Hughes-Irons Motor Company
A two-story Mission Revival brick building that chronicles a century of automotive enterprise, from its founding as a Ford dealership through decades of repair shops and competing franchises.
At a glance
Built in two phases between 1917 and 1923, this historic automobile dealership documents the rise of motorization in early twentieth-century America. The eastern section represents the original partnership of Floyd Hughes and George Irons; the western addition reflects the business reorganization and competitive dealership model that followed.
History
Floyd Hughes and George Irons established an automobile sales and service business in 1917, selling Ford cars and tractors. They constructed the eastern six-bay section that year. Irons departed the partnership three years later and was replaced by Parmer. In 1923, Hughes-Parmer added the four western bays, then divided the operation: Parmer retained the Ford dealership in the original section while Hughes opened a Chevrolet dealership in the new addition. The Atlantic Auto Company assumed Parmer’s role in 1930, beginning a succession of repair shops and dealerships in the original building. Hughes maintained operations in the western section until 1979, having expanded into an adjacent building to the west in 1944. Restoration began in 2008, restoring the main façade to its original condition.
What you see
The structure exhibits Mission Revival style elements in its two-story brick construction. The building’s visual distinction lies in the contrast between its original eastern bays and the 1923 western addition, both integrated into a unified composition. Architectural restoration in 2008 reversed earlier façade alterations, revealing period-appropriate design details.
Cultural significance
The Hughes-Irons Motor Company building illustrates the commercial architecture of the automotive age. It exemplifies how early dealerships functioned as community anchors and reflects the competitive landscape of franchise distribution in the 1920s and beyond. The building’s adaptive reuse—now housing the local chamber of commerce and apartments—demonstrates successful heritage conservation.
Key facts
- Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
- Coordinates: 41.26216667, −95.84508333
- Original construction: 1917 (eastern section, six bays)
- Addition: 1923 (western section, four bays)
- Architectural style: Mission Revival
- Architect: J. Chris Jensen (restoration)
- National Register of Historic Places: Listed 2011
Practical information & getting there
The Hughes-Irons Motor Company building is located in downtown Council Bluffs. The ground floor is occupied by the local chamber of commerce; the second floor has been converted into residential apartments. Visit the chamber of commerce for current information on the building’s accessibility and hours.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una fotoDo you manage this place?
This page is read by travellers and heritage enthusiasts who find it on Google. Keep it accurate — and make it work for you. Free for non-profit heritage institutions.