Hotel Julien Dubuque facts for kids
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Julien Motor Inn
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 200 Main St. Dubuque, Iowa |
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| Built | 1915 |
| Part of | Old Main Street Historic District (ID83000356) |
| Added to NRHP | January 12, 1983 |
The Hotel Julien Dubuque is a famous hotel located in downtown Dubuque, Iowa. You can find it at Second and Main streets. This historic hotel has 133 guest rooms, a restaurant called Caroline's, and the Riverboat Lounge. It also features the Potosa Spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and large spaces for events.
The hotel was recently updated. Its 168 guest rooms were changed into 133 luxury rooms and suites. The beautiful old lobby and grand ballroom were also restored. Modern features were added, like a special heating and cooling system that uses the Earth's temperature. The roof was also made to reflect heat, and a new swimming pool and fitness area were built. In 1983, the hotel was recognized as an important building in the Old Main Street Historic District. Back then, it was known as the Julien Motor Inn.
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The Hotel's Long History
The story of the Hotel Julien Dubuque goes way back to 1839. That's when the very first hotel was built at this spot in Dubuque.
Early Days as Waples House
When it first opened, the hotel was called the Waples House. It quickly became known for its delicious food and fancy furniture. People loved to visit for a special meal or a comfortable stay.
Becoming the Julien House
In 1854, the Waples House got a new name: the Julien House. The hotel was made bigger and updated with new features. It is believed that Abraham Lincoln once stayed here. He visited the Julien House when he was traveling to Galena, Illinois for legal work. During the late 1800s, the hotel became a very important place in downtown Dubuque. It was a central spot for many activities.
A New Beginning After the Fire
In 1913, a big fire sadly destroyed the Julien House. Not much was left after the flames were put out. But people quickly started building a new hotel. The building you see today was finished in 1915.
Famous Visitors and Stories
The Hotel Julien Dubuque has hosted many interesting people over the years.
Al Capone's Connection
It is said that Al Capone, a well-known figure from Chicago, once owned the Julien. Local stories suggest that Capone liked Dubuque. When things were difficult in Chicago, he would come to the Julien Inn to relax and stay hidden. Some people even say he had a secret underground garage nearby. This was supposedly to hide his cars and keep his visits a secret.
Sylvester Stallone's Stay
Another famous guest was the actor Sylvester Stallone. He stayed at the Julien Inn while filming his movie F.I.S.T. in the area.
Modern Updates and New Ownership
Later, Louis Pfohl bought the hotel and made many changes. He added special features, like the mirrored staircase that goes from the lobby to the second floor.
Today, the Fischer Companies own the Julien Inn. They own several buildings in Dubuque. In 2007, they started a big renovation project. Their goal was to make the outside of the hotel look like it did originally. They also updated the inside of the hotel. As part of this renovation, the hotel received its current name: Hotel Julien Dubuque. The updates were finished, and the hotel reopened in the summer of 2009.
Images for kids
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Hotel lobby
