Milwaukee Road Freight House (1917 Davenport, IA)
This Freight House, located at 102 Ripley Street, was built by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (The Milwaukee Road) in 1917 in response to the increased freight traffic in Davenport before the country entered World War I. It was built on the levee near the Mississippi River.
Railroad freight factored in the development of the city's wholesale and retail commercial economy from the 1890s onward. Because of Davenport's location railroad freight could be charged favorable eastern rates while western rates could also be accessed. This gave the city an advantage over instate communities.
The building is rectangular in shape and built of brick with concrete floors and columns. The eastern end is two stories and held the offices. The west end held the warehouse storage space in a single story. The facility was located between the rail siding and thoroughfare where cargo could be easily transferred from one transportation system to another. The freight house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places (1985) due to its association with the commercial development of Davenport, Iowa.
After being renovated in the 1990s (Note: the CMStP&P freight house sign was moved to the left side of the building and a stairway was also added for access to the second floor). The freight house has seen a variety of uses, such as a comedy club, sports bar, piano bar, and restaurant. Currently, the freight house is home to several small businesses featuring locally grown items, such as a deli, a grocery hub, and a tap room for a local brewery.
Milwaukee Road Freight House (1917 Davenport, IA)
This Freight House, located at 102 Ripley Street, was built by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (The Milwaukee Road) in 1917 in response to the increased freight traffic in Davenport before the country entered World War I. It was built on the levee near the Mississippi River.
Railroad freight factored in the development of the city's wholesale and retail commercial economy from the 1890s onward. Because of Davenport's location railroad freight could be charged favorable eastern rates while western rates could also be accessed. This gave the city an advantage over instate communities.
The building is rectangular in shape and built of brick with concrete floors and columns. The eastern end is two stories and held the offices. The west end held the warehouse storage space in a single story. The facility was located between the rail siding and thoroughfare where cargo could be easily transferred from one transportation system to another. The freight house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places (1985) due to its association with the commercial development of Davenport, Iowa.
After being renovated in the 1990s (Note: the CMStP&P freight house sign was moved to the left side of the building and a stairway was also added for access to the second floor). The freight house has seen a variety of uses, such as a comedy club, sports bar, piano bar, and restaurant. Currently, the freight house is home to several small businesses featuring locally grown items, such as a deli, a grocery hub, and a tap room for a local brewery.