The Story of 168 E 10th St.

A look at our history.

1900 to 1950s: The Industrial Foundation

The story of 168 E 10th St. begins at the very peak of Dubuque’s turn of the century industrial boom. Built circa 1900, the structure was engineered not as a retail storefront but as a rugged, hard-working support facility for the massive Carr, Ryder and Adams Company. This company later became known globally as CARADCO.

At the time, this neighborhood was one of the largest architectural woodwork and millwork manufacturing hubs in the United States. Built with heavy load-bearing exterior brick, massive timber framing, and soaring ceilings, the building was designed to withstand the punishing physical demands of heavy industrial machinery, raw timber storage, and the utility systems required to keep the surrounding factories operating at full capacity. For over half a century, the building's walls echoed with the sounds of Midwestern manufacturing.

1950s to 1990s: Commercial Trades and The Auto Era

As heavy lumber operations consolidated and migrated away from the downtown riverfront mid-century, the building's open floor blueprint and rugged infrastructure made it incredibly valuable to local commercial trades.

It transitioned from a wood manufacturing asset into a localized hub for mechanical work and commercial service. Most notably, throughout the mid to late 1980s, the property housed Bob Fangman Auto Body. The wide street-level frontage and industrial-grade flooring allowed it to serve as a bustling downtown garage before the business relocated to Aquin Street at the end of the decade.

2005 to 2014: Avery Railing and The Artistic Canvas

In 2005, the building entered an artistic renaissance when it was purchased by renowned local metal craftsman, welder, and kinetic artist Jim Avery. Operating as Avery Railing, the space was transformed into a bustling custom metal fabrication shop. Surrounded by sparks, anvils, and iron, Avery used the space to craft ornate architectural railings found in homes and businesses across the Tri-States. He also built wild, massive mechanical sculptures here.

Crucially, Avery began the building's very first historic preservation work. He cleared out decades of industrial scrap, restored the structural brick, and fought for historic approval to install the massive, signature industrial windows that flood the space with natural light today.

2017 to Present: The Modern Renaissance and Adaptive Reuse

After the metal shop closed its doors, the building sat quiet for a brief moment before being acquired by Driftless Properties LLC in early 2017. Recognizing the architectural brilliance of the raw brick canvas Jim Avery had uncovered, they launched a multi-year, award-winning historical restoration aimed at saving the building and transforming it into a luxurious multi-purpose destination.

The building was meticulously reimagined into three integrated, premium concepts:

• The Magnolia Ballroom: A breathtaking grand hall that accommodates up to 250 guests for weddings, galas, and corporate events. It highlights the original 1900 exposed brickwork and towering windows.

• The Dining Room and B-Spoke Bar: A stylish industrial lower-level lounge and restaurant space. In early 2023, the venue partnered with the culinary team behind Bread and Vine to launch a trendy French American fusion bistro. While the restaurant eventually shifted its focus to private event catering, the world-class commercial kitchen and stunning bar remain a staple of the venue's private celebrations. It even features a vintage motorcycle suspended above the lounge as a nod to the building's mechanical past.

• The Champagne Loft Airbnb: The entire upper level was transformed into a luxurious, 2,500 square foot open concept suite. Complete with a full high-end kitchen, bathroom, and living space, it serves as an award-winning bridal prep suite by day and a premier, luxury boutique Airbnb rental by night.

From Timber to Toasting

For over 125 years, 168 E 10th St. has stood as a resilient witness to Dubuque’s economic evolution. The space that once hummed with the energy of turn-of-the-century manufacturing has transformed into a place of elegance, community, and timeless milestones. Every brick tells a story, and the next chapter is yours to write.