Hotel Iowa

Constructed in 1913, this historic hotel demonstrates the growth of Keokuk in the early 20th century and the city's optimism that their community would become one of the commercial centers on the Mississippi River. The building features a projecting metal cornice with brackets and an exterior composed of brick and decorative terra cotta. The former Hotel Iowa building is also the best example of Chicago Commercial architecture in Keokuk, with seven stories that reach a height of 74 feet. The building is now a residence for senior citizens called the Historic Hotel Iowa and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

In 1912, residents in Keokuk were feeling bullish. With the new Keokuk Lock and Dam and the construction of an Elk's Lodge, the community felt optimistic about city's future. To attract further investment capital into the Keokuk, a group of businesses decided to build a hotel. Led by the Mississippi River Power Company, they formed a corporation called the Hotel Iowa Company in 1912. Construction got underway began in November and was completed the next year. The grand opening was held on November 13th. At the time, Hotel Iowa was the tallest building in the city.

The Hotel Iowa Company sold the hotel in 1926 to the next owners, Mr. and Mrs. Ward B. Brown, who operated it for 25 years. The building was remodeled in 1966 and continued to function as a hotel for many years. It appears that it became an office building in the 1980s as by then it was renamed the Pierce Building.

Jacobsen, James E. "Hotel Iowa." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. February 5, 1987. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/87000022_text.