Shot Tower app grant Save AmerCITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
February 25, 2003
TO:Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM:Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT:Save America's Treasures Grant for the Dubuque Shot Tower
INTRODUCTION
This memo transmits a resolution and an application to the National Park Service
(NPS) for a $250,000 Save America's Treasures grant for restoration and interpretation
of the Dubuque Shot Tower.
DISCUSSION
The City Council has budgeted $200,000 in the Vision Iowa project for restoration of
the Shot Tower. With an additional $50,000 from the Riverfront Plan Implementation
CIP, the City will have the $250,000 needed to match the $250,000 Save America's
Treasures grant.
The City submitted a similar grant application last year, but was not successful. The
National Park Service has encouraged us to re-submit the project fbr this year's grant
cycle.
These grants are available for preservation and conservation work on nationally
significant historic strUctures and sites'. As one of only a few shot towers in the United
States, and the only one west of the Mississippi River, we believe that the Dubuque
Shot Tower will compete well in this NPS program.
This federal grant will enable the City to restore the Shot Tower, to build a non-
combustible stairway in the tower leading to an observation platform at the top of the
' tower, and to install educational and interpretive displays. These improvements will
stabilize the current deterioration and enhance the tower's educational and tourism
values.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the City Council authorize the submittal of a grant application for
$250,000 from the Save America's Treasures program for restoration and interpretation
of the Dubuque Shot Tower.
LC/mkr
Attachments
Prepared by: Laura Carstens, City Planner Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589-4210
RESOLUTION NO. 69-03
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR
THE DUBUQUE SHOT TOWER.
Whereas, the National Park Service makes historic preservation grants of up to
$250,000 available to preserve nationally significant historic structures; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque has sufficient matching funds'for the Save
America's Treasures grant program; and
Whereas, the City and State of Iowa have determined that the Dubuque Shot
Tower is nationally significant; and
Whereas, the City has developed a plan for the restoration and interpretation of
the Dubuque Shot Tower.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The Mayor hereby is authorized to sign the Save America's
Treasures grant application for the Dubuque Shot Tower on behalf of the City of
Dubuque.
Section 2. The Planning Services Manager is hereby authorized to submit the
grant application to the National Park Service.
Section 3. The City Manager is hereby authorized to expend budgeted funds
for the local match of $250,000.
Passed, approved and adopted this 3rd day of March 2003,
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Save America's Treasures
FY 2003 Historic Preservation Fund Grants to Preserve
Nationally Significant Intellectual and Cultural Artifacts and Historic Structures and Sites
APPLICATION
Please follow the Guidelines and Application Instructions to complete this application. Applicants must submit one (1) signed
original and seven (7) copies of a complete application plus one (1) addilJonal photocopy of this page for each project. See
Additional information on page 7 for program contacts and instructions on how to receive an electronic version of this
application.
1. PROJECT INFORMATION
Title of Project (no more than 10 words)
Historic Property Address or Location of Collection
City Duintque County
Type of project (select only one)
Historic district Site
Artifact Collection
Amount Requested (Federal share) $
Restoration and Interpretation of the Dubuque Shot Tower__
Commercial Street and Mississippi Riverfront
Dubuc[ue Congressional District 1st State IA Zip 5213,01
Building X Structure __ Object
Document Sculpture Work of art
250,000 TOTAL Project Cost $ 500,000
2. APPLICANT AND PROJECT DIRECTOR
APPLICANT AGENCY / ORGANIZATION
Authorizing Official's Name Terrancc M. Du~gan
Organization City of Dubuque
Address City Hall - 50 W. 13~' Street
Title Mayor
City Dubuque
Phone '563/589-4120
Fax 563/589-0890
PROJECT DIRECTOR (if different from Authorizing Official)
Name Laura Carstans
Organization City of Dubuque
Address City Hall - 50 W. 13~ Street
State IA Zip ,, 52001
e-mail
Title Planning Services Director
City Dubuque
Phone 563/589-4210
Fax 563/589-4221
State IA Zip 52001
e-mail planinn[@,ciWofdubuque, org
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants -Applica~on Page 1 of 9
4. OWNERSHIP AND PROOF OF NONPROFIT STATUS
Does the applicant own this property or cotleclion?
X Yes No.
If the applicant does not own this property, attach a letter explaining the relafionship between the owner and the
applicant and the authority under which the applicant will be the grantee of record to undertake preservation work on the
property or collection. The letter must be on the owner's letterhead and must be signed by the owner's authorizing
official.
