Town Clock Plaza Discussion
MEMORANDUM
August 16, 2001
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Town Clock
Public Works Director Mike Koch has worked with the Durrant Group to attempt to
calculate a net cost figure to move the Town Clock. That net figure is estimated to be
$154,700. Moving the clock will also allow the City to avoid a $120,000 expenditure to
remove a portion of the concrete base, reconstruction with a smaller base, and
maintenance items relating to the condition of the pedestals.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
August 17, 2001
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director
Moving of Town Clock
INTRODUCTION
This is a summary of various cost estimates that have been performed on the cost
to move the Town Clock from its current location back to its original location at
835 Main Street.
DISCUSSION
The Durrant Group has been working with Cottingham & Butler on the historic
renovation of the building at 835 Main Street. This design includes a feasibility
study of whether it is possible to relocate the Town Clock to its original location on
the top of this building. The structural capability of the building is being analyzed
with respect to its condition and whether any needed structural changes may be
necessary. They are also looking at any new building code requirements which may
require more structural support than the original construction.
Rough estimates of the cost to move the clock have been performed. These costs
are as follows:
Modifications to Relocate to Cottingham & Butler Building $ 83,000
Remove Pedestal 20,000
Moving Clock to Building 60,000
Reinforcing Clock 15,000
15% Contingency 26,700
Total Costs
$204,700*
*Insurance costs for the moving contractor would have to be added to the
above cost figures.
This figure does not include any cost for repair or maintenance of the existing
mechanism of the Clock itself, which would be needed under either scenario
whether or not the clock is moved.
With respect to the street project cost, if the clock is moved and the street is
paved straight through, the cost savings is about $50,000. On the contrary, if the
clock is left in place, a certain amount of work is necessary to remove a portion of
the concrete base, reconstruction with a smaller base, and maintenance items
relating the condition of the pedestals. This cost is approximately $120,000.00.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the moving of the Clock is estimated at $204,700, with a
$50,000.00 savings to the project, for a net cost of $154,700,00. If the clock
remains at its current location, the cost associated with keeping it in its current
location is $120,000.00. Therefore, the estimates indicate that an additional
$34,700 will be needed if the clock is moved to the building at 835 Main Street.
MAK/vjd
Au~.14. 2001 2:47PM BARRY A L!NDAHL, ESQ N0.4496 P. 2/2
August 14, 2OO1
Mayor Terrance Duggan and
City Council Members
50 West 13~ Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Mayor and Council Members;
Following the August 6, 2001, City Council meeting, i have had several discussions with
Mary Lou Baal from Cottingham & Butler. I asked Mary Lou to submit, on behalf of the
Town Clock Building Company, a proposal for relocation of the Clock. Enclosed is the
proposal dated August 14, 2001 for your consideration.
If the City Council elects to relocate the Clock, I will work with Mary Leu and Allen
Carew, Esq. for a formal agreement between the City and Town Clock Building
Company for Council consideration.
BAL/jm
Enclosure
Cc:
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Mary, Lou Baal, Cottingham & Butler
www. cb-sisco.com
Cottingham & Butler
C&B Insurance ] SBCO I HeakhCorp ] Safety Management
~stabllshed I887
August 14, 2001
The Honorable Mayor and
Members of the City Council
City Hall
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
In our July 31,2001 letter, the Town Clock Building Company
("Company") offered the Town Clock Building at 835 Main Street
("Building") to the City as the pedestal for the historic "City Clock".
As will be explained later in this letter, it is our opinion that the Clock
can be relocated to its original site on the Building at no cost to the City of
Dubuque.
The City is eligible for an Iowa Historic Site Preservation Grant
("Grant"). In discussions with the person in charge of the Grant program for
the State of Iowa, we were advised that the relocation of the Clock to its
original site on top of the renovated Building is exactly the type of project for
which grants are intended and that funds are currently available. Not only is
the Grant money available for relocation, but Grant money also may be used to
make the necessary improvements to the Clock and tower. We were
encouraged to have the City apply for a $100,000 matching Grant prior to
September 14, 2001 and were advised that decision would be made by
December 1, 2001 and that the money will be immediately available thereafter.
