Historic Sites Shot Tower GrantMEMORANDUM
September 10, 2003
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Historic Sites Preservation Grant for the Shot Tower Rehabilitation
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens recommends City Council approval to
submit an application to the State Historical Society of Iowa for a $100,000 Histodc
Sites Preservation Grant for Phase I of the Shot Tower rehabilitation.
Phase I of the project will stabilize the current deterioration of the Shot Tower at an
approximate cost of $225,000. Phase II of the project will build a non-combustible
stairway in the tower leading to an observation platform at the top of the tower, and it is
our intent to apply for a $100,000 grant in the future for Phase II.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
MEM
ORANDUM
September 9. 2003
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Michael C. Van Miitigen, City Manager
Laura Carstens. Planning Services Manager
Historic Sites Preservation Grant for the Shot Tower Rehabilitation
INTRODUCTION
This memo transmits an application to the State Historical Society of Iowa for a
$100.000 Historic Sites Preservation Grant for the Shot Tower rehabilitation. A
resolution also is attached.
DISCUSSION
The City Council has budgeted $200,000 in the Vision Iowa project for rehabilitation of
the Shot Tower. With an additional $50,000 allocated from the Rivedront Plan
Implementation CIP. the City has $250.000 budgeted in local funds for the Shot Tower
rehabilitation. Complete rehabilitation and interpretation of the Shot Tower, which
includes stabilization and construction of a non-combustible stairway ~n the tower.
leading to an observation platform at the top of the tower, is estimated at $500.000.
The City has applied unsuccessfully in 2002 and 2003 for a $250.000 Save America's
Treasures grant from the National Park Service for rehabilitation and interpretation of
the Shot Tower. The City's budget for the Shot Tower of $250,000 was committed as
the required local match for this federal grant program. This federal program is very
competitive.
The Historic Sites Preservation Grant Program had been cut due to State budget cuts,
but funding has been restored. The program ~s once again available from the State
Historical Society of Iowa for preservation and conservation work on 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 Shot Tower will compete welt
in this State program.
Shot Tower Grant Application
Page 2 of 2
We have estimated that the first phase of the project, stabilization of the Shot Tower_
will cost approximately $225,000. The Historic Sites Preservation Grant Program
provides up to $100,000 per project, and requires a 1:1 match of $100,000.
This State grant will enable the City to restore the Shot Tower and stabilize the current
deterioration in phase 1 Since the Historic Sites Preservation Grant Program allows
for multi-phased projects, it our intent to apply foe a $100,000 grant in the future for
:)base 2. to build the stairway in the tower.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the City Council approve the attached resolution authorizing the
submittal of a grant application for $100,000 from the Historic Sites Preservation Grant
Program.
Since the grant deadline is September 14. the Planning Services staff will submit the
application pending City Council authorization. If this authorization is not received the
application will be pulled.
Attachments
Prepared by: Laura Carstens, City Planner Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13'" St.
RESOLUTION NO. 318 -03
Telephone: 589-4210
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE HISTORIC SITES
PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE SHOT TOWER REHABILITATION
Whereas, the State Historical Society of Iowa has announced that the Historic Sites
Preservation Grant Program has funds available for the rehabilitation of historically and
architecturally significant structures; and
Whereas. the City of Dubuque has determined that the Shot Tower is an historically and
architecturally significant structure in need of rehabilitation: and
Whereas, the rehabilitation and interpretation of the Shot Tower is included as a
component of the Vision iowa grant for the America's River project.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the submission of an application to the State Historical Society of Iowa for
funds from the Historic Sites Preservation Grant Program to rehabilitate the Shot Tower is hereby
approved.
Section 2. That the Planning Services Manager is hereby authorized to sign and submit
the application for Historic Sites Preservation Grant Program funds for this project.
Passed, approved and adopted this'l 5f. hday of September 2003.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
City Clerk
LCARSTENNVPJGRANTS/HSPG GRANT/hspg.res
State Historical Society o£Iowa Page 1 of 3
State Historical Society of Iowa
Historical Site Preservation Grant Application Form
A. Applicant £ect~on
Organ~zatmn mame:
CITY OF DUBUQUE
Federal 5mp{oyeFslD:
42-6004596
Contact Person:
Conta~ Person's Tit[e:
ASSISTANT PLANNER
Address:
BLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT 50 W. !3TH STREET
State: j IOWA
E-mai[ Address:
code: 152001
wwernimo@cityofdubuque.org
Web site Address:
[www.c~y~fdubuque.o£g
Te[eohone fdaytlmex
563-589-4210
County:
DUBUQUE
Legis[ative District Numbers (if you don't} know your district numbers click here.
