Arch. Guides Historic StructurePlanning Services Depar'anent
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 520014864
(563) 5894210 office
(563) 5894221 fax
planning@cityofdubuque.org
May 14, 2002
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall - 50 W.13th Street
Dubuque IA 5200'1
RE: Architectural Guidelines for Historic Structures
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The Historic Preservation Commission, in conjunction with the Historic Design
Guidelines Steering Committee, has reviewed and revised the Architectural Guidelines
for Historic Structures Guidelines in the City's historic districts.
The Historic Preservation Commission recommends that the City Council approve the
Architectural Guidelines for Historic Structures in the City's historic districts.
A simple majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the request.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Mozena, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
FOR HISTORIC STRUCTURES
IN THE
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
May 8, 2002
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to acknowledge the support and assistance of numerous individuals without whose support this report would not
be possible:
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Department, Dubuque
Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Department, Dubuque
Kerry McGrath, Iowa SHPO
Judy McClure, Iowa SHPO
Jack Porter, Iowa SHPO
Terry Mozena, Historic Preservation Commission, Dubuque
Mike Gibson, Archivist, Center for Dubuque History, Loras College
Tacie Campbell, Curator, Dubuque County Historical Society
We would like to extend a special thanks to all of the members of the Guidelines Steering Committee and the Historic
Preservation Commission who generously donated their time and experience to assist in the creation of the Guidelines.
This project has been funded with the assistance of a matching grant-in-aid from the Stale Historical Society of Iowa,
Community Programs Bureau, through the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, under provisions of the National
Historic Preservation Act of 1966; the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Department of the Interior.
This program received Federal Funds from the National Park Service. Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior
strictly prohibit un/awful discrimination in Federally Assisted Programs on the basis of race, co/or, national origin, age or
handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by
a recipient of Federal assistance should write to: Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U.S. Department of the Interior,
National Park Service, 1849 C Street, Washington, D.C. 20240.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8.2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Intent and Purpose ii
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation iii
Why Maintain and Preserve? iv
Vision for Dubuque's Historic Preservation Districts v
Long Range Goals for Dubuque's Historic Preservation Districts__vi
Methodology - Use of the Guidelines
Map of the Historic District
Property Listing
Design Review Process
How to Get Started Checklist
History of Dubuque
History of the Architectural Style and Types
vii
.viii
ix
x
xi
xii
xiii
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
Architectural Styles and Types in Each District
Descriptions of Styles, arranged alphabetically.
A-t
A-2
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
Masonry.
Roofing
Windows
Storms
Shutters
Awnings.
Doors
Storms
Siding
Porches
Architectural Details
Painting.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Overview
Primary Buildings
Additions
Outbuildings.
ADA Compliant Access
Fire Escapes
Satellite Dishes
A-29
A-30
A-34
A-38
A-4t
A-42
A-43
A-44
A-46
A-47
A-49
A-53
A-54
A-56
A-57
A-58
A-59
A-60
A-61
A-62
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of DubUque, Iowa 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS, Continued
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
Cornices
Storefronts
Display Windows and Bulkheads
Windows
Entrances
Awnings.
Lighting
Signage
Architectural Details
NEW CONSTRUCTION
RESOURCES
Glossary of Historic Preservation Terms
Resources Available from the Carnegie-Stout Library.
Selected Reading
Funding Resources
Local Contacts
Chapter 25 Preservation Ordinance
State and National Resources
C-I
C-2
C-3
C-5
C-6
C-7
C-8
C-9
C-It
C-13
C-14
R-2
R-12
R-J4
R-19
R-22
R-24
R-25
May 8, 2002
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8~ 2002
ii
INTENT AND PURPOSE
This document was developed in coordination the the local Historic Preservation Commission and code-regulating bodies to
provide suggestions and recommendations for the kinds of rehabilitation work and new construction that may be approved by the
City of Dubuque in the locally- and nationally-designated historic districts. It is intended as a resource for the use of property
owners, residents, contractors, public officials, and others, to outline the types of rehabilitation and new construction work that
may be approved by the City of Dubuque in the current designated historic districts. The Guidelines manual were designed to
function in conjunction with the Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines, which together are intended to help protect and maintain
the general historic character of the historic districts, and also the exterior integrity of the individual structures within the districts.
It is hoped that they also may be used as a reference for rehabilitation and new construction in areas currently not located within
a designated historic district
Toward this end, the Guidelines manual focuses on the identification, retention, maintenance, and restoration of the various
architectural styles and details that contribute to the overall character of the historic districts. Positive and negative visual
examples provide suggestions for generally recommended and appropriate approaches toward the maintenance, repair and
restoration of a variety of common features. Issues of new construction and renovation are addressed by emphasizing the
importance of relating new construction to existing architectural features and to the general streetscape.
The City of Dubuque Architectural Guidelines are based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings. These federally-defined standards for the treatment of historic architecture provide
a framework for the specific guidelines presented here. The guidelines also were designed in accordance with the City of
Dubuque's Historic Preservation Ordinance, but they are not regulations themselves. They are suggestions and
recommendations for appropriate treatments as defined by the federal Standards and by the existing Preservation Ordinance,
and all new work performed on structures in the Historic Districts should be in compliance with that Ordinance. For this reason,
property owners are advised to consult with the City prior to undertaking any projects in the Historic District.
The Historic Preservation Commission hopes that these guidelines encourage property owners, businesses, institutions,
neighborhood associations and City departments to look for ways to work together and seek out funding sources to preserve,
retain and repair original historic materials whenever economically feasible. When preservation of these historic features is not
economically viable, the Commission hopes that the guidelines encourage people to search for suitable substitute materials that
capture the sense of place that Dubuque's historic districts provide.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
iii
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION
The Standards (36 CFR Part 67) apply to historic buildings of all periods, styles, types, materials, and sizes. They apply to both the exterior
and the interior of historic buildings. The Standards also encompass related landscape features and the building's site and
environment as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction.
The Standards are applied to projects in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility.
A property sba//be used for its historic purpose or be p/aced in a new use that requires minima/change to the defining characteristics
of the building and its site and environment.
2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and
spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.
3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical
development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.
4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and
preserved.
5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be
preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration require replacement of a
distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible,
materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.
7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface
cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved, ff such resources must be disturbed,
mitigation measures shall be undertaken.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The
new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to
protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.
fO. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the
essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
iv
WHY MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS?
The City of Dubuque is fortunate to possess a long, rich historical and cultural heritage as one of the early, prosperous
communities that developed along the Mississippi River valley in the early 19th century. While the historical figures and events
are long gone, they are recorded for posterity in the form of the architecture and landscapes constructed during those times. As
such, they serve as one of the most powerful and enduring tools for the education of future generations. The history of the
city--its people, its industries, and its physical and economic growth--are tangible in the structures and monuments, built
during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in those areas now identified as the historic districts.
In spite of the efforts of urban renewal in the downtown area, an appreciable amount of the historic architectural fabric remains
intact. This enviable level of architectural integrity is a resource that should be explored, celebrated, and promoted by the
citizens and civic institutions of Dubuque as source of local pride, and as a potential source of revenue in the heritage industry.
The economic benefits of preserving historic local resources extend well beyond the lot line of an individual building. The
benefits accruing to a community include: 1) an increase in property values; 2) an enhanced quality of life, sense of
neighborhood and community pride; 3) the stimulation of private investment in and around the districts; 4) the promotion of
compatible land-use patterns; 5) the reversal of patterns of deterioration; 6) the creation of local jobs; 7) the formation of new
businesses; 8) an increases in property and sales taxes; and 9) stimulation of local tourism.
Much of what makes Dubuque an interesting and attractive community is the variety, detail, and quality of its architecture. A
remarkable number of architectural styles and types are represented here, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship, and a quality
of design and materials, that survives in few other places. The building materials, styles and details communicate the skills,
cultures, and pride of all of those who participated in their construction, from the local builders, to the architects, to the property
owners. Some types of changes to these historic properties are not easily reversed--the removal of a historic porch, molding,
trim boards, brackets or chimneys often become a permanent loss of building fabric. The building's historic integrity is
significantly damaged, and little by little the integrity of the entire historic neighborhood is altered.
Like any resource, the unique architectural heritage of Dubuque must be protected and maintained to ensure that it remains in
good condition not only foe the current generation, but for future generations. This requires that the community as a whole
recognize the value of its architecture, and devote the necessary time and resources to its long-term protection and
maintenance. Major changes in materials and forms result in a change of appearance, but they also result in a loss of
information and a loss of history. It is hoped that these guidelines will assist all members of the community in identifying their
architectural resources, and will promote their preservation and restoration for the enjoyment and education of everyone.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
V
VISION FOR DUBUQUE'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
Dubuque's five historic preservation districts encompass over 600 primary and secondary structures of national, state, local and
neighborhood significance. The districts exhibit a range of architectural styles that reflect the historic context of the
development of Iowa's oldest city. They include densely developed, mixed use, urban environments with commercial
storefronts and upper story housing; one-, two-, and multi-family residences; institutional uses; neighborhood parks and public
open spaces.
Within this context, and consistent with the City's historic preservation ordinance, we envision the preservation, restoration and
stewardship of the historical and architectural resources of Dubuque's five historic preservation districts, including:
· Promotion of the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the community through the protection,
enhancement and perpetuation of these districts;
· Safeguarding of the city's historic, aesthetic, architectural, and cultural heritage by preserving these districts;
· Stabilization and improvement of property values in these districts;
· Fostering of civic pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements of the past exemplified by these districts;
· Protection and enhancement of the city's attractions to tourists and visitors and the support and stimulus to business
these districts provide;
· Strengthening of the economy of the city; and
· Promotion of the use of these districts as sites for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the city.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
vi
LONG RANGE GOALS FOR DUBUQUE'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
Long range goals for the planning and development of Dubuque's historic preservation districts are set forth in the
Dubuque 2000 Comprehensive Plan, and are listed below for these districts separately and collectively:
CATHEDRAL, JACKSON PARK, LANGWORTHY AND WEST ELEVENTH STREET HISTORIC DISTRICTS
· Preserve historic and aesthetic character and function of established neighborhoods.
CATHEDRAL~ JACKSON PARK AND OLD MAIN HISTORIC DISTRICTS
· Preserve historic and aesthetic character and function of established neighborhoods.
· Maintain and improve the aesthetic qualities of the City parking system's facilities.
ALL HISTORIC DISTRICTS
· Encourage neighborhood identity, planning and pride of place.
· Encourage clean-up/beautification for the public, private and business sectors.
· Protect and preserve the city's historic buildings, urban pattern and natural environment.
· Protect and preserve existing open space and parkland to meet the community's needs.
· Utilize principles of good design and/or historic preservation in all public projects.
· Compliment the human scale and historic bulk and mass of existing structures when designing new or redeveloped
structures.
· Enhance the aesthetics of new and existing development - design, landscaping, parking, signage - with special sensitivity
to the historic character and building materials found in the community.
· Adapt land use controls to fit the various historic development patterns and neighborhoods that reflect urban, suburban
and rural characteristics.
· Safeguard the cultural and historic resources of the community as critical to the quality of life and the attractiveness of
Dubuque.
· Promote the preservation of historic buildings and architectural resources in the community.
· Educate the community about the benefits of historic preservation to the community's quality of life, economic
development efforts, tourism and tax base enhancement.
· Increase appreciation, education, technical assistance and funding for the community's historical and architectural
heritage.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2o02
vii
METHODOLOGY- Use of the Guidelines
The Guidelines are composed of two components: the Streetscape and Landscapes portion, which addresses the appearance of
street and landscaping elements that provide the overall context for the residences and commercial structures in the districts; and
the ^rchitectural portion, which addresses the treatments of the specific styles, types and features of the buildings in the historic
districts. These two manuals are intended for use together to provide a complete and coordinated set of guidelines for the historic
districts and surrounding areas.
Property owners will receive a copy of both the Architectural Guidelines and a portion of the Streetscape and Landscape
Guidelines that deals with the historic district in which their property is located. Property owners who wish to review the Guidelines
for other districts can request a copy from the Historic Preservation Commission, or they can reference the complete sets held by
the Historic Preservation Commission, City Planning Services, or the Carnegie-Stout Library. The complete Guidelines also will
be posted on the City of Dubuque website in a PDF format for reference, downloading and printing.
The Guidelines are intended to be a flexible document that will respond to the changing needs of the City, the historic districts,
and the property owners. An annual review of the Guidelines will be performed each May by the Historic Preservation
Commission to assess the need for changes and additions. Updates to the Guidelines documents will be posted to the website for
access by the public, and at the locations listed above holding complete sets of the documents.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MAP OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS
There are currently five historic districts in the City
of Dubuque -- Jackson Park, West 11th,
Langworthy, Cathedral, and Old Main. The
Guidelines will address each district separately.
Although the majority of the recommendations will
be similar for each district, this approach was
chosen to:
· clarify and simplify information for users of
the Guidelines,
· allow for the recognition and promotion of
differences between districts where they
exist,
· accommodate the expansion or addition
of districts to the Guidelines in the future by
the insertion of new chapters, and
· simplify the process of reviewing and
updating of the Guidelines when necessary
May 8, 2002
viii
Historic Districts
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
ix
PROPERTY LISTINGS BY DISTRICT
STREET
West 1st
West 2nd
West 3rd
West 4th
West 5th
West 6th
West 7th
West 8th
West 9th
West 10th
West 11th
West 12th
West 13th
West 14th
West 15th
West 16th
West 17th
Alice
Alpine
Arlington
Bluff
Central
Chestnut
Copperhead Lane
Dell
Emmett
RANGE OF ADDRESSES
199 to 235 (odd), 335 to 399
199, 335 to 399
199 to 240, 335 to 499, 1004, 1020, 1027 to 1099
150 to 248 (even), 331 to 499
320 to 444
300 to 399
300 to 398 (even)
36
301 to 399 (odd)
295 to 399
250 to 695
250 to 499, 1240, 1250, 1264 to 1270
50, 100 to 299
100 to 399
35 to 399
44 to 399
50 to 399
1055 to 1077
100 to 499
447 to 649
39 to 699, 701 to 759 (odd), 900 to 999 (odd)
720
507 to 658
All
1335 to 1360
All
STREET
Grove Terrace
Hayden Lane
Heeb
Highland Place
Hill
Iowa
Jefferson
Jones
Langworthy
Lincoln
Locust
RANGE OF ADDRESSES
970 to 1295
All
1 to 51
1105 to 1295
189 to 299 (odd)
1300 to 1699
560 to 687
300 to 399
1040 to 1199
2241
53, 55, 401 to 699 (odd), 901 to 999 (odd)
1001 to 1599
Loras Boulevard 100 to 636
Madison 1700 to 1759
Main 100 to 399, 405, 1290 to 1759
Melrose Terrace All
North Main 1700 to 1759
Olive 970 to 1080
Prairie 1136 to 1349
Raymond Place 400
Rose 705, 715
St. Mary's All
Spruce 945 to 1073
Walnut 1006 to 1293
West Locust 300 to 399
Wilbur 490 to 610
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
X
DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS
The Historic Preservation Commission is required by local ordinance to review and approve much of the exterior work you have
planned for your building. If your project is visible from the street, the sidewalk or the alley, it must be reviewed by the Commission
or staff before you begin.
Items that only require a staff review are changes to a building that result in "no material effect" to the appearance of the building.
In other words, if a property owner is simply replacing or repairing some portion of the building and using the same construction
materials that do not change the visual appearance of the building, staff will sign off on the required building permit without the
need to go before the Commission. Items that require Commission review include those items where there is a change in
materials being used or an alteration of the structure is proposed. Demolition is generally not allowed.
The Historic Preservation Commission meets once a month. To be placed on its agenda, an application form and plans or
sketches of your project must be submitted by the application deadline. An application will be forwarded to you upon request.
A Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued upon approval of your project. A Certificate of Economic Non-Viability may be
issued if a determination is made that the denial of a project would prevent you from realizing a reasonable return on your
investment.
There is no fee for the Commission's review. The time required to conduct the review will vary. Approvals remain valid for one
year.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
xi
HOW TO GET STARTED CHECKLIST
Step 1: Review the design guidelines for your specific Historic Preservation District and research historical
documentation (photos, surveys, etc.) of your property. This may assist in generating ideas or providing direction for the idea
you already have.
Step 2: Contact the Planning Services Department to discuss your ideas with the Historic Preservation Specialist, to
obtain the appropriate forms, and to seek historic preservation funding.
Step 3: Complete the forms and compile the information you will need to submit along with them. It is
recommended that you retain the services of a contractor or design professional, if feasible, to assist you in formulating a
plan of action (i.e. decide what renovations you want to accomplish, determine how much can you afford to do, etc.), generating
graphics to explain your project (floor plans, elevations, details), and completing the required forms. These individuals can help
you compile all of the information required for submission to Planning Services for their review and the possible review of
the Historic Preservation Commission.
Step 4: Return your completed forms and all required information to the Planning Services Department for their
review.
If the Historical Preservation Specialist determines that your project will have "no material affect" on your property or
meets the standards established by the design guidelines, they may be able to sign off on your project and you can
proceed to Step 6.
If Planning Services Staff determines that your project will require a review by the Historic Preservation Commission, you
will placed on the agenda for an upcoming HPC meeting and will receive a notice via mail of the time and place of said
meeting.
Step 5: Attend the appropriate HPC meeting and be prepared to explain your project to the commissioners. At
this meeting, three things may happen. The commission may table action until they receive additional information, award
a certificate of appropriateness or deny your request based on non-conformance with the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards.
If they award the certificate, you may proceed to Step 6. If the commission denies your request, you will need to revise
your project, abandon your project or compile information to establish economic non-viability for completing your project
according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
Step 6: Obtain a building permit and hire a competent contractor to complete the approved work.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
xii
HISTORY OF DUBUOUE
The Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines are intended for use in the five existing historic
districts: Jackson Park, West 11th Street, Langworthy, Cathedral, and Old Main, and the
surrounding areas. These districts are situated primarily in the historic downtown section of
Dubuque reflecting some of the earliest and most architecturally significant growth in the
latter half of the nineteenth century through the early twentieth century. Although primarily
residential in character, a wide range of architectural styles and types are visible across the
historic districts resulting from differences in the dates of construction and primary functions,
as well as differences in the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the property owners and the
wide variance in socio-economic status of the inhabitants. The result is a remarkably intact
architectural catalogue that documents the history of the development of Dubuque, ranging
from standard workers housing to brick apartment flats to high style mansions and public
institutions.
While Dubuque was officially platted in 1833 as part of the rush to exploit Dubuque's lead
mine, the bulk of the buildings in the historic districts, both commercial and residential, date
to the period after 1853 and the resolution of a major land claim dispute. The earliest
surviving dwellings are contained in the Irish-American section of the Cathedral District
originally known as "Dublin", where many business and working class families settled close
to the riverfront industries. The commercial section of Main Street had developed as a
thriving business center as early as the 1840s, but many of the brick buildings seen there
today are post-Civil War replacements of the original structures dating to the 1860s and
1870s.
The settlement of the land claim in 1853 sparked a short-lived burst of building in the
Cathedral District, which was quickly ended with the Panic of 1857. Housing construction
began again in earnest following the Civil War and continued through the 1900s when
manufacturing interests, land speculation, and railroads generated new prosperity and
personal wealth. Many of the large, high style homes that are so prominent in the Cathedral,
during this time, filling in or redeveloping the remaining plots near downtown, and spreading
downtown.
1837 plat of Dubuque
Jackson Park, and West 11th Districts appeared
to newly opened lands to the north and west of
Following shifts in taste and demographics, growth continued to expand further away from the original downtown area through the turn of the
century. The originally isolated high-style homes in the Langworthy area were soon joined by multiple examples of the more modest, typically
American styles of the early twentieth century. Infill and redevelopment throughout the early twentieth century scattered these newer styles
among the older homes as building density increased and larger plots were divided and sold.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
xiii
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND TYPES IN DUBUQUE
Jackson Park
The redevelopment of Jackson Park from the town cemetery into a large public park during the 1870s spurred the spread
housing into this area. Jackson Park historic district is distinctive for the number of large, high-style homes demonstrating a
remarkable level of craftsmanship and unusual local variants on national styles designed by local architects. From the 1860s
through the 1890s prominent citizens and wealthy industrialists either built their showcase homes conspicuously "on the hill"
overlooking the town and River below, or in the desirable "upper teens" between 10th and 17th Streets. Public institutions
serving the nouveau-riches located in this area as well, including a considerable number of religious institutions catering to
multiple denominations. Characteristics of this area included high density residential development centered around large,
prominent homes, institutional buildings and greenspaces; wide brick paved streets with limestone curbs and Iow retaining
walls; secondary structures located at the rear of the property and accessed by alleys; elaborate iron fencing; street trees in
the right of way; and park-like landscaping on the larger lots.
West '11th Street
Like the Jackson Park District north of downtown, the West 11th Street district is most notable for the high-profile upper-
class residences that were prominently situated "on the hill", i.e. on the bluff overlooking the town below. The styles, scale,
materials, and location of these homes served as a clear demonstration of the wealth, position, and power of the individuals
who could command the resources to construct these homes. Moving west away from the bluffs edge the housing assumes
a more modest character, with smaller scales, smaller lots, and a higher density of development. A wide range of
architectural styles and types are represented in the district, including some unusual and eclectic variants of national styles.
Characteristics of this area included Iow density residential development along the bluffs with increased density and smaller
homes to the west; massive limestone retaining walls along the bluff with lower versions to the west; decorative wood and
iron fencing; and the location of secondary structures to the rear of lots or inserted into the topography.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
xiv
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND TYPES IN DUBUQUE
Langworthy
Named for the Langworthy family, the members of which were influential in the settlement and development of both Iowa in
general and Dubuque in particular, this residential district has a rambling, suburban character that is clearly distinct from the
more dense urban setting of the districts near the downtown. Edward Langworthy's Octagon House designed by John Rague
is the showpiece of the district, but this district also is notable for its excellent range of typically "American" residential
amhitectural styles from the 1890s through the 1920s. A wide variety of styles and economic levels are reflected in the mix of
smaller bungalows, American Four-squares, and Tudors, mixed with the larger and more showy Classical and Mission
Revivals, and Queen Annes. Characteristics of the district include relatively Iow development density with large houses on
large lots; wide streets; fewer limestone retaining walls due to the more level topography; and secondary structures set at the
side or rear of the property and accessed by driveways.
Cathedral
The Cathedral District draws its name and its character from St. Raphael's Cathedral. The massive Gothic Revival structure
serves as the centerpiece of the district, and is a clear signifier of the predominantly Irish Catholic immigrant community that
settled this area in the 1850 through the 1880s. The district is composed largely of very densely developed worker-class
housing on and around the south end of Bluff Street and Cable Car Square, giving the area a distinctly urban character. Most
of the earliest wooden structures have been removed, renovated or replaced with more durable dwellings, but the district still
retains its defining features. These include high density development of small structures very closed spaced on small lots, and
minimal setbacks with little or no fencing or retaining wall features (with the exception of the homes on St. Mary's). Larger
high-style homes and institutional buildings constructed during the 1880s and 1890s infill lots in the northern end of the district.
More recently, many of the homes on Bluff have been converted to commercial usage in and around Cable Car Square,
creating a lively mixed use environment.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
XV
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND TYPES IN DUBUQUE
Old Main
Although badly damaged and reduced by urban renewal efforts of the 1970s, the traditional commercial downtown area of
Main Street does retain groupings of several important and architectural significant commercial structures built during the
period immediately following the Civil War. Demolition, new parking, and redevelopment have separated the original "street
wall" of similarly scaled and styled two and three story brick commercial structures that served as the center of commercial
and retail activity for Dubuque from the 1840s through the 1960s. The style, scale and settings of the buildings, combined with
the nature of the activities in this area give the Old Main district a distinctly urban, commercial character that is unique in
Dubuque. Some of its defining features includes two and three story brick buildings complexly filling their narrow deep lots;
prominent glazed storefronts at the first floor level with residential or rental spaces above; minimal setbacks fronting onto wide
sidewalks and a wide central thoroughfare; little or no landscaping or fencing; interesting and unusual signage projecting from
the storefronts; and rear alleys to provide access for deliveries and refuse collection.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-1
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND TYPES IN EACH DISTRICT
Each district contains a list of the styles represented in that district. The styles highlighted in a contrasting color
represent the predominant styles in that district that play a significant role in shaping its character.
Jackson Park
· Art Deco
.Bungalow
,Carpenter Gothic
· Classical Revival
· Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
,Eastlake
,Georgian Revival
· Greek Revival
· Gothic Revival
,Italianate
,Neo-Classical
· Queen Anne
· Richardsonian Romanesque
· Second Empire
,Shingle
,Stick
,Homestead/Gable front
· Brick flats/Row houses
· Worker's Cottages
West 1tth Street
· American Four-Square
· Carpenter Gothic
· Classical Revival
.Craftsman
· Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
,Eastlake
· Georgian Revival
· Greek Revival
,Italianate
.Mediterranean
,Mission
.Neo-Classical
· Queen Anne
· Richardsonian Romanesque
· Second Empire
· Spanish Colonial
,Shingle
.Tudor
· Homestead/Gable front
· Brick flats/Row houses
· Worker's Cottages
Langworthy
· American Four-Square
,Beaux-Arts
,Bungalow
· Classical Revival
,Craftsman
· Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
· Dutch Colonial
,Eastlake
· Georgian Revival
.Italianate
.Mission
,Neo-Classical
.Octagon
· Queen Anne
,Shingle
,Tudor
· Homestead/Gable front
Cathedral
.Bungalow
· Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
,Eastlake
.Federal
· Greek Revival
· Gothic Revival
,Italianate
· Queen Anne
· Renaissance Revival
· Richardsonian Romanesque
,Second Empire
· Homestead/Gable front
· Brick fiats/Row houses
· Worker's Cottages
Old Main
19th and Early 20th century
commercial architecture with
the following stylistic features
,Beaux-Arts
· Classical Revival
,Eastlake
,Neo-Classical
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
EARLY REPUBLIC - Federal
C. 1840- ~860
The Federal style appeared in Dubuque
through the spread of stylistic
information among the river towns
throughout the Midwest. It represents
long-standing tradition of Federal-style
architecture that flourished in the
prosperous towns along the Miss!ssippi
River.