The Grant requires matching funds. We are advised that the cost to
move the Clock will be approximately $60,000. The Company will guarantee
a match of $100,000 in the form of improvements to the Building required to
support the tower and the Clock or through private donations if the entire
$100,000 is not required for Building improvements. The funds from the
Company for improvements to the Building will be provided through the City.
Page Two
August 14, 2001
According to the architect and engineers, the City Clock and the tower
supporting the Clock are in need of repair and renovations, such as protection
from wind shear, replacement and repair ofmechanicai systems, and
installation of a fire retardant system. We have no estimate on the cost of such
repairs and renovations but such work must be undertaken to place the tower
and Clock in good operating condition. Thus, the City could request a Grant of
$100,000; the first $60,000 of which would be dedicated to moving the Clock
to the Building. The balance would be available to the City to apply towards
the necessary cost of improvements to the tower and Clock.
In summary, the Town Clock Building Company will agree to the
following:
1. The Company will grant a perpetual easement to the City of
Dubuque for the location of the City Clock on top of the Building.
2. The Company will pay the cost of architectural services for
inspection of the Building and the cost for preparation of detailed plans and
specifications for changes to the Building necessary to support the tower and
the Clock.
3. The total investment by the Company for changes to the Building
required to support the tower and the Clock will be approximately $90,000,
including architectural fees. This investment will pay for reinforcement and
structural changes to the Building as recommended by the architect. The
Company will guarantee that it will provide up to $100,000 either in work on
the Building necessary to support the tower and the Clock or through private
donations so that the entire estimated cost of moving the Clock will be covered
by the Grant and in addition the City will have funds to dedicate towards
improvements to the tower and Clock.
4. The Company will grant the City access through the Building to the
tower and the Clock for maintenance and repair purposes. The City will keep
the Clock in good operating condition and the tower in good repair and
appearance.
Page Three
August 14, 2001
5. The organization hired to relocate the Clock will be required to
provide insurance to protect the Clock from damage during the moving
process.
6. The Company has hired Durrant Architects and Engineers to prepare
plans and specifications to insure that the Building will support the tower and
Clock and the Company will guarantee the City that the Building will be
constructed in accordance with such plans.
In connection with the relocation of the Clock, the City will do the
following:
A. Prepare the necessary application to seek a Historic Site
Preservation Grant bom the State of Iowa in the sum of $100,000. The City
will secure the estimated cost to bring the Clock and the tower up to code, pay
the cost of improvements to the Clock to protect against wind shear, the cost of
installation ora fire retardant system in the tower, and the cost of repair or
replacement of mechanical systems. The City will provide the necessary
electrical connections for lighting, operation of the Clock, and the installation
of exterior lighting to illuminate the Clock. The first $60,000 of the Grant
money will be dedicated to pay the cost of moving the Clock.
B. The City will pay the cost of future maintenance and repair to the
tower and the Clock.
The Town Clock Building Company is prepared to make this substantial
inveslment in cooperation with the City in order to locate the historical City
Clock to its original location.
Sincere¢,
TOWN CLOCK BUILDING COMPANY
Jot~ E. ~luO~r, President
Mayor Terry Duggan
Ms Ann Michalski
Mr. Dan Nicholson
Ms Pat Cline
Mr. John Markham
Mr. Joe Robbins
Mr. Roy Buol
August 8, 2001
Re: "The New Mainstreet" (Revisited).
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
Returning the Town Clock to its "rightful place" given the historical repository of one of the
symbols of downtown Dubuque as suggested by Mr. John Butler et al, certainly has many
positive and logical justifications. This is particularly apropos given the "economy" of the
move and the consideration that a "traffic circle" (or "drive around") in the confines of Main
SCs relatively constricted pathway, just does not make sense.
"Reopening" Main St. means -just THAT! Not a "partial" opening impeded by one-way
narrow by-passes around a misconceived pedestal supported clock. Considering the fi-ee-
flow of traffic in both directions, the inconveniences and safety considerations when trucks
and emergency vehicles are required to provide services and traverse the area, the logic is
obvious !
