Upper Main Street National Register of Historic Places DistrictPlanning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864
(563) 589 -4210 phone
(563) 589 -4221 fax
(563) 589 -6678 TDD
planning@cityofdubuque.org
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall -50 W. 13 Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
September 20, 2010
RE: Upper Main Street NRHP Historic District Amendment
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the above -cited
request. The nomination, staff memo and related materials are attached for your review.
Introduction
The proposed amendment will expand the district to include 909 Main Street (the Fischer
Building), 951 Main Street, 955 Main Street, and 965 Main Street. Tony Pfohl, owner of
the properties within the district expansion, was present to address the Commission. Mr.
Pfohl supported the Upper Main Street NRHP Historic District Amendment.
Discussion
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the criteria for significance. The properties in the
expanded area are locally significant under criteria A and C, same as the original district
boundary. Criterion A is a property that is associated with events that have made a
significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Criterion C is a property that
embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction of
represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a
significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.
Recommendation
By a vote of 8 to 0, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends the Upper Main
Street NRHP Historic District Amendment based on criteria A and C.
A simple majority vote is needed for the City Council to concur with the request, and to
forward the nomination to the State Nominations Review Committee. Attached is the CLG
National Register Review form for the Mayor's signature.
Respectfully submitted,
Attachments
74/(1_,(Al
Michael Knight, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
CLG NATIONAL REGISTER REVIEW
CLG Name Dubuque Date of Public Meeting
Property Name Upper Main Historic District Amendment, 900s -1000s Main Street, Dubuque, Dubuque County
1. For Historic Preservation Commission:
• Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of Nati• a gister in igibilit
Signature
Print Name 14 ;4 -•-[ /
Title Chairperson
Reason(s) for recommendation:
2. For Chief Elected Local Official:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature
Print Name
Title
?Roy D. Buol
Mayor
Reason(s) for recommendation:
3. Professional Evaluation:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
/0 Date
10/6/10 Date
Signature Date
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
RETURN TO: State Historical Society of Iowa, ATTN: National Register Coordinator, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines,
IA 50319
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Historic Preservation Commission
FROM: David Johnson, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: Upper Main Street NRHP Historic District Amendment
DATE: September 2, 2010
The State Nominations Review Committee plans to consider the Upper Main Street
NRHP Historic District Amendment, 900s- 1000s -1100s Main during their October 8,
2010 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 the enclosed
copy of the nomination, photographs, and review form for this nomination.
The State is requesting the Commission review the nomination, and then comment on
whether the Upper Main Street NRHP Historic District Amendment meets significance
criteria (A, B, C or D) for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The
proposed amendment will expand the district to include 909 Main Street (the Fischer
Building), 951 Main Street, 955 Main Street, and 965 Main Street. A map of the
proposed district boundaries can be found at the end of the nomination.
The nomination indicates that the properties in the expanded area are locally significant
under criteria A and C, same as the original district boundary. Criterion A is a property
that is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of our history. Criterion C is a property that embodies the distinctive
characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction of represents the work of a
master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components lack individual distinction.
Please review the attached documents and be prepared to recommend to the State
Nominations Review Committee whether the Upper Main Street NRHP Historic District
Amendment is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Enclosure
Dubuque
Al- amedaCRY
2007
STATE
HISTORICAL
TSOCIETYof
A Division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
August 5, 2010
Mr. Michael Knight
Dubuque HPC
940 Mt. Pleasant
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Walker's Shoe Store, 756 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 52649
Schroeder -Kline Grocer Company Warehouse; M.M. Walker Company Warehouse, 40 -48
Main Street, Dubuque, Dubuque County
Upper Main Historic District Amendment, 900s -1000s Main Street, Dubuque, Dubuque
County
Washington Street and E. 22nd Street Historic District, Washington Street (2162 -45) and
E. 22nd (215 -400), Dubuque, Dubuque County
Dear Mr. Knight:
The State Nominations Review Committee (SNRC) plans to consider the property referenced above for
nomination to the National Register of Historic Places during their October 8, 2010 meeting. As a
participant in the Certified Local Government Program, Dubuque HPC is required to review and
comment on proposed National Register nominations of properties within its jurisdiction. The State is
required to provide you with a 60 -day period for the review, unless we mutually agree to expedite the
process. I am contacting you to ask that you initiate the review process for the Historic Preservation
Commission. Enclosed are copies of the nomination, photographs, and the review form. The review
process will require the following:
• The Historic Preservation Commission should review the nomination during one of their meetings.
Send a formal invitation to the Mayor with a copy of the nomination. Send a formal invitation to the
property owner /owners. 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 before 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 criteria, then check the box recommending that the property not be listed. The
Mayor should use the same approach when reviewing the nomination.
600 EAST LOCUST STREET, DES MOINES, TA 50319 -0290 P: (515) 281 -5111
• 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 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 unable to 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 it 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 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 the SNRC for their consideration during
review of the nomination. If both the Historic Preservation Commission (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 Paul Mohr at 515/281 -6826 with any questions or concerns regarding the CLG program
or the process for this review.
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
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
1: Name of Property
historic name Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
other names /site number
2. Location
street & number 900s- 1000s -1100s Main Street
city or town Dubuque
state Iowa
code IA county Dubuque code 061
APR 0 8 2010
OMB No. 10024 -0018
t\ctrY61 "t[O triCtutc1p2.5 sHp
5 t ao w' w tYU 6 - r 0 trY\
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register
of.Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information
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 additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS
Form 10- 900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items.
[N /Al not for publication
[N /A1 vicinity
zip code 52001
3.. State /Federal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this [ ] nomination [1
request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic
Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property [X] meets [1
does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant
[_] nationally L] statewide [X] locally. ([1 see continuation sheet for additional comments).
Signature of certifying official/Title
State or Federal agency and bureau
Date
In my opinion, the property LX] meets U does not meet the National Register criteria. (L] See continuation sheet for additional
comments.)
Signature of certifying official/Title
State or Federal agency and bureau
Date
4. National Park Service Certification
hereby certify that the property is:
U entered in the National Register.
L] See continuation sheet.
U determined eligible for the
National Register.
[i See continuation sheet.
[� determined not eligible for the
National Register.
[i removed from the National
Register.
LJ other, (explain:)
Signature of the Keeper
Date of Action
per Main Historic District Amendment Dubuque County, Iowa
ame of Property County and State
. Classification
wnership of Property
;heck as many boxes as apply)
[�X private
1 public -local
L] public -State
[1 public - Federal
lame of related multiple property listing
Enter "N /A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.)
he Arch. & Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa, 1837 -1955 24
. Function or Use
Iistoric Functions
Zriter categories from instructions)
ommerce/Trade /Office Building
ommerce/Trade /Specialty Store Vacant
ommerce/Trade /Social /Meeting Hall
. Description
►rchitectural Classification
Enter categories from instructions)
Category of Property
(Check only one box)
[� building(s)
[X� district
[ j site
Lj structure
[1 object
Number of Resources within Property
(Do not include previously listed resources in the count.)
Contributing Noncontributing
22 6 buildings
sites
structures
objects
22 6 Total
Commerce/Trade /Office Building
ate.19 & 20 Century Revivals -Beaux Arts foundation stone
walls brick
roof Asphalt
other
larrative Description
Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)
Number of contributing resources previously listed
in the National Register
Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions)
Materials
(Enter categories from instructions)
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
&Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria
(Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property
for National Register listing.)
[X] A Property is associated with events that have made Commerce
a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history.
[_] B Property is associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past.
[X] C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics Architecture
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.
Li D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield,
,information important in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations
(Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.)
Property is:
[ .] A owned by a religious institution or used for
religious purposes.
B removed from its original location.
L] C a birthplace or grave.
[� D a cemetery.
Narrative Statement of Significance
(Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)
9. Major Bibliographical References
B ibliography
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one
Previous documentation on file (NPS):
[ j prelimiriary determination of individual listing
(36 CFR 67) has been requested
L] previously listed in the National Register
Li previously determined eligible by the National
Register
L] designated a National Historic Landmark
U recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey
L] recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #
Areas of Significance
(Enter categories from instructions)
Period of Significance
1856 -1919
Significant Dates
1876
1886
1895
Significant Person
(Complete if Criterion B is marked above)
Cultural Affiliation
N/A
L] E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
L] F; a commemorative property.
L] G Tess than 50 years of age or achieved significance Architect/Builder
within the past .50years. Bovinoton and Williamson
' Heer & Naescher
or more continuation sheets.)
Primary location of additional data:
[ ] State Historic Preservation Office
[l Other State agency
[i Federal agency
L] Local government
11 University
[1 Other
Name of repository:
City of Dubuque Planning Office
leper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque County, Iowa
Jame of Property County and State
0. Geographical Data
kcreage of Property 4.2 acres, amendment adds 1 acre for a total of 5.2 acres
!TM References
Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet.)
111111111111111111 2f11[1111111
•Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing
If 1 [ 1 1 1 1 1 1[ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4F ±1 f 1 1 1 1 1 1 f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
! X) See continuation sheet
forbal Boundary Description
Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet)
3oundary Justification
Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.)
t Form Prepared By
ame /title James E. Jacobsen
;rganization History Pays! Historic Preservation Consulting Firm date January 18, 2010
treet &.number 4411 Ingersoll Avenue telephone 515 - 274 -3625
itjr or town Des Moines
ity-.or town Dubuque
state IA zip code 50312 -2415
Ldditional Documentation
ubmit the following items with the complete form:
:ontinuation Sheets
la ps
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources.
'hotographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
,dditional items
:tieck with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)
'.: .operty Owner
:omplete this item at the request of SHPO or FPO.)
ame Tony Pfohl (owner of the four added properties)
treet & number 290 Main Street telephone (563) 583 - 3526 Ext.17
state Iowa zip code 52001
aperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for
sting or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance
ith the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).
stimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including time for reviewing instructions,
athering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the
hief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013 -7127; and the Office of Management and Budget,
aperwork Reductions Projects (1024- 0018), Washington, DC 20503.
