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John Bell Block Bldg Historic RCity Manager's Office 50 West I3th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001~864 (319) 5894110 (319) 5894149 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 John Bell Block (1301-1307 Central Avenue) on the National Register of Historic Places Dear Mayor and City Council Members: The City of Dubuque Historic 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 Historic 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 John Bell Block Building to the National Register of Historic Places based on criteria A, B and C. A simply majodty vote is needed for the City Council to concur with the request. Respectfully submitted, Chris Wand, Chairperson Historic Preservation Commission Attachments Service People Inte~ty Responsibility Innovation Teamwork CLG NATIONAL REGISTAR REVIEW CLG Name City of Dubueue Date of Public lqeeting ~'~/~-O Property Name 3ohn Bell Block, 1301-:[307 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Dubueue County 1. For Historic Preservation Commission: 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, A~fN: National Register Coordinator, 600 E. Locust, Des r4oines, IA 50319 CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM August 28, 2002 TO:Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Wally Wernimont, Assistant Planner SUBJECT: National Register Nomination for the John Bell Block Building (Former Walsh Store) at 1301-1307 Central Avenue The State Nominations Review Committee plans to consider the John Bell Block Building (Former Walsh Store) at 1301-1307 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 A, B and 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 Where past meets future August 6, 2002 CiT OUSOQt American Gothic House Wally Wernimont City of Dubuque Planning Service Department City of Dubuque City Hall 50 W. 13th Street Dubuque, tA 52001 Blood Run NFLL RE: Larchwood Centennial Building Iowa City Ziepprecht Block, 1347 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Dubuque County 3ohn Bell Block, 1301-1307 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Dubuque County Dear Mr. Wemimont: e~¢ FAa Bl=ek.mlm Sho.The State Nominations Review Committee (SNRC) plans to consider the property Matth _ksmJ ..... ~r f Marsi~Utowa e erenced above for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places during their meeting. As a participant in the Certified Local Government Program, City of Zbbie Gardner Cabin Dubuque is required to review and comment on proposed National Register ,Amolds 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 DesI°X~aMoi~zesHiSt°dcal BuitdLqg Historic Preservation Commission. Enclosed are copies of the nomination, photographs, and the review form. The review process will require the following: Ur~on Stmdmy School C~ermont Pium Grove Governor's Home Iowa City Toolesboro Indian Mounds Toolesboro Western Historic Trails Center Council Bluffs 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. Make 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. Indicate 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 Historic Places significance criteria. If 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. If the Commission feels that the property does not meet the significance driteria, then check the box recommending that the property not be listed. The Mayor 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 Item ~1, the Commission's portion of the review form. Be sure to fill in the date of the public meeting, sign IOWA H~STO~CAL BUILDING 600 East Locust · Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0290 Phnne: (91 ~'~ 2R1-6412 · Fax' (~1 ~'~ 24?.-:~4q~1 or (~ 1 ~'~ 2R2-0~02 the signature line and record any comments that were made. If the Mayor attended the public meeting, inquire if he/she is prepared to complete Item #2 on the review form. In the event that the Mayor was unableto 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 Commission Item #3 on the Review form asks for the review and comment of a preservation professional. If your commission does not have a professionally 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 reviewed before their meeting. The Commission should keep the nomination and photographs. File them together in your inventory, as you will need the information for future reference. If a State preservation professional was needed to complete 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 Commissio~ (by Commission majority) and the Mayor do not consider the property eligible 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 515/281-6826 with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Elizabeth Foster Hill, Tax Incentive Programs Manager/ National Register Coordinator NPS'Form 10-900 (Oct. 1990) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service JUL 3 2002 OMB No 10024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Peg/stet of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" Jn the appropriate' box or by entenng' the ~nformati0n requested. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additionaJ entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name John Bell Block other names/site number German Bank & Trust Building 2. Location street & number 1301~07 Central Avenue city or town Dubuque state Iowa code IA county Dubuque r N/Al not for publication [ N/A ] vicinity code 061 zip code 52004 State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby cert fy that this [~ nomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the Nation7~la Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property ~meets LJ does not meet the National Register criteria. [ recommend that this property be considered significant ~ nationally L] statewide ~ locally. (r_] see continuation sheet for additional comments). Signature of certifying official/Title Date S~e or Feder~-age-n-~¥ ~nd bureau ~ in my opinion, the property [_] meets [_] does not meet the National Register criteria. (ri See continuation sheet for additional comments.) S gnature of cert fylng officral/T t e State or Federal agency and bureau ~)ate 4. National Park Service Certification __1 hereby certify that the property is: El entered in the National Register. ~ See continuation sheet. [_] determined eligible for the National Register. r_] see continuation sheet. r] determined not eligible for the National Register. [._] removed from the National Register. El other, (explain:) Keeper 'Date of-~ Dubuque County, Iowa John Bell Block County and: State Name of Proper~y 5. Classification Ownership of Property IChecK as many noxes as apply ~ private L] public-local El public-State L] public-Federal Category of Property Number of Resources within Property [ X 1 building(s) El district L] site El object Contributing Noncontributing 1 0 buildings sites objects I 0 Total Name of related multiple proper~ listing ,Enter "N/A" if proper~y is not par~ of a multiple proper~v listing.) Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register N/A 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Commerce Trade/financial institution Current Functions (Enter categones [rom instructions) ~Commerce/Trade/departmen~ store Social/meednq ha Domestic/multiple dwellinq 1. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Late Victorian/Ita]ianate Materials (Enter categones from instructions) foundation--stone walls--brick -ocr--asphalt other Narrative Description (Describe the h~stod¢ ano Gurren~ condition of the prooer~v on one or more continuation sheetsJ John Bell Block Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.) ix1 A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. 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 master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. [1 D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or histow. Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Architecture Commerce Period of Significance 1886-1952 Dubuque County, iowa - County and State Criteria Considerations (Mark 'Ix1, in al[ the boxes that apply.) Property is: Significant Dates 1886 L] A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes. [_] B removed from its original location. L] C a birthplace or grave. [1 D a cemete, ry. [1 E a reconstructed building, object, or structure, Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above~ John Bell, Martin Heer, Anton Zwack Cultural Affiliation German-American b] F a commemorative property. [_] G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. NarratK, e Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.i Architect/Builder Unknown [1 preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested [1 previously listed in the National Register [1 previously determined eligible by the National Register El designated a National Historic Landmark L] recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # b] recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # [ X ] State Historic Preservation Office L] Other State agency [_1 Federal agency [1 Local government L] University [1 Other Name of repository: 9. ~4ajor Bibliographical Referenra¢ Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one ~r more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: Johrl Bell Block Dubuque County, Iowa _ · Count, ano State Name of ProDer~¥ i 0. Geographical Data Acreage of Property Less than one acre. UTlq References Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet. I [115] [61911171310] [4]7]0]8]3]6]0] 2[ ] ] Zone -Easting NotChing - Zone Easting Northing 3[]][]]]]]][]]]]]]] - [1 See conzinuation sneez Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the bounQaries of the prope~y on a continuation sheet,( See continuation sheet. Boundary Justification (Ex~ ain why the bounaarles were selected on a continuation snee~.l See con~,nua~ion sneer. 