Minutes Historic Prese 9 19 02360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson Chris Wand; Commission Members Jim Gibbs, Terry
Mozena, Suzanne Guinn, John Whalen and Chris Scheopner; Staff
Members Laura Carstens and Wally Wemimont.
ABSENT: None.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the
meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Wand called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Mozena, seconded by Guinn, to approve the minutes of the August
13, 2002 and August 14, 2002 meetings as submitted. Motion was approved by the
following vote: Aye - Gibbs, Mozena, Guinn and Wand; Nay - None; Abstain - Whalen
and Scheopner.
NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION: Application of Dubuque Bank & Trust to seek
recommendation to have the Ziepprecht Block Building located at 1347 Central Avenue
listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nelson Klavitter, representative from Dubuque Bank & Trust, was present at the
meeting~ Staff Member Carstens discussed the criteria for properties being listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The Commission reviewed the nomination, noting
that it met Cdteria C. Staff noted that Cdteria C means that the property embodies the
distinctive characteristics of a time period or method of construction, represents the
work of a master or possesses higher artistic values or a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components lack individual distinction.
Motion by Mozena, seconded by Whalen, to approve the Ziepprecht Block Building to
be placed on the National Register of Historic Places based on Criteria C and to
recommend the City Council approve the request. Motion was approved by the
following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Scheopner, Guinn and Wand; Nay -
None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dubuque Bank & Trust to seek recommendation to
have the Bell Block Building located at 1301-1307 Central Avenue listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
September 19, 2002
Page 2
Nelson Klavitter, representative from Dubuque Bank & Trust, was present at the
meeting. Staff Member Carstens discussed the criteria for properties being listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The Commission reviewed the application, noting
that the property meets Criteria A, B and C for listing on the National Register.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Guinn, to recommend approval to be listed on the
National Register of Historic Places because the property meets Criteria A, B and C
and forward the application to City Council. Motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Scheopner. Guinn and Wand; Nay - None.
Chairperson Wand moved up the design review for 634-636 Jefferson Street at the
request of Edward Marinko because of a time conflict.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Edward Marinko/Rich & Barb Brown for a Certificate
of Appropriateness to construct a deck for property located at 634-636 Jefferson Street
in the W. 11th Street District.
Ed Marinko presented on behalf of Rich and Barb Brown. He noted that the Housing
and Community Development Department has required repairs to the rear entrance and
has approved replacement of the concrete porch with a wood deck. He reviewed the
submitted plans and similarity to 950 Spruce Street. He noted the reasons for the
reduced setback, and then reviewed the rationale for a Special Exception application to
build 5 feet from the property line.
Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the project, noting that the applicants are seeking
Historic Preservation Commission approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness and will
be attending the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on September 26th to seek
approval for a Special Exception. He explained the Housing and Community
Development Department is requiring safe entrance/exit from the building since it is
rental housing. He reviewed the plans for the proposed deck, noting that it will be
constructed of 1" by 3" tongue & groove painted Heritage Gray with 1' by 6" trim and
lattice to be painted Puritan White as noted in the application. He noted the steepness
of the rear yard, and the level of significance as supporting.
Commissioner Gibbs questioned the cost difference from concrete. Mr. Marinko stated
that the difference is $1,400. Commissioner Scheopner asked how the deck will be
anchored and supported and condition of the concrete underneath. Mr. Marinko noted
that they will screw the deck to a ledger, and then 2" by 4"s will be used for the floor,
with joists being 16' on center. He also noted the height of the deck is 21-24' above
grade, and the concrete underneath is in poor condition. Mr. Marinko described the
location of the steps. Commissioner Whalen stated that he feels the proposed deck
will not distract from the architecture of the building. Commissioner Scheopner agreed.
Chairperson Wand noted a railing is required for a 30" or greater drop, but the deck is
only 24" tall at its highest point. Commissioner Mozena cautioned the use of tongue
and groove decking without adequate spacing, because of water and ice build~u p.
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September 19, 2002
Page 3
Motion by Guinn, seconded by Mozena to approve the application as submitted.
Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena,
Scheopner, Guinn and Wand; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Randy & Millie Dolter for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to replace siding on the southeast side of the building located at 474
Bluff Street in the Cathedral District.
Millie Dolter presented her application tc the Commission. She explained the condition
and appearance of the rear entrance. She noted the rear entrance had exposed
insulation prior to the improved appearance with vinyl siding. She stated she was
unaware that she needed a building permit or review by the Historic Preservation
Commission for the rear addition.