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8'8
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
,Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 1
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
7.: Narrative Description:
Materials, Continued:
Walls Terra cotta
The existing rectangular shaped district is by this amendment extended by one block to the south by the
iriclusion of a half block that is defined by Main Street to the east, 10 Street to the north, an alley to the west, and
9t Street to the south. This half block is level ground, matching the topography of the other half - blocks within the
district. Figure 37 (page 51) depicts the existing and amended district boundary.
In terms of style, the amendment adds two Beaux Arts, one Queen Anne, and one Italianate stylistic
'examples. Only the former is an added style to the original district nomination. Terra cotta, which comprises the
exterior of 909 Main, the main Beaux Arts example, is also a new wall material. These stylistic examples fall within
the continuum of the original district and its period of significance.
This amendment adds four additional commercial buildings to the listed district. A vacant parcel marks the
former location of a frame residence and a demolished bank building. The added buildings are all set flush with
their respective lots and share or have adjoining party walls. The two northernmost buildings have some meager
open space behind their rear additions, while the others fully infill their respective lots. There are no separate
outbuildings associated with any of the added buildings. The amendment includes the east half of Main Street,
between 10 and 9 streets, half of the alley to the west, and the south half of 10 Street between the alley and
Main Street, and the north half of 9 Street, also between the alley and Main Street. The added buildings include
the tallest building within the amended district (seven stories), and additional two, three and four story buildings that
further underscore the taller average height of buildings within the listed district. The Bank and Industrial Building
builds on the established theme of prominent corner "bookend" buildings with exceptional architectural design. All
four buildings contribute to the listed district.
The original district listing noted the prevalence of smaller commercial storefronts, as opposed to large
retailer blocks. The storefronts coexisted with upstairs residential living or apartments. Some of the buildings had
evolved out of residences. These same trends are represented in the amended area, where a frame house survived
into the 1930s and was never replaced (southwest corner of Main and 10 and the lesser three buildings to the
south have apartments on their upper floors. Even the massive Bank and Insurance Building, primarily an office
budding, had multiple small storefronts placed on either side of its corner banking room. The admitted exception
was the non - extant bank building, which was a single -use and high end commercial building.
Building Descriptions:
909 Main Street, Bank and Insurance Building: This is a contributing building within the amended district.
The Bank and Insurance Building (aka Fischer Building) was built in 1895 and is an eight -story commercial
office building that is located on the northwest corner of Main and 9 Streets. It was designed in the Beaux Arts
style by Chicago architects William W. Boyington, W. G. Williamson and John Spencer. In its present state, the
building retains five well - preserved stories of the most elaborate and detailed two -toned terra cotta, produced by the
Northwestern Terra Cotta Company of Chicago. The building occupies two full city Tots in the north end of
Dubuque's downtown proper.
PS forth 10 -900 -a
1-86) States Department of the Interior
■ational Park Service
rational Register of Historic Places
.3ontinuation Sheet
5 number 7 Page 2
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Epper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
The Bank and Insurance Building is eight stories high with a full basement, and occupies the entirety of two
city Tots. The building footprint measures 102 feet by 114 feet not including the basement level extensions along the
vest and south sides of the plan. The building is located on the northwest corner of Main and 9 streets and an
tlleyway runs along its west side. Other commercial buildings stand to the north of it (and the building's north or
ear wall comprises a party wall with the adjacent building). The Northwestern Telephone Company Building (1947)
located west and across the alley. The building was historically addressed to its principal Main Street entrance, as
)09. Main Street.
The original building stood seven stories high with a pronounced ornamental cornice and high parapet. A
lagpole was located in the southeast corner. The entire building exterior, apart from the brick north wall, was
:overed with ornamental terra cotta. The building support system is of steel construction, the columns being of the
_after Column type (see Figure 5). The building floors are composed of flat terra cotta arches set between five -
bot wide steel beam supports. All ceilings and walls have plaster directly applied to these tile sub -walls and ceiling
aches.
:;:: The building was designed in the highly ornamental Beaus Arts style and the outstanding aspect of that style
i this instance is the fact that three of the four sides of the building were designed and built as formal facades. The
text important point is the degree to which the terra cotta exterior was executed in deep relief, a very high level of
- itricate ornamentation, and the employment of two colors to terra cotta facing. The basic exterior wall plane utilizes
'cream- colored terra cotta, while the projecting trim work, and pavilions are of a slightly red -brown coloration.
The building design employed the tripartite classical arrangement of base (unusual in that it ascended to the
hird floor level), shaft (originally the fourth through sixth stories) and capital (seventh floor and the lost
:brnice /parapet). Each facade is then divided vertically into corner pavilioned sections with a central refused plain
vall plane. Fenestration is both full and is vertically aligned, although the window size mix is varied. A striking
eature of the corner vertical window arrangement is the sense of a series of stacked window openings that narrow
somewhat as the eye proceeds from the ground upwards. The third through fifth story window openings are broad,
he lowermost consisting of a set of three narrower vertical 1/1 window openings, while those on the two levels
above are infilled with Chicago style windows in a single rectangular opening. Then on the sixth floor, a Palladian
endow arrangement reduces the breadth of the column of window openings and finally, on the seventh floor, a
:entered rectangular opening, with flanking oculus windows narrows it all the more. This visual effect occurs on
?ach side of each corner, within the context of the two -bay wide pavilion.
Each facade has a rectangular central wall plane, the end pavilions, and separately defined base and capital
:lements (the third and seventh floor levels). The third floor is visually controlled, with a simple exterior of ashlar
flock scorings, and bold projecting volutes, each of which is draped around its upper section by a wreath above
)ach window. The windows that are not part of the end pavilions are wider by half than are those windows that form
he pavilion base. This Beaux Arts rustication employs the stepped arch to meld the arch components and the
lorizontal coursing. The upper cap at this level features scroll molding that reverses in its direction at the center
ioirit of the plan center and each pavilion center point. The seventh floor is simply all the most effusive classical
irnamentation: Functional and enlarged oculus windows flank the uppermost rectangular window in each end
)avilion cap, while faux like -like wreaths alternate with similar openings within the wall section that is between the
)avilions.
The central wall plane section is veneered with a plain terra cotta, with only the horizontal joints being
.cbentuated. Five (east and west facades) or six (south facade) vertical window sets further interrupt this wall plane
)etween floors four through six. The window sets are framed by a fairly broad and darker colored ornamental
NPS Form 10.900 -a
(6 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 3
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
trimming. Recessed spandrels separate the two lower windows. These feature twin ornamental swags and other
decorations. The uppermost window opening has a semi - circular upper sash, a form that is repeated at the same
elevation in the central Palladian window opening in each corner pavilion front. An important decorative feature is
found on the fronts of the pavilions. While circular motifs are employed throughout the exterior design as a
underlying theme, the pavilion fronts are covered with a molding with a pattern that alternates elongated oval forms
with what appears to be a cross -tied seal. Each layer is separated by a broad plain square -cut belt course. Finally
the lintels within the sidelights of the Palladian opening are formed by tied sheaths. Lion's heads surmount the
larger like windows. Multiple turned engaged columns ornament the uppermost level of the pavilion sections.
The lower two stories are presently covered with a corrugated aluminum slip screen and, on the second story
level, continuous bands of aluminum framed windows. On the 9th and Main street fronts, this band is interrupted by
projecting triangular projections of undetermined function (lights ?). The storefronts on the south and east frontages
are comprised by a narrower continuous band of the aforementioned slip screen that covers the transom window
area, aluminum framed display windows, and a gray (granite ?) raised kick plate. The centered 9 Street entrance
bias a 6 -light "transom" treatment across the second story level. Two "piers" of undetermined material frame that
entrance. The 9 Street frontage ground level lowers from west to east so the kick plates are exposed at varying
degrees. This facade is now the principal facade, a fact that is symbolized the placement of the building name
above the grander entrance on this frontage. The storefronts along the Main Street frontage match those on the
south facade in terms of materials and cadence. The entrance, originally the principal entrance, is no longer
present, being replaced by a store entrance.
The alleyway /west facade has two single -door pedestrian entrances. There are no display windows per se,
although the south half of the ground floor has a series of raised windows. The rear wall is well fenestrated from the
fourth floor and upwards. The window openings, now infilled with block glass and reduced size centered lights, are
also aligned vertically. A series of three.protruding chimneys remain in place, capped off at the point where the
eighth floor was added. A fire escape is located in the northwest corner of the overall plan and is serviced by a row
of doorways. The building's immense round brick chimney, with terra cotta cap, is located in the same corner as the
fire escape.
The building's basement continues beneath the sidewalks and the alleyway to the east, south and north. A
raked stone wall forms the perimeter retaining wall. The furnace area, where one of two original Kewanee furnaces
resides, is located in the northwest part of the basement.
As the subsequent detailed account indicates, the only brickwork in the building is found in the north party
Wall and the chimney. The steel columns are arranged according to function as opposed to symmetry. The
b_roadestopen bay is the northernmost one, where the perimeter brick wall supports the steel beams and creates a
22 -feet wide clear span.
An excellent structural description of the Bank and Insurance Building was penned in 1904 by its supervising
architect, John Spencer, for Fireproof Magazine. Spencer claimed that this was Iowa's first all -steel frame building
with complete terracotta fireproofing and exterior shell. The use of the steel greatly reduced the weight of the
support structure, as did the use of all -terra cotta wall panels. The terra cotta exterior consisted of a hollow backwall
and the ornamental exterior veneer and all of the terra cotta weighed 2,200 tons. Fifty -eight interior and perimeter
columns supported the building (Fireproof Magazine, February 1904, pp. 35, 37).
PS Form 10 -900 -a
r -86)
hilted States Department of the Interior
vational Park Service
'jational Register of Historic Places
continuation Sheet
section number 7 Page 4
ipper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
structural Support
Massive stone pyramids support each column and the columns are of the Larimer Patent type. Each column
3 in turn completely fireproofed by being fully clad with hollow tile. Demolition on the seventh floor has exposed the
:olumns and flat- arched tile ceilings to a considerable extent.