~o,,,a ~ ~se ~: ~ ,o',,,~ Senate #: ~4177----! US Con~es~ ~: [0:~
Tv~e~of Applicant: (seLect one~
~' ~overnment
~lon-prefit Orgamza~ion
bc:~ Ind'~an Tribe
State Historical Society of Iowa Pa.e 2 of o
AppJ~cant Profile: Describe your oreanizat*;on's purpose, mission, pdmaw d~sdpLine areas and
primary sepv~ce area. Limit response to --i 50 words t-1100 characters~ or your printer may not print
Note to Fiscal Agents: Profile :ne nonprofit organization for which you ~rea sencin=~ as fisca( agent.
The City of Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River in
northeastern Iowa. adjacent co Illinois and Wisconsin.
The City ~s approximately 30 square miles in area, with a
population Df nearly 60,000 persons. The City's annual
operanlng and 3apital budget is ~early S100 million and
funds ~ full range Df services. ~he City's website is
www.c!u_'ofdubuque.prg.
The com~.unity has a stable'and diversified manufacturing
base and a grow!ng service secrur. Dubuqe is the major
retail, medical, education and employmen5 cen5er for the
nrl-snane ~rea. Tourism linked no the Mississipp! River
and historic architecsure continues uc be a ma]or-economic
force in the community.
The Vision for put communisy established by the City
Council is as follews:
A City Df...
History
Beauty
Opportunities
Excitement
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Count Words
Project information
Project TitLe:
.R_eha_~_i.li.ta~ioln and_ Int_erpretation of ~he Shot Tower: Phase
Project Summary: Descdbe your projectin 2-3 sentencesto be usedin pressreteases~-50 words or
500 characters)
Rehabilitation and zneerpretati2~ of the Dubuque Shot
Tower is a multi-phase project. ~hase i involves
stabilization of the tower structure to prevent further
deterioration. Later phases will enable the public to
view and learn about this nationally significant ,
structure. The Shot Tower is paru of the community s S188
million investment in the A~merica's River projecn, an 80-
lacre river front redevelDpment Df recreational and
icuItural venues. __
Count Words
Proposed Project Dates tmonth/day/year):
StaTe Historical Society of Iowa Page 3 of 3
From[March !. 2004
September i, 2005
Grant Amount Re~uesaeo: S Il00, 000
Cash Match: S [125, 151
Wa_ ~ms DFolec~ ~n e^lstence prior to the oro§Fam deadline?
YesC~ 'No~
Has th~s project receiveo fund~n8 f.rom the iowa State Historical Society or the ~owa Arts Council tn
bhe current or Dre~ous Fear?
if yes, from which grant oros,~amts) d d the project receNe lundin8 and how much was ~ne 8ran~
owa Arts Coundt Grants:
',q si
H~stodca[ Society Grants:
F
The s~te in ouestlon ~s: ~setect one)
~ ..... Hbtodc PI. aces
~ ~ ]stud on the Nationa~ Res~ste~ of
_~_~= Dectared eb~=ibte by the State H~stodc Prese~ation Off~ce for tSsdn8 on the Nadonat Re~iscer of
~A fad[Cry [n which ~owa s h~s[onz or the he,rase of ~owa~s eeop[e is ]nterpre[e~
Go to next section>>
State I-I/storical Society o£Iowa Page 1 of 2
State H~stodca! Society of Iowa's
HSPG Application Form
B. Budget Sectior,
List all expenses assoclateo w]rn me proposed project and ind';cate which expenses are to be met 3y
the HSPG and by Cash Match. Use only rne space provided. Rouna ro nearest
Consultants
IENGINEERiNG
[b~Z MAT REMOVAL
HSPG
Request Cash Match Subtotals
s~] sl~,~_h_
Subtotats: S 17,512 iT s[18,033
Supplies ~ ~Aateriats ,includes office supplies, etc. Building macenats are ~o be [isreo separately
be[ow~
S~--
Subtotals: SI !~ sl
Contractors
CONSTRUCTION COST
[RELATED COSTS
Building Materials
$ [92, 488
Sub~o~ets: q[92,488 /T
S ~, 958
s L~J.z i60_'
$ ti07,i!8~-
51199,606
L
Equipment
si._ sL
Subtotals: S t i~ S [
sL s[
si s[
Su~tot~s: Sl s L
s~
Phase ~ Archaeological Sur*ey
State Historical Society of Iowa Page 2 of 2
s~
si
sF----
si
Project Costs: S [lo0,000] +
Total
Total
HSPG Reouest
S1125,151 .
