DUBUQUE CASKET CO
Location: Dubuque, IA
Project Size: 65,000 SF
Sector: Multi-Family Housing, Commercial, Historic Rehabilitation
Services Rendered: Owner, Developer, Project Manager
The reuse of the historic Dubuque Casket Company building put 65,000 square feet of mostly abandoned space back into use as a multipurpose activity center. The Washington Court Apartments, Crescent Community Health Center, and Project Concern offices—which assisted over 19,000 low-income individuals each year—were the final renovated products of the once-blighted building.
Gronen & Community Housing Initiatives, along with the City of Dubuque collaborated in tackling the Dubuque Casket Company to address the City's priorities of creating quality affordable housing, a Community Health Center, and creating a catalyst for revitalization to the City's low-income and economically depressed North End neighborhood.
The creation of high-quality housing, health care, and other services for low-income households were a key component of the Washington Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. The services for low-income households were within walking distance or an easy bus ride for many of the Crescent Community Health Center and Project Concern's target populations.
Awards
1000 Friends of Iowa
Best Development Award —2007
Dubuque County Historical Society
House Preservation Award—2007
Dubuque Main Street Award
Best Community Initiated Development—2006/2007
Faces & Voices CommUNITY Award for Diversity Initiatives Nomination
Dubuque Casket Co—2008
Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance—Preservation At Its Best Award
Mixed Use—2008
NATIONAL HOUSING & REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION—
J. Timothy Anderson Awards for Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation
Finalist—2007
Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Award
Excellence in Historic Preservation—2008
Main Street Iowa Award for Exceptional Revitalization
Best Community Initiated Development Project—2008
Project Concern
Exemplary Support to the Community—2007