1 i. Form Prepared By name/title James E. Jacobsen organization History Pays! Historic Preservation Consultinq Firm date stree: & number 4411 ngersoll Avenue te~eDhone city or :own Des Moines s:a:e Julu 2~ 2002 515-274-3625 IA zip cope 50312 Additional Documentation Subrmt the foUowing items with the complete form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 mJnu:e series) indicating the proper:y's Ioca:ion. A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the proper:y. Additional items ~Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of SHPO or FFO.) name Heartland Financial USA s:reet & number 1398 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 778 telephone 563-589-2158 city or town Dubuque sta:e iA z~p code S~004 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 20§03. 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 7 Page John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa 7. Narrative Description: The three-stow John Bell Block (1886) is an early, substantial and prominent example of an Italianate style quadruple three-stow business block in Dubuque. The block occupies a highly visible northwest corner location at Central Avenue and 13t~ Street, and stands immediately north of the Dubuque City Hall (I857). The block presents storefroms on both facades, to the south and the east. Twin-double storefronts on the main or east fagade flank a recessed single-bay. This was the location of the entrance to the second floor hall. The faqade retains its original cast ironwork, and a broad bracketed pressed metal corn/ce line remains in place. The brick fagade is divided into six even-sized bays. Shallow brick pilasters define each of these bays and three windows on each of the upper two floors are grouped together. Those on the second floor have flat cast stone arches, while those on the uppermost level have semi-segmental arches. The southern fagade lacks the bay-defined cadence of the main faqade. Its windows are paired and evenly spaced for most of the frontage. A cast-iron double storefront is simply recessed into what is otherwise a black ground level sidewall. The block is representative of the northward-trending Dubuque downtown. Larger commercial buildings replaced earlier and smaller residences and stores as commercial development spread north along the key streetcar arterials. The block housed an array of commercial and residential functions. In addition to the storefronts, including a bank, there ~vere professional offices, a public hall (third floor) and apartments (southwest part of the plan, upper floors). Comparative Architectural Context: The Bell Block is one of three three-story quadruple storefront business blocks, all of which date to the late 1880s. The J. Simones Block (1884) is located at 1570-92 Central. It differs from the Bell Block in that it has three triangular pediments and a single central bay. It also retains a mint condition 1920s storefrent and prism glass transom. The E. Montz Block (1888) is located at 1735-55 Central. This block has a well-preserved cast iron stor¢front, as does the Bell Block, there are two plain metal covered bays winch have likely been resurfaced. The fagade is plainly ornamented with simple keystone and spring stone inserts, and a stone belt c6urse. There is a central half-round pediment w/th an inscription. All three examples are located on Central Street. The other examples have different pediment forms, and both have intact pediments. The Bell Block is notable for its h/gh state of ornamentation and particularly for its recessed central bay, wl:fich set offthe pediment above it. The other examples have better preserved cast iron storefronts. It is probable that all three examples are National Register eligible, but each is sufficiently different so as to collectively portray the commercial arcintecmre of a quadruple storefront block. Arcintectural Style: This design is an amalgam of the Italianate and Queen Anne commercial styles. It is for the most part Italianate, as is reflected in its basic massing, the pairing or ~pling of elongated windows, and the use of the heavy broad cornice lhie. Also ~ Italianate is the use of the semi-segmental elaborate window arches and the centered recessed pediment (a substitute for the tower function on the residential version). Not-Italianate is the use of varied window lintel forms which m/ght reflect a Romanesque influence. The Queen Anne touch is represented by the conservative, yet measurable use of fagade ornamentation and the mixing of building mater/als. There is a strong Dubuque vernacular influence here as well. It is best reflected in the use ora continuous band of stone blocks to form the lintel atop the southern cast iron storefront (Figure 2), and the butting together of the second floor stone lintels (Figure I)on the main fagade. The overall design is a transitional one, reflective of the vitality and fluidity of commercial design during the later 1880s. United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 1: Continuous lintel band, second floor Figure 2: Stone lintel, south storefront, view northwest Exterior Description: The Ioad-bearing exterior brick ~valls present a five-bay wide main facade to the east (Central Avenue). There is no bay differentiation on the southern facade or end wall. The facades are comprised by a tall range of cast iron storefronts which lack a defined transom line. two stylistically differentiated rows of windows on the b,vo upper floors, and a broad and dominating pressed metal corn/ce line. The south secondary fagade is more strongly horizontal in its design lines due to the lack of any vertical differentiations and the use of belt courses at the lintel and spring stone levels and between the floors. The main faqade is divided into five bays of even w/dth by means of brick pilasters and a projecting parapet base walI plane. A central recessed bay/paviliun was originally surmounted by a rounded pavilion (non-extant). Each bay floor level presents a centered triple window set. Those on the second floor have flat incised cast stone lintels w/th integrated spring stone blocks. Those on the third floor feature semi-c/rcular brick arches with keystone inserts. Each of these arches is slightly NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page _~ John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa advanced from the main wall plane and consists of three brick rowlock rows. Angled spring stone inserts support the basis of the arches. All of the windows employ a fiat stone sill. A double-belt course of projecting brickwork demarks the d/vision point between the floors. On the main facade, the intervening panel is infilled with angled soldier br/cks and square stone inserts, two patterns of "comer blocks" which are paired beneath and between the gaps between the windows above, or centered beneath each window opening. On the third floor, brick belt courses trace both below and just above the sill level, and two lines are nm beneath the spring stone base level. The metal cornice combines a decorative architrave, a dcnticulated row, modillions and paired brackets. The central bay deviates from this pattern by the increase in the height of the central window on the third floor, and by the use of a plain recessed cornice line across the top. The main cornice tums inward on either side of this bay. Decorative inserts, two triangular overlays of metal scrollwork and two rosettes, ornament the uppermost portion of the bay. The upper level windows have been covered with plywood panels but they remain intact beneath these covetings. The windows are Italianate style 2/2 lights with a rounded upper sash form (Figure 3). Figure 3: Covered faCade windows, German Trust Building. Storefront Details: Preliminary investigations indicate that the cast iron storefront remains intact beneath the replacement covetings. The transom level was always subsumed within the actual storefront and the original display wthdows might have run from the ldck plate to the ceiling. The several entryways preserve various early ceiling coverings and tile flooring renmants. Figure 4 shows surviving decorative cast iron work that was associated with the central bay and hall entrance. United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 4_ John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 4: Storefront detail, German Trust, note cast iron work. (this view is to the north or right of the above image) Building Footprint and Dimensions: The overall footpr/nt of the block is nearly square on plan (102 frontage, 100 depth). The building is three stories in height save for a single-story inset (60x40) located along the alleyway in the northwest corner. The lootings and foundations are of yellow limestone. Ceiling heights are nine feet in the basement, 13 feet on the ground floor, and I 1.6 feet on the upper two levels. Square footage on each floor o£the three-story portion of the block is 7,~00, that w/thin the single story section is 2,400 square feet. Interior Description: The ground floor has been unified as a single department store sa!es space since the 1930s. A number of plain round steel colunms appear to reflect the consolidation of the several originally separate storefronts. The main floor interior retains a range of items of interest, decorative elements, and clues to its internal evolution. Figure 42 (below) depicts the bank interior c. 1904 and that view shows the identical ceiling decorations which survive in the southernmost storefront area (see Figures 5 and 6). Ornate cast iron columns support a revealed support beam across the center of the storefrunt area and an elaborate pressed metal cove molding continues down the sidewalls. United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page