Few examples of this style remain intact
in Dubuque. They are characterized by
their narrow, compact massing, brick
construction, stepped parapets at the
gable ends, multi-light double hung
windows, and a entry with multiple light
sidelights and transom.
Stepped parapet at gable
end
6/6 double-hung wood
window
May 8, 2002
A-2
Simple limestone
heads and sills
Brick masonry
340 WEST 5TH
Recessed entry
with sidelights and
transom
Narrow, rectangular
mass
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MID-19TM CENTURY- Greek Revival
C. 1825- 1860
A wide spread and highly influential
style of the mid-nineteenth century, the
Greek Revival style is often referred to
as the only truly nationa~ style of the
United States. The Greek Revival draws
its name from the direct influence of
Classical Greek architecture, which was
considered to be representative of
American democratic ideals. The
translation of the original Greek
elements into American architecture
can range from a literal copy of ancient
monuments, to simple and schematic
references to the ancient precedents.
Common features include symmetrical
floor plans and symmetrical facades,
frequently decorated with columns or
pilaster capped by a triangular
pediment. The more popular vernacular
form, seen in Dubuque, usually consists
of a tall, narrow, front-gabled structure
with symmetrical window arrangement,
pedimented window heads, and narrow,
fiat trim bands at the corners and fascia
to reference the columns and
pediments of the Greek originals.
Pedimented window
heads
May 8, 2002
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Fascia and corner trim
Tall, narrow 2/2
double hung wood
windows
Local variants of
style are executed
at a small scale
480 EMMET
Main entry with
transom Symmetrical facade
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
OTHER- Workers Cottage
c. '1850-1890
A small number of simple one-and-one
half or two-story vernacular structures
are found in the Cathedral District,
particularly along St. Mary's Street and
the south end of Bluff, which ara termed
"Workers' Cottages". These simple
frame and brick buildings were
constructed by the large numbers of
industrial workers who poured into
Dubuque in the latter half of the
nineteenth century to work at one of the
many manufacturing companies, such
as Cooper Wagon Works, and Car,
Ryder and Engler Co. The houses are
similar to Gable front in that they are
fairly plain rectangular boxes, often side
gabled, with a symmetrical fa(~ade,
double hung wood windows with
multiple lights, and a shallow pitched
roof with narrow eaves. Detailing is
usually minimal, and represents a
simplified version of detailing found on
popular high styles, as well as a variety
of ethnic
Influences.
6/6 double hung wood
windows
Paired chimneys
Low-pitch side gable
roof
May 8, 2002
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Narrow eaves
Symmetrical facade
Wood clapboard
Double entry with tall, narrow door
Mississippi Valley- type and transom
cottage
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-5
OTHER - Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
C. 1850-1890
There are many structures within the
existing historic districts that do not fall
n~atly into a single stylistic category. These
are loosely termed as "Brick Vernacular" or
"Victorian Vernacular", and represent an
interesting local variant that mixes simple
architectural forms with high quality
materials and simple detailing that is freely
borrowed from a variety of high style
sources. This local style is characterized by
simple rectangular brick masses, gabled
roofs, symmetrical facades, large 1/1 or 2/2
double hung windows often with arched
heads, and a sparse use of limestone
detailing to highlight select features such as
window sills and heads.
Rectangular, two-
story structure
Brick masonry
Steeply-pitched
side gable roof
Symmetrical arrangement
of facade
637-641 ARLINGTON
Segmental arched windows with
Double hung wood carved stone details
frame windows
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
A-6
MID-19TM CENTURY- Octagon Mode
c. 1850- f870
An architectural rarity, the Octagon
Mode owes its name to its eight-sided
plan, although examples with six, ten,
twelve, and sixteen sides are
documented. The style was promoted
heavily in the 1850s by Orson Fowler, a
writer from New York, who believed the
octagonal plan to be a more efficient
use of living space than the standard
rectangular plans by eliminating "dark
and useless corners". The style is easily
recognizable by its octagonal form, but
its detailing draws heavily from the
Italianate style, including tall, narrow
window double and triple hung
windows, wide eaves with large
supporting brackets, an elaborate porch
with narrow proportions, and the
insertion of cupola or tower (octagonal,
of course).
Wide eave with
decorative brackets
Tally narrow, multi-
light triple hung
wood window
Octagonal cupola
with balustrade
I095WEST 3RD
Octagonal plan
Two-story front
porch with
octagonalcolumns
Front entry with side
lights and transom
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
0 THER - Front gable
c. '1860- '1900
The Front Gable residences of
Dubuque are a vernacular style of
housing common in the late nineteenth
century that spread across the country
with the expansion of the railroad
system, and developed slightly different
local variations. In form it bears a
resemblance to the basic Greek Revival
cottage, with a tall, narrow footprint, and
a pronounced front gabled facade with
symmetrically arranged door and
window openings. Other features
include 1/1 double hung windows, often
with arched tops, small one story full
width open porches, narrow eaves, and
minimal detailing. Although most
commonly constructed of wood frame,
in Dubuque many examples use local
brick masonry.
Symmetrical window
arranBement
Brick masonry
Double hung windows
with arched heads
ST. MARY'S STREET
Narrow eaves
Narrow, front
gabled facade
Small, open front
porch with turned
posts
May 8, 2002
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ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
OTHER- Brick Flats/Row Houses
c. 1860- ~900
Two and three-story brick workers' flats
are common in the Historic Districts
near the downtown, and they were
constructed to house the families of
those who came to work in many
manufacturing firms in Dubuque. In
form they are essentially a rectangular
brick block with the long side oriented
toward the street. The facades are very
regular and symmetrical, consisting of
two, full-height bays flanking a central
entry, which is often covered by a small
open porch. The detailing draws from
the Italianate style that was popular in
residential architecture during the latter
half of the nineteenth century, including
a large, projecting cornice with
brackets, talt, narrow double hung
windows, carved stone window hoods,
and carved wood posts and brackets at
the porches/entries. Some examples
incorporated decorative brick or stone
detailing in the form of bands, water
tables, or string courses, as well a
decorative glazing
in the doors or
bay windows.
Tall cornice with large Carved window hoods
brackets drawing on Tall, narrow double
Italianate
hung windows
1500 BLOCK OF LOCUST
Central entry with large carved
wood brackets for canopy Brick masonry
(here located at second story)
May 8, 2002
A-8
Symmetrical full-height bays
drawn from Boston and
Charleston precedents
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-9
LA TE VICTORIAN - Italianate
c. 1840- 1890
A popular style in the second half of the
nineteenth century, also known as the
High Victorian Italianate. The style draws
on Romanticized image of the Italian
rural villa as popularized by the pattern
books of American architect Andrew
Jackson Downing, which circulated
during the 1830s and 1840s and beyond.
In Dubuque elements of the Italianate
frequently mix with features of other
styles, notably the Second Empire,
creating a hybrid Italianate that conforms
to the basic characteristics with a few
unusual additions. Typical features
include a tall, box-like mass with a
hipped or Mansard roof, prominent eaves
or cornice with large decorative brackets
windows and doom with extremely tall,
narrow proportions and arched or
rounded heads, decorative window
hoods, elaborate porch detailing with
attenuated proportions, and often a
cupola or tower.
Italianate mixed with
Second Empire
Tall, narrow double Hipped roof cupola
hung wood windows
Wide overhanging
eave with brackets
1192 LOCUST
Tall, narrow,
paneled double
entry doors
Limestone window
hood
Attenuated porch
columns and
detailing
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-10
LATE VICTORIAN - Second Empire -
Mansard
c. 1855- ~885
A very common style, the Second
Empire was a direct derivation of the
style popular in France during the reign
of Napoleon III from 1850-1972, also
known as that country's Second
Empire. The most distinctive feature is
the boxy Mansard roof, which
encompasses the upper story and
provides an additional level of living
space. In most other respects the style
is quite similar to the Italianate, with its
tall, narrow windows and double entry
doors, prominent carved window hoods,
wide eaves with large decorative
brackets, and cupolas, which also use a
Mansard roof, but with a curved or
"ogee" profile that is distinct from the
roof on the main body of the house.
Wide eaves
with paired
brackets
Mansard roof
with dormers
Roof cresting
Porch with
elaborate
attenuated
columns
1375 LOCUST
Tall, narrow
double hung
wood windows
with carved
hood
Cupola with
ogee
mansard
Double entry
doors
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LATE VICTORIAN - Stick
C. 1860-1900
Like the Gothic Revival and the Queen
Anne, the Stick style is a rather free
adaptation of the Medieval English
models inspired by the Picturesque
Gothic movement and the work of
American architect Andrew Jackson
Downing. The style draws its name from
the visible half-timbering or "Sticks" in the
gables, which are intended to reference
Medieval timber frame construction
methods. In the Stick style these
"timbers" are purely decorative, however
and represent one of many applied
features that enliven the surface of the
building. The basic forms and details are
similar to the Queen Anne, with cross-
gabled, steeply pitched roofs, and an
undulating surface with projecting bays
and gables. The primary distinguishing
features are the decorative elements of
the fa0ades, which can include multiple
sizes, shapes and patterns of wood
shingles and clapboards, curved or
diagonal gable braces, carved
vergeboards and other panels or boards
(stickwork) that are applied to or raised
above the wall surface.
Steeply-pitched
cross-gable roof
with multiple
dormers
Bay window and
balcony
Stickwork
Carved
vergeboard
1492 LOCUST
Multiple styles of
wood shingles
Carved wood panels
representing 'Istick"
patterns
May 8, 2002
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Large
angled bay
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LATE VICTORIAN- Stick/Eastlake
C. 1880- 1910
The Eastlake style began as an
aesthetic movement in the late
nineteenth century, inspired by the
writing of English architect Charles
Locke Eastlake. His book Houaehold
Taste in Fumiture, Upholstery and
Other Details was first published in the
United States in 1872. Similar to the
English Arts and Crafts movement,
Eastlake promoted hand craftsmanship
in the Decorative Arts.
The popularity of his book and designs
in the United States prompted the
mass-production of Eastlake Style
furniture and detailing, which was
despised by Eastlake himself. The term
is rather freely used to refer to a variety
of furnishings and architecture, most of
which have only a slight relation to the
custom designs and philosophical intent
of Charles Eastlake's work. The style is
characterized by abstracted geometric,
floral and linear forms that are carved or
incised into a variety of materials. In
architectural forms, these details often
are combined with those of Stick,
Queen Anne, or Dubuque Vernacular
styles.
Carved fascia with
geometric pattern
Brick masonry
Gable detailing more
typical of Gothic Revival
1678 10WA
May 8, 2002
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Low-relief geometric
decoration on limestone
window hoods
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-13
LATE VICTORIAN- OueenAnne
C. 1890-1910
Although named for Queen Anne, the
style has little to do with the Renaissance
style architecture that was popular under
her reign. Popularized by a group of
British architects in the late nineteenth
century, the Queen Anne draws loosely
from Medieval English models, which are
seen on the half-timbered and patterned
masonry variants in the United States.
Much more common, however, are the
wood frame variants that emphasize the
modulation of surface through projecting
towers and overhanging gables, and the
juxtaposition of different finish materials,
particular!y wood shingles and
clapboard, that are laid in patterns.
Although sharing many features with the
Shingle style, Queen Anne's common
features include asymmetrical facades,
bay windows, and full or partial width
open porches.
Free Classic
Overhanging gable
Double
hung
wood
window
Bay window
Recessed opening
with columns
Use of shingles at
upper story
Shingles in radius
pattern
265 ALPINE
Partial width open
Half-round porch with
projecting turret freestanding
columns
Asymmetrical facade
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-t4
LATE VICTORIAN - Shingle
C. 1880- 1910
The Shingle style originated as a high
style among New England architects of
the late nineteenth century, and drew its
inspiration from a variety of sources,
including the Queen Anne, Colonial
Revival, and Richardson Romanesque.
It can take numerous forms and adapt
the features of other styles in its
vernacular guises, making it difficult to
distinguish from its close cousin the
Queen Anne, but it is always identifiable
by its sheathing of wood shingles that
wrap around the structural frame like a
skin. Characteristic features are similar
to the wooden variants of Queen Anne,
with an emphasis on undulating
surfaces, and curving, irregular or
projecting forms, which are starkly
contrasted with plain window trim and
open projecting porches with simple
columns or piers.
Overhanging gable Low, wide
with flared ends gable
Double hung
wood windows
with simple trim
116 ALPINE
Wood shingle
skin
Open porch with large,
simple piers Projecting two-
story bay
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
Maya, 2002
A-15
LATE VICTORIAN-Renaissance-
Renaissance Revival
C. 1880-1920s
A variant of the general revival of
interest in Classical styles at the end of
the nineteenth century, the
Renaissance Revival focuses more
specifically on the replication and
adaptation of Renaissance precedents,
as opposed to the ancient models that
inspired the Classical Revival. It was a
common style for building such as
libraries, banks, courthouses, and other
buildings that sought to convey a
message of strength and security.
Building massing and plans are a key
feature of the style. Buildings are often
composed of large, rectangular masses,
usually three stories in height, with a
strictly symmetrical primary facade. The
facades are divided into horizontal
registers through the use of string
courses, banding, material changes,
and different windows shapes and
surround. Detailing was usually simply
and minimal, with the decorative
features confined to doors surrounds
and window hoods, modillions,
keystones, and elaborate cornices.
Notable features include large round-
arched window, arcades, and high
quality masonry materials with fine
finishing.
Two-story pilaster
colonnade
Tall rusticated base
Round arches
Denticular cornice
205 BLUFF
Prominent carved
surround at central
Symmetrical fa;ade with entry
projecting central block
and setback, flanking wings
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LATE VICTORIAN-Romanesque
Revival- Richardsonian Romanesque
c. 1880-t900
Named for the distinctive work of Boston
architect Henry Hobson Richardson, this
style was most commonly used for large-
scale public or commercial architecture due
to the great expense involved with solid
masonry construction. Dubuque is unusual
in that it retains two domestic examples of
this style, although their detailing is heavily
influenced by the Queen Anne.
The style is best known for its massive
walls of rusticated masonry, usually mixed
with a more smooth-faced stone or fine
brickwork, and cast terra cotta for a contrast
of surface textures. Like the Queen Anne,
modulation of surface and forms is key, and
the facades are asymmetrical, incorporating
large open porches, rounded projections,
multi-story towers, or multi-story bays.
Nearly every example also makes use of
the round arch, springing either from
massive piers, or squat columns.
Romanesque mixed with Queen
Anne Free Classic detailing
Rusticated ashlar
Round arch
masonry springing from Polygonal
construction in column turret
red sandstone
Partial width porch
with carved stone
supports, details,
and arches
Asymmetrical
facade
May8,2002
A-16
Double hung
wood
windows
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
A-17
LATE 19TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS - Gothic Revival/Victorian
Gothic
C. 1860- 1890
Drawing heavily on the Gothic
cathedrals of Europe for inspiration, the
Gothic Revival came to the United
States by way of a nineteenth-century
revival of interest in Gothic amhitecture
in England. One subset of the style
frequently executed the traditional stone
details of Gothic architecture in wood,
which greatly reduced the expense and
labor involved in production. While
some of the traditional Gothic features
are apparent, such as pointed arch
window openings, stained or decorative
glazing, steeply pitch roofs, and
buttressed wails, many new features
were created that are specific to the
Carpenter version, such as the
distinctive scrolled vergeboards or
"gingerbread" that drips from the eaves,
as well as intricately carved and turned
columns, spindles, brackets, and
pendentives that were made possible
by technical innovations in the mass
production of millwork in the late
nineteenth' century.
Window hoods with
crosettes ("ears")
Elaborate
pointed arch
colonnade on
porch
Saw-cut brackets frame
porch opening
Vergeboards and
pendentives on
eaves
1207 GROVE TERRACE
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-18
LATE 19TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS -Gothic Revival
C. 1840- 1890
Drawing heavily on the Gothic cathedrals
of Europe for inspiration, the Gothic
Revival came to the United States by
way of a nineteenth-century revival of
interest in Gothic architecture in England.
Frequently used in rural settings for
domestic architecture, the High Victorian
Gothic was commonly used in an urban
setting for ecclesiastic architecture as a
direct reference to the traditional
Cathedrals of France and England.
Variants of the style reflect different
European sources and American
inventions, such as the crenellated or
castellated type drawn from Medieval
English prototypes, and the polychromed
type incorporating of the multi-colored
masonry materials and patterns of the
Romanesque. Typical features include
massive masonry walls often with
buttresses, pointed arches in window
and door openings, stone or wood
tracery in the windows, and steeply
pitched roofs often incorporating towers
or spires.
Cathedral of St.
Raphael
1857-59
Early Victorian
Gothic Revival
Rose window
Crenellation and
fine ils
Pointed arch
window and ,door
openings
Limestone
masonry
1410 MAIN
St, John's
Episcopal
Church
1875-78
Mid-Victorian
Gothic Revival
Steeply pitch roof
Wall buttress
Turret
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LATE 19TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS - Beaux Arts
C. 1885- I930
An immensely influential style in the
United States at the end of the
nineteenth century inspired by the
Classically-referenced work of the Ecole
des Beaux Arts in Paris, which was
considered the premier architectural
school of the time. The style came to
America through architects who trained
abroad, and was popularized by the
"White City" at the 1893 World's
Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The
style consists of a distinctly eclectic
combination of a variety of Classical
elements drawn from both ancient,
Renaissance, and Revival examples,
and was most commonly used on public
buildings and commercial structures.
Although examples of the style can
include an almost limitless number of
Classical elements in various
combinations, the typical features include
a rigidly symmetrical front facade with a
hierarchical arrangement of elements
divided by Ionic or Corinthian pilasters
or columns, and entablatures decorated
with brackets or swags.
Corinthian pilasters
Vertically
aligned windows
Symmetrical window
pattern with elaborate
window hoods and
framing
325 ALPINE
May812002
A-19
Classically-detailed
cornice, with upper
story ~mansard'
drawing from Second
Empire tradition
Hierarchically
arranged fa;ade
with clear division
into base, middle,
and cap.
Prominent central
entry flanked by
symmetrical
pilasters and
storefront windows
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-20
LATE ~9TH & 20TH CENTURY
REVIVALS - Neo-Classical Revival
C. ~895-1920
Popularized in the late nineteenth and
early twentieth centuries, the
Neoclassical style is part of the larger
revival of interest in Classical styles
inspired by the "White City" of the 1893
World's Columbian Exposition in
Chicago. Similar to the Beaux-Art and
the Classical Revival in its dependence
upon Classical prototypes, the
Neoclassical is more restrained and
less literal in its use of the elements of
the Classical vocabulary, compressing
three-dimensional columns and
entablatures into crisp, two-dimensional
forms that rely heavily upon the impact
of their outline and the play of light and
shadow across the surfaces. The style
can be identified by its rigidly
symmetrical fa(;;ade, flat attached
decoration in the form of panels and
pilasters, and heavily incised geometric
and floral decoration.
Fluted Ionic
pilasters in high
relief
Carved figural
Carved floral
decoration
Parapet with incised geometric
decoration at entablature
299 MAIN
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-21
LATE 19TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS - Classical Revival
c. 1880- 1920
As with the Beaux-Arts style, the
Classical Revival is another variant of
ancient Classical architecture as
interpreted for American uses. The
primary difference is both the source of
inspiration and the degree of authenticity
with which it was interpreted. Classical
Revival styles rely much more heavily on
Roman precedents, particularly Imperial
Baths, temples, and basilicas, which
were ideal for highly visible large-scale
public and commercial buildings such as
libraries, train stations, and banks. These
almost literal translations of Roman
Classicism used the language, scale,
and dignity of the originals to convey the
appropriate sense of stability and dignity
to these relative new American
institutions. Typical features include the
general large scale of the structures,
which are usually constructed of stone
masonry, rigid symmetry in the
organization of primary and secondary
facades, and massive multistory
colonnades on the primary facades or at
primary
entries.
Massive corner
pilaster
Freestanding Doric
colonnade raised on
podium
Large clerestory
window
Basilican (cross-shaped)
plan
Tall entablature
359 NINTH
(COPY OF ROMAN BASILICA)
Building raised on
tall base/podium
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002.
MayS, 2002
A-22
LATE ~9TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS - Colonial Revival-
Georgian Revival
c. 1900-~930
The Colonial Revival and its substyle the
Georgian Revival are a continuation and
adaptation of an earlier style. The
Georgian was an very popular style of
the English colonies, drawing heavily on
the Renaissance-inspired designs of
British architects such as Christopher
Wren and Inigo Jones. In the United
States the style dominated architecture
of the eastern seaboard for nearly the
entire eighteenth century, and was
revived again in the late nineteenth/early
twentieth century as part of the general
interest in colonial styles, often mixed
with detailing of other contemporary
popular styles. Defining features of
Georgian Revival include its simple,
rectangular massing, side gabled or
hipped roof, rigidly symmetrical facade,
vertically and horizontally aligned double-
hung windows with multiple lights, and a
central front entry with a shallow
decorative
surround. ~,; ~'×~ ~ ti
Early Colonial Revival
Multi-light double
hung wood windows
Steeply-pitched
side gable roof
637-490 WILBUR
Smaller flanking
wings set back from
main body of
building Vertically and
horizontally aligned
windows
Central front entry
with multi-light
transom and
shallow surround
Small dormers
Brick masonry,
typical of
Midwestern
versions
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-23
LATE ~9TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS - Colonial Revival- Dutch
Colonial
c. '1880- '1955
The Colonial Revival is a wide spread
and highly influential style of the late-
eighteenth century that has undergone
numerous revivals in the twentieth
century and still remains popular today.
The Colonial Revival began as a
renewed interest in the colonial-era
English and Dutch architecture on the
Atlantic seaboard during the last
decades of the nineteenth century.
Early examples rarely were historically
correct, but the publication of accurate
documentation during the early
twentieth century lead to more accurate
replications of the colonial originals.
The Dutch Colonial was a popular
variant that maintained the basic
symmetry and rectilinearity of English
colonial types, with with the addition of
gambrel roof encompassing the second
story, often with large shed roof
dormers. These roof forms were
influenced by the gambrel forms of the
Shingle style, and the resulting
structures can include elements of both
Shingle and Colonial Revival styles,
including shingled exteriors, paired
double hung windows, and pedimented
podicos at the central entry.
Side gambrel roof
Wood shingles on
walls~ dormers~
and vertical face
of gambrel
Symmetrical
facade
Large shed dormer
1090 MELROSE
Central entry
with sidelights
Paired double hung
windows
Small
pedimented
entry portico
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-24
LATE '!9TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS -Mission/Spanish Colonial
C. 1890-1930
Most popular in California and the
southwest states, the Mission style is
the California equivalent of the Colonial
Revival in the northeast. Drawing
heavily on its Spanish heritage for
inspiration, the style consists of a
eclectic mixing of elements drawn from
historic Spanish missions with
contemporary features of the California-
based Craftsman and Bungalow styles,
as well as the rambling, Iow masses of
the Midwestern Prairie style. Its typical
features are a Iow, wide mass
frequently topped with a Iow-pitched
hipped roof of red clay tile, wide eaves
with exposed rafter tails, smooth
stucco-covered walls of masonry or
adobe, asymmetrical facades with
rambling floor plans, open porches on
the front supported by large square or
tapered columns, and the definitive
Mission dormer or roof parapet on the
front and/or sides. The Spanish
Colonial style peaked in popularity in
the 1930s, and was most common in
California and the Southwest, but soon
passed out of favor. It is identified
primarily by [ts unusual, carved entry
surrounds and
massive
wooden
doors.
Mission
Stucco-covered
walls
Smaller window units on
upper story
Low-pitch hipped
roof with clay tile
Larger casement
windows on first
floor
t105 HIGHLAND
Recessed entry
with arched
openings
Wide eave with
exposed rafter tails
Symmetrical
facade
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LATE 19TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS- Tudor Revival
C. ~890-1940
Like the Stick style, Tudor is loosely
based on Medieval English prototypes,
and in fact bears almost no resemblance
to the English Tudor architecture of the
16th century. In Dubuque, as in most
cases, the Tudor style is a common
suburban style that incorporates vaguely
Gothic or Medieval detailing into
standard architectural forms, usually a
variant of the one-story Colonial Revival.
Its most characteristic feature is the very
steeply pitched cross-gabled roof on a
narrow body that gives it a distinctive
"cottage-like" appearance. Other notable
features include large exposed masonry
chimneys, groups of small multi-paned or
diamond paned casement windows, and
a prominent front entry often with an
arch-top door and decorative surround.
Brick examples usually incorporate
scattered stone detairing, while woad
frame examples sometimes exhibit half-
timbering.
Exposed masonry
chimney
Pairs of small,
multi-light
casement windows
Prominent front
dormer
Steeply-pitched
side gabled roof
1087WEST 3RD
Entry with pointed
arch door and
decorative surround
May 8, 2002
A-25
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-26
LATE ~9TM & 20TM CENTURY
REVIVALS - Bungalow/Craftsman
C. ~900-~930
Like the American Four Square and the
Bungalow, the Craftsman is a distinctly
American style that was developed and
disseminated largely through
catalogues, kit houses, pattern books,
and popular magazines, and its features
were often incorporated into those
styles. The Craftsman originated with
the work of the Greene brothers in
Pasadena, California, who combined
elements of the English Arts and Crafts
movement, with Japanese influences,
and their strong personal interest in the
technical arts to create intricately
detailed wooden homes. As these forms
were adopted and codified for a mass
market, they were increasingly
simplified, and also altered to
incorporate elements and materials of
other popular styles. The defining
features include a Iow, wide mass, a
large Iow-pitched gable roof with wide
eaves supported by brackets, large
open porches (a remnant of the
"sleeping porch") with large square or
tapered square columns, 3/1 or
4/1double hung windows, and
decorative glazing in the window or
door units.
Large, cross-gabled roof
Low, wide massing
3/1 double hung window
155 ALPINE
Small scale
Wide eave with
simple bracket
Projecting open
porch with tapered
square columns
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
OTHER - American Four Square
C. 1900-1920
A widely popular style that is
considered to be one of the few
indigenous styles in the United States,
The American Four Square (also known
as the "Prairie Box") originated in the
Midwestern states, and was developed
and disseminated throughout the
country by "kit" houses offered by
catalogue companies such as Sears,
Roebuck and Co., as well as pattern
books and popular magazines. The
most common form is a simple, Iow
cube with a symmetrical fa~;ade, usually
capped by a hipped roof with wide
overhanging eaves and a prominent
front dormer. This basic box can be
adorned with a variety of materials and
details incorporating one or more
popular styles, but most frequently they
draw from the Craftsman, Mission, or
Italianate styles, including 3/1 or 4/1
double hung windows, Iow wide open
porches across the front with large
square or tapered square columns, and
leaded or decorative glass transoms in
door and window assemblies.
