German American Heritage Center facts for kids
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Germania-Miller/Standard Hotel
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 712 W. 2nd St. Davenport, Iowa |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1871 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| MPS | Davenport MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83002438 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 07, 1983 |
The German American Heritage Center is a special place in Davenport, Iowa. It's a museum and cultural center that tells the story of German-Americans in the Midwest region. This building, also known as the Germania-Miller/Standard Hotel, has a long history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 because of its importance.
A Look Back: The Center's History
The German American Heritage Center officially started in 1994. Its leaders bought the old Standard Hotel building in 1995. This building first opened in 1862. It was called the Germania House. It served as a gasthaus, which is a guest house, for new immigrants.
In 1876, John Frederick Miller bought the building. He was a German immigrant who had been a manufacturer in the city. He changed the name to the Miller Hotel. Miller also ran the restaurant, billiard room, and saloon inside the hotel. Farmers from Scott County often stayed here when they visited Davenport.
Changing Names Over Time
The hotel's name changed several times in the 1900s. Around 1906, it became the Arcade Hotel. In 1917, it was known as the Henry Blessing Boarding House. From 1924 until 1995, it was called the Standard Hotel. The shops on the main floor also had many different businesses over the years.
In 1983, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical site. It was also added to the Davenport Register of Historic Properties in 1996. In 2009, the center had big renovations. These updates added cool multimedia and new exhibit spaces for visitors.
Building Style: Architecture
The building is a great example of high Victorian commercial style in Davenport. One special part is the metal cornice (a decorative molding at the top). John Miller likely added this, as his name is on it.
The original storefronts (the parts facing the street) had been changed over time. They were restored during the 2009 renovation. The section on the far east side, where the hotel's main entrance was, looks more fancy. It is also located right below the cornice arch.