S John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 5: Piaster ceiling modillions, north half of original (comer) bank storefront, wew east. Figure 6: Plaster ceiling modillions, south half of original (corner) bank storefront, view east towards angled enu-yway. The northernmost storefront originally had a raised floor level, approximately a foot and a half above the other store floor levels. The back one-quarter of the store area certainly had this raised floor level as is indicated by both removed joists along the side walls and a surviving portion of the raised floor in the northwest comer. The ornate columns wh/ch nm down the center of th/s storefront (see Figure 7 below) are original to the construction. Note the elevated bases of these columns (Figure 8) which hints that the entire floor was once elevated to the column bases. United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page _6 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 7: Ornate centerline colarrms, northernmost storefront, view west. Figure 8: Ground floor, view to the north. Note the raised bases for the ornate columns (background) and the replacement round columns (foreground) NPS Form 1O-9OO-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page _7 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 9: Ground floor, view to the south. This bu/lding and the adjoining Ziepprecht Block to the north, have differing floor levels. This is most notable on the third floor, where ramps are necessary to step up to the higher floor level to the north. The second floors are level and metal sliding fire doors were added when the properties were united. Figure I0 depicts one ofthese doors onthe second floor. Figure i0: Fire door; second floor, north end wall. There is a double public hall on the third floor, set above the northern two storefront areas. Two large square hall areas are separated by a brick wail. The original ceiling, wall and floor surfaces survive with some remnant wallpapers. Plain wooden columns (Figure 11) support wooden beams along the centerlines of each hall area. The columns have angled comers but are otherwise utilitarian in their treatment. An ornate wooden framed double door communicates between the two areas. United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 8_ John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 11: south half of hall, third floor, view northwest. Note wood columns with fluted corners and ornate double doorway between the two hall areas The original building ~vas an L-plan w/th an open rear courtyard area ~vhich was excavated to the basement level. This is indicated by the presence of basement windows with ornate stone sills along the north side wall of the 13~ Street wing, and the west side of the rear three-story exterior wall (Figure 12). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page John Bell Block OM_B App_~roval No. 1024-0018 Dubuque, Iowa Figure 12: Former exterior basement window, basement, view south. Figure 13: Mezzanine level, ground floor interior, north end, view to the northwest. Figure 14: floor fi:aming detail, second floor. NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 10 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 14 depicts mortice and tenon joinery in the floor framing. This example occurred at the base of a partition wall. The same image shows how the earliest knob and tube electrical wiring was added. Floor Plans: Figure 15: Basement Plan (the Bell Block is highlighted). The basement play depicts the exterior stone foundation wails and column bases. The east fagade originally had basement windows below the front sidewalk level. The beams in this building are mostly composite units comprising up ro four 2x10 or 2xi2 planks. The open court area comprised the rectangle located immediately north of the southwestern double storeffom area. The three northernmost bays are clear spans in terms of the flooring, there being no extra columns. The two bays in the southeast comer have wooden support columns along their center lines. The southernmost bay has a wooden floor, indicating office usage. The west end of this bay contains two vaults, the first of stone with railroad rails comprising its ce/ling, and a later concrete one immediately north (labeled vault). The area west of the vaults is trimmed out with wainscoating and was used for offices. The void separating that bay and the two south-facing srorefronts is a bit of a mystery. Its two sidewalls are of stone but the opening through the wall is of recent date. The eastern most bay of the southern storefronts has a partial wooden floor laid on 4x4 strips. The west end of the third bay to the north, the area later infllled, also bas plain wooden columns ranged along the centerline. The columns and beams here measure 8x8 and are the only example of heavy timber use on this level. United States Department of the Interior National Park Serwce National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 1 1 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa )N Figure 16: Ground floor (the Bell Block is highlighted). Original round cast iron columns remain in the southern double storefront and in the northern one. Plain round steel colunms support broad openings cut into the intervening wails. Three east-facing storefront areas are provided for originally by this plan, with two south-facing ones in the southwest comer. Figure 17: Second floor (north is to the right). NPS ~orm United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 12 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa In the southwest comer, a centered stairway leads to two aparlments. The stairs continue to the top floor. A north (rear) wail door exits onto the roof of the single-story portion of the plan in the west center part of the plan. Originally it connected to a two-story wrap-around balcony system. The remainder of this floor level has been opened up. Stairs which led to the hall have been removed and office partitions and possibly apartments have been removed. Two interior br/ck load- bearing walls continue up through this floor level. The orig/naI stairs, connecting the ground level and this one, remain as indicated. Figure 18: Third floor plan Ithe Bell Block is highlighted). The two-part hall area occupies most of this level. The th/rd floor retains its apamnents and offices on the south end, as well as the two hail areas. A ramp leads to the Ziepprecht Block's third floor to the north. West doors originally led out to the upper balcony. The roof is very szmply framed up, with a post and beam system that rests atop the sidewall and joists, and descends gradually to the west. There is no indication that the roof purlins are in anyway tied ro their respective beams. Location and Settine: 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 city hall's open area long served as an open market area. Clay Street. now Central, developed a~ a major commercial arterial over time. United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 19: City Hall market, e.1880, view southwest. Note streetcar tracks on Clay (now Central), left foreground. Figure 20: 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 14 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 21: The Bell Block is at Ieft center, view to the southwest ~vith City Hall in the background. Figure 22: The Bell Block is again at lef~ center, view to the southwest with City Hail in the background. The building m the distance is the oldest surviving school building in the city. It. also dates to 1857 and was designed by arCh/met 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 ro the northeast, the second Iowa Trust Bank building. United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page IS JOhn BeH Block Dubuque, Iowa Significance Sttmmary: The John Bell Block is locally significant as a well-preserved example of the Italianate commercial style applied to a four-storefront three-story commercial block (Criterion C) with Queen Anne and vernacular design influences. It is further locally significant for its direct and salient historical association with the German ethnic population of Dubuque (Criterion A. commerce), particularly the banking history of Dubuque's German residents. The building also represents the anti-German feelings of the World War I era, a national hysteria that nearly obliterated America's German cultural heritage (Criterion A, Ethnic Heritage, European). The building's storefi:onts housed German-American businesses and the general business area was closely tied to the city's German-American population. Finally, the building is directly associated with three significant Dubuque residents, John Bell, capitalist, architect Martin Heer and contractor Anton Zwack (Criterion B). The period of significance is that of 1886 for its architectural merit, and 1887-1952 for its historical significance related to commerce, and 1887-1918 for its association with German-American Ethnicity. German Ethnic and Bankin~ Historical Significance: Dubuque's growth was credited to its ability to self-finance its improvements without developing a dependency on imported capital and the German Trust and Savings Bank was a major factor in this amassing of locaI capital. Th/s bank particularly focused on financing local improvements ("the bank that boosts Dubuque") and it further served the needs of small depositors and home-buyers. It was created to provide banking services to the northern portion of the city. It was clearly a German bank given that no other Dubuque bank of its day was further north than Seventh Street. The only two banks to locate in the northern downtown were German banks, the other being the German Savings Bank, that opened a branch bank north of 18t~ and Couler (now