McDowell's

At McDowells Building Materials, we take pride in our rich history dating back to the early 1850s. From humble beginnings as Ellis Brothers Lumberyard to our current status as a leading supplier of building materials, we've consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Today, we employ a dozen people and serve Benton County residents and the Cedar Rapids area with all their building needs.

Our story began with Cornelius and Hoyt Ellis, who engaged in contracting and building in the Vinton area. In 1864, they founded Ellis Brothers Lumberyard, which later became C. Ellis and Son in 1875. L.J. McDowell joined the business in 1929 and eventually bought into it in 1935, forming Ellis McDowell Lumber Company with Ard Hoyt Ellis in 1938. After a devastating fire in 1951, Jack McDowell, son of L.J., designed and rebuilt part of the lumberyard, which was completed in 1952. Following L.J.'s unexpected death, Jack McDowell managed the lumberyard and eventually became the sole owner in 1961. The Ellis name was dropped, and McDowells Inc. was established in 1969. Jack McDowell retired in 1992, and the business was sold to Larry and Linda Druschel, who have been with the company since 1964 and 1968, respectively.

Today, we offer a wide range of services including home design, sales, and rental of building materials. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that every project, whether big or small, is completed to the highest standards. Whether you're looking to renovate your home, start a new construction project, or simply need advice on building materials, we're here to help.

Our Team

Meet the dedicated team at McDowells Building Materials. Each member brings a unique set of skills and expertise to ensure that every customer receives the best possible service.

• Larry Druschel, Owner & President, joined McDowells in 1964.
• Linda Druschel, Owner & Vice-President, joined McDowells in 1968.
• Rob Ott, Sales & Home Design, joined McDowells in 2002.
• Dusty Druschel, Sales & Carpentry, joined McDowells in 2005.
• Sharon Wright, Secretary, joined McDowells in 1994.
• Ryan Koehn, Sales & Do-It-Best Ordering, joined McDowells in 2000.
• Nathan Kurtz, Yard Helper, joined McDowells in 2005.

Project Gallery

Browse our extensive project gallery to see before and after photos of completed projects, including bathroom remodels and new constructions. Each photo showcases our commitment to quality and attention to detail in every project we undertake.

Rental Center

Our rental center offers a variety of items for your building needs. From tools to materials, we have everything you need to get the job done. Delivery options are available for an additional fee.