Hipped or
pyramidal roof
Cubical shape
Front dormer
Multi-light windows
MayS, 2002
A-27
Symmetrical fa;ade
organization
1030s MELROSE
Asymmetrical open
front porch
Narrow clapboard
siding
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MODERN MOVEMENT. Art
Moderne/ Art Deco
C. f920-1940
A variation on the International Style
that was developed among the
European avante-garde in the early
twentieth century, and spread to the
United States in the period between
World War I and World War II. Art Deco
was not widely accepted as a
residential style due to its stark,
streamlined appearance, but it was
commonly used a commercial style.
The plain surfaces of the boxy masses
trimmed with multiple vertical recesses,
ziggurat-like setbacks, stripped-down
classical elements, and shiny,
corrugated white metals were
considered to be evocative of the speed
and mechanization of the industrial
boom in the 1910s and 1920s, also
referred to as the "Machine Age". While
most California examples were
executed in stucco as a reference to the
style's Mediterranean origins, the
Dubuque examples adopt a more
sensible and climate-tolerant light brick
exterior.
Boxy form with projecting parapet cap
Corner setbacks
Flat, smooth surface
15TM AND IOWA
Steel framed windows
"Ziggurat" or
stepped parapet
May8,20o2
A-28
Simple recessed Flat suspended
limestone surrounds canopy
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-29
GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Rehabilitation - emphasizes the retention and repair of historic materials, but more latitude is provided for replacement because it is assumed the
properly is more deteriorated prior to work. (Both Preservation and Rehabilitation standards focus attention on the preservation of those materials,
features, finishes, spaces, and spatial relationships that, together, give a properly its historic character.)
The following Guidelines for treatment are based on the Secretary of the Inter[om Standards for Rehabilitation. When selecting an appropriate treatment
for a property, it is necessary to Identifyfeaturas, Protect these features, and Repair damaged features using the least invasive method possible, as
outlined below:
Identify, Retain, and Preserve Historic Materials and Features
Like Preservation, guidance for the treatment Rehabilitation begins with recommendations to identify the form and detailing of those architectural
materials and features that are important in defining the building's historic character and which must be retained in order to preserve that
character. Therefore, guidance on identifying, retaining, and preserving character-defining features is always given first. The character of a historic
building may be defined by the form and detailing of exterior materials, such as masonry, wood, and metal exterior features, such as roofs, pomhes, and
windows; interior materials, such as plaster and paint; and interior features, such as moldings and stairways, room configuration and spatial relationships,
as well as structural and mechanical systems.
Protect and Maintain Historic Materials and Features
After identifying those materials and features that are important and must be retained in the process of Rehabilitation work, then protecting and
maintaining them are addressed. Protection generally involves the least degree of intervention and is preparatory to other work. For example,
protection includes the maintenance of historic mater[a[ through treatments such as rust removal, caulking, limited paint removal, and re-application of
protective coatings; the cyclical cleaning of roof gutter systems; or installation of fencing,alarm systems and other temporary protective measures.
Although a historic building wil usually require more extensive work, an overall evaluation of its physical condition should always begin
at this level.
Repair Historic Materials and Features
When the physical condition of character-defining materials and features warrants additional work repairing is recommended. Rehabilitation guidance for
the repair of historic materials such as masonry, wood, and architectural metals again begins with the least degree of intervention possible
such as patching, piecing-in, splicing, consolidating, or otherwise reinforcing or upgrading them according to recognized preservation
methods. Repairing also includes the limited replacement in kind--or with compatible substitute material--of extensively deteriorated or
missing parts of features when there are surviving prototypes (for example, brackets, dentils, steps, plaster, or portions of slate or tile
roofing). Although using the same kind of material is always the preferred option, substitute material is acceptable if the form and design as
well as the substitute material itself convey the visual appearance of the remaining parts of the feature and finish.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-30
MASONRY- FOUNDATIONS
Most structures in Dubuque have
foundations of concrete, brick, or local
Dubuque limestone. High style examples
occasionally use more exotic stones. Repair
and restoration of these materials should be
suited to the nature of the material.
· Foundations should not be altered in form.
This may result in structural destabilization.
· Clean, repair and/or repoint materials
according the Secretary's Standards to
ensure stability of materials, and integrity of
moisture barrier.
· Do not conceal materials with concrete
block, plywood, corrugated metal or other
substitute materials. This affects the
appearance, and may also result in
deterioration and moisture problems.
· Avoid alterations in design, unless the
original design has fa#ed due to inherent
flaws. New work should attempt to match
the original in appearance and materials.
Substitute materials are acceptable in
certain circumstances, but should match the
original in size, color, and texture.
· Confine alterations or removal of materials
to the rear or non-visible areas.
· Brick may be painted ff brick or mortar was
previously mismatched or damaged.
The local limestone (above) is a common material for
houses of all styles and budgets. It should be exposed
and should not be painted. Brick is also a common
material on vernacular buildings (below). Care should be
taken to keep joints properly pointed, and to keep the the
materials away from moisture and de-icing salts.
The foundation on this building
(right) was covered by a synthetic
"stone" skin that is inappropriate
for the structure. Applications of
synthetic skins over original
materials are not recommended.
Red sandstone (above) is easily
damaged by moisture and salts, and
wi// "melt" if not protected. The dense
purple stone on the Richards House
(be/ow) is a rarity in Dubuque. Note
that sills and window openings have
been properly retained.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-31
MASONRY- WALL MATERIALS
A number of Dubuque's commemial and
residential buildings are constructed from
load-bearing masonry, either brick or
limestone. The materials often were
produced by local brick yards and quarries.
The bricks frequently are set with narrow
joints, which should be maintained as part of
any repointing or repair. Most buildings
constructed prior to the 1920s used a soft
lime-based mortar that is compatible in
hardness with the brick.
,Original materials should be maintained
and repaired with matching materials
whenever possible. If original materials
cannot be used, new materials should
match the original in size, color and texture.
· Mortar joints should be solid and
maintained in good repair to keep water
from entering the masonry. All repairs
should be performed carefully to prevent
overcutting of joint and damage to the
masonry.
· IRepointing of masonry joints should match
the original mortar in color, texture, joint
profile, and hardness of the materials. Using
materials that are too hard (Portland
cement-based mortars) will damage the
surrounding masonry.
· Only clean masonry if it is stained, or has
been been marred by a coating or graffiti. If
only minor soiling is apparent, cleaning is
not necessary, and will risk introducing
water and chemicals into the masonry
system.
Typical examples of brick, red sandstone, and limestone masonry
used in commercial and residential structures in Dubuque. Masonry is
used in both load-bearing and reinforced (steel frame) systems. Note
the variety of sizes and textures in the different types of masonry.
Examples of brick masonry in residential applications, frequently
combined with stone detailing. Joints are typically small, and the quality
of the workmanship is quite high, as seen in the rounded turret at left.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MASONRY- WALL MATERIALS
· If masonry must be cleaned due to
excessive soiling or staining, use the
mildest method possible, preferably a Iow
pressure water system and a mild
detergent. Minimize the amount of water
and chemicals introduced into the masonry.
· ff paint or other coating must be removed
from masonry, it is acceptable to use
chemical methods. These methods can
damage the masonry, surrounding
materials, and landscaping materials ff not
used with care by qualified professionals.
· Do not coat masonry with paint or a
silicone-based sealant, as this will only seal
moisture into the walls.
,Masonry should not be covered in stucco
or any other coating. Coatings applied to
deteriorated masonry generally fail, and
only serve to hasten the deterioration.
· Sandblasting or other abrasive cleaning
methods should not be used to clean
masonry or remove coatings under any
circumstances. If Iow pressure water
systems are used for cleaning, the pressure
should not exceed 300 pounds of pressure
to prevent damage to the masonry and
mortar.
Synthetic stone applied over
the brick masonry of
matching commercial
structures (at left). The
treatment is nearly
impossible to remove with
damaging the brick surface
underneath. Resurfacing
masonry with these synthetic
treatments is strongly
discouraged.
Painted brick masonry is shown
at /eft. Painting of masonry
tends to trap moisture in the
wa//system, and could lead to
the deterioration of the stone
and brick. It is not
recommended.
Sandblasting brick to remove
soiling or coating severely
damages the surface of the
masonry by removing the hard,
water repellant surface, or
"fireskin" (seen at bottom left).
Once this surface is removed,
the brick is pitted and porous,
and will rapidly deteriorate upon
exposure to moisture. Masonry
should not be cleaned by
abrasive methods under any
circumstances.
MayS, 2002
A-32
Historic mortar joint profiles
Inappropriate repointing of
masonry (be/ow) adversely affect~
the appearance of the wall b~'
covering much of the brick.
Repointing should match the original
joint width and profile, as well aa the
original strength, co/or and texture of
the mortar.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-33
MASONRY- CHIMNEYS
Exterior brick chimneys are a common
feature in Dubuque, and often exhibit
decorative brickwork. Some rare examples
incorporate unusual materials, patterns, and
forms that give them sculptural quality. Even
the more simple forms seem on vernacular
structures are an important characteristic of
the overall design. Chimney should be
maintained with same attention to the
masonry and mortar as described for
masonry walls.
· Chimneys should not be altered or
removed unless they pose a serious threat
to public safety, or the to stability of the
structure. Ever effort should be made to
retain and repair the existing chimney
whenever possible.
,Chimneys flues should be inspected and
cleaned by qualified professionals. A metal
flue liner is recommended inside masonry
chimneys to prevent deterioration from gas
venting.
· Clean and repoint the chimney masonry
following the same guidelines outlined for
wall masonry.
· Chimneys should be capped by stone, terra
cotta, or slate caps. Metal is an acceptable
substitute when matching the original in
color and size.
,When rebuilding is necessary, materials
matching the original should be used.
Substitute materials are acceptable that
match the original in size, color, pattern, and
texture.
Various examples of
chimneys seen on
residential buildings in
the historic districts.
Many of the high style
homes incorporate
elaborate patterns into
the chimney masonry
that contribute to the
character of the
building.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ROOFING - MA TERIALS
The materials selected for the roofing can
have a dramatic impact upon the
appearance of the building. Slate was a very
popular material on the larger, high style
homes, and original materials should be
retained and repaired whenever possible.
These materials can be prohibitively
expensive however, and substitute
materials may be acceptable if installed
properly.
· An effort should be made to retain or
replicate roofing details in original materials,
or substitute materials that match the
original in shape and color.
· If restoring a slate or tile roof that has been
removed, the roofing support system should
be check to determine ff it is still capable of
carrying the weight of these materials.
· If the original materials are no longer
present, are severely deteriorated, or are
prohibitively expensive, substitute materials
such as fiberglass, metal, or architectural
asphalt shingles are acceptable. New
materials should attempt to match the
original in color, size and shape.
· Alternate materials are acceptable for flat
roofs, and other areas not visible from the
public way.
· New asphalt or fiberglass materials should
be appropriate in color, such as black, grey,
dark brown. Dark red, blue-grey, and dark
green are also appropriate if replacing slate
or tile.
May 8, 2002
A-34
While it is recommended that property owners
maintain or repair slate and tile roofs whenever
possible (seen in examples above left), many
property owners have replaced original roofing
systems with asphalt shingles (seen in
examples above righO.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ROOFING - FORMS
Roof forms are one of the defining features
of architectural styles, and they should be
retained in their original form whenever
possible.
· Roofing should retain its original shape,
pitch and detailing (such as cresting,
cupolas, etc.) whenever possible.
· Historic gable attic vents should be
retained, as these contribute to the
character of the fagade.
· If additions are required, an attempt should
be made to match the style, forms, and
materials of the original
· If this is not possible, additions should be
concealed at the rear or side to minimize
their impact when the residence is viewed
from the street.
,New dormers, roof decks, and balconies
should not be added to the front of the
building. These are acceptable at the rear or
sides of the property where not visible from
the public way.
Some typical and unusual examples of intact roof forms are
shown at right.
The original roof of the house shown above has been
removed and replaced with a new roof that is
inappropriate in its form and materials. New roofing
should match the original in its scale and form, and
materials whenever feasible.
The addition of a full width shed dormer on the front
of this side gabled house (above) has dramatically
altered its appearance. Major roof additions on the
front of the building are not recommended.
May 8, 2002
A-35
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ROOFING - GUTTERS AND
DOWNSPOUTS
To ensure the longevity of the roofing and
cladding materials, it is important that the
drainage system operate properly. Gutters
and downspouts must be placed to direct
water off the roof and away from the
building foundation. While gutters may not
have been an original feature of the
structure, they should be sensitively added
to prolong the life of the building and its
materials.
· Original exterior or built-in drainage
systeme should be retained and repaired
whenever possible
,Existing eaves and details should not be
removed or damaged as part of gutter and
downspout installation.
,Downspouts should direct water as far
away from the foundations as possible.
· Drainage systems should be cleaned and
maintained on a regular basis to prevent
damage to roofing and wall systems.
· If new gutters are required, half-round and
case style gutters in metal are the most
durable and historically accurate options.
· New downspouts and gutters should be
sized to the square footage of the roof
surface to ensure that they can
accommodate the amount of water runoff.
,Attachment straps should be nailed under
roofing materials, not exposed on top.
· Vinyl and aluminum gutters do not have the
strength or longevity of metal, and should be
avoided if possible.
Two examples of
properly installed
gutters and downspouts
are shown here (above
and left). The gutters
follow the line of the
eaves, and downspouts
are placed at comers to
minimize their impact
on the facade.
Downspouts extend 4-
6 feet away from the
base of the wall to
direct water away from
the foundation.
May8,2002
A-36
New copper gutters and downspouts
with decorative scuppers were
restored on this building (above).
This is an historically accurate and
recommended treatmenL However,
such materials may not be
economically feasible for many
property owners. An alternate of
properly colored aluminum and vinyl
gutters and downspouts may be
discussed with the HPC on a case by
case basis..
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-37
ROOFING- CUPOLAS,
WIDOWS WALKS, AND
CRESTING
Cupolas, belvederes, towers, and rofing
details such as weathervanes, cresting, and
finials can have a significant impact on the
overall appearance of a structure, and serve
as character defining features of certain
styles, particularly the Italianate and Second
Empire.
· Cupolas and belvederes often incorporate
distinctive window shapes and architectural
details. Ever effort should be made to retain
and repair these features.
· If features are badly damaged or missing,
they should be restored to their original
appearance based upon historical or
photographic evidence.
· Restoration of missing materials should be
done with materials that are similar to or
sensitive to the original in their size, shape,
texture, and color.
Some typical and unusual examples
of cupolas, belvederes, and towers
(above) with their windows,
brackets, and balustrades intact.
The use of unusual roof forms and features can transform the
style and appearance ora building. The structure (below) has
lost the "onion dome" roofing on the towers, similar to that
which decorated the Lady of Lourdes (above).
Metal finials, ridge cresting, and cast iron cresting (above) are
character defining features that are common in Dubuque.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-38
WINDOWS - FORMS AND
MA TERIA L S
The importance of window forms to the
appearance of a facade cannot be
overstated. A variety of windows sizes,
shapes and details are visible in the building
of Dubuque, and they frequently are
characteristic of particular architectural
styles and types. Historically the windows
seen in the historic districts are constructed
of wood frames and sashes containing
divided lights. These will require periodic
maintenance and repair to keep them in
good working order, and it is strongly
recommended that original windows be
retained and repaired if at all possible.
,In a majority of cases, it is possible to
repair exieting windowe. Property owners
are strongly encouraged to repair original
windows, rather than rep/acing them with
new window&
*Original windows with etee/ or aluminum
frames should be repaired if possible, or
rep/aced with new units that match the
original as closely as possible in size, sty/e,
and materials.
,Carved stone or decorative brick hoods,
lintels, and si//e are a prominent feature in
many bui/dinge. These should be retained
and repaired whenever poeeib/e.
*If the windows cannot be repaired,
rep/acementa must match the original in
size. The window opening should not be
widened, N/ed, or altered in any way to
accommodate an improperly sized unit.
Original windows (above) that have been weft
maintained and retain their original size, shape,
and materials, These windows should be
preserved whenever possible.
Keystone
Hood/lintel
Top rail
Upper sash
Pane/
light
Parting
rail
Muntin
Bottom
rail
Side rail
Parts of a window
A few examples of inappropriate replacement units
(above). New windows should fill the existing opening,
and should match the original unit is size, shape, sash
profile, number of lights, and, if possible, materials.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
A-39
WINDOWS - FORMS AND
MATERIALS
,It is strongly recommended that any
replacement unit match the original in its
shape, for example a arched top should be
replaced with an arched top, not a flat
topped unit with an infill panel placed above
· New windows should match the original in
their size, style, materials, and number of
lights (panes).
,True divided lights are preferable to snap-
on or false muntins applied to the surface of
the g/ass.
· Vinyl and aluminum windows may be
acceptable for replacement of the original
windows, but they should be used as a last
resort after discussion with the HPC. An
attempt should be made to match the
original window in size, style, sash profile,
and number of lights (panes).
,New window openings should not be added
into a primary facade, or any facade that is
readily visible from the street.
1/1 sash 2/2 sash
1/1 sash with Palladian
diamond
muntins
4/4 sash 6/6 sash
Common window types in Dubuque
Circular
Diamond pane casement
Decorative variants
Multi-light
Casement
Multi-light
transom
Head and sill details
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
WINDOWS - DECORATIVE
GLASS
Many buildings in Dubuque, both public and
private, make use of decorative glass. This
includes leaded, beveled, etched, and
stained glass, These are a distinctive and
significant characteristic of the local
amhitecture, many of which were
specifically designed for their current
locations.
· Decorative glass should be preserved in its
original location, maintaining its dimensions,
pattern, and original materials whenever
possible.
,All decorative glass should be repaired
rather than replaced. If repair is not feasible,
the glass should be stabilized and protected
until it can be repaired by a specialist.
· Clear storms windows or panels can be
installed over the decorative glass for
protection and energy conservation.
· Nan-original decorative glass pieces should
not be installed into primary facades, or
facades that are visible from the public way.
Stained Glass
May 8, 2002
A-40
Etched Glass
Representative samples of decorative g/ass panels in
public and private buildings in Dubuque.
Leaded Glass
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
A-41
WINDOWS - STORMS,
SCREENS, SECURITY
Screen and storm units for windows are
appropriate for the buildings in Dubuque,
with some residences retaining early
examples intact. As with windows, new
storms and screens should fit the existing
window opening in their size and shape.
Security units generally are not appropriate
for the primary facade of a building, unless
they are historic units or replications of
historic units.
.Preserve and repair existing original storms
and screens whenever possible.
· New screens and storms should fit the
shape of the original window opening
without infill pieces at the top or bottom.
· Storms should allow for the full view of the
window, with the central rails and muntins
placed to match those of the window behind
.Storms can be constructed in wood or
aluminum, and should fit within the window
frame.
· Storm units with built-in lower screens are
acceptable.
· Half unit screens that cover only the lower
sash opening are acceptable.
olntemal storms are an alternative that will
minimize the visual impact of the unit from
the public way,
.Security bars are acceptable on windows
that are not visible from the street.
Recommended window storm and screen forms shown above. The units fit within the window
frames and conform to the shape of the window unit.
Original window and opening
Original window opening
with original screen unit --
Appropriate treatment
The building at left
demonstrates the impact
of inappropriately sized
storm and screen units on
the appearance of a
facade. Compare the
original screens with the
proper shape and muntin
configuration (upper right),
to the rectangular units
that require infill (lower
/eft). The latter is strongly
discouraged.
Original window opening with inappropriate storm/screen unit = Not recommended
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-42
WINDOWS- SHUTTERS
In homes prior to 1945--and prior the
introduction of residential air conditioning
systems--operable Iouvered shutters
frequently were installed on windows to
provide shading and cooling during the
summer months, and protection during the
storms. The surviving original shutters tend
to be primarily ornamental now, and in
many cases they have been removed.
.Original shutters should be retained and
preserved in proper working order whenever
possible.
.Shutters should be operable, and should
match the shape and size of the window
frame so that the opening is completely
covered when the shutters are closed,
· Where shutters have been removed, or
have deteriorated beyond the point of repair,
they can be recreated using the style,
shape, detailing, and materials of the
original.
· New shutters should not be added to a
building unless there is physical or
photographic documentation of their
existence.
· Non-operable aluminum or vinyl units
attached directly to the siding are not
historically accurate, and are not
recommended.
A few examples of properly
maintained, original Iouvered
shutters. Note that the units are
hinged at the window frames,
and can be closed over the
window (above). The example at
left shows shutters that have
been shaped to fit the size and
shape of the window opening.
Operable shutters must be attached with hinges next to the window side rail (above), A common
mistake in shutter installation is placing shutters
The shutters at left are too long and too
narrow for their window unit. ff closed,
they will not cover the window unit. The
example at right shows a decorative use
of a shutter. Even though the shutter is
the proper length, only one leaf attached
at the edge of the window frame.
Shutters should be installed in operable
pairs, and should cover the window unit
completely when closed.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-43
WIND 0 WS - AWNINGS
Awnings were applied to windows and
doors prior to the 1940s as a means of
providing shade and cooling for interiors.
They are not a common feature of
Dubuque architecture due to the use of
front porches and shutters, which were
more common. Awning typically are seen
on commercial storefronts in the historic
districts, and are not considered
appropriate for residential architecture.
· Awnings should not be installed unless
there is historical, photographic, or
physical evidence of their existence
· Awnings should be constructed of canvas
or a similar woven material.
· Awnngns should be sized to fit the size
and shape of the opening.
· Awning color should compliment the
colors of the building
· Aluminum or metal awnings are not
historically appropriate and are not
recommended. They should be removed if
previously installed.
.Awnings should not be installed where
they will interfere with or cover details such
as carved window hoods moldings or trim.
Installation should not damage
surrounding materials
Awnings shown above are constructed of
appropriate materials, and are correctly
installed, Awnings should fit within the
current opening, and should not obscure
details.
The massive projecting metal awnings on this building
have radically distorted its appearance, and have
obscured the half-round windows of the facade, which
are a distinctive feature of the building. This is not a
recommended treatment.
The photo on the left shows this residence before the awnings (and synthetic siding) were removed.
The photo on the right reveals a Palladian window and diamond pattern muntins that were hidden
behind the inappropriate awnings.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
A-44
DOORS - FORMS AND
MATERIALS
Doors and surrounds on the front facades of
buildings are prominent and defining visual
features, and usually reflect some aspect of
the building's style. Many of the homes in
Dubuque display and unusually high level of
variety and craftsmanship in the doors,
hardware, sidelights and transoms of the
homes and commercial structures. These
features should be retained in their original
forms whenever possible.
· Doors and their associated features such
as special glazing and hardware, sidelights,
frames, and transoms should be retained
and preserved ff at all possible.
,Most residential doors in Dubuque are of
wood stile-and-rail construction, often with
specialty woods, decorative glazing and/or
decorative hardware. A specialist should be
consulted for their repair or replication.
· If the original features are missing or are
beyond repair, new features should be
constructed to replicate the original in size,
shape, style, details and materials.
,If replication is not feasible, the original
materials should, at a minimum, be
stabilized, documented, and stored until the
originals can be repaired or replicated.
Original materials should not be discarded ff
at all possible.
· Doors with new designs differing from the
original should not be installed on the
primary facade, or facades visible from the
street.
The variety of acceptable door
treatments in Dubuque is far too --
diverse to display here. This
represents a only a small sampling
of the different types of original
doors, surrounds, glazing and
hardware that are present in the
historic districts, ranging from
simple paneled doors, to
elaborately carved units with
leaded, etched, or stained glass
lights and transoms. Every effort
should be made to retain and
preserve original doors where they
exist.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-45
DOORS - FORMS AND
MATERIALS
· Commercially available steel, hollow core,
or laminate doors are not acceptable
substitutes. These doors should be used
only at rear or side entries not visible from
the streeL
· The original size of the opening should not
be altered in any way on the primary fagade
.New doers should not be installed in new
openings created on the primary fagade, or
on any facade visible from the street.
Typical door types - paneled and glazed
Three examples inappropriate doer treatments (above). At left, the original door was removed and replaced
with a contemporary unit and infill. At center the original door is boarded and the surround filled. At right the
original door has been replaced with a contemporary hollow core unit that does not match the building style.
Two examples of
inappropriate door
replacement, which
filled portions of the
original openings to
accommodate smaller
doors (at left and right).
New doors should
conform to the existing
opening in size and__
shape, and should __
attempt to match
original styles, details,
and materials, when
possible.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
DOORS - SCREENS, STORMS
As with windows, screen and storm units for
doors are appropriate for the buildings in
Dubuque, with some residences retaining
early examples intact. New storms and
screens should fit the existing door opening
in their size and shape. Security units
generally are not appropriate for the primary
facade of a building, unless they are historic
units or replications of historic units.
.Original storm and screen doors should be
preserved whenever possible.
off the original units have been removed, or
are beyond repair, replacement units should
match the original in size, style, detailing,
and materials, ff possible.
· Screens and storms should fit the shape of
the original door opening without infill pieces
at the top or bottom.
· Storms should allow for a view of the door,
with any rails, styles, or panels placed to
match those of the door behind.
.New doors can be constructed in wood or
aluminum, and should fit within the original
door frame.
· Security doors are acceptable on doors
that are not visible from the streeL
· On the primary fagade, security doors
should be non-intrusive, and should attempt
to match the style of the doors and the
architecture in general.
HISTORIC STORM/SCREEN DOORS
YES YES YES
Some high style dwellings retain a set of vestibule doors on the
exterior (left). These should be retained. Historic paneled
screen/storm doors often survive on vernacular buildings, and
these should be preserved whenever possible.
Security doors should be a non-intrusive as possible, and
attempt to match the style of the doors. At left, a simple
wrought iron grille is in keeping with the overall Tudor style.