Clay) (Jacobsen, p. E-75). The German Trust and Savings Bank; corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets...is in a most flourishing condition, a fact THE TIMES is pleased to note. It is but a short time since this institution was established, yet the business it is doing is equal to that of some of the older banks, and has surpassed the most sanguine expectations of those who established it. The gentlemen connected with it are among the mo~t substantial of our citizens--men who have the confidence of the public. Daily Times, November 24, 1887 The bank represented a transfer of wealth from the traditional downto~m banks and the bank's resources became the engine of new development in the northern downtown specifically and the city in general. German Trust and Savings Bank One of the most important as well as the most reliable banks of Dubuque is the German Trust and Savings Bank, situated at the corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets, near Central Market. The office and counting room are provided w/th every safeguard and convenience for the proper transaction of business...Th/s bank is noted for its able and conservative management; its board of officers and directors being numbered among our leading and successful business men...It is one of the wealthiest and strongest banks in this part of the country, owing to its skillful management by honorable men who have become/ts officers. Its officials are well known for their courteous and strict attention to the wants and business transactions of its patrons. The Gcunnan Trust and Savings Bank transacts a general banking United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 16 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa business and has a large sav/ngs department, which furnishes an oppormmry for safe and profitable investments. The officers and directors are among the prominent citizens of Dubuque, and have the confidence of the entire community, which feels that they are certainly qualified to respect and conscientiously fulfill the important trusts ~mposed on them. Daily Herald, January t, 1895 The bank was successful from the very start, and that success was attributed by the institution to its commitment m supporting the city and county. It was "...prominently identified with every mvic movement having as its object the welfare and promotion of our City and County." The bank's slogan was "The Bank that Boosts Dubuque." Scores of manufacturers, jobbing and retail firms, today numbered among the City's powerful business factors, were financially assisted and fostered by the Bank and grew with it. In excess of one thousand Dubuque families acquired and today enjoy the ownership of their homes, as a result of Real Estate Loans extended by the Bank. Hundreds of Dubuque County farmers were enabled to secure and own their farms. Thousands of individuals have sought and received fmancial aid and counsel ~n important business deals and in the investment of funds... (Union Trust & Savings Bank, i923). By 1903. this was the th/rd largest city bank of seven Dubuque financial institutions. It alone accounted for 15 percent of all capital and 13 percent of total surplus deposits in ail of these banks. The top three banks held 60 percent of the city's banldng resources. The bank remodeled in 1904 and twice enlarged its quarters in the Bell Block between 1908 and 1919. Tiffs was still insufficient and plans for a new building, to be located a block north, were made and the site was acquired in February 1919. High labor and building costs delayed actual construction until April 1922 and the building was finally completed on November 20, 1923 (Figure 45). A notable feature of the new facility was a 22-ton vault door that drew crowds as it was lowered into the bank basement through a mass,ye hole in the sidewalk. The bank was the first in the state to institute the Bank Insured Savings System. Under this pro,am depositors were protected on their unpaid payments in the event of death (Enterprise, January 24, 1903; Union Trust & Savings Bank, 1923; Lyon, pp. 458-59). The bank and the Bell Block represents the repression of all things "unpatriotic" and German during World War I. During April and May, 1918, the American Expeditionary Force first entered into combat in France and news of the first casualties reached the home front. The bank became caught up in the anti-German hysteria and it changed its name to the ethnically neutral and patriotic Union Trust and Savings Bank in 1918. It was one of the first regional banks to do so but the real cause for the name change was the rapid loss of deposits (Telegraph-Herald, April 14, 1916). Figure 34 depicts the bank at this time, complete with a large American flag set above its entryway. The bank recovered, continued to expand its offices as noted, and built a new building in 1922. The new building and continued growth failed to save the bank and itwas destroyed by a run on its deposits in January 1932. The Federal Discount Corporation purchased the builctmg and the bank later housed Dubuque Bank & Trust (Jacobsen, pp. E-108-09; Lyon, p~ 175). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 17 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa German Trust & Savings Bank Union Trus! & Savings Bank t. B~e~me American ganklrg tions ~ou]d suppo~: theUnltedUm~:es Govemraent both in name and in ~act 2, ~:ause the United States banldng system is of, for and by the people of the United St~re~. Eveay part o[ Union Trusi I Savings Bank Figure 23: "The Union Forever" A change of names (Telegra£h~Herald, April 14, 1916) Association With Significant Indiv/duals: The Bell Block is historically associated with two noted Dubuque architect, Martin Heer (?-1915) and contractor Anton Zwaclc both of whom maintained theft professional offices on the second floor, lteer during the years 1896-1911, and Zwack, from. 1911 until sometime after 1965. Architect Martin Heer was bom in Germany and was not related to Dubuque architect Fridolin Joseph Heer Sr. (1834- 1910) who was S~v/ss-bom, orhis son, Fridolin Heer Jr. (1864-1940). Heer came to America c.1843. By 1884 he was/n independent architectural practice in Dubuque and between 1889 and I895 he parmered with architect Guido Beck. Both architects had offices in the Bell Block as of 1888, but they. Heer had offices at 824 Eighth Street as late as 1897, which conflicts with the 1896 city directory listing. Beck designed business blocks and churches throughout the Dubuque region. In 1912 he returned to Germany and died there c.1915. Contractor Antun Zwack was noted for Iris constmetion of numerous institatianal buildings (Shank, p79-82; Jacobsen, E-159). NP$ Focm I0-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 18 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa The building also best represents the working career of merchant capitalist John Bell (1818-July 1895). Bell was born in Yorkshire. England, and came to Dubuque in 1834 He first mined lead, operated a zinc smelter in i837, and opened a general store in the early 1840s. His firm, the John Bell Company has the distinction of occupying the first Town Clock Building at the time of its catastrophic collapse on May 25, 1872. The firm became Bell, Ryder and Wallis and Bell lef~ the firm in 1886 ~vhen he retired and sold out Iris interest, and entered into real estate and banking. Bell served as a director of the Second National Bank (as of 1888) and was a d/rector and president of the German Trust and Savings Bank. Bell ~vas actively involved with the bank until his retirement in 1895, due to failing health. He owned this property and was responsible for its construction beginning in I887. Bell apparently leased quarters to the bank. At his death, the Daily Times considered him "one of Dubuque's most worthy and prorrdnent citizens." (Lyon, p. 35; Dubuque City Director'/, 1888-89, p. 21; Daily Times, July 30, 1896). This is the record of John Bell's business life in Dubuque, and it is one that has been of great advantage to the city, for he was a man ~vho did very much to advance its material interests fin many ways. He was a very active and energetic man throughout ail his long and useful life. He never hesitated to give h/s countenance and support to all movements calculated to benefit the city, and while he was a conservative man, he always recognized the fact that it required energy and activity to make a success to life, and that he was active and energetic is fully attested by the grand success which he made of every undertaking with which he ~vas connected. There is probably no man now living in the west who has made such a success of life as has Mr. Bell. As a financier he had few equals in Dubuque and he always made a point to study well everything undertaken by him before embarking on it. His reputation as a business man was not confined to Dubuque or to the state of Iowa; it was equally as well known in the east, where it was known that every enterprise with which he was connected was of the legitimate kind. He was a friend and counselor of the early English settlers of Dubuque, who came to him for advice. Mr. Bell was a man of active mind and of executive ability of a high character and these traits were recognized by those who came to him seeking advice on business or other matters. He was essentially a self-made man. He came here with no other capital than brains, energy and honesty, and taking advantage of the opportunity presented to him, he amassed a fortune without bringing a single tear to the eye of anyone with ~vhom he had been associated or had had dealings of any character. Daily Times, July 30, 1896 A month after John Bell's passing, the directors of the German Trust and Savings Bank gathered to elect a replacement director. They also passed a memorial resolution at that time. The resolution stated that the bank bad lost "one of its most enterprising, loyal and progressive citizens." They hastened to add as an aside that '~diis bank, however, is one of the soundest in the city, and while his death is greatly regretted, it in no way affects the bank" (Evening Globe Journal, August 19, 1896). Historical Buildin~ Overview: Downtown Development and Construction Context: The historic Dubuque downtown xvas much narrower than it is today. The Mississippi Ri-~er and sloughs which comprised most of the now filled-in riverfront area. The downtown was particularly narrow and close to the bluffs south of 5~ Street. As of 1884, Main Street was the key business street, between First and I 1t~ streets. Iowa Street, one block east, was principally a warehousing, industt/al 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 12~ Street, the east United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page ! 