J.H.C. Petersen's Sons' Store

This four-story commercial building in Davenport features stone and brick construction with round-arched arcades, vertical windows, terracotta decorations, and ornate parapets topped with finials. Inside, a coffee shop, restaurant, and performance venues create a central gathering place in downtown.

German immigrant J.H.C. Petersen founded this dry goods business in 1872, expanding to multiple locations across Iowa and Illinois by the 1880s. The building emerged during a period when department stores of this scale were reshaping how people shopped regionally.

The building now houses the River Music Experience, where visitors experience live performances celebrating various musical traditions through concerts and educational programming.

The best way to experience this building is to view its exterior detailing and then explore its public interior spaces. Its downtown location makes it easy to reach on foot, with convenient parking nearby.

The design drew inspiration from Chicago's renowned Rookery Building and introduced specialized retail departments that revolutionized local shopping. This architectural reference to one of America's most progressive cities made it a statement of ambition and forward-thinking business.