As to the clock being a "public" symbol in its present location, ignores the fact that the clock
has ALWAYS been a public symbol familiar to many of ns who originally opposed the move
and the blockage of the "main aisle" ofthe City of Dubuque. And, it will continue to be so
long into the future.
Let's face it. A grave mistake was made by our City fathers 30 some years ago! Basking in
the fantasy that '~uthan renewal" would be the answer to a moribund downtown and revitalize
the area, the city administration went ahead with their faulty plans and greased the way for
the "outer mall fad" to take place in our community. That was the final nail for downtown
Dubuque as a commercial center.
No, we cannot go back and resurrect the ambience and bustling Main St. area it once was. But,
with a forward vision of the potentialities of it in complimenting the dynamic of the Americas
River Project it CAN, once again, become a social center and an anchor for the community.
I like what is "going on in Dubuque!" We have a golden opportunity to bring this community
into the 2Pt Century with a "bang" which will be heard - even around the Globe! Please do
not muff "this window ofopportunity" by compounding the mistakes madeinthe past!! Show
the World what a modest-sized community with intelligence, grit and imagination can do to add
a cubit to mankind's quality of life! !
2347 Coventry Park
Dubuque, IA 52001
Recently a group ofex-Dubuquers (and classmates) returned to town for
a class reunion. To a person, they ware enthralled with what was going
on in their former hometown. They are looking forward to see the wonderful
changes planned! (DOn?t give them reasons to be "disappointed" by decisions
YOU can control!)
UNIVERSITY of
DUBUQUE 2000 University Avenue - Dubuque, Iowa 52001-5099
August 6, 2001
TO: The Cubuque City Council
FROM:
Walter F. PeterSon
Chancellor Emeritus
University of Dubuque
I urge the Council to give serious consideration to
restoring the Town Clock to its rightful place on its
original building. This would bring the Town Clock home
to the site where it informed Dubuquers of the time for
nearly 100 years. This action will also open Main Street
to unimpeded vehicular traffic.
Barbara and I have called Dubuque our home for more
than 30 years. We have come to love the city and we were
involved in the restoration of the Orpheum theatre
(now Five Flags) and currently the restoration of the
Grand Opera House. Placing the Town Clock back on the
beautifully restored original building would maintain
the authenticity of our central city and certainly
enhance its architectural quality.
I thank you for your consideration.
Walter F. Peterson
School of Business · School of Liberal Arts · School of Professional Programs · Theological Seminary
August 7, 2001
City Manager & City Council
City of Dubuque
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Re: Town Clock
Dear City Manager & Council Members,
Why was the Town Clock moved originally? When Town Clock Plaza was being
designed, the city staff became aware of a potential problem. The Town Clock was
located on a privately owned building and was in total disrepair. If the clock was to be
saved, it needed to be removed prior to the construction of the plaza. The City Manager
approached the then Downtown Association for assistance in saving the clock. The City
did not have the fimds available to remove and relocate the clock.
Under the direction of the Downtown Association, YOUR TOWN CLOCK
COMMIlWEE was formed. YOUR TOWN CLOCK COMMITTEE consisted of
members of many Dubuque civic groups. The rest is b/story. The citizens of Dubuque
provided the necessary funding; the clock was removed, refurbished and relocated. What
should be done with it now? The clock should be returned to its original home. However,
steps must be taken to assure that b/story doesn't repeat itself. The building owners must
guarantee the clock will be properly maintained at their expense. Proper maintenance,
city accessibility for inspections and penalties for lack of same should be strongly defined
in the agreement between the property owners and the City of Dubuque.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Graham
Member of YOUR TOWN CLOCK COMMITTEE
And past chairman of Dubuque Main Street Ltd.
