, Dubuque Star, Edelweiss, Picketts and
Weber. This list was shortened to just the two 1Zhomberg labels and Dubuque Star. The brewery also started to do contract
brewing, starting a very successful tradition that would continue. In 1988 or 1989 the brewery was again sold, this time to
Thomas B. Fitzgerald. The old brewery name was restored. Brands were Dubuque Star, Golden Star Lager and Erlanger
(purchased from Schlitz Brewing Company), and the contract brewing produced Wild Boar Amber. Zele Brewing Company,
headed by Michael Imeson, purchased the brewery in September 1989, but the brewery closed by the end of the year. Jack
Owen then purchased the brewery with the title "Dubuque Brewing & Bottling Company." Owen's operation lasted until 1992
and was followed by Brandevor Enterprises, Inc. Even as the Star brewery faltered from owner to owner, it lost its status as
Iowa's only brewery, enjoyed since c.1961 as mini-breweries emerged across the state beginning in 1985 (Untitled typed MS,
Dubuque County Historical Society).
Crompton & Knowles Cozporation of Massachusetts assumed the ownership in March 1991 in the midst of bankruptcy
proceedings for the Zele Brewing Company. The brewery finally closed in 1993 and its very complicated ownership prevented
its being reopened. The legal situation similarly blocked efforts to nominate the brewery to the National Register of Historic
Places. One unfortunate event that was necessitated to begin to resolve the ownership situation, was the passing of John
Anthony Rhomberg in 2003. The City of Dubuque condemned and acquired the brewery in 2001 and negotiated an agreement
with the Alexander Company of Madison, Wisconsin, to begin the property redevelopment. That firm utilized $1 million in city
funds to complete roof repairs, some tuckpointing work and some demolition and gutting of the interior. Dissatisfied with the
pace of project effort, the City of Dubuque called for proposals and in December 2005 accepted a proposal prepared by EPIC
Construction, and negotiated a 50-year lease. In the interim, the City demolished what was known as the "Green Building" a
multi-story warehouse and auctioned off the brewery equipment and records. A large proportion of the archival materials were
purchased by the Center For Dubuque History, Loras College, and the City loaned a range of artifacts to the Dubuque County
Historical Society. The brewery complex is currently being developed by EPIC to house the Stone Cliffs Winery, along with a
restaurant. A historical exhibit and display is also being developed that will occupy the lower level of the Brew House.
NPS Foam 74900-a OMB A
PP/oval No. 7024-0018
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National Register of Historic Places
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Section number 8 Page 36
Dubuaue Star Brewery Dubuaue County, Iowa
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National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 37
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque Counter, Iowa
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Figure 35: Aerial view west, November 27, 1959, photo by James Shaffer
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NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
IB•88f
united States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 38
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
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NPS Form 10-900-a OMB A
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 39
Dubuaue Star Brewery Dubuaue County, Iowa
Bookkeeper John Herschburger stands at the front left
(Loras College, The Center For Dubuque History, Photo Klauer-72)
Figure 40: Bottling Department-1912?
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United States Department of the lnterio~r ~ CRY:-~µ ~"~
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National Register of Historic Places
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Section number 8 Page 40
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, lows
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Figure 41: Engine room, view southwest, c.1912?
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NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. !0240018
(8-881
united States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 41
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque Counter, Iowa
Figure 44: ]oseph Pickett Sr. and grain grinder, original to the brewery equipment
(Des Moines Register, November 12, 1972)
NPS Form 70-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0019
18-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number S Page 42
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
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Parcel History, distillery, sawmill
cans
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NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
to-es~
lJnited States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 43
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
The Rhomberg Distillery was established in 1863 and likely represented the re-building of a mid-1850s stone
warehouse. The distillery was closed in 1873 and the building became the Pacific Lumber Mill. It apparently suffered a major
fire during the early or mid-1890s and the site became the Dubuque Star Brewery. The chimney and the southernmost stone
building, were retained and became part of the brewery complex.
