Ziepprecht Bldg Historic RegistCity Manager's Office
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 520014864
(319) 5894110
(319) 589-4149 FAX
September 20, 2002
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE:To place the Ziepprecht Block (1347 Central Avenue) on the National Register of
Historic Places
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Histodc Preservation Commission has reviewed the above-cited
request. The application, staff report and related matedal are attached for your review.
Discussion
Nelson Klavitter, Dubuque Bank & Trust spoke in favor the request. There were no
public comments.
Staff reviewed the nomination, and the criteria for significance.
The Histodc Preservation Commission discussed the request, noting that it meets
cdteria for placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Recommendation
By a vote of 6 to 0, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends the nomination
of the Ziepprecht Block Building to the National Register of Historic Places based on
criteria C.
A simply majodty vote is needed for the City Council to concur with the request.
Respectfully submitted,
Chds Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
Service People Inieg~ty Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
CLG NAT'rONAL REGZSTER REVZEW
CLG Name City of Dubuque Date of Public Meeting
Property Name Ziepprecht Block, 1347 Central Avenue, Dubuoue. Dubuoue County
1. For Historic Preservation Commission:
~D Recommendation of National Register eligibility
Reason(s) for recommendation:
2. For Chief Elected Local Official:
[] Recommendation of National Register eligibility
[] Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature Date
Reason(s) for recommendation:
3. Professional Evaluation Name
[] Recommendation of National Register eligibility
[] Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature Date
Reason(s) for recommendation:
RETURN TO: State Historical Society of iowa, ATYN: National Register Coordinator, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines,
iA 50319
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
August 28, 2002
TO:Historic Preservation Commission
FROM:Wally Wemimont, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: National Register Nomination for the Ziepprecht Block Building
(Former Walsh Store) at 1347-1353 Central Avenue
The State Nominations Review Committee plans to consider the Ziepprecht Block
Building (Former Walsh Store) at 1347-1353 Central Avenue for nomination to the
National Register of Historic Places during their October 11, 2002 meeting. As a
participant of the Certified Local Government Program, the City of Dubuque is required
to review and comment on the proposed National Register nominations of properties
within its jurisdiction. The State has provided copies of the nomination, photographs,
and review form for this application.
The Commission should review this nomination at a public meeting, which is slated for
September 19, 2002. The State is requesting the Commission review the nomination, and
then comment on whether the nominated property meets the significance criteria (A,B,C,
or D) for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The application indicates
that the property is significant under criteria C.
Please review the attached documents and be prepared to recommend whether the
property in question should be listed or not.
enclosures
The Historical Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA
Wbere past meets future
August 6, 2002
CITY OF DUBUQUE
American Gothic House
Eldon
Wally Wernimont
City of Dubuque
Planning Service Department
City of Dubuque City Hall
SO W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
2002
Blood Run
Larchwood
CenteBrdal Building
Iowa City
RE:Ziepprecht Block, 1347 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Dubuque County
3ohn Bell Block, 1301-1307 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Dubuque
County
Dear Mr. Wernimont:
...... B~d~t~ Sho-The State Nominations Review Committee (SNRC) plans to consider the property
~'~t~s~to~,~~ ereferenced above for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places during
their meeting. As a participant in the Certified Local Government Program, City of
Abbie G-.ctd~er Cab~ Dubuque is required to review and comment on proposed National Register
Aznolds Park nominations of properties within its jurisdiction. The State is required to provide you
with a 60-day period for the your review, unless we mutually agree to expedite the
process. I am contacting you to ask that you initiate the review process for the
Inwa ~stodc~ B~d~g Historic Preservation Commission. Enclosed are copies of the nomination,
DcsMoincs photographs, and the review form. The review process will require the following:
Montauk Governor's Home ·
Urfion SLmday School
Clermont Museum
Clermont
Plum Grove Governor's Home
Iowa City
Tootesboro Indian Mounds
Toolesboro
Western Historic Trails Center
The Historic Preservation Commission should schedule the review during one of
their meetings. Send a formal invitation to the Mayor and to the property
owner/owners with a copy of the nomination, if they are not familiar with the
National Register, be sure to include an explanation. Hake sure that a copy of the
nomination is available for public review prior to the meeting. For example, leave
a review copy at the courthouse or public library. Tndicate in your meeting
announcement that a review copy of the nomination is available and where the
review copy can be found.
The question to answer when reviewing the nomination is whether the nominated
property meets the National Register of Histor!c Places significance criteria, tf the
Commission feels that the nomination makes the case for meeting significance
criteria, the Commission should check the box recommending that the property
be listed. Tf the Commission feels that the property does not meet the
significance criteria, then check the box recommending that the property not be
listed. The Hayor should use the same approach when reviewing the nomination.
You might want to invite the individual who prepared the nomination to attend
the public meeting and present the nomination. Keep a record of the meeting
(copy of notice, agenda, minutes, list of attendees). At the conclusion of the
meeting, the Commission should make a motion regarding their recommendation.
The Chairman of the Commission will complete Ttem #1, the Commission's
portion of the review form. Be sure to fill in the date of the public meeting, sign
IOWA HISTORICAL BUILDING
600 East Locust · Des Moines, Iowa 503194~290
Phone:(515) 281-6412 · Fax:(515) 242-6498 or (515) 28243502
www. iowahistory, org
the signature line and record any comments that were made. If the Mayor
attended the public meeting, nquire if he/she is prepared to complete item #2
on the review form.
In the event that the Mayor was unable to attend the meeting. The Commission
Chairman should forward the Review form to the Mayor for review and comment.
