For Immediate Release August 18, 2026
“A Bouquet of Homes”
The 2026 Gold Coast – Hamburg Historic District Home Tour
Davenport’s oldest neighborhood celebrates 35 years of tours
showcasing its heritage properties.
Since 1991, Davenport’s Gold Coast residents have been opening their doors to visitors, inviting them to explore their historic properties. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the first tour.
By the 1970s and 80s, the Davenport’s urban core neighborhoods had been impacted by city expansion, downzoning that allowed higher density, and a gradual loss of owners with boots on the ground. The nation’s Bicentennial in 1976 as well as new legislation recognizing the importance of historic places awakened interest in heritage neighborhoods in Davenport. This inspired urban pioneers to begin moving back in and rehabbing homes in the Gold Coast.
Recognizing the need to change public opinion about the area, they created the first tour as an invitation-only event targeting realtors, politicians and others. Subsequent tours were open to the public, including restored homes and those still in need of rehabilitation with a focus on inviting visitors to undertake their own Gold Coast project.
This year, five residential properties are open for view. One is opening its door to visitors for the very first time. Vacant and in need of rehab for more than twenty-five years, it is now fully restored.
The homes, built between 1868 and 1911, were constructed over six decades. They represent many different architectural styles. All suffered periods of vacancy or substandard conditions. Three were subdivided to allow greater occupancy. Architectural features inside the homes reflect the prevailing designs, preferences, and pocketbooks of both their original and current owners. It is from this variety that “A Bouquet of Homes” was chosen as this year’s theme. To honor it, Gold Coast resident Andrew Menees has created and contributed a custom stained-glass panel featuring a variety of flowers found in Victorian gardens. Menees is the owner of Vitreous Arts and The Glass Blast Stained Glass Studio in Bettendorf. The panel will be raffled off during the tour.
We are joined again this year by our friends at the 1861 German American Heritage Center. Additionally, Wild Ones will hold a native perennial plant sale at Sister Concetta Park at Warren and W. 6th Streets.
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, September 19th/20th, 12N – 4PM.
Tickets: Tour only- Adults $15.00. Tour plus two raffle tickets- $20. Children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets for sale at all tour homes and the German American Heritage Center on day of tour. Payment is in cash or check. Visitors may begin tour at any stop.
Stained Glass Panel Raffle tickets: $5 per ticket or $20 for five tickets. Tickets on sale at all tour locations.
Transportation and Parking: Ample parking is available along all neighborhood streets and in the northside parking lot of 5th Street between Western Avenue and Scott Street. Limited shuttle service stops at the lot and all tour stops.
Pre-tour Media interviews are available
For more information contact:
Sara Bartholomew sbartholomew1126@gmail.com 563-322-8911
Marion Meginnis marion_meginnis@msn.com 309-781-9253
Or visit www.davenportgoldcoast.org
The Hamburg Historic District, known popularly as “The Gold Coast,” was listed in the National Register in the 1980s. It was home to many successful German immigrant families who helped fuel the economic might of 19th century Davenport. By the 1930s, the area fell into a period of decline. A renaissance began in the 1980s when new owners began restoring the historic architecture, streetscape, and the Gold Coast Park. Today, engaged residents make it one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. In 2011, it was the first Iowa neighborhood to receive a “Great Place” designation by the American Planning Association.