The Larimer Steel Column was patented by J. M. Larimer on June 2, 1891. Designed to provide maximal
;trength and minimal column weight, the column consisted of.two I -beams bent at right angles, and then joined by a
single row of rivets using an I- shaped filler strip. As the figure indicates, a steel cap was used atop the column as a
)ase for supporting the beams. This cap was attached to the column, and the beams to the caps using steel
):rackets and rivets. This column type was first used in the construction of the Newberry Library building in Chicago
1892. It was manufactured exclusively by Jones & Laughlin's, Ltd. of Pittsburgh, and it can be presumed that this
irm produced the columns for the Bank and Insurance Building. Identical beams were used in the Security Office
3uilding, erected in Dubuque in 1896. Larimer columns were not deemed suitable for high -rise construction (ten or
nore stories) and by 1900 their use was restricted to the construction of water towers and windmills (Kidder, pp.
45-447).
nterior Plan:
No historic interior layout or decorative components survive. The current hall marble wainscoting has been
efinished and reused, but its placement vis a vis the original configuration, is not determined. The twin elevators
ire located in the south center of the plan. The building entrance (9 Street) is to the west of the elevators and is
Dcated in the sixth bay from the east wall. Figure 6 locates the elevators and the south entrance, as well as the two
vest entrances and a rear exit located beneath the fire escape. The column locational pattern follows east/west
ries for the most part, being influenced by the original need to minimize column interruptions within the principal
/lain Street storefronts. The central sets of columns locate the original principal entrance: The column
arrangement is no longer adhered to within the southwest quarter of the plan, where again, storefront needs
tetermined column placement. The floor level on the first floor has two differing elevations, the result of the higher
Iround along 9 Street.
Iterations:
The building remained remarkably well preserved until 1956 when, over the next four years, it was
:omprehensively remodeled inside and out. Outside, the terra cotta on the lower two stories were presumably
systematically removed (this has not been confirmed be looking beneath the slip screens however) and were
eplaced with the present aluminum slip cover and window arrangement. The Main Street entrance was eliminated.
In the first phase the lower two stories were so treated, with the intention to cover the entire building exterior.
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Inside the light well that ran from the second story to the roof was eliminated and its exterior walls removed,
Ind the floor voids infilled. The Main Street hallway was eliminated. The raised banking floor, set atop an elevated
iasement area in the southeast corner of the plan, was eliminated, by lowering the floor and adding a second story
loor.level. The elevators were enlarged and replaced. The entire interior was redone replacing the marble covered
Iallways with glass and aluminum hallways. Dropped ceilings and a system of moveable partition walls were
nstalled. A new heating and air - conditioning plant was installed (this building provided heat and water to the
)uilding to the west).' In 1960 the final phase of this remodeling was accomplished when the attic roof was raised,
Ira eighth floor 'was thereby created, and the elevator gained a story in height. A single -story adjoining rooftop
>enthouse was also built. The original terra cotta cornice and parapet was removed and another iteration of the
Permit Date
Amount
Contractor
Permit Details
April 29, 1905
North exterior fire escape and fire doors. An
agreement was made with the owners of 951
Main to the north that the fire escape could be
built and maintained as long as the neighboring
building was not damaged.
February 9, 1934
$1,200
Fred Gielisson
Repair and alterations from explosion, 915
Main
November 15,
t 934
$200
Anton Basten
Dubuque Bldg. & Loan, Frame Garage, as 219
West 9th
February 29, 1940
$480
Leo Ply
Basement alterations
November 1, 1941
$5,000
Henry Mueller & Sons
Alterations, 923 Main
May 26, 1981
$500
Tony Kalb .
Remodel interior
August 25, 1981
$230
Steve Carnahan
First floor partition
June 1, 1982
$3,000
Hoelscher's Remodeling
Interior alterations
November 15,
1983
Advanta Sign Company
Install set of plastic letters (south door ?)
_.
November 28,
1983
$450
Cliff Stock
Interior remodel .
15, 1984
$8,200
Fisher Company
Recoat existing roof
_August
October 21, 1988
$30,000
Joe Faley Construction
Interior remodel
March 8, 1988
$1,500
Fisher Company
Remove interior wall
September 1,
19.88
$5,900
Fisher Company
Interior alterations to corridor walls
January 9, 1990
$7,000
Prostine Construction
Remodel to make office and restaurant
February 13, 1992
$400
Jack Stackis Construction
Pickle Barrel, interior alterations
June 1, 1992
$6,500
Dick Kelly
Alterations to law office
September 23, .
1.992
$8,096
Automatic Sprinkler
Basement and stairway system
October 21, 1993
$20,000
Edwards Construction
Install retaining wall behind building standpipe
2000
$23,832
Grinnell Fire
Sprinkler system in corridors, hallways, floors
1 -6
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 5
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
corrugated slip screen with a window band was installed. Again, mercifully, the intention to cover the entire building
was not carried through with. All of the windows were replaced and the north windows were unfilled with block glass
and single lights.
The following list of building permits for the Bank and Insurance Building are not exceptionally descriptive
and no permits were found that cover the work done between 1956 -196Q. No permits at all were found for the years
1940 -1980 in fact.
Irnteority Evaluation:
At one level, this more comprehensive investigation of the building's history and structure argues
convincingly that the building, even as it now stands, retains two key components of its historical integrity. The steel
skeleton and fireproofing tile system, along with the tile arch floors, the north brick wall, chimney, and the non-
PS Form 10 -900 -a
5 -86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
Jational Park Service
Jational Register of Historic Places
continuation Sheet
Section number 7 . Page 6
)pper Main Street Historic District Amendment
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
)earing terra cotta walls on floors three through seven, survive intact. The second consideration is that this is a very
fnusual commercial design inasmuch as it has a three -sided intact mid -level facade. The facade is arguably one of
he best terra cotta example of this style and period to be found in the state. It is an exuberant, two -toned three -
iimensional design. It is proposed that a good strong argument for the significance of this building, on the basis of
:s style /exterior and its structural system could be made. One could also add to the consideration the fact that the
changes now in place, have for the most part passed the 50 -year cutoff point and could be considered historic,
)eing a representation of what was routinely done to these buildings at that time.
At the same time, this application is being made with the understanding that the restoration of this building
would remove the most egregious design errors of the recent past. Minimally it is proposed to remove the covering
ri the lower two levels, explore what survives beneath those covers and either restore those components and if
)nssible what was there, or to replicate in a readily recognized manner, the spirit of the original design. Missing belt
Nurses related to the top of the second floor level, if lost, would be replaced, and the Main Street entrance would be
estored. The eighth floor covering would be removed and a replacement surfacing would be scored and colored so
is to blend in with the building exterior below it. The lost cornice would be replicated, either between the sixth and
;eventh floors or at the top of the seventh floor, and a parapet would be replaced. The single -story penthouse
would be removed.
The building is destined for rehabilitation and redevelopment over the next two- years. The retail /office usage
will be retained. Investment tax credits on the state and federal levels will be sought.
Eligibility Evaluation:
This building was reviewed for individual National Register eligibility and it was determined that due to the
Dss of two of its three external components, it was not individually eligible for nomination. The building was
ecommended as having sufficient exterior integrity as a contributing property within a historic district however.
)51 Main Street (1876): This is a contributing building within the amended district.
This Italianate style three -story commercial building dates to early 1884 and is a rare nearly intact example of
i:commercial building form that was typical in Dubuque, but particularly on this part of Main Street. The model
onsisted of a three -story base with a high pedimented parapet cap. The special feature of this early commercial
acade is its use of carved limestone as a veneer covering. The resulting surface is similar to a pressed metal front,
liven its smoothness. Each window opening is simply framed with a carved pattern and a faux balcony -like sill
)and. There is no separate lintel component apart from the decorative carving on the facade stone work.. The
;ntire front is similarly inscribed with vertical and horizontal lines which mimic pilaster lines. The broadly projecting
grid bracketed metal cornice is set atop a complex denticulated metal frieze.
This three -story stone fronted building is simply unique to the city's surviving commercial properties. While
he high storefront has been completely replaced (most of it is covered with a metal paneled slipcover atop the
ransom line, the base is of a ceramic coated metal paneling), the uppermost stories are very well preserved and
)resent broadly projecting stone sills with brackets and a very bold metal cornice. The cornice was originally
;Unmounted by a striking pediment that likely bore the name of the block and building date. This profile was very
similar to that of 953 Main, located immediately north. Three bracketed bands break up the vertical sense of the
aCade at the two sill levels and just beneath the cornice line. There are four barely rounded window openings on
)ach floor. The storefront entrance is on the south end, the upstairs entrance on the north end.
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Section number 7 Page 7
. Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
The building footprint fully occupies its half lot and measures 25 feet by 114 feet. There is a full basement.
The foundation/basement walls are built of native limestone. The interior stair is at the back of the core plan. The
main floor was last used as a restaurant. The stairs are partioned off by an original wall. A newer partition
separates the rear 16 feet of the plan. There are no exposed historical features in the storefront area. The second
floor was also used as a commercial space, being last used as a billiard hall c.1960. It has an open plan with two
bathrooms. The third floor was a residential level. It presently consists of two rooms. A skylight is centered one
third of the way from the rear wall. There is a single -story brick rear addition (1896) that carries the plan to the
alleyway. The rear wall is fenestrated. The building suffers from a poor roof and resulting water damage. Many
Windows are lost and paneled over.
Alterations:
Loss of pediment, storefront replacement, rear addition. On January 6, 1886, a district court ruling in favor of
Mathias Ham and Sarah G. Wells, owners of the property to the south, required the building owners to temporarily
cover the south side window openings, and then to seal the openings with brick as soon as the weather permitted
(property abstract).