Have the Mayor sign the form and return them to the Historic Preservation
Corn mission.
item #3 on the Review form asks for the review and comment of a preservation
professiona If your commission does not have a professione y qualified historian
or architectural historian who can complete this part of the form, you may leave
item #3 blank and i will arrange to have a State staff member complete that part
of the form.
After you have completed items #1 through #2 (through #3 if a preservation
professional is available), please make a copy of the completed review forms for
your file and send the original copies of the completed forms to me. The forms
need to be returned at least to weeks before the State Nominations Review
Committee meeting so they may be processed and mailed to the State
Nominations Review Committee to be rewewed before their meeting.
The Commission should keep the nomination and photographs. File them
together in your ~nventory, as you will need the information for future reference.
if a State preservation professional was needed to corn plete item #3 on the
review form, I will return a copy to the commission for filing.
If the Historic Preservation Commission and the Mayor disagree with one another on
the property's National Register eligibility, both views will be presented to SNRC for
their consideration during review of the nomination, if both the Historic Preservation
Commission (by Commission majority) and the Mayor do not consider the property
elig~ ble for National Register listing, we must halt the nomination. Be advised that
when a nomination is halted, the property owner, the person who prepared the
nomination or any interested party may appeal the decision. In addition, the
nomination will still go forward to the National Park Service for an official
"Determination of Eligibility."
Please contact Kerry McGrath at 515/28:~-6826 with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Foster Hill, -fax incentive Programs Manager/
National Register Coordinator
CENTER -
NPS F~rm 10-900
(Oct. 1990)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
JUL 3 200
OMB No. 10024-0018
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individua[ proper~[es and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National
Register of Historic Places Registration Form Nstiona[ Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate DOX or by en[ering
the information requested. If an ~tem ooes no[ apply to the property being documented, eh[er "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions architectural
classification, materials and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. ~lace additional entries and narrative
items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a~. Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete ali items.
1. Name of Property
historic name The Ziepprecht Block
other names/site number
2. Location
street &~ number
1347-53 Central Avenue
[N/A1 not for publication
city or town
state Iowa
Dubuque [ N/A ] vicinity
code IA county Dubuque code 061 zip code 52004
State/Federal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, i hereby certify that this ix] nominatio~ [
.] request for determination of eligibility meets [ne documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of
Historic Places and meets the ~rocedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part S0. in my opinion, the property
L~] meets U does not meet the National Register criteria. [ recommend that this property be considered significant
[~ nationally [~ ststewide ~ locally. (El see continuation sheet for additional commen[s~.
Signature of certifying official/Title
State or Federal agency and bureau
in my opinion, the property L] meets L~ does not meet the National Register criteria. (L] See continuation sheet for additiona
comments.}
Signature of certifying official/Title Date
State or Federal agency and Bureau
4. National Park Service Certification
__! hereby certify that the property is:
[j entered in the National Register.
~ See continuation sheet.
[_J determined eligibl~ for the
National Register.
L] See continuation sheet.
L] determined not eligible for the
National Register.
[j removed from the National
Register.
L] other, (explain:)
Signature of the Keeper
D~te of Action
The Zicpprecht Block
Name of Property
Dubuque County, Iowa
- Count/ and State
5. Classification
Ownership of Property
,Check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one DOXl
[ X ] private [ X ] building(s)
[_] public-local ~.~ district
L] public-State r~ site
[_] eublic-Federal r~ structure
L.] object
Category of Property Number of Resources within Property
Do not include previously listed resources in the count.,
Contributing Noncontributing
1 0 buildings
sites
s~ruc~ures
objects
1 0 Total
Name of related multiple property listing
renter "N/A" it property is no: part of a multiple property listingj
Number of contributing resources previously listed
in the National Register
N/A
N/A
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions
{Enter categories from instructions
Commerce Trade/specialty store
Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions)
Commerce/Trade/business
Domest c/multiple dweUinq
7. Description
Architectural Classification
(Enter categories from instructions:
Late Victorian qtalianate
Narrative Description
Flaterials
IEnter categories from instructionsj
foundation--stone
wails--brick
roof--asphalt
o~ner
The Zispprecht Block
Name of Property
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria
(Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the ~ropercy
for National Register listing.)
[_1 A Property is associated with events that have made
a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history.
[_1 B Property is associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past.
C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, or method of construction or
represents the work of a mas:er, or possesses
high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack
individual distinction.
[1 D P~operty has yielded, or is likely to yield,
information important in prehistory or history,
Areas of Significance
(Enter categories from instructions)
Architecture
Period of Significance
1888
Dubuque County. iowa
County and State
Criteria Considerations
(Mark "x" in ali the boxes that apply.}
Significant Dates
1888
Property is:
t[1 A owned by a religious institution or used for
religious purposes.
[1 B removed from its original location.
Significant Person
(Complete if Criterion B is marked above}
[_1 C a birthplace or grave.
[1 D a cemetery.
[_] E a reconstructed building, objecT, or structure.
[_] F a commemorative property.
[_] G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance
within the past 50 years.
Narrative Statement of Significance
(Explain the significance of the proper:y on one or more continuation sheets.~
Cultural Affiliation
N/A
Architect/Builder
Architect not identified, masonry work ey
Freeman, Hart & Co., Chicago
9. lqaior Bibliographical References
Bibliography
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.,
Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data:
[_] preliminary determination of individual listing
(36 CFR 67) has been requested
[1 previously listed in the National Register
[_] previously determined eligible by the National
Register
[_] designated a National Historic Landmark
[_] recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey
#
[1 recorded by Historic American Engineering
Record #
[ X1 State Historic Preservation Office
[1 Other State agency
[_] Federal agency
[_] Local government
[_] University
[-1 Other
Name of repository:
Ziepprecht Block Dubuque County, Iowa
Name of Property -' County and State
! O. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property Less than one acre.