Total
Cash ~Aatch
S[225.151
Total
Project Cost
Go to next section>>
Iowa Department of Cukural Affairs Page I of 2
State Historical Sodety of lowa's
HSPG Application Form
C. Match Requirements Section
is your ~ora~ cash match at ~,east 100,% of the project cost? Yes ~
Wit[ you be using federal monies to car.W out th~s Droj~tZ Yes ~
Earned ncome Include revenue from the sa(e of admfssions tickets, membersh~.ps, and for events
for 2002.
~_os_.?Z:rczE%.E .......................................... s [ ..................
s[
Contributions: Include contributions from businesses corporations, foundations and orner private
sources.
2o? ~%%c..~ ........... s [
__ s[
Other Revenue: Include revenue from sources other than those listed above.
NOT APPLICABLE
Total Cash Income:
E. Statement of Assurances
The applicant hereby agrees and acknow{edBes:
a) that if funds are awarded, they wk[ conduct their operations in accordance wi~n title ¥ and V;
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. as ameneed, and the RehabiUtaUon Act of 1973. as amend¢ which
bar d~sc~mination a~a~nst any emp;oy~, applicant for emptoymen~ or an!/person Barddpatin~ [n
any sponsore¢ pr~ram on the basis of race, creed, color, nadona( origin, re($~¢on, sex. age, or
phy¢ca[ er mental disabi[it,,r, and require compensation for emp~oymen~ at no (ess than m~nimum
wage requirements, and 3rovide safe and sanitaW worMng conditions:
b) they '~[[ exoend funds received as a result of this appucat~on so[e[y on the described project;
c) that. ~f the prsBosed project ~mpacrs a properry ~ist~ on or hav~a8 qua[iUes maMn8 ~t e[~gSb[e for
t~st~n8 on the National Register of H~stodc Places, the applicant w~[[ consu(t ,Mrh the Bureau of
H~stodc Prese¢/at~on State H~stodca[ Society of iowa, and w~[[ act ~n accordance w~th the S~retary
of Interior's S~andards for Archeology ~ H~stodc PreservaUon;
d) ~hat ~he facts, figures, ano represenrauons made ~n this application, [nc[udin8 all attachments,
are true and correct to the best of their know[edge;
e~ that the filing of th~s appUcadon nas been authorized by the governing board of the auo(~cant;
O that fa~(ure re comp(y 'wqth the H~stodc Site Preservation Grant oroeram administrative rules w$[(
d~souaUfy the application.
Signature of pe~ ~d"rte~at ~l:hodty to ebb;gate the Appdcant:
Oate: [ q-=l-o~ _
Typed name and t~t[e of the above eersom
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Page 2 of 2
~AURA CARSTENS, PLANNING SERVICES M~NAGER t
Go to next section>>
httpt//,a-a~v.iowahistory, or g/ojants/shsi_grants/hspg/apptication/match_section.hlrn 08/29/2003
State ttistoricat Society of Iowa Page 1 of 1
State Historical Sodety of Iowa's
HSPG Application Form
F. Property Information
Does the appUcant currently own the historical site? Yes ~ ~o ~
Does the proje~ inc[ude the acouisition of rea', property? Yes ~ No ~
Does the pro~ ~nc[ude the deveLopmenr ,substantive cnan~e) of rea[ progeffy?
Yes~
tf t~e ~Fant ap¢~cant does not cuFFendy own the h~stoNca~ s~e and the proposed project
includes ~eve~ooment of the h~sto~ca~ si~e~ ~hen the ~rope~y owner's s~na~uFe ~s required
here.
tf the proj~t ~nc(udes acquisition the current owner's s~gnarure in nor requCred.
