6 November 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Black Hawk Hotel Announces Multi-Phase Renovation Project

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA — The Black Hawk Hotel, the second longest continuously operating hotel in the country and a beloved landmark in downtown Cedar Falls, has announced an exciting new multi-phase renovation project that will invest in both the guest experience and the hotel’s role as a gathering place for the community.

The project includes updates to guest rooms and public spaces within the historic hotel, as well as a reinvestment in the adjoining 119 Main Street property to create dedicated event space. These efforts mark the next chapter in the hotel’s ongoing commitment to preserving its historic character while evolving to meet the needs of today’s travelers and community members.

The Black Hawk Hotel is a proud recipient of the 2025 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant, a competitive grant program funded by Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and supported locally by Cedar Falls Community Main Street. In addition, the hotel has recently completed a significant refinance with Denver Savings Bank to support this renovation and ensure its long-term vitality.

The initial phase of the renovation focuses on 10 guest rooms, which will undergo thoughtful updates designed to honor the hotel’s historic architecture while enhancing guest comfort and amenities. Challenge Grant funds will specifically support the installation of new windows and the restoration of original ceilings and brick walls in the first-floor guest rooms, and critical repairs to the mansard roof. These improvements address some of the most worn areas of the building, ensuring that this cherished structure continues to serve guests for generations to come. The first phase of the renovation is also allowing the hotel to convert several former residential apartments back into guest rooms, increasing the hotel’s room count to 30 rooms.

Concurrently, a light renovation of the 119 Main Street space will transform the area into a flexible, beautifully appointed venue for community and private events, including weddings, showers, corporate gatherings, and celebrations of all kinds. Future phases of the hotel’s renovation will include updates to the remaining guest rooms, the hotel lobby, Bar Winslow, and other public spaces, with plans and timelines to be announced as development progresses.

The renovation project will bring together a team of local construction professionals, ensuring that this historic reinvestment benefits the Cedar Valley at every level. Eagle View Partners will serve as the general contractor, coordinating with local design and construction professionals to preserve the hotel’s architectural integrity while enhancing functionality and comfort.

“The Black Hawk Hotel property is one of the oldest and most important buildings in Cedar Falls, dating back to the very founders of the community. Since that time, it has been renovated only a few times, and we take this type of generational responsibility seriously. Eagle View is proud to lead this preservation project and couldn’t be happier with our community partners who also see the importance of this work,” said Mark Kittrell, Owner of The Black Hawk Hotel and CEO/Co-Founder of Eagle View.

“We’re thrilled to see The Black Hawk Hotel investing in its future while protecting its heritage. Projects like this embody what our Main Street program is all about,” said Kim Bear, Director of Cedar Falls Community Main Street.

“The Black Hawk Hotel’s continued preservation and thoughtful renovation ensure that future generations can experience a living piece of our community’s history. We’re thrilled to see this investment honoring the hotel’s past while preparing it for many more years of hospitality,” said Carrie Eilderts, Director of the Cedar Falls Historical Society.

The Black Hawk Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continues to serve as an independent, boutique hotel known for its timeless character, modern amenities, and role as a community gathering space. Owned by Mark Kittrell and cared for by his management company, Eagle View Hospitality, The Black Hawk Hotel has been a centerpiece of downtown life since 1853 and remains committed to keeping its doors open to both travelers and locals alike.

xxx

15 November 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Black Hawk Hotel Celebrates 170^th Birthday

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA — Eagle View Hospitality invites the public to the 170^th birthday celebration of The Black Hawk Hotel – Cedar Falls’ oldest business, and the second longest continuously operating hotel in the country!

The celebration will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the hotel, located at 115 Main Street, Downtown Cedar Falls. The open house style event will feature tours of the historic hotel, live music by Randy Clemons, drink specials from Bar Winslow, and birthday cake from the hotel’s neighboring patisserie and café, Le Petit. Guests will receive a birthday card with a surprise discount or gift, including one grand prize giveaway for a weekend getaway at The Black Hawk Hotel.

The celebration is hosted by Eagle View Hospitality, the management company behind The Black Hawk Hotel, both owned and operated by Mark Kittrell.