9 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa side was much more commercial developed, but there was just a single three-story s:ore between 12~ and 18t~ 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 merdantile region new warehouses are built of splendid size and front; 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 I891, by which time the subject building was four years old, three major downtown changes had taken place since 1884. First, the completion of a Mississippi River veh/cular bridge had commercialized Seventh Street, transforrrfing it into the new principal gateway into the city from the east. Several new hotels line the street. Main Street was substantially rebuilt, within the same area, anti its buildings were solidly three-stories in height south of Ninth Street. Along Clay, the subject block between 13t~ and 14~, was now solidly occupied by stores, but only the Bell and Ziepprecht (I 888) blocks were three stories in height. Clay between t5t~ and 17t~ streets, was less intensely commercialized, more so on the east side of the street. North of 17t~ Street, three-story blocks predominated (I 891 Sanborn Map). The Bell Block anchored the southern end of this Clay Street commercial development. Chris Voelker, onetime city mayor and an important builder/developer, was the ftrst to build a substantial block at Clay and 13t~ in 1879, on the northeast comer, across the street from the Bell Block. That was the same year that the Herald declared the eity's do~w~town 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 constraction 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, 13~ and 14~ 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 deskable 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 13~ Street and Iowa, one block west of the future Bell Block site. The tenements were modem, were for middle class tenants, and cost $16,000. The same source continued, 'q'hey add to the evidence of Mr. Belt's enterprise, he being one of our heaviest property holders, as well as most successful merchants." Capitalist W. H. Peabody built a row of six brick tenements on 14% 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 12t~ and 13t~ streets (Herald, December 2, 1876 April 27, 1886 and January 1, t887). 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 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 were under construction. By mid-June, Novelty Iron Works had orders for 60 cast iron columns for new stores and business blocks, a NPS Form 10-900~a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 20 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa great many of which were destined for the Bell Block. Ironwork for house bu/lding exceeded all other orders at the plant I Times, May 18: September 17, 1886; Herald. June 11, 1886). Figure 24:1884 Sanborn Map (the Bell Block is highlighted) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National RegiSter of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 21 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Buildine Construction and Land Ownersb2p: Mr. John Bell has purchased for ~;lC,000 the Connell property, north~vest comer of Thirteenth and Clay streets. The property has a frontage of 132 feet on Clay szreet. One-fifth was owned by Mrs. P. W. Crawford. two-fifths by Col. Crawford, and two-fifths by Mrs. Waite. It is understood that Mr. Bell will erect a brick block on the site and that a bank will be established therein. Herald, March 20. 1886 John Bell, the retired dry goods merchant, is devoting his time, and employing his means ~n improving the city, work that will keep him employed ali the season. His recent purchase, comer of Clay and Thirteenth street was razed yesterday ro make room for new buildings. A brick block, three stories high with cut stone rammings will be erected. Five stores facing on Clay street running sixty feet deep and two stores running 40 feet deep facing on Thirteenth street will be cunrained in the block. The building will make a marked improvement to that section of the city and add tc the value of surrounding property. Herald. May 4, 1886 The old frame buildings at the comer of Thirteenth and Iowa [sic] streets are being razed to make room for the new block of stores to be built by Mr. John Bell. John Raup has moved his place of business to the basement under Volkers [sic] store. A large force of men are engaged in removing the old landmarks. Daily Times, May 5, 1886 Figure 25: Thirteenth Street, viewed east towards Clay from a point west of Iowa Street (Central); c.1886 St. John's Lutheran Church, White and 13~ is visible left of center and Bell's seven-unit tenement block is immediately at the left (courtesy of Loras College Center For Dubuque History) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 22 John Bell BloCk Dubuque, Iowa The initial public notices, regarding the ne~v Bell Block, appear above. The Daily Times reported on April 14 that "It is Mr. John Bell's intention to remove the frame building recently purchased by him, on the corner of Thirteenth and Clay sncee:s, and erect in its stead three buildings." The Herald reported on May 8, 1886, that "the three buildings, one brick and two frame. on Thirteenth street, directly opposite the city hall, have been removed by Mr. John Bell, who will erect in their stead an elegant brick block, the corner building of ~vhich will be used as a bank by Mr. Bell." Figure 24 identifies the removed buildings The same figure documents the relatively sparsely and lightly developed nature of the area, with many frame dwellings being intermixed with less substantial commercial ones (Daily Times, April 14. 1886; Herald, May 8, 1886). Figure 26, aerial view from the bluffs looking east along Thirteenth Street, 1886 The Chris Voelker Block (1879) is t~ a left center, northeast corner of 13 and Clay (see detail ofbuilding site, Figure 27) (courtesy of Loras College Center For Dubuque History) Standard Lumber Company received the contract to provide the lumber for the Bell Block, on May 20. The Bell Block's brickwork was already nearly completed by the end of July and by mid-August, the Times judged that the Bell Bloc] was "a great improvement to that part of the city." In late August Thomas Henney began the work of"placing a [metal] cormce upon John Bell's new building" (Times, May 20, July 30, August 19, 25, 1889). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 23 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 27: Detail from Figure 26, showing the erected Bell Block cast iron work (Voelker block in background)) Figure 28: Wellge, Perspective Map, 1889 The Episcopal Church and St. Patrick's Church are visible: above the Bell t~lock (on 14sa west of Iowa) NPS Form ~0-900 a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 24 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa At year's end, the completed block was reported in the progress roster in two parts, both credited to Mr. Bell, the Clay Street storefroms ~ (addressed as 357 13 ), valued at $9,000 the main block (1321-37 Clay), worth $16,000. and further improvements to the ar a total cost of $16,000, for a total construction cost of $25,000 (Herald, January 1, 1887).~ Allen's Grocery, a t~vo-story, brick, is visible at the far left in Figure25, just across the alley to the east from the buildings in the foreground. Note the many vernacular frame and brick buildings in the area. Figures 26-27 was taken as the cast iron storefront for the Bell Block was being assembled, l'he worksite is visible immediately north (left) of the city hall in this 1886 photograph. Building materials are in the street in front of the worksite. Figure29 indicates that a new building had gone up on the northeast corner of Thirteenth and Clay since the I884 Sanborn Map was drawn. Note the rounded pediment centered on its parapet front. Substantial brick buildings were going up along Clay, a reflection of the northward gravitation of commercial land uses and rising property values. N Figure 29:1891 Sanborn Map(the Bell Block is highlighted). There were ~vo John Bells in Dubuque, the "Capitalist John Bell, who built this building, and the con.actor John Bell. The lat~er gentleman was born in United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 2S John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 31 shows the just completed Bell Block. The recessed courtyard in the back of the plan appears ro contain a two-story octagonal gazebo or perhaps a water closet. A metal clad lin shop is just zo the north. Curiously, the bank is not indicated as being present at this time. In the years between I884 and 1891 the block's Clay Street frontage had solidly infilled with mostly all-new buildings. Figure 30: elevated view north along Clay Street, c. t900. White Street is to the fight. St. Mary's and St. John's churches are visible at 