The Saddlery Building was built by J. Rubelman of Muscatine, who chose Des Moines for his thriving saddlery company. After 20 years as a successful saddle, harness, and leather works, it served as home to a shoe maker, rubber company, stove manufacturer, glove company, Krispy Kone Company and the Kaplan Hat Company. It is currently home to Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company.
It was constructed in four phases, from 1873 to 1920, and is the largest and most intact example of commercial Italianate architecture left in Des Moines. It features an outstanding cast iron front with elaborate cornices and hood molds. It was renovated by Douglas Wells Architect in 1986, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.