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Black's Building: A Waterloo Landmark

Discover Waterloo's historic Black's Building: An architectural gem with a rich past, now home to offices, apartments, and event spaces.

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The Black's Building, a historic landmark in downtown Waterloo, Iowa, once housed the iconic Black's Department Store. Today, this early 20th-century architectural gem hosts office spaces, apartments, and event venues, standing as a testament to the city's vibrant past and enduring spirit.

A brief summary to Black’s Building

Local tips

  • Explore the building's surroundings to discover local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions in downtown Waterloo.
  • Check out local events hosted within the Black's Building, such as weddings or corporate gatherings, to experience its unique atmosphere.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the architecture of the building, a fine example of the Beaux-Arts style that was popular in the early 20th century.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Black's Building is located in the heart of downtown Waterloo, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest. From the Grout Museum District, head north on Washington Street, then turn right onto 5th Street. Continue for two blocks, then turn left onto Sycamore Street. The Black's Building will be on your right. Walking time is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MET) operates several bus routes that serve the downtown Waterloo area. Check the MET Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. The Central Transfer Station is located a few blocks away from the Black's Building. From there, it's a short walk north on Sycamore Street to reach the building. A single ride fare is $1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Waterloo. A short taxi ride from the Waterloo Regional Airport to the Black's Building will cost approximately $18.54. From other locations in Waterloo, expect to pay around $1.50 per mile.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 501 Sycamore Street, Waterloo, IA 50703. Parking is available on the street and in nearby parking ramps. The first hour of parking is free, after which it costs $1 per hour for hours 2-4, and $2 per hour starting at hour 5. A daily maximum of $6 applies in parking ramps. Parking enforcement operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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Discover more about Black’s Building

The Black's Building, located at 501 Sycamore Street in Waterloo, Iowa, is a significant landmark that has shaped the city's skyline and history. Constructed in 1913, it was commissioned by businessman J. Allen Black and originally housed Black's Department Store, a retail institution that served the community for many decades. The building's architecture is a prime example of the Beaux-Arts style, popular in the early 20th century. Its impressive height of nine stories made it the tallest building in Iowa upon completion, symbolizing Waterloo's growing prominence. Over the years, the Black's Building has adapted to the changing needs of the city, hosting a mix of office spaces, residential apartments, and event venues. Black's Department Store was more than just a place to shop; it was a social hub for the community. Locals fondly remember the store's unique features, such as the elevator operators and pneumatic tube system. The store offered a wide array of goods, from clothing and furniture to household items, making it a one-stop destination for shoppers. While the department store is no longer in operation, the Black's Building continues to be a vital part of Waterloo's downtown. Its central location makes it easily accessible to other businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The building stands as a reminder of Waterloo's rich history and its ongoing efforts to revitalize its urban core.

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