Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 08.18.22Copyrighted
September 6, 2022
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 01.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of 8/15/22, 8/22/22, 8/23/22, and 8/24/22; Civil
Service Commission of 5/31 /22, 8/15/22, and 8/19/22; Equity and
Human Rights Commission of 7/11/22; Historic Preservation
Commission of 8/18/22; Housing Appeals and Mediation Board of
4/19/22 and 6/21 /22; Housing Commission of 7/26/22; Proof of
publication for City Council proceedings of 7/25/22, 8/1/22, 8/8/22, and
8/15/22.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
City Council Proceedings of 8/15/22 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 8/22/22
Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 8/23/22
Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings of 8/24/22
Supporting Documentation
Civil Service Commission Minutes of 5/31/22
Supporting Documentation
Civil Service Commission Minutes of 8/15/22 Supporting Documentation
Civil Service Commission Minutes of 8/19/22 Supporting Documentation
Equity and Human Rights Commission Minutes of
Supporting Documentation
7/11 /22
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes of 8/18/22
Supporting Documentation
Housing Appeals and Mediation Board Minutes of
Supporting Documentation
4/19/22
Housing Appeals and Mediation Board Minutes of
Supporting Documentation
6/21/22
Housing Commission Minutes of 7/26/22
Supporting Documentation
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
Supporting Documentation
7/25/22
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
Supporting Documentation
8/1 /22
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
Supporting Documentation
8/8/22
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
Supporting Documentation
8/15/22
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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 18, 2022
City Council Chambers, Historic Federal Building
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Melissa Daykin Cassill; Commissioners Thea
Dement, Bill Doyle, Janice Esser, Tim Gau, Alec Gustafson, Christina Monk and Rick
Stuter
Commissioners Excused: John McAndrews.
Commissioners Unexcused: None.
Staff Members Present: Wally Wernimont and Chris Happ Olson.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Daykin Cassill at
5:31 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Esser, seconded by Gau, to approve the minutes of the July 21,
2022 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote- Aye — Dement, Doyle,
Esser, Gau, Gustafson, Monk, Stuter and Daykin Cassill; Nay — none.
ACTION ITEMS:
DEMOLITION PERMIT
Applicant:
David Becker, CEO, Cottingham & Butler, Inc.
Owner-
Cottingham & Butler, Inc.
Address:
781 Locust Street
Project-
Demolition of structure
District:
Downtown Neighborhood Conservation District
Commissioner Bill Doyle recused himself from the discussion, citing John Butler as an
active donor of his employer, Heritage Works. Chairperson Melissa Daykin Cassill
recused herself from the discussion, citing her employment by Cottingham & Butler.
Christy Monk agreed to serve as Chairperson for the case. Doyle and Daykin Cassill left
the room.
Staff Member Happ Olson presented the staff report to the Commission. She described
style, the location and history of the building locating in the downtown conservation
district. She noted the lack of historic context to include it in either the nearby Cathedral
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August 18, 2022 Page 2
or Jackson Park historic districts. She noted that the structure is an unusual fagade and
relatively intact, but for the replacement of its windows and doors. Throughout the
structure, windows have been replaced, downsized, or boarded/bricked in. She referred
to the surveys this structure was included in over the years: 1978/79 Kriviskey Survey in
which it was determined neighborhood supportive, the 1986 survey, and the 2006
Jacobsen Phase III survey in which an Iowa Site Inventory Form #31-02066 was
created.
The last and most recent Jacobsen survey form provided a more in-depth research than
most survey forms, and also recommended that more research be continued for all four
eligibility criteria. As a result of requiring more research, the consultant checked the
"non -eligible" property box for National Register of Historic Places eligibility. Staff
Member Wernimont also noted that the State Historic Preservation Office has a
Determination of Eligibility list, and the listing for this structure states "not evaluated".
Both staff members commented on that this is an unusual case where there is a gray
area in which there isn't a concrete "eligible" or "ineligible" designation.
Happ Olson pointed to Jacobsen's inventory form which called out that strong cases
history could be made for the property. She noted it being the last known structure
associated with the Rider -Wallis Dry Goods company, and that this warehouse was built
as a warehouse for the store that was kitty-corner on the site of the Roshek Building.
She referred to images in the staff report that show the fagade of 781 Locust mimicking
the department store fagade. It is a Neoclassical structure with Romanesque arches
and a prominent cornice. She also referred to Jacobsen's second case for history, that it
could be considered historic for the century -long relationship to the Knights of
Columbus.
