Historic Hotel Maytag: A Landmark Restored
Newton, IA • 2019
Summary
Multi-award-winning Housing Development
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2019 State of Iowa Multifamily Housing Development Award
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2020 State of Iowa Preservation Award
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2020 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award (Historic Tax Credit Category)
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2024 Iowa Masonry Award
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State of Iowa Main Street award 2019
The Historic Hotel Maytag has long been a cornerstone of Newton, Iowa’s history. Built in 1926 by Fred Maytag, the founder of Maytag Appliances, the five-story hotel was a hub for business leaders and social gatherings and was reportedly the first hotel west of the Mississippi River to feature air conditioning.
By 2016, decades of decline had left the building nearly uninhabitable, with only a handful of apartments, state offices, and commercial tenants remaining. Recognizing its historic and economic importance, the City of Newton took ownership of the property, seeking a visionary restoration to bring it back to life.
A Complete Transformation
Today, the Historic Hotel Maytag has been fully restored to national historic preservation standards, blending modern luxury with its storied past. Highlights of the project include:
✔ 45 mixed-income apartments that blend affordable and market-rate one- and two-bedroom units.
✔ A restored 1920s vaudeville stage, once home to performances by legends like Judy Garland.
✔ A two-screen movie theater that features luxury reclining seats, a rare amenity for a small town.
✔ A beautifully preserved café and four retail shops that create an economic anchor for Newton’s Jasper County Courthouse Square.
✔ A 3,500-square-foot grand ballroom–now a premier event center.
✔ Fred Maytag’s private dining room, transformed into an elegant wine and liquor bar.
A New Era for Newton
This award-winning renovation has revitalized downtown Newton, ensuring that the Hotel Maytag remains a cultural and economic hub for generations to come. By combining historic preservation with modern amenities, this project stands as a model for small-town revitalization and a testament to Newton’s commitment to its heritage.
You can read more about the awards here.