1710 Sarah Drive
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Office: 582-7221
Home: 582-5143
, enonqnct
3390 Windsor Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52001-1311
August 13, 2001
Dubuque City Council
City Hall
50 W. 13th St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Mayor Duggan and Council Members:
I comm. end our Council members on the efforts they are
making to avoid mistakes in planning our downto%ra renewal.
Mistakes can be very costly, not only monetarily, and with
citizen dissatisfaction, but also irreparable. Some of
the following questions may be worth considering. Perhaps
some may be addressed through media and TV channel 8 avenues.
+ What is the plan for dividing and using the total
width space between the front of buildings on the east and
west sides of Main street? Will it accomodats two-way
traffic as well as tree-lined pedestrian walkways occasional-
ly interspersed with street lamps?
+ Would the visibility of the Town Clock atop its original
building be greater than its present centered -elevated locale
for attracting Dubuque residents and tourists? Could it be
spotted already as they enter Main St. from 3rd st. rather
than await arrival at 7th or 8th streets? It was stated in
the T.H. (August, 15) that the town clock "was positioned in
its original position for almost 100 years." Keeping it in
its present location of 30 years would be a "jump start"
toward establishing a ~EW historical monument.
+ What are the realistic projected design and construc-
tion costs of a round-about as compared with projected plans
for relocation?
+ Is Main street to be opened just as a convenient passage-
way or are there reasonable and realistic enticements for
boutiques, restaurants, entertainment facilities, residential
and needed amenities' facilities to locate on Main street?
Will it remain only as a "field of dreams"? Will they "come."?
A good start has begun with our "new" art galleries, etc.
+ As chairman of the Downtown Planning committee, could
David Rusk be invited to present his views at the next or a
future Council meeting?
Respectfully submitted,
www. cb-sisco.com
Cottingham & Butler
C&B Insurance ] SISCO ] HealthCorp ] Safety Management
Established i887
August 1,2001
The Honorable Mayor Terrance Duggan and Members of the City Council
Dubuque City Hall
50 West 13th St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
2_O -- ~
>~ -77 C)
Dear Mayor Duggan and Members of the City Council,
The Town Clock Building Company is the owner of the Town Clock Building at 835 Main
Street in Dubuque. We offer the City of Dubuque the Town Clock Building as a pedestal for
the "City Clock". The City of Dubuque would retain ownership of the City Clock as it has for
the past 129 years.
In 1872 Emily B. and Geo D. Wood planned to construct a three story building in the 800
Block of Main Street in Dubuque. At the same time the City of Dubuque expressed a desire to
locate a "City Clock" on Main Street. On September 16, 1872, the Woods and the City
Council entered into an agreement which granted the City the right to erect a tower for the
City Clock on the new building. The City Clock was built and placed on the building and
remained a Main Street landmark for almost 100 years. The City Clock was relocated to its
)resent location in the early 1970's as part of the urban renewal project.
[he Town Clock Building is being completely renovated, in and out, at a cost of over
$2,000,000.00. The restoration work to the exterior of the building reveals a lovely historic
facade which with the addition of the City Clock must have been the talk of the town in 1873.
The renovation work will restore this historic building to its original appearance; the only
thing needed to have a complete replica will be the location of the City Clock on top of the
building.
We have hired the services of the Durrant Group to inspect the building for structural
soundness and expect to receive a report in the near future which will verify that the structure
will support the City Clock.
In making the proposal to the City for the location of the City Clock, it was our thought that
the City Council would have an interest in locating the City Clock at its original location
where it resided for almost 100 years.
The placement of the City Clock in its original location would not only serve a historical
purpose but also would result in a more efficient use of Main Street and provide a safer
avenue for pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. The cost to the City to relocate the City Clock
probably would be offset by the money saved in the design and construction of a cumbersome
round-about the Clock in its present location.
We vision the relocation of the City Clock as another significant step forward in a revitalized
downtown Dubuque. Thus, we will be pleased to work with City officials to develop an
agreement for use of the building for location of the City Clock.
