The Col Ballroom

The Col Ballroom is a brick structure with steel framing and an arched roof defined by corner pavilions on West Fourth Street in Davenport. A spacious dance floor fills the interior, surrounded by original architectural details including individual tiles spelling 'Coliseum' across the exterior facade.

Built in 1914 by Leo Kerker, this ballroom replaced an earlier Coliseum that was destroyed by fire in 1913. The building earned National Register of Historic Places status in 1983, recognizing its enduring value to the community.

The space grew out of German-American singing traditions and served as a gathering place for vocal groups across the region. Visitors walking through can sense the legacy of these musical assemblies in the rooms where countless performers once shared their talents.

The original architectural features remain well-preserved and reveal details from different angles as you walk around the facade. Visitors should allow time to explore both the exterior decoration and the interior layout to fully appreciate the design and spatial arrangement.

Many renowned performers left their signatures on the interior walls, creating a visual record of their appearances at the venue. These handwritten marks by musical legends form an informal registry of the building's artistic history.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 41.52361,-90.58778

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04