Eligibility Evaluation:
This property was recommended to be individually eligible for National Register of Historic Places listing on
the basis of its architecture (Criterion C) in July 2001. The State Historical Society of Iowa historic preservation staff
reviewed its eligibility on November 16, 2006 and the National Park Service approved a Part 1 Investment Tax Credit
application on September 9, 2009. This review was made in response to the threatened demolition of several
properties on this side of Main Street. The determination is based upon the uniqueness of the commercial
achitecture of this design, particularly its elaborate Queen Anne style ornamentation, executed on an otherwise
narrow plan. While there are many varying examples of ornate larger storefronts, very few single -front commercial
blocks of this diminutive scale survive. The particular element of interest is the bold and high pediment and parapet
treatment that projects forward from and above the main wall plane (State Historical Society of Iowa, Inventory).
955 Main Street, Charles J. Peterson Hall Queen Anne -1886: This is a contributing building within the amended
district.
This Queen Anne style three -story commercial block is just a few years later in date (1886) than 951 Main
Street, but its architecture, better preserved, expresses the same theme, that of a highly ornamented three -story
Commercial building with a very pronounced pediment cap. It is the very richness of the intermixing of materials and
textures, in combination with an elaborate interplay of forms, that assigns this design to the Queen Anne style.
The narrow half -lot plan (just 28.6 feet wide, 60 feet in depth) remarkably squeezes a double storefront into
its width. More impressive, the northernmost storefront comprises just one -third of the width due to the presence of
the upstairs stairwell and entrance at the north end of the storefront. The storefronts have been replaced and the
transom line remains completely covered by a metal slip screen. The storefront entrances are paired south of
center. Historic photos indicate that the original storefront was a single one, with a cast iron structural front and high
transom lights. Ceiling heights are eight feet in the basement, 13 feet on the ground and second floors, and 11 feet
on the third floor. The three upper levels are all finished inside with plaster walls. The foundation is of stone. No
rear addition is indicated on the Assessor's card.
JPS Form 10 -900 -a
8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number ' 7 Page 8
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
The facade is divided into three bays by the use of four square -cut pilasters. The two central pilasters define
a, bay that is twice as wide as those that flank it and two elongated windows are subsumed within the second floor
;enter bay. Large corbelled brick brackets step out from the upper floor level to support a large pedimented cap on
he parapet front. The taller second floor level is represented by the use of longer windows. These have semi -
;ircular brick arches formed of voussior rubbed brick and projecting keystones. A band of parquet -like terra -cotta
)anels fill the area above each of the four windows and transoms are incorporated into each window opening. Plain
)rojecting stone window sills are incorporated into continuous belt courses between the floor levels. The third floor
window openings are shorter and have flat stone lintels on the single window openings, and a broad semi - circular
arch and transom are set over a triple -light main window set. Carved stone inserts are set adjacent to the third floor
atone lintels. These bear sunrise motifs. The two "L" shaped double stone elements balance the brick brackets
chich cap each of the central pilasters. The brackets and stonework frame two rectangular panels that are filled
with elaborate terra -cotta panels that bear floral designs. Four panels comprise a larger unified design. A terra -
otta belt course caps the third floor level and underscores a centered stone sill. This sill defines the parapet
baseline across the central bay. An elaborate 3 -D metal floral panel covers the two outermost bays on the parapet
ront and forms the soffit beneath the raised central pediment cap. Four rounded ltalianate windows fill the front of
he central parapet bay. These presumably provided light for the hall on the third floor. The parapet is finally
tapped with elaborate metal work that simulates tile and there are two finial caps on the ends of the parapet wall.
Diagonal tile fill the gable front of the pediment cap.
There is a full basement and it is divided into two unequal longitudinal rooms that mirror the main floor
storefront division. The north basement is accessed by a rear stairway. The south half is tied into the main building
; tairway. Walls and foundation are of native limestone construction. On the main floor, the storefronts are
Separated. No historical materials are exposed. The second story is original in plan and is a residential level. An
nfilled framed arched opening communicates to two front (east rooms) and a fireplace survives in the northeast
•oom. Pocket doors link the two front rooms. The third story is open in plan. Walls define a rear vestibule and a
•oom that comprises a fourth of the overall plan from the west wall. There is a substantial attic space. A
leteriorating roof has resulted in some damage, particularly to windows where sash is either missing or paneled
>ver. •
Iterations:
Apart from the storefront changes, the building retains a high degree of physical integrity on its upper two
evels. The windows have been covered but might remain in place and the original frame window surrounds remain
n place.
Eligibility Evaluation:
This property was recommended to be individually eligible for National Register of Historic Places listing on
he basis of its architecture (Criterion C) in July 2001. The State Historical Society of Iowa historic preservation staff
•eviewed its eligibility on November 16, 2006 and issued a certificate of eligibility on September 9, 2009 (State
1istorical Society of Iowa, Inventory).
3 Main Street, (1901) Noyes Building: This is a contributing building within the amended district.
This Beaux Arts style two -story brick commercial building was built in 1901 and infilled an existing open half -
ot. The stylistic attribution rests on the use of decorative swags and tassels along the base of the parapet wall,
3eneath the projecting, corbelled metal cornice.
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Section number 7 Page . 9
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
With its reduced height, the comparative simplicity of this design to its neighbor to the south is striking. The
passage of 15 years had produced a greatly simplified commercial architectural design, especially in smaller -scale
buildings like this one, as is represented in the garland swags and the denticulated cornice line.
This is another half -lot -wide plan, measuring 28.6 feet in width, and 192 feet in length, including a 32 -feet
long rear single -story brick addition. The ground floor has an 18 -feet high ceiling which is quite unusual, particularly
in a small plan of this type. The second floor has a ten -feet high ceiling.
The facade has a uniform single wall plane, with a light brown brick veneer. The storefront has a high
transom but likely did not have an ornamental metal front, rather a steel support beam cap set above the transom
opening. The recessed storefront entry was and remains at the left-hand side, being set next to the entryway to the
second floor. The storefront postdates World War II.
Four upper level windows are paired in two sets and the sets are evenly distributed across the facade. The
windows have projecting cut Indiana limestone sills and flat steel supported lintels. A brick belt course underscores
the top of the transom area and the brickwork is stepped out in three successive lines above the windows and below
the parapet baseline. A plain parapet base is festooned with four garland sets, presumably of cast metal
construction. A boldly projecting metal cornice line is hung on the parapet front. A row of dentils underscores a row
Of Closely placed brackets. A strong cornice line surmounts the whole. The parapet cap, set behind and above the
cornice, is ornamented with a row of terra -cotta square panel inserts, each set above twin corbelled brick brackets.
There is a concrete cap atop the parapet front.
The foundation and basement walls are of native limestone construction. There is a full basement with an
eight feet high ceiling beneath both the storefront and the rear addition. The interior stairway is in the northeast
corner of the storefront. The basement is divided by a line of metal columns. The main floor storefront area is
divided into a rear work area and a front retail area. A small frame mezzanine runs along the north wall of the retail
area. The second floor retains its original residential layout. There are no exceptional interior design features. The
oak floor has been water damaged.
Alterations:
Apart from the covered transom area and the replaced storefront, the facade is very well preserved. The
upper level windows (1/1 lights) are likely original. The only Toss of ornament is two missing finials that originally
topped the front parapet corners.
Eligibility Evaluation:
This property was recommended to be individually eligible for National Register of Historic Places listing on
the basis of its architecture (Criterion C) in July 2001. The National Park Service approved a Part 1 Investment Tax
Credit application on November 16, 2006 and issued a certificate of eligibility on September 9, 2009 (State Historical
Society of .Iowa, Inventory).
District Styles and Developmental Chronology:
The four additional buildings add one Italian Renaissance, one Beaux Arts, one late Victorian and one Queen
Anne stylistic examples to the original district. Two of these four supplement a large number of three story
JPS Form 10 -900 -a
8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Section number 7 Page 10
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
:ommercial buildings, the majority of which have a prominent pediment/parapet cap. The construction dates of the
our added buildings all fall within the established district period of significance.
With this amendment, the district contains 22 contributing and 6 non - contributing buildings for a total of 28
uildings. No additional non - contributing buildings are added by this amendment, and the non - contributing status of
he original six buildings remains unchanged.
%Iterations to the district since its listing:
The Upper Main Street Historic District has been almost completely transformed since its listing from a
tilapidated neighborhood with many vacant or underutilized storefronts, to a vibrant entertainment and retail district.
the Dubuque Main Street program now has its offices within the district. Upstairs residential tenants have been
iiimerically increased and the greater proportion of the living units have been modernized and otherwise improved.
these improvements are directly the result of the state and federal investment tax credit programs as well as a host
)f community economic development incentives and State housing credits.
The following buildings have been substantially restored and rehabilitated over the recent several years:
1005 -7 Main, bay windows rebuilt, storefront restored, interior redeveloped
1042 Main, storefronts, facade restored, residential units rebuilt, new rear porches
1066 -68 Main, storefronts, facade restored, residential units rebuilt, new rear porches
1069 -79 Main, storefronts, facade restored, residential units rebuilt, new rear porches
1086 -98 Main, storefronts, facade restored, residential units rebuilt, new rear porches
1091 Main, storefronts, facade restored, residential units rebuilt, new rear porches
248 West 11 Main, facade restored, residential units rebuilt
Address
Construction Date
Eligibility Rating and Resource
Count
909 Main Street
1895
Contributing, one building
' 951 Main Street
1876
Contributing, one building
' 955 Main Street
1886
Contributing, one building
- 965 Main Street
1901
Contributing, one building
243 West 10 Street
1909
Non - contributing due to storefront
replacement, one building
1000 Main Street
1895
Contributing (massing, style), one building
1005 -07 Main Street
1885 -87
Contributing, one building
1031 Main Street
Pre -1889 (front), post -1894 (rear)
Non - contributing (facade replacement,
likely reversible) one building
1030 -36 Main Street
post -1962
Non - contributing (new building), one
building
1042 Main Street
1866, 1870
Contributing (SHPO DOE), one building
1043 Main Street
c.1855 -60
Non- contributing (facade replacement),
one building
1053 -57 Main Street
1947
Non - contributing (facade replacement),
one building
1. 066 -68 Main Street
1871
Contributing (SHPO DOE), one building
1069 -79 Main Street
1885
Contributing (SHPO DOE), one building
1086-98 Main Street
1868, 1873
Contributing (SHPO DOE), one building
1091 Main Street
1856, 1901
Contributing, one building
248 West 11 Street
1901
Contributing (SHPO DOE), one building
1100 Main Street
1876
Contributing, one building
1120 Main Street
1876
Contributing, one building
1130 Main Street
1876
Contributing, one building
1101 Main Street/247 West
' 11 Street
pre -1884 (re- fronted 1919)
Contributing, one building
1135 Main Street
1888
Contributing, one building
1140 Main Street
1877
Contributing, one building
1150 Main Street
1877
Contributing, one building
1141 Main Street
1905 (rectory)
Contributing building, individually listed
with its associated church on the National
Register of Historic Places.