SECURITY DOORS
YES NO
May 8, 2002
A-46
NEW STORM/SCREEN DOORS
YES NO
New screen/storm doors should fit the
door opening, and allow as much of the
original door to show through as
possible. Many aluminum storm and
screen doors instal/ed at mid-century
are not appropriate in style or materials,
and are not recommended/
NO NO
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
SIDING MA TERIALS
While masonry was a popular construction
material in Dubuque, many of the
residences are frame construction with
some form of wood cladding. The is
particularly true of workers housing, and
also of the high style Victorian variants of
the late 19th century that rely on the
undulation of surfaces and textures for
visual impact, such as the Queen Anne,
Stick and Shingle styles. Often wood siding
was combined with masonry materials, or
less frequently with stucco, for further
variation of texture and color.
As these materials deteriorated over time,
and as tastes changed, wood siding
materials often were hidden beneath newer
materials such as asbestos and asphalt
shingles, masonite, and aluminum and vinyl
siding. These alterations not only had a
negative impact on the appearance of the
structure, but also had a detrimental effect
on the wood materials below, which were
damaged by the installation process, and
further deteriorated by the damp
environment created by the new siding
materials.
City funding programs are in place to assist
property owners with the restoration of
siding.
· Original siding materials should be retained
and repaired whenever possible, particularly
those that utilize multiple sty/es and shapes
of cladding materials.
May 8, 2002
A-47
Multiple shapes and types of wood
cladding are characteristic of Stick
(top left), Carpenter Gothic (bottom
left) and Queen Anne (right) styles.
The detail, texture, and pattern
imparted by the varying materials is
integral to the overall design. Every
effort should be made to retain and
repair these original cladding
materials, whenever feasible.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-48
SIDING MA TERIALS
,Original wood siding should be repaired
with new matching the original in size,
design, placement and materials.
,Synthetic siding materials should be
removed to expose the original materials,
whenever possible. The condition of the
original materials should be evaluated by a
member ff the HPC or Planning Department.
Any decorative features removed by the
installation of synthetic siding should be
repaired, if possible.
· Siding materials can contain hazardous
materials, such as asbestos and lead paint.
It is recommended that the property owner
consult a professional before any removal
project.
· New siding should not cover or obscure
any decorative details.
Synthetic siding can dramatically alter the appearance of a building. Vinyl siding (upper left) covers the
original clapboard, changing the depth of the siding in relation to the window and door frames. An
asphalt "brick" pattern (upper right) hides the original wood clapboard, and completely changes the
reading of the facade. Two types of synthetic siding were applied to this Queen Anne (bottom right). The
large size and flat profile of the siding is in direct contrast to the delicacy and texture of the original wood
shingles still exposed on the dormer. Synthetic siding has hidden all of the original finishes on the Queen
Anne variant at bottom right. The variety of surface color and texture typical of the style have been
replaced by a uniform, monochromatic skin that awkwardly wraps around the cylinder of the tower.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-49
PORCHES
The location, size, scale, materials, and
design of front porches make them one of
the defining elements of historic buildings in
Dubuque, In many instances, the porches
contain as much, or more detail of design
and materials as the rest of the facade in
the form of turned posts, spindlework,
elaborate brackets, and half walls and
supports of brick or stone. Frequently these
are combined with staircases or steps of
wood, carved stone, or brick creating a
highly decorative, colorful, and prominent
focal point on the primary fa§ade. These
elements should be retained, researched,
and repaired whenever possible.
,The quality and variety of the porch styles
detailing is a distinctive characteristic of the
districts. Pomhes and their features should
be retained and preserved whenever
possible,
· Porches on the primary facade, or facades
visine from the street, should be retained
and repaired with matching materials, if
feasible.
· Original porches should not be removed,
unless so deteriorated that they pose a
threat to public safety.
.Porches should not be enclosed with solid
materials. Screening is acceptable so long
as the structural framework is minimal, and
is placed behind the major decorative and
architectural elements of the pomh.
· Substitute materials for are acceptable for
repair or new construction, if they match the
size, design, and detailing of the original
The examples shown above represent recommended treatments for porches on front facades, and are in
keeping with the scale, style, and materials of the buildings. The porch at the far right is a historically
sensitive replacement/restoration that replicates the scale, size, and detailing of the original, while using
new materials.
The impact of pomh alterations on the fagade is clear in the examples below. At left, a simple, flat metal
canopy is in clear contrast with the decorative posts and spindlework of the original At right, a wide open
porch has been partially filled with siding, windows and a door, obscuring the first floor of the dwelling with
incompatible materials. Radical alterations of this kind are not recommended, and should be removed if
existing.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-50
PORCHES -
Parts of a Porch
Recessed pediment capping
cornice/entablature and
defining front entry
Cornice or entablature, long
horizontal member that rests
~ of columns or posts.
Can be plain or embellished.
Columns or posts, in this case they
are square Doric columns. They can
be wood or masonry.
Piers supporting columns or posts,
in this case brownstone masonry
piers.
which can be of woad or
masonry. Should have railing for
safety.
BA
Upper rail
Entablature
Capital
Spindles, in this
they are
square
Shaft, this example
is fluted (vertical
grooves)
Lower rail
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-52
PORCHES - COLUMNS, POSTS AND BALUSTRADES
AND STAIRS
Slender gquare carved posts wi#~ capitals,
projecting cornice suppo~?ed by brackets,
cast iron cresting, and a wooden stair with
paneled siding - Italianate
Slender round wood columns
arch span, and "trace/}/' balustrade -
Gothic Revival
Slender pound turned posts, turned spindles in balustrade, tumed newel posts on stair rail,
lattice suppo/ted by saw-cut brackets, exposed curved roof structure on underside - Dubuque
'Paired square Doric columns
~ with simple entablature and
pediment marking main entry
stair, square spindles in
~balustrade, and large
masonry suppor~ piers -
Queen Anne Free
Classic/Classical Revival
Two-story s
Carved stone staircase and
balustrade with large
posts and
'carved upper hand rail-
Second Empire and
Italianate
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Amhitectural details can include elements
from every category covered in these
guidelines, but traditionally they refer to
"added" details that help define an building's
style and date of construction, Original
features should be retained and repaird
whenever possible.
,Original details should not be removed,
unless they are so deteriorated as to pose a
threat to pubfic safety.
.Whenever possible details should be
repaired rather than removed or replaced.
.Details that are missing or deteriorated
beyond repair should be replaced with new
details matching the original in size, style,
detailing, and materials.
.Details should not be hidden or covered by
aluminum, vinyl or other synthetic siding
materials.
· New details should not be added unless
there is clear photographic, physical, or
historic evidence documenting their
appearance and location for restoration.
Carved bargeboard and spandrel panels on gable of a Stick
style house.
Decorative carved cornice
Carved or cast
bracket at entry cfa
Second Empire
structure.
May8,2002
A-53
Cornice, bracket, and flat amh
detailing on Classical Revival
structure.
Cut-out bracket and shed roof canopy
for Carpenter Gothic church.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
A-54
PAINTING - PAINT REMOVAL
AND COLOR SELECTION
Paint and stain finishes are one of the easist
and least expensive ways to showcase the
distinctive architectural features of a
building, and to repair its historic character.
Many resoumes are available to give
guidance on appropriate color schemes for
different styles and periods of homes. The
most accurate method for determining
period colors is to hire an amhitectural
conservator or qualified professional to
perform a paint anaIysis, which will provide
a history of the different color schemes on
the property over time.
Buildings with wood finishes or trim require
a good coat of exterior grade paint or stain
to prevent deterioration of the wood from
exposure to the elements. Exterior finishes
should be checked and retouched annually
to ensure continual protection.
PREPARATION
· Any building painted before the '1970s most
likely contains lead paint, which is a serious
health hazard areund small children, or
when released into the environment as
airborne particles. If at all possible it is best
to encapsulate the existin9 lead paint under
new coats of lead-free finishes. However,
removal frequently is necessary to ensure
proper adhesion of the new finishes. A
qualified contactor should be consulted for
any project that requires large-scale
abatement of lead-based paints.
Paint colors can have a dramatic impact on the appearance ora historic home, as demonstrated by the
"before and after" views above. At left, the light color of the body with solid white trim and detailing does little
to differentiate the trim and architectural features. At right the house has been repainted using appropriate
Victorian-era colors: a light greenish-grey body paint with a darker green to highlight woodwork and gables,
and an even darker green to highlight specific edges and details.
ber tic Color SChemes
for Vic corian
[-]OLISC$.
Corn,st oek's
l"[ot~se
Two examples of resoumes for historic paint colors - Comstock's 1883 guide for Victorian Houses (left) and
the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities' (SPNEA) "Historic Colors of America"paint guide
(right) developed through their research of original finishes at Williamsburg. In addition to these resources,
most major paint companies now offer a "historic" line of colors that draws on historic examples. If you opt for
paint analysis to determine your exact original colors, these can be matched by a local paint supplier.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
PAINTING - PAINT REMOVAL
AND COLOR SELECTION
,When applying new finish coats it is
important to remove deteriorated existing
finishes to ensure good adhesion. Scraping
is the most labor intensive method for
removing loose paint, but also the least
likely to damage wood finishes and trim.
Chemical strippers also are acceptable, but
these should be used with caution as they
can cause serious health problems and
environmental damage is used improperly.
· Heat guns are another method for reducing
the effort and expense of removing paint,
but should be used by trained professionals,
particularly when used on wood materials.
· Under no circumstances should
abrasive methods (sandblasting) be
used on wood or masonry finishes. High
pressure water cleaning (above 300 psi) is
not recommended for masonry cleaning,
and high pressure water washing is not
recommended for wood finishes as this can
easily damage the wood and introduce
moisture into the building.
FINISHES
· Always use exterior grade paint and stain
materials, preferably oil-based or exterior
grade latex over a compatible primer coat.
,New colors do not require approval by
the HPC, but the staff can provide
recommendations for resources and
appropriate colors, if desired.
· Annual maintenance will increase the
longevity of your exterior finishes and paint.
Before and after view The Richards House in the 1400 block of
Locust (above). At left the deteriorated condition of the paint
finishes are visible. The uniformity of the color hides the wealth of
details on this Stick Style home. At right, the property owners are
experimenting with different colors to highlight the unique and
intricate details of the dormers and bays.
The Shingle Style home
at left has a three color
paint scheme of bright
colors. While the
placement of the colors
is good for highlighting
the architectural
features, the colors
themselves tend to
obscure the details and
ovem/helm the
architecture in general
May 8, 2002
A-55
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
A-56
NEW CONSTRUCTION
The number of vacant lots available for new construction in the historic districts are very few. Those that exist result from the demolition of
historic residences, or the division of larger lots for development. Any new construction in existing or future designated districts should be
compatible with the historic character of the district in which it is located, whether it is a new primary structure, secondary structure, or addition
to an existing building.
,Set back/placement on the lot- Different districts have different setbacks (distance from the street to the front of the building). New construction should
respect these setbacks on the front and side lots, as any major variation will have a considerable impact on the overall streetscape.
· Orientation on the lot- Nearly every commercial and residential structure in the districts has its primary fa(;ade facing the street, with its original primary
entry on the front. This orientation should be replicated in new construction.
· Scale (overall height and width) - The scale of structures varies dramatically from district to district. New construction should not vary more than one-half
story from the predominant scale of the structures around it. If the proper side and front setbacks are maintained, the overall width will be in accordance with
the surrounding properties.
· Massing - Similar to scale. This refers to the overall mass of the house, or its size as a simple geometric shape, which is usually some variation on a cube.
Different architectural styles tend toward a different massing of the forms e.g., Tudor- tall and narrow, Craftsman - Iow and wide, etc. The massing of new
construction should reference and respect the general massing of the adjacent structures.
· Foundation height- Foundations in the Historic districts are generally tall, brick, limestone, or concrete block masses that are quite visible from the street.
New construction should reflect both the height and materials of the structures in the area. While it is acceptable for the height of the foundation to vary with
changes in the grade along the sides of the building, at grade foundations generally are not acceptable in the historic districts.
· Number of stories - Buildings within the historic districts generally range from one to three stories. New construction should not vary more that one-half
stoW from that of its neighbors. Buildings that form part of a streetwall or unified street facade should match their neighbors exactly so as not to disrupt the
overall streetscape.
oRoo£form - Roof form and slope is largely dependent on architectural style, and new construction should fall within a range of 6:12 (6 inches of rise per 12
inches of run) to 12:12. Hipped and gabled roof styles are the most common forms, with Mansard appearing as a common style in certain districts, and flat
roofs on commercial structures.
· Window and door size and placement - Window sizes and shapes are often related to architectural style, and the historic districts display quite a variety
of forms. New construction should attempt to mimic the overall proportions, symmetrical arrangement, and decorative trim of the windows in adjacent
structures.
· Porch size and location - A large percentage of the residential structures incorporate a full width front porch or smaller entry porch of some type,
frequently embellished with decorative metal work, stone or wood stair cases, or carved wood trim or columns. New constructions should reference the
styles, scale, location and detailing of the existing historic examples.
· Architectural style - A wide variety of historic styles are documented in the existing districts, and it is suggested that new construction recognize the
historic styles in its scale and overall mass, if not in the specific detailing. New or modern styles can be integrated into the districts if done in a manner that is
sensitive to the historic character of the district.
· Materials and colors - Several materials are prominent features of the historic districts, such as the local limestone and brick. New construction should
attempt to incorporate or reference these materials, or their colors, dimensions, and textures.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEW CONSTRUCTION-
Primary Buildings
The number of vacant lots available for new
construction in the historic districts are very
few. Those that exist result from the
demolition of historic residences, or the
division of larger lots for development. Any
new construction in existing or future
designated districts should be compatible
with the historic character of the district in
which it is located.
· New construction should reinforce the
patterns that are prominent in the district.
New buildings should complement the
adjacent dwellings in the district by
replicating or referencing typical features
such as sca/e, overall height, massing,
set back on the lot, foundation height,
number of stories, roof form, window
and door size and placement, porch size
and location, and style.
,Each new structure should be designed for
its specific location. New construction
should reference the characteristics of the
styles on the block in which it is located.
Features that may be appropriate in one
district, may not be appropriate in another,
and features appropriate in once section
within a single district may not be
appropriate in other areas of that same
district.
Windows
Proportions,
placement
both
horizontally
and
verticall
and trim at
openings
MayS, 2002
A-57
Roof form
Consists of roof pitch (angle Overall massing
of slope), roof height, and Consists of building
details such as dormers or width, depth, and height
multiple pitches'
New construction (left) that does not respect the
massing, styles, materials or detailing of the
surrounding residences.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-58
NEW CONS TRUC TION -
Additions
Many building in the hisLoric districts have
received additions over their lifetime, and
these historic additions were quite sensitive
to the original style, scale, size, and
materials of the original New additions
should follow this model, and should be as
deferential to the historic structure as
possible to ensure minimal negative impact
on the building,
.Existing opening should be used to
minimize the amount of alteration to the
exterior walls of the historic structure.
· Additions should not result in the loss of
significant amount of historic materials, ff
original materials must be removed, an
attempt should be made to incorporate them
into the design of the addition.
· The design of the addition should be
compatible with the style of the historic
building in its overall design, roof form,
window and door size and location, cornice
height, materials, and colors.
· Additions should be smaller in scale than
the original building if possible to indicate
their status as an addition. If a multiple story
addition is desired, it should match the
proportions of the historic structure.
· Additions should be located at the rear or
side of a building, rather than on the primary
fagade, or where it will be highly visible from
the public way.
Example of a compatible
addition that copies the
scale, massing, style, roof
line, height, materials,
openings, and detailing of
the original The historic
original portion is on the
/eft, while the addition is
on the right. The addition
is identifiable by the two-
dimensional character of
its window heads.
Two examples of inappropriate additions prominently placed on the front fagade ora residence (below).
The additions are not compatible in their style, placement, materials, or detailing, and cover a large
percentage of the primary fagade.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
A-$9
NEW CONS TRUCTION -
Outbuildings
Many building in the historic districts have
existing historic outbuilding at the rear of the
property that were designed to match the
primary building in their styles, colors, and
materials. These building are considered
historic in their own right, and should be
retained and repaired whenever
possible. The constructioa of new garages
and outbuildings is acceptable, but they
should be sited at the rear of the property
where they will have the least impact on the
primary structure.
· New outbuilding should be sited at the rear
of the property, away from the primary
facades, or near a rear alley.
· The design of new outbuilding should be
compatible with the primary structure in its
proportions, roof form, and exterior
materials. Traditional materials and details
should be used if possible.
· They should be smaller in scale than the
primary structore.
· Garage doors should compatible in style
and materials if possible. Hinged wood-
panel carriage doors and wood paneled
overhead doors with glazed lights are more
appropriate than solid metal or metal
paneled units.
· The colors of the new outbuilding should be
compatible with the colors of the primary
structure.
Two examples of inappropriate garage additions prominently placed on the front fagade cfa residence
(above). The additions are not compatible in their style, placement, materials, or detailing, and compete
visually with the primary fagade.
Two examples of appropriate outbuildings that are
constructed as separate structures at the rear of the
property, and are sympathetic to the style, scale, colors,
and materials of the primary structure (below and at right).
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEW CONS TRUCTION -
ADA Compliant Access
In order to provide code compliant access
for dwellings and commercial properties, it
is necessary to add access ramps with the
appropriate slope and slip-resistant
surfaces.
,Ramps should be located and designed to
be reversible £e., in such as way to
minimize damage to existing materials and
to allow for removal of the ramp and
restoration to the historic original
appearance with no loss of architectural
integrity.
· Ramps should be located at the side or
rear of a property whenever possible to
minimize visibility from the pablic way.
· The design and materials of the new ramp
should be simple and non-obtrusive, or they
should be selected for compatibility with the
overall color and style of the primary
structure.
· If ramps must be located on the primary
facade, or in a highly visible location, they
should be designed to be as transparent as
possible, or to have the minimal visual
impact on the facades. Screening with
landscaping is also an acceptable
alternative.
May 8, 2002
A-60
Two examples of
appropriate ADA compliant
entries added to properties
in the historic districts.
Above, a ramp is
incorporated into and
existing entry and porch at
the rear of the property,
and is large invisible from
the street. At left the ramp
serves the primary front
entry, and has been
incorporated in such as
way that it does not
compete with or obstruct
the view of the fagade.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEW CONSTRUCTION -
Fire Escapes
Buildings that are converted to commercial
or multi-unit residential uses will require
adequate fire escapes to meet the fire and
safety codes. Within Dubuque there are
several existing historic examples of fire
escapes both for commercial and residential
properties that can serve as a guide in the
fabrication and installation of new units.
· New ramps should be added in such a way
as to minimize the impact on the building,
and their installation should be reversible.
· Do not add new fire escapes to a building
unless required by the fire and safety code.
All new units should be designed and
installed in accordance with city codes.
· New fire escaped should be added to the
rear of the property whenever possible.
Historic examples are installed prominently
on the side facades of buildings, and this is
acceptable for new units, as long as they
are designed and installed with sensitivity to
the historic structure.
Two examples of existing
historic metal fire escapes
that are prominently located
on side facades. As long as
they remain code compliant,
these units should be
maintained for continued
use. New fire escapes
should be located at the rear
of a property whenever
possible, but installation on
secondary facades has a
clear historic precedent, and
is acceptable as long as it is
done sensitively.
May 8, 2002
A-61
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEW CONS TRUC T/ON -
Satellite Dishes
Cable and satellite dishes are now relative
small, lightweight, unobtrusive units that
can be mounted directly on the structure.
· Do not install the dish in such a way as to
damage historic materials.
· The dish should be placed so as not to
obscure an significant architectural
features.
· Dishes should be located at the side or
rear of the property so that it cannot be
seen from the public way.
The satellite dish
(above) has been
installed on the rear of
the property where it is
not not visible from the
public way. The dish at
right was installed on
the gable peak of the
front porch, which is
highly visible, and is
not recommended.
May 8, 2002
A-62
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
Awning
Typical Storefront
Cornice
Transom
Door(s)
May8,2002
C-1
Cornice and
efront
Display
window
Bulkhead
Entrance
Typical Commercial
Building
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
C-2
FACADES- CORNICES
Cornices function as a decorative cap for
the building facade, and is a characteristic
feature of midmineteenth century
commercial architecture in Dubuque. The
cornice often has unusual decorative
elements that are characteristic of the
building's style.Frequently cornices were
fabricated of pressed sheet metal to create
the crisp details, but bronze, cut limestone,
and terra cotta are also present in the Old
Main historic district.
Often a series of commercial facades used
the alignment of key elements--windows,
string courses, and cornices--to create the
effect of a "street wall" or single unified
fa(;ade lining the street. As a result, the
removal or alteration of a cornice will have a
negative impact on the building itself, but
also those adjacent to it.
· Every effort should be made to retained
and preserve cornices in their original
forms.
· Damaged cornices should be repaired to
match the original in size, style, and details.
Substitute materials are acceptable.
· Deteriorated cornices should be repaired,
not concealed behind new materials.
.Missing comices should be recreated only
if photographic or physical evidence is
available to guide the recreation.
buildings in Dubuque. The example at the lower right is a relatively
A cut limestone cornice with geometric design tops a Neoclassical style building (below left), while a
terra cotta cornice is set atop a glazed terra cotta Classical Revival fa¢ade (below right).
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
C-3
FACADES- STOREFRONTS
In Dubuque, as in many towns during the
1950s through the 1970s, older commercial
buildings in the historic downtown
underwent a series of renovations in an
attempt to update and "modernize" their
appearance. The result was the alteration of
many original storefront through the
installation of new materials over the
original, or occasionally, entirely new
storefronts. Fortunately, several examples
have survived, or have been repaired to
reflect their original arrangement of large
display windows over a bulkhead, recessed
entrances, and large transom windows.
· Original storefronts and their components
should be repaired or restored rather than
replaced, when possible.
· Physical and photographic documentation
should be consulted for the restoration of
altered features, or the recreation of missing
storefronts.
· Elements that are missing, or deteriorated
beyond repair, should be replaced with new
materials that reflect the size, style, and
detail of the original. Substitute materials
are acceptable.
· Storefront alterations in the '1920s can have
historical value in their own right, and are
often as rare as their '19th century
counterparts dL~e to 20th century
renovations. Consult with the HPC to
determine the significance of these features.
The storefront above retains it slender cast iron supports, large display windows and transoms,
and recessed entrances. The large amount of glass is characteristic of storefront of this period.
Three examples of inappropriate storefront alterations are shown below. At/eft a new masonry veneer
has been added over the original storefront. At center a typical f920s-¢930s alteration using a skin of
Cararra glass in aluminum frames. And at right the entire storefront has been subsumed in an new
masonry and tinted glass front.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES- TRANSFORMATIONS
Mays, 2002
C-4
Before After
Cinema "X"
Before
Grand Opera House
After
Town Clock Building
Before During After
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
C-5
FA CADES - DISPLAY
WINDOWS AND BULKHEADS
Display windows and bulkheads are often
the first and primary point of visual contact
form most viewers. The large, undivided
expanses of plate §iass were considered to
be innovative marketing devices for the
display of goods, and also a practical means
of lighting the building interiors. Bulkheads,
window frames, and structural supports
were given a decorative treatment that
reflected the overall style of the building.
· Original windows and bulkheads should be
retained and repaird whenever possible.
· Missing or damaged materials should be
replaced with new that match the original in
size, style, and detailing. Substitute
materials are acceptable.
· Missing elements should be recreated
using photographic or physical evidence.
Where no evidence exists, it is
recommended that windows be repaird as
large, uninterrupted expanses of glass with
slender supports and frames, similar to the
examples depicted here.
· Bulkheads should be retained and repaird
whenever possible using tradition materials
such as wood, brick, or stone. Metal and
glass block are not recommended.
· Prism glass or other decorative transom
glazing should be retained and repaird
whenever possible.
The storefront above (right and left) was recently repaird using the recommended style, sizes, and
materials. The coloration of the storefront has been repeated on the awning and on the window frames
and cornice, unifying the fapade.
A comer building of masonry
construction (right) utilizes
square cast iron columns on a
stone base to create an open first
floor filled with large display
windows. Prism glass fills the
transoms (left) of this storefront,
providing an increased amount
light to the interior, Such details
rarely survive, and should be
retained if at afl possible.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES- WINDOWS
The importance of window forms to the
appearance of a facade cannot be
overstated. A variety of windows sizes,
shapes and detaits are visible in the building
of Dubuque, and they frequently are
characteristic of particular architectural
styles and types. Historically the windows
seen in the historic districts are constructed
of wood frames and sashes containing
divided lights. These will require periodic
maintenance and repair to keep them in
good working order, and it is strongly
recommended that original windows be
retained and repaired if at all possible.
· In a majority of cases, it is possible to
repair existing windows. Property owners
are strongly encouraged to repair original
windows, rather than rep/acing them with
new windows.
· Original windows with steel or aluminum
frames should be repaired ff possible, or
replaced with new units that match the
original as closely as possible in size, style,
and materials.
· Carved stone or decorative brick hoods,
lintels, and sills are a prominent feature in
many buildings. These should be retained
and repaired whenever possible.
· If the windows cannot be repaired, new
windows should match the original in their
size, style, materials, and number of lights
(panes).
· New windows must match the original in
size. The window opening should not be
widened, filled, or altered in any way to
accommodate an improperly sized unit
· It is strongly recommended that any
replacement window match the original in its
shape, for example a arched top should be
replaced with an arched top, not a flat
topped unit with an in fill panel placed above.
· True divided lights are preferable to snap-
on or false muntins applied to the surface of
the glass.
· Vinyl and aluminum windows may be
acceptable for replacement of the original
windows, but they should be used as a last
resort after discussion with the HPC. An
attempt should be made to match the
original window in size, style, sash profile,
and number of lights (panes).
· New window openings should not be added
into a primary fagade, or any facade that is
readily visible from the street.
MayS, 2002
C-6
The windows above retain their original 2/2 wood sash
and frame with cut limestone hoods and sills. Below the
original window units have been removed and replaced
with units that are not appropriate in size or shape. The
result is a dramatically altered facade. New window units
should match the original opening in size and shape, and
should replicate the original number of lights (panes)
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES- ENTRANCES
Like the rest of the storefront, original
entrance doors were large and narrow, with
large single lights (glass) in the upper half.
· Original doors, frames, and transoms
should be retained and repaired whenever
possible.
· Original decorative paving at entrances
should be retained and preserved whenever
possible.
· Prism glass or other decorative transom
glazing should be retained and repaired
whenever possible.
· Missing elements should be recreated
using photographic or physical evidence.
Where no evidence exists, it is
recommended that entrances be repaird
with simple glazed paneled doors in slender
frames with large transoms, sim#ar to the
examples depicted here.
