Schmidt House (Elkader, Iowa)

The Schmidt House, also known as the Bandow Apartments, is a historic two-story brick building in Elkader, Iowa, built in 1867 by Bavarian immigrants Wolfgang and John Blasius Schmidt. Originally serving as a residence next to their brewery, which operated until the onset of prohibition in 1884, the house showcases a vernacular Federal style. It features a unique layout with a common kitchen and dining area, although the summer kitchen has since been removed. Converted into apartments in the late 19th or early 20th century, the Schmidt House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, making it a notable site for tourists and researchers interested in local history and architecture.