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Figure 48: Detail, Alex Simplot Sktech, High Bridge Opening, November 1887
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P-figure 47: lletail, Alex Simplot Lithograph, 1870
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NPS Form /0-900-a OMB Approve! No. 1024-0018
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 44
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
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NPS Form 10-900-a
OM8 Appiova/ No, 7024-0018
I9-881
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 9 Page 45
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
9. Mayor Bibliographic References:
Andreas, A. T,, A. T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875. Chicago: Chicago Lithographic Company,
1875
Shank, Wesley L., Iowa's Historic Architects: A Biographical Dictionary. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1999
Dubuque Enterprise Magazine, Volumes 1-4, 1901-OS
Gephard, David and Gerald Mansheim, Buildings of Iowa. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993
Dubuque of Today, the Key City, Historical, Descriptive And Biographical, Commercial And Industrial. Dubuque: Press of the
Telegraph Job Printing Company, 1897
"Dubuque Marks 125 Years of Progress. Dubuque: Telegraph-Herald, August 31, 1958
"Dubuque-Past, Present and Future." Dubuque: The Key City Gas Company, April 1930
Dubuque's Highlights of Historical Landmarks. Dubuque: Dubuque County Historical Society, n.d.
Farmers and Merchants Review. Dubuque: Kenna-Lavin Printing Company, February 1, 1904
Hoffman, Mathias M., Antique Dubuque, 1673-1933. Dubuque: n.p., 1933 (Carnegie-Stout Library)
Jacobsen, James E., George W. Rogers Company Shot Tower, Amendment to the existing National Register of Historic Places
Listing, 2004
Jacobsen, James E. Dubuque: The Key City: The Historical and Architectural Resources of Dubuque, Iowa, 1837-1955. Des
Moines: History Pays! 2004
Koch, Augustus, "Birds Eye View of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, 1872"
Kriviskey, Bruce M., Historic Preservation Planning and Design Study In Dubuque, Iowa. Dubuque: Ben Miehe and
Associates, August 198 t
Kriviskey, Bruce M., Dubuque, Iowa Architectural Survey 1978/1979, Atlas of City Wide and District Survey Map. Dubuque;
n.p., c.1979
Kriviskey, Bruce M., "Summary Memorandum: Dubuque Architectural Survey/Historic Preservation Planning Project 1978-
1979, Dubuque: Bruce M. Kriviskey, April 1, 1980
Lyon, Randolph W Dubuque; The Encvclopedia. Dubuque: First National Bank of Dubuque, 1991
Oldt, Franklin T., and P. J. Quigley, History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Goodspeed Historical Association, 1911
NPS Form 70-900-a OMBApp/OVe) No. 1024-0078
IB-88)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 9 Page 46
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1894 (Center for Dubuque
History)
Schlesinger, Arthur M., Jr. The Almanac of American History. Greenwich, Connecticut: Brompton Books Corporation, 1993
Sommer, Lawrence J., The Heritage of Dubuque: An Architectural View. Dubuque: First National Bank, 1975
Telegraph-Herald, Dubuque The Birthplace of Iowa. Dubuque: Telegraph-Herald, 1998 (Center for Dubuque History)
Wilkie, William E., Dubuque On The Mississippi, 1877-1988. Dubuque: Loras College Press, 1987 (Carnegie-Stout Library)
Dubuque Maps:
Sanborn Map Company, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1884, 1891, 1909, 1909/36, 1909/6, New York: Sanborn Map
Company, 1909-59
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approve/NO. 7024-0078
18-98)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 10 Page 47
Dubuque Star Brewery Dubuque County, Iowa
10. Geographical Data:
Boundary Description:
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Boundary Justification:
The land that is included in this nomination has been directly historically associated with the brewery building and its
operation. Vacant land that served as the location ofnon-extant additions and outbuildings has been excluded from the
Epic Construction
June 30, 2006
Attn. Mr. James E. Jacobsen
History Pays
4411 Ingersoll Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
Re: Dubuque Star Brewery Historic Register Nomination
Dear James,
This letter is to serve as our formal request on behalf of Port of Dubuque Development,
LLC for you to proceed with preparing the necessary documents to nominate the
Dubuque Star Brewery to be listed. on the National Register of Historic Places.
Please call with any questions. I look forward to working with you on #his project.
1,
Chad Walsh
Project Manager
137 Maio Street Sure 300 1 Dubuque, Iowa 52001 I p.663.583.2169 1 f.5G3.583.2412 I www epicgccom