Catholic Pastoral Center

601 Grand Avenue

Designed in 1962 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Mies was a German-born architect who lived in Chicago. He was the former master of the Bauhaus school of architecture in Germany. His “Less is More” philosophy was evident in his work.

Much of van der Rohe’s works echo a rigid geometry with indication of the structural steel frame.

The Pastoral Center was voted one of the top 50 buildings of the 20th Century in Iowa.

Designed shortly before his death, and considered by some to be his best work

The building was designed to still allow views of the St. Ambrose bell tower as the dominant feature when looking north.

Excellent example of steel and glass modernist architecture – International Style. The vertical lines could endlessly expand the building vertically.