Sincerely,
Town Clock Building Company
J E. l~utler, President
CC: Michael Van Milligen, Kevin Eipperle, Terry Mozena, John Gronen, Jerry Enzler
mB:jkb
Main Strcct and the Town Clock
August 1,2001
A letter to the Honorable Mayor of Dubuque, Members of City Council, City Manager, and at[
other Dubuque dtizens for whom this may concern:
I re~ret that I am not able to be present for the Council meeting Monday. I woutd like to
express my opinion on this recent matter before you. I am a Dubuque citizen and an
architect. /~y graduate study focus was on urban design and historic preservation. I spent
9 years on the Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission in the 1980's. I have traveled a
fair bit and have studied in Europe. I have no stake in this matter except a going concern
about the future of this city architecturat[y. My opinions in this matter are strictly limited
to the urban design and architectural aspects. I present them this way so you may reatize
the purely techoica[ urban design points without any social or pe[itica[ overtones. I hope this
he[ps you in coming to the right decision.
The decision to open the plaza to vehicular traffic was the right one for the sake of urban
design today and for the future in Dubuque. The pedestrian mat[ came with urban renewal
and a planning trends common in the sixties brought over from Europe. Ironically, most of
the pedestrian streets developed in Europe were, and still are, very successful The reason
lies in certain technicalities and application. For example, one of the first ones, in
Copenhagen, has worked because they converted a obscure, narrow, winding, side street
that lends itseff ideatty to pedestrian traffic. Dubuque's primary problem was the application
of a "main~ street within a tight grid. Consequentty, it grid[ocked the very commercial core
of the city. This is a core that needs both vehicles and pedestrians accessing it freely to
keep it vita[. I be[ieve many peel~e today realize this and that is why the decision was made
to open it hack up. This is happening all across America. We are not alone.
The grid plan was used in America because it provided an efficient and strategic way to
accommodate rapid growth. It allowed commerce to develop quickly, Cities were [aid out by
people who had never even set foot in the territory. In Dubuque, the grid was modified to
the terrain and the setttement, and as we all know, with various odd connections in several
places. Main Street, however, was very dearly intended to he the central core of the city.
For most of its history, it was an incredible street. It connected everything involved in a
city. The commercial/retail core in the center, industrial in the lower end, and residential
including some of the finest homes in Dubuque on the upper end. It was a straight shot
through, visually, on foot, by horse and buggy, by car, by truck, and it worked like crazy for
many many years. The street needs that opportunity to work like that again and I am happy
that we have started the process.
The question on the Town Clock is dear to me. From an urban design perspective the dock
should he moved because it wi[[ be in the middle of our new revitalized street. Some have
suggested that we create a roond-about. Physically, this may be possible (bare[y), but it
would he a gross technical mistake architecturally. There are many cities in the world that
have systems designed on a radial street axial type plan with roundabouts surrounding
monuments./Vtany were reshaped after the original grid was in place. Indianapolis is one
example and thero aro many others. The amount of space required to do this correctly and
successfully would technically involve many city blocks. It WOUld be radically impractical for a
sma[[ city built on a tight grid such as Dubuque. All we neecJ ~S a vita[core and the application
of a round-about in this case would counter-act the overa~ ~[fect of what is needed. A
simple two way through street unobstructed, with partdn~l~d sidewalks.
Main Street and the Town Clock, Pa~e :7
Au;ust 1,2001
I coutd go further with more points why and give more examptes but please trust me on this.
The decision on whether or not to move the crock is realty the easy part in terms of design.
It should be moved. The street needs to have the [east interruption possibte. The question
of what to do with it once its moved, woutd normatty be the realty tough part of the design
probtem. This is why the proposat offered by Cottingham and Butter is atmost amaxing[y
fortunate. ! am not writing this on behalf of anyone but myseff and on the basis of my own
training and experience. I support good design decisions and that is the extent of it. This is
an opportunity. I hope you reatize how difficutt it wnuid be to find an appropriate location
for the clock. The location they have presented is idea[. It is where it once stood. It fits
architecturatty with the street, the space and the facade. We have a wi[ting party, it wit[
have a great story, and historicat meaning. It could not be better historicat[y and
architecturat[y aU around.