If the applicant is not a Federal agency, proof of nonprofit status must be attached to this application. Proof of
nonprofit status may be:
· A copy of the Federal IRS letter indicating the applicant's eligibility for nonprofit status under the applicable provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.
· An official document identifying the applicant as a unit of state or local government or other tax exempt multipurpose
organization. If prepared specifically for this application, the certification must be on the parent organization
letterhead and certified by an official of the parent organization.
Please note - A letter of sales tax exemption is not acceptable as proof of nonprofit status.
5. DOCUMENTATION
A minimum of four (4), 4"x6' or larger black and white or color photographs must accompany each copy of the
application. Two must be general views of the historic property or collection, and the other two must document the threat
or damage. Photographs must be labeled. Photocopies and photographs submitted electronically will not be accepted.
Photographs will not be returned. Please note - Submission of printed digital photographs will not disqualify an
application; however, photographs of lesser quality could affect reviewers' evaluation of an application.
6. PROJECT SUMMARY
in the space below, briefly summarize the proposed project. Discuss the national significance of the resource, its current
condition, the nature of the threat, and fire proposed preservation and/or conservation work. One continuation sheet may
be attached; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide brief, concise narratives.
The Dubuque Shot Tower was constructed in 1856 to manufacture lead shot ammunition. It is one of only a few remairdng
shot towers in the United States, and the only one west of the Mississippi River. It produced lead shot from 1856-58, and
then was closed. It was briefly refurbished for use during the first year of the Civil War. The Standard Lumber Company
used the tower as a fire watchtower from the late 1880s until the company was destroyed in the 1911 lumberyard fire, The
tower stood deserted in its post-fire ruin from 1911 to 1959. In 1960-61, the tower exterior was tuck-pointed, wooden
louvers were placed inside the windows and concrete sills replaced lost stone sills. The interior walls were coated with. a
concrete mixture. A concrete encasement and limestone wails topped with a wrought kon fence were installed around the
base, presumably to protect the tower from, the nearby rail activity. A hatch was cut in the pre-cast concrete roof and a
lightning protection system was installed.
In 200 l, a structural assessment of ~he Shot Tower was completed for the City of Dubuque by a local engineering firm.
Several areas of damage were noted. Vertical cracks in the brick below window openings, severai vertical cracks, and
surface erosion of various limestone lintels are present. The original sof~ l/me mortar is extens~¥ely exposed and the more
recent pointing mortar ks *bin and broken off in most areas. In some places the original mortar has eroded from behind the
pointing mortar. The Shot Tower also an accumulation of bird droppings found in the interior space, and a number of nest
holes bored into the masonry. The tower does not have any fundamental instability or structural issues at this time;
however, the areas of damage need to be treated appropriately before they progress any further.
The project is a first phase in a multi-phase preservation effort for restoration and interpretation of the Shot Tower. The
proposed work includes stabil/zation of the tower structure, an archeological survey in and around the tower, construction
of a non-combustible interior stairway leading to an observation platform to be built at the top of the 117-foot tower, and
installation of educational and interpretive displays of the Shot Tower's histoc~,.architecture, archeology, and national,
state and local significance.
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants ~ Application Page 2 of 9
7. NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Applications not meeting this criterion will not receive further consideration. Complete either section A or section
B, as appropriate.
A. FOR HISTORIC PROPERTIES
Check one of the following and complete item "e".
The district, site, building, structure, or object is:
a) __ Designated as a National Historic Landmark.
b) ×
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places for national significance. Please note that
properties can be listed in the National Register for their significance at the local, state, or
national level; most properties are not listed for national significance. The level of significance can
be found in Section 3 - State/Federal Agency Ceditication of the property's approved National Register
nomination. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) if you have questions about the level
of significance or do not have a copy of the approved nomination. If the property is listed for local or
state significance, please go to item "d" below.
c)Determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places for its national
significance by the Keeper of the National Register, Documentation of this determination by the
Keeper must be attached to the application. If funded, the grantee must submit a National Register
nomination to the State Historic Preservation Office within 12 months. Nomination preparation costs may
be included in section 9 of the project budget.
d)Evaluated as being eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places by the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The SHPO evaluates a property according to criteria laid out in
36 CFR 60 - National Register of Histodc P/aces and may determine that the properbj is eligible for
listing for its significance at the local, state or national level. The property must be determined to be
eligible for listing for its national significance in order to be eligible for a Save America's Treasures grant.
