Shot Tower National Historic LandmarkMEMORANDUM
November 29, 2001
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Listing the Shot Tower as a National Historic Landmark
The Shot Tower is one of seven landmarks designated by the City's Historic
Preservation Ordinance. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Restoration of the Shot Tower is a component of the America's River project. Staff has
learned that the Dubuque Shot Tower is one of six shot towers in the country, and the
only tower that is west of the Mississippi River. As a unique structure of national
significance, the State of Iowa feels the Shot Tower could be listed as a National
Historic Landmark. With this status, the Shot Tower would be highly competitive for
historic preservation grants.
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending that the City use $5,000
of the $25,000 Riverfront Plan Implementation Capital Improvement Program budget
item to fund the preparation of this application.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mi'chael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
November 27, 2001
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Listing the Shot Tower as a National Historic Landmark
The Shot Tower is one of seven landmarks designated by the City's Historic
Preservation Ordinance. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Restoration of the Shot Tower is a component of the America's River project. City staff
have identified a number of state, federal and private funding sources that could be
tapped for this restoration effort.
We have learned that Dubuque's Shot Tower is one of six shot towers in the country,
and the only tower that is west of the Mississippi River. As a unique structure of
national significance, the State of Iowa feels the Shot Tower could be listed as a
National Histodc Landmark.
While many historic districts and individual structures are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, far fewer are listed as National Historic Landmarks. With
this status, we believe the Shot Tower would be highly competitive for historic
preservation grants.
In discussions with the State, we have learned that listing as a National Historic
Landmark is a lengthy process, and the sooner we can begin, the better. Preparation
of a National Historic Landmark application is estimated at $5,000.
We would like to hire a preservation consultant to prepare this application, using the
Riverfront Plan Implementation CIP. This capital improvement project has an FY 02
allocation of $25,000.
I recommend that the City Council authorize the Planning Services Department to
retain a consultant to prepare an application for National Historic Landmark status for
the Shot Tower, using the Riverfront Plan Implementation ClP.
LC/mkr