S~n~re of Prop~y~greement to deve[op se~d prape~y:
Typed name and tfde of the above person:
LAURA CARSTENS, PLANNING SERVICES N~NAGER
~## This is the end of the app[~cation form ###
information.him 08/29/2000
CITY OF DUBUQUE
KEI-L~Xfl3ILITATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE SHOT TOWER: PHASE I
A. Project Narrative, Non-scored
In 2001, a structural assessment of the 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, several vertical cracks, and surface erosion of various limestone lintels are
present. The ori~nal soft lime mortar xs extensively exposed and the more recent pointing
mortar is thin and broken off in most areas. In some places the original mortar has eroded from
behind the pointing mortar. The Shot Tower also has an accumulation of bird droppings found in
the interior space, and a number of nest holes bored into the masonry.
The funding wilt be used to: Abate hazardous materials (bird droppings) from the interior; Install
tie rods to address cracked brick masonry; 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 limestone units; Remove loose
materials from the interior walls; and Replace existing pre-cast concrete cap.
Additional phases will involve: Conduct an archeologicaI investigation in and around the Tower,
and Interpret findings; Install'a non-combustible stair inside the Tower extending to a rooftop
observation platform; Provide roof hatch access and guardrail at top of the Tower; Rehabilitate
existing limestone site wails around the Tower; Refinish the wrought iron fence around the
Tower; Landscape areas around the Tower; and Install interpretive signs, displays, and exhibits.
B. Scored Narratives
1. Historical or cultural significance of the project (up ro 250 words 30points)
Describe the historical or cultural si~mificance of the ]~roiect, and evaluate the de~ee to which
the proiect is of state, rezional, or national si~miiicance.
The Dubuque Shot Tower is nationally significant under Criteria A and 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 survaving shot tower that represents lead shot pr~Sduction
technology of its time. Nationally then, the Dubuque Shot Tower is the only surviving example
of its type (full heigJat tower), phase (architecturally elaborated, in this case employing the
Egyptian obelisk form), and period (mid-19~ Century). Its claim for national significance is
based on its being a well preserved surviving example of a relatively rare industrial structural
type, its unique qualities and time period related to its type, its association with a specific era and
method of private sector lead shot production, and its being the sole surviving representative of
shot towers which were associated with the Mississippi River Valley and its lead-mining
industry.
On February 14. 2003, the State National Register Nominations Review 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.
The City of Dubuque also is in the process of nominating the Dubuque Shot Tower for
designation as a National Historic Landmark.
Page 1
CITY OF DUBUQUE
REHABILITATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE SHOT TOWER: PHASE I
How will this proiect contribute to that significance?
The funding will be used to help stabilize and preserve this one of a k/nd structure. The
rehabilitation of the tower will follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
2. Economic Impact (up to 250 words--25 points)
What is the expected or actual economic impact of your project upon your community and Iowa?
Approximately one million visitors annually enjoy visitor amenities such as paddleboat rides,
hike and bike trails, snow and water skiing, fishing, hunting, antiquing, and historic architecture.
Viskors come from all 50 states and 47 foreign countries to touch the famous Mississippi River,
Dubuque's No. 1 tourist attraction.
The Shot Tower is part of the America's River Project. a $188 million dollar investment ar the
Port of Dubuque. This project includes the Mississippi Riverwalk Recreational Trail, Alliant
Energy Amphitheater, the Grand River Center, National Mississippi River Museum and
Aquarium, and Grand Harbor Resort and Indoor Water Park. The Port also encompasses several
National Reg/ster properties that have been rehabilitated, and others, like the Shot Tower, for
which rehab is plauned.
The America k River Project is estimated to draw an additional 500,000 visitors annually. The
Rehabilitation and Interpretation of the Shot To~ver will help educate these domestic and foreign
visitors about the history of the lead mining industry' and the process of making shot. These
visitors annually pump millions of dollars into the economy of the City of Dubuque, Dubuque
County, and the State of Iowa.
Dubuque's historic landmarks, sites, districts, downtown and neighborhoods also are a key to the
commumty's economic prosperity and quality of life. These resources, like the Mississippi
River, help form the city's unique identity. The historic, architectural and cultural resottrces of
Dubuque are the community's No. 2 tourist attraction, according ro records kept by the
Convention and Visitors Bureau of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce.
3. Educational Opportunities (up to 250 words - 25points)
How will your project enhance educational opportunities for a broad and diverse audience?
