Steeple Square

Since 1867, the former St. Mary’s Church campus has been a distinctive landmark on Dubuque’s skyline, a towering reminder of the heritage and legacy of our community. In 2010, after decades of economic and parish decline, the St. Mary’s campus closed to the heartbreak of the community.

When the time came to determine what to do with this iconic treasure in the center of downtown Dubuque, the only offers for the campus were from developers who would have deconstructed the building.

This is when leadership and collaboration emerged among community members, determined to preserve and reimagine the site.

From 2013 to 2014, Friends of St. Mary’s, d/b/a Steeple Square, became a nonprofit organization. With a focus on cultivating partnerships with existing organizations, and innovatively using the space, a mission was formed to serve the surrounding neighborhoods and community as a whole.

The historic restoration and renovation of the campus, including the former school, church, rectory and green space, took place from 2015 to 2022. Today Steeple Square offers multiple spaces and opportunities for the community with our repurposed buildings.

With the initial construction phase and goals complete, Steeple Square is focused on four main mission points:

1.  Education, training and job-readiness in partnership with other organizations

2. Arts, culture and tourism in downtown Dubuque

3. High-quality, downtown childcare at the Marita Theisen Childcare Center

4. Campus sustainability and historic preservation

Steeple Square deeply appreciates your support of these mission points.