· Missing or damaged materials should be
replaced with new that match the original in
size, style, and detailing. Wood is the
recommended material, but anodized
aluminum is an acceptable alternative.
May 8, 2002
C-7
Two examples of the original
tall, narrow pane/ed wood
doors in commercial
storefronts. Large sidelights
and transoms ali for the
maximum amount of glazed
surface on the facade. Note
that the style and shape of
the doors matches the other
features of the storefront.
Solid wood doors or metal
doors would not be
historically accurate, and are
not recommended.
A smafl section of mosaic at a
storefront entry is both functional
and decorative. Every effort should
be made to retain and preserve
these feature.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES - AWNINGS
Awnings were applied to windows and
doors prior to the 1940s as a means of
providing shade and cooling for interiors.
Awning typically are seen on commercial
storefronts in the Old Main historic district,
and are considered appropriate for
storefronts.
.Awnings should not be installed unless
there is historical, photographic, or
physical evidence of their existence
· Awnings should not be installed where
they will interfere with or cover details such
as carved window hoods moldings or trim
· Installation should not damage
surrounding materials
· Awnings should be sized to fit the size
and shape of the opening.
· Awnings should be constructed of canvas
or a similar woven material..
· Awning color should compliment the
colors of the building
· Advertisement of names or signage on
awnings is appropriate for commercial
uses,
· Aluminum or metal awnings are not
historically appropriate and are not
recommended. They should be removed if
previously installed.
Appropriate and recommended installations of awnings
on commemial storefronts.
MayS, 2002
C-8
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
C-9
FACADES - LIGHTING
Lighting for commercial atorefronts can
have a dramatic impact on the appearance
of a building at night, and can create a more
interesting and inviting environment that
encourages commercial and social activities
after business hours. Care should be taken
in the installation of lighting, so as not to
overwhelm the facade. New lighting should
be subtle and wellMplaced to illuminate
entries and signage, and to provide a
welcoming and safe atmosphere for
patrons.
· Original lighting fixtures should be retained
and repaired whenever possible.
· New lighting fixtures should have simple
designs that do not draw attention away
from the facade, or should draw on period
lighting style to compliment the detailing of
the fagade.
· Lighting fixtures that are used for uplighting
or signage lighting should be concealed as
much as possible.
Concealed lighting washes the facade at night to highlight the entry, specific architectural features, or to
provide a dramatic effect for the entire building.
Lighting of signs is both a practical and attractive addition to a building or
storefront (above). Lighting should be done in a manner that is inconspicuous, and
focuses light directly on the signage.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES - LIGHTING
May8,2002
C-10
Examples of intact historic lighting on commercial and civic bu#dings in the historic
districts (above). Such fixtures should be retained and repaired whenever possible.
Some possible options for new
exterior storefront lighting that
would be in character with the
architecture of the historic
commercial district (above)
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES - SIGNAGE
Signage for commercial storefronts should
be compatible with tile scale, style, and
period of the building. Some signage pre-
dating the 1950s is now considered historic
in its own right, such as painted wells and
neon. These should be retained and repaird
whenever possible to recognize change
over time.
· Historic signage should be preserved
whenever possible.
· All signage should be in accordance with
the City of Dubuque ordinance regulating
signage.
· New signage should be composed of
traditional materials, such as wood, copper,
or bronze. Plastic or plywood signs are not
recommended.
· New signage should be installed in such a
way as to prevent any damage to the
building by anchoring into mortar joints, not
masonry.
· New signage should be located at
traditional sign locations, such as upper
facades, beltcourses, projecting from the
face of the building, or hanging in windows.
· Signage painted on display windows or
doors and window glazing is encouraged.
· Signage incorporating or resembling
business Iogos and symbols are
recommended.
· Lighting of signs is encouraged, but
internally lit signs are not recommended.
Signage painted or gilded on storefront
glazing is encouraged (below).
Historic painted signage should be
retained and repaired whenever
possible (above and below)
MayS, 2002
C-11
An entry paving
a/so can function
as signage, as
seen in this historic
example (/eft).
Examples of hanging and painted signs using the
recommended style, scale, materials, and placement.
Signage is acceptable in multiple forms and locations, as
seen in the examples below.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, lowa 2002
FACADES- SIGNAGE
MayS, 2002
C-12
Examples of appropriate locations for signage or "signable areas" on
facades in the Old Main District (above). Note the recommended scale
of the signage, as well as the locations.
Signage should recognize the scale, style, materials, and colors of the
building and the district. Signage should not dominate the fagade
(above), nor should it cover or damage important architectural features.
In this instance, the large plywood sign obscures storefront and
transom windows on this commercial building.
Internally lit plastic signs (above) are inappropriate in their materials,
design, and overall appearance. They are not recommended.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
Maya, 2002
C-13
FACADES - ARCHITECTURAL
FEATURES
Architectural details can include elements
from every category covered in these
guidelines, but traditionally they refer to
"added" details that help define an building's
style and date of construction. Original
features should be retained and repaird
whenever possible.
· Original details should not be removed,
unless they are so deteriorated as to pose a
threat to public safety.
· Whenever possible details should be
repaired rather than removed or replaced.
· Details that are missing or deteriorated
beyond repair shoald be replaced with new
details matching the original in size, style,
detailing, and materials.
· Details should not be hidden or covered by
aluminum, vinyl or other synthetic
materials.
· New details should not be added unless
there is clear photographic, physical, or
historic evidence documenting their
appearance and location for restoration.
Cast terra cotta cornerstone
Cast terra cotta molding
at window (above), and
cast engaged terra cotta
column (right)
Carved limestone pilasters
(left), carved window
heads and molding and
decorative panel (above)
Several examples of cast and carved ornament applied to the
surface of facades in the Old Main district. These features
contribute significantly to the overall style of the buildings, and
the character of the district.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
C-14
NEW CONSTRUCTION
As a result of urban renewal programs, the number of vacant lots available for new commercial construction in Old Main district is considerable.
Those that exist result from the demolition or deterioration of historic commercial structures, and have left large gaps in the fabric of the
streetwall. Any new construction in this area should be compatible with the historic character of the district, and should attempt to provide
sensitive infill that will repair the integrity of the district and the overall streetscape.
· Set back/placement on the lot -The setback is minimal for Main Street commercial properties. New construction should respect these setbacks on the
front and corner lots, as any major variation will have a considerable impact on the overall streetscape.
· Orientation on the lot- Nearly every commercial and residential structure in the districts has its primary facade facing the street, with its original primary
entry on the front. This orientation should be replicated in new construction.
· Scale (overall height and width) - The scale of structures is fairly uniform on Mian Street. New construction should not vary more than one-half story from
the predominant scale of the structures around it. Most properties fill their entire lot, and if this is respected the overall width will be in accordance with the
surrounding properties.
· Massing - Similar to scale. This refers to the overall mass of the structure, or its size as a simple geometric shape, which is usually a narrow, deep
rectangular block. The massing of new construction should reference and respect the general massing of the adjacent structures.
· Poundation height ~ Foundations in the Historic districts are generally tall, brick, limestone, or concrete block masses that are quite visible from the street.
New construction should reflect both the height and materials of the structures in the area. While it is acceptable for the height of the foundation to vary with
changes in the grade along the sides of the building, at grade foundations generally are not acceptable in the historic districts.
· Number of stories - Buildings within Old Main historic district generally range from three to seven stories. New construction should not vary more that
one-half story from the average height of the structures on the same block. Buildings that form part of a streetwall or unified fa(;ade should match their
neighbors exactly so as not to disrupt the overall streetscape.
· Roof form - Most buildings have a flat roof with a large parapet or cornice at the front. This should be replicated on new construction, and an effort shuold
be made to match the cornice/parapet height of the adjacent buildings.
,Window and door size and placement ~ Window sizes and shapes are generally tall, narrow double-hung units with 2/2 lights. New construction should
attempt to mimic the overall proportions, symmetrical arrangement, and decorative trim of the windows in adjacent structures, and match the alignment of
the neighboring buildings. Large plate glass storefront or display windows should be maintained on the lower level.
· Architectural style - A wide variety of historic styles are documented in the existing districts, and it is suggested that new construction recognize the
historic styles in its scale and overall mass, if not in the specific detailing. New or modern styles can be integrated into the districts if done in a manner that is
sensitive to the historic character of the district.
· Materials and colors - The materials are a prominent feature of the Old Main historic district, such as the local limestone, brick, and terra cotta. New
construction should attempt to incorporate or reference these materials, or their colors, dimensions, and textures.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEW CONSTRUCTION
· New construction should reinfome the
patterns that exist in the district.
· New buildings should be compatible in
height with the adjacent structures.
· New buildings should maintain the same
setback as its neighbors
· New buildings should have the same width
and scale as the other structures within the
district.
· New building should maintain the same
alignment of windows, storefronts, and
architectural details such as water tables,
string courses, and cornices as the adjacent
buildings.
.New buildings should maintain a clear
separation of storefront and upper stories.
· New buildings should have a primary
fa¢ade that incorporates materials similar in
their size, color, and texture to their existing
historic structures, such as brick, terra cotta,
and limestone.
· New building should use a roofing structure
similar to that of adjacent beildings.
· Whenever feasible, new construction
should attempt to fill in the open lots to
improve the integrity of the streetwall and
create a continuous street facade,
At /eft, a section of the Old Main historic district
showing the traditional appearance of the
commercial buildings and their relationship to one
another.
At right, the new Chamber of Commerce building
in the Old Main district attempts to address the
surrounding amhitecture in its scale, height,
cornice line, materials, and window size and
location. While some of the features are a bit
awkward, this represents a good attempt at
historically sensitive infill.
At right, the addition of the starkly modem Five
Flags center clashes with the existing historic
theater. The new building does not attempt to
reference the style, scale, or detailing of the historic
structure, and constitutes a rather inappropriate
interruption in the streetscape.
May8,2002
C-15
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
RESOURCES
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM THE CARNEGIE-STOUT LIBRARY
SELECTED READING
FUNDING RESOURCES
LOCAL RESOURCES
Local Contacts
Chapter 25 Preservation Ordinance
The following primary resources are available for reference at the Planning Services Department and the HPC
· Jacobsen, J., Dubuque - The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa,
1837-1955, Phase I Historical and Architectural Survey Report.
· Jacobsen, J., Dubuque - The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa,
1837-1955, Phase II Historical and Architectural Survey Report.
· Jacobsen, J., Dubuque - The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa,
1837-1955, Post-Phase I-II Version.
· Krivinskey, B., Dubuque Architectural Survey Historic Preservation Planning Project, 1978-1979,
· Krivinskey, B. and Miehe and Associates, Lower Main Street Historic District - Dubuque, Iowa, Historic
Preservation Planning and Design Study (1981 ).
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS
Adaptive Use Rehabilitation of a historic structure for use other than its original use such as a residence converted into offices.
Addition New construction added to an existing building or structure.
Alteration Any act or process that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a structure, including, but not
limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction, addition, sand blasting, water blasting, chemical cleaning, chemical stopping,
or removal of any structure, but not including changes to the color of exterior paint.
American bond ,~ brickwork pattern where most courses are laid flat, with the long "stretcher" edge exposed, but every fifth to
eighth course is laid perpendicularly with the small "header" end exposes, to structurally tie the wall together.
Appropriate Especially suitable or compatible.
Apron A decorative, horizontal trim piece on the lower portion of an architectural element.
Arch A curved construction which spans an opening and supports the weight above it. (see flat arch, jack arch, segmental amh
and semi-circular arch~)
Attic The upper level of a building, not of full ceiling height, directly beneath the mol.
Baluster One of a series of short, vertical, often vase-shaped members used to support a stair or porch handrail, forming a
balustrade.
Balustrade An entire rail system with top rail and balusters.
Bargeboard A board which hangs from the projecting end of a gable roof, covering the end rafters, and often sawn into a
decorative pattern.
Bay The portion of a facade between columns or piers providing regular divisions and usually marked by windows.
Bay window A projecting window that forms an extension to the floor space of the internal rooms; usually extends to the ground
level.
Belt course A horizontal band usually marking the floor levels on the exterior facade of a building.
Board and batten Siding fashioned of boards set vertically and covered where their edges join by narrow strips called battens.
Bond A term used to describe the various patterns in which brick (or stone) is laid, such as "common bond' or "Flemish bond."
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Bracket A projecting element of wood, stone or metal which spans between horizontal and vertical surfaces (eaves, shelves,
overhangs) as decorative support.
Building A structure used to house human activity such as a dwelling or garage.
Bulkhead The structural panels just below display windows on storefronts. Bulkheads can be both supportive and decorative in
design. Bulkheads from the 19th century are often of wood construction with rectangular raised panels while those of the 20th
century may be of wood, brick, tile, or marble construction. Bulkheads are also referred to as kickplates.
Bungalow Common house form of the early 20th century distinguished by horizontal emphasis, wide eaves, large porches and
multi-light doors and windows.
Capital The head of a column or pilaster.
Casement window A window with one or two sashes which are hinged at the sides and usually open outward.
Certificate of Appropriateness A certificate issued by the building official or Historic Preservation Commission indicating its
approval of plans for alteration, construction, removal or demolition of a landmark or of a structure within a historic district.
Certified Local Government Any city, county, parish, township, municipality, or borough or any other general purpose subdivision
enacted by the National Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to further delegate responsibilities and funding to the local level.
Character The qualities and attributes of any structure, site, street or district.
Clapboards Horizontal wooden boards,thinner at the top edge, which are overlapped to provide a weatherproof exterior wall
surface.
Classical order Derived from Greek and Roman architecture, a column with its base, shaft, capital and entablature having
standardized details and proportions, according to one of the five canonized modes: Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian, or
Composite.
Clipped gable A gable roof where the ends of the ridge are terminated in a small, diagonal roof surface.
Colonial Revival House style of the early 20th century based on interpretations of architectural forms of the American colonies
prior to the Revolution.
Column A circular or square vertical structural member.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Compatible In harmony with location and surroundings.
Configuration The arrangement of elements and details on a building or structure which help to define its character.
Contemporary Reflecting characteristics of the current period. Contemporary denotes characteristics which illustrate that a
building, structure, or detail was constructed in the present or recent past rather than being imitative or reflective of a historic
design.
Context The setting in which a historic element, site, structure, street, or district exists.
Corbel In masonry, a proiection, or one of a series of projections, each stepped progressively farther forward with height and
articulating a cornice or supporting an overhanging member.
Corinthian order Most ornate classical order characterized by a capital with ornamental acanthus leaves and curled fern shoots.
Cornice The uppermost, projecting part of an entablature, or feature resembling it. Any projecting ornamental molding along the
top of a wall, building, etc.
Cresting A decorated ornamental finish along the top of a wall or roof, often made of ornamental metal.
Cross-gable A secondary gable roof which meets the primary roof at right angles.
Demolition Any act or process that destroys in part or in whole a landmark or a structure within a historic district.
Dentils A row of small tooth-like blocks in a classical cornice.
Design guidelines The "Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" as adopted by the
Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, and other guidelines which may be adopted from time to time.
Doric order A classical order with simple, unadorned capitals, and with no base.
Dormer window A window that projects from a roof.
Double-hung window A window with two sashes, one sliding vertically over the other.
Eave The edge of a roof that projects beyond the face of a wall.
Element A material part or detail of a site, structure, street, or district.
Elevation Any one of the external faces or facades of a buildin~l.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
M~8,2002
R-5
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Ell The rear wing of a house, generally one room wide and running perpendicular to the principal building.
Engaged column A round column attached to a wall.
Entablature A part of a building of classical order resting on the column capital; consists of an architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Fabric The physical material of a building, structure, or community, connoting an interweaving of component parts.
Facade Any one of the external faces or elevations of a building.
Fanlight A semi-circular window usually over a door with radiating muntins suggesting a fan.
Fascia A projecting flat horizontal member or molding; forms the trim of a flat roof or a pitched roof; also part of a classical
entablature.
Fenestration The arrangement of windows on a building.
Finial A projecting decorative element, usually of metal, at the top of a roof turret or gable.
Fishscale shingles A decorative pattern of wall shingles composed of staggered horizontal rows of wooden shingles with half-
round ends.
Flashing Thin metal sheets used to prevent moisture infiltration at joints of roof planes and between the roof and vertical surfaces.
Flat arch An arch whose wedge-shaped stones or bricks are set in a straight line; also called a jack arch.
Flemish bond A brick-work pattern where the long "stretcher" edge of the brick is alternated with the small "header" end for
decorative as well as structural effectiveness.
Fluting Shallow, concave grooves running vertically on the shaft of a column, pilaster, or other surface.
Foundation The lowest exposed portion of the building wall, which supports the structure above.
Frieze The middle portion of a classical cornice; also applied decorative elements on an entablature or parapet wall.
Gable The triangular section of a wall to carry a pitched roof.
Gable roof A pitched roof with one downward slope on either side of a central, horizontal ridge.
Gambrel roof A ridged roof with two slopes on either side.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
MayS, 2002
Ghosts Outlines or profiles of missing buildings or building details. These outlines may be visible through stains, paint, weathering,
or other residue on a building's facade. Also known as a palimpsest.
Greek Revival style Mid-19th century revival of forms and ornament of architecture of ancient Greece.
Harmony Pleasing or congruent arrangement.
Height The distance from the bottom to the top of a building or structure.
Hipped roof A roof with uniform slopes on all sides.
Historic District An area designated as a "historic district" by ordinance of the city council and which may contain within definable
geographic boundaries one or more landmarks and which may have within its boundaries other proportions or structures that, while
not of such historic or architectural significance to be designated as landmarks, nevertheless contribute to the overall historic or
architectural characteristics of the historic district.
Historic imitation New construction or rehabilitation where elements or components mimic an architectural style but are not of the
same historic period as the existing buildings (historic replica).
Hood molding A projecting molding above an arch, doorway, or window, originally designed to direct water away from the
opening; also called a drip mold.
Homestead Style An architectural form of the late 19th and early 20th centuries featuring dwelling built in Gable Front plans with
limited architectural detailing and generally of frame construction. These dwellings were commonly built throughout the Midwest.
Ionic order One of the five classical orders used to describe decorative scroll capitals.
Infill New construction where there had been an opening before, such as a new building between two older structures; or block
infill between porch piers or in an original window opening.
Jack arch (see Flat arch)
Keystone The wedge-shaped top or center member of an arch.
Knee brace An oversize bracket supporting a roof or porch eave.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Landmark A property, structure or natural object designated as a "landmark" by ordinance of the city council, pursuant to
procedures prescribed in this title, that is worthy of rehabilitation, restoration and presentation because of its historic or
architectural significance to the city.
Landscape The totality of the built or human-influenced habitat experienced at any one place. Dominant features are topography,
plant cover, buildings, or other structures and their patterns.
Lattice An openwork grill of interlacing wood strips used as screening.
Lintel The horizontal top member of a window, door, or other opening.
Maintain To keep in an existing state of preservation or repair.
I~aneard roof A roof with a double slope on all four sides, with the lower slope being almost vertical and the upper almost
~Orizontal.
Maeonry Exterior wall construction of brick, stone or adobe laid up in small units.
Massing The three-dimensional form of a building.
Material Change A change that will affect either the exterior architectural or environmental features of an historic property or any
structure, site, or work of art within an historic district.
Metal standing seam roof A roof composes of overlapping sections of metal such as copper-bearing stool or iron coated with a
terne alloy of lead and tin. These roofs were attached or crimped together in various raised seams for which the roof are named.
Modillion A horizontal bracket, often in the form of a plain block, ornamenting, or sometimes supporting, the underside of a
cornice.
Mortar A mixture of sand, lime, cement, and water used as a binding agent in masonry construction.
Mullion A heavy vertical divider between windows or doors.
Multi-light window A window sash composed of more than one pane of glass.
Muntin A secondary framing member to divide and hold the panes of glass in multi-light window or glazed door.
New construction Construction which is characterized by the introduction of new elements, sites, buildings, or structures or
additions to existing buildin.qs and structures in historic areas and districts.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
May8,2002
Normally Required Mandatory actions, summarized in the guidelines, whose compliance is enforced by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Obscured Covered, concealed, or hidden from view.
Oriel window A bay window which emerges above the ground floor level.
Paired columns Two columns supported by one pier, as on a porch.
Palladian window A window with three openings, the central one arched and wider than the flanking ones.
Paneled door A door composed of solid panels (either raised or recessed) held within a framework of rails and stiles.
Parapet A Iow horizontal wall at the edge of a roof.
Pediment A triangular crowning element forming the gable of a roof; any similar triangular element used over windows, doors, etc.
Pier A vertical structural element, square or rectangular in cross-section.
Pilaster A square pillar attached, but projecting from a wall, resembling a classical column.
Pitch The degree of the slope of a roof.
Portico A roofed space, open or partly enclosed, forming the entrance and centerpiece of the facade of a building, often with
columns and a pediment.
Portland cement A strong, inflexible hydraulic cement used to bind mortar. Mortar or patching materials with a high Portland
cement content should not be used on pre-1920 buildings. The Portland cement is harder than the masonry, thereby causing
serious damage over annual freeze-thaw cycles.)
Preservation Generally, saving from destruction or deterioration old and historic buildings, sites, structures, and objects and
providing for their continued use by means of restoration, rehabilitation, or adaptive use.
Pressed tin Decorative and functional metalwork made of molded tin used to sheath roofs, bays, and cornices.
Proportion Harmonious relation of parts to one another or to the whole.
Pyramidal roof A roof with four identical sides rising to a central peak.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Queen Anne style Popular late 19th century revival style of early eighteenth-century English architecture, characterized by
irregularity of plan and massing and a variety of texture.
Quoins A series of stone, bricks, or wood panels ornamenting the outside of a wall.
Recommended Suggested, but not mandatory actions summarized in the guidelines.
Reconstruction The act or process of reproducing by new construction the exact form and detail of a vanished building, structure,
or object, or a part thereof, as is appeared at a specific period of time.
Rehabilitation The process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an
efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic,
architectural and cultural values.
Replication Constructing a building so that it is an exact replica or imitation of an historic architectural style or period.
Restoration The act or process of accurately taking a building's appearance back to a specific period of time by removing later
work and by replacing missing earlier features to match the original.
Retain To keep secure and intact. In the guidelines, "retain" and "maintain" describe the act of keeping an element, detail, or
structure and continuing the same level of repair to aid in the preservation of elements, sites and structures.
Re-use To use again. An element, detail, or structure might be reused in historic districts.
Rhythm Regular occurrence of elements or features such as spacing between buildings.
Ridge The top horizontal member of a roof where the sloping surfaces meet.
Rusticated Roughening of stonework of concrete blocks to give greater articulation to each block.
Sash The moveable framework containing the glass in a window.
Segmental arch An arch whose profile or radius is less than a semicircle.
Semi-circular arch An arch whose profile or radius is a half-circle the diameter of which equals the opening width.
Setting The sum of attributes of a locality, neighborhood, or property that defines its character.
Scale Proportional elements that demonstrate the size, materials, and style of buildings.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuquo, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
R-lO
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Sheathing An exterior covering of boards of other surface applied to the frame of the structure, (see Siding)
Shed roof A gently-pitched, almost flat roof with only one slope.
Shingle Style Architectural style of the late 19th century which features frame dwellings largely covered with wood shingles on
both floors.
Shingles Wood which is split into flat shingles and different shapes. Wood shingles are common elements to the Queen Anne and
Bungalow styles.
Sidelight A vertical area of fixed glass on either side of a door or window.
Siding The exterior wall covering or sheathing of a structure.
Significant Having particularly important associations within the contexts of architecture, history, and culture.
Sill The bottom crosspiece of a window frame.
Slate Thin sections of stone which were used as a roof surface material for pre-1945 dwellings.
Spindles Slender, elaborately turned wood dowels or rods often used in screens and porch trim.
Stabilization The act or process of applying measures essential to the maintenance of a deteriorated building as it exists at
present, establishing structural stability and a weather-resistant enclosure.
Streetscape The distinguishing character of a particular street as created by its width, degree of curvature, paving materials,
design of the street furniture, and forms of surrounding buildings.
Stretcher bond A brickwork pattern where courses are laid flat with the long "stretcher" edge exposed.
Style A type of architecture distinguished by special characteristics of structure and ornament and often related in time; also a
general quality of a distinctive character.
Surround An encircling border or decorative frame, usually at windows or doors.
Swag Carved ornament on the form of a cloth draped over supports, or in the form of a garland of fruits and flowers.
Transom A horizontal opening (or bar) over a door or window.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Trim The decorative framing of openings and other features on a facade.
Turret A small slender tower.
Veranda A covered porch or balcony on a building's exterior.
Vergeboard The vertical face board following and set under the roof edge of a gable, sometimes decorated by carving.
Vernacular A regional form or adaptation of an architectural style.
Wall dormer Dormer created by the upward extension of a wall and a breaking of the roofline.
Water table A projecting horizontal ledge, intended to prevent water from running down the face of a wall's lower section.
Weatherboard Wood siding consisting of overlapping boards usually thicker at one edge than the other.
MayS, 2002
R-'/'/
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM THE CARNEGIE-STOUT LIBRARY
About Fences
Adhesion of Paint to Weathered Wood
The Alliance Review: Side-Swiped? Synthetic Siding Still a Sticky Issue for Commissions
Artificial Siding: Problems & Concerns
Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint: A Nationwide Problem
A Victorian Garden
The Best Way to Build A Fence
Effect of Weathering of New Wood on the Subsequent Performance of Semitransparent Stains
Eliminating Lead Hazards
Financing Historic Preservation: A guide to local, state, and federal financing for historic preservation projects
Grand Mi#work Catalog for Home Builders
Historic Preservation: It's role and responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Commission
Historic Preservation: What it means for property owners and communities
Introduction to Leadlock Encasement Products
Lead in Drinking Water
Liquid Wood
Main Street: Keeping Up Appearances-Storefront Guidelines
Maintenance of Gutters
National Register Bulletin #39: Reseamhing a Historic Property
Painting the American House 1820-1920
Photodegradation of Wood Affects Paint Adhesion
Porches
Preservation Brief#2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Brick Buildings
Preservation Brief#9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
Preservation Brief # ? O: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork
MayS, 20o2
R-12
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
R-'/3
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM THE CARNEGIE-STOUT LIBRARY, Continued
Preservation Brief #28: Painting Historic Interiors
Preservation Tech Notes: Windows - Interior Storm Windows: Magnetic Seal
The Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings: A guide to the restoration, rehabilitation and preservation of historic buildings in the City of
Dubuque, Iowa
Respirators for Lead
Substitute Siding: Take it off...Here's How
Theme Gardens
Why Bother to Paint Wood Before it Weathers?