1166 Main Street
post -1962
Non - contributing, one building
1172 Main Street
1893, 1896 -97
Contributing, one building
1199 Main Street
1896 (church)
Contributing building, the church is
individually listed on the National Register,
along with its associated rectory to the
south
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 7 Page 11
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Master Building List:
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
VPS Form 10 -900 -a
8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
U"‘: & dcks 5 i,U 4 l.C&v Cukdx
� � C
National Register of Historic Places cwt tctct ., as 4k u- r'
Continuation Sheet amvvvu c ..J Vtic Q 1 VG( 2 „ E
Section number 8 Page 12
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment
3, Significance Statement:
Significant Dates, Continued:
1902
4rchitect/Builder Continued:
Spencer, John
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
— REM k
CLC ) C ti ��l S' [C[ Ti 6 h
—C. S5&Y�
The Upper Main Historic District was listed as being locally significant for its historic association with
;ommercial architecture (Criterion C) and the commercial history and development of Dubuque (Criterion A). The
district consists architecturally of numerous excellent and well - preserved examples of Dubuque commercial
. rchitecture dating from pre -Civil War to World War I. A number of the city's most talented and prolific architects
i'signed some of the key district buildings. Historically, the district interprets the northward commercial expansion
)f the city's premier commercial thoroughfare, the work of several notable Dubuque rea - tate developers, and the
.61e played by a number of business firms. The district period of significance, 1856 to 919 is based on the oldest
ipd newest contributing buildings within the district. The district amendment did not cha • e the period of
>igriificance. Significant dates are the years that the four buildings, added by this amendment, went into service.
The amendment adding four additional commercial buildings underscores these same significance claims.
the added area was not considered for inclusion at the time of the original district nomination for a nu mber of
•easo The principal reason was the vacant area that occupies the southwest corner of Main and ' s ree s.
'Such a gap in what was a linear district focused on a single north -south running street (Main Street) appeared
o offer more obstacles to listing the core district than it offered assets. There was also the lack of an intact historic
;emmercial buildings along the east side of the 900's block of Main. A massive fire accounted or t e loss of all the
JQper story oortions of those buildin s. All of the additional buildings are in the process of completing or beginning
nvestment tax credit related rehabilitations. Looking at the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps indicates that the 900's
)lock of Main experienced the same transition from residential to commercial land use during the early 1880s.
ndeed, the profile, particularly of the east half block in question, virtually mirrors that of the 1000's block, with its
iioderate intensity of up- building and its backyard elevated water closets. The bottom line then seems that the
)ritire block shares the same contextual development story but the east side half block retains no integrity. On the
vest side, the corner gap is actually a historical gap, wherein a frame residence was lost so very late that it was
>ucceeded only by a filling station. The south part of the gap was occupied by a brick residence that belatedly
Volved into a bank, before being demolished. The remaining three smaller buildings all contribute to the original
faims of the original district listing. The Bank and Insurance Building, while on the surface appearing out of scale in
erms of massing and architectural ornamentation, actually represents an early "overreaching" in the northward
) xpansion of the downtown proper. It remained isolated until the lots to the south caught up with it. The additional
our significant dates are the years of construction for the added buildings.
architectural Significance and Commercial Expansion:
The four added buildings support the same northward growth context on the part of Main Street. They
urther support the finding that the east side of Main was always commercially dominant. The photographs and the
equence.of development (or the lack thereof) indicate that these buildings are more closely associated with the
fisted district rather than the primary downtown to the south.
•
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register. of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 13
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
Building Histories:
909 Main Street, Bank and Insurance Building:
The Bank and Insurance Building is Iowa's first all -steel skeleton building and the state's first modern office
building. This building represents the high end of the Italian Renaissance style and was one of the last designs by
the noted Chicago architect William F. Boyington, his partner W. G. Williamson, and architect John Spencer. This
building, with its very unusual triple- fronted facade, represents the ultimate in ornate terra cotta exteriors and
presents.arguably one of the best Iowa example of the use of this material for architectural ornamentation. These
achievements were the result of the importation of the very latest Chicago high -rise building technologies. This
Chicago design connection brought with it state -of- the -art building style, technology and even artisans. It is
Dubuque's first high -rise commercial building and its completion directly influencing the construction of the Security
Building, a block to the south (National Register of Historic Places). The building is the state's first true office
building, and on the local level for its role as Dubuque's first high rise commercial building, its first modern office
building and its impact in extending Dubuque's Main Street commercial core northward beyond 9 Street. More
.generally, this building's construction, in the waning years of the national depression of the early 1890s, reflects
Dubuque's continued growth and expansion at a time when competing Iowa urban centers were crippled by the
financial collapse. The large number of very large institutional and private buildings, nearly all of which were
designed by notable regional (read Chicago, not Dubuque) architects, represented the stylistic struggle between the
Renaissance and the emerging Romanesque styles.
Dubuque was building a number of major institutional and other public buildings in the face of the national
recession. These designs, embodying the Romanesque or Renaissance styles, were increasingly the works of
"imported" architects. This was the case with the Bank and Insurance Building. The three Chicago architects as
noted, brought the newest and most progressive building methods and materials to design and construct this
building. Architect Spencer superintended the construction and summarized its importance to high -rise and fireproof
construction:
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
For years this building remained the only steel skeleton construction building in Iowa, and
notwithstanding it was a pioneer building, so far as modern steel construction is concerned, it remains
to this day a type of the best -known method of fireproof construction.
The late firm of W. W. Boyington & Co. of Chicago were the architects. The whole of the work was
in charge of Mr. W. G. Williamson, now in practice in the Association building, and Mr. John Spencer,
A.I.A. of Dubuque, I[ow]a., by whom also the work was personally superintended.
Many claims have been made respecting modern steel construction, but dates prove beyond all
doubt that this building at Dubuque was without doubt the first complete building to be erected in the
rnodern manner.
The whole of the steel construction drawings were made in the office of the architect, and were in
charge of Mr. Spencer, who made all the figures for same.
Steel guides for the elevators, reinforced with hard steel, were first used in this building and were
' put up by the Crane Elevator Company from a suggestion made by the architect (Fireproof Magazine,
February 1904).
A key point of the building design involved the basement level extensions that are depicted on several of the
Sanborn Map details. These extended beneath 9 Street and to the west side of the alley to the west. This caused
some protest from the Federal officials in that direction. That extension contained the building's artesian well and
eventually the building provided water to the Post Office, much to the consternation of the city's water company.
IPS Form 10 -900 -a
3 -86)
.united States Department of the Interior
Vational Park Service
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
qational Register of Historic Places
continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 14
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
E.he alleyway extension mandates that the amended district boundary follows the west line rather than the center
ine of the alley so as to include this part of the building.
This building represented the trend to place the most notable architectural designs on corner sites. This
heme was identified as being a characteristic of the original district nomination. The Dubuque Times observed:
From present indications it will not be many years before all the corners along Main
street will be occupied by handsome business blocks. Dubuque capitalists are taking
these corners as fast as they come into market, which is an indication of the solidity of
our city.
The construction of the Bank and Insurance Building, above 9 Street, represented a very substantial northward
xtension of the commercial downtown center, usually referred to as the "100 percent location." Typically banks
ront.on these key corners. The "B &I" did induce the commercial up- building of Main Street between 10 and 12
streets, an area now called the Upper Main Street Historic District (National Register of Historic Places). At the
lame time, contemporary photographs document the lack of comparable up- building on the southwest corner of 9th
Ind Main, as well as the same corner at 10 and Main. Early residences survived on both locations. The former
cite would become the American Trust and Savings Bank, a 12 -story high building that was built in 1923 (Dubuque
Daily Times, January 16, 1895).
These were the principal sub - contractors and vendors for the building's construction:
Demolition, Oliver W. Kingle, Dubuque
Excavation work, Ryan Brothers, Dubuque
Stone Foundation, John Tibey, Dubuque
Steel (patented Larimer Steel Column), Jones and Laughlin, Chicago
Steelwork, C. L. Stroebel, Chicago
Ornamental Iron, Ornamental Iron Works, Chicago
Artesian well boring, J. P. Miller & Co. of Chicago
Terra Cotta, Northwestern Terra Cotta Works, Chicago
Column /beam fireproofing, Hubbard Terra Cotta Company [Chicago ?]
he original target completion date was March 15, 1895, the work wasn't finished until September 1. Work was
started in October and the massive basement stone foundation was nearly finished by October 21. The steel work,
erra cotta work, and the brickwork on the north side party wall arose together. This was accomplished over a very
:old winter and it is remarkable that the riveting, and masonry work could be completed on the building without any
seated enclosures. The steel work was begun on January 14, 1895 and reached the fourth floor by mid - March. The
oof was completed a month later (Dubuque Herald, October 4, November 19, 1894; Dubuque Daily Times, August
?9, October 12, December 14, 1894; April 13, May 17, 1895).