“The Black Hawk Hotel is a community landmark, an institution. It’s so important to me that it’s protected and celebrated. We really try to make it a true reflection of the best of Cedar Falls and give visitors an understanding of why we love our community,” said Kittrell.

The Black Hawk Hotel has a rich history beginning with the founding of Cedar Falls in the early 1850’s. It has undergone significant renovation and renaming since it opened in 1853. The Black Hawk Hotel is listed in the National Historic Register of Historic Places and has received numerous accolades, including its most recent first place Best of the Best 2023 award from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.

Today, The Black Hawk Hotel is a 28-room boutique hotel with historic charm and modern amenities that today’s traveler desires. It caters to business travelers on weekdays and leisure travelers on weekends. The hotel’s Concierge staff are trained to be local experts and to connect guests with the community during their stay. Theater tickets, dinner reservations, and excursion planning are all services that are offered to make guests’ stays memorable.

“The hotel comes alive on weekends with folks coming to enjoy Downtown Cedar Falls and celebrating special occasions. I think people would be surprised to know the hotel hosts a lot of Cedar Valley locals, too! It’s a great place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or weekend getaway,” said Deanna Hoffmann, Vice President of Hospitality.

The Black Hawk Hotel was acquired by Eagle View in 2018. The company has spent the last five years focusing on reinstating the original purpose of the hotel as a place for the community to gather and celebrate. Last year, the hotel officially added “events venue” to its offerings, and has since hosted dozens of weddings, bridal and baby showers, holiday parties, corporate events, and other special occasions.

Bar Winslow, the Prohibition-inspired craft cocktail bar located in The Black Hawk Hotel, partners with Jazz Studies and the University of Northern Iowa’s School of Music to host live jazz on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Bar Winslow. Other hallmark events include The Black Hawk Hotel’s annual Murder Mystery Party held every winter, and Bar Winslow’s frequent wine and spirits tasting events.

“If we can have any legacy in The Black Hawk Hotel’s 170-year operating history, we hope that we’re remembered for reopening our doors to locals to enjoy the hotel. It is so rewarding to see the hotel as the backdrop for so many special life events for people in our community,” said Kittrell.

“The 170^th birthday celebration marks the tone and tenor we hope for the hotel’s next 170 years,” said Kittrell.

xxx

Audrey Kittrell

President, Eagle View

Audrey.kittrell@eagleview.co

319.277.0007

www.theblackhawkhotel.com

Visit the Historic Black Hawk Hotel

As a local, family-owned boutique hotel, we’re dedicated to genuine Midwestern hospitality. We love sharing what’s happening at our historic hotel and in our vibrant Cedar Falls community.

In this issue, you’ll find updates on:

• Vote The Black Hawk Hotel for 2025 Best of the Best
• The RAGBRAI Cedar Falls party is happening tomorrow
• Meet Adam, Bar Winslow Bar Manager
• Restocking Hour at Bar Winslow
• Jazz at The Black Hawk Hotel

We’re always eager to show guests why we love our historic hotel and community.

Vote The Black Hawk Hotel for 2025 Best of the Best

We’re honored to be nominated for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier Best of the Best 2025.

If you’ve enjoyed your stay at The Black Hawk Hotel or value what we bring to downtown Cedar Falls, we’d truly appreciate your support. You can vote once per day under the Entertainment category, listed as Motel/Hotel.

Voting is open through August 3rd. Also, set a reminder, as you can vote once per day.

https://wcfcourier.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2025/

What’s Upcoming?

RAGBRAI lands in Cedar Falls tomorrow! It is estimated that an additional 30,000 people will converge on the Downtown District in Cedar Falls for RAGBRAI and all of the festivities.

We’re at the heart of the RAGBRAI action! Plus, we’ve got a secure bike parking room just for riders.

Find all the official Cedar Falls RAGBRAI details on their website!

cedarfallsragbrai.org/theparty

Enjoy RABGRAI at Bar Winslow

Bar Winslow will be joining the celebration with special drinks and live music throughout the evening.

Grab a beer or wine to go on Thursday night during RAGBRAI or try our RAGBRAI pour, an extra generous pour of wine to go.

