Hotel Hurst

Now an apartment building for senior citizens, the former Hotel Hurst was built in 1897 and remains an important landmark in Maquoketa. It is located at the southern end of the city's commercial district and is fine example of Second Empire architecture. It features typical elements of that style including a mansard roof and decorative cast hood molds over the windows. It also includes a Colonial style portico at the main entrance. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

The construction of the Hotel Hurst marked the end of the economic boom in Maquoketa that started when the railroads arrived in 1870. A group of local businessmen decided to build it, believing that the city's growth would continue. They also wanted to open a fine dining restaurant and, at the time, large numbers of business travelers still came to Maquoketa. Originally named the Delmonico Hotel, it was one of two hotels on Main Street; the other was the Hotel Decker (built 1867) located at the north end of the commercial district.

The hotel failed to live up to its potential despite being a quality establishment. In 1907 it was sold to Alfred Hurst who renamed it after him. Hurst was born in England, served in the Civil War, as county supervisor, and as a state senator. He also owned a quarry north of the city. In 1910, Hurst built a car garage to sell Buicks and rent cars to hotel guests. He built it after the owner of Hotel Decker built a garage to sell Cadillacs. Both garages were eventually torn down.

Hurst sold the hotel in 1915 and it had a series of owners over the years. While it was not ever financially successful, the restaurant and lounge remained popular. When the hotel was converted into residence is unclear but it operated at least until 1989.

Iowa Culture. "Maquoketa Hotels Usher in a New Era." Medium. Accessed November 20, 2021. https://medium.com/iowa-history/maquoketa-hotels-usher-in-a-new-era-3d638833c50a.

Naumann, Molly Myers. "Hotel Hurst (Hotel Delmonico)." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. December 27, 1989. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/89002105_text.