Minutes Historic Pres 12 21 00
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, December 21, 2000
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Public Library
PRESENT: Present: Chairperson Terry Mozena, Commissioners Chris Wand, Jim Gibbs
and Audrey Henson.
ABSENT: Ken Kringle, Pam Bradford and Suzanne Guinn.
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH IOWA'S OPEN MEETING LAW: Staff
presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the meeting was being held in compliance
with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:10 p.m.
MINUTES: The minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission meeting of November
16, 2000 were approved as submitted.
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/1335-1349 DELL
STREET: Application of Brian Frank for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install vinyl
siding for property located at 1335-1349 Dell Street in the Jackson Park Historic
Preservation District.
The applicant was not in attendance. Staff Member Carstens summarized the
application for Brian Frank’s property at 1335/1349 Dell Street for installation of vinyl
siding on the entire house. Commissioners discussed the application of vinyl siding to
the structure; they felt it did not meet the Secretary of the Interior’s design guidelines,
and that it was not appropriate in an historic district.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to deny the application for Certificate of
Appropriateness for the property at 1335-1339 Dell Street, based on the guidelines
established by the Secretary of Interior, which indicate that vinyl siding is not
appropriate in an historic district. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye –
Gibbs, Wand, Henson and Mozena; Nay – None.
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/265 MAIN STREET:
Application of Robert McCoy for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct an addition
at the rear of the structure and to redesign the front main level eliminating one
doorway, in the Old Main Historic Preservation District.
Robert McCoy, 265 Main Street, discussed his project, stating that he wants to bring an
existing doorway forward four feet to create an airlock entryway to insulate the interior
of the building from inclement weather. He said that he wants to add a garage at the
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December 21, 2000
Page 2
rear of the structure on the first level with a kitchen and deck above. He stated that
the addition would be built with the same materials, including brick, wrought iron and
brick fascia. He said he wants to place privacy screening on the third level of the rear
addition. He said the screening would be cedar panels stained to match the brick
exterior. He stated that due to his expansion, he would lose one parking space. He
stated that he would enclose the trash container at the rear of the structure with a
brick structure. He said that both stories of the rear addition would be brick. He said
that he would like to attach the addition to the adjacent Stenlund building which would
require covering existing windows on the south wall of the building.
The Commission discussed the redesign of the front double doorway. Mr. McCoy stated
that the posts in the front between the doors would be wooden. Mr. McCoy said that
the airlock entry would serve as the primary entrance for a restaurant that he plans to
develop. He stated that he would, if possible, use the original doors or wooden
replicas.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to approve the front façade redesign as
submitted. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye – Gibbs, Wand, Henson
and Mozena; Nay – None.
Commissioners discussed the proposed addition at the rear of the structure.
Commissioner Henson asked Mr. McCoy if he was going to match the existing iron
railing at the rear of the structure. Mr. McCoy stated that the iron railing on the new
addition would be identical to the existing iron railing. He reiterated that the screening
would be cedar paneling, which would be stained to match the color of the building.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to approve the rear addition with the conditions
that: 1) the garage door be wooden with recessed or ornate paneling; 2) that the
proposed railing be iron and match the existing railing; and 3) that the screening be
stained with a color compatible with the building. Motion was approved by the
following vote: Aye – Gibbs, Wand, Henson and Mozena; Nay – None.
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/199 LORAS
BOULEVARD: Application of Amy Boynton for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
replace an existing sign with a new sign in the Jackson Park Historical Preservation
District.
Amy Boynton of the Mandolin Inn spoke in favor of her request, stating that she wants
to replace an existing sign with a more accurate sign, which states “Mandolin Inn.” She
stated that the sign would be sandblasted redwood with a painted surface.
Commissioners felt that the sign was tastefully done and was appropriate for an historic
district. Commissioners commended Ms. Boynton on the renovation of the Mandolin
Inn.
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December 21, 2000
Page 3
Motion by Wand, seconded by Henson, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as
submitted. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye – Wand, Henson, Gibbs and
Mozena; Nay – None.
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/392 BLUFF STREET:
Application of Cindy Weber, Bill Adams and Jennifer Marx for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to install a new sign in the Cathedral Historical Preservation District.
The applicants were not in attendance. Commissioners discussed the sign location,
noting that it would be on an existing cedar post in the front yard of the property.
Commissioners said the sign should be wooden and not internally illuminated.
Commissioners preferred the sign design submitted as Exhibit 1.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Henson, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness
with the conditions that the sign be a two-sided wooden sign, and not internally
illuminated, as submitted on Exhibit 1. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye
– Gibbs, Wand, Henson, and Mozena; Nay – None.
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APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/340 W. 5 STREET:
Application of C. J. May III for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new sign in
the Cathedral Historical Preservation District.
