ART DECO ARCHITECTURE

Telegraph Herald, 801 Central. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

ART DECO ARCHITECTURE. Changing trends in architecture, obvious throughout the city in earlier decades slowed during the GREAT DEPRESSION. Trends that were being used elsewhere in the United States did not appear at all.

According to some sources, Art Deco did not appear in Dubuque until 1934 with the construction of the Dubuque post office and federal building. Art deco details could be found on the MASONIC TEMPLE and the old MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE) on Main Street. Further reflection would seem to indicate that the honor of presenting such a new trend should go to the TELEGRAPH HERALD whose publishing plant, then as the Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, at the corner of 8th and Main STREETS, the former site of the WALES HOTEL, began construction on June 3, 1929. (1)

Art Deco buildings appear three-dimensional. Architects curve the corners, they use setbacks and other designs to give the sense of three dimensions. Art Deco buildings that aren’t skyscrapers have a sense of verticality. One of the main ways architects achieved this effect was through the use of vertical window treatments. There are two basic kinds of Art Deco ornaments. Generally you will find either abstract geometric patterns—things like zigzags, chevrons, lighting bolts, or sunbursts—or stylized floral patterns that somewhat looks natural but would not actually find in nature. Art Deco design often employs the use of vibrant colors including yellow, green, red, and blue. (2)

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Source:

1. Day, Mike, "A Building of Many Stories," Embracing Change for Positive Results," (insert), June 9, 2024, p. 8

2. McLaughlin, Kathleen and Elizabeth Stamp, "Art Deco Architecture: Everything You Need to Know" Online: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/worlds-most-beautiful-art-deco-buildings, June 26, 2023