13th and White and 15t~ and Wh/te, respectively, the arrow locates the Bell Block.in this north end overview. (courtesy of Loras College Center For Dubuque History) Figure 31 depicts the newly completed Bell Block. Note the absence of the Ziepprecht Block, to the north, built in 1887. Note the pediment, decorative finials along the facade, as well as the four side chimneys. There is a basement stairway present beneath the balcony/fire escape along the south sidewall. The balcony serves professional offices on the second floor.: The Thirteenth Street storefront has a sign that includes the words "Wall Paper." Note also the square-cut southeast corner with a square cast iron support column. The pediment appears to read "John Bell Block, 1886." Two newspaper references assign a general completion date to the new building. Tenants were being sought by the end of October 1886. The HeraM reported "The third floor of the Bell block, on the Clay street side, has been secured by the Knights of Labor as an assembly Hall." The 1888-89 directory listed Germanic Assembly Local 5986 of the Knights of Labor, as well as the Eagle Point Assembly Local 5915 of the Knights of Labor as hall' occupants. Subsequent directories fail to list or reference the hall. Its high state of preservation offers no indication that the two-room hall was ever sub-divided for any other use (1888-89 Dubuque City Directory; Herald, October 31 ). NPS Form (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 26 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 31:1887 photo, German Trust & Savings Bank, view to the northwest from Central across Clay. (courtesy of Loras College Center For Dubuque History) In early November the same source noted that the Dubuque Stone Company had laid a new sidewalk on two sides of the Bell Block. That company was newly established the previous June, and used a precasr side~valk stone (Herald, June 29, November 3.1886). Figure 32: Clay Street. view north, c. 1888 (courtesy of Loras ColIege Center For Dubuque History). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 27 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa This ¢.1888 photo (Figure 32) depicts the new Ziepprecht Block (bay windows), the basemen: windows along Clay Stree: on the Bell Block, and the street car ~racks along Clay Street. Figure 33:1909 Sanborn Map (the Bell Block is highlighted). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 28 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Just one new building had been added to the block (north end on the alley) bet~veen 1891 and 1909. The Bell Block had a barbershop and printing firm along Thirteenth Street, and the bank, a saloon and store on Clay/Central. The back vfthe plan was solidly infilled with single-story additions. There is an alley-side fire escape presenT. Figure 34: Photograph north on Central, 1918, both buildings visible to the right. (courtesy of Loras College Center For Dubuque History) Figure 34 depicts the building as of World War I. The southeast comer angled entryway has been added and a round steel support post has supplanted the original square cast iron comer support. T~e large American flag attests to the wartime patriotism of the German Bank, newly renamed the Iowa Trust and Savings. To the north, J. C. Althauser successfally operated a dry goods trade that specialized in china and glassware. A.A. Genz purchased Althauser's stock in 1925, and opened a general merchandise business at 1333 Clay. Genz had pre~ously worked for Millhouse Brothers and COmpany of Galena, Illinois, a wholesale hardware firm. Genz added a hardware line along with others over time, doubled his store area to the south in 1933. He removed partitions to enlarge the store quarters. The remarkable thing was that Genz was expanding his business during the depths of the Great Depression. During 1937 the entire United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet SeCtion number 8 Page 29 John Bell Block Dubuque, IOwa Clay Street frontage was unified, and along with second and third story areas, Genz had 10,000 square feet of store space. By this time Genz had a branch store in Galena. He defied then modem merchandising practice by continuing to function as a general merchandise store. This meant that he never departmentalized his 24 lines of goods and his customers were confronted with "a miscellaneous assortment" of goods. Genz sold everything in dry goods except '~rhe most expensive line of dry goods items and ready-to-wear." He employed 16 sales clerks on a regular basis, but his special sales events temporarily increased that number to 48~ The Ger~z consolidation made the location suitable for the Clifford G. Walsh Store that occupied the same space as early as 1960. In 1984 the Walsh Company was the first tenant firm to actually own the building. As owner, Walsh covered over the upper portions of the Clay Street display windows the next year, and again remodeled them in I987. An employees lounge was added on the second floor in late 1987 and the furnace was converted to gas in 1996 (HeraM, August 13, 1937; Assessor's Card, building permits, January 1, 1985, January 1, 1986, March 10, 1987, October 23, 1987, June 20, 1996). Table I: Building Tenant Ristory 345 (31) 369 (2'7') 1301 13~5/17 i329 1333 1337 Year 13th 13th Central Central Central Central Central 1888 German W.B. Banmgartner & G. F. Trust Kleith, hardware Bank 1890 Conrad German John Plux, Christ W.B. Baumgartner & G. F. Schmied, Trust Cigars & Stieber, Kleith, hardware grocer Bank tobacco saloon 1896 Jos. John A. German ? August Geo. F. Kleith Hardware, Feclder's Rittscher Trust Golinvaux, Stoves, Tinware Saloon Meats Bank saloon 1899 Jos. John A. German Dominick D. A. Golinvaux, Geo. F. Kleith Hardware, Feckler's Rittscher Trust Hoffman, saloon Stoves, Tinware Saloon Meats Bank cigars 1901 Jos. John A. German Dominick D. A. Golinvaux, Geo. F. Kleith Hardware, Feckler's Rittscher Trust Hoffman, saloon Stoves, Tinware Saloon Meats Bank cigars 1903 Jos. Mrs. Lena German Dominick D. A. Golinvaux, Geo. F. Kleith Hardware, i%ckler's Emerson, Trust Hoffman, saloon Stoves, TinWare Saloon Meats Bank cigars 1908 ? Geo. German ? A. Golinvaux, John C. Althauser, dry goods Masters, Trust saloon plumber Bank 1911 Jos. Grapevine German Trust John C. John C. Althauser, dry goods Feckler's Front Bank Althauser, Saloon Saloon, dry goods Matthew Doran 1915 John T. Oliver German Trust vacant John C. Althauser, dry goods Erpelding, Davis, Bank saloon barber United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 30 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa 1921- Irving ? Union Trust Bank John C. Althauser, dry goods 22 Boxleiter, "Althauser's Bazaar" barber 1923 Goshern- vacant John C. Althauser, dry goods Sullivan 1929 Oliver Davis, Anthony's Wilfred John W. Henry P. Lember & A. A> barber Kraut Shop Anderson, Klein, meats Oenz, General Merchandise, tires & tubes grocers 1934 Grashorn & ? vacant John C. Althauser, dry goods Sullivan, barbers 1939 13th St. Keller Genz Stores Barber Shop Fruit Company 1945 M. Endollar Keller Genz Stores barber Fruit Company 1952 M. EndoHar Keller Genz Stores barber Fruit Company 1955 M. Endollar Keller Genz Stores barber Fruit Company 1960 M. Endollar vacant Walsh-Stores barber 1970 M. Endollar ? Walsh Stores barber 1974 Jim Herring ? Walsh Stores 1980 ? ? Walsh Stores For much of its history, the building's professional offices on the second floor, housed architects and contractors. Dubuque architect Guido Beck was the first architect-tenant in the new building as early as 1888, and one wonders if this implies that he was the building's architect? Edward S. Hyde, a draflsman/architect, resided at 1335 Clay as of 1890. Architect Martin Heer had offices above the bank as early as 1896 and remained there at least through 1911. Architect James Webster had offices at 1303 Clay as of 1915. The longest-t~-m tenant was noted Dubuque contractor Anton Zwack, who was first listed with offices at 1301 Clay in 1911. The company remained at this address at least through 1965. It is probable that the firm occupied all of the available office space on the upper two floors. United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 31 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 35: Genz store interior (Telegraph-Herald, August 18, 1937) A range of other professional offices, all presumably located on the south end of the second and third floors, ~s identified in the directories. Gu/tar/st Harry D. Jenkins had an office there in 1888. J.P. Stendebach, insurance dealer, had offices on the second floor as of 1890. Charles F. Hanke, merchant tailor, was present as of 1896. Henry Manders, dealer in butter and eggs, was listed simply on the northwest comer as of 1896, a reference that usually meant second floor offices. Dentist Glen L. Merritt had offices there in 1901-03. Lawyer Falian Beckett had an office at 1301 Clay in 1921. Residential apartment dwellers can be readily identified beginning in 1899. the first time that all tenants are listed by address. That year, the architects and two apartments were listed under 1301 Clay, another apartment under 1327, 1335 or. Two aparanents had 13th Street addresses. Beginning in 1901, four un/ts are first listed over the 13t~ Street stores. These are listed above the 13ta Street storefronts and at 1317 Clay. Charles F. Littrell, a carpet and ~vallpaper cleaner, resided at 1317 Clay the latter address as of 1908-45, and he was followed by August Kemp, a cabinet maker (1955-65). As early as 1921, four apartments were addressed as 27 13~ Street and these were lettered "A-D." Figure 36: The unified Genz Store fagade, 1937 (Herald, August 13, 1937). NPS Form ~O-900-a 18-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 32 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 37: A. A. Gep. z (Herald, August 13, 1937). Figure 38:1909/1936 Sanborn Map (the Bell Block is highlighted). