Barnes-Chamberlain Building

The Barnes-Chamberlain Building is a historic structure located in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The building was constructed in 1917 and was designed by local architect, William F. Hackney. It was built for the Barnes-Chamberlain Company, which was a wholesale grocer and distributor of coffee, tea, and spices.

The first floor was originally designed as a showroom and retail space, while the upper floors were used for warehousing and offices.

The building played an important role in the economic development of Cedar Rapids during the early 20th century. The Barnes-Chamberlain Company was one of the largest wholesale grocers in the region and played a key role in supplying local retailers with goods. The building also served as a hub for transportation and distribution, with rail lines running nearby and easy access to the Cedar River.

In the 1960s, the Barnes-Chamberlain Company merged with another wholesale grocer and the building was sold to a furniture retailer. Over the years, the building was used for a variety of purposes, including storage, offices, and apartments.

In 2011, the Barnes-Chamberlain Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its architectural and historical significance. In recent years, the building has been renovated and repurposed as a mixed-use development, with retail and office space on the lower floors and apartments on the upper floors. Today, the Barnes-Chamberlain Building remains an important landmark in downtown Cedar Rapids and serves as a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant future.