Staff Member Wernimont noted the building has City, State and National levels of
significance. He also noted the structure originally would have had an open pomh. He
stated that former Commissioner Ken Kringle brought the alteration to the building to
his attention. Upon investigation, he found that no permit was pulled for the siding. He
also stated the addition is highly visible from the alley and Bluff Street.
Commissioners discussed what the original window/porch configuration was, and use
of vinyl siding as a siding material. Chairperson Wand and Commissioner Mozena felt
the addition of siding over the windows was not a problem, but the use of vinyl siding
was inappropriate on a significant brick structure. Commissioner Whalen
complimented Mrs. Dolter of the work she has done on the building, and stated that the
building deserves wood siding. Commissioners Guinn and Scheopner agreed.
Commissioner Guinn asked about the permit and Certificate of Appropriateness time
frames. Staff noted that a Certificate of Appropriateness is good for one year. _Staff
explained the Building Department would charge a double permit fee and require work
to begin within six months after obtaining a building permit. Commissioner Scheopner
suggested the contractor be asked to pay the double fee instead of the property owner.
Mrs. Dolter said she could not afford to replace the vinyl siding with wood at this time at
a cost of $700. Commissioner Mozena asked if she could return the fairly new vinyl
siding this month and get credit for it. Chairperson Wand suggested that the contractor
might be asked to assume the $700 cost of the vinyl siding and deduct it from the cost
of wood siding, since it was the contractor's responsibility to get the permit and
research the Historic Preservation Commission review. Staff and Commissioners
discussed the availability of Revolving Loan Funds. The Commission discussed a time
frame for work to be completed.
Motion by Mozena, seconded by Guinn, to approve the application as submitted to
cover the windows, replacing vinyl siding with wood siding, with work to be completed
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September 19, 2002
Page 4
by April 30, 2003. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs,
Mozena, Scheopner, Guinn and Wand; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Robert McCoy for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
redesign the storefront for property located at 261-271 Main Street in the Old Main
District.
Rob McCoy discussed the proposed elements for redesigning the storefront as
submitted. He noted details for decorative iron and glazing work proposed. He
explained he wants to reduce the size of the transom windows and trim by 6 inches and
bring street level doors flush with the building's exterior fa~;ade. Commissioners
discussed the proposed exterior improvements in relation to the interior. Mr. McCoy
noted the ceiling needs to be dropped in order to provide a forced air heating system
for the apartments located above the first floor. He stated ducts need to be located at
the front of the building, because a large beam has been installed to support the
second floor and to provide heat registers at the building perimeter. He also noted that
the south storefront appears to be the only original part of the fa(;;ade.
Commissioners discussed that although the storefront middle and north have been
renovated, there appear to be original storefronts and are very appropriate for the
building. They also discussed the door widths and the existing and proposed locations
of doors in relationship to the far...ade, sidewalk and interior space. Commissioners also
discussed having the two end doors recessed and the central pair of doors flush with
the far.~.ade. Since all fa~:ade glass will be replaced, Commissioners discussed with Mr.
Coy altering the size of the transoms and the location and width of the mullions. Mr.
McCoy and Commissioners also discussed the installation of an air lock. The
consensus of the Commission was to move the central doors flush with the fac~ade and
relocate storefronts 2-3 inches to match the existing storefront on the south side.
Commissioners Mozena and Guinn had concerns with the reduction of the transoms to
accommodate interior ductwork, but Commissioners Whalen and Mozena felt the
alterations were necessary to make the building have a steady cash flow and be
sensitive to the building fa~:ade. The consensus of the Commission was to change
posts with castings, and to recess the north door to match the south cloor unless not
feasible to meet the clearance required by Code.
Motion Wand seconded to Guinn, to approve the application as submitted, with the
exception that the north door be recessed to match the south door unless it cannot
meet Code, in which case staff can approve flush with the fa(~ade, and reduction in
transom windows no more than 6 inches. Motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye - Whaten, Gibbs, Mozena, Scheopner, Guinn and Wand; Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: Bob Cart, property owner at 1449 Locust Street, noted that he
painted his historic building in 1998. He stated that the north side of the building is fine
and is not exposed to the sun and therefore has no peeling paint. He noted he does have
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
September 19, 2002
Page 5
a problem with the south and west sides of the structure with deterioration of paint one
year after it was applied. He stated that he is proposing to reside the entire structure with
cement board siding to save money versus cedar siding. He noted that currently the
building is being used as a five-plex with only three long-term tenants. He suggested he is
in conformance with the architectural guidelines for suitable substitute materials when not
economically feasible to used preferred materials. He also discussed the replacement of
cedar shakes and vertical siding, which is located on the rear of the structure. He noted
there are three types of siding located on the rear of the structure, which encloses a two-
story porch.
