Steeple Square - Dubuque, IA

The Steeple Square project in Dubuque, Iowa, transformed the former St. Mary’s Church property into a vibrant community destination. The effort was led by Gronen Restoration with JBC serving as lead landscape architect and designer. JBC guided the project from master planning through construction administration, creating outdoor spaces that complement the renovated community event center while providing much-needed green space for an underserved neighborhood.

A key component of the design was vacating an adjacent alley to expand the site into a functional public park, a process that required years of coordination with multiple City of Dubuque departments. JBC also incorporated sustainable stormwater management systems, including underground detention chambers and bioretention cells, to reduce runoff and enhance site performance. Community engagement played an important role as well, and though initial feedback was mixed, the finished project is now well-received and widely used.

In addition to the open event lawn and neighborhood park space, JBC designed an age-appropriate playground for the childcare center located in the former rectory. Recognized with the 2024 State of Iowa Margaret Keys Historic Preservation Award, Steeple Square stands as an example of how thoughtful design can preserve historic character while creating new community benefits.

Collaborators

Gronen Restoration