Classical Guitar at Bar Winslow

We will have live music from 6 to 9 PM featuring classical guitarist Abigail Rae.

https://www.facebook.com/share/15rRJDxAmn/

Meet Adam, Bar Winslow Manger

Many of you probably know him already, but we wanted to shine a light on Adam, the creative mind behind the incredible drinks you enjoy here at Bar Winslow!

As our Bar Manager, Adam’s passion for the craft is truly special.

He’s constantly experimenting and testing new recipes, always looking to bring you unique and delicious cocktails.

Also, don’t forget to join us for Restocking Hour from 4 to 6 PM every day with half-off our featured cocktails. See you soon at Bar Winslow!

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4 to 9 PM, Saturday & Sunday 4 PM to Midnight

Join us for Jazz at The Black Hawk Hotel

Join us for live jazz at The Black Hawk Hotel and Bar Winslow on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, featuring talented musicians from UNI Jazz Studies and friends. Music runs from 7 to 9:30 PM, and it’s the perfect way to unwind.

Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a great evening out, this free event is open to everyone. Relax, mingle, and enjoy local tunes with a refreshing cocktail from Bar Winslow.

Upcoming Dates:

• Saturday, August 2nd
• Saturday, August 16th
• Saturday, September 6th

Visit our Facebook page to learn more.

Visit the Historic Black Hawk Hotel

As a local, family-owned boutique hotel, we’re dedicated to genuine Midwestern hospitality. We love sharing what’s happening at our historic hotel and in our vibrant Cedar Falls community.

In this issue, you’ll find updates on:

• Sturgis Falls
• Jazz at The Black Hawk Hotel
• New Bar Winslow Warm Weather Menu
• Meet Me on Main Street Concierge Package

We’re always eager to show guests why we love our historic hotel and community.

What’s Upcoming?

Sturgis Falls is only a week away! We’re almost full, but if you’d like to stay where all the action is, we’d love to host you.

Mimosas to Go

On Saturday, June 28th, from 9 AM – 12 PM, stop by Bar Winslow for mimosas to go.

This is the perfect drink to have while watching the Sturgis Falls parade!

Additionally, Bar Winslow will be open from 4 PM to Midnight all Sturgis Falls weekend. We’re located right by the Main Stage, so swing in between sets or grab a drink to go. Try a Sturgis Pour, our oversized wine pour, or choose from any beer or wine on the menu. It’s the perfect way to cool off and take a break from the heat.

New Warm Weather Menu at Bar Winslow

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, so does our drink menu! Check out these new original recipes and others at Bar Winslow before they are gone:

The Thunder Rolls

Captain Morgan Private Stock rum, Domaine de Canton, lime, cherry bitters, cardamom, and soda. Complex and invigorating.

Down Bad

Exotico tequila, Italicus, lime, strawberry rhubarb, Peychaud’s bitters, and basil. Unique and intriguing.

Join us for Happy Hour from 4-6 PM every day with half-off our featured cocktails. See you soon at Bar Winslow!

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4-9 PM, Saturday & Sunday 4 PM-Midnight

Join us for Jazz at The Black Hawk Hotel

Join us for an evening of live jazz at The Black Hawk Hotel and Bar Winslow, featuring talented musicians from UNI Jazz Studies and friends! It’s the perfect way to unwind.

Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a great evening out, this free event is open to everyone. Relax, mingle, and enjoy local tunes with a refreshing cocktail from Bar Winslow.

Upcoming Dates:

• Saturday, July 19th
• Saturday, Aug 2nd
• Sat, August 16th
• Sat, September 6th
• Fri, September 19th

Visit our Facebook page to learn more.

Meet Me on Main Concierge Package

Cedar Falls Main Street is a vibrant six-block hub of stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

Gather your friends and family to explore the diverse offerings on Main Street!

Our “Meet Me on Main Street Package” includes:

• Two personal pizzas and an appetizer from Urban Pie
• $20 of Community Main Street Dollars, which can be used at any business in the Downtown Cedar Falls District
• A Cedar Falls-inspired late-night munchie basket

To book this package, email us at concierge@theblackhawkhotel.com or give us a call at 319.277.1161.