UTlq References
(Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet.)
11115] [61911171310] [4]7]0]8]3]8]0] 2[ ]
Zone Easting Northing
3[]][]]]]]][]]]]]]] 4[
Verbal Boundary Description
IDesoribe the boundaries of the property on a contindation sneeL.
] [] ] ] ] ] ] []]]]]]1
Zone Easting Northing
] ] [] ] ] ] I ] [11111]1
~ See continuation sheet
Boundary Justification
(Exolain why :ne boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet4
1 1. Form Prepared By
name/titJe James E. Jacobsen
organization History Pays] Historic Preservation Consultinq Firm
date July 2, 2002
street & number 4411 Ingersoll Avenue
telephone 515-274-3625
city or Town Des Moines
state IA zip code 50312
Additional Documentation
Submit ~ne following items with the complete form:
Continuation Sheets
Maps
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources.
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items
[Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items~
Property Owner
~Comolete this item at the requesz of SHPO or FPO.,
name Heartland Financial USA
street & number 1398 C, entra[ Avenue., P.O. Box 778
telephone 563-589-2158
city or Town Dubuque state IA zip code 52004
Paperwork Reduction AcC $~tement: This information Js being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate
properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a
benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of
this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of
Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Projects (1024--0018), Washington, DC 20503. ,
NPS Form 10-gOO-a
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7
Page
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
7. Narrative Description:
The Ziepprecht Block (1888) is architecturally significant as a well-preserved exampte of a double storefront,
three story commercial block, designed using a transitional Italianate commercial style (the heavy projecting cornice,
the rounded pediment) with both Second Empire (the paired larger window forms) and Queen Anne (the three-sided
bays) i~ffluences. The facade is an elaborate design, given the early use of matching bays in the lower comers, the
fancy carved or cast stone lintels, and the decorative broad banding and inserts. The cast iron storefront survives
intact and one c. 1920s prism glass transom remains intact.
Architectural historian Richard Longstreth would categorize this design as a two-part commercial design, one
that combines a storefront level with one or more floors above it. The plan includes a three-story front core with a
plan of 5 lx68 (with 3,468 square feet on each level), and a single story rear addition (32x51 plan, containing 1,632
square feet on the basement and ground floor levels).
Figure i: Ziepprecht Block, 1888, view northwest
The block is a double storefront and the fagade design arrangement consists of two identical half facades in a a
mirror-image arrangement. Each half faqade is defined by a broad slightly recessed wall plane, bordered by side
NP$ Form 1C~900-a
8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7
Page 2
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
pilasters and a projecting parapet wall base. Four windows on each of the two floor levels, are placed in pairs, the
outermost sets by different and linked lintels, the innermost are actually joined and are capped with a single broad
semi-elliptical lintel. A three-sided bay window substitutes for the outermost window sets on the second floor.
Figure 2: Upper favade detail, view west
Cast stone lintels are highly ornamented with scrolled projecting caps and key stones. Sills are of plain cast
stone. Terra Cotta decorative inserts form vertical panels on either side of the third floor windows, and abelt course
traces the base of the spring stone level. On the second story only the belt course is employed. The bays feature egg
and dart bases, inset panels, a bracketed sill, ornamented semi-circular lintels, and a heavily bracketed corn/ce. A
mansard rooftops the whole.
The comice and pediment (Figure 3) are the dominant upper facade components. The pressed metal cornice
line is broadly projected, with a denticulated fascia, modillions, and a curved central pediment that is incorporated into
the parapet front. A rounded name and datestune bears the words "ZIEPPRECtlT" and the date "1888." An unusual
broad metal scroll molding panel forms the top of the parapet base.
NP$ Form
(8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number
Ziepprecht Block
7 Page 3
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 3: Cornice and pediment, view southwest
The north side wall is blank (Figure 4). Two in-wall chimneys project from each end of the wail. The back or
~vest wall (the upper two stories) is fully fenestrated with a combination of narrow and broader semi-segmental
window openings. Both floors had full-width balconies which ran beneath the openings and in the center of each floor
level, two doors exited onto these balconies. There is a single-story brick rear addition. The alleyway back wall
(west) has the same variety of sizes of windows. Atop the rear addition, on the southwest comer, is a most curious
raised room. The south and west walls are of brick, but the others are of frame. There is a shed roof. The interior of
this room indicates its use as a smokehouse.
Figure 4: North wall and rear addition, view south (photo by J. Jacobsen).
The City Hall is visible in the right background.
NP$ Form 10-900-a
t8-86}
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7
Page 4
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
Arcifftecmral Context:
There are five other comparable examples of the double storefront, tt~-ee-story business block of the middle-
1890s in downto~vn Dubuque. There is one-two story example. All of these are grouped due to the presence ora
dominant centered raised pediment, either triangular or half-round in profile. ~lylost of the pediments bear the building
name or date, or at least the date.
There is an unnamed block at 1523-37 Central. The pediment is rounded (no name or date}. The storefrom
has been replaced and there are no bays in the design. The building remains unidentified and undated as of tiffs time.
The unnamed block at 1131-35 Main Street dates to c. 1885 and features twin elongated bays.
The unnamed block m 100t-19 Main Street has a triangular pediment (no name or date) and a centered bay
window.