Happ Olson noted John Butler has a letter of intent to purchase the building and that the
letter, signed by Butler and a representative from the Knights of Columbus, allows for
the purchaser to investigate demolition and site development as due diligence and the
sale is contingent upon that. She also noted the sale is transferable to Cottingham &
Butler, who is the applicant.
Happ Olson reviewed the Commission's role, that they are to use the information
provided to make a determination of whether the structure has architectural or historical
significance and review only the demolition request. The Commission shall not consider
what is to be rebuilt or other issues. She walked through the supporting material in the
staff report that shows context and history of the structure.
David Becker of 1767 Dover Court, President and CEO of Cottingham & Butler spoke at
the podium and referenced that he was joined with John Butler, Chairperson for
Cottingham & Butler, Marty Johnson, Principal of Straka Johnson Architects, and Rick
Dickinson, President and CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. Mr.
Becker introduced the need for Cottingham and Butler to provide daycare for its
employees, stating the number of 800 people working in Dubuque. He noted they
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 18, 2022
Page 3
believe this is an essential service to their employees and when they announced their
desire to build daycare, about 40 employees sent emails in support. He asked the
Commission to support this effort and stated that they don't make the ask lightly. He
stated that Cottingham & Butler has spent tens of millions in historic preservation
expense over the years at the Town Clock Building, the Security Building and now the
Roshek Building. He said that John Butler has supported the non-profit Heritage Works
and more recently work at the Unitarian Universalist Church. He noted that Mr. Butler
does not like to remove historic buildings.
Mr. Becker noted that Marty Johnson has evaluated the building and that the elevations
are not ADA compatible. Additionally, Mr. Becker noted that the State has strict rules
they would have to meet for a daycare for size of rooms, and ingress and egress. He
said a new entrance would have to be made at the north side of the structure and that
overall, the structure would not work for a new daycare.
Mr. Becker said they looked at whether the building is historically or architectural
significant. He said it is not included in a National Register Historic District. The
building used to be part of intact block that has been removed. He mentioned the
association with the Knights of Columbus and Rider -Wallis. He said the Knights of
Columbus are best remembered for their service to the community and not the building.
He indicated they decided to sell the building because they cannot maintain it. He
noted the Jacobsen report did not reach a conclusion and said they are not aware of
any events in the building that would rise to the level of historic significance and the
structure was not associated with the lives of significant people.
Mr. Becker noted there are some distinctive characteristics, but the building was
damaged by fire and has changed over time. He said they are open to salvaging a
portion of the building that could be reused. He requested the Commission approve the
demolition permit.
Commissioner Dement asked whether they looked at other sites downtown. Mr. Becker
noted in the three buildings they possess there is no available space. He noted the
requirement for green space for the daycare that makes the project challenging. He
noted that this site is in good proximity to other Cottingham & Butler buildings.
Commissioner Monk notes the difficulty of making the decision without clarity from the
survey information. Further discussion of the survey information continued. The
Commission discussed the idea potentially salvaging pieces of the building, with
Commissioner Gustafson asking whether the Commission has the ability to request and
save portions of the building. Staff Member Wernimont noted in the past the
Commission has recommended with a motion that the owner salvage portions of the
building, but it cannot be a requirement.
Commissioners further discussed the integrity of the building, with Commissioner Esser
noting that the primary issue is with the windows and noting that windows can be
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 18, 2022 Page 4
replaced. Commissioner Monk noted the "more research recommended" is checked and
she leans requesting more research be performed. Commissioner Dement noted that in
the report Jacobsen gave two strong recommendations for listing of the building.
Commissioner Stuter referred to that the significance can be more than just the building,
and that the history of what happened there is also important. Commissioner Gustafson
personally noted the imposing presence of the building on the street as being important.
Happ Olson reviewed the role in the Commission and noted that they can request
further research, but that staff would not be able to bring back a formal determination of
National Register eligibility.
Marty Johnson spoke in reference to Jacobsen recommending further research needed
that there is a gray area where the determination of eligibility could not be made. He
noted that if Jacobsen felt it was a strong argument, he would not leave it open.
Staff Member Happ Olson distributed an email from Terry Mozena of Mozena Realty
Group of 196 Bluff Street, dated August 18. Terry Mozena was present and was invited
to speak. He commended John Butler for his work in historic preservation for Dubuque
and acknowledged the need for daycare to support employees. He expressed his
desire for more research about the historic and architectural significance to be
performed, as was noted by the consultant on the inventory form. He commented that
there are more options within the downtown that could be explored for nearby childcare,
without having to remove this structure.