VFhy Save Wood Windows?
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
R-'14
SELECTED READING
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Where to Look: a Guide to Historic Preservation Information. Washington, DC: The
Council, 1982.
All About Old Buildinqs: the Whole Preservation Cataloq. Washington, DC: Preservation Press, 1985.
American Bungalow Magazine Bi-Monthly. 123 South Baldwin Avenue, P.O. Box 756, Sierra Madre, CA 91025- 756
Bleekman, George M. III, ed. Twentieth Century Buildinq Materials1 1900-1950: an Annotated Bibliography. Washington, DC: U.S.
Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division, 1993.
Blumenson, John J.~G., Identifying American Architecture. Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1981.
Bullock, Orin M. The Restoration Manual; an Illustrated Guide to the Preservation and Restoration of Old Buildings Norwalk, Conn:
Silvermine Publishers, 1966.
Bucher, William Ward Ill, ed., and Christine Madrid. Dictionary of Building Preservation. New York: J. Wiley, 1996.
Conservation of Historic Brick Structures: Case Studies and Reports of Research. Dorset: Donhead, 1998.
Coppa & Avery Consultants. An Architectural Guide to Wood Construction, Preservation, Conservation, Restoration and Framing
Monticello, IL: Vance Bibliographies, 1985.
Curtis, John Obed. Movin;t Historic Buildings. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior, Heritage Conservation and Recreation
Service, Technical Preservation Services Division, 1979.
Dennis, Stephen N., ed., and Andrea Zizzi. Directory of American Preservation Commissions. Washington, DC: Preservation
Press, 1981.
Diamonstein, Barbaraiee. Buildings Reborn: New Uses, Old Places. New York: Harper & Row, 1978.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
R-'IS
SELECTED READING, continued
Economic Benefits of Preserving Old Buildings Conference. Economic Benefits of Preservinq Old Buildin,qs Washington:
Preservation Press, 1970.
Evers, Christopher. The Old-House Doctor. Woodstock, New York: The Overlook Press, 1986.
Favretti, Rudy J. Landscapes and Gardens for Historic Buildinqs: a Handbook for Reproducin,q and Creatin,q Authentic Landscapn
Settinqs. Nashville, Tenn.: American Association for State and Local History, 1978.
Fleming, Ronald Lee. Facade Stories: Chanqin.q Faces of Main Street Storefronts and How to Care for Them. Cambridge, MA:
Townscape Institute; New York: Hastings House, 1982.
Friedland, Edward P. Antique Houses: Their Construction and Restoration. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1981.
Friedman, Donald. Historical Bui]dinq Construction: Desiqn, Materials, and Technology. New York: W.W, Norton, 1995.
Greer, Nora Richter. Architecture Transformed: New Life for Old Buildin,q,~ Gloucester, Mass: Rockport Pub; Cincinnati, OH:
North Light Books, 1998.
Grow, Lawrence. The Fourth Old House Catalogue. Pittstown, NJ: Main Street Press; New York, NY: Distributed by Kampmann,
1984.
Hanson, Shirley, and Nancy Hubby. Preservinp and Maintaininq the Older Home. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983.
Harris, Cyril M. ed. Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. New York: Dover Publications, 1977.
Hutchins, Nigel. Restoring Old Houses. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980.
Kangas, Robert. The Old-House Rescue Book. Reston, Virginia: Reston Publishing Company, 1982.
Litchfield, Michael W. Renovation: A Complete Guide. New York: Wiley, 1982.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
R-16
SELECTED READING, continued
London, Mark. Masonry: How to Care for Old and Historic Brick and Stone. Washington, DC: Preservation Press, 1988.
Maddex, Diane. The Brown Book: A Directory of Preservation Information. Washington, DC: Preservation Press, 1983.
McAlester, Virginia and Lee McAlester. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984.
Metals in America's Historic Buildin.qs: Uses and Preservation Treatments. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Heritage
Conservation and Recreation Service, Technical Preservation Services Division, 1980.
Morton, W. Brown, III, Gary L. Hume, and Kay D. Weeks. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for Rehab tat nq H storic Buildin.qs. 1979. Rev. ed. Washington, DC: Technical Preservation Services. U.S. Department
of the Interior, 1990.
Moss, Roger. Century of Color. Watkins Glen, N.Y.: The American Life Foundation, 1981.
Myers, Phyllis. Neighborhood Conservation: Lessons from Three Cities. Washington: Conservation Foundation, 1977.
Nash, George. Old-houses, A Rebuilder's Manual. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentiss-Hall, 1980.
Old House Interiors. Gloucester, MA: Dovetale Publishers, 1995.
Old-House Journal, The. Monthly. Old-House Journal Corporation, 435 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215.
Old-House Journal Buyer's Guide, The. Annual. Old-House Journal Corporation, 435 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215.
Park, Sharon D., AIA. The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors. Preservation Brief no. 16. Washington, DC:
Technical Preservation Services, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1989.
Phillips, Steven J. Old-House Dictionary. Lakewood, Colorado: American Source Books, 1989.
Rooney, William F. Practical Guide to Home Restoration. New York: Bantam/Hudson Idea Books, 1980.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
R-'I7
SELECTED READING, continued
Rusk, Katherine. RenoYafin.q the Victorian House: A quide for Aficionados of Old Houses. San Francisco: One Hundred One
Productions, 1981.
Rypkema, Donovan D. The Economics of Historic Preservation. Washington: The National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1994.
Seale, William. Recreatinq the Historic House Interior. Nashville, Tenn.: American Association for State and Local History, 1979.
Schweitzer, Robert, and Michael W.R. Davis. America's Favorite Homes - Mail Order Catalogues As A Guide To Popular Early
20th Century Houses. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1990.
Shopsin, William C. Restoring Old Buildinqs for Contemporary uses: an American Sourcebook for Architects and Preservationists.
New York: Whitney Library of Design, 1986.
Stahl, Frederick A. A Guide to the Maintenance, Repair, and Alteration of Historic Buildings. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold,
1984.
Stephen, George. New Life for Old Houses. Washington, DC: The Preservation Press, 1989.
Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Respectful Rehabilitation. Washington,
DC: The Preservation Press, 1982.
Travers, Jean. Guide to Resource Used in Historic Preservation Research. Washington: Preservation Press, 1978.
United States, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Contribution of Historic Preservation to Urban Revitalization.
Washington: The Council, 1979.
United States, Urban Renewal Administration. Historic Preservation Through Urban RenewaL. Washington, 1963,
Preservation Briefs. Published periodically. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.
Warren, John, RIBA. Conservation of Brick. Oxford; Boston: Butterworth Heinemann, 1999.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
SELECTED READING, continued
Weaver, Martin E. Conservinq Buildinqs: Guide to Techniques and Materials. New York: Wiley, 1997.
Weeks, Kay D. New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildinqs: Preservation Concerns. Preservation Brief no. 14. Washington, DC:
Technical Preservation Services, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1986.
Ziegler, Arthur P. Historic Preservation in Small Towns: a Manual of Practice. Nashville: American Association for State and Local
History, 1980.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MayS, 2002
R-19
FUNDING RESOURCES
Historic Preservation Grant
A grant in the form of a forgivable loan for properties in historic districts to repair or repair: pomhes, wood windows, wood doom,
wood siding, character-defining features, and chimneys. Exterior painting and historic color paint projects are also eligible. This is
a program created by the Historic Preservation Commission and is jointly administered between the Planning Services Department
and the Housing and Community Development Department.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230 or the Planning Services
Department at (563) 589~4210.
Historic Preservation Revolving Loan
A~low-~nterest loan for properties located ~n the Jackson Park, Cathedral, W. 11 Street or Langworthy H~stonc Preservation
Dt~tr cts for exterior work that results in property improvements that meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines
for Rehabilitation. This is a program created by the Historic Preservation Commission and is jointly administered between the
Planning Services Department and the Housing and Community Development Department.
FOr more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230 or the Planning Services
Department at (563) 589-4210.
Facade Grant
A grant which requires matching funds for front or rear faCade renovations in the Old Main Subarea which includes the Old Main
Historic District to eliminate inappropriate additions or alterations and repair fa(;ades to their historic appearance, or to rehabilitate
the fa~;ade to include new windows, paint, signage, awnings, etc. to improve overall appearance. Landscaping or screening with
fencing or retaining walls may also be allowed, especially as it may improve property adjacent to the public right-of-way.
For more information contact the Economic Development Department at (563) 589-4393.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
R-20
FUNDING RESOURCES, continued Downtown Rehabilitation Loan
A Iow-interest rehabilitation loan for interior and exterior rehabilitation, fa(2ade renovation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings
and must include code-related improvements.
For more information contact the Economic Development Department at (563) 589-4393.
Home Owner Rehabilitation Program
Low-interest loans for homeowners located anywhere in the City to rehabilitate their properties.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230.
Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Program
A HUD lead paint removal assistance program, with grants made available for properties in downtown neighborhoods. This
program is administered by the Housing and Community Development Department.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230.
Operation Paintbrush
A program to access free exterior paint for homeowners anywhere in the City.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230.
Operation Upkeep
Provides grants and loans to homeowners in the downtown census tracts to help improve the exterior appearance and conditions
of their homes.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
R-2'/
FUNDING RESOURCES, continued
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
For properties located within one of Dubuque's five Historic Districts or designated as landmark properties, approved rehab can
result in significant federal tax credits. This program is jointly administered through the City and the State Historic Preservation
Office in Des Moines.
For more information contact the Economic Development Department at (563) 589-4393.
Iowa Historic Rehab Tax Credit
A State tax credit program that offers 25% tax credit for historic rehabs. This program is administered through the Historic
Preservation Office in Des Moines.
For more information contact the State Historic Preservation Office at (515) 281-6412.
Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP)
A program that provides matching grants for work on historic properties, museums and their collections, libraries and their
collections. Rehabilitation work on historic properties must meet the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
For more information contact the State Historic Preservation Office at (515) 281-6412.
Neighborhood Grants
Neighborhood grants are available for organized neighborhood associations and groups for many neighborhood improvement
projects.
For additional inforrnation contact the Neighborhood Development Specialist at 589-4326.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LOCAL CONTACTS
City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission
Dubuque County Historical Society
Center for Dubuque History (Loras College)
Dubuque Main Street, Ltd.
Old House Enthusiasts
Building Services Department
· Building Permits
· Demolition Permits
· Sign Permits
Housing and Community Development
· Home Owner Rehabilitation Program
· Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Program
· Operation Paintbrush
· Operation Upkeep
Economic Development Department
· Fagade Grant
· Downtown Rehabilitation Loans
Engineering Department
· Construction in the Public Right-of-Way
(563) 589-4210
(563) 557-9545
(563) 588-7163
(563) 588-4400
(563) 583-3807
(563) 589-4150
(563) 589-4230
(563) 589-4393
(563) 589-4270
May 8, 2002
R-22
A R CHI TEC TURA L G UIDEL INES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LOCAL CONTACTS, continued
Planning Department
· Historic Preservation Design Review
· Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant
· Historic Preservation Revolving Loan
· Sign Regulations
· Zoning Regulations
Neighborhood Development Specialist
· Neighborhood Grants
,Bluff Street Neighborhood Association
· Downtown Neighborhood Council
· Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association
Iowa OneCall Utility Line Location Service · Call 48 hours prior to excavation
(563) 589-4210
(563) 589-4110
1-800-292-8989
May 8, 2002
R-23
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
R-24
CHAPTER 25 PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
Chapter 25
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Sec. 25-1.
Sec. 25-2.
Sec. 25-3.
Sec. 25-4.
Purpose and intent.
Definitions.
Histodc preservation commission established; membership; term of office; vacancies
in office.
Election of officers; organization; rules and bylaws; conduct of meetings; record of
actions; attendance at meetings.
Sec. 25-5. Powers and duties generally; procedures for operations.
Sec. 25-6. identification and designation of landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts.
Sec. 25-6.1. Langworthy Histodc Preservation District.
Sec. 25-6.2. Old Main Historic Preservation District.
Sec. 25-6.3. Jackson Park Histodc Preservation District.
Sec. 25-6.4. Cathedral Historic Preservation District.
Sec. 25-6.5. West Eleventh Street Historic Preservation District.
Sec. 25-6.6. William M. Black Landmark.
Sec. 25-6.7. Dubuque City Hall Landmark.
Sec. 25-6.8. Dubuque County Courthouse Landmark.
Sec. 25-6.9. Dubuque County Jail Landmark.
Sec. 25-6.10. Julien Dubuque Monument Landmark.
Sec. 25-6.11. Mathias Ham House Landmark.
Sec. 25-6.12. Shot Tower.
Sec. 25-7. Demolition of landmarks, landmark sites or structures in historic districts; demolition
by neglect; certificate of economic non-viability.
Sec. 25-8. Alteration of landmarks, landmark sites or structures in histodc districts;
determination of no matedal effect; certificate of appropriateness; review of
preservation alternatives; certificate of economic non-viability.
Sec. 25-9. Procedure for the review of plans; application for certificate of appropriateness;
application for review of preservation alternatives; application for certificate of
economic non-viability.
Sec. 25-10. Standards for review.
Sec. 25-11. Appeals from commission action.
Sec. 25-12. Inspection.
Sec. 25-13. Violations; penalties.
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Sec. 25-1. Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is to:
(A) Promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the
protection, enhancement and perpetuation of districts, landmarks, and landmark sites of
prehistoric, historic, architectural, archeological and cultural significance;
(B) Safeguard the city's prehistoric, historic, aesthetic, architectural, archeological and cultural
hedtage by preserving districts, landmarks, and landmark sites of historical, architectural
and cultural significance;
(C) Stabilize and improve property values;
(D) Foster civic pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements of the past;
(E) Protect and enhance the city's attractions to tourists and visitors and the support and
stimulus to business thereby provided;
(F) Strengthen the economy of the city; and
(G) Promote the use of districts, landmarks, and landmark sites of prehistoric, historic,
architectural, archeological and cultural significance as sites for the education, pleasure and
welfare of the people of the city.
Sec. 25-2. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the
meanings ascdbed to them below.
Alteration: Any act or process which changes the exterior architectural appearance of a
structure, site or area, including, but not limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction,
restoration, removal or demolition of any structure or part thereof, excavation, or the addition of
an improvement.
Archeologioal significance: A determination based on the following criteria:
(1) The site is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to, and are
identified with, or that outstandingly represent, the broad cultural patterns of U.S. history
and from which an understanding and appreciation of those patterns may be gained; or
(2) The site is associated importantly with the lives of persons nationally significant in U.S.
history; or
(3) The site represents some great idea or ideal of the American people; or
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(4) The site embodies the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or
specimen exceptionally valuable for a study of a period, style or method of construction,
or that represents a significant, distinctive and exceptional entity whose components
may lack individual distinction; or
(5) The site is composed of integral parts of the environment not sufficiently significant by
reason of historical association or artistic merit to warrant individual recognition, but
collectively compose an entity of exceptionally historical or artistic significance, or
outstandingly commemorate or illustrate a way of life or culture; or
(6) The site has yielded or may be likely to yield information of major scientific importance
by revealing new cultures, or by shedding light upon periods of occupation over large
areas of the U.S. Such sites are those which have yielded, or which may reasonably be
expected to yield data affecting theories, concepts and ideas to a major degree.
Architectural significance: A determination based on the following criteria:
(1) The structure(s) is (are) the work of, or associated with, a nationally or locally noted
architect, architectural firm, engineer, builder or craftsman; or
(2) The structure(s) is (are) an example of a particular pedod of architecture or architectural
style in terms of detail, material, method of construction or workmanship, with no or
negligible irreversible alterations to the original structure; or
(3) The structure(s) is (are) one of the few remaining examples of a particular architectural
style; or
(4) The structure(s) is (are) one of a contiguous group of structures which have a sense of
cohesiveness which is expressed through a similarity of characteristics, a similarity of a
style, a similarity of period, a similarity of method of construction or which accent the
architectural significance of the area.
Building: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy,
typically for any form of human activity. A building also may refer to a historically and
functionally related unit, such as a courthouse and jail or a house and barn. Examples of
buildings include: carriage house, church, garage, hotel, house, library, school, shed, store or
theater.
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Certificate of appropriateness. A document issued by the historic preservation commission
indicating its approval of plans for an alteration or activity which will:
(1) Create a material change in appearance, or the removal or demolition, of a landmark,
landmark site or of a structure within a historic district; and
(2) Require a regulated permit.
Certificate of economic non-viability. A document issued by the historic preservation
commission which acknowledges an exception as herein defined and which authorizes an
alteration or activity:
(1) VVhich creates a material change in appearance, or the removal or demolition, of a
landmark, landmark site or of a structure within a historic district;
(2) Which requires a regulated permit; and
(3) For which a certificate of appropriateness has been or would be denied; however, a
certificate of economic non-viability shall be issued only upon a showing that the
property owner will be depdved of any reasonable economic return on the property if not
allowed to proceed with the requested alteration or activity.
Commission: The Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission, as established by this chapter.
District: A definable geographic area that can be distinguished from surrounding properties,
and which possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings,
structures or objects united histodcelly or aesthetically by plan or physical development.
Demolition: Any act or process which destroys in part or in whole a landmark or a structure.
Design guideline: A standard of acceptable activity which will preserve the prehistoric, historic,
architectural, archeological and cultural character of a building, district, landmark, site or
structure.
Determination of no material effect. A document issued by the city manager or the city
manager's designee indicating approval for any normal repair or act of maintenance as defined
by this chapter, which:
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(1) Is not an alteration, construction, removal, demolition or excavation as defined by this
chapter;
(2) Does not create a matedal change in the extedor architectural appearance or exterior
features of a structure or site; and
(3) Nonetheless does require a regulated permit.
Excavation: The digging out or removal of earth, soil.
Exterior architectural appearance: The architectural style and character and the general
composition and arrangement of the exterior of a building or structure.
Exterior features: The architectural style and the general design and arrangement of the
extedor of a structure, including, but not limited to, the kind and texture of the building
material(s), and the type, style and arrangement of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and
other appurtenant elements, or the natural features of a landmark, landmark site or structure. In
the case of outdoor advertising signs, "exterior feature" includes the style, material, size and
location of the sign.
Historic district: An area designated by ordinances of the city council which:
(1) Has defined geographic boundaries;
(2) Contains contiguous pieces of property under diverse ownership; and
(3) Is one or more of the following:
a. Significant to American history, architecture, prehistoric or historic archaeology or
culture; or
b. Possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feel and
association; or
c. Associated with events that have been a significant contribution to the broad patterns
of our prehistory or history; or
d. Associated with the lives of persons significant with our past; or
e. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction;
or
f. Represents the work of a master; or
g. Possesses high artistic values; or
5
h. Represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction; or
i. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to prehistory and
history.
Historic significance: A determination based on the following criteria:
(1) The structure(s) or site(s) has (have) a strong association with the life or activities of a
person or persons who have contributed to or participated in the histodc events of the
nation, state or community; or
(2) The structure(s) or site(s) is (are) associated with an association or group (whether
formal or informal) which has contributed to or participated in historic events of the
nation, state or community; or
(3) The structure(s) or site(s) or object(s) is (are) associated with an antiquated use due to
technological or social changes in the nation, state or community, such as, but not
limited to, a blacksmith's shop or railroad trestle; or
(4) The site(s) or object(s) is (are) a monument to or a cemetery of historic personages.
Improvement: Any building, structure, parking facility, fence, gate, wall, work of art or other
object constituting a physical betterment of real property, or part of such betterment.
Integrity. The original, unaltered or historically altered appearance of a structure, site or area
when taken as a whole.
Landmarl~. A property or structure designated by ordinance of the city council pursuant to
procedures described herein, that is worthy of preservation, rehabilitation or restoration
because of its prehistoric, historic, architectural, archeological or cultural significance to the city,
the state or nation.
Landmark site: Any parcel of land of prehistoric or historic archeological significance, or historic
significance due to its substantial value in tracing the prehistory or history of Native Americans,
or upon which a histodc event has occurred, and which has been designated as a landmark site
under this section, or an improvement parcel, or part thereof, on which is situated a landmark
6
and any abutting improvement parcel, or part thereof, used as and constituting part of the
premises on which the landmark is situated.
Material change of appearance: Any change, alteration or modification of the external
architectural appearance or exterior features of a building, improvement, structure or property
which is visible from the public way and for which a regulated permit is required for compliance
with applicable local codes, including, but not limited to:
(1) Changes in the extedor size, configuration, fenestration or other structural features of
the property; or
(2) Construction or reconstruction; or
(3) Demolition; or
(4) Any alteration in the size, location or appearance of any sign on the property; or
(5) Any excavation on property or the deposit of any waste, fill or other material on property.
(6) For individual histodc districts, the definition of "material change in appearance" may be
expanded to include additional activities for which a certificate of appropriateness is
required. Such additional activities shall be delineated in the ordinance designating an
individual distdct or by amending the distdct designating ordinance, in the case of a
district that has been previously designated.
Object: As distinguished from buildings and structures, objects are those constructions that are
primarily artistic in nature or are relatively small in scale and simply constructed. Although it
may be, by nature or design, movable, an object is associated with a specific setting or
environment. Examples of objects include: fountain, milepost, monument, sculpture or statuary.
Owner of record: Any person, firm, corporation or other legal entity listed as owner on the
records of the County Recorder of Dubuque County.
Preservation altematives: Financial incentives and restoration alternatives sufficient for the
property owner to earn a reasonable economic return. Financial incentives include, but are not
limited to, financing, tax credits, tax abatements, preservation grants or other similar incentives.
Restoration alternatives include, but are not limited to, different materials, techniques or
methods for rehabilitation of histodc buildings and structures, or archeological sites.
7
Regulated permit: An official document or certificate issued by the building official, city engineer
or other official of the city pursuant to provisions of the building code or other ordinance or
regulation, and which authorized the performance of a specified activity.
Repair.'A, ny change which does not require a building permit, and which is not construction,
removal or demolition.
Scale: In a building or structure, the relationship of the vertical, horizontal and volume
measurements; the relationship of the parts to one another within a building, or structure or in
comparison to other buildings or structures within that vicinity.
Site: the location of a significant event, a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity, or a
building or structure, whether standing, ruined, or vanished, where the location itself possesses
historic, cultural, or archeological value regardless of the value of any existing structure.
Examples of sites include: cemetery, designed landscape, habitation site, natural feature having
cultural significance, rock carving, rock shelter, ruins, trail or village site.
Structure: Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires a permanent or temporary
location on or in the ground, including, but not limited to, the following: earthwork, fences,
gazebos, advertising signs, billboards, backstops for tennis courts, radio and television
antennae, including supporting towers, and swimming pools. As distinguished from buildings,
structures are those functional constructions made usually for purposes other than creating
human shelter.
Sec. 25-3. Historic preservation commission established; membership; term of office; vacancies
in office.
(A) The histodc preservation commission is hereby established and shall consist of seven (7)
members who shall be residents of the city.
(B) Members of the commission shall be appointed by the city council as follows: One resident
from each designated historic preservation district, including the districts hereinafter
established; and two (2) at large members. Each member shall possess qualifications
evidencing expertise or interest in architecture, history, archeology, law, construction or
8
building rehabilitation, city planning or conservation in general. One commission member
shall be a licensed amhitect.
(C) The original appointment of the members of the commission shall be as follows: Two (2) for
one (1) year; two (2) for two (2) years, and three (3) for three (3) years, from July 1 of the
year of such appointment or until a successor is named to serve out the unexpired portion
of a term of appointment or until a successor is appointed to serve for a term of three (3)
years. Members appointed thereafter shall serve three-year terms.
(D) Vacancies occurring in the commission, other than through expiration of term of office, shall
be only for the unexpired portion of the term of the member replaced. Each member shall
serve until the appointment of a successor.
(E) Members may serve for more than one term.
(F) Vacancies shall be filled by the city council in accordance with the requirements set forth
above.
(G) Members shall serve without compensation.
Sec. 25-4. Election of officers; organization; rules and bylaws; conduct of meetings; record of
actions; attendance at meetings.
(A) The commission shall elect from its membership a chairperson and vice chairperson, whose
terms of office shall be fixed by bylaws adopted by the commission. The chairperson shall
preside over meetings of the commission and shall have the right to vote. The vice
chairperson shall, in cases of absence or disability of the chairperson, perform the duties of
the chairperson.
(B) The city manager shall designate a person to serve as secretary to the commission. The
secretary shall keep a record of all resolutions, proceedings and actions of the commission.
(C) The commission shall adopt rules or bylaws for the transaction of its business. The bylaws
shall provide for, but not be limited to, the time and place of holding regular meetings, the
procedure for the calling of special meetings by the chairperson or by at least three (3)
members of the commission and quorum requirements.
(D) All meetings of the commission shall be subject to Iowa Code Chapter 21, the Iowa Open
Meetings ACt.
(E) The commission shall keep a record of its resolutions, proceedings and actions. The
records shall be subject to Iowa Code Chapter 22, the Iowa Public Records Act.
(F) A quorum of the commission shall be required in order to transact business.
9
(G) The affirmative vote of a majodty of commission members present at a meeting shall be
required for the approval of plans or the adoption of any resolution, motion or other action of
the commission.
(H) The vote of each member of the commission shall be recorded.
(I) A member of the commission shall attend at least two-thirds (2/3) of all scheduled meetings
within any consecutive twelve-month period. If any member does not attend such
prescribed number of meetings it shall constitute grounds for the commission to recommend
to the city council that said member be replaced. Attendance of all members shall be
entered on the minutes.
(J) The commission shall file with the city council a copy of the minutes of each regular and
special meeting of the commission within ten (I0) working days after each meeting.
Sec. 25-5. Powers and duties generally; procedures for operations.