The O'Neill Block, 103-07 Main Street has a small triangular pediment (name only) and corner pylons. The
facade brickwork on this building is singular. The brick arches wrap around the upper sashes and terminate midway
on the window opening. The lower sash is flanked by a projecting wall base that curves out just below the arch base,
and forms a second wall plane hue along the base of each of the two upper floors.
An unnamed block at 470 Central has a large rounded pediment (no name or date) and twin bays.
The two-story example is located at Locust and Jones (southwest corner) and houses O'Neill's Tavern. It has
upper level bays and a large rounded pediment (name and date).
Collectively these seven buildings represent the once-common double store front, two or three story
commercial block design form with an elaborate metal cornice, surmounted b'y a centered oversized pediment. Tiffs
form developed as early as the late 1860s in the city. All of these examples post-date the mid-1880s however. A
survey and evaluation project is currently underway to determine which of these examples warrant an individual
National Register evaluation rating. All of them would be deemed as contributing properties withSn a Iffstor/c district,
and is probable that ail will also be judged to be individually eligible. These eligibility ratings will be based both on
architecture and history. These distinctive buildings comprise many of the earliest surviving intact commercial
storefronts in the downtown. The address ranges also reflect the fact that they are scattered fairly broadly within the
downtown. Just two examples, including the subject property, are located north of 13th Street. Two are located in the
middle of the downtown, both on Main Street. Three more are below Fiflh Street.
The Ziepprecht Block is recommended as being individually eligible on the basis of its highly ornamental
design, particularly the bays, its excellent level of integrity both on the storefront and upper floor levels, and the fact
that its northward location represents the up-building of the Clay/Central Street portion of the downtown.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7
Page 5
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
Plan and Materials:
The building has a yellow limestone foundation, basement ~valls, and brick exterior and interior toad-bearing
wails. The plan consists of two bays and each bay is further supported by rows of 10xl0 heavy timber columns which
run down the center line of each bay. These columns support 10x12 timber beams. Wooden joists measure 2x12 and
are scl 16 inches on center. The joists are set into the stone walls and stone infills the voids between them.
Figure 5: Current basemen/plan (the Ziepprecht Building is highlighted)
The 1891 Sanborn Map (Figure 23) indicates that only the southern half of the building originally extended (in
single story form) back to the alley. Figure 5 and an inspection of the basement confirms this. The stone wall
remnants near the back of the northernmost bay mark where a stone wall was removed and the back of the plan
extended sometime between 1891 and 1909, by which time it was present. There is a window with carved stone sill
extant in the north rear wall of the southern bay. Originally this window looked out into a sunken courtyard. This
same arrangement occurred in the John Bell Block, immediately south. Basement window openings, now sealed,
originally had window wells along the building f~ontage.
There is every design indication that the Bell and Ziepprecht blocks were coordinated in their massing and
design. They likely had a common architect and likely a common builder, although ownership was not the same. The
Ziepprecht Block is slightly taller. Its floor levels from basement to third floor measure nine feet, 13 feet, 12 feet and
11.6 feet respectively, for a total of 41 feet from ground to the parapet base. The John Bell Block is a half-foot shorter
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 6
Ziepprecht Block Dubuque, Io~va
on the second floor and is credited with a 40.6 feet high facade. Obviously the vertical difference is more pronounced,
with the Ziepprecht Block's third floor being more than two feet above that of the Bell Block. Today ramps enable
one to pass from building to building.
Figure 6: Current ground floor plan (the Ziepprecht Building is highhghted)
The original storefront entrances were cemered in each bay. The current angled side entrances probably date
from the early 1920s. Both storefronts are quite narrow, given the side sta'n'w~ys which reduce the width of the bay
front. The stairways are original to the plan and serve the upstairs aparunents. The basement stairs are beneath the
ground floor ones. Trim work around the basement stair doors includes comer blocks and comer guards on the
plaster~vork. Both store bays retain their original pressed metal ceilings (Figure 7). The southern storefront is very
well preserved, retaming a prism glass transom and probably additional storefront components. The store areas
indicate the presence of stovepipe holes. The rear alleyway exits both have steps up to egress the building. The
southern bay has a structural support beam that is incorporated into the decorative metal ceiling. This project'mg beam
supports the back wall of the three-story portion of the building. This feature is absent in the northern bay (this is the
point where the single story rear wing was added alSer initial construction) so the support system must be above the
ceiling level. A sliding metal fire door and passageway now links the two store bays.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number
Zieppreeht Block
7 Page 7
Dubuque. Iowa
Figure 7: metal ceiling and cove molding, southern half of plan, view north
FiLmre 8: Existing second floor plan (the Ziepprecht Building is highlighted)
The Ziepprecht Block contains four elongated apartment plans on its upper two floors. The second floor units
are slightly fancier, given the presence of the two bays and working f~replaces (the third floor had gas fireplaces,
Figures 9 and 10). The second floor apartment plans are elongated, with exits onto the stairway landing midpoint in
the layout. Side halls parallel the stair halls and link the layouts. Rear doors exited out onto west-facing covered
NPS ,~orrn 10-900-a
(8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
Notional Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7
Page 8
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque~ Iowa
balconies. The southern apartment plan has smaller chambers due to the inclusion of a secondary interior hall. In
both plans the kitchen and dining room were probably at the back (west end) with bedrooms in the center of the plan.
A hall parlor arrangement filled the front of the plan. Sliding doors (Figure 10) separated the parlor and bedrooms.
Note the fireplace location in the interior support wall. Separate in-wait flues served the basement and ground floor
heating systems originally (Hunter, p. 234; Binney, pp. 110-11).