Commissioner Guinn stated that she cannot support the use of cement board siding.
Commissioner Wand noted that the Historic Preservation Commission previously approved
Cemplank as a test case, but does not have any experience yet because the siding has
just gone up. Commissioner Mozena suggested reviewing funding opportunities and to
consider staining instead of painting the structure.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Salvage Warehouse
Commissioner Guinn reported making progress and meeting regularly for the salvage
warehouse with emphasis on a downtown location through the help of Dubuque Main
Street, Ltd. Commissioner Mozena offered to help contact Eagle Windowand Door about
the availability of their old building. Staff Member Wernimont explained the salvage
warehouse concept and the City, State and private parties collaborating on the project.
Heritage of Dubuque
Commissioner Gibbs reported on contacting U.S. Bank on the republication of the Heritage
of Dubuque. He noted that U.S. Bank is willing to give the rights to the Historic
Preservation Commission to reproduce the book.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whaten, to request rights to publish and make reproducible
text and artwork available to the Historic Preservation Commission for publication. Motion
was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Scheopner, Guinn
and Wand; Nay - None.
Parking Lot on 3~ and Locust
The Commission briefly discussed the status of the parking lot located at 3"~ and Locust
Streets, which is in a demolition district.
Revolvinq Loan Fund/Fundraisin,q
The Commission discussed fundraising opportunities in order to meet the match required
for the Revolving Loan Fund Program. They discussed the sale of house plaques and
interpretive signs.
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September 19, 2002
Page 6
Appeal
Chairperson Wand discussed that he is in the process of sending a letter to the Building
Department Board of Appeals. The HPC appeal will state that the alteration of the size of
the front door at the Bernardi investment Building located on the corner of 2r~ and Bluff
Streets requires a building permit and therefore should have HPC review.
Main Street Update
Chairperson Wand gave an update on the Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. project and
involvement with the former Betty Jane building and the former Vi's Nutrition building,
which received grants from the State to rehab the front of the building. The Commission
discussed that the front of the buildings and interior are in deferred maintenance.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Mozena, to direct staff to talk with the Building Department
to discuss renovation of the front of the building and proper maintenance. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Gibbs, Mozena, Scheopner, Guinn and
Wand; Nay - None.
Team Sports
The Commission referred to a letter from Claire Kernek, Tallgrass Historians, about the
survey of properties relating to team sports in Iowa. They noted that Tallgrass Historians
is requesting the City of Dubuque's Historic Preservation Commission to send them
inquiries about possible sites of historic team sports in Dubuque.
The Commission discussed the Rock Bowl and field house at Loras College, and Senior
High School, which was home to the first Heisman Trophy Winner, Jay Berwanger. They
also noted that three-quarters of a horse track located at the Sisters of the Presentation is
still remaimng. They discussed the swimming pool located at the former Union Park, and
the former YMCA building downtown.
The Commission discussed the City Council's tabling of the demolition districts. The
Commission discussed narrowing the district down to encompass only the districts
identified in the survey to be significant. Staff Member Carstens discussed alter native
concepts of Heritage Neighborhoods and Conservation Districts. The Commission
discussed approaching the City Council with a Warehouse Demolition District. The
Commission discussed downsizing the warehouse district, ending at 14th Street.
Motion by Guinn, seconded by Mozena, to request staff to send a letter to the City Council
to establish the Warehouse District and to have it placed on the next available City Council
agenda. Motion was app roved by the following vote: Ayes-Whalen, Guinn, Mozena,
Wand, Scheopner and Gibbs; Nays-None.
Demolition by Neglect
The Commission discussed that staff should speak with the Building Department about
Demolition by Neglect of the Lady of the Lourdes structure and the property at 1752 N.
Main.
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September 19, 2002
Page 7
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
German Bank Building
Staff gave an update on the Old German Bank Building located at 342 Main Street. They
noted that the structural engineer hired by the property owner is in the process of
stabilizing the structure and will come before the Historic Preservation Commission for
some demolition work.
Iowa's Most Endangered Properties
Staff Member Wernimont noted that the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance is taking
nominations for the Iowa's Most Endangered Properties. The Commission recommended
that staff prepare nominations for the former Betty Jane's building, the formerV?s Nutrition
building, the H & W Building, the Lady of the Lourdes and the Old German Bank Building.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wally Wemimont, Assistant Planner Adopted