The Commission discussed the possibility of having a formal determination for the
property. Staff explained that a determination of eligibility could be requested from the
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), but there is no specific timeframe in which
they would need to respond. It would require additional research by staff or a private
consultant. Happ Olson said that it was unlikely that there would be an opinion within 30
days. She also mentioned that a formal determination would need to come from the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation at the federal level, and that could take six
months to a year, in estimation.
Commissioner Dement noted the 1978/79 Kriviskey Survey found it to be neighborhood
significant and that the Commission should be guided by the survey results.
Motion by Gustafson, seconded by Gau, to approve the demolition permit. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye - none; Nay - Dement, Esser, Gau, Gustafson, Monk,
Stuter. Abstain — Doyle and Daykin Cassill.
Commissioners Doyle and Daykin Cassill returned to the Commission table.
DESIGN REVIEW
Applicant: Lisa Ann Barrett -Roark
Owner: Lisa Ann Barrett -Roark
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August 18, 2022 Page 5
Address: 1554 Locust Street
Project: Restore front porch; build rear deck and fenestration modification
District: Jackson Park Historic District
Staff Member Happ Olson presented the staff report noting the property at 1554 Locust
Street was built in around 1890, with a gothic revival fagade on this historic duplex. She
reviewed the significance of the structure being City/State/National significance in the
Kriviskey Survey and it being a contributing structure to the Jackson Park Historic
District.
Happ Olson noted that some recent changes precipitated inspection and the need for a
building permit, including the change in the swing of a door at the rear of the structure
and the removal of an obsolete door on the second floor by sizing it down for a window.
She referred to the imagery in the staff report to explain the location of the owner's
property within the building and the neighborhood, as well as historic imagery for
context. She noted the structure is a zero -lot line duplex. She referred to imagery
showing a ghost outline of the former rear porch on the building and historic imagery
and maps to show changes over time.
Happ Olson referred to the application supplement which outlines items the applicant
would like approved. She noted the applicant is looking to repair and replicate elements
of the front porch, including floor boards, roof, soffit, fascia, brackets and columns with
no material or design change. At the rear of the structure, she pointed to a new deck
and stair measuring 10' deep x 17' wide, to be modeled on the design of the neighbor's
rear porch, but without screening, columns or roof. She referred to the applicant's
provided color scheme.
Happ Olson described the proposed changes in fenestration. She pointed to the former
rear door on the second floor which was recently downsized (sill moved up to a window
level and bricked in to match the wall). The applicant desires to put back a one -over -one
vinyl window in its place. Under that door on the first floor, the applicant wishes to install
a new steel door with a window to replace the solid wood door that exists, painting it red
to match the other door on the first floor. The applicant is looking to replace the
basement doors, which will not be highly visible when a deck is built above them.
Happ Olson referred to the project's comparison of relevant architectural guidelines
which was included in the packet.
Lisa Ann Barrett -Roark, owner and resident at 1554 Locust Street, approached the
podium. Ms. Barrett -Roark referred to the door locations on the building and how she
desired to have a window at the bottom of the stairs to the second floor, and not
needing a door on the second level. She said she loved the history of the house and
was interested when she learned it was converted to flats in the 1930s, mentioning that
that the second floor door wasn't original, but probably a change when it turned into
separate apartments. She said the window they have matches the other windows in the
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 18, 2022 Page 6
building and would fit the reduced door opening. She noted the rear of the building has
been exposed to the elements, the doors are warped and are in poor repair. Of the front
of the house, Ms. Barrett -Roark the front door will remain. She said she is attempting to
add features at the rear that will complement the original style of the house, like square
columns.
Commissioner Esser asked if the back deck would be painted or stained, to which Ms.
Barrett -Roark answered, yes, painted to match the front.
Commissioner Monk stated she was pleased the boarded up areas would be opened
back up. Further discussion about doors and windows followed. Commissioners Gau
and Daykin Cassill noted that the project fits in with the character of the building.
Staff Member Happ Olson mentioned that the applicant was considering the use of a
Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund in the near future, but they are seeking
permission before obtaining bids for the project, just in case it wasn't approved. The
Commission expressed favor of the scope of the project.
Motion by Doyle, seconded by Dement, to approve the application as presented. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye — Dement, Doyle, Esser, Gau, Gustafson, Monk,
Stuter and Daykin Cassill; Nay — none.
