Henry Kahl House

The Henry Kahl House is a Spanish Colonial Revival residence in Davenport that sits on a bluff overlooking the West End of the city. The structure showcases cream-colored brick, Baroque ornamentation, a balustraded piazza, and distinctive red ceramic tile roofs.

Built in 1920 for Henry Kahl, a self-made millionaire who started as a mule team driver and rose to vice president of a major construction company by age 45. His rapid success is reflected in the mansion's grand design.

The Kahl family donated the property to the Catholic Diocese of Davenport, reshaping its purpose as a retirement residence managed by Carmelite Sisters. This gift reflects a local tradition of converting private wealth into community services.

Following extensive renovations completed in 2016, the building now operates as a senior living facility with 68 apartments distributed across multiple floors. Keep in mind that it functions as an active residential community.

The original ballroom on the third floor was later converted into 20 bedrooms and now contains two modern residential units. This transformation shows how the building adapted when its purpose changed.

Location: Iowa

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Mediterranean Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.52806,-90.58833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22