Historic Millwork District Revitalization

2024 Master Plan Update

The Historic Millwork District has enjoyed a successful revival since the original Historic Millwork Master Plan was adopted in 2010. However, City officials, stakeholders, and the community recognize there is still more work to be done. Despite numerous successful developments and public infrastructure projects, this district remains “in progress”. The purpose of the 2024 master plan update is to provide recommendations for improvements over the next decade.

The recommendations in the plan are multi-faceted and share a common goal of connecting people and businesses within this district to the adjacent districts in the city and to the larger region.

* This document, adopted in 2024, references concepts prohibited in IA HF856 amending Ch 19 of the Iowa Code. It was adopted prior to HF856 passage on May 27, 2025. Changes will be made if and when the document is revised.

Historic Millwork District

Input Sought on Historic Millwork District Community Space Design

The City of Dubuque Planning Services Department is seeking public input on the design of an outdoor community space to replace a temporary parking lot in the Historic Millwork District. Residents and stakeholders were invited to take an online survey to provide input on the potential uses, amenities, landscaping, and site elements for the community space.

After an online community survey, a public input design session, and outreach at multiple community events including Millwork Night Market and the Dubuque Farmers’ Market, three concept plans were created for a future space. Those plans were presented at Merry Millwork Market on Dec. 5 and will be presented to the Dubuque City Council at a special Work Session on Tues. Jan. 20. Read more information on the plan and opportunities to comment.

Vision Statement

The Historic Millwork District will connect people to the history and future of Dubuque, to each other, to surrounding districts and to the larger Driftless Region by focusing on three categories of improvements: built environment, economy, and culture.

Built Environment

Continue to nurture a safe and well-connected community where all are welcome, respected, and feel a sense of belonging by:

  • Investing in spaces that are inviting, welcoming, and social.
  • Improving connectivity between the Historic Millwork District and other parts of downtown and the city.

Economy

Encourage a network of mutually-beneficial businesses that result in a united but varied landscape of workplace, residential, and business ventures by:

  • Continuing to support the reuse and rehabilitation of existing structures in the Historic Millwork District
  • Attracting young and innovative residents, employees, and companies to the Historic Millwork District
  • Activating the public realm through creative, innovative, and experimental businesses, ventures and events.

Culture

Educate and celebrate Dubuque’s unique industrial history, present-day events and future opportunities by:

  • Creating educational opportunities for people to learn about the history and current happenings of the Historic Millwork District
  • Supporting opportunities for an expanded performance and visual arts presence in the Historic Millwork District

The 2009 Master Plan

The original master plan established a vision for defining the Historic Millwork District as a new and unique neighborhood. One that leverages the appeal of living and working amongst buildings that represent the industrial history of Dubuque to become a mixed use, urban neighborhood unlike any other in the city. By leveraging the embodied energy of old warehouse buildings that were the engine of the Dubuque economy, a new neighborhood would contribute to the evolution of downtown and the broader city renaissance.

Though development was delayed initially by the great recession (2008), the City remained committed to the plan and began implementing regulatory changes and infrastructure investments to accommodate private development. Standing in partnership with property owners and developers, the City has contributed $25.5 million in economic development and revitalization incentives. Above that, the City has aggressively pursued federal and state grants while locally funding over $20 million in public infrastructure—rebuilding roads and utilities to modernize the infrastructure necessary to sustain the district another 100 years.

* This document references concepts prohibited in IA HF856 amending Ch 19 of the Iowa Code.  It was adopted prior to HF856 passage on May 27, 2025. Changes will be made if and when the document is revised.

Iowa Great Place

Dubuque was named an Iowa Great Place in 2006 and the Historic Millwork District Streetscape Project was awarded a $150,000 Iowa Great Place grant in 2009. Iowa Great Places is a State of Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs initiative that combines state resources with local assets to help Iowans make their communities, regions, districts or neighorhoods great places to live, work and raise a family.

Iowa Great Places