The building was claimed as a 1894 improvement by the Dubuque Herald and its construction was
; elebrated:
While the building site remained just a very impressive stone - walled hole in the
ground, the fact that it was going up was celebrated in the 1894 end -of -year progress
report. The Herald termed it "our greatest pride." The $350,000 building would "be
devoted to the use of banks, stores and offices, and no expense is to be spared to
N PS Form 10 -900 -a
(8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Section number 8 Page 15
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
make it one of the finest buildings of its kind in the states." The same source
continued, "The exterior is to be of two shades of terra cotta, the body a rich yellow red
tone, and the trimmings to be a warm cream color, all to be highly decorated"
(Dubuque Herald, January 1, 1895).
Apart from a banking house, in which most of the developers had an interest, the building tenants were pretty
much an after thought once the building was finished. Indeed, it was stated that the quarters for tenants would be
designed to fit their spatial needs. Non - bearing walls could be placed anywhere. One "new departure" that this
arrangement allowed for was the partnering of doctors to collectively use multi -room suites. There was just one
double- storefront retail tenant, that of Barnard, Walker and Clewell, dealers in books, music, and musical
instruments. Otherwise there was a basement buffet, and the other tenants were insurance dealers, building and
loans, lawyers, and other professionals. A few tenants moved in early in December 1895 but the grand opening
took place on December 29, 1895. Ten thousand visitors toured the new building and the heartiest climbed the
stairs to enjoy the perspective from the upper floors. The Times summarized the event as follows:
But the real splendor of the structure was not seen until night, when the thousands of electric lights
were turned on. From every window gleamed the soft rays of light, and the main arch on the Main
street side was a beautiful sight to behold. The arch was encircled with rows of electric lights; and
presented a magnificent view. The bank on the corner was also lighted, and was the object of
interest, as all the visitors embraced the opportunity to view it...The soul of the architect who planned
the structure seemed to reveal itself to the beholder. It is a revelation of the genius and progress of
the age, and is a grand type of the means, ingenuity and skill, and the dream of years at last realized.
The erection of this imposing building is the symbol of prosperity and the signal for renewed hopes
and stronger faith in the future of our city (Dubuque Daily Times, December 28, 29, 1985).
The completed new building was an imposing monument in Dubuque as preceding and subsequent figures
indicate. While it was advertised as containing some 200 office spaces, the 1899 city directory list of tenants totals
58 occupants. Clearly most tenants occupied suites of offices. Frank D. Stout was the president of the Iowa Trust
and.Savings' Bank, which was organized in 1884. This was yet another Zink between a primary tenant company and
one of the building's developers. The bank failed in 1932 and its prominent corner quarters were filled by the
American Bank and Trust by 1941. That bank had its origins as the German American Savings Bank. Renamed in
1918, it occupied its own new building at 1842 Central until 1934. It moved to the Federal Bank Building in 1945,
ending the banking association of this building (www.encyclopediadubuque.org).
City directories simply list the building tenants alphabetically through the early 1920s. Accordingly it is
difficult to place a particular tenant on a specific floor until the 1923 directory. That directory lists only the bank on
the main floor. In the basement were a bath parlor and a barber. The second floor contained eight offices and
these were leased exclusively by doctors and dentists. The third floor contained 20 offices that were used by a
n umber of insurance offices, brokerages, some doctors, the Dubuque Visiting Nurses Association, the Underwood
Typewriter Company, and the Commerce Department Steamboat Inspection Service. The Fourth floor had 16
offices and on this floor lawyers, loan offices, insurance firms, several lumber companies, and the Board of
Education all resided. On the fifth floor were 15 offices that housed mostly lawyers, insurance companies, the
International Harvester Company, and an advertising company. The sixth floor had just 11 offices and these were
ocoupled by Iawyers,.realtors, insurance companies, Fridolin Heer, architect, and the Dubuque Manufacturer's
Association. The seventh floor contained five offices and these were occupied by insurance companies, lawyers, an
optical company and the Dubuque Securities Company. Within the next two years, the major internal change was
the consolidation of the upper level office suites to just three, with the Dubuque Securities Company, the Dubuque
PS Form 10 -900 -a
3 -86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
Jational Park Service
Vational Register of Historic Places
continuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
iection number 8 Page 16
)riper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
=ire and Insurance Company and the National Reserve Insurance Company as tenants (1923 City Directory of
) ubuque, 1925 City Directory of Dubuque).
The 1948 city directory evidences a real rebound in overall building occupancy. The basement is fully
■ccupied, and while 911 Main remained vacant, the Linpark Clothiers were located at 915 Main Street. There were
an empty offices, the largest number found in the sampling, but the seventh floor was once again listed with eight
)ffices, all being occupied. Tenants there included Company D, 410 Infantry (Federal Reserves), the U.S.
(-eterans Administration, the U.S. Air Force Reserves and the U.S. Bureau of the Census. A floor below were the
J.S. Selective Service Board, and the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. Elsewhere in the building were found the
:uller Brush Company, Catholic Charities, the Dubuque County Tuberculosis Association and the Dubuque Chapter
if the American Red Cross (1948 Dubuque City Directory).
By 1955 there were a dozen empty offices in the building and no listed ground level retailers. Two new
enants in Room #604 were the Fischer Realty Company and the Fischer Investment Company. Beginning in 1953,
:ouis H. Pfohl (1907 -2000) had begun negotiations to purchase the Bank and Insurance Building. Pfohl had
Harried Pauline Mathis, the granddaughter of Caroline Rhomberg Fischer. The Fischer family had come to
)ubuque in 1854 and Louis Fischer had worked for and then partnered with Cushing and Wheeler, dealers in wood
ind ice. The other partners soon departed leaving Louis Fischer in charge. He died in 1878 and his widow Caroline
,ucceeded to managing the family business. Daughter Julia Fischer Mathis did the same when Caroline died. Louis
'fohl purchased the business in 1948 and the company was reorganized into three corporations, Fischer and
;ompany, Fischer Investment Company and Fischer Artificial Ice and the Cold Storage Company. The real estate
.orporation acquired key downtown properties that it still owns to this day. These include the Julien Hotel, the
:arley and Loetscher Administrative Building and the Bank and Insurance Building (Dubuque Telegraph - Herald,
august 10, 1969).
The building was renamed "The Fischer Building" and in early 1956, Louis Pfohl announced plans to
Iramatically modernize the building. The first transformation was the covering of the lower two floors with what was
>riginally a green colored metal slip screen and all -new storefronts. The raised banking floor was lowered to ground
Dvel and all new entrances and interior lobbies were constructed. This work was still underway as of mid -year when
'hohl promised additional changes. The third floor was to be committed to the use of medical, dental and related
iervices. The entire building was to be completely covered with the same slip screen materials, the building was to
►e air conditioned and the interior Tight court was to be built in. Finally an eighth floor was to be added by jacking up
re existing roof. Necessarily the cornice and parapet were to be removed. This work was to be accomplished "in
le next few years." Curiously no building permits were obtained for any of this work so dates for the changes and
neir costs are unavailable apart from newspaper accounts. There was one reuse of historical material. The original
Dbby Italian marble work was refinished and reused (Dubuque Telegraph- Herald, July 8, 1956).
Louis Pfohl had a creative vision for his building, seeking to transform the building into "the Rockefeller
:enter of Dubuque ;" That goal betrayed his New York roots. He stated "An office building should be like a stage
;etting —a versatile structure that can be reset again and again to fit the varied and changing needs of its
enants...The average tenant spends more time in his office than he does in his home. It should be so pleasant and
:onvenient that he enters it with enthusiasm in the morning and still has a spring in his step when he leaves at
light." Pfohl was an architect and he supervised the remodeling and did the design work. Ralph Mueller did the
:onstruction work. Cy Lampe was the building manager and was also directly involved the building make -over work.
renaming the building was typical of the times, but the selection of the Fischer family name represented a century
if history in Dubuque. So the change combined change with tradition (Dubuque Telegraph - Herald, July 8, 1958).
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
:(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 17
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
The final installment of the multi -year remodeling came in 1960 when an eighth floor was added. The three
foot existing attic level was heightened six feet. The elevator shaft was extended another story. A north -end single
story elevator penthouse addition became a radio transmission station. The elevator expansion combined with the
enlargement of the elevator shafts and the replacement of the elevator cabs. The original plan was to cover the new
floor and the seventh floor with buff colored porcelainized aluminum panels. This color was intended to contrast with
the green colored slip covers on the lower two floors. Needless to say, only the new floor was covered and the
present slipcovers match with their dark gray coloration. The roof - raising was accomplished in three sections. The
steel columns were first put in place, piercing the old roof. These supported the screwing mechanisms that hoisted
the roof sections. The columns were then welded into place. Owner Pfohl praised the design of the building and in
particular its steel support system, which enabled him to make his interior changes with some ease. The final
A'cc'ent assuming t was actually put in place, was seasonally scented elevators (Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, March
9 Y P P Y ( q
27, 1,960).
The remodeling kept the building fully occupied well into the 1970s. The 1963 city directory, reflecting the
building layout and tenantry immediately following the remodeling confirms the full occupancy claim as of that time.
One.major transformation was in the basement, were ten offices were now located, likely reflecting the demise of
the bowling alley space. The second and third floors had 11 -12 offices on each level, while the fourth floor had 21
offices. The latter clearly reflected a provision of smaller office areas within the building (1963 Dubuque City
Directory).
951 Main Street (1876):
This building was one of the very first commercial buildings to be erected on this street frontage as
commercial land uses crept northward along Main Street during the mid- 1870s. The 1872 lithographic overview
shows two larger buildings on the east side of the street, closer to 10 Indeed commercial growth by- passed much
of•the 800s and 900s blocks and first developed the 1000s block to the north. This building appears on the 1884
Sanborn Map as a 2.5 -story block set between a house to the south and a duplex to the north. In unusual detail, the
rnap indicates that the building houses a wholesale /retail millinery and a third floor hall. There were no openings on
the north side wall.
This three -story commercial building dates to 1876 and appears to be a very unusual and well - preserved
commercial design, one that was designed by noted architects, Fridolin Joseph Heer Sr. and Edward Naescher.
Heer founded a leading design firm in Dubuque in 1870 who partnered with Naescher from 1874 -76 (Shank, p. 79).
