The historic home at 607 W Main Street in Marshalltown, Iowa — long known as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks — is now facing demolition. Once a symbol of the community’s architectural past, the house has been gutted, leaving only its irreplaceable historic framework.

We are calling on the City of Marshalltown and the State of Iowa to pause demolition plans immediately and work with preservationists, residents, and statewide advocates to find a solution.

Marshalltown has already lost so many pieces of its history. This property, despite its current condition, remains structurally significant, historically valuable, and worthy of preservation. It represents not just a house, but a piece of the community’s identity — and once gone, it can never be replaced.

Turner School in Nashville and the Rowland Darnell Mansion (19th Century Club) in Memphis, were nearly lost until people spoke up. Legal and preservation avenues can still exist, but only if demolition is halted.

We ask the City of Marshalltown and the State Historic Preservation Office to:

 1. Place an immediate hold on demolition.

 2. Open discussions with community members and preservation experts about alternatives.

 3. Recognize this site as a cultural and historic asset worth protecting.

📣 TAKE ACTION NOW

After signing this petition, please also call or email city and state officials directly. Even a short, polite message makes a difference.

📞 Marshalltown City Contacts

 • Housing & Community Development / Building Division – 641-754-5756

 • Code Enforcement (Nuisance) – 641-754-5759

 • City Hall General Line – 641-754-5701

📧 City Officials

 • Mayor Joel Greer – mayor@marshalltown-ia.gov

 • City Clerk, Alicia Hunter – ahunter@marshalltown-ia.gov

 • City Administrator (General Inquiries) – cityadministrator@marshalltown-ia.gov

 • Ward 1 (Mayor Pro-Tem), Mike Ladehoff – mladehoff@marshalltown-ia.gov

 • Ward 2, Mark Mitchell – use cityadministrator@marshalltown-ia.gov

🏛️ Statewide Preservation Oversight

 • Iowa State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) – historic.preservation@iowaeda.com

This is Marshalltown’s last chance to protect one of its few remaining historic treasures. Please sign and share to show city and state leaders that demolition is not the only option.

Contact the Historical Society of Marshall County at (641) 752-6664 to join the effort. Contact the lowa State Historic Preservation Office at (515) 281-5111 

Together, we can save this historic gem!