A letter from the State Historic Preservation Office clearly stating that the building has been
evaluated and is considered to be eligible for listing for its national significance and explaining
the reasons why it is nationally significant must be attached to this application. Letters sent
separately will not be considered part of the application. If funded, the grantee must submit a
National Register nomination, or an amended nomination supporting the national significance if the
property is currently listed for its state or local significance, to the State Historic Preservation Office within
12 months. Nomination preparation costs may be included in section 9 of the project budget.
e) BdeflY explain the reasons why the properly is nafionally significant; one continuation form may be attached', if you
checked "a" or "b" above, you may attach a copy of Section 8, Statement of Significance of the property's National
Register nomination form instead of writing a narrative.
The Dubuque Shot Tower is nationally significant under Criterion C because it is a rare and unique surviving example of
the shot tower property type. It is the only tapered square obelisk shot tower example. It is the only surviving mid-19th
Century example of its type and the only surviving shot tower that represents lead shot production technology of its time.
On FebrLmry 14, 2003, the State National Register Nominations Rmfiew Committee of the State Historical Society of Iowa
approved the City of Dubuque's revised, expanded, and updated National Register nomination for listing the Dubuque
Shot Tower with national significance. Section 8, Statement of Signlficagce of the property's National Register
nomination form is attached. The accepted nomination has been forwarded to the National Park Service.
The City of Dubuque also is in the process of nominating the Dubuque Shot Tower for designation as a National Historic
Landmark.
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants -Application Page 3 of 9
7. NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE (CONTINUED)
B. FOR COLLECTIONS.
In the space below, describe the collection and provide a justification of the national historical, artistic, scientific and / or
cultural significance of the collection. Guidance on naUonal significance is provided in the Guidelines and Application
Instructions, page 3. The justification must be clear to individuals not familiar with the collection. Applicants are strongly
encouraged to provide brief, concise narratives.
Not applicable.
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants -Application Page 4 of 9
8. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Additional sheets may be attached; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide brief, concise
narratives.
A. WHAT IS THE THREAT TO THE HISTORIC PROPERTY OR COLLECTION? Bdefly describe the current physical
condition and the source(s) and effect(s) of the threat, danger or damage to the historic property or collection.
The 2001 structural assessment of the Shot Tower was conducted by a local engineering firm using a crane service to
closely inspect each face of the tower for the full height. Several areas of damage were noted; however, none of the
conditions were beyond repair. The most significant items of distress in the basic building materials include vertical cracks
in the brick below window openings at isolated locations and several vertical cracks and surface erosion of various
limestone lintels. The original soft lime mortar is extensively exposed and the harder, more brittle, pointing mortar that
was applied in 1960-61 is quite dim and already broken off in most areas. Significant areas were observed where the
original mortar has eroded from behind the pointing mortar, leaving a thin shell of pointing mortar suspended in front of
the wall surface. It does not appear that the original mortar was ground out before applying the pointing mortar, so very
little surface contact between the masomy units and the pointing mortar is provided. It also appears that a relatively brittle
mix was used for the pointing mortar that did not provide sufficient flexibility. The surface of the old mortar can be
scraped away easily with a pocketkuife to a depth of ½ to 3/4 inches. It appears, however, that the fundamental structural
integrity of the original mortar below the sarface is intact. The replacement of the concrete windowsills is needed due te the
long-term damage that this has caused by allowing water to pass into the masonry below. Additional joint and masonry unit
damage is noted in these areas. The tower also has suffered damage from birds, with a significant accumulation of bird
droppings found in the interior space, and a number of nest holes bored into the masonry.
B. WHAT WORK WILL BE SUPPORTED BY THIS GRANT AND HOW VVILL IT ADDRESS THE THREAT TO THE HISTORIC .
PROPERTY OR COLLECTION? Briefly describe the key project activities and products to be supported by this grant and
the required non-Federal matching share. Describe how the work will significantly diminish or eliminate the threat, danger
or damage described above. List the key personnel undertaking the work and briefly describe their qualifications. If
personnel have not been selected, briefly describe the qualifications you will require. (Please note: Do not send vitae.