Bernard Kistler was responsible for constructing this building on Main between 9 & 10 Streets. The Herald
reported:
Kistler's new building, on Main street, between Ninth and Tenth, attracts attention by its fine stone
front, which certainly is a creditable piece of work. The public are informed that J[ames]. Roys filled
the contract, received the stone from LaMotte, and made the plain and ornamental work, polishing
the stone, and executing the same from drawings of the architect. Mr. Roy's yard turns out some
creditable work, as many a building about town will testify.
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Heer &'Naescher, were the architects. Klauer & Henney did the cast iron work in the storefront "all of the most
modern style." The press noted "no building in the city is built stronger or furnished better." Key elements included
the marble front, French plate glass, galvanized iron cornice, tin roof, stone sidewalk, cistern, water closets, rear
porch, double storefront with cellars, rear entrances in basement, store and hall on ground, second floor residence,
PS Form 10-900-a
3 -66)
:united States Department of the Interior
Jational Park Service
Jiational Register of Historic Places
ontinuation Sheet
section number 8 Page 18
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
tnd a third floor hall. The plan measured 25x70 and the construction cost was $7,800. It was intended to house
awelry shop, and was nearly done by mid - October (Dubuque Herald, October 8, December 2, 1876; Dubuque
fational,Demokrat, June 1, October 12, 1876).
Bernard and Susanna Kistler acquired the property on November 5, 1866. Susanna, widowed by April 5,
884, sold the building to David Conigisky for $9,500. He in turn sold it to George B. and Ellen Burch in early 1891.
In early 1886 the property owners to the south forced the owners to brick in the south side window openings
Property Abstract).
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
The first identified tenant, however, was M. Paffman's French Dye House, which was there as of May 4,
877 and remained until May 1878. The earliest documented tenant firm for this building was A. C. Blake's millinery
945 Main) in 1880. Owner Conigisky had his dry goods store there as of 1884. F. E. Leonard, confectioner, was
iere in 1890. Walter F. Meade had a cigar store and billiards hall (951 Main) as of 1896 -98. He surrendered his
,2Q billiard hall permit in November 1900, the same year that July 4th firecrackers cracked one of his large display
✓indows, costing him $100 to replace it. Meade moved three blocks south in December 1901 becoming "the latest
addition of Upper Main merchants to move downtown." Brown and Greeley, Milliners, briefly replaced the cigar store
i March 1902, and Mrs. Brown became its sole owner as of late September 1902. Upstairs, Dr. Matthay's
,steopathic and electrical institute secured the entire second floor for at least the early part of 1902. The Loyal
).rder of Moose Lodge, #355, occupied the hall between 1909 and 1934. The Disabled American Veterans Club
sed the hall as of 1952. There was a restaurant downstairs in 1913, it was vacant in 1918, the Great American
;tore was there in 1925, a cafe in 1934, Harker & Poquette Billiards in 1948, and Q The Billiards in 1952 (Dubuque
Jerald, May 4, 1877; September 24, 1899; May 21, 1878;November 12, December 13, 1900; January 7, February
1, April 28, 1902; Dubuque Telegraph - Herald, December 12, 16, 27, 1901; January 3, February 7, March 30, April
$, June 8, September 29, 1902).
55 - 57 Main Street: Charles J. Peterson Hall
Dental surgeon Charles J. Peterson (1854 -1929) built this combination store, dental office and public hall in
-886 for $5,500. The Herald reported in mid -April that the work on the building had been delayed for two weeks due
The lack of stone masons. Peterson had first lived and worked at 970 Main. In 1889 he added a single -story rear
rick addition. Peterson occupied the second floor with his dental office. Peterson's Hall is first listed in city
irectories in 1894 at which time it was being used by the two local chapters of the Royal Arcanum, the Independent
)rder of Good Templars and the Dubuque Dental Society (formed in 1893). The building was then addressed as
57 or 961 Main Street. The hall and Peterson continue to be listed at this address through 1901 when the hall
oused the meeting of the veterans of the 9 Iowa Infantry and the 3 Iowa Battery during the Grand Army of the
iepublic Reunion in late September. Peterson was a graduate of the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (March
877) and was one of a few trained dental surgeons who were working in Iowa. In just three years it was noted that
'eterson had "established a leading business in Dubuque." By 1896 Peterson was serving as the president of the
?ubuque School Board. He also served as the head of the Dubuque Dental Society and the Iowa State Dental
society. Peterson was a director of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church, and in that capacity, participated in the
rasing of the property at 965 Main in 1901 (Herald, April 16, 1886; Dubuque Telegraph, June 2, 1901).
Charles A. Noyes partnered with Franklin R. Anson by 1884 to form an art store business that first located at
70 Main across the street as of 1884 -85. He was at 955 -57 Main as of December 1, 1895. Noyes was the sole
The property abstract does not show when Peterson acquired the land. He and his wife Tenie N. Peterson sold it March 12, 1898 to Francis
Jaldron Bradley and Esther Bradley Witmer.
N P§ Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
-Section number . 8
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
owner by 1892 -93 and occupied the ground floor of Peterson's building. In mid -1896 Noyes received the city
franchise to sell Sterling Bicycles. He is listed there through 1901, after which time he relocated to 965 Main to the
north. J. J. Leonard, D.D.S. replaced Dr. Peterson on the second floor beginning in 1900, remaining one year. He
followed Noyes to 965 Main Street, next door north. George W. Wunderlich, chemist, replaced Noyes on the main
floor, beginning in 1902. He was the son of Henry W. Wunderlich, a long -time manager /president of the Dubuque
Cabinet Makers Association. George Wunderlich first worked as a pharmacist in St. Louis, where he studied
pharmacy. Noyes offered two 14 -feet long oak counters "cheap, if taken at once," for sale in late November 1901 as
he prepared for his move next door north (Dubuque Herald, December 1, 1895; May 5, 1896; Dubuque Telegraph -
Herald, November 30, 1901).
The hall continued to be listed as late as 1939 and the Elks met there as of 1904, succeeded by the Knights
Of Columbus, who were there as of 1908. This was one of a number of halls that clustered along Main Street
between 9 and 10 streets. The 1894 city directory listed nine halls on this block, including Peterson's. The
"clubroom" was remodeled by Anthony Construction Company in 1939. A 1939 reference to "Service Club"
alterations refers to this hall. Another common presence along this block was bicycle - related businesses. There
were four retail bike dealers, including Noyes, as of 1896.
Service Optical Company was the tenant in 955 Main as of 1952. Albert Siegele, furrier, was in 957 Main as
Of :1913 -18. Dubuque Meat Company followed, 1921 -25, as did John Daskalaski, shoe repair, 1935 -52.
Page 19
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
The 1909/62 Sanborn Map shows a split storefront (955 -957). Vi's Nutrition occupied the entire storefront
from c.1979 until quite recently. A December 30, 1980 fire caused $50,000 in damage and caused the replacement
of the storefront. A second fire, on February 3, 1983, caused $10,000 in damages.
965 Main Street:
This parcel was owned by St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church as of September 1, 1886. A double house
or duplex with open side yards infilled the lot and the three half lots to the north through 1900. Charles A. Noyes,
who'had his art store in the Peterson Building to the south, secured a 99 -year lease from the church that started
June 1, 1901, and Noyes built this building on leased land (Elizabeth Noyes owned the property until c.1990). The
lease agreement stipulated that Noyes would build a $25,000 building within the year. The Daily Telegraph noted
"The building will be a handsome modern structure with a fancy stone and brick front and will be a credit to that
block. The south half of the double house (971 Main) was demolished to make way for this building, in mid -1901.
Beginning in the 1902 city directory this building, addressed as 965 Main, first appears and housed Noye's art store
with his residence upstairs. That store remained here as late as 1934 with a photo shop on the upper level. A
single -story rear addition housed a picture framing shop (Dubuque Daily Telegraph, June 21, 1901; Property
abstract).
Greek -born "Arthur J. Diamond (? -1969) came to Dubuque in 1907 and founded Betty Jane Candy in 1933.
By 1938 the business occupied the ground floor of this building, remaining here until early 2009. The owners lived
on the upper level. Over time the business expanded to four stores scattered across the city and it became a locally
clierished business. During the late 1930s the store interior had a Moderne style design.
St. Luke's trustees sold the land to the Fischer Company in 2000 and the expiration of the 99 -year lease
provided an opportunity to vacate the building and to schedule its demolition. This had been the fate of the adjoining
building to the north. The building was sold and is to undergo rehabilitation.
IPS Form 10.900 -a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
3 -86)
_kilted States Department of the Interior
Na tional Park Service
'rational Register of Historic Places
continuation Sheet
Section number 8 Page 20
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
4istoric District Update:
The buildings at 1005 -07, 1042, 1066 -68, 1069 -79, 1086 -98, 1091 Main Street and the residence /duplex at
?48 West 11 have all been substantially rehabilitated since the district was listed. Current photographs document
hese changes. As of this date, none of the six non - contributing buildings have been rehabilitated or removed, and
heir status within the district remains unchanged. This district has had a remarkable transformation in terms of its
;conomic vitality and its range of retail and particularly its dining and entertainment businesses since it was first
isted.
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
Section number 9 Page 21
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
9. Maior Bibliographic References:
American Architect and Building News, February 9, 1881
Boyington And Williamson, Architects, Chicago: Original building elevations and floor plans, undated [1894]
Dubuque Building Permits
Dubuque City Directories, 1899, 1900, 1904, 1911, 1915, 1923, 1925, 1929, 1934, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1955, 1963
Dubuque County Assessor's Office
Jacobsen, James E. "Fischer Building /Bank and Insurance Building." Site Inventory Form, November 2002
. "Dubuque —The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa, 1837-
1.955." Des _Moines: History Pays, 2004
. Iowa Site Inventory Forms, 951, 955 -57, 965 Main Street. History Pays, November 2002_
. Dubuque —The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa, 1837-1955,
Des Moines: History Pays! Historic Preservation Consulting Firm, 2004
. "...the finest business street west of Chicago and North of St. Louis..." Phase III Architectural and
Historical Survey Report- Downtown Dubuque. Des Moines: History Pays! Historic Preservation Consulting Firm,
2003
Kidder, Frank E. The Architect's And Builder's Pocket -Book: A Handbook For Architects, Structural Engineers,
Builders, And Draughtsmen. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1908
Koch, Augustus. Bird's Eye View of the City of Dubuque, Iowa 1872 n.p., Augustus Koch, 1872
Korom, Joseph J., Jr. The American Skyscraper: A Celebration of Height. Brookline Village, Massachusetts:
Branden Publishing Company, 2008
Kriviskey, Bruce M., Historic Preservation Planning and Design Study in Dubuque, Iowa. Dubuque: Ben Miehe and
Associates, August 1981.
