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MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, January 17, 2008
5:30 p.m.
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
350 W. 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT: Chairperson Christine Olson; Commission Members John Whalen, Mary
Loney-Bichell, Chris Wand, Matthew Lundh; Staff Members Laura
Carstens and David Johnson.
ABSENT: Commission Members Keisha Wainwright, Mike Coty, and Bob McDonell.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: 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 by Chairperson Olson at 5:34 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell, to approve the minutes of the
December 20, 2007 as corrected. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen,
Olson, Bichell, Wand and Lundh; Nay -None.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell, to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2008 as
corrected. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Bichell, Wand and Lundh;
Nay -None; Abstain -Olson.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Greg Prehm/Dubuque Property Management LLC for
a Certificate of Appropriateness and $25,000 in Historic Preservation Revolving Loan
Funds (HPRLF) to replace windows and porches located at 432/434/436 Emmett Street
in the Cathedral Historic District.
Greg Prehm, 8505 Southern Hills Ct., stated they are remodeling these properties to
either rent or sell.
Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained this is an application
for a Certificate of Appropriateness and $25,000 in HPRLF to replace windows and
porches. He reviewed the existing conditions and the proposed work to the windows
and porches. He explained the designs and materials for the proposed windows and
porches A, B, C, D and E. He noted the bids and the HPRLF Committee's
recommendation that the funding for the proposed project be approved provided the
applicant enclose the bottom of the porches with framed screening rather than lattice.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
January 17, 2008
Page 2
He also noted the staff's recommendation that the porch railing design strictly follow the
example porch railing design provided in the Staff report. Staff member Johnson
clarified the important features of railings and gave Mr. Prehm a copy of the Staff report
which included the example rail drawings. He also noted the proposed gable style
porch roofs will vary from the existing hip style porch roofs.
Chairperson Olson asked for more details on the porches. Mr. Prehm was not able to
provide the details at this time. Staff confirmed these porches are not original.
Chairperson Olson noted that the Commission needs to see the details for spindles,
railings, and porch designs, especially when using HPRLF monies.
Commissioner Whalen questioned whether a gable roof will work, or if a hip roof would
work. The Commission stated a hip roof would be more appropriate.
Mr. Prehm stated they were not aware the property was in a historic district when they
purchased it. He noted that they are now aware of this and they want to do a good job
with the appearance.
Commissioner Lundh asked for the plans for the transoms. Mr. Prehm and the
Commission discussed the importance of the transoms and how to keep the doors and
transoms in place.
The Commission and Mr. Prehm discussed the process for proceeding with porch
design and replacement. Mr. Prehm asked for guidance on porch design.
Commissioners discussed a hip roof, removal of the porch siding to be replaced with
the example rail design with square spindles, and a slightly turned base and cap. The
Commission stated the rear porches should follow the same design. Commissioners
stated the columns should be a very simple design with chamfered corners because the
building itself is very simple.
Commissioners discussed with Mr. Prehm the configuration of the windows and storm
windows. Commissioners discussed options for the second floor exit on the rear.
Commissioners suggested a black metal stairway to avoid interference with first floor
porches. Commissioners noted the Building Code has to be followed, but if the second
story porch is not required, it should be removed, and if it is required, a black metal
stairway should be used.
Staff Member Johnson reiterated for Mr. Prehm the need to review the staff report and
porch railing designs and to communicate this information with his contractor.
Commissioners discussed having an apron board on the porches. Commissioners also
noted that the Commission's recommendations are conditions that must be followed.
Commissioners discussed the windows and doors. Commissioners asked for the
transoms and doors to be preserved.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
January 17, 2008
Page 3
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Bichell, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness
as presented with the following conditions:
1. Porches be maintained with hip roof
2. 2" X 2" spindles to replace porch siding
3. Chamfered columns
4. Lattice to be replaced with framed heavy weight metal screening or framed
vertical/horizontal lattice
5. Doors and transoms restored with same design as existing
6. Windows acceptable as presented
7. 8" -10" apron board on porches
8. Remove second floor stairway; and if second story exit required by Building
Department, replace with black metal ladder or stairs to meet Building
Department requirements.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Whalen, Olson, Bichell, Wand and Lundh;
Nay -None.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve $25,000 in HPRLF as
recommended. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Whalen, Olson, Bichell,
Wand and Lundh; Nay -None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of John Whalen for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
demolish the front porch located at 1349 Prairie Street in the W. 11th Street District.
Commissioner Whalen removed himself from the Commission to present his
application. Dr. Whalen described the existing deterioration of the house and porch.
He explained he has not found evidence of the original porch design. He noted the
house has been enlarged.
Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report, noting the house was built circa 1872
and the porch was built circa 1910.
Commissioners asked about the time frame for rehabilitation. Dr. Whalen explained his
plans for the building. He noted the stucco will not be removed due to the poor
condition of the brick.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness to
demolish the front porch with the condition that the design of the new porch be
reviewed and approved by the Commission. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye:
Olson, Bichell, Wand and Lundh; Nay -None; Abstain -Whalen.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
January 17, 2008
Page 4
ACTION ITEM: Nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
Application of Gronen Restoration, Inc., Mike Steele, and Kevin Timmerman for the
nomination of the Interstate Power Company Buildings located at 1000 Main & 131 W.
10th Streets to the National Register of Historic Places.
John Gronen, Gronen Restoration, Inc. was present to answer questions about the
nomination.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the criteria for significance. He noted the nomination
indicates that the property is significant under criterion A. Criterion A is a property that
is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns
of our history.
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the nomination. The Commission
noted buildings have a high level of integrity and have made a significant contribution to
the broad patterns of Dubuque's history. The Commission stated the property warrants
placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to recommend to City Council that the
application be forwarded to the State Nomination Review Committee with the
recommendation that the property be listed on the National Register of Historic Places
based on its significance under criterion A. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye:
Whalen, Olson, Bichell, Wand and Lundh; Nay -None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
Joe Ungs, 1335 Bluff Street-discuss historic preservation initiatives and increased
awareness. Mr. Ungs was not present. Staff Member Johnson noted he met Mr. Ungs
at his property and discussed some historic preservation issues. He recommended
postponing any discussion until such a time that Mr. Ungs can be present. The
Commission agreed.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Building Services Dept. -Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement: Staff
Member Johnson reviewed the Building Services Department status report on historic
preservation enforcement that was distributed at the meeting. With respect to 1921
Madison Street, staff and Commissioners discussed the City's programs and codes
related to demolition by neglect and unsafe conditions.
NAPC 2007 Historic Preservation Ordinances Study Report: Staff Member Carstens
noted the NAPC report is for the Commissions information only.
NAPC Forum 2008: Commissioners Wand, Olson and Bichell indicated they would like
to attend this conference.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
January 17, 2008
Page 5
A Century of Iowa Architecture 1900-1999: Commissions appreciated receiving copies
of this Iowa AIA publication.
City Council Budget Hearing Schedule: Chairperson Olson asked who could attend the
March 4, 2008 budget hearing. Commissioner Wand said he could attend.
Chairperson Olson asked what CIP budget recommendations are, and if the DRA
funding situation will affect the Historic District Public Improvement Program. Staff
Member Carstens said the current budget that was submitted will maintain current
funding levels, and the City Manager has not asked Planning Services Department for
any budget cuts at this time. She noted final budget decisions are made by the City
Council.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner Adopted