A Piece of Dubuque History
In October 2005, Robert Johnson petitioned the City of Dubuque to move a ranch-style home from Stewart Street to this site on Arlington Street to save it from demolition due to a planned roundabout on University Ave. The preserved structure now forms the main floor of the Arlington Cottage, giving it a unique historic story.
The cottage sits in the Historic 11th Street District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2004. This residential bluff-top area overlooks the Jackson Park Historic District and was once home to the West 11th Street Elevator, a funicular similar to the still-functioning Fenelon Place Elevator, a must-see activity while visiting Dubuque.
The cottage is also within walking distance to Loras College, Iowaâs oldest post-secondary institution (est. 1839), with about 1,600 students. Loras itself was added to the Historical Register in 2020, making this area rich in both history and charm.