Washington Gardens (Davenport, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Washington Gardens
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1301 W. 13th Street Davenport, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1885 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| MPS | Davenport MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001585 |
| Added to NRHP | July 27, 1984 |
Washington Gardens is a historic building in Davenport, Iowa. It is located in the city's West End. This special building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. This means it is recognized as an important part of history!
Contents
A Look Back: History of Washington Gardens
This interesting building was built in 1885 by a person named John Wiese. It was designed to be both a home and a public gathering place. It is one of the oldest places like it in Davenport.
Early Days and New Owners
Just three years after it was built, John Wiese passed away. His wife, Sophie, sold the building to Claus Gruneau. Mr. Gruneau had experience running another place called the St. Louis House.
A Community Hub
When it first opened, Washington Gardens was more than just a regular building. It had three main parts:
- A tavern, which is like a pub or a place where people could gather.
- A social hall, a big room for events and meetings.
- A beer garden, which was an outdoor area with tables and plants.
This spot became very important for the local German community in Davenport. It was a place where they could meet, socialize, and celebrate together.
How it Got its Name
The building was known by two names: Washington Park and Washington Gardens. These names came from beautiful, well-kept gardens nearby. The German community used these gardens as their own special outdoor gathering spots. Today, the building is still used as a tavern, keeping its long history alive.
Building Style: Italianate Architecture
Washington Gardens is built in a style called Italianate architecture. This style was popular in the 1800s. It often featured decorative elements inspired by Italian Renaissance buildings.
Key Features of the Building
One common feature of the Italianate style is seen on this building. Look for the decorative brackets under the roof's edge, especially in the triangular parts called gables. These brackets are a classic sign of Italianate design. When the building was first built, the gables also had round-arch windows. These types of windows were often used in buildings by German immigrants in the area.
