110 Grand St
Burlington, IA, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Starker–Leopold Historic District

Statement of Significance:

The estate of the Starker-Leopold family is a lasting, physical representation of the family's lifestyle, interests, and the effect Charles Starker and his descendants have had on the development of Burlington. Starker's choice of a homesite and efforts to serve the young community where his children and grandchildren would be raised have had a profound impact, not only on his own family, but also on the present cultural environment of the Burlington area. The physical character of the site reflects a layering of history, encompassing the lumber baron who originally built the Starker House; Charles Starker, the German immigrant architect who became a successful capitalist and directed the developing character of Burlington with his sensitivity to the natural and cultural environment; Clara Starker-Leopold, who carried Starker's philosophy on to her children; and Carl Leopold, part of the wood working industry so important to Burlington's economic wellbeing, who taught his children the sportsmanship and conservation that are so well conveyed in Aldo Leopold's writings.

Charles Starker was a successful businessman, a driving force who was concerned with more than the financial and social well-being of the community. He realized that the physical and cultural qualities were also important, and indeed were related to the community's economic well-being. Starker's activities in Burlington with public building and park development projects paralleled movements in the East which were the beginning of modern American park design and urban planning. In 1850's New York City the call was made for a more humane concern for community growth. This led to the establishment of Central Park and further designation of public open space and design of related buildings. The activity culminated in the popular City Beautiful movement so enthusiastically supported by philanthropists after the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago.

The variety of Starker's influence on the Burlington environment corresponds to the distinct phases of his business career. During his early years (1850-1875) as an architect, engineer, and merchant, he was an active builder and designer. After he entered the banking world (1875-1900) he acted as an advisor and promoter, coordinating projects. His advice was sought on many projects not only because he was an influential banker, but also because of his insight to both the aesthetic and practical aspects of building and development. Starker's popularity stemmed from his background in the arts, which along with his even disposition enabled him to work well with others. Because of his background in architecture and engineering, he could communicate the concepts and needs of a project in a way that few others in town were qualified to do.

Starker–Leopold Historic District

The Starker–Leopold Historic District is composed of three houses and the surrounding grounds overlooking the Mississippi River in Burlington, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The houses were built by the Starker-Leopold family who lived in them for most of their existence. Charles Starker was a successful Burlington businessman who contributed to public building and park development projects. He worked as an architect, engineer, and merchant before becoming an influential banker. His daughter Clara Starker-Leopold instilled her father's values in her children. Carl Leopold was Clara's husband and a local wood-working businessman and outdoor enthusiast.

The grounds on which the houses were built is divided into three distinct properties, but the lawn areas are open to each other and feature interior sidewalks that serve a centrally located garage. The Charles Starker House (101 Clay) is a large, Italianate frame house that was built sometime between 1868 and 1874. An extensive Georgian Revival porch was added around 1907. It is built on a limestone block foundation. The first Carl A. Leopold House (111 Clay) is a 2½-story, rustic Queen Anne-style residence built around 1893. It features a multiple gable roof and a central chimney. The foundation and first floor of the house are composed of rough-faced, cut limestone that was laid in a random manner. The second Carl S. Leopold House (110 Grand) is a 2½-story Colonial Revival-style residence with a gambrel roof and flared eaves. It was built around 1922.