National Biscuit Company Building

The National Biscuit Company Building is a four-story neoclassical structure made of heavy timber framing and masonry walls with balanced architectural details. Its transformation into 54 residential apartments in 1995 preserved the original walls and interior character while adapting the space for modern living.

The building was constructed in 1906 as a manufacturing facility for the National Biscuit Company and operated as a factory through 1940. This site represented the company's third largest sales territory during that period.

The structure shows how industrial buildings can become vibrant residential spaces for today's city dwellers. Its transformation demonstrates that old factories can serve new community needs while keeping their original character.

The building is located in downtown Des Moines with good access to public transportation and nearby shops. Since it is now a private residential building, visitors can only appreciate its exterior architecture from the street.

The facility was one of only a few locations that manufactured Uneeda Biscuits and stood as one of three factories producing corn crackers during the 1920s. This specialization made the location noteworthy within the biscuit manufacturing industry.

Location: Iowa

Architects: Proudfoot & Bird

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.58306,-93.62917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:27