Calder Houses

The Calder Houses are two identical two-story brick buildings with front gables standing side by side on 2nd Avenue. Each structure was built on stone foundations using the same architectural design and construction methods.

Charles Calder arrived from New York in 1851 and constructed these houses in 1868 as his wealth grew in Cedar Rapids. His real estate investments shaped the neighborhood's development through the late 1800s.

The houses reflect how successful residents built and lived in Cedar Rapids during the 1800s. They show the growing prosperity of the city as it developed into a regional center.

The buildings are easy to locate and view from the street as you walk along 2nd Avenue. You can see the exteriors and architectural details without entering, making this a convenient stop for those interested in local history.

The two buildings are completely matched in design and were built as a mirror pair, an unusual approach for residential construction in Cedar Rapids of that era. This symmetry suggests the builder wanted to create a unified visual presence on the street.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 41.98444,-91.65639

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:10