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 33 John Bell Block Dubuque~ Iowa Figure 38 depicts the building and block as it appeared in 1936. The only apparent change is the addition of two fire escapes on the Clay Street frontage. Figure 39: Ganz store interior (Telegraph-Herald, August t 8, 1937). Figure 40 documents the clearing a~vay of the north end of City Lots 456 and 449. The breaks in the partition ~valls, indicating a unified storefront, are shown, but the full range of storefront addresses are retained. The Bell family continued to own the Bell Block property through 1944. Adams Realty then owned it from I944 until 1984. Clifford G. Walsh obtained the property in 1984 as did the Dubuque Bank & Trust Company in 2002 (Dubuque County Assessors Data). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number_ 8 Page 34 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 40: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, 1909/65. German Bank And Trust/Union Savings Bank History: Thirteen banks functioned in Dubuque during the h/storical period (pre~1952) and two of these were Gmauan Banks. The first German bank was the German Bank that was organized in 1864. It was re-titled German Savings Bank in 1904. and then Pioneer Trust & Savings Bank in 1918, and it merged with Consolidated National Bank in 1926. That bank, located at 324 Main, boasted a capitalization of $120,000 and a surplus of $70,000 at the time ~ts rival bank was established. It built a new building at its old address in 1902. The second, the German Trust & Sa~/ngs Bank was organized in 1886. Capitalist John Bell decided to build his bank block before he finally decided what bank would occupy it. As late as November 9. 1886, as his building was neanng completion, the Herald ind/cated indecision on Bell's part regarding the bank: The bank in the Bell block at the comer of Thirteenth and Clay streets, will probably be established by the Mortgage, Loan and Trust Company of this city. The long talked of bank will probably soon be established. Herald, November 9, 1886 United States Department of the Interior National Park Sm'race O~B App~rova! NO. 102&0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 35 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Tiffs institution was a home building savings and loan. As the reference notes, the bank was lon= talked of. The new German bank had its £zrst organizational meeting more than a month later, in m/d-December, a gathering that was described by the Daily Herald: A meeting was held last evening in the City Council chamber looking to the formation of the new German Savings bank to occupy the fine room in the new Bell block at the comer of Thirteenth and Clay su'eer There were present some thirty well known citizens representing a good portion of the bone and sinew of the upper portion of the city, and all of whom are able and willing ro aid in the proposed new bank (HeraM, December 15. 18861. The purpose for the bank was establish a bank in the northern part of the downtown, apparently in an effort to secure capital for commercial and industrial ventures in that part of the city. Thirty-five years later, a bank history observed that the founders were "not men of wealth" but were "men who had started at the bottom and who by sheer thrift and industry had attained success in their individual enterprises and commanded the confidence and respect of the community" (Union Trust & Savings Bank, 1923; Jacobsen, p. E-115). · Capital, - - - $50,000 N, W. eot, 13th ~ndCla¥ Street~ i P~ysi~r~on deposits. Buys and s~Ils ex- change on ~he principal cilies of ~he Uui~d ~lsles ~nd Europe. JOHN BELL, Pres. D, RHOHBERG, Vice Pres. dz PAUL TRAUT, Cashier. Figure 41: First German Trust and Savings Bank advertisement (Herald, November 29, 1887). The organization proceeded swiftly but it was some time before the new bank opened its doors in its new facility, in the comer storeffont. An indexed reference to opening date is credited to the January 24, 1887 Daily Herald, but the article could not be found. The 1922 bank history gives opening day as January 1, 1887. The Daily Times of February 8, 1887 appears to confm-n this date with its reference that the new bank was "doing a good business for a starter." The Herald, a day later, reported: The new Thirteenth street bank is meeting with remarkable success, the deposits are accumulating and w/Il soon become a drug on their [the bank directors'] hands. They will be Iooking for investments soon. Herald, February 9, 1887 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section nUmber 8 Page 36 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa The first bank officers were president John Bell, vice president D. Rhomberg and cashier Paul Traut. Other key founders were Peter Klauer, C. H. Berg, Alphons Matthews, F. M. Knoll, F. N. Schroeder, P. M. Harfington, Emil Reh, J. M. Wemer, C. H. Meyer and Nicholas Glab. The initial capitalization was just $50,000 (Daily Times, February 8, 1887; Herald, February 9, 1887; Dubuque City Directory, 1888-89; Lyon, p. i75; Noonan, p. 12; Union Trust & Savings Bank, 1923; Herald, April 16, 1922) .2 By July 1890 the bank had a loan portfolio of over $300,000 and the Herald noted "This is the youngest of all the Dubuque banks, but it is fight after the rest in the amount of business done." (Herald, July 6, 1890). German Trust and Savings Bank One of the most important as well as the most reliable banks of Dubuque is the Germm Trust and Savings Bank, situated at the corner of Thirteenth and Clay streets, near Central Market. The office and counting room are provided with every safeguard and convenience for the proper transaction of business...This bank is noted for its able and conservative management; its board of officers and directors being numbered among our leading and successful business men... It is one of the wealthiest and strongest banks in this part of the country, owing to its skillful management by honorable men who have become its officers. Its officials are well known for their courteous and strict attention to the wants and business transactions of its patrons. The German Trust and Savings Bank transacts a general banking business and has a large savings department, which furnishes an opportunity for safe and profitable investments~ The officers and directors are among the prominent citizens of Dubuque, and have the confidence of the entire community, which feels that they are certainly qualified to respect and conscientiously fulfill the important trusts imposed on them. Daily Herald, January 1, 1895 The bank was successful, and that success was attributed by the institution to its commitment to supporting the city and county. It was "...prominently identified with every civic movement having as its object the welfare and promotion of our City and County." The bank's slogan was "The Bank that Boosts Dubuque." Scores of manufacturers, jobbing and retail firms, today numbered among the City's powerful business factors, were financially assisted and fostered by the Bank and grew with it. In excess of one thousand Dubuque families acquired and today enjoy the ownership of their homes, as a result of Real Estate Loans extended by the Bank. Hundreds of Dubuque County farmers were enabled to secure and own their farms. Thousands of individuals have sought and received financial aid and counsel in important business deals and in the investment of funds...(Union Trust & Savings Bank, 1923). From the start, the new bank was successful. The Daily Times noted it was "doing a good business for a starter [bank]." Everything went well until late February 1893 when the rumored failure of the Iowa Mutual Buildings and Loan Association 2 The initial directors were Bell, D. Rhomberg, Geo. W. Kiesel, P. M. Harrington, N. Glab, A. Schmidt, F. N. Schroeder, J. M. Wemer, and N. H. Schilling. Glab (1857-19t5) was a noted brewer and served as president of the consolidated Dubuque Brewlmg & Malting Company. Alphons Matthews (1856-1909) was another founder. A noted attorney, he served as county attorney (1883-89), was a State University of Iowa Regent, and the f'n:st native Dubuquer to serveaspresidantofthecity'sboardofeducation(1884). ChristopherH. Berg(1841-1926)wasabankdirectorandformermayorofthecity. Hewas president of Berg-Arduser Jewelry Company and also headed one of the largest city printing finns (Dubuque City Directory, 1888-89; Lyon, pp. 36-7, 178, 'United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 37 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa caused a mn on the bank and a resulting loss of $300,000. The Iowa Mutual was located across the street in the Voelker Block and depositors thought the German bank held a large amount of its paper. The bank run started the afternoon of February 24. The next morning it opened an hour early and there was a "quite a crowd of depositors" and bank officials estimated withdrawals of $10,000 above normal during the day. Many who withdrew money returned it the same day. Across the street, 24 of 2,600 Mutual Association members withdrew their funds as well. They also forfeited the/r memberskip fees and the association was the beneficiary. The banks steady growth is described in Table I, below .. Ctterald, February 24, 25, July 6, 1890; Daily Times, February 8, 1887; Union Trust & Savings Bank, 1923). Table II German Trust & Savings/Union Trust & Savings Bank Gro*vth, 1887-1923 Capit ~l~zatlon/Surplus Date All DepOSits March 31, 1887 $ 66,644 $50,000 capital, $15,000 surplus Oct. 31, 1887 $ 121,694 Dec. 31, 1887 $ 133,176 Oct. 2, 1888 $ 235,345 Dec. 31, 1890 $ 270,086 Dec. 31, 1892 $ 297,003 $100,000 (March 1891) May 1, 