Rusty Burlington, Iowa

Ex-Ithacan · #1 Posted **May 19, 2013, 2:21 PM**

One of the reasons I decided to visit Iowa was to see the downtown area of Burlington. I had seen a few pics of the place and thought "I've got to visit". Looked rather formidable for a city of 25,000 (even though the city had well over 30,000 folks a few decades ago). It is the county seat for Des Moines County. Burlington is also a Micropolitan Area (pop ~ 48,000). Being a river city, transportation (including railroads) is a big part of the economy which leans very blue collar. But like many midwest cities, the recent changing economy hasn't been kind to the place, especially the downtown. I do hope the future helps the city regain its downtown hustle & bustle.

Starting out with the warehouse district:

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Train passing through between the warehouse area and the downtown.
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Looking across the tracks into downtown.
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I really hope this block gets renovated.
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Not sure what this is about.

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Hiding HVAC unit.
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Does this look safe?
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Heading up a hill for a bit.
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What's this? Snake Alley!
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Driving down.
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A house along the way down.
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Made it!!!
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City Hall
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Des Moines County Courthouse.
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Some residential:
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I believe this place is occupied.
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The Mississippi intruding on a riverside park.
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The Memorial Auditorium protected by sandbags.
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Goodbye from Burlington.
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Hope you enjoyed.

rockyi · #2 Posted **May 19, 2013, 3:10 PM**

Certainly not the Burlington I remember.......but there's always hope.
Thanks for the tour!

ColDayMan · #3 Posted **May 19, 2013, 9:21 PM**

It's like a warehouse district-turned-downtown. Thanks!

kcexpress69 · #4 Posted **May 21, 2013, 3:34 PM**

Enjoyed the thread. For a smaller mid-western town, Burlington has one of the biggest building stocks I've ever seen. Too bad to see so much grit. Hopefully, more buildings will be converted into lofts as time goes by!! Thanks!!

Ex-Ithacan · #5 Posted **May 22, 2013, 1:24 AM**

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Wheelingman04 · #6 Posted **May 27, 2013, 4:49 PM**

Great photos of a city I have never seen! It kind of reminds me of places near my area away from Pittsburgh in the old industrial towns who have declined significantly along the Monongahela River, Allegheny River and Ohio River. That city has a large building stock and it seems like there are at least a few good things happening in the downtown area.