Mount Carmel Bluffs Finalist in 2025 EFA Remodel/Renovation
Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Mount Carmel Bluffs – Motherhouse Bistro & Dining project in Dubuque, Iowa was recognized as a Finalist in the Environments for Aging’s 17th Annual Remodel/Renovation Competition.
Mount Carmel Bluffs, the home of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), was established in 1889 along the beautiful bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. The original Motherhouse, St. Joseph Convent, is an important piece of Dubuque’s legacy and beloved by the Sisters and local residents. The redevelopment included a thoughtful renovation to update the architectural aesthetic of the 1800’s-era modern Romanesque Motherhouse with a modern appeal, and adding vibrant dining spaces that make it the heart of the community.
The former Motherhouse port cochere was transformed into an outdoor patio serving a new full-service bistro with dramatic views of the Mississippi River bluffs. Adjacent to the bistro is the Prairie Room, a private dining room, and the former Motherhouse community room was renovated into main campus dining.
Restoring and repurposing the Motherhouse into the “Town Center” with inviting flexible dining spaces that seamlessly serve residents at all care levels, as well as their families, and the community, truly makes Mount Carmel Bluffs an innovative one-of-a-kind faith-based senior community. Preservation of these historic treasures with a new function and use for the community helps give new life to the BVM century-old campus.
Throughout these connected dining spaces, the existing fireplaces, original woodwork, wood columns, window trim and shutters were meticulously maintained and served as the basis for design. Original stained-glass windows were preserved and reused and historic artwork saved and incorporated throughout.
To transition and connect the spaces, openings were added in the Prairie Room and Main Campus Dining Room and the cut-outs feature wood and details like the original. In addition, the new construction floor levels were cleverly aligned so that the commercial kitchen could be directly adjacent, efficiently serving both the dining spaces and the bistro.
Mount Carmel’s original Motherhouse, St. Joseph Convent, is an important piece of Dubuque’s legacy and beloved by the Sisters and local residents. The redevelopment included a thoughtful renovation to update the architectural aesthetic of the 1800’s-era modern Romanesque Motherhouse with a modern appeal, and adding vibrant dining spaces that make it the heart of the community.
The issue with the Remodel/Renovation feature with Mount Carmel Bluffs is linked here.
To see a list of all the award winners you can visit Environments for Aging’s Event page.
This year’s winners include the following:
Gold Award Winner:
Battery Park by Sunrise – Multipurpose/Social Space (New York, N.Y.)
Submitted by HKS Inc.
Silver Award Winner:
Willow Valley Manor Community – Lobby (Lancaster, Pa.)
Submitted by RLPS Interiors and CCS Building Group
Bronze Award Winner:
The Osborn – Social Lounge (Rye, N.Y.)
Submitted by KDA Architects
Finalists:
The Admiral at the Lake – Formal Dining (Chicago)
Submitted by Spellman Brady & Company
BrookMeadow at Cobb Corner – Main and Private Dining (Boston)
Submitted by Thoma-Holec Design
The Current Beverly – Living Room (Beverly, Mass.)
Submitted by Bignell Watkins Hasser Architecture & Interiors
Mount Carmel Bluffs – Motherhouse Bistro & Dining (Dubuque, Iowa)
Submitted by Pope Design Group