1900 $ 542,354 April 16, 1902 $ 699,915 May I, 1908 $1,215,128 April 16, 1912 $1,747,395 May 1, 1918 $2,073,772 $100,000 surplus (Oct. 6, 1913) $150,000 (December 30, 1916) May 1, 1919 $4,469,714 May 1, 1920 $2,905,574 $200,000 surplus (Jan. 2, 1920) April 16, 1922 $2,728,510 May I, 1923 $3,281,209 Dec. 31, 1931 $1,714,571 $150,000, surplus $75,000 Figure 42: Remodeled bank interior, view southwest (courtesy of Loras College Center For Dubuque History) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 38 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa The German Trust and Savings Bank thoroughly remodeled its quarters in 1904. ad,rig a marble floor and other improvements. Figure 42 depicts the newly decorated bank interior and the new' banking fixtures which were apparently installed at this t/me. It is probable that the new angled ~ntry~vay, located in the southeast corner of the bank front, was added at this time (Herald, Jiny 18, 1904). The bank's explosive growth forced two enlargements of the bank's quarters bet~veen 1908 and 1918, and these tmpled the banks office area. Expansion imo the basement ~vas undoubtedly one of these increases. It is also possible that second floor space was commandeered. Having exhausted the available space in this building, a new facility was built and occupied in 1923. For some years the former bank storefronts remained empty (City directories). ]'he elimination of"German" from Financial institution names and organizations began in mid-April 1918, just as the American Expeditionary Force was nearly ready for combat in France. The first anniversary of America's enu'y into the war passed in early April as well. On April 12 the city's oldest German Bank. the German Savings Bank, which was founded in 1864, announced plans to re-title the institution the Pioneer Savings Bank. Its Clay Street branch, the German-American Bank, became the American Trust and Savings Bank (It was noted that the changes "had been seriously considered for sometime, but had been postponed in the hope that the difficulties growing out of the world war would soon be adjusted and friendly relations with all European powers again established"). On April 14 East Dubuque's German State Bank became the State BankofEast Dubuque. Four days later the Freeport, Illinois German Bank was re-titled the Stephensun County Bank. In Waterloo, punic school students stormed a school and seizing German language books, tossed them into the Cedar River. They were angered at the school board's lassitude in banning the teaching of the German language. The state of Iowa banned teach/ng German statexvide on April 23. The o~vners of Germania Hall, on Iowa Avenue, quietly had ~vorkers remove and discard the nameplate from the building in early May. The German Bank of Dyersville, the largest German bank in the state, a 32-year old institution was able to resist the tide ofname-chan~ng fervor. It finally became the United States Savings Bank on June 15, so "as to be in the front rank of those who are All American in every motive, word or deed" (Telegraph-Herald, April 12, 14, 19, 23, May 4, 10. June 16. 1918). i Liberty Loan Announcement ~5[~' ~,i~ ~o ~tate w~ .are '~.d .v to i~ Li~, 1:~ ~t~ Figure 43: Solidly patriotic, Union Trust & Savings Bank advertisement (Telegraph-Herald, Mav 2, 1918} United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 39 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa As Figure 43 indicates, the renamed bank still found it necessary, at least for awhile, m reassure its customers that it was still the German Trust & Savings Bank. Union Trust ed Savings Bank 13th and Clay Sts. Dubuque, Iowa Capital Sl,gO. O00. O0 ff;urpI~.* and Profits $200,000,00 Re~ouces 2 1-4 ~llitti6n Dollars With Your Back Pay a Voucher Ninety~nine o~ of every tmnr]reeI suc- Figure 44: Telegraph-Herald, June 30, 1918 By June 1918 the bank was comfortable with its new name. By the spring of 1922 when the bank officers armounced plans to erect a new facility just a block directly north and' across the street from the Bell Block location, the bank had loaned out nearly $5 millions in city and county real estate and "in this respect leading all financial institutions of this section." Funds had furthered municipal home building. The Telegraph- HeraM reported "A carefully worked out and successful [bank] home building plan recently installed is contributing materially to the development of the city, and has proven a powerful factor in supplying additional and badly needed homes." The bank officers at that time were C. H. Berg, president; A. F. Heeb and L. H. Brede, vice president; N. C. Gindorf, cashier, B. J. Schwthd and R. A. Shannon, assistant cashiers. Directors were the three officers and Mr. Schwind along with J. P. Frantzan, John Olinger, William H. Klauer, Henry J. Kaep, and Elil Feigner. There were still plenty of German names in the bank's management (Herald, April 16, 1922). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 40 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Figure 45: new quarters for the Union Trust and Savings Bank Building (I 922-23), southeast comer, 14th and Central, view to the southeast [photo by J. Jacobsen/ The Herald summarized the bank's successful history up to that point in time: Like most of our prominent local institutions, tl'fis bank started in a modest way, at the time occupying but a small part of its present quarters. By constant loyalty to the best interests of its patrons, the officials and cFrrectors of the bank soon gained for it the general confidence of the public and attracted a large and powerful clientele; which it enjoys at this moment. The bank's dominant policy has been the advancement of Dubuque and Dubuque county, and is given expression in the loaning of its funds preferably to the home merchant, the home farmer and the Dubuque home builder .... It is gratifying that this policy of loyalty and home interest on the part of ttie bank has been reciprocated by the people who in turn have freely and generously patronized the bank. thus contributing to its remarkable growth and development. The particularly gratifying feature of this wonderful development of the bank's patronage and business is that it has been steady. There has been nothing spasmodic or fictitious. Each succeeding year has shown a steady increase. The officials have tried to make it a "peoples bank" and the people have responded. The bank lasted another ten years but was closed by its ([zrectors to protect depositors after hours on January 27, 1932. I'he bank experienced a run on its deposits through that week. The shock to the city was considerable, g/yen that no bank had been Iost since the failure of the Commercial National Bank during the 1880s. The city's residents were implored to avoid undermining the other banks and no other banks closed at that time (Herald, April 16, 1922; January 28, 1932/. NPS Form lO-90(~a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Seccion number 8 Page 41 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa The bank leadersh/p included a number of important Dubuque entrepreneurs and capitalists, notably Paul Traut and Peter Klauer. Paul Trout (1851-1898) was born in Dubuque. He served three terms each as city and then county treasurer, beginning in 1880. He served four years as cashier before becoming president of the German Trust and Savings Bank. Traut was involved in the organization ora number of major industrial firms and played an "instrumental role" in consolidating the four city bre~veries, forming the Dubuque Brewing & Malting Company in the 1890s (Lyon, p. 452). Peter Klaucr (1842-1919) was German bom and came to Dubuque in 1855. He founded Klauer Manufacturing Company in 1870. Klauer served as president of the bank prior to and after its 1918 name change (Lyon, p. 245). United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number ? Page 42 John Bell Block Dubuque, Iowa Bibliography: Assessor's Card, 1301 Clay Street. Dubuque County Assessor Transfer Books, Dubuque County Recorder's Office Cascy Associates, existing and proposed floor plans. Walsh Building, 2001. Center For Dubuque History, Loras College, photographs and material on Dubuque b~nking. Dubuque City Directories, 1883. 1886/87, 1888. 1891, 1896-97, 1899-1900, 1901, I903, 1908, 1909. 1911-12. 1915. 1921-22, 1923, 1929. 1934. 1939. 1945, 1954, 1955. 1960, 1965. I970. 1974, 1980. 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 Barhk of Dubuque, 1991. Noonan. Francis Joseph, The History of Banla'ng In Dubuque, Dubuque; Loras College, B.A.. thesis, 1942 Union Trust and Savings Bank. Dubuque, Iowa, c.1923 (brochure commemorating dedication of new bank building) Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1884, 189I, 1909, 1909/36, 1936/65 Shank, Wesley I., Iowa's Historic Architectes: A Biographical Dictionary, Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1999. Wellge, H., Perspective Map of the City of Dubuque, 1889. Newspapers (specific dates as noted in text): Daily Herald, Telegraph-Herald Evening Globe Journal Daily Times United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 1 0 Page John Bell Block Geographical Data: Dubuque, Iowa Verbal Boundary Description: 7he southern two-fifths of City Lot 449. Boundary Justification: 7he building fully occupies this portion of the lot and has always been h/storically associated with this parcel. Photographs: Photographer: James E. Jacobsen Date of photographs: February 21, 2002 Location of original negative: Property owner Image: View: 1 NW 2 N-W 3 NW 4 NW 5 SW 6 N]E 7 NW 8 SE Description: south end, Clay Street facade (southern end) south end, Clay Street facade (southern end) Clay Street frontage same, center and north end Clay Street frontage 13m Street frontage (south end) same back of building