Lambert-Iles-Petersen House

The Lambert-Iles-Petersen House is a three-story Renaissance Revival building located in Davenport's Hamburg Historic District. Its interior features a central staircase with original secco fresco wall paintings that decorate the spaces throughout.

The building was constructed in 1856 for lumber mill owner Joseph Lambrite and later passed to prominent residents including physician Thomas Iles and department store founder John H.C. Petersen. In 1920, Joseph Schick added craftsman-style sunrooms and built a separate bungalow on the western portion of the property.

The residence showcases Italian villa features that were uncommon in Iowa at that time. Its interior spaces still display the decorative choices and lifestyle of wealthy households from that era.

The residence sits within a preserved historic district featuring other buildings from the same period. Check ahead before visiting as access may be limited to scheduled tours or special occasions.

The staircase fresco paintings were created using secco fresco technique, which did not require wet plaster and made the decorations more durable. This approach allowed later modifications to be made without significant disruption to the original work.

Location: Davenport

Architects: John C. Cochrane

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Part of: Hamburg Historic District

GPS coordinates: 41.52603,-90.58032

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41