Grantee consultants must be selected competitively.) Describe how the project will have a clear public benefit. Explain
how your organization will ensure continued maintenance of the histodc property or collection in the context of your
organization-wide preservation or conservation activities. On a separate sheet, provide a timetine for project completion,
including each major activity with a schedule for its completion and its cost. Projects must be completed within the grant
period, which is generally 2 to 3 years.
The Dubuque Shot Tower does not have any fundamental instability issues; however, it needs to be treated appropriately at
this time to prevent further deterioration. The general scope of work includes the most long-range cost effective solutions
to correct these conditions. The intent of this scope of work is to restore the integrity of the tower and to provide amenities
that make the tower accessible to the public for educational and interpretive purposes. The work will be performed by
qualified, licensed, and bonded contractors who are experienced in preservation of historic properties in accordance with
federal standards, under the supervision of profassional registered engineers, hazardous materials consultants, and
archeologists who also are experienced in preservation work and restoration of historic buildings.
The major work items that will significantly diminish or eliminate the above-described threat to the Shot Tower include:
Remove bird droppings from the interior; Install tie rods to address cracked brick masonry; Conduct archeological
investigation in and around the Tower, and interpret findings; Remove insect screens and louvers from window openings;
Install new limestone sills, galvanized perimeter angles and bird screen at all openings; Tuck-point the interior and
exterior; Replace damaged brick and lhnestone units; Remove loose materials from the interior walls; Install a non-
combustible stair inside the Tower extending to a rooftop observation platform; Replace existing pre-cast concrete cap
with a new wood framed top floor and roof structures; Provide roof hatch access and guardrail at top of the Tower;
Rehabilitate existing limestone site walls around the Tower; Refinish the wrought iron fence around the Tower; Landscape
areas around the Tower; and Install interpretive signs, displays, and exhibits.
The restoration end interpretation of the Shot Tower will provide the public with an eppommity to view and learn about
this significant structure, which is virtually inaccessible and lacks on-site amenities. The City of Dubuque is committed to
it? restoration and interpretation, as well as its ongoing maintenance. The Tower is part of the community's $188 million
investment in the America's River project, an 80-acre riverfront redevelopment of recreational and cultural venues.
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 5 of 9
PROJECT BUDGET AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. PROJECT BUDGET
Using this budget format, outline the project budget on a separate sheet, Each cost item must cleady show how the total
charge for that item was determined. All maior costs must be listed, and all cost items should be explained in th~.
narrative of the application. The budget must include at least the minimum required match (e.g.. if applying for a
$300,000 grant, the budget must descdbe at least $600,000 of costs/work.) All non-Federal matching share must be
cash expended or services donated dudng the grant pedod, which is generally 2 to 3 years and is specified in the grant
agreement.
Name/Title of Position
Wage or Salary
$
Federal Grant
Funds
Match/Cost Total
Share (if any)
$ $
$ $
Subtotal $
Rate
% of
Salary or Wage
Base
Federal Grant
Funds
Subtotal $ $
Match / Cost
Share (if any)
Total
$
$
Name and Type of Consultant # of Daily Rate of Federal Grant MatchTCost Total
Days Compensation Funds Share (if any)
Engineer, Archeologist,
Hazardous Materials N/A $ N/A - varies $ 33,121.00 $ 33,121.00 $ 66,242.00
Subtotal $ 33,121.00 $ 33,121.00 $ 66,242.00
From/To # of # of Subsistence Transportation Federal Match/Co Total
People Travel Costs Costs (Airfare Grant st Share
Days (Lodging and and Mileage) Funds (if any)
Per Diem)
$ $ $
Subtotal $ $ $
I
Item I Cost Federal Grant
I
Funds
$
Subtotal
Match/Cost Total
Share (if any)
$ $
$ $
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 6 of 9
Item Cost Federal Grant Match/Cost
Funds
$ $ $
Subtotal $ $
Total
ICost
$ 417,417.00
Item
Project construcUon costs
Subtotal
Federal Grant
Funds
$ 208,708.50
$ 208.708.50
Match/Cost
Share (if any)
$ 208,708.50
$ 208.708.50
Total
$ 417,417.00
$ 417.417.00
Item Cost Federal Grant Match / Cost Total
Funds Share (if any)
Related project costs
$16,341.00 $ 8,170.50 $ 8, '170.50 $16,341.00
Subtotal $ 8, 170.50 $ 8,170.50 $16,341.00
: ' · ' .t~uDGEi' SUMNI~R¥ ·
:Enter category tot'ets h~re '
Category Federal Grant Funds Match/Cost Share Total
1. Personnel $ $ $
2. Fringe Benefits $ $ $
3. Consultant Fees $ 33,121.00 $ 33,121.00 $ 66,242.00
4. Travel and Per Diem $ $ $
5. Supplies and Materials $ $ $
6. Equipment $ $ $
7. Construction/Conservation $ 208,708.50 $ 208,708.50 $ 417,417.00
Materials
8. Other $ 8, 170.50 $ 8, 170.50 $16,341.00
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS. $ 250,000.00 $ 250,000.00 $ 500,000.00
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures. Grants - Application Page 7 of 9
