Historic Walking Tour

Built in 1870, this structure originally housed the community’s first newspaper and meat market. In 1871, local entrepreneur Nate Crook transformed the space into a barbershop and restaurant, and by 1877, he expanded his enterprise to include Crook’s Hotel, complete with a livery and stable to serve travelers passing through town.

Throughout the early and mid-1900s, the building continued to evolve, hosting several hotels—including the Julien Hotel and the Hoover Hotel—as well as the popular L.B. Steakhouse, where guests famously cooked their own steaks.

In 1995, the basement was converted into The Downunder Bar, a lively local favorite. After a brief closure, it was renovated and reopened in 2015 by Mike Jones. Today, the main level houses [insert current business name or use], while the Down Under Brewpub continues the building’s long-standing tradition of hospitality in the lower level.

If you look closely, you’ll notice a smaller, one-story wooden structure to the right of the main building. Now incorporated into The Hoover House, this was originally the community’s first bank—and, in fact, the first bank in all of Cedar County—built in 1875.

Just two years later, West Branch State Bank relocated to a new two-story brick building on the northwest corner of Main and Downey Streets, directly behind you. By 1916, the growing bank again rebuilt, creating a modern facility known for its well-appointed ladies’ restroom and lounge—popular gathering spots for women while the men conducted business in town.

Today, that building remains locally known as the “Old Bank” and is currently home to [insert current occupant or business name].

After a fire destroyed West Branch’s wood-framed post office in 1907, this “practically fireproof” building was constructed as its replacement, serving as the Post Office until 1928. Over the years, it hosted a variety of businesses, including a potato chip and popcorn company, piano tuner, seed corn warehouse, garage, and feed store.

In 1941, the building became a family-owned service station, Jeffries, which was restored to its original appearance in 1964. During renovations in 2010, the historic arch and structure collapsed, but it was rebuilt using bricks and design elements from the original building, reopening as the Brick Arch Winery. After more than a decade, the winery closed in 2021, and in 2025, The Black Rose, a boozy bookstore, opened at this location, continuing the building’s legacy as a vibrant part of downtown West Branch.

In 1869, Edwin Grinnell purchased this lot to establish a drug store, making this structure the oldest surviving storefront in West Branch. For more than five decades, the building was home to druggists and jewelers.

In 1924, Fred Albin’s meat market took over the space, adding the brick façade that remains today. Over the years, the building has hosted a variety of businesses, including a variety store, clothing store, ice cream shop, antique store, bakery and coffee shop, photography studio, and dental office.

Today, the Grinnell Building houses Michael Sexton’s Farm Bureau Insurance Agency, continuing its long tradition of serving the community.

In 1898, one of West Branch’s earliest downtown promoters, Nathan Crook, oversaw the construction of Citizen’s Savings Bank. Crook emphasized that the building should highlight the skill and craftsmanship of local contractors, matching the high standard set by the neighboring Union Block. Reflecting the prosperity of the era, the completed structure became a notable example of fine design and construction.

The city’s second bank, also named Citizen’s Savings Bank, was established in 1908 at the northeast corner of Main and Downey Streets.

In 1976, Lou and Colleen Picek purchased the 1898 building and opened Main Street Antiques & Art, which continues to operate today, allowing visitors to enjoy both its historic charm and curated collections.

Built by two prominent local businessmen in 1894 - Mayor S.C. Gruwell and J.C. Crew - a dry goods store owner. It is a reminder of the early commercial era in downtown West Branch. In 1912, the building housed a harness shop. A variety store was opened in 1960 and in 1964, the building was deeded to the West Branch Heritage Foundation for use as a museum. In 1996, a Main Street Iowa Challenge grant supported a restoration project to preserve the historic structure with major work being done to the building. Today, the West Branch Heritage Museum can still be enjoyed at this location.

Built in 1890, the Patterson Leech Building is one of the oldest surviving structures in West Branch’s historic district. Originally constructed as a millinery shop, it featured living quarters above for the owner’s family. In 1895, Dr. L.J. Leech purchased the building, using it as his office until 1937.

The building to the right was once a Quaker school for Native American children, later replaced by the Veteran’s Memorial Building.

Today, the Patterson Leech Building is home to [insert current occupant or use], continuing its legacy as part of West Branch’s historic downtown.

Erected in 1948, the Veteran’s Memorial Building originally served as West Branch’s Post Office until 1970. The American Legion used meeting spaces in both the basement and second floor.

Over the years, the building has seen a variety of uses, including an antique shop and, later, a bed and breakfast inn. Today, the building is owned by John H. Dick, who operates a workshop for handmade classical guitars in the storefront, continuing the building’s tradition of serving the community in unique ways.

In the summer of 1895, a fire destroyed or damaged several wooden buildings on the south side of upper Main Street. Within a year, the disaster led to the construction of the Union Block, a two-story structure featuring pressed brick, large glass windows, and a steel cornice.

Over the decades, the Union Block has housed a variety of shops, cafés, and offices, including the town’s original pharmacy, soda fountain, and meat market. Today, it remains a showpiece of downtown West Branch, currently home to Graceanne Boutique, a women’s clothing store, and A Beautiful Purpose, an antique and vintage shop.

West Branch experienced a building boom beginning in 1895, during which several brick commercial blocks were constructed. The Opera Block, built by Charles Macomber, was the largest of these.

In 1986, the Opera Block underwent significant restoration to preserve its distinctive brick and iron façade. Decades later, a Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant provided funding for further preservation and restoration work, ensuring the building’s historic character would endure.

Today, this two-story brick structure remains the largest commercial building in West Branch, a lasting testament to the town’s growth and architectural heritage.

Constructed in 1895 by Dr. J.I. Bailey, a longtime local physician, and F.B. Rich, a general store proprietor, this distinctive wood-framed building has witnessed many transformations over the decades. In 1974, it was home to the Country Store, a popular local business.

By 1989, the structure faced demolition, but a dedicated group of community members rallied to raise funds for its preservation and restoration—ensuring that this architectural landmark remained part of West Branch’s historic downtown.

Today, the building houses Roots Salon & Spa and Cornerstone Real Estate. Its current owners were awarded a Main Street Challenge Grant to complete a major exterior restoration, honoring the building’s original craftsmanship.

Fun Fact: The building’s unusual façade—with its dual entrances and contrasting window styles—creates the illusion of two separate structures. This was an intentional design choice, reflecting its origins as a joint venture between two prominent businessmen. The result is a rare and architecturally significant example of late 19th-century small-town commercial design.

Constructed in 1904, this building was established as West Branch’s first public library, made possible through a generous donation of land and $5,000 from Huldah Enlow. The one-room structure served as the community’s library for nearly a century, providing generations of residents with access to books and learning.

In 1963, the front entrance was enclosed, marking one of the few modifications to the building over its long history. Remarkably, it has remained largely unchanged since that time.

Today, this historic structure continues to serve the community as the office of the West Branch Times, the town’s local newspaper.

In 1911, Bert Leech and Harry Gruwell partnered to sell and repair automobiles, joining forces with the local Masons to construct a two-story brick building situated between the Opera Block and Citizen’s Savings Bank. The following year, Leech added an infill building to complete the block, which initially housed a men’s clothing store.

In 1988, the Leech-Gruwell building became home to Herb & Lou’s, a bar and pizza restaurant named in honor of former President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Herb & Lou’s continues to operate at this location today, while the adjoining Leech Building now houses Rock Valley Physical Therapy.