Describe your plans to interpret the historical resource. Restrict your description to educational
oppommities developed as a direct result of this arant.
The project is a first phase in a multi-phase preservation effort for rehabilitation and
interpretation of the Shot Tower. The proposed rehabilitation work for Phase I includes
stabilization of the tower structure. Later phases will include an archeologicai 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 history, architecture, archeology, and national, state and
local significance.
Page 2
CITY OF DUBUQUE
REHABILITATION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE SHOT TOSVER: PHASE I
A significant amount of information has already been gathered through researching the history of
the Shot Tower and t~he Iead mining process by a preservation consultant working on a National
Historic Landmark nomination. The rehabilitation and interpretation will help educate the public
and the vast number of tourists visiting the America's River project at the Port of Dubuque by
explaining the history of the lead mining process, the role of Dubuque in the lead mirfing region
and the process of making shot.
4. Future Viability (up to 100 words - l O points)
How will your organization ensure the future viability of the historic resource? What are your
plans for on~mn~ operation and maintenance of the property?
The City of Dubuque is the current property owner. The Shot Tower is designated as a local
(City) landmark and is protected under the Dubuque Historic Preservation Ordinance.
The rehabilitation and interpretation of the Shot Tower will provide the public with an
opportunity to view and learn about this significant structure, which is virtually inaccessible and
lacks on-site amenities. The City of Dubuque is committed to its rehabilitation 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.
5. Scope of Work/Budget (this portion is combined with voz~r budger page - up to 250 words
lOpoinrs) Explaln the work plan and the bud~er for vour proiect. Incinde each s~ep and the cost
of each step.
STEP ONE
Retain Engineering Firm to prepare construction doctunents, coordinate issuance of plans and
specifications for bidding, prepare bid tabulation for construction contract award, provide
construction administration ............................................................... $18,545
STEP TWO
Retain Hazardous Materials Abatement Contractor .................................... $7,000
STEP THREE
Hire Construction Contractor to complete rehabilitation and stabilization. The major work items
will include: Install tie rods to address cracked brick masonry; Remove insect screens and
louvers from window openings; Install new limestone sills, galvanized perimeter angles and bird
screen at all opemngs; Tuck-point the interior and exterior; Replace damaged brick and
limestone units: Remove loose materials from the interior walls; Replace existing pre-cast
concrete cap with a new- roof; Provide roof hatch access.
Projected Construction Cost ................................................... $185,446
Related Costs (builders risk insurance, etc.) ................................... $14,160
Total Project Cost ........................................................................ $225,151
Page 3
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Page 1 of 2
For O~ce Use
Date Receiveo:
State Historical Society of Iowa
Cultural Impact Questionnaire
The Cultural Impact Questionnaire wil! provide the State HistoricaI Society of Iowa with
information about the effects of your project on its proposec, site,
Property ~ame:
Dubuque Shot Tower(George W. Rogers Company Shot Tower
Prooer~ Number asd Street:
tTermlnus of Corc~ercia! Street and Riverfront
Coun£y:
DUBUQUE
City'
IDUBUQUE ~
State: [IOWA
Contact Person on pro]ocr:
WALLY WERNiMONT
Zip come: 15200I
Telephone ldaytime):
[563-589-42Z0
E-mai[Address:
lwwernimo@cityofdubuque.org
Please answer the folloYring questions:
1. The project will directiy or visually effect one or more buildings, structures or ob}ects 50
years of age or older. (if you are working on a bu ,d~n_~, new or o(d, you may e affecting the ground
on which it sits as we[[ as rne prooe~y itself,)
I,-~J: ~ No
[~_, Yes
if you =nswe, ed Ves obey., check which k,;nds of project activities are proposed for the
)roperty. You must aIso submit a photograph and the address of each pro,oer~y
¢ Rehabi[itation
F* ! New Construction
~ Oemotition
C I Vacate/Abandon
C i Yard, Sidewalks. Ptantings
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Page 2 of 2
Other:
2. The project w~l[ involve excavation:
~Yes l~iNe
if you answered Wes" to question 2, describe the width and depth of the proposee excaYat~on
work, (Limit response to -150 wares [-t!00 characters t or your ¢dnrer may not *tint ail text.
You must also submit a map showing the predse location of the project.
Count Words
This is the end of the Cul. tura[ Impact Questionnaire ~##