Appeal of Historic Preservation Commission Action - 100 Main Street - letter from Heritage Works IncHERITAGE
WORKS
September 8, 2015
VIA HAND DELIVERY AND EMAIL
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Re: Appeal of Historic Preservation Commission Action — 100 Main Street
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Heritage Works is a new nonprofit corporation whose mission is to help area
residents leverage Dubuque's historic and architectural heritage to drive
community revitalization and economic development. Dubuque's historic and
architectural resources give the city its singular identity. The preservation and
redevelopment of these resources has been key to Dubuque's economic
development and its reputation as a model community.
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission ("HPC") has played an
integral role in the preservation and sensible redevelopment of Dubuque's
historic and architectural resources and the retention of the special character of
each of Dubuque's historic districts. By ordinance, each of the members of the
HPC must have expertise or interest in areas such as architecture, history, law,
building rehabilitation, construction or planning. (In the interest of full disclosure,
one of the HPC's current members, David Klavitter, is a member of Heritage
Works' Board of Directors).
One of the duties that the City Council has delegated to the HPC is to review
applications by residents in each of Dubuque's local landmark districts who wish
to complete renovations on the exterior of their historic buildings that require a
permit. The HPC's role upon review of these projects is to assure that the
renovations do not adversely impact the historic character of the building or the
surrounding neighborhood. The varied mixture of talents and expertise that
comprise the HPC make them uniquely qualified to conduct these design
reviews.
In accordance with the provisions of Dubuque's Historic Preservation Ordinance
and the legal principals of due process, the HPC is bound to carefully examine
each case before it and utilize pre -determined, well-known and predictable
standards to make a reasoned decision in an even-handed manner. The
proposed work must be appropriate for the historic building and must enhance
the historic features of the building. It must not adversely impact the architectural
210 W. 1s` Street I Dubuque, IA 52001 1563.564.4080
www.heritageworksdbq.com
character of the building or its setting. Even though an alteration might be
aesthetically pleasing, if it is not in keeping with the historic architecture of the
building or with the character of its surroundings, the HPC should not approve
the alteration.
To assist them in their duties, the HPC, with the input of Dubuque's citizens and
property owners, developed a set of Architectural Guidelines that assist the HPC
in making consistent decisions about the renovation of historic buildings in
historic districts. The Guidelines are safeguards against arbitrariness and
uneven application of the HPC's decision -making. The Architectural Guidelines
also serve as a roadmap for property owners to follow when they are planning
renovations of their historic properties. The Guidelines give them reasonable
predictability about what renovations or alterations the HPC may approve.
Consistent application of the Historic Preservation ordinance and clear authority
of the HPC to make thoughtful, reasoned, even-handed decisions based on
standards is vital to continued success in protecting and revitalizing Dubuque's
historic neighborhoods. Heritage Works is looking forward to working with
property owners and the City of Dubuque to bring Dubuque's heritage to future
generations.
Best regards,
J,,,,,,_P/77---
Duane P. Hagerty
Heritage Works, Inc.
President and CEO
cc: Laura Carstens, City of Dubuque Planning and Services Manager
Bob McDonell, Chairperson, Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission
HERITAGE WORKS
210 W. 1st Street I Dubuque, IA 52001 1563.564.4080 I www.heritageworksdbq.com