Figure 9: Existing third floor plan (the Ziepprecht Building is highlighted)
On the third floor level, the stairways intrude into the aparm~ent layouts at the back of each plan. The stairway
location in Figure 8 is incorrect, the southern stair location should match that in the north bay. The front hall and
parlors in each unit are larger ~ven the lack of intruding stair hails, but as noted, these are plainer in their
ornamentation with no sliding doors, faux fireplaces and no bay windows.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7
Page 9
ZiepprechtBlock
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 10: False or gas Fireplace. third floor apartments
Figure 11: Working fireplace and sliding door, second floor, hew no~heas~
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page.
~ieppreeht Block
10
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 12: Stair hall detail, enclosed stairwell
The southern second floor stair hall (Figure 11 ) was let5 open originally. Historical records indicate that the
Ziepprecht family initially occupied both floors and the (wo units were unified. This meant that third floor passersby
would have passed by an open hallway. For whatever reason, this hall was not integral to that unit's plan (and indeed,
a secondary hallway is indicated in the room layout). At some point a fairly crude frame wall was added to close off
the stair hall. Note the newel post and rail detailing in this image.
Figure 13: Stairway, newel post and rail, hand rail, third floor, rear of plan, view east
NPS Form 10-9CO*a
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number
Ziepprecht Block
7 Page 11
Dubuque. Iowa
Figure 14: Hall detail, second floor, south unit, view east
Figure 13 depicts the transom and door hallway pattern in the same area depicted in Figure 12. These doors
would have fronted on what was a public stair landing originally.
Figure 15: Door with transom lights, third floor, southwest comer of north apartment, view southwest
(photo by J. Jacobsen)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7
Page ~2
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 16: Single transom light with elaborate trim work (photo by J. Jacobsen)
Location and Setting:
The building is located immediately north of the City Hall, a remarkable Italianate style landmark that was
designed by architect John Rague and built in 1857. The ci .ty hall's open area long served as an open market area.
Clay Street, now Central, developed as a major commercial arterial over time.
Figure 17: View to southwest, City Hall in left background
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
-Continuation Sheet
Section number 7
Page
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 18: City Hall market, c.1880, view southwest. Note streetcar tracks on Clay (Central)
Figure 19: Both buildings, view to the southwest
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page
Ziepprecht Block
14
Dubuque. Iowa
Figure 29: Ziepprecht and German Trust buildings, view to southwest
The building in the distance is the oldest surviving school building in the city. It also dates to 1857 and was
designed by architect John Rague. The other buildings on the subject block have been demolished or are in the
process of being demolished. To the east, across Central Avenue, there is a new bank and parking lot and to the
northeast, the second Iowa Trust Bank building.
Figure 30: general rear view of building, viewed to southeast.
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
Hnited States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
OMB Apda'oval No. 1024-0018
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number
Ziepprecht Block
8 ' Page ! 5
Dubuque, Iowa
8. Historical summary:
The Ziepprecht Block (1888) is architecturally significant as a well-preserved example of a transitional
Italianate commercial style (the heavy projecting cornice, the rounded pediment) with both Second Empire (the paired
larger window forms) and Queen Anne (the three-sided bays) influences, applied to a 1888 three-story double
storeffont commercial block (Criterion C, Architecture). This building represents one of a small number of surviving
and well preserved mid- to late 1880s commercial double storefront blocks. These buildings, built throughout the
entire downtown on its principal business streets, re-built or extended northward the commercial core of the city in the
years 1882-1895. The Ziepprecht Block plan substituted four middle class flats for the expected public hall or office
levels, and offered an etabomte symmetrical fagade design with hio~dy decorated twin two-story rounded bays along
with a broad metal cornice and half-round centered pediment cap.
Downtown Development and Construction Context:
The historic Dubuque downtown was much narrower than it is today. The Mississippi River and sloughs
which comprised most of the now filled-in riverfront area. The downtown was particularly narrow and close to the
bluffs south of 5th Street. As of 1884, Main Street was the key business street, between First and 11th streets. Iowa
Street, one block east, was principally a warehousing, industrial and jobbing street, up to Eighth, after which it was
residential. Clay (now Central) one more block east, was residential and it had the city and county public buildings
and several schools. Above 12th Street, the east side was much more commercial developed, but there was just a
single three-story store between 12th and 18th streets (1884 Sanborn Map).
Dubuque's Improvements.
This will be one of the greatest building years Dubuque has seen for some time.
Buildings of all kinds have been or are being erected in almost every part of the city. In
the mercantile region new warehouses are built of splendid size and fi:om; in the retail
portion many new stores are erected, particularly on Main and'Clay streets and Couler
Avenue. . :All these are evidences of Dubuque's little boom. The hopes of our citizens,
and particularly the most active men, are more and more raised for the splendid
prospects of the city. Dubuque is going forward and no mistake.
(Herald, September 26, 1886).
By 1891, by which time the subject building was three years old, three major downtown changes had taken
place since 1884. First, the completion ora Mississippi River vehicular bridge had commercialized Seventh Street,
transforming it into the new principal gateway into the city fi:om the east. Several new hotels line the street. Main
Street was substantially rebuilt, within the same area, and its buildings were solidly three-stories in height south of
Ninth Street. Along Clay, the subject block between 13m and 14th, was now solidly occupied by stores, but only the
John Bell (1886, immediately south) and Ziepprecht (1888) blocks were three stories in height. Clay between 15th and
17th streets, was less intensely commercialized, more so on the east side of the street. North of 17th Street, three-story
blocks predominated (1891 Sanborn Map).
