Wadsworth Construction

05/21/2026

It's not often we get the opportunity to work on windows older than 1850, so when we got the call to work on the windows at the Brigham and Mary Ann Young home in Nauvoo, Illinois, we didn't hesitate. Eventually, we discovered that, while historic in their own right, they definitely weren't the original sashes. Although ironically, the fantastic cylinder glass may have been (Grandfather's axe, anyone? ). The windows were typical for the era, plank (Eastern) style with grooved, beaded blind stops. It was a real treat to work amidst a community so dedicated to historic preservation. A trip to Nauvoo should be on every preservationist's bucket list

05/11/2026

Showing off the award for our contribution, with Russell Corp., to the McKee button factory renovation by Kent Corporation. We borrowed the AI plane for a quick site visit 😉

05/09/2026

Crafting a bathroom that meets our modern expectations for comfort and style while also blending in with a historic home can be a real challenge. Fortunately, vintage fixtures and features can help to provide inspiration and direction. Using a combination of heritage brands like and contemporary brands like , we were able to find the perfect combination for our 512 West Broadway project

05/03/2026

Here's a sampling of some of the original fixtures and hardware from 512 West Broadway. Every piece of hardware was removed, labeled, stripped, waxed, and polished. You'll notice that the hardware spans several architectural styles, which reflect other changes made to the house that bring current fashion into the home. Far from being stuck in time, a historic home can seamlessly blend changes in fashion over time into a cohesive elegance that makes the home feel both rooted and timeless.

04/17/2026

04/07/2026

Here it is! The moment has arrived to find our passion project a new owner.
Masterfully restored by the design/build team Wadsworth-Johnson, this exceptional 1893 Simplified Queen Anne Victorian offers 2500 sq ft of refined living space with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Every detail reflects a meticulous, period-sensitive restoration paired with modern luxury.
The all-new kitchen and baths are thoughtfully designed in period style while featuring high-end finishes and contemporary amenities. The primary bedroom includes an en-suite bath creating blending classic design with contemporary comfort. Second floor laundry and flex space add to ease for modern living. Elegant living spaces are complemented by two inviting porches, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. A detached two-car garage adds convenience, while
updated systems ensure modern comfort.
This is truly a distinctive home- where historic character, architectural beauty
and modern luxury converge. A rare opportunity to own a landmark property, expertly reimagined for today. Asking price $865,000. Call 563-644-2149 for a showing #

02/11/2026

The Muskwaki Block building was designed by Cedar Rapids architect William Fulkerson and built in 1897 for lawyer Benjamin Franklin Heins as an investment property. To advertise the building, developers used an adaptation of Meskwaki, the name of a local American Indian tribe. All of the windows had been replaced, except for the second floor transoms. We restored the transoms and made new sashes for the third story. If the original jambs are intact, and in this case, the 25 lb weights, getting functional and historically accurate windows back in the building is a relatively simple matter. But still a lot of work!

01/28/2026

01/24/2026

The key to the financial feasibility of the restoration of 512 West Broadway lies in its location within the Broadway Phelps historic district. As long as the work is performed according to National Register standards, the project qualifies for State (now eliminated) and possibly, Federal tax credits. Work to establish the BPHD began in 1974 with Lucile Price and the Decorah chapter of the AAUW. The district was to represent "a capsule history of the growth and development of Decorah" and provided examples of almost every style of home popularized during the late 19th and 20th centuries. It took the passage of State legislation in 1976, led by Decorah resident and state representative Semor Tofte, to permit and protect such a district. On this 50th anniversary, we're grateful for the hard work and foresight of everyone who helped to make the Broadway Phelps Historic District a reality.

11/28/2025

This week we're Thankful for having finished this challenging, yet rewarding project at 17th and Central in Dubuque. The Rider Lacey block building is part of a multi-faceted redevelopment plan to bring reduced income housing to the north end. We restored 75 windows, of which 15 were made from scratch. In addition, we installed Mon Ray storm windows to protect the primary windows and improve energy efficiency. One of the primary challenges was working with the flat tape, which was used in lieu of sash cord. Because of the pulleys and the plough on the sides of the sashes, we had no choice but to stick to the original materials. From a September article in the Telegraph Herald, "The view across 17th Street toward Steeple Square is impressive, and the wobbles in the glass show it’s the same window that a 19th-century Dubuquer would have admired"