C. J. May III stated that he wanted to affix a ¾” plywood sign with vinyl lettering to
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the face of his building at 340 W. 5 St. He stated that the sign will be 25” x 28” and
black and gold in color. Commissioners discussed vinyl lettering and asked if Mr. May
had explored cast aluminum or bronze alternatives. He stated that he had discussed
cast aluminum with Advanta Sign Company, but the cost is prohibitive. Commissioners
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discussed the history of the building at 340 W. 5 Street, and asked if there was a
commemorative plaque on this building. Mr. May stated that there is no plaque on this
building. Commissioners asked staff to investigate availability of plaques for historic
recognition of the building.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as
submitted. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye – Gibbs, Wand,
Henson and Mozena; Nay – None.
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/1201 LOCUST
STREET: Application of St. Mark’s Community Center for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to replace a deteriorated sign with a new sign in the Jackson Park
Historical Preservation District.
The applicant was not in attendance. The Commissioners discussed the existing sign
cabinets on the property. Staff Member Carstens stated that the applicant wants the
sign to be internally illuminated. Commissioner Henson stated she did not like the sign
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December 21, 2000
Page 4
design as submitted. She said that a peaked design was preferable. Commissioner
Wand agreed. Commissioners said they preferred design No. 2. Commissioner Wand
recommended that the sign background be a dark color with light lettering.
Chairperson Mozena stated that the Commission has not historically approved internally
illuminated signs. Commissioner Wand stated that the sign as submitted would be stark
white and not blend well with the neighborhood. Commissioner Gibbs stated he is not
in favor of internally illuminated signs in historic districts.
Commissioners asked that staff contact the applicant and ask if the sign will be
internally illuminated. They also asked staff to ask if St. Mark’s can use the existing
sign cabinets and, if so, they suggested that the plastic sign faces have dark
background with light lettering, similar to the Carnegie-Stout Public Library signage.
The Commission requested that the applicant be present to answer their questions.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to table the Certificate of Appropriateness until
the January 18, 2001 meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Gibbs,
Henson, Wand and Mozena; Nay – None.
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/1299 LOCUST:
Application of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to redesign a new gymnasium addition, adding two entries with iron
railing and eliminating decorative brick exterior.
Staff informed the Commission that Brian Meyer, Executive Director of the Boys and
Girls Club had requested the application be tabled until resubmitted.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to table the application for a Certificate of
Appropriateness until resubmitted. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye –
Gibbs, Wand, Henson and Mozena. Nay – None.
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/1004 BLUFF
STREET: Application of Ronnie McDonald for a Certificate of Appropriateness to enlarge
two existing window openings, to cut a new window opening and to convert a doorway
to a window, on the south side ground floor of the structure in the Jackson Park
Historical Preservation District.
Staff informed the Commission that the applicant has asked for the request to be tabled
until the next Commission meeting.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to table the request until the January 18, 2001
meeting. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye – Gibbs, Wand, Henson and
Mozena; Nay – None.
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December 21, 2000
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APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS/342 MAIN STREET:
Application of Steven Althoff/City of Dubuque for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
replace deteriorated wooden stairs with new metal stairs and to match historic railing to
be installed in the area in the Old Main Historical Preservation District.
Staff distributed photos and elevations of the proposed stairway at the rear of the
structure at 342 Main Street. Staff Member Carstens discussed Parking System
Supervisor Cindy Steinhauser’s memo asking for the Commission’s approval to erect a
wrought iron staircase at the rear of this structure. She stated that the wrought iron
would match proposed wrought iron railings that would be built in association with the
adjacent parking ramp. Commissioners discussed the proposed design, the parking
ramp’s location in the area, and the ADA requirements for railings. Commissioners
slightly altered the design of the staircase as per Exhibit 1.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Gibbs, to approve the Certificate of appropriateness with
the condition that the staircase railing be redesigned as per Exhibit 1. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Gibbs, Wand, Henson and Mozena; Nay – None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: Chairperson Mozena discussed a letter of support
provided by the Community Development Advisory Commission regarding funding levels
for the Historic Preservation Homeowner grant program. He stated that the
Commission was, overall, very supportive.
ITEMS FROM STAFF: Staff Member Carstens discussed the January 11, 2001, joint
work session with the Historic Preservation Commission, City Council and County Board
of Supervisors to discuss the disposition of the Buettell Building, 821-841 Central
Avenue. She stated that the City Council has asked that the Chair and Vice Chair and
other interested Commissioners attend. Staff Member Carstens stated that the meeting
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would be held in the Board of Supervisors chambers, 4 Floor of the County Court
House.
Commissioners discussed a letter submitted by Robert O’Brien regarding the Buettell
Building.
Motion by Gibbs, seconded by Wand, to acknowledge receipt of the letter of support for
the Buettell Building from former Police Chief Bob O’Brien. Motion was approved by the
following vote: Aye – Gibbs, Wand, Henson and Mozena; Nay – none.
Commissioners discussed the letter from staff recommending no direct contact between
Vicky Bechen and Tim Woods regarding their Arlington Street property, due to possible
litigation regarding their property at 623-627 Arlington Street. Staff Member Carstens
stated that all communication should be directed to Assistant City Attorney Tim O’Brien.
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December 21, 2000
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Commissioners discussed the letter of Call for Nominations of Excellence in History.
Commissioners stated they could discuss potential nominations at their January
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Guy Hemenway, Assistant Planner Adopted