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page
Ziepprecht Block
16
Dubuque, Iowa
The Bell and Ziepprecht blocks anchored the southern end of this Clay Street commercial development. Chris
Voelker, onetime city mayor and an imporran[ builder/developer, was the first to build a substantial block at Clay and
13th in 1879. on the northeast comer, across the sneer from the Bell Block. That was the same year that the Herald
declared the city's downtoxvn as being "past its infantile condition." The years 1879-82 were record years in new
construction. Much of the Clay Street improvement was preceded by substantial commercial building construction
along Couler Avenue, the northern extension of Clay above 18th Street (Herald, January 1, 1880).
The Bell Block also represented an up-building of key cross streets along Clay, 13th and 14th Street. As early
as 1876 the Herald observed "Fourteenth street has been fortunate. From an uncouth, roUgh roadway two or three
years ago, it has been metamorphosed into one of the most handsome and desirable streets in the city." Capitalist
John Bell, the later builder of the subject block, was a leader in this movement. That same year (1876) partners Bell
& Ryder built a combination store and seven unit tenements at the northwest comer of 13th Street and Iowa, one block
~vest of the future Bell Block site. The tenements were modem, were for middle class tenants~ and cost $16,000.
Capitalist W. H. Peabody built a row of six brick tenmnents on 14th, to the north, for $12,000. Bell also added a
storage room behind Putnam & Jones' store, on Iowa Street, and improvements to a store on Iowa between 12th and
13th streets (Herald, December 2, 1876 April 27, 1886 and January 1, 1887).
The year 1886 the beginnings of a most notable improvement, that of a vehicular bridge over the Mississippi
River. The stock company project started as a pontoon bridge design, with a draw, and by September was transformed
as the permanent "High Bridge" and work on its construction began that same month. The bridge opened on
November 26, 1887. The building season had an early start, in middle April. A building boom was on by mid-year,
mostly in the form of residences, but many new business blocks ~vere under construction. By mid-June, Novelty Iron
Works had orders for 60 cast iron columns for new stores and business blocks. Ironwork for house building exceeded
all other orders at the plant (Times, May 18; September 17, 1886; Herald, June 11, 1886).
During 1887, five ne~v store buildings were constructed north of 10th Street along Clay, Iowa and Washington
streets. The next year, this number grew to nine new buildings, including the Ziepprecht Block. This was the year
that the massive Julien Hotel was rebuilt, occupying an entire half-block on Main Street near its south end.
Countervailing influences early in the year were the failure of the Commercial National Bank on March 23 (there
wouldn't be another such failure in the city until 1932) and a mechanics strike. Edward Keas revised his plans to
build a double house at Iowa and 13~, and instead combined a double storefront with flats. The building up of Clay
Street, between l0th and 18th, would continue through the mid-1890s.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8
Page 17
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 31: The newly completed John Bell Block, c.1887, view northeast 1890
(Courtesy Center for Dubuque History, Loras College)
Figure 31 depicts the first Ziepprecht building, barely visible immediately to the right (north) of the new Bell
Block. The Ziepprecht Block design was patterned somewhat after that of the Bell Block, with matching storefront
scale, and similar cornice and window set patterning. It accomplished a bit of one-upmanship however by means of a
higher elevation and a larger pediment.
Henry Ziepprecht ( 1826- t 887):
Henry Ziepprecht was bom in Hesse Cassel, Germany, learned the druggist trade there, and came to America
in 1854. He arrived in Dubuque in the spring of 1856. That same year he established his drugstore. His store
occupied 1347 Clay (Central) as early as 1868 according to city directories. Ziepprecht died at his 770 West Fifth
street residence on May 12, 1887 after an illness of several weeks. The Times noted "Mr. Ziepprecht was a strictly
honest man, very attentive to his business, and was considered quite wealthy" (Daily Times, May 13, 1887; Herald,
May 13, 1887).
Ziepprecht's life was a hard one. His first wife was Caroline Kompe, who was born in Mecklenburg,
Germany. They married in 1857 and had two children, Mary (bom c.1858) and Conrad (born c.1860). His wife died
in 1864. He remarried in 1870 to Emma Heinlein, also a German native, and they had two children, a son Leo (born
c.1871) and another child, William (born c.1879). Emma and the infant child were both drowned in the mid-1880s.
Three children survived. Ziepprecht resided in his later years with a sister, Mary Heinland (born c.1818). He had two
brothers in the country, living at Prah-ie du Chien and in Michigan (ibid.).
With Henry Ziepprecht's death in 1887, his estate likely passed to his second wife and children. Son Leo and
daughter Mary were still at the family home on Fifth Street as of 1888. Mary, aged 31, died of typhoid fever in the
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number
Z~epprecht Block
8 Page 18
Dubuque, ~owa
family flat at 1347 Clay on July 9, 1890. The notice mentioned only one brother, who then resided in Massachusetts.
Carl Wilham Ziepprecht (not identified) resided in one of the flats in the new Ziepprecht Block (1347 Clay) as of
1896 through 1903. Edward W. Duncan was executor of the Ziepprecht estate and transferred the ownership of the
Ziepprecht Block to Carl Ziepprecht and the Young Mens Library Association on October 18, 1901. The Library
Association transferred the property back to William C. Ziepprecht on August 21, 1905. Ziepprecht sold the building
to the Dubuque Bank & Trust under contract in 1975. The property was owned by the Clifford G. Walsh, Inc. as of
1980 and the bank was owner as of 2002 (Dubuque County Assessors data, city directories; Herald, July 10, 1890).
The 1870 federal census found Henry, aged 44, living with his first wife and t~vo children, his sister and a
servant. The 1880 census found the same couple and their four children living together. Henry is listed as an
Apothecary in 1870, with real estate valued at $10,000, and personal estate worth $6,000 (1870, [880 census).
