Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 8 19 10THE CITY OF
DUB
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
Iltzttol
2007
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
BIEN
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Michael Knight; Commissioners David
Klavitter, Chris Olson, John Whalen, Mary Loney Bichell, Joseph Rapp, Bob McDonell,
and Chris Wand.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioner Peggy Stover.
Staff Members Present: David Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Knight at 5:33 p.m.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the
meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
MINUTES: Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve the minutes of the July 15,
2010 meeting as submitted. Motion was carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter,
Olson, Whalen, Knight, Bichell, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay — None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Fischer Companies for a Demolition Permit to demolish
the structure located at 1007 Central Avenue in the Downtown Neighborhood Conservation
District.
Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained the building was
constructed in 1963 and the Phase 3 Architectural and Historical Survey Report for
Downtown Dubuque indicates the building is not of historical or architectural significance.
Staff Member Johnson explained the role of the Commission is to review all the information
submitted and make a determination as to whether the building proposed for demolition
has historic or architectural significance to the community and whether denial of the
proposed demolition permit would prevent the property owner from earning a reasonable
economic return on the property. He explained that if the Commission finds denial of the
application would prevent the property owner from earning a reasonable economic return
on the property or that the building does not have any historical or architectural significance
to the community, the Commission should approve the application. He explained that if the
Commission finds that denial of the application would not prevent the property owner from
earning a reasonable economic return on the property and that the building has historical
or architectural significance to the community, the Commission should deny the permit
application.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 19, 2010
Page 2
Staff Member Johnson noted that since Article 10, the Historic Preservation Ordinance,
was updated as part of the Unified Development Code, the process for review of demolition
permits in conservation districts has changed. He explained the Commission now makes
the determination as to whether a demolition permit should be issued and the property
owner has the ability to appeal to City Council. •
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wand, to approve a demolition permit for 1007 Central
Avenue because the building does not have historical or architectural significance to the
community. Motion was carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, Olson, Whalen,
Knight, Bichell, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay — None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Michael Coty / William & Margaret Coty for a Certificate
of Appropriateness to replace front porch located at 125 Bluff Street in the Cathedral
Historic Preservation District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report. He noted the porch design and
construction materials.
Michael Coty was present.
The Commission discussed the project. The Commission recommended the fascia
replicate the original reveal with the dual edge. The Commission recommended the railings
need to meet current Code, and the handrail on the stairs should be pulled in from the side
of the stairs as depicted in the historical photograph. The Commission recommended
vertical and horizontal lattice as opposed to diagonal lattice as depicted in the drawings.
Mr. Coty noted that lattice may not be necessary if the original brick for the lower entrance
is intact. The Commission was agreeable to leaving the brick exposed in place of lattice if it
is in good condition. The Commission noted the historical photos depict an apron on the
porch. The Commission recommended that the porch columns end at the porch landing
where the skirt is shown in the historical photo rather than extend all the way to the ground
as depicted in the construction drawings.
The Commission cautioned the applicant about appropriate paint removal techniques. Mr.
Coty noted he would like to construct a low limestone retaining wall similar to what currently
exists. He noted the retaining wall would be installed parallel to the sidewalk. He stated the
gas meter will be removed and will not be located where it is depicted in the staff
photographs.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell, to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness with the
following modifications:
1. Construct the soffit and fascia with more detail to replicate the original reveal
depicted in the historical photograph.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 19, 2010
Page 3
2. The handrails should be pulled in so the stair treads extend outside of the handrails.
3. The columns should be skirted at the porch landing level rather than extending all
the way to the ground as it appears in the historical photograph.
4. The lattice should be horizontal and vertical.
Motion was carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, Olson, Whalen, Knight, Bichell,
Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay — None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: Lynn Lampe, property owner at 346 -348 West Locust Street,
addressed the Commission. Mr. Lampe presented an image with information about the
property. He explained he has been trying to sell the property for some time. He reviewed
the recent history of the property as well as damage caused by a contractor. He explained
the price listed for the property is the assessed value and both sides of the duplexes are up
for sale. Mr. Lampe noted he would also like to donate the property to a non - profit agency.
He explained he contacted John Gronen and Nancy Van Milligen. He explained nobody
has expressed a serious interest in the property.
Mr. Lampe noted the City is asking him to fix the property. He stated the estimated cost to
appropriately rehab the property is between $225,000 and $775,000. He asked for any
advice the Commission could offer.
Commissioner Olson noted that she toured the property along with John Gronen. She
stated the property is remarkably intact. The Commission and Mr. Lampe discussed
challenges with the property as well as its poor overall condition. The Commission
discussed possible uses and ownership. The Commission noted it is the only building like
it in town. The Commission discussed the potential for a Step -by -Step or HEART project,
but noted construction challenges. Mr. Lampe explained the courtyard in the rear of the
building could be used as a staging area for construction. Mr. Lampe again reiterated he
wished to .donate the property to a non - profit agency.
The Commission discussed the future of the building. The Commission noted publications
where the property could be marketed. Mr. Lampe offered to take people on tours of the
property. Mr. Lampe thanked the Commission for their time.
The Commission discussed the Step -by -Step opportunity. The Commission noted that
Step -by -Step is perhaps looking for a new building, but this site may not work. The
Commission and staff discussed financing opportunities as well as more effective avenues
for putting a project together. The Commission and staff discussed the degree of
deterioration on the property. The Commission noted they would keep the property in mind.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
August 19, 2010
Page 4
Four Mounds Landscape Heritage Assessment: Commissioner Olson excused herself
from the table to present the Four Mounds Landscape Heritage Assessment and concept
landscape plan. She distributed a copy of the landscape plan to the Commissioners and
staff. She reviewed the plan and noted the landscaping best management practices. She
discussed opportunities to open up historic vistas. She reviewed historical landscape
concepts that were implemented, as well as those that were ignored, by the Burden family.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Building Services Historic Preservation Enforcement Report: Staff Member Johnson noted
the updates to the report and asked if there were any questions. The Commission did not
have any questions.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner Adopted
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