I have a few thoughts on ARain Street devetopment for you to keep in mind. Good urban
design in this case ca[ts for an open street. IdeaUy one unrestricted by jut-ins and jut-outs,
speciat parking lanes, or speciat vehicles. The street shoutd dominate and create the energy
for the space. Plaza or parkway type effects shoutd be kept to a minimum. This wit[ also save
costs and upkeep. Two way access, side street flow and parking should exist on both sides.
The commercial estabtishments on the street [ever shoutd be those having a wa[k-in or
commerciat trade with storefront needs, shops, setting goods primarily or high turn over
services. Offices without a tot of wa[k-in trade are not idea[ at the street [eve[.
Thank you for you attention on this. I am atways available for questions and further
discussion at any time.
Sincere[y,
Chadie G[ab
Architect
DON'T MOVE THE CLOCK
Clock's unique contribution to the identity of downtown would be compromised
by David Wm. Rusk
A proposal to move our community's beloved Town Clock from its current location to the roof of the
privately owned building on which it once stood appears to be fast tracking its way toward consideration by the city
council. While I'm always one for expeditious decision making, I do hope that the significant implications of moving
the clock are fully digested prior to any decision.
I wish to strongly advocate that our Town Clock remain where it is. Only in its anrrent location will the clock
continue to give the heart of our downtown its unique identity.
Since 1970, our Town Clock has occupied its current position atop a specially constructed arched platform in
the center of what has consequently been known as Town Clock Plaza. The configuration offers a unique marriage of
historic and contemporary design that reflects well on a city that is always moving forward but with a respect for its
past. While the pedestrian plaza in ~vhich it stands has for over thirty years been a distinguishing characteristic of this
area of our downtown, it is the clock itself that has played the most significant role in defining the area.
It is our Town Clock, only when kept in its current location, that offers the best hope for retaining the
distinctive flavor and sense of place that gives the downtown its unique identity once the planned opening of Main
Street is completed, eliminating the linear pedestrian plaza. It is our Town Clock, only when positioned where it is,
that will spare the area from evolving into just another downtown main street.
Our Town Clock is prominent in our cityscape when viewed from most any direction today. It marks our city
centre like no other landmark. One need only stand at either end of Main Street, or at any of an innumerable collection
of vantage points from surrounding streets, the bluffs, the riverfront or elsewhere, to see that this is true. Though the
building to which it is proposed the clock be moved is little more than a block away from where the clock now stands,
because of the positioning of other large structures that loom around the building, together with the fact that the
building is at the side of the street rather than at the center, the relocation of our Town Clock to the building would
significantly impact the visibility the clock enjoys and therefore its defining role in lending the area its unique
identity.
While it is apparently the case that the clock itself would remain publicly owned under the proposal to move
it, and that the city would be allowed access to it for maintenance, that fact that it would stand on private property and
access to it would be essentially controlled by a private party, is in itself an assault to civic sensibilities. The city
moved our Town Clock from its perch on the privately owned building and mounted it atop its platform to create a
wholly public monument in a grand gesture toward the public good thirty years ago. It would seem inappropriate to
reverse that today.
I'm told that the return of the clock to the building at 835 Main might qualify it for historic landmark status.
While that would indeed be a wonderful consequence, die allure of establishing such an honor for a privately held
building pales in the loss of the public landmark that would result.
Our community has collectively suffered an interminable ambivalence over the fate of the area of Main Street
known as Town Clock Plaza and particularly, the question of whether to open it to vehicular traffic or keep it closed for
die exclusive use of pedestrians. All of us know friends and neighbors, business contacts and others who stand
intractably on one side or the other as to that question. Personally, I have remained publicly neutral to the issue thougli
I have always questioned in private whether we'll really gain anything by opening up the street. I know we'll lose
something.
I also know that part of what helped me accept the decision to open Main Street was the companion
expectation that the clock would remain where it is. I believe diat this is the case for many others as well. To deny this
risks fracturing a public acceptance of the plan to open the street that is tenuous at best.