Block Construction History:
The Henry Ziepprecht Estate funded the construction of this impressive three-story double block during the
second half of 1888, for a reported cost of $14,000. Edward Keas completed the building ora three-story brick double
storefront building on the southwest comer of Iowa and 13th Street during the frrst half of 1888. Keas' new building
was seeking tenants when the Ziepprecht building was being planned and begun. On July 20, 1888, the Herald
announced that the drugstore in the existing Ziepprecht building, managed by Joseph Wittmer, would occupy one of
Kea's storeffonts during the building of what was described as a new store that "will be a fine one and an ornament to
the city" [Herald, April 22, July 20, 1888, December 23, 1888).
Ziepprecht the druggist has moved his stock of drugs into the Keas building on Iowa
street opposite the city hall. He will occupy this building until he tears down and
rebuilds on his lot on Clay street.
Daily Times, July 27, 1888
The Ziepprecht building replacement was belatedly planned well into 1888. As late as April 22, the building
permit for the new block was yet to be secured and there was no reference to its planned construction in the list of
possible building projects (Herald, April 22. 1888).
Work was finally underway by the first week of August, at which time the Daily Times reported "The work of
tearing down the old ZieppreCht building on Clay near Thirteenth street, will be completed in two or three days. A
double brick store will take its place" (limes, August 4, 1888).
Good progress is being made on the building under way by the Ziepprecht estate. It
will be under roof by the 15m inst. and finished early in November. Pressed brick and
Terra Cotta trimmings ornament the fi:ont. It will be a large, commodious drug store,
with flats overhead.
Herald, October 3, 1888
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number
Ziepprecht Block
8 Page
Dubuque, Iowa
The Ziepprecht building on Clay near the comer of Thirteenth, will be completed about
the first of December, if the weather should prove favorable. The front is of pressed
brick, which is being laid by Freeman, Hart & Co. of Chicago. They are also doing the
terra cotta work.
Herald, October 7, 1888
The new drag building erected for the Zeiprecht [sic] estate wilt be ready for
occupancy the latter part of this month. It will be ready for occupancy the latter pan of
this month. It will be a magnificent structure, a credit to its owner and an ornament ro
the city, increasing the value of adjoining property.
Herald, November 4, 1888
The construction work proceeded sw~f[ly despite the hot summer. It required about two months to complete
the excavation, foundation and brick work. The building work was accident free (a source of additional local
comment about construction progress) until the end of November. Early on November 23 a scaffold sixteen feet
above ground, collapsed, and threw a number of workers to the ground. Most had slip, bt injuries but a Mr. Fuller
suffered "a deep gash cut in the side of his face and another in his right forearm" and possible internal injuries
(Herald, November 24, 1888).
By mid-December the building was ready for occupancy and a branch confectionary was added to the drug
store that would occupy both of the storefronts:
A branch of Dockstader's confectionery has been established in the Ziepprecht block on Clay street,
above Thirteenth, for the convenience of uptown people during the holidays. A large stock of
Dockstader's celebrated goods will be kept on hand.
The first city director listings for the new building list only the drag store, so this addition musi have served as a
department within the drug store layout (Herald, December 12, 1888).
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number
Ziepprecht Block
8 Page 20
Dubuque, Iowa
.ST.
Figure 32:1884 Sanborn Map [buildings are nor yet built, see half block 449)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Approval NO. 1024-~01 $
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8
Page 21
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 32 depicts City Lot 449 as it appeared just prior to the construction of the Ziepprecht Block. Clay (later
Central) Street is sparsely developed, with a mixture of frame and brick storefronts and residences. The latter
outnumber the former. H. Ziepprecht was operating a drugstore ar 1347 Clay as of 1886-87. His two-story
combination storefront (south bay) and residence is cemered on the lot. Ziepprecht was deceased by the time his
substantial replacement three-story block was constructed on this same property in 1888 (Dubuque City Directory,
1886-87).
Figure 33:t891 Sanborn Map (the Ziepprecht Building is highlighted)
Figure 23 depicts the Ziepprecht Block, just three years after its completion and nicely labels the double
storefront block with the same title. A drug store fills the southern storefront and the existing building outline is
indicated, including the mysterious two-story rear second floor appendage (see Section 7). An art and picture frame
firm occupies the northern storefront. There is no rear addition on that bay.
NPS Form 1O-900-a
(8-86
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8
Page 22
Zzepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure: Wellge, Perspective Map of Dubuque, 1889
The arrow points to the new Ziepprecht Block.
The 1889 birds-eye drawing is both accurate and inaccurate with regards to the Ziepprecht Block. The greater
height in contrast to the Bell Block, immediately south is indicated, as is the scale of the building, but th~ bays and
pediment are not depicted (ibid.).
Figure 34: Photograph north on Central, c.1890 (Courtesy Center for Dubuque History, Loras College)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number
Ziepprecht Block
8 Page 23
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 34 shows the Ziepprecht block, complete with a flagpole set behind its pediment front. Clay Street has
street car tracks down its center line. Thirteenth Street is in the foreground.
Figure35: Photograph north on Central, 1918, both buildings vzsible to the right
(courtesy of Center For Dubuque History, Loras College)
Figure 35 depicts the same scene in 1918. The German Bank and Trust bank in the Bell Block, to the south,
has dropped its German name (Union Bank and Trust) and sports a patriotic banner. Note that the rest o£the block on
the west side of Clay has developed only to the two-story height.
