The building in which the Iron Horse Grille is now located was originally home to the Armour Company Smoke House & Distribution Plant. They transported their goods using refrigerated rail cars. As trucks replaced rail for most commercial transportation, many inner-city industrial plants closed. The Armour Smoke House shut their doors in 1970. The property was purchased in 1977 and the historic building was renovated into the Iron House Grille, which opened in 1986.
For over a decade, the Iron Horse Grille served as a favorite restaurant in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. In 1998, the building caught fire, and then again a year later, fire destroyed a significant portion of the building. Half of the original structure was destroyed in the fires, and the rest was left in disrepair. The building remained dormant for 14 years until a group of local citizens sought to bring back the community icon.
The owners worked with local Windsor distributor Bowers Window & Door Company, Inc., and used Windsor’s Pinnacle clad direct sets and picture units for the renovation. The designs called for the appearance of many individual windows. In order to cost effectively recreate this look, Windsor used larger units with a 2” simulated check rail to give the appearance of separate windows.
An innovative product application and a unique installation method kept this renovation within budget. The end result was a spectacular combination of quaint, old world charm and sleek, modern design. This historic gem has now regained its status as one of the city’s favorite landmarks.
