Bricktown Dubuque
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bricktown Entertainment Complex is a downtown establishment located in Dubuque, Iowa. The Bricktown is a complex comprised of the Blackwater Grill, the Fat Kat Pizza parlor, the Underground Bar, and two reception halls. The Bricktown is located at Third and Main Streets, in what was originally the headquarters for the A.A. Cooper Wagon Company. It is near the Julien Inn and the riverfront. The Bricktown is owned by Scott Neuwoehner and Greg Prehm.
The Bricktown also contains a microbrewery, which is used to make a variety of beers. These beers are served at the Bricktown, and are also sold to the public.
[edit] History
In the mid 1800s, Augustine Cooper was traveling through the area when he broke his leg. He sought treatment in Dubuque, and decided to remain in the area because of financial difficulties. Cooper took a job at a local wagon shop, and eventually was able to buy out the other owners. His wagons were known for their high quality, and his factory came to cover 27 acres (109,000 m²) and employ over 150 men. During the company's peek years, they produced over 5,000 wagons. Henry Ford even approached Cooper with a plan for Cooper to build automobiles - Cooper would build the carriage and Ford would produce the engines. Cooper refused because he thought the automobile was a passing fad.
The rise of the automobile meant the demise of the Cooper Wagons company. Shortly after Cooper's death in 1919 the company ceased operations. In time, all that would come to remain of Cooper's business was the 32,000 square foot (3,000 m²) main office and showroom. Over the next 30 years, the building would serve as storage space, offices, and various shops. In the mid-1950s the building was renovated into an apartment complex consisting of 30 apartments. During the second half of the 20th century, the downtown area declined due to economic hardship, the age of the buildings in the area, and the shift of the population to the west end.
In 1999 Neuwoehner and Prehm began a project to restore the building. Over $2.5 million dollars was spent restoring the building, and the restoration was completed by the end of 2001. At the same time, the downtown area was also undergoing a renaissance as well as a number of improvements were made in the area.
[edit] 2005 Liquor License
In June of 2005, the Dubuque city council renewed the liquor license for the Bricktown for the next year, even though the city attorney recommended only a six month license. The Bricktown had unfortunately become a hot spot for underage drinking and other disturbances. In the 12 month period preceding the license renewal, Dubuque police had been called to the Bricktown 155 times, and 99 criminal charges being filed against various patrons. Owners Neuwoehner and Prehm both met with city police chief Kim Wadding and were able to convince him that they would take action to reduce problems. The city attorney said that if problems were to continue the license could still be revoked.
While concerned about the underage drinking and other problems, several city council members credit the Bricktown with helping to bring life back to the downtown area. These council members continue to support the Bricktown despite these problems.