NPS Form lO-900-a
(8-86
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8
Page 24
Ziepprecht Block
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 36: Sanborn Map, t909 (the Ziepprecht Building is highlighted)
Figure 36 depicts the building as of 1909. A drugstore continues ro occupy the southern storefront. The
northern bay has been extended back to the alley with a single-story addition and another two-story protuberance
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 25
Ziepprecht Block Dubuque, Iowa
added atop it. Note also that the large two-story block to the north of the Ziepprecht Block has the same rear multiple
balcony arrangc~rnent.
Figure 37:1909/1936 Sanborn Map (the Ziepprecht Building is highlighted)
Figure 37 locates a drugstore in the southern bay and a bakery,in the northern one. Note that the northwest
quadrant of the block remains residential.
8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
Natio hal Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8
Page 26
Ziepprecht Block
N
0~8 App~_roval No. 1024-0018
Dubuque,
Iowa
Figure 38:1909/1966 Sanborn Map
Figure 38 documents the trend of demolishing commercial properties for parking and drive-in banking. The
Ziepprecht Block has lost its neighboring buildings ro the north.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Secdon number
Ziepprecht Block
8 Page 27
Dubuque, Iowa
Build/ng Tenancy:
Table I Tenant Firms and Residents
Date 1347 Clay 1347 Clay 1353 Clay 1353 Clay
Commercial tenant Residences Commercial tenant Residences
1888 Joseph W. Wittmer, manager
of Ziepprecht Drugstore,
drags, paints, oils, glass
1890- same Leo, Marie Ziepprecht
1896 J.W. Witmer, dmgg/st C. William Ziepprecht
1899 same same Rhomberg Bros. Robert H. Thompson
wholesale liquors
1901 same same ? Wm. Brandon, Nicholas
Elligen, Lucius Warren
1903 same same ? Brandon, Granville Davis,
Elllge~ W. A. Hamilton
1908 same Carl, W. E. Ziepprecht
1911 Adam Z/llig, drugs ? Granville H. Davis & Co. Mrs. Srmie Traut
Postal substation #8 5 & 10 Cents
1915 Adam Zillig, drags, paint, Philip Schildknecht, salesman same Mrs. Allle Lamb, Mrs.
soil Miss Marg. Thompson, nurse Edith Heftier
1921 same, also Brau Brothers Mrs. Oliver James, Md. Charles Paul Henry, 5 & I 0 Cents Mrs. Susan Traut, Karl
Variety Store Geo. H. Meyer (Mary), Harold, Store Staufanbeft
Thomas and Pearl
1923 same Mrs. Rosalind Hahn (wid. ? ?
Christopher)
Will/am Brosky (Cora)
1929 Adam Zilllg, drugstore vacant Braua's Variety Store ?
1934 same Miss Emily Hird Tfll's Hatchery. Lowell ?
W. Morton, manager
1939 Alfred Finch's Pharmacy Herman Dimke-2, Ernest Sutter's Bakery
Halferson-3, Jolm Dmcker-4
Leander Kluesner-3, Josephine
Teseler-6
1947 same Herman Dimke-9
I952 same same-12
1955 same Herman Dimke, furnished rooms
1960 same Archie Oneyear same Jacob Perry, apt.
supervisor-3 units
1965 same same same same
1970 vacant Clms. J. Burke, Frank Martin same Mary Bockes
Archie Oneyear
1974 Walsh Stores? ? same Mary Bockes (2=d)
Kath. Raines (3~)
1980 Walsh Stores vacant Walsh Stores ?
NPS Form IO-9OO-a
{8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 9 Page 28
Zzepprecht Block Dubuque, Iowa
9. Bibliography:
Assessor's Card, 1347-53 Clay Street, Dubuque County Assessor
Transfer Books, Dubuque County Recorder's Office
Binney, Marcus, Town Houses: Urban Houses from 1200 to the Present Day, New York: Watson-Guptill
Publications, 1998.
Casey Associates, existing and proposed floor plans, Walsh Building, 2001.
Center For Dubuque History, Loras College, photographs and material on Dubuque banking.
Dubuque City Directories, 1883, 1886/87, 1888, 1891, 1896-97, 1899-1900, 1901, 1903, 1908, 1909, 1911-12, 1915,
t921-22, 1923, 1929, 1934, 1939, 1945, 1954, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1974, 1980.
1870 Federal Population Census, Dubuque County, Iowa, Ward 3, pp. 160-I61, microfilm roll 389.
1880 Federal Population Census, Dubuque County, Io~va, Ward 3, p. 174B.
Hunter, Christine, Ranches, Rowhouses & Railroad Flats, New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1999.
Jacobsen, James E., Dubuque--The Key' City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, 1837-1955,
Dubuque; City of Dubuque, 2002.
Lyon, Randolph W., Dubuque, The Encyclopedia, Dubuque; First National Bank of Dubuque, 1991.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1884, 1891, 1909, 1909/36, 1936/65
Wellge, H., "Perspective Map of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, 1889," h.p., 1889.
Ziepprecht, Henry, obituaries. Herald, May 13, 1887; Times, May 13, 1887.
Newspapers (note specific dates in textual citations):
Daily HeraM
Daily Times
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
O~B App~oval No. 1024.0018
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 10 Page
Ziepprecht Block
10. Additional Documentation:
Geoaraphical Data:
Verbal Boundary. Description:
The middle one-fifth of City Lot 449.
Boundary Justification:
29
Dubuque, Iowa
Image: View: Description:
1 NW main facade
2 SW same
3 W detail, facade
4 S north wall, rear addition
5 SE west wall
The building fully occupies this portion of the lot and has always been historically associated with this parcel.
Photographs:
Photographer: James E. Jacobsen
Date of photographs: February 21, 2002
Location of original negative: Property owner