DESIGN REVIEW
Applicant: Sam Murley, River City Property Management, LLC
Owner: River City Property Management, LLC
Address: 194 Alpine Street
Project: Modification of front and rear two-story porches
District: Langworthy Historic District
Staff Member Happ Olson presented the staff report noting the request is to repair the
front porch and make a modification. She reported on the history of the property which
is contributing in the Langworthy Historic District. She noted its relationship to other
large square massing properties in the district and its uniqueness as an original duplex
in the district. She pointed to the front and back two-story porches which makes it
unusual in design.
Happ Olson said there are two fiberglass columns on the front of the structure, and that
it is unclear when they were installed as it appears to have been done without a permit.
She said the columns are very similar in design to the existing wood columns and
referred to the imagery in the report to illustrated this.
She noted the Inspection & Construction Services inspected the building and found the
railings to be a safety hazard due to their short height, requiring a modification be made
to meet code requirements, when Planning Staff was asked to be involved in the
project.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 18, 2022 Page 7
Happ Olson referred to the items the applicant had presented in the application
supplement which require review:
1) Back of property railing modification to meet code. Happ Olson suggested that if
the proposed design is approved, that a color, like the grey of the house, be used
to subdue to help blend it in to the background.
2) New back stairs and the railing.
3) Railing on the front of the porch to meet code. Proposed a use of painted metal
railing.
4) Deck board replacement and removal, which should be painted with paint or an
opaque stain.
5) Replace wood columns on the first floor of the front porch to match the fiberglass
columns already present, which should be brush painted.
6) Replace skirting and lattice on front porch.
Commissioner Esser noted the designs on the back and front porch railing are different.
Happ Olson referred to examples in the packet that were creative approaches to
meeting code, and that the packet was given to the applicant to help him come up with
a solution. This is what he has presented for review. She also said because this type of
issue has not yet been seen by the Commission, the potential approval of two different
approaches would give the Commission two pilot examples.
Happ Olson referred to the project's comparison of relevant architectural guidelines
which was included in the packet.
Sam Murley, of 14157 Deerfield Court and River City Property Management, came to
the podium to answer questions. Monk asked about the metal mesh proposed on the
front porch, and the Commission discussed the appropriateness of the metal mesh.
Happ Olson stated that the applicant is required to fill a gap larger than four inches for
safety purposes, and the design was one of many provided to the applicant as an
option.
Mr. Murley said he could use the same railing modification on the rear and the front, if
desired. Commissioner Doyle noted the pipe is less obtrusive and not extension of the
porch rail, which he felt was appropriate. Commissioner Gustafson showed approval of
the smaller railing at the front. The Commission discussed two metal pipes horizontally
and a vertical support as necessary, with Commissioner Monk suggested either cutting
the span in half or thirds for symmetry.
The commission discussed allowing the fiberglass columns and the non -tongue and
groove flooring, citing general approval if they are the same shape and size.
Motion by Monk, seconded by Esser, to approve the application as submitted with the
condition that modification to the front porch railing extension include two horizontal
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 18, 2022
metal piping and smaller vertical supports, that all new elements be brush painted,
including the columns. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Dement, Doyle,
Esser, Gau, Gustafson, Monk, Stuter and Daykin Cassill; Nay — none.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
By -Laws modification:
Staff Member Happ Olson presented a suggested change for the By -Laws to
exclude the following duties of the Chairperson: to sign minutes and resolutions.
She described that this is not practice nor policy and isn't a duty with any of the
Planning Services other three commissions. She noted all minutes are reviewed
and approved by the Chairperson and Commissioners at the next scheduled
meeting, and that resolutions are suggested by the Commission and adopted by
City Council, being signed by the Mayor.
Motion by Dement, seconded by Gau, to approve bylaw changes and presented.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Dement, Doyle, Esser, Gau,
Gustafson, Monk, Stuter and Daykin Cassill; Nay — none.
Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant program opportunity update:
Staff Member Happ Olson gave a verbal report to update Commissioners on the
CLG grant applications. Staff submitted applications to support conducting
Intensive Architectural and Historical Surveys for Deereville and the Voelker
Highlands neighborhoods. Both are outside of the traditional downtown areas,
are from the 20t" Century, and would be the farthest west surveys performed.
The City's budget process doubled in Fiscal Year 2023 to $10,000 which allowed
for two applications.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Monk, seconded by Stuter, to adjourn the August 18,
2022 Commission meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Dement, Doyle,
Esser, Gau, Gustafson, Monk, Stuter and Daykin Cassill; Nay — none.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Manager Adopted