Built in 1901 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the German Bank suffered a devastating fire in 2001.

The German Bank has one of the most distinctive façades in the City—an ornate design created from white
terra cotta and glazed with a porcelain-like finish. Known locally as the Silver Dollar Cantina, this
building served as a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike for decades—even while the surrounding buildings fell deeper into disrepair.

Because this building was also 1 of 5 Main Street businesses that sustained previous structural damage during the construction of an adjacent parking ramp, significant challenges and financial obstacles had to be
resolved.

Even with broad community support to restore the Silver Dollar, it took years before a team could be assembled to tackle the monumental redevelopment project. The $1.6 million project meticulously
restored the façade of the building as well as completely renovating the interior. Using a combination of old and new, the rehabilitation will improve use of space from past renovations creating more dining space and a larger entertainment area.

Miraculously two upper floor, spacious apartments were spared much of the fire and structural damage and have been restored to near original condition, each with hardwood flooring and fireplaces.

Restoration began in April of 2007 was completed in March of 2008 with The Silver Dollar Cantina proudly serving once again on Dubuque’s Main Street.