Ambrose Hall

Ambrose Hall is a university building completed in 1885 that combines yellow stone and red brick with decorative marble accents and a prominent mansard roof at its center. Inside, you find administrative offices for admissions and financial aid, faculty workspaces, and formal meeting rooms used by the institution's leadership.

The cornerstone was laid on July 5, 1885, marking the start of construction on the St. Ambrose University campus. It was built during an era when American universities expanded rapidly and established their physical presence through ambitious institutional architecture.

The building serves as a focal point for the university community and reflects how educational institutions shaped the character of Davenport in the late 1800s. Walking around it, you notice how its design emphasizes permanence and scholarly purpose through its substantial stonework and formal layout.

The building is easy to spot from outside thanks to its distinctive mansard roof and the combination of yellow stone and red brick. It sits prominently on campus and serves as a natural reference point for navigating the university grounds.

A stone and marble grotto housing a statue of the Virgin Mary sits just north of the building and adds a layer of religious significance to the site. Many visitors miss this smaller feature, yet it reveals how faith and education intertwine at the institution.

Location: Davenport

Architectural style: Second Empire style

Part of: St. Ambrose University

Address: 518 West Locust Street

GPS coordinates: 41.53889,-90.58083

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:01