(A) The general duties and powers of the commission shall be as follows:
(1) To promote and conduct educational and interpretive programs on historic properties
within its jurisdiction;
(2) To develop and adopt specific standards for review and design guidelines, in addition to
those set forth in Section 25-10(A) of this chapter, for the alteration of landmarks,
landmark sites or property and structures within histodc districts;
(3) To adopt its own bylaws;
(4) To identify, evaluate, register, manage and protect significant prehistoric and historic
archeological sites;
(5) To conduct an on-going survey to identify historically, archeologically and architecturally
significant properties, structures and areas that exemplify the cultural, social, economic,
political, archeological or architectural history of the nation, state or city;
(6) To research and recommend to the city council the adoption of ordinances designating
areas as having historic, architectural, archeological or cultural value or significance as
"historic districts";
(7) To research and recommend to the city council the adoption of ordinances designating
properties or structures having historic, architectural, archeological or cultural value or
significance as "landmarks" or "landmark sites";
10
(8) To maintain a register of all properties and structures which have been designated as
landmarks, landmark sites or historic districts, including all information required for each
designation;
(9) To assist and encourage the nomination of landmarks, landmark sites and historic
districts to the National Register of Historic Places, and review and comment at a public
headng on any National Register nomination submitted to the commission upon the
request of the mayor, city council or the State Bureau of Historic Preservation;
(10) To confer recognition upon the owners of landmarks or of property or structures within
historic distdcts;
(11) To review in-progress or completed work to determine compliance with specific
certificates of appropriateness or certificates of economic non-viability; and
(12) To serve as an advisory design review body to the city council for review of public
works projects which have historic preservation implications in historic districts, or for
alteration of landmarks, landmark sites or structures, that would result in a material
change in appearance or be visible from the public way.
(B) The commission shall be governed by the administrative, personnel, accounting, budgetary
and procurement policies of the city.
Sec. 25-6. Identification and designation of landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts.
(A) Generally. The commission may conduct studies for the identification and nomination of
landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts, as defined by this chapter. The commission
may proceed on its own initiative or upon a petition from any person, group or association.
(B) Nomination.
(1) Landmarks and landmark sites. The nomination of landmarks and landmark sites shall
be initiated by an application submitted to the commission by the property owner on a
form supplied by the commission.
(2) Historic districts. The designation of historic districts shall be initiated by a nomination for
such designation. A nomination shall be made to the commission on a form prepared by
it and may be submitted by a member of the commission, the owner of record of
property within a proposed histodc district, the city council, or any other person or
organization. When a commissioner, as a pdvate citizen, nominates an historic district
for designation, the nominating commissioner shall abstain from voting on the
11
designation. This provision shall not extend to a designation motion presented by a
commissioner as part of commission proceedings.
(C) Criteria for consideration of a nomination. The commission shall, upon such investigation as
it deems necessary, make a determination as to the following:
(1) The nominated property, structure, object, site or area:
a. Is of architectural significance, as defined by this chapter; or
b. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of the history of the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, the State of Iowa or
the nation; or
c. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past the City of Dubuque,
Dubuque County, the State of Iowa or the nation; or
d. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in pre-history or history;
and
(2) The structure, property, object, site or area has sufficient integrity of location, design,
materials and workmanship to make it worthy of preservation or restoration; and
(3) The structure, property, object, site or area is at least fifty (50) years old, unless the
commission determines that it has achieved significance within the past fifty (50) years
and is of exceptional importance.
(D) Notification of nomination. Within sixty (60) days after receipt of a completed nomination in
proper form, the commission shall hold a public heating. Notice that a nomination for
designation is being considered and the date, time, place and purpose of the public hearing
shall be sent by certified mail, at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the hearing, to
the owner(s) of record of the nominated landmark, landmark site, or property within the
nominated historic district and to the nominator(s). Notice shall also be published in a ~
newspaper having general circulation in the city. The notice shall state the street address
and legal description of a nominated landmark or landmark site or the boundaries of a
nominated district.
(E) Public hearing. Oral or written testimony concerning the significance of the nominated
landmark, landmark site or historic district shall be taken at the public hearing from any
interested person. The commission may request expert testimony, consider staff reports or
present its own evidence regarding the compliance of the nominated landmark, landmark
site or historic district with the criteria set forth in paragraph (c) above. The owner of any
nominated landmark, landmark site or of any property within a nominated historic district
12
shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to present evidence regarding the nomination,
shall be afforded the dght of representation by counsel and shall be given reasonable
opportunity to cross-examine expert witnesses. The headng shall be closed upon
completion of testimony.
(F) Determination by the commission, recommendation and report. Within thirty (30) days
following the close of the public headng, the commission shall make a determination upon
the evidence as to whether the nominated landmark, landmark site or historic distdct does
or does not meet the cdteria for designation. Such determination shall be made in an open
meeting by resolution of the commission, shall be reduced to writing in the form of a
recommendation and shall be supported by a written report in support of the nomination.
The commission's recommendation on the nomination of a landmark, landmark site or
historic district, and its supporting report, shall be filed with the long range planning advisory
commission, and shall include a proposed ordinance or amendment establishing such
landmark, landmark site or histodc district and describing its location and boundaries by
address and legal description.
(G) Action by long range planning advisory commission. Within sixty (60) days after receipt of
the commission's recommendation, report and proposed ordinance or amendment, the long
range planning advisory commission shall report to the city council with respect to the
relation of the nomination to the general development plan, zoning ordinance, proposed
public improvements and any plans for the renewal of the area involved. Upon submission
of the report of the long range planning advisory commission, or upon the expiration of the
sixty-day period, the matter shall be transmitted to the city council.
(H) Action by city council.
(1) The city council shall submit the proposed ordinance or amendment to the Bureau of
Historic Preservation of the State Historical Society of Iowa for review and
recommendations at least forty-five (45) days pdor to the date of any public hearing
conducted by the city council. Any recommendations made by the Bureau of Historic
Preservation shall be made available by the city to the public for viewing during normal
working hours at a city government place of public access.
(2) Upon receipt of the recommendation and report of the historic preservation commission
and the report of the long range planning advisory commission, and after having
received a recommendation from the Bureau of Historic Preservation or if the
forty-five-day waiting pedod has lapsed since submission of the request for such
13
recommendation, the city council shall conduct a public hearing on the ordinance or
amendment establishing the proposed landmark, landmark site or historic preservation
district. After public hearing, the city council shall approve or disapprove the ordinance
or amendment, or refer the nomination back to the histodc preservation commission for
modification. A modified nomination shall require compliance with the same procedure
for designation as set forth above.
(3) City council approval of the ordinance or amendment shall constitute designation of the
landmark, landmark site or historic district.
(I) Amendment and rescission of designation. A designation may be amended or rescinded
upon petition to the commission and compliance with the same procedure and according to
the same criteria as set forth above for designation.
Sec. 25-6.1. Langworthy Historic Preservation District.
The properties hereinafter described are hereby designated as a historic preservation district,
according to the provisions of this chapter, to wit:
All of Lots 1 through 3, inclusive; all of Lot 4 excepting the northerly ten (10) feet thereof, all
of the south half of Lot 6; all of Lots 12 through 16, inclusive; and all of Lots 12A through
16A, inclusive; al! being in Paulina Langworthy's Addition. The west fifteen (15) feet of lot 4;
all of Lot 5, and Lot 6; all being in McCoy Subdivision. All of Lots 1 through 6, inclusively, of
Lot 2 and Lot 3; all of Lot 4; and all of Lots 5 through 8, inclusive, excepting the northerly
twelve (12)feet of all of them; all being in Mrs. L. A. Langworthy's Addition. All of Lots 1
through 12, inclusive; all of Lots 17 through 21, inclusive; and all of Lots 9 through 53,
inclusive; all being in Julia Langworthy's Addition. Lots I through 4, inclusive; Lot I of Lot 6;
Lots 28 through 32, inclusive; Lot I of Lot 1 of Lot 1 of Lot 33; and Lot I of Lot 2 of Lot 2 of
Lot 33; all being in T. S. Nairn's Dubuque Addition.
Sec. 25-6.2. Old Main Historic Preservation District.
The properties hereinafter described are hereby designated as a histodc preservation district,
according to the provisions of this chapter, to wit:
All of city Lots 1 through 12, inclusive; all of city Lots 69 through 80, inclusive; and the south
sixty-four (64) feet of Lot I Block XV of Dubuque Downtown Plaza.
Sec. 25-6.3. Jackson Park Histodc Preservation District.
14
The properties hereinafter described are hereby designated as a histodc preservation district,
according to the provisions of this chapter, to wit:
Beginning at the intersection of West 17th and Heeb Streets, north along Heeb Street to the
south line of M. A. Rebman's Sub.; west along said line and the south line of Duncan's Sub.
to the west line of Lot 4-C.L. six hundred seventy-four (674) feet; south along said line to the
south line of Lot 2-5-C.L. 674; west along said line and along the south line of Lot 1-5-C.L.
674 to Main Street; west across Main Street and Madison Avenue to the north line of Lot
5-2-C.L 673; continuing west along said line to the west line of said lot; south along said
line to Dorgan Place; west along Dorgan Place to the east line of Lot l-lA-Dorgan's Sub.;
southwest along said line and along the east line of Lot 1-1-Dorgan's Sub. and its extension
of West 17th Street; first south then in a counterclockwise manner along the westerly line of
D.N. Cooley's Sub. and its southerly extension to the north line of Lot I-I-C.L. 667; east
along said line to the east line of said lot; south along said line and the east line of Lot
2-3-C.L. 667 to the south along said line of Lot 2-1-C.L 667; east along said line to Bluff
Street; south along Bluff Street to the south line ofA. L Brown's Sub.; west along said line to
the east line of Lot 769B ofA. McDaniel's Sub.; south along said line and the east
right-of-way line of Grove Terrace and the east line Of Corkery's Sub. to the north line of
Lorimer's Sub.; east along said line to the east line of Lot 1-1-1 and 11 of Lorimer's Sub.;
south along said line and its extension to West 9th Street; east along West 9th Street to
Locust Street; north along Locust Street to West 10th Street; east along West 10th Street to
the alley between Locust and Main Streets; north along said alley to West 13th Street; east
along West 13th Street to Main Street; south along Main Street to the south line of the north
1/5-C.L. 465; east along said line and its extension to the east line of the west 33 feet, north
1/5-C.L 460; north along said line to West 13th Street; east along West 13th Street to Iowa
Street; north along Iowa Street to West 14th Street; east along West 14th Street to the alley
between Iowa Street and Central Avenue; north along said alley to West 17th Street; east
along West 17th Street to Heeb Street, the point of beginning.
Sec. 25-6.4. Cathedral Historic Preservation District.
The properties hereinafter described are hereby designated as a histodc preservation district,
according to provisions of this chapter, to wit:
Beginning at the intersection of Locust Street and West Seventh Street; southwest along
West Seventh Street to Bluff Street; northwest along Bluff Street to the northwest line of Lot
15
5-C.L. 653A; southwest along said line to the southwest line of said lot; southeast along said
line to the northwest line of the north fifty (50) feet of Lot 1-1-C.L. 653; southwest along said
line to the northeast line of Coriell's Dubuque Sub.; first southeast then in a clockwise
manner along said line to West Fifth Street; southeast along West Fifth Street; to the
northwest line of the west one hundred seven and five-tenths (107,5) feet-west one hundred
seventy (170) feet-C.L 624; southwest along said line to the northeast line of Cooper
Heights Sub; southeast along said line and along the northeast line of Lot 1-1-1-1C.L. 692
to the north right-of-way line of West Fourth Street; southwest along said right-of-way line
and along the northwest line of Lot 2-1-1-1-C.L. 692 to Raymond Place; southeast along
Raymond Place to the northwest line of Fenelon Point Sub.; first northeast then in a
clockwise manner along said line to the southwest line of Lot 1-E. seventy-eight and
five-tenths (78.5) feet south one hundred (100) feet-C.L. 692; southeast along said line to
West Third Street to the southwest line of Saint Raphael's Add.; southwest along said tine to
the northwest line of Lot 1-2-C.L. 694; first northeast then in a clockwise manner along said
line to the northwesterly most line of Pixler Place; northeast along said line to the west
right-of-way line of Bluff Street; southeast across Bluff Street to the northeast line of C.L
589A; continuing southeast along the northeast line of C.L. 589A and the northeast line of
C,L. 589 and the northeast line of the north twenty-one (21) feet-north 1/2 C.L. 572 to
Locust Street; northeast along Locust Street to the southwest line of the south fifty (50)
feet-C.L, 568; northwest along said line to Bissell Lane; north along Bissell Lane to West
Fourth Street; northeast along West Fourth Street to Locust Street; northwest along Locust
Street to West Seventh Street, the place of beginning as described herein.
Sec. 25-6.5. West Eleventh Street Historic Preservation District.
The properties hereinafter described are hereby designated as a historic preservation district,
according to provisions of this chapter, to wit:
Beginning at the intersection of Loras Boulevard and Bluff Street; south along Bluff Street to
the south line of A.L. Brown's Sub.; west along said south line to the east line of Lot 769B of
A. McDaniel's Sub.; south along said east line and along the east right-of-way line of Grove
Terrace and along the east line of Corkery's Sub. to the north line of Lorimer's Sub.; east
along said north line to the east line of Lot 1-1-1-1 l-L0dmer's Sub; south along said east
line and its southerly extension to West 9th Street; west along West 9th Street to the west
line of Central Addition; north along said west line to the south line of the east twenty-seven
16
(27) feet-Lot 3-C.L. 703; west along said south line to the west line of said lot; north along
said west line to the north line of the west one hundred thirty-nine (139) feet-Lot 3-C.L. 703;
west along said north line to the east line of Lot 2-46A-Fadey's Sub.; north along said east
line to Wilbur Street; west along Wilbur Street to the west line of Lot 2-46A-Farley's Sub,;
south along said west line to the south line of Lot 1-46-Farley's Sub.; west along said south
line and along the south line of Lot 1-45-Farley's Sub. to the west line of said Lot 1-45; north
along said west line to Wilbur Street; west along Wilbur Street to Spruce Street; south along
Spruce Street to the south line of Lot 2-43-Farley's Sub.; west along said south line to the
east line of the south eighty (80) feet-Lot 37-Farley's Sub.; north along said east line to the
north line of said lot; west along said north line to the east line of Lot 38-Farley's Sub.; north
along said east line to Jefferson Street; west along Jefferson Street and along the south line
of Lot 2-1-1-3-C,L 738 to the west line of Lot 2-1-1-3-C.L 738; north along said west line
and along the west line of Lot 1-1-1-3-C.L 738 and along the west line of Lot 2-1-3-C.L. 738
and along the west line of Lot 1-2-1-C.L 738; to West Eleventh Street; east along West
Eleventh Street to the west line of Lot 12 of Cummin's Sub.; north alon the west lines of
Lots 11, 10, 9 and 8 of Cummin's Sub.; north across Race Street; north along the west line
of Lot 6 of Cummin's Sub. to Chestnut Street; west along Chestnut Street to the west
property line of Lot 8 of Bissell's Dubuque; north along the west property lines of Lots 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of Bissell's Dubuque and the E. 150' of Lot 5 of C.L. 740; east along
the north line of the E. 150' of Lot 5 of C.L. 740 to Walnut Street; north along Walnut Street
to Loras Boulevard; east along Loras Boulevard to Henion Street; north along Henion Street
to Pickett Street; east along Pickett Street to the east line of Lot 2-7-C.L. 667; south along
said east line to the south line of Lot 1-4-C.L. 667; first east line then in a counter-clockwise
manner along the southerly lines of Lot 1-4-C.L. 667 and Lot 1-3-C.L. 667 to the west line of
Lot 2-1-C.L. 667; south along said west line of the south line of Lot 2-1-C.L. 667; east along
said south line to Bluff Street; south along Bluff Street to Loras Boulevard, the place of
beginning.
Sec. 25-6.6. William M. Black Landmark.
The structure hereinafter described is hereby designated as a landmark, according to the
provisions of this chapter, to wit:
Sidewheeler Dredge William M. Black moored at Inner Levee of the Mississippi River,
commonly known as the Ice Harbor.
17
Sec. 25-6.7. Dubuque City Hall Landmark.
The property hereinafter described is hereby designated as a landmark, according to the
provisions of this chapter, to wit:
The building situated on the N 2/5 of City Lot 448 and the N 2/5 of City Lot 457, commonly
known as 50 West 13th Street.
Sec. 25-6.8. Dubuque County Courthouse Landmark.
The property hereinafter described is hereby designated as a landmark, according to the
provisions of this chapter, to wit:
The building situated on part of City Lot 286 and City Lots 287 to 288, commonly known as
720 Central Avenue.
Sec. 25-6.9. Dubuque County Jail Landmark.
The property hereinafter described is hereby designated as a landmark, according to the
provisions of this chapter, to wit:
The building situated on City Lots 284 to 285 and part of City Lot 286, commonly known as
36 West 8th Street.
Sec. 25-6.10. Julien Dubuque Monument Landmark.
The property hereinafter described is hereby designated as a landmark, according to the
provisions of this chapter, to wit:
The structure situated on Pt. Lot 1, Government Lots I and 2, located at terminus of
Monument Drive.
Sec. 25-6.11. Mathias Ham House Landmark.
The property hereinafter described is hereby designated as a landmark, according to the
provisions of this chapter, to wit:
The building situated on Lot I of Lot 531 Ham's Addition, commonly known as 2241 Lincoln
Avenue.
Sec. 25-6.12. Shot Tower.
18
The property hereinafter described is hereby designated as a landmark, according to the
provisions of this chapter, to wit:
The Shot Tower structure situated on River Front Sub 1, located at terminus of Commercial
Street.
Sec. 25-7. Demolition of landmarks, landmark sites or structures in historic districts; demolition
by neglect; certificate of economic non-viability.
(A) Demolition generally. Demolition of landmarks, landmark sites or structures within
historic districts is prohibited unless, upon application and after hearing, the commission
issues a certificate of appropriateness or a certificate of economic non-viability pursuant to
Section 25-9(h) of this chapter.
(B) Demolition by neglect prohibited. The owner of real property in any historic district or of a
landmark or landmark site shall preserve and keep from deterioration all buildings and
structures located on such real property. The owner shall repair the building or structure to
correct any of the following defects found by the City's designated enforcement officer:
(1) parts which are improperly or inadequately attached so that they may fall and injure
persons or property;
(2) a deteriorated or inadequate foundation;
(3) defective or deteriorated floor supports or floor supports that are insufficient to carry the
loads imposed;
(4) walls, partitions or other vertical supports that split, lean, list or buckle due to defect or
deterioration or are insufficient to carry the load imposed;
(5) ceilings, roofs, ceiling or roof supports, or other horizontal members which sag, split, or
buckle, due to defect or deterioration or are insufficient to support the load imposed;
(6) fireplaces and chimneys which list, bulge or settle due to defect or deterioration or are of
insufficient size or strength to carry the loads imposed;
(7) deteriorated, crumbling or loose exterior stucco or mortar;
(8) deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roofs, foundations or floors,
including broken windows and doors;
(9) defective or lack of weather protection for exterior wall coverings, foundations or floors,
including broken windows and doors;
(10) any default, defect or condition in the structure which renders it structurally unsafe or
not property watertight;
19
(11) accumulations of weeds, fallen trees or limbs, debris, abandoned vehicles, and other
refuse;
(12) deterioration of any extedor feature so as to create a hazardous condition which could
make demolition necessary for the public safety; or
(13) deterioration or removal after the effective date of this ordinance of any unique
architectural feature which would detract from the original architectural style.
Sec. 25-8. Alteration of landmarks, landmark sites or structures in historic districts;
determination of no matedal effect; certificate of appropriateness; review of preservation
alternatives; certificate of economic non-viability.
(A) After designation of a landmark, landmark site or historic district by the city council, any
proposed alteration or activity which will affect a landmark, landmark site or structure or site
within any histodc district, and for which a regulated permit is required, shall be reviewed by
the historic preservation commission; however, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to
prevent ordinary maintenance or repair of any landmark, landmark site or structure or site
within a historic district where such maintenance or repair does not involve a matedal
change of appearance which necessitates issuance of a regulated permit as herein defined.
(B) No regulated permit may be issued prior to review by the commission.
(C) Upon review, the commission shall have the authority to take the following actions:
(1) Authorize the proposed project, determination of no material effect.
a. If an application submitted to the commission demonstrates compliance with the
"Secretary of Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic
Preservation", the Secretary of Interior's "Standards and Guidelines for the
Treatment of Historic Properties", and the "Secretary of the Interior's Standards for
Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings," codified as 36
CFR 68, as amended, as established by this chapter and, pursuant to the bylaws
adopted by the commission, a determination may be made that such work or activity
would:
1. Not result in a material change in appearance; or
2. Not be visible from the public way.
b. The city manager or city manager's designee shall make such determination and may
issue a determination of no material effect, which shall authorize the proposed work
or activity to proceed without a public meeting of the commission.
20
(2) Approve the proposed project; certificate of appropriateness.
a. The commission shall issue a certificate of appropriateness if, upon application and
after conducting a review of the application, it finds:
1. That the property owner or the property owner's representative has established
that the proposed alteration or activity complies with the standards for review set
forth by this chapter and regulated by the commission and conforms to the
purpose and intent of this chapter; and
2. That creating, changing, destroying or affecting the exterior architectural features
of the structure, improvement or site upon which the work is to be done will not
have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historic or architectural
significance and value of either the property itself or of the neighboring
improvements in a district.
b: The issuance of a certificate of appropriateness shall enable the applicant to obtain a
regulated permit and to proceed with the proposed alteration or activity.
(3) Disapprove the proposed project; review of preservation alternatives; certificate of
appropriateness.
a. The commission shall issue a certificate of appropriateness, upon application for and
after conducting a review of preservation alternatives, it finds:
1. That the property owner or the property owner's representative has established
that the preservation alternatives for the proposed alteration or activity comply
with the standards for review set forth by this chapter and regulated by the
commission, and conform to the purpose and intent of this chapter; and
2. That creating, changing, destroying or affecting the exterior architectural features
of the structure, improvement or site upon which the work is to be done will not
have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historic or architectural
significance and value of either the property itself or of the neighboring
improvements in a district.
b. The issuance of a certificate of appropriateness after a review of preservation
alternatives shall enable the applicant to obtain a regulated permit and to proceed
with the proposed alteration or activity.
(4) Disapprove the proposed project; certificate of economic non-viability. The commission
shall issue a certificate of economic non-viability, upon application or upon its own
motion, if:
21
a. A review of preservation alternatives has been conducted and a certificate of
appropriateness has been denied; and
b. The commission determines that disapproval of the proposed work or activity would
prevent the property owner from earning any reasonable economic return from the
property. In considering whether the property has been prevented from earning any
reasonable economic return, the commission shall deny the certificate of non-
viability where the inability to earn any reasonable economic return has been
created by the property owners' conduct including, but not limited to, neglect of
maintenance or absence of bona fide attempts to earn a reasonable economic
return.
(D) The building official, city engineer or other local authorities shall not issue a regulated permit
until there has been a determination of no material effect or a certificate of appropriateness
or a certificate of economic non-viability issued.
(E) The transfer of a determination of no material effect, certificate of appropriateness or
certificate of economic non-viability from one structure, improvement or site to another
structure, improvement or site or from one person to another is prohibited.
(F) Each determination of no matedal effect, certificate of appropriateness or certificate of
economic non-viability issued under the provisions of this article shall expire and become
null and void if the alteration, construction, repair, removal, demolition or excavation for
which the determination of no matedal effect, certificate of appropriateness or certificate of
economic non-viability was issued is not initiated within one (1) year of its issuance.
Sec. 25-9. Procedure for the review of plans; application for certificate of appropriateness;
application for review of preservation alternatives; application for certificate of economic non-
viability.
(A) Application for regulated permit shall be made to the appropriate city official. The application
shall state or the appropriate city official shall determine that the proposed alteration, activity
or demolition is to be done on a landmark, landmark site or on a structure within a historic
district.
(B) Upon the filing of such permit application, the appropriate city official shall notify the
applicant that the matter must be reviewed by the historic preservation commission before a
regulated permit can be issued.
22
(C) If a permit application demonstrates compliance with the provisions for a determination of
no material effect as established by this chapter, then the city manager or city manager's
designee shall make such determination and may issue a determination of no material
effect, which shall authorize the proposed work or activity to proceed without a public
meeting of the commission. If a permit application does not demonstrate compliance with
the provisions for a determination of no material effect as established by this chapter, then
an application for design review by the commission of the proposed work, activity or
demolition must be made by the applicant. Application for commission review shall be filed
in the Planning Services Department.
(D) Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the commission, the
commission shall meet within twenty-one (21) days after the filing of the application for
commission review. The commission shall review the proposed project according to the
duties and powers specified in this chapter. In reviewing the proposed project, the
commission may confer with the applicant or the applicant's authorized representative. The
commission may require submission of such additional drawings, sketches, photographs or
other exhibits as it deems reasonably necessary for consideration of the application.
(E) The commission shall approve or disapprove such plan.
(F) If the proposed project is approved, the commission shall issue a certificate of
appropriateness.
(G) If the commission disapproves such proposed project, it shall state its reasons and shall
transmit to the applicant a wdtten record of its disapproval. The commission may propose
appropriate revisions of the applicant's proposal which, if adopted, would cause the
commission to reconsider its disapproval. The applicant may make modifications to the
proposed project and shall have the right to resubmit a modified proposal at any time.
(H) Prior to filing an application for a certificate of economic non-viability, as provided for in
subsection (I) below, the applicant shall file an application for a review of preservation
alternatives. This application shall document the applicant's attempts to evaluate and
obtain preservation alternatives as defined herein, including, but not limited to, financing, tax
incentives, preservation grants, restoration alternatives and other incentives sufficient to
allow the applicant to earn a reasonable economic return from the property.
(1) After a review of the preservation alternatives, the commission shall approve or
disapprove such plan.
23
(2) If the proposed project is approved, the commission shall issue a certificate of
appropriateness.
(3) If the commission disapproves such proposed project, it shall state its reasons and shall
transmit to the applicant a wdtten record of its disapproval. The commission may
propose appropriate revisions of the applicant's proposal that, if adopted, would cause
the commission to reconsider its disapproval. The applicant may make modifications to
the proposed project and shall have the dght to resubmit a modified proposal at any
time.
(I) If the commission disapproves such proposed project after a review of preservation
alternatives, it may, upon application or on its own motion, consider issuing a certificate of
economic non-viability.
(1) Upon application or motion for a certificate of economic non-viability, the commission
shall schedule a public meeting on that application or motion.
