Roshek's
Roshek's is a nine-story Beaux-Arts building in Dubuque constructed between 1929 and 1932, occupying an entire block of the downtown streetscape. The design by architect Charles Wheeler Nicol combines classical Beaux-Arts elements with Art Deco details, featuring ornate stonework and tall windows that define its presence.
The building emerged as an ambitious expansion project by brothers J. J. and F. H. Roshek, who relocated their business from the neighboring Rider-Wallis store to create a much larger retail center. During the 1960s, the store relocated to Kennedy Mall shopping center, after which the original building was converted to office space.
The building carries the name of the founding Roshek brothers and represents an era when large department stores were at the heart of city life. It reflects how such places served both as businesses and gathering spots where shoppers came to socialize and spend time together.
The building is easily located in downtown Dubuque and highly visible from the public streetscape, with architectural details clearly visible from street level. The interior functions as an office building, so it is advisable to check ahead if internal viewing is possible before visiting.
In 2009, the building underwent comprehensive renovation to serve as a sustainable office hub for IBM and other technology companies, earning Platinum certification under the LEED sustainability system. This made it Dubuque's largest green building retrofit project and demonstrated how historic structures could be adapted to meet modern environmental standards.
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