Assuming that we continue on the path toward opening Main Street as the city council has most recently
decided, the roundabout design proposed to accommodate the clock where it stands offers consolation to those who
have opposed the opening. Not only will the design reflect an appealing and unique European style streetscape feature
in the roundabout, it will go a long way toward retaining the sense of the pedestrian and festival friendly atmosphere
that those parties are most fearful of losing. Plans call for the area to be closed to vehicular traffic at certain times and
the prominent positioning of the clock in what would be the middle of the street will be a strong deterrence to
"dragging the gut" at any time.
As to a claim I've heard that using a roundabout design within our traditional "grid pattern" street layout is
incongruous, so what? Our Dubuque on tlie Mississippi is certainly already resplendent with unique and unusual street
patterns. This is simply a facet of the special character of our city. Tlie fact is that a roundabout around our magnificent
Town Clock will only erdaance the distinctive landmark as the centerpiece of this area of our downtown and will
encourage people to visit it. As each of the historic districts of our downtown enjoys something unique and
distinguishing, so will the heart of our downtown continue to enjoy our Town Clock as its focal point.
Thirty years ago, our city gave to its citizens a wonderful and defining public landmark in the relocation of
our magnrficent Town Clock to its current site. Let's not diminish that gesture by returning it to a lesser role.
[Editor's Note: The author is the longest serving memher of the City of Dubuque Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission. He serves as chair of the Downtown Planning Committee.]
August 16, 2001
Mayor Duggan and M~mbers of the City Council:
The Dubuque Jaycees have a long history of involvement with the
Town Clock Plaza. The committee involved in moving the clock to
its present location included many Jaycees of that era. Over the last
decade, the Jaycees have been intimately involved with the growth of
one of Dubuque's most popular social activities, the Dubuque and All
That Jazz.
While we understand the historical argument involved in this issue we
also ask you to consider that for our membership the Town Clock in
its current location is a significant part of our history and memories of
Dubuque's city center. We hope that the Dubuque and All That Jazz
and the other popular festival events continue to draw people to enjoy
our downtown. We believe that the Town Clock is the focal point of
the Plaza. It is a vital part of our community's personality.
For these reasons the Dubuque Jaycee's at our August General
Membership meeting voted unanimously to strongly urge you to
protect our history in Dubuque and leave the Town Clock in its
current location.
John Meehan
58th President
Dubuque Jayeees
Dubuque Jaycees, 515 W. 8th, Dubuque Iowa, 52001 (563) 583-5555
Dear City Council Members,
I am a newcomer to the Dubuque area. It wasn't long ago that I made a decision to
relocate here with my ten-year old daughter. While I live in East Dubuque due to the
availability of wheelchair accessible housing I hope soon to make Dubuque our new
home. I wanted to relocate to an area where we could lay claim to a peaceful
alternative in a community where human interaction and community involvement is a
part of daily life. I sought a place where the people actively make an attempt to
return decency in our culture. I found these qualities here in Dubuque among many
other characteristics and treasures that I personally hold near and dear.
One of those treasures is Town Clock Plaza. Since being introduced to this
community, I have attended many events in the Plaza including the All That Jazz. I
have many memories from these events that have shaped and molded not only my
perceptions of Dubuque, but also my commitment to the significance of the Town
Clock.
In making my decision to relocate to the Dubuque area I did my homework. I read
about every fact I could get my hands on about Dubuque and Iowa as a whole.
While researching I learned that many young people are moving away. As a young
person coming from Peoria, IL I can see the brighter opportunities that this
community and the State of Iowa have to offer. Some however, do recognize that
there are many treasures that go unnoticed or are not given a high standard of
value, Town Clock Plaza being one of them. I have learned very quickly that The
Town Clock is a historical landmark that is associated with life, music, fun,
community involvement, and more importantly, a set of values that caters to the
younger generation of Dubuque.
The Town Clock has also allowed me to find my way around town. Given the
confusing layout of downtown to a newcomer it is nice to turn the corner and see the
clock and know where I am.