(2) Data to be provided by the applicant. The commission may solicit expert testimony or
require that the applicant for a certificate of economic non-viability make submissions
concerning any or all of the following information before rendering its decision:
a. Estimate of the cost of the proposed construction, alteration, demolition or removal
and an estimate of any additional cost that would be incurred to comply with the
recommendations of the historic preservation commission for changes necessary for
the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness;
b. A report from a licensed engineer or architect with experience in rehabilitation as to
the structural soundness of any structures and their suitability for rehabilitation;
c. Estimated market value of the property in its current condition; after completion of the
proposed construction, alteration, demolition or removal; after any changes
recommended by the commission; and, in the case of a proposed demolition, after
renovation of the existing property for continued use;
d. In the case of a proposed demolition, an estimate from an architect, developer, real
estate consultant, appraiser or other real estate professional experienced in
rehabilitation, as to the economic feasibility of rehabilitation or reuse of the existing
structure on the property;
e. The amount paid for the property, the date of purchase and the person from whom
purchased, including a description of the relationship, if any, between the owner of
24
record or the applicant and the person from whom the property was purchased, and
any terms of financing between the seller and buyer;
f. If the property is income-producing, the annual gross income from the property for the
previous two (2) years;
g. Itemized operating and maintenance expenses for the previous two (2) years; and
depreciation deduction and annual cash flow before and after debt service, if any,
during the same pedod;
h. The remaining balance on any mortgage or other financing secured by the property
and annual debt service, if any, for the previous two (2) years;
i. All appraisals obtained within the previous two (2) years by the owner or applicant in
connection with the purchase, financing or ownership of the property;
j. Any listing of the property for sale or rent, price asked and offers received, if any,
within the previous two (2) years;
k. The assessed value of the property according to the two (2) most recent
assessments;
I. The amount of real estate taxes for the previous two (2) years and whether or not they
have been paid;
m. The form of ownership or operation of the property, whether sote proprietorship,
for-profit or not-for-profit corporation, limited partnership, joint venture or other;
n. Any other information considered necessary by the commission to make a
determination as to whether the property does yield or may yield any reasonable
economic return to the property owner(s), including but not limited to the income tax
bracket of the owner(s) or applicants or of the principal investor(s) in the property;
o. Proof of the applicant's efforts to obtain financing, tax incentives, preservation grants
and other incentives sufficient to allow the applicant to earn a reasonable and a
economic return from the property; and
p. A showing of the applicant's efforts in ongoing maintenance and repair.
(3) Determination of economic non-viability. The commission shall review all of the evidence
and information required of an applicant for a certificate of economic non-viability; and
a. If the commission finds that disapproval of the proposed work would prevent the
property owner from earning any reasonable economic return from the property, the
commission shall:
1. Immediately issue a certificate of economic non-viability.; or
25
2. At its discretion, postpone, for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180)
days, the issuance of a certificate of economic non-viability. During this time, the
commission shall investigate strategies which would allow the property owner to
earn a reasonable economic return from the property. No regulated permit shall
be issued during this time unless a certificate of appropriateness has been
secured. If, at the end of the one hundred eighty-day period, the commission,
after a public meeting, finds that the property owner still cannot earn any
reasonable economic return from the property, it shall issue a certificate of
economic non-viability.
b. If the commission finds, after initial review or after the one hundred eighty-day period
of postponement, that the property owner has, in fact, earned or is able to earn a
reasonable economic return from the property, then the commission shall deny the
application for a certificate of economic non-viability.
(J) No regulated permit shall be issued authorizing a material change in appearance of a
landmark, landmark site or of a structure or site within a histodc distdct until there is a
determination of no material effect or a certificate of appropriateness or a certificate of
economic non-viability filed with the building official or the city official authorized to issue the
necessary regulated permit.
(K) In the event the commission disapproves of a proposed project, the notice of disapproval
shall be binding upon the building official, city engineer or other local authority, and no
permit shall be issued in such a case.
(I) The failure of the commission to approve or disapprove an application for a certificate of
appropriateness within sixty (60) days from the date of the filing of an application, unless an
extension is agreed upon mutually by the applicant and the commission, shall be deemed to
constitute approval, unless within such sixty (60) days the commission has made a
determination of economic non-viability and has suspended its decision regarding a
certificate of economic non-viability pursuant to subsection (h)(I)(3)a.2.
Sec. 25-10. Standards for review.
(A)The commission shall consider each design review on the merits of the individual case, with
due deliberation given to each proposed change(s) and its sympathetic relationship to the
specific historic setting, architectural or histodc significance, extent of previous alteration,
use of odginal materials and quality of design of the existing structure or site. Commission
26
approval of a particular type of alteration or activity shall not establish a binding precedent
for future commission action, but may constitute an additional factor to be considered in
subsequent design reviews involving the same type of alteration or activity.
(B) The "Secretary of Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Histodc
Preservation", the Secretary of Interior's "Standards and Guidelines for the Treatment of
Historic Properties", and the "Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings," codified as 36 CFR 68, as amended, shall
provide the guidelines by which the commission shall review an application for a certificate
of appropriateness or certificate of economic non-viability, and any subsequent revisions of
these standards and guidelines by the Secretary of the Interior shall be adopted by the
commission.
(C)The commission shall also be guided by any design standards specified in the ordinance or
amendment designating the landmark, landmark site or histodc district.
Sec. 25-11. Appeals from commission action.
(A) An aggrieved party may appeal the commission's action to the city council by filing a notice
of appeal with the Planning Services Department within thirty (30) days from the date of
notice of the commission's action.
(B) Upon filing of a notice of appeal, the Planning Services Department shall immediately
transmit such notice and the record of the action before the commission to the city clerk.
(C) On appeal, the city council shall consider only the record of the action before the
commission. No new matter may be considered.
(D) The city council shall consider whether the commission has exercised its powers and
followed the guidelines established by law and the historic preservation ordinance [this
chapter], and whether the commission's action was patently arbitrary or capricious.
(E) The city council may affirm or reverse the commission's action, or may refer the matter back
to the commission for such further action as may be appropriate. The city clerk shall give
wdtten notice of the city council's decision on appeal within seven (7) days of the city
council's decision to the appellant and the histodc preservation commission.
(F) An appellant who is not satisfied by the decision of the city council may appeal within sixty
(60) days of the city council's decision to the District Court for Dubuque County, pursuant to
Iowa Code Section 303.34.
27
Sec. 25-12. Inspection.
(A) After a certificate of appropriateness or certificate of economic non-viability has been issued
and a regulated permit granted to the applicant, the building official, city engineer or other
local authority may from time to time inspect the work authorized and shall take such action
as is necessary to enforce compliance with the approved plans.
(B) Historic preservation commissioners may from time to time inspect, from the public way, the
work authorized and shall advise the building official or other enforcement authority as
necessary to enforce compliance with the approved plans.
Sec. 25-13. Violations; penalties.
It shall be unlawful for any person to disobey, omit, neglect or refuse to comply with any
provision of this chapter, and such person shall be subject to the provisions of Section 1-8 and
Sections 1-15 through 1-17 of the City of Dubuque, Code of Ordinances.
28
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
R-25
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES
National Park Service On-line Resources
· Caring f~r Your Historic Building-The Good Guides, National Park Service http:/Avww2.cr.nps.gov/tps/caredgoodguides.htm
Technical Preservation Services
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
The Good Guides
Understanding Your Work
on a Historic Building
Telling Historic Preservation Time
This web guidance demonstrates that
historic preservation clocks don't move in
quite the same way that the normal one
does· What's different about these
"interpretive" and seemingly arbitrary
clocks is that they can be temporarily stopped in Preservation; moved
forward in Rehabilitation; moved backward in Restoration; or re-started
Reconstruction. It is these ideas about time that constitute the
philosophical framework for historic preservation treatments.
Four Approaches to Treatment--What They Are
Designed to assist historic property owners, managers, and maintenance
personnel, the essay outline and explains the philosophy behind the
various work approaches on historic buildings in The Secretary of the
Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The four
options are Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Reconstruction.
One approach should selected and used throughout a project in order to
save important history and avoid historical anachronisms.
Durrant
Using the Standards and
Guidelines for Your Work on a
Historic Building
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Rehabilitation
If you want to claim the Federal Historic
Preservation Tax Incentives--tax credit--use
these Standards as part of the formal application
process. The Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR 67) are ten
basic principles designed to help preserve the
distinctive character of a historic building and its site, while allowing for
reasonable change to meet new needs. See the Illustrated Guidelines,
below. Also available as a Technical Preservation Services pamphlet from
HPS Free Bookshelf.
j~ Illustrated Guidelines
. . for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings-'~
The illustrated guidelines help property owners, developers, and Federal
managers apply the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
1 of 4 4/2/2002 8:45 AM
· Caring f& Your Historic Building--The Good Guides, National Park Service ht ~://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/caxe/goodguides.htm
during the project planning stage by providing general design and
technical recommendations. Unlike the Standards, the Guidelines are not
codified as program requirements. Together with the Standards they
provide a model process for owners, developers, and Federal agency
managers to follow.
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for the Treatment of Historic Properties
Codified as 36 CFR 68 for use in the Historic Preservation Fund
Grant-in-Aid Program, the Standards are a series of concepts about
maintaining, repairing and replacing historic materials, as well as designing
new additions or making alterations. Once an appropriate treatment is
selected, the Standards provide philosophical consistency to the work. The
four treatment options in these Standards are Preservation, Rehabilitation,
Restoration, and Reconstruction. Only one treatment should be selected for
a project. Also available as a Technical Preservation Services pamphlet
from HPS Free Bookshelf.
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties and Guidelines for
Preservinfl, Rehabilitatin.q, Restoring and ReconstructinR
Historic BuildinRs"~a~
The Guidelines assist in applying the Standards to the four treatments,
Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Reconstruction. They pertain
to both exterior and interior work on historic buildings of all sizes,
materials, and types. These Guidelines accompany The Secretary of the
Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (36 CFR 68).
Now, you can use the Guidelines in this all-new, generously illustrated, and
navigable format.
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Planning Your Work on a
Historic Building
All Wet & How to Prevent It--Manaqinq
Moisture in Your Historic House
This mini-web class can help anyone who
cares for, or about, a historic house to better
understand and deal with the three most
common sources of the "wet stuff". We'll
show you how moisture invades historic
materials; what goes wrong when moisture is not adequately managed; and
how to turn the corner on present and future problems by providing some
simple, common sense tips· Then, after you've read everything, take a short
quiz to see if you're still "All Wet!"
From the Roof Down & Skin Deep--What Your Historic House
Really Wants From You!
The "skin" of a historic house includes the roof, chimney, exterior walls,
woodwork, windows, porches, doors, and above-ground portion of the
foundation. Since the "skin" serves as the primary defense against the
weather, regular maintenance and repair are critically important. In this new
distance learning program, you'll learn how the various parts of your
historic house were tightly connected when it was built; how to keep
surfaces and features in good repair over time; and what happens if you
don't. Includes a Quiz!
2 of 4 4/2/2002 8:45 AM
Caring f~r Your Historic Building-The Good Guides, National Park Service htlp://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/care/goodguides.h~a
Electronic REHAB
This popular web class is useful for anyone interested in learning more
about The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, but was
designed especially for historic building owners; new members of design
review and historic preservation commissions; architects, contractors, and
developers; maintenance personnel and others involved in the care of
historic buildings; and students in historic preservation courses. Try your
hand at rehabilitating two historic buildings by taking a quiz!
A Checklist for Rehabilitatin,cl Historic Buildings
Critical to the successful outcome of work, this series of questions in a
"checklist" format has been designed to help anyone who is considering
the rehabilitation of a historic building. The rehab check list suggests a
typical process of documenting, evaluating, and assessing a historic
building prior to undertaking rehabilitation work.
The Walk Through--How to Read a Historic Building
This web class was specially designed to help owners, architects,
developers, maintenance personnel, and members of historic preservation
commissions identify those tangible elements or features that give historic
buildings their unique visual character. Come in and learn how to read a
historic building. Be sure to take the quiz!
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Beginning Your Work
on a Historic Building
JF~m~ , Preservation Briefs 1 -42
The Briefs are developed to assist owners and
developers of historic buildings in recognizing
and resolving common preservation and repair
problems prior to work. They are especially
useful to preservation tax incentive program
applicants because they recommend those
methods and approaches for rehabilitating
historic buildings that are consistent with their
historic character.
.;[~. Preservation Tech Notes
Preservation Tech Notes (PTN) provide innovative solutions to specific
problems in preserving cultural resources for architects, contractors, and
maintenance personnel, as well as for anyone seeking the tax credit for
rehabilitation. Order any 3 free of charge from HPS Free Bookshelf. For
Tech Notes on historic window issues, click on the Bookstore icon and go
to Tech Notes sales information. Plus TPS is going online with 10 of the
most popular. To date: EXTERIOR WOODWORK NUMBER 4,, MASONRY
NUMBER 4, METALS NUMBER 2, and TEMPORARY PROTECTION NUMBER
The BOILERPLATE "YESs?
This web site has been specially developed to make a point about choosing
approaches to rehabilitation work that preserve the character of historic
buildings in our nation's communities. It features ten Fast Track examples
of work that met the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
3 of 4 4/2/2002 8:45 AM
. Caring for Your Historic Building-The Good Guides, National Park Sm, ice http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/care/goodguides.h~n
The work focuses on approaches that serve to protect historic materials,
exterior features, and interior spaces, features, and finishes in the process
of making changes for a new or continued use. This includes new
additions--both large and small--that were designed to reduce the loss of
historic fabric and sensitively located to mimimize their visual impact when
seen from the public way. Links to the "NOs!" (see below)
The BOILERPLATE "NOs!"
This generously illustrated new web-guidance makes a point about
choosing approaches to rehabilitation work that preserve the character of
historic buildings. The historic character was NOT preserved in the 10 Fast
Track examples provided. Work that no doubt began with good intentions
ended up causing the loss of historic fabric or altered exterior features,
interior spaces, and sites. You'll also see how incompatible new
additions--large and small--can create an undesired "new look," and rob
historic buildings of their unique character in the process. Links to the
"YESs!" (see above)
Back to Top
Good Guides Site Map
Please come back! For now, though, you may want to send us e-mail about
the site. Or go to the TPS PUBLICATIONS CATALOG online to obtain
additional guidance.
KDW
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4 of 4 4/2/2002 8:45 AM
· Preservation Briefs http://v~r~v2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briffs/presbhon~hma
Technical Preservation Services
for HISTORIC BUILDINGS ...k s.r ,.eq
Preservation Briefs
Celebrating 25 Years! Z975-2000
The first Preservation Brief
was published in 1975. Since
then, over 40 more have been
added to the series. For over 25
years, Technical Preservation
Services has helped home
owners, preservation
professionals, organizations,
and government agencies by
publishing easy-to read
guidance on preserving,
rehabilitating and restoring
historic buildings. More than 2
million copies of the
Preservation Briefs are in print
and the illustrated
Preservation Briefs 1-42 are
now available online as an
integral part of our 25th
anniversary celebration.
The Briefs--in print and fully illustrated with black and white
images--may be purchased in hard copy from the Government Printing
Office. A how-to-order link at the end of each Brief takes you to the
TP$ Publications Cataloq. The online TPS Catalog provides the
complete Preservation Briefs listing, stock numbers, prices, and a
mail-in order GPO form, The PBs may be ordered directly from GPO
using a major credit card by calling TOLL-FREE 866-512-1800,
Please have the stock number and price handy for the set or individual
PB you want.
You can also order PBs from the U.S. Government Printinq Office
Online Bookstore using a secure order form. Browse a topic,
"Buildings, Landmarks, and Historic Sites," scroll down to "Preservation
Methods" and find all the PBs--and more!
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i
To find a Brief, choose from the subject menu or the list of titles below.
1 of 3 4/2/2002 8:42 AM
. Preservation Briefs http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tpsPoriefs/presbhorc~htm
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01: Assessing Cleanin,q and Water-Repellent Treatments
for Historic Masonry Buildin.q~
02: Repointin,q Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Building~
03: Conserving Energy in Historic Buildings
04: Roofinq for Historic BuildinFls
05: The Preservation of Historic Adobe Buildinqs
06: Danqers of Abrasive Cleaning to Historic Buildings
07: The Preservation of Historic Glazed Architectural Terra-Cotta
08: Aluminum and Vinyl Siding on Historic Buildings: The Appropriateness of
Substitute Materials for Resurfacing Historic Wood Frame Buildinqs
09: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork
11: Rehabilitatinq Historic Storefronts
12: The Preservation of Historic Pigmented Structural Glass
(Vitrolite and Carrara Glass)
13: The Repair and Thermal Upgrading of Historic Steel Window~
14: New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildinqs: Preservation Concerns
15: Preservation of Historic Concrete: Problems and General Approaches
16: The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Buildinq Exteriors
17: Architectural Character - Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings
as an Aid to Preservinq Their Character
18: Rehabilitatinq Interiors in Historic Buildings - Identifying Character-Defining
Elements.
19: The Repair and Replacement of Historic Wooden Shin.qle Roofs
20: The Preservation of Historic Barns
21: Repairing Historic Flat Piaster - Walls and Ceilinqs
22: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco
23: Preservinq Historic Ornamental Plaster
24: Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Historic Buildinqs: Problems and
Recommended Approaches
25: The Preservation of Historic Signs
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. Preserva~on Briefs http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/presbhom.htm
26: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Loft Buildin,qs
27: The Maintenance and Repair of Architectural Cast Iron
28: Painting Historic Interiors
29: The Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance of Historic Slate Roofs
30: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roof,q
31: Mothballin,q Historic Buildinqs
32: Makinq Historic Properties Accessible
33: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stained and Leaded Glas~
34: Applied Decoration for Historic Interiors: Preservinq Historic Composition
Ornament
35: Understandinq Old Buildinqs: The Process of Architectural Investigation
36: Protectinq Cultural Landscapes: Planninq, Treatment and Manaqement of
Historic Landscapes
37: Appropriate Methods of Reducinq Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic Housinq
38: Removinq Graffiti from Historic Masonry
39: Holdinq the Line: Contro[linq Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildinq_s
40: Preservinq Historic Ceramic Tile Floors
41: The Seismic Retrofit of Historic Buildings Keepin,q Preservat on in the
Forefront
42: The Maintenance, Repair and Replacement of Historic Cast Stonr,~i~i~
Privacy & Disclaimer
kdw
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3 of 3 4/2/2002 8:42 AM
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES
FUNDS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES
Iowa Arts Council (for activities that are primarily arts based)
Community Arts, Local Arts Council Board Development, Grassroots Partnership incentive
Julie Bailey, 515/281-4018, Julie. Bailey@dca.state.ia.us
Artists or Architects-in-the-Schools, Mini Grants Programs, Operational Support Grant
Stephen Poole, 5151242-6500, Stephen. Poole@dca.state.ia.us
Public Art Artists Roster, Art in State Buildings Program
Bruce Williams, 515/28%4006, Bruce.Williams@dca.state.ia.us
Iowa Dept. Economic Development
Rural Innovation Grants (small study, training, planning project grants)
Sue Lambertz, 515/242-4922, sue.lambertz@ided.state.ia.us
Iowa Humanities Board (grants, speakers, exhibits) Executive Director, (319) 335-4153
National Trust for Historic Preservation Grant Proqrams
Chris Happ, Midwest Region, (312) 939-5547 ext. 226, mwro@nthp.org
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Historic Sites Program Grants(for historic properties & buildings that interpret Iowa history)
Cynthia Nieb 515/281-8754, Cynthia. Neib@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI REAP/HRDP Grants (funds survey, planning, nominations, public education, training)
Cynthia Nieb, 515/281-8754, Cynthia. Neib@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Certified Local Government Matching Grants (for planning, survey, nomination, public education,
planning for rehab, or reuse)
Kerry McGrath, 515/281-6826, Kerry. McGrath@dca.state.ia.us
MayS, 2002
R-26
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES M.,8,2oo2
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002 R-27
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES, continued
HISTORIC PRESERVATION-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION
State Historical Society_ of Iowa
SHSI Historic Sites: Steven Ohrn, 515/281-7650, Steve. Ohrn@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Archeology
Doug Jones 515/281-4358, Doug.Jones@dca.state.ia.us
Dan Higginbottom, 515/281-8744, DanieI.Higginbottom@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI History, Architectural History: Ralph Christian, 515/281-8697, Ralph.Christian@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Conservation of Museum Collections, Objects, Materials
SHSI Documentary Collections (Advice/Grants)
Gordon Hendrickson, 515/281-8875, Gordon. Hendrickson@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Field Services On Site Technical Assistance
Kathy Gourley, 515/281-6913, Kathy. Gourley@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Bureau Chief, History: Lowell Soike, 515/281-3306, LowelI.Soike@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Teacher Resource Center: Shirley Taylor, 515/281-8741, Shirley. Taylor@dca.state.ia.us
SFISI Historic Property Inventory: Berry Bennett, 515/281-8742, Berry. Bennett@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Local Historic Preservation Programs
Kerry McGrath, 515/281-6826, Kerry. McGrath@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Historic Library Collections: Des Moines 515/281-6200 Iowa City 319/335-3926
SHSI National Register of Historic Places, Tax Incentives: Beth Foster, 515/281-4137, Beth. Foster@dca.state.ia.us
Very Special Arts Iowa
Disability Access for Arts Organizations
Sue Jensen, 515/281-3179
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES, continued
Iowa Barn Foundation
Rural Preservation: Jacqueline Schmeal (713) 527-9474, 102550.1237@compuserve.corn
Iowa Chapter, American Institute of Architects
Directory of Architectural Firms 5'15/244-7502
Iowa Chapter, American Institute of Architects Educational Programming): Barb Schmidt, 5'15/244-7502
Iowa Dept. Economic Development
Tourism Division Heritage Tourism Program: Nancy Landess, 5'15/242-4836, tourism@ided.state.ia.us
Iowa Dept. of Human Ri.qhts
Division of Persons with Disabilities - ADA Evaluations: dohn TenPas, 5151 281-5969
Iowa Department of Transportation
Highway Signs, Official/Private: Steve Westvoid, DOT - 5'15/239-1296
ISTEA-21 Enhancement Program Ttechnical Assistance for Project Development
Projects in north half of Iowa - Susan L. Licht, (319) 338-7188
Project in south half of Iowa - Leah Rogers, (3'19 895-8330
Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance
Statewide Network, Advocacy: Joyce Barrett, (319) 337-3514, jjsmtbarr@aol.com
Iowa Natural Heritaqe Foundation
Landowner's Options for Voluntary Protection of Property: 5't5/288-1846, info@inhf.org
Iowa Office of State Archaeologist
Archeological Sites, Burial Discoveries: William Green, (319) 335-2389, osa@uiowa.edu
Main Street Iowa Proqra~
Storefront Design Assistance: Tim Reinders, 515! 242-4762, tim.reinders@ided.state.ia.us
May 8, 2002
R-28
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May8,2002
R-29
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES, continued
National Alliance of Preservation Commissions National Network, Newsletter, Advocacy
Pratt Cassity, Executive Director,(706) 542-4731
Jack Williams, Board of Directors Chairman, (206) 325-6441
National Center for Preservation Technoloq¥ and Traininq
Research, Education, Information on Preservation Technology: 318/357-6421, ncptt@ncptt.nps.gov
National Park Service
National Center for Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnership Programs
Certified Local Government Coordinator - Virginia Freeman, (202) 343-6005
National Center for Cultural Resource Stewardship & Partnership Programs
Historic Preservation Planning
Susan Henry-Renaud, srenaud@hps.cr.nps.gov
PRESERVATION ACTION
National Lobby Network for Historic Preservation
Reps. in Each State (202) 659-0915
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
The Main Street Iowa Program (State Coordinator)
Thom Guzman, 5'I5/242-4733, thom.guzman@ided.state.ia.us
The National Main Street Center (WashinFIton, DC)
Kennedy Smith, Director, (202) 673-4219, kennedysmith@earthlink.net
ISU Extension to Communities
Community and Regional Planning: Tim Borich, 515/294-0220, xlborich@exnet.iastate.edu
Community Networking and Coalition Building: Betty Wells, 515/294-1104, xlbwells@exnet.iastate.edu
Educating Public Officials/Land Use Issues: Stuart Huntington, 515/294~2973, xlhuntin@exnet.iastate.edu
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
May 8, 2002
R-30
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES, continued
Landscape Design
J. Timothy Keller (515) 294-5677, design@exnet.iastate.edu
Julia Badenhope, (515) 294-5676, xl baden@exnet, iastate.edu
Leadership Development: Paul Coates, 515/294-1844, xl paulc@exnet, iastate.edu
Retail Trade Analysis: Kenneth E. Stone, 515/294-6269, xlkstone@exnet.iastate.edu
Institute for Decision Makin.q (UNI)
Randy Pilkington, (319) 273-6945
REHABILITATION IVIONEY FOR HISTORIC PROPERTIES
State Historical Societ~
SHSI REAP-Historical Resource Development Program Grants
Cynthia Nieb 515/281-8754, Cynthia. Nieb@dca.state.ia.us
Iowa Community Cultural Grants: Riki Saltzman, 515/242-6195, Riki. Saltzman@dca.state.ia.us
Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credits (income producing properties)
Beth Foster, 515/281-4137, Beth. Foster@dca.state.ia.us
Iowa Historic Property Temporary Tax Exemption in Participating Counties
Beth Foster, 515/281-4137, Beth. Foster@dca.state.ia.us
Iowa Department of Economic Development
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Henry Manning, 515/242-4836, hank.manning@ided.state.ia.us
Housing Fund (rehab affordable housing, homeowner/tenant assistance) and
Local Housing Assistance Program (develop community housing)
Anna Smith, 515/242-4812, anna.smith@ided.state.ia.us
Revitalization Assistance for Community Improvement (matching grants for neighborhood
revitalization, restoration, signage, upper story rehabilitation cities under 30,000 )
Jean CarlsomJohnson, 515/242-4791, jean.johnson@ided.state.ia.us
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES M.,,.2oo2
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002 R-31
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES, continued
Small Business Administration (for business-related projects): 515/284~4422
Federal Housing Administration (HUD-insured Title I home improvement loans): (800) 735-4849 or (800) 733-4663
Impact Review of Federal Actions on Historic Properties Section 106 Review
State Historical Society of iowa
"SHPO" Comments/Section 106/Review and Compliance: Doug Jones, 515/281-5627, Doug.Jones@dca.state.ia.us
DOCUMENTATION OF HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Enqineennq Record (HABS/HAER)
"Built in America" Digital Records: http://Icweb2.1oc.gov/ammem/hhhtml/