The spaceThe Williams Suite pay homage to Richard Williams, the Welshman who founded Williamsburg in 1854. Throughout the space historical photographs, 12' ceilings and original brick add to the ambiance of the property.
The spacious Master Bedroom features a King bed, office desk, and three large windows overlooking the town Square. Large sliding glass doors and transom window connect to the living area allowing natural light to flow into the property during the day.
The living area features a 4-person dining table, leather couch and the most comfortable recliner. The open concept floorplan allows for guests to congregate without feeling cramped. Enjoy a 65" Amazon Smart TV. There are several free apps but feel free to login to your favorite apps. Several board games are under the TV for a fun (or competitive) night in.
The second bedroom offers a comfortable Queen bed and walk-in-closet. This bedroom connects to the bathroom though a pocket door.
Also located on the second floor is The Evans Loft, which shares a common space at the top of the steps. If you have a large group, book both units, and you'll be close but still be able to enjoy your own space.
Two folding beds are also available for more than 4 guests.
History of the Richard Williams and "Stellapolis":
Williamsburg, nestled on a bend in Old Man’s Creek was founded in 1854 when Richard Williams, who operated a steam sawmill north of the creek, thought the Rock Island Railroad’s route would take it just east of his new town. The Rock Island went ten miles north, but unlike a number of small towns founded on railroad hopes, Williamsburg hung on.
Williams, a native of Wales, platted the original town site on forty acres south of farmland he owned. That original site is the part of Williamsburg immediately east of Highland Street (Highway 149).
In 1856, Williams decided his first plat wasn’t suited to be an “inland” town so he added the Williams Addition to the city: forty acres southwest of the original site. Today that site is Williamsburg’s business district.
Until 1860 Williamsburg’s mail service was provided by post offices to the east of the village. However, when the Rock Island Railroad reached Marengo that year Williamsburg petitioned to have their own post office, and a gentleman named Homer Paige was named postmaster.
Mr. Paige’s family included three daughters, the youngest named Stella. Her father incorporated her name into the new post office he was to serve and called it “Stellapolis”-“Stella’s City.” The family soon moved to Des Moines but “Stellapolis” was the official name for the Williamsburg post office for 29 years. The name survived in the local Masonic Lodge, Stellapolis Lodge No. 391 until 2023 and now Stellapolis Lofts occupies where the Masons met.
Williamsburg remained a small Welsh community until the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad built a line from Cedar Rapids to Ottumwa in 1884. The railroad line went through Williamsburg just about where Williams had anticipated the Rock Island railroad would thirty years before. Almost overnight the community grew from 150 hardy souls to more than 1000, and in 1885 the town was incorporated.
Williamsburg’s roots are primarily Welsh, Irish, and German. Settlements of Welsh pioneers just east of Williamsburg and settlements of Irish in the same area led to a gradual influx of those people into the city. More Irish settlers arrived after the coming of the railroad. After the turn of the 20th century German immigrants began to arrive in the area spreading out from their original settlements north and west of Williamsburg
Guest accessThe stairway and landing area at the top of the stairs is the common area. The Williams Loft is the door straight ahead when you get to the top of the steps.
Additional notesSTAIRS. The Loft is located on the second story of the building.
The final phase of a facade improvement project is being completed mid-December. Expect construction during regular business hours M-F.
Guest interaction100% here to help make your experience the best it can be and am available by text. I will check-in during the stay but otherwise give you your space.
I am very familiar with the area and would be happy to recommend some hidden gems nearby.
Neighborhood overviewYou'll love the neighborhood! It's clean and vibrant!
Within one block is Doc's Taproom, Brickhouse Coffee Co., Mi Casa Authentic Mexican, Pizza Haus, A8 Chinese, Sundown Bar and Grill and Casa Tequila. Hartig Drug is located on the Square and Brothers Market (grocery) is three blocks away!