9. PROJECT BUDGET AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
B. WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF THE NON-FEDERAL MATCHING SHARE?
List the sources and amounts of the required dollar-for-dollar non-Federal matching share, which can be cash, donated
services, or use of equipment. Federal appropriations Or other Federal grants (except CDBG grants from the Department
of Housing and Urban Development) may not be used for match. All non-Federal matching share must be used during
the grant period, which is generally 2 to 3 years, to execute the project. Is the matching share secured and available? If
not, explain.
The non-Federal matching share of $250,000 is budgeted, secured and available from the City of Dubuque's General Fund.
C. NON-FEDERAL APPLICANTS ONLY
Organization's non-Federal operating budget for the most recently completed fiscal year:
Year FY 2002
Non-Federal budget
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants can obtain an electronic version of the instructions and application at the following web sites. Questions may
be addressed to the agencies listed below.
FOR COLLECTIONS PROJECTS
National Endowment for the Arts
Telephone 202.682.5516
E-mail jeffersk@arts.endow.gov
Web www.arts.gov
FOR HISTORIC PROPERTY PROJECTS
National Park Service
Telephone 202.513.7270, press 6
E-mail NPS_treasures@nps.gov
Web www2;cr.n ps.g ov/treasu res
National Endowment forthe Human~es
Telephone 202.606.8570
E-mail bpaulson@neh.gov
Web www.neh.gov
Ins~tute of Museum and Library Services
Telephone 202.606.4641
E-mail sshwartzman@imls.gov
Web www.imls.gov
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
The President's Committee on the Arts
and the Humanities
Telephone 202.682.5409
E-mail choffman@neh.gov
Web www. pcah.gov
SEE PAGE 8 FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants- Application Page 8 of 9
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Applications must be submitted in hard copy. Faxed applications and applications submitted electronically will not be
accepted. Applications not received by the deadline and incomplete applications will not be considered. Additional materials
sent separately from an application will not be considered part of the application and will not be included in evaluation of the
application.
Application materials will not be returned. All application materials, including photographs, become the properly of the
National Park Service and may be reproduced by NPS or its partner organizations without permission; appropriate credit
would be given for any such use.
A complete application package is:
· One (1) odginal application (application must be on 2003 form, applications on previous years form will not be
considered) and supporting documents, including:
· Authorizing Official signature; for Federal Agencies, this is the agency head (Application #3).
· Proof of nonprofit status, if applicable (Application #4).
· Minimum of four (4), 4"x6' or larger black and white or color photographs (Application #5). Submission of printed digital
photographs will not disqualify an application. However, photographs of lesser quality could affect reviewers' evaluation
of an application.
· Documentation of determination of eligibility for listing in the National Register, if applicable (Application #7).
· Timeline for project completion (Application #SB).
· Detailed budget (Application #9).
· Seven (7) copies ofthe complete application package, including odginal photographs, not photocopies.
· One (1) additional photocopy of page one of the application.
Applications must be received by Thursday, March 20, 2003. This is NOT a postmark
deadline,
SEND APPLICATIONS TO
Save America's Treasures
Heritage Preservation Services. National Park Service
1201 "Eye" Street, NW
6t~ Floor (ORG. 2255)
Washington. D.C. 20005
(202) 513-7270, press 6
PLEASE NOTE that applications should not be submitted through the US Postal Service. All US Postal Service mail
to Federal agencies in Washington, D.C. is being irradiated against anthrax, which can damage or destroy materials
and lead to a delay in delivery. You must submit your application via an alternate carrier (FedEx, UPS, DHL or
other.)
FY 2003 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 9 of 9