My message is simple. Keep the Town Clock where it stands. Dubuque's history
and townscape are closely intertwined. If these changes are allowed to occur it is
inevitable it will damage the historical character of this community more than it will
preserve it. I hope you hold and protect the Town Clock for all of our diverse groups
of people young and old.
Thank you for allowing me to share my opinion.
563-503-4182
430 Sidney #115
East Dubuque, 61025
H EIGH COMPANIES
UNDERWRITING EXCEPTIONAL RISKS
August 17, 2001
Members of the Dubuque City Council
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Phone: (201) 505-1050
Toil Free: (800) 443-2922
Fax: (201) 505-105I
Fax: (941) 951-6238
Phone: (916) 486-9643
Toll Free: (888) 70%0700
Fax: (916) 486-9649
www.hanleigh.com
I would like to begin by saying that I am very impressed with the actions that you
have taken regarding the Americas River Project. Without question Dubuque's civic
leadership, both elected and staff, stands very tall among its sister cities in Iowa. My
experience this last year has made me very happy to be a resident of Dubuque.
Without regard to what I believed was a substantial political risk you chose a path for
our future and I believe history will remember that decision with pride. Again it
appears that you are faced with a difficult question, the outcome of which I truly
believe will dramatically affect the future of Dubuque and especially its downtown.
I would ask for a few moments to address the issue of moving our Town Clock and
mom importantly the process that has brought us as a community to this juncture.
From the beginning of the Town Clock Plaza debate I have been squarely behind
keeping the Plaza closed. I believe that while a once thriving retail downtown was
lost (somewhat because of lack of access but mostly because of westward expansion)
a new kind of downtown has appeared. I personally invested significant dollars into
moving my office onto the plaza specifically because of the atmosphere it creates for
my employees. Moving the Clock will without question be the end of Town Clock
Plaza.
It~greed with the compromise originally made to open 8th, and Main St. from 8th to
9 , but the Council voted to only open 8th which was in my opinion a bad
compromise and the beginnin,g~ho, f a slippery slope that has lead us to today. I was
very vocal that opening only 8 St. would be the first step in opening the entire plaza
and I was right. So again during the debate on opening the entire Plaza I was asked
to compromise and get with the team and support it. I spoke with John Butler and
liked his new ideas about the plaza. Maybe with a few mom restaurants a new kind
of Downtown could evolve bringing together the best of what was and a new
possibility of what could be. John Butler has been an excellent leader in the
recommitment to the beauty of the downtown and his efforts should be applauded by
all. Based on this new vision of the Plaza I conceded and supported the opening.
However this vision and the concepts forwarded to the public during the debate
always included our Town Clock remaining as is. Frankly leaving our Town Clock
as the anchor of the Plaza was the only reason I didn't fight this change. It is the
position of the Clock which establishes the character of the ent/re Plaza. If the Clock
is moved we will be left with nothing but another street, just a bit more colorful. Our
Town Clock is the heart of Main St. and the icon around which downtown
The
EIGH COMPANIES
UNDERWRITING EXCEPTIONAL RISKS
congregates. I must admit that the new plan including our Town Clock at its center
is far more appealing than I ever would have guessed.
I have been a long time promoter of Dubuque's history. The Millennium Print that
Gary Olsen created highlights our Town Clock as its most prominent feature. Why?
Because our Town Clock had become one of the most loved and identified symbols
o£Dubuque. But history isn't the question. Neither is what it costs to move it or
what we do as a community to make the base look nicer. The question is where
should our town clock be?
When Americas R/vcr opens and visitors turn onto an open Main St. they should
have the Town Clock to call them to venture into our downtown. With a redecorated
base (for which I will be happy to lead a fund drive in order avoid the use of tax
dollars), an open view due to the removal of the trees, and a redecorated Plaza
including appropriate lighting, our Town Clock will be a spectacular image to every
person who passes through downtown for years to come. One hundred years fi.om
Monday night people will be grateful that you voted to protect the future history and
left them a Town Clock to be proud of.
V.P. The Hanleigh Companies
www.hanleigh.com
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