Nestled in the heart of 11th Street Historic District, this remarkable four-unit duplex offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Dubuque’s architectural history in one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods. Built in the 1880s and set along picturesque Chestnut Street beneath a canopy of mature trees, this property blends timeless historic charm with thoughtful modern updates. Perfectly positioned within walking distance to downtown Dubuque, residents enjoy easy access to the library, post office, seasonal farmers markets, local restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues, while also being conveniently close to Loras College and the area’s major hospitals. Each of the four occupied units has been lovingly renovated by the current owner with careful attention to preserving the property’s original character. Look past personal items to see the quality of build underneath it all! Rich woodwork, exposed brick, vintage architectural details, and warm historic touches create an atmosphere rarely found in today’s investment properties. Recent improvements include a charming upper balcony overlooking Chestnut Street, updated electrical systems, roofing, flooring, appliances, paint, windows, and carpeting—providing peace of mind while maintaining the integrity of the home’s historic appeal. With strong occupancy history, exceptional walkability, and a prime location in one of Dubuque’s most desirable historic districts, this property presents outstanding potential for long-term rentals, owner-occupancy with supplemental income, or future vacation rental opportunities. A truly special investment opportunity where history, charm, and location come together in the center of one of Dubuque’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
West 11th Street, located between Bluff Street and Central Avenue, is a residential and mixed-use Dubuque neighborhood with hillside blocks and walkable corner storefronts. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around the West 11th Street and Central Avenue junction, where small eateries, taverns, and service shops line the streetwall. Brick and frame houses sit on tight lots, with stoops and porches that match the older street grid. Nearby, the Five Flags Center anchors the calendar with concerts and events. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Dubuque Museum of Art add a cultural throughline close to the downtown edge. Steeper streets and pocket views hint at the river valley geography.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Market insights
507-509 Chestnut St · $385,000
LIST PRICE
$385,000
Median list price in this area is $189,900. (51% lower than this home)
PRICE DROP
1 price drop
21% of homes in this area have had a price drop in the past month.
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Smoke detector(s)
Partial basement
Bedrooms
One-bedroom units (multiple)
Two-bedroom units (multiple)
Bathrooms
One-bathroom units
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Range
Dishwasher
Laundry & utility
Washer
Dryer
Heating & cooling
Forced air heating (natural gas)
Window air conditioning units
Exterior features
Shingle roof
Lot roughly 69 x 63.75
Zoned residential
Home design
Residential income property
Quadplex
Two stories
Parking
On-street parking
Security
Smoke detector(s)
Construction
Brick construction
Stone foundation
Built with two finished levels
Financial info
Actual rents listed for units (examples): $950, $1,140, $950, $886
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
The R-2A district is intended to provide for the protection of certain older areas of the community developed principally as single-family and two-family uses. Characteristics of the R-2A district are: smaller than average lot widths and area, established building lines much closer to the public right of way and required setback lines, and/or greater lot coverage than allowed in the more recent developing areas where such requirements can be provided. The R-2A district is intended to be located in those areas displaying one or more of the above characteristics. The purpose of this district is to stabilize and preserve the residential character of existing areas through the establishment of bulk regulations in conformity with existing conditions.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Assembly/ meeting place
Religious facility
Housing-Group
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Infrastructure
Educational/school
Recreation
Golf related
Cemetery
Dec 6, 2016 • Active
Mechanical
Replace the furnace, air conditioning unit, gas piping, and ductwork.
Gas
HVAC
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 102° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 2 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Dubuque, IA • 52001
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
28
12
36
19
54
34
62
43
72
51
82
63
85
68
81
64
79
57
68
48
49
34
34
20
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
77/ 100
Good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
8.9 hrs
4.6 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 507-509 Chestnut St
There isn’t enough information to generate an accurate estimate at this time. Learn More