The 1894 clock tower with green tile roof, arched windows, and detailed brickwork

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Est. 1894

A Landmark With a Story

Built in 1894 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is one of the most recognizable buildings in Stuart, Iowa.

The Origins

Built in 1894

The Masonic Temple is a historic building located in Stuart, Iowa. Designed by the Des Moines architectural firm Merrill and Smith, the building blends Romanesque Revival and Colonial Revival styles.

Originally built in 1894, the structure housed commercial space, professional offices, and Masonic lodge space. Today it continues to serve downtown Stuart with commercial and residential use, carrying its history forward rather than leaving it behind.

The building on its downtown Stuart corner

Architecture

Romanesque meets Colonial Revival

The building's design brings together two architectural traditions, with arched windows, detailed brickwork, and its iconic clock tower crowned by a distinctive green tile roof.

These are the details that make it unmistakable, and the reason it still anchors the downtown skyline more than a century later.

Architectural Details

Character in the details

The clock tower

The 1894 clock and tower remain the building's signature feature and a fixed point on Stuart's skyline.

Arched windows

Romanesque arched openings give the facade its rhythm and depth.

Detailed brickwork

Ornamental masonry and stonework carry craftsmanship you rarely see in new construction.

Green tile roof

The distinctive tower roofline sets it apart from anything else downtown.

Stained glass

Original stained-glass detail survives inside, filtering light into the historic interiors.

National Register

Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture and history.

Historic lobby with brick, tile, and original woodwork

Inside

History you can walk through

Original architectural details live alongside updated interiors, so the building's story is something you experience every day, not just admire from the street.

Be part of the next chapter

Whether you're looking for a storefront or a place to live, there's a rare chance to make this landmark part of your own story.