Old Brick

History Erected in 1856, Old Brick is the second oldest building in Iowa City. Originally built and used as North Presbyterian Church, it is one of the few surviving local structures dating from the Civil War or earlier. Old Brick stands tall as a historic treasure and has been described as Iowa City's "crown jewel of historic preservation". In 1973, the National Park Service placed it on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is Iowa City Historic Landmark Number 10.

Old Brick's Renaissance

Old Brick's Renaissance
In 1997, Old Brick's Renaissance began with repayment of a loan, a restoration grant, an architectural plan to guide restoration efforts, a session to develop a vision of Old Brick for the 21st Century, organization of a Community Advisory Council, applications for a series of restoration grants, and development of a website.

Thanks to over 3,400 hours of volunteer labor and the generosity of many vendors, Old Brick now has completely remodeled kitchen; a refinished entryway, stairs, and upper hallway and brand new windows in the office wing; a new hardwood floor and new entry doors into a repainted Hall; a dressing room for weddings; new tables and chairs for renters; new exterior landscaping; new flooring in the from entryway; and thanks to Old Brick Dance Club and Thrivent, additional air-conditioning in the Hall.

With grants from the State Historic Society of Iowa, loans from Community Development Block Grant funds, and usage revenue, Old Brick has installed new gutters, soffits, and downspouts; repaired and repainted exterior window trim; installed a chairlift for accessibility to the Hall; rebuilt a restroom for handicapped accessibility; and installed a new speaker system in the Hall.

The Repointing Project
A major repointing project was completed in 2006 that involved cleaning the building's brick exterior, replacing mortar and damaged bricks and rebuilding the chimney. This project was financed with an $86,900 grant from the State Historical Society, a Community Development Block Grant loan of $50,000 and a matching $50,000 raised by the Old Brick Foundation and the Old Brick Board from businesses and individuals.