LOCATION
Bluebird Flats is located at 520 Nebraska Street in the historic Motor Mart Building. Right in the heart of Sioux City’s booming Downtown district, with art, entertainment, restaurants, and retail, all steps away. Parks, public transportation stations, and the skywalks are also nearby. In the warmer months, enjoy walking to the Farmers Market, picnicking at Pearl Street Park, or checking out the summer community events in the area such as the Alley Art Festival. During the holiday season, the beautiful lights and festive decorations warm up the streets. Colder months are an excellent time of the year to take a trolly ride, explore the Sioux City Arts Center, or see a show at the Orpheum Theater.
BLUEBIRD NAME
To celebrate Louis Armstrong’s performance in the famous Motor Mart ballroom and to represent a notable time in history, the name Bluebird was chosen based on Bluebird Records, which released one of the first Louis Armstrong albums. As a symbolic reference, bluebirds represent joy and happiness and indicate something good is about to come into your life. We hope you find this joy and happiness at Bluebird Flats!
THE HISTORY
The Bluebird Flats have a rich history in Sioux City. Built-in 1911 as the Motor Mart constructed for Bennett Auto Mart; it later became home to the Sioux City Chamber Club as the Commerce Building. In 1923 the original Roof garden was built and then transformed into an enclosed ballroom in which many famous musicians performed. Louis Armstrong being one of the most notable. The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993.
