Dodgeville, Wisconsin Area Chamber of Commerce

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"Main Street, USA"--The central business district is located less than a mile south of the intersection of Hwy 18 and State Hwy 23. Although "Main Street" runs parallel to it, Iowa Street is Dodgeville's downtown corridor (State Hwy 23, through town). Dodgeville's historic downtown buildings house many businesses, including a hardware store, pharmacy, movie theater, banks, specialty shops, professional services, and restaurants.

From 1991 to 2001, Dodgeville participated in the State's Main Street Program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. The downtown's historic sense of place has been retained through careful maintenance and restoration of its commercial buildings, reflecting the pride of the central business district and its merchants. Sharing a strong commitment to commerce and community, downtown businesses have flourished beside the more recent development on the North End.

The following are contributing buildings in the Downtown Historic District:

Strong's Bank

Pascoe Block

Strong's Bank, 302 N Iowa St Established in 1881 by Orville Strong, the building is prominently located next to the courthouse. Strong began in real estate, opening a bank after he realized that his safe was more in demand than his services. Now M&I Bank.

Pascoe Block, 225 N Iowa St Built in 1869, W.D. Pascoe operated a saloon and hostelry in this structure at the height of Dodgeville's population boom. Now Thistle Hill Tabletop Company.

Iowa County Courthouse

Iowa County Courthouse, 222 N Iowa St Completed at just slightly more than the $10,000 budgeted, the cornerstone for the oldest, active courthouse in Wisconsin was laid on June 11, 1859. A marker detailing the historic structure is located on-site.

Morris Hall, 213 N Iowa St Built in 1866, it is one of the few remaining wood frame/wood clad commercial buildings to survive Dodgeville's many fires. Its recent restoration received a prestigious preservation award. Now Jackson & Glass, Attorneys.

Rogers Block

H&J Rowe Building, 210 N Iowa St Built in 1868 by Henry and James Rowe, it originally operated as a general store. Now Edward Jones.

Rogers Block, 206 N Iowa St Built in 1879, it housed a general store. From 1893 until the present, it has operated as the Corner Drug Store and still operates an authentic soda fountain.

Jones & Owens Building

The Auditorium

Jones & Owens Building, 145-154 N Iowa St Constructed in 1876 for the mercantile firm of Jones & Owens, established by Hugh Jones and Robert Owens. Now Linens & Accents and the fifth-generation, family owned Quality Bakery.

The Auditorium, 130 N Iowa St Built at the turn of the century, the grand three-story auditorium superseded Spang's Opera House (since demolished) as Dodgeville's cultural and social center. The second and third levels are being renovated as a private residence. The first-floor storefronts are retail.

Hocking Market

Hotel Higbee

Hocking Market, 117 N Iowa St Built during the Civil War by Cornish masons, it is classic in both form and detail. Now Gregory's Jewelry.

Hotel Higbee, 102 S Iowa St Completed in 1852 and opened as the Dodgeville House, it was renamed The Hotel Higbee in 1895. The upper levels are being converted to apartments.

Metropolitan Auto Company

Metropolitan Auto Company, 210 S Iowa St Built in the spare "modern broadfront" architectural style in 1915, the building replaced the old Stratman Carriage & Wagon Works, built in 1860. Now Metropolitan Art.

If you would like to know more about historic Dodgeville, a 52-page "Walking Tour of Historic Dodgeville, Wisconsin" can be purchased for $5.00 from the Dodgeville Area Chamber of Commerce & Dodgeville Revitalization.