Kriviskey, Bruce M., Summary Memorandum. Dubuque Architectural Survey /Historic Preservation Planning Project
7978 -79. Dubuque: Bruce M. Kriviskey, April 1, 1980
Lyon, Randolph W., Dubuque The Encyclopedia. Dubuque: First National Bank of Dubuque, 1991
Morton, Jeffrey. Part 2 Investment Tax Credit Program Applications, 951, 955 -57, 965 Main Street. Dubuque:
J effrey. Morton and Associates, 2009
Oldt, Franklin T. and P. J. Quigley. History of Dubuque County, Iowa. Chicago: Goodspeed Historical Publishing
Company, 1911
!PS Form 10 -900 -a
3 -86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
aational Park Service
Jewspapers:
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Vatio Register of Historic Places
'ontinuation Sheet
'`ection number 9 Page 22
Jpeer Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
7anborn Fire Insurance Company Maps, Dubuque, Iowa: 1884, 1891, 1909, 1936, 1950, 1963
Thank, Wesley I., Iowa's Historic Architects. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1999
Thaffer, James L., and John T. Tigges. Dubuque, Iowa. Chicago: Arcadia Press, 2000
ipencer, John. "Fireproof Bank and Insurance Building." Fireproof Magazine, February 1904, pp. 35 -37
Tt:rada Johnson Architects, P.C., Dubuque: Preliminary Documents, Fischer Building, Dubuque, June 16, 2009
Vellge, H., "Perspective Map of the City of Dubuque, la., 1889." Dubuque: Center For Dubuque History, Loras
)ollege
Daily Times:
October 13, 20, 21, 31, November 7, 8, 16, 21, 25, December 14, 19, 22, 1894; January 15, 16, 22, 30,
February 19, March 1, 7, 15, 21, 26, April 7, 13, 21, May 18, 25, June 1, 11, 23, July 14, November 25,
December 1, 28, 29, 1895
Herald:
May 18, 1893; July 20, 22, August 16, August 22, 23, October 4, 1894, November 7, 19, 1894; January 1,
December 7, 14, 15, 17, 1895; September 8, 1897
Telegraph:
August 22, 28, October 12, 1894; January 11, 1896; January 12, 1914
Telegraph - Herald.
March 19, 1905; January 7, 8, 1934; July 8, 1956; July 8, 1958; March 27, 1960; August 10, 1969
iternet Sources (assessed June 22 -26, 2009):
http://www.encyclopediachicaqohistory.ora/paqes/2797.html
http: / /www.bc. edu /bc.orq /aup /cas /fnart/fa267 /19 sky.html
http: / /www.dexigner.com /design events /4625.html
http: / /www.terracehill.orq /news /news /past/story 96.html
http://www.encyclopedia.chicaqohistory.orq;
http:// www. wheelockgenealogv .com/wheelockweb /pages /OtisLeonardW heelock. htm
http://www.encyclopediachicaqohistory.orq
http://www.hegelercarus.org/history/ww_boyington.html
http://columbus.iitedu/dreamcity.100024022.html
http://vvww.nyc-architecture.com/GON/GONOUS.htm
www.encyclopediadubuque.org
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 23
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
10. Geographical Data:
USGS Coordinates:
Zone 15
Northing Eastina
A 4,707,971 691,580
B 7,708,151 691,500
C 4,708,168 691,540
D 4,708,241 691,509
E 4,708,247 691,557
F 4,708,010 691,657
G 4,707,860 691,600
H 4,707,880 691,680
4,707,990 691,620
The district includes the following legal parcels:
Boundary Description:
This amendment adds Lots 46 -50 that comprise the east half of Block 5, Original Town. The district boundary is
proposed to be extended south along the centerline of Main Street, beginning at intersection of that centerline with
the center line of 10 Street, running south along said line to the centerline of 9 Street, thence west along that
center line to its intersection with the west line of the alley in Block 5, thence north along that alleyway to the
intersection with the centerline of 10 Street, finally running east to the point of beginning.
906 Main: Lots 49 -50, Block 5, Original Town
951 Main: South half Lot 48, Block 5, Original Town
955 -57 Main: North half Lot 48, Block 5, Original Town
965 Main: South half Lot 47, Block 5, Original Town
Vacant parcel, north half Lot 47, Lot 46 Block 5, Original Town
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Boundary Justification:
The district boundary includes the commercial, church and multiple -unit dwelling blocks that front on Main Street
b West 10 and West 12 streets. The northern and southern boundaries are defined by the absence of
historic commercial buildings above (north) or below (south) the numbered side streets. Buildings in those areas,
fronting on Main are gone in whole or in part, and replaced with new buildings. Alleys form the east and west
boundaries. To the west, only the Congregational Church and one commercial building survive on the south end of
that half block. To the east a mix of commercial and residential buildings front onto Iowa Street. The buildings
included in this district were all directly associated with the northward expansion of the Main Street commercial
corridor.
IPS Form 10.900 -a
3 -86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
lational Register of Historic Places
,ontinuation Sheet
section number Imbedded Images Page 24
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Aap:
, hotographs:
)ates: September 17 -18, 2009
?hotographer: James E. Jacobsen
.ovation of Negatives: City of Dubuque
"game
•
'or Photo Map, see Figure 40
[See Figure 37]
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Direction Description
Southeast 11 Street at alley, west side of district
southwest from northeast corner 11 and Main
southwest from east side of Main, south of 11 Street
northeast from 9 Street at alley, west side of district
southwest 951, 655 -57, 965 Main (left to right)
north 951, 655 -57, 965 Main (left to right), 10 Street right of center
northwest 909 Main Street and buildings to the north
southeast rear walls, additions to 951, 655 -57, 965 Main (right to left)
north Main Street, north from 9 Street towards current district
northeast east side of Main Street, south of 1 1 th Street
southeast east side of Main Street, south of 11 Street from 11 Street, west of Main
MPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -P6)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 25
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
Imbedded Images:
These images are presented for the most part, in chronological order.
alSTORIC PRESERVATION T)iST'RJCTS
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Figure 1: Upper Main District ( #6) In Relationship to Listed Dubuque Historic Districts
(Base map prepared by City of Dubuque, 2004)
The historic districts depicted in Figure 1 are (1) Jackson Park, (2) West 11 Street, (3) Langworthy, (4) Cathedral,
and (5) Old Main. These are all residential districts, save for the two Main Street districts.
Figure 2: The Larimer Steel Column
(Kidder, p. 445)
PS Form 10 -900 -a
t -86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
Jational Park Service
lational Register of Historic Places
;ontinuation Sheet
section number Imbedded Images Page 26
Ipper Main Street Historic District Amendment
•
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
=figure 3: 1884 Sanborn Map (shaded building is extan and is amended into the district) dark boundary line identifies
the amended area)
By 1884 the east side of the 900's block was actually much more commercially redeveloped than was the
rest side. At the south end of the amended area, the frame building on the corner was built in 1842 -43 by Richard
". Cox as his homestead. The second building north was a residence built in 1845 by Mrs. Liza Wells, the mother-
" -law of Postmaster Harris and the sister of the late Judge Wilson. It was known as the Wells -Ham lot when it was
iurchased in 1895 to make room for the Bank and Insurance Building. To the west the Federal Building or Post
office represented a key downtown building that was apparently centered within the larger city, well north of the
! owntown proper. Eighth Street, located a block south, was the principal east/west trade street (Dubuque
elegraph, August 29, 1894).
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Page 27
•
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 4: Dubuque Customs House /U.S. Post Office (1858 -1947) view west along 9' Street from Main Street, future
Bank and Insurance site at right foreground, c.1870 (Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
Figure 5: Future Bank and Insurance Building site, view northwest, c.1870
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
PS Form 10.900 -a
-86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
Jational Park Service
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
qational Register of Historic Places
jontinuation Sheet
section number Imbedded Images Page 28
Ipper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 6: Main Street viewed north from 8 Street
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
Note that the trees, beginning at 9 Street, denote the transition from commercial to residential land uses.
Figure 7: Detail of a c.1868 -70 stereoscopic view from 11 Street Hill, view east
(State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, Photographs, City of Dubuque)
This view, from the bluffs to the west, shows the first commercial building on the west side of Main Street, in
he 900's block, as well one commercial block on the opposite side. The Post Office is just visible at the far right
:enter.
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(6-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 29
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 8: View east along 10 Street, c.1884
(State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, Photographs, City of Dubuque)
This early view east from the bluffs sights along 10 Street. The Congregational and Unitarian churches are
to the left of center, while the back of a duplex building at 973 Main Street (non- extant) and commercial buildings on
the east side of Main Street are visible at the upper right.
PS Form 10 -900 -a
3.86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
'iational Park Service
4ational Register of Historic Places
3ontinuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 30
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Figure 9: Detail, Bird's Eye View of the City of Dubuque, Iowa 1872
(original district boundaries marked in thick black line, amendment thin black line, lower left)
Dubuque, Iowa
The 1872 lithograph excerpt depicts the block to the south. The west side of the 900's block of Main is all
Dsidences, while two stores have appeared in the center of the east side of the same block.
DYM MO SE
—or TITIC—
FRKICH DYE ROUSE
`tY1 4' Tritat'ti N EW t3t.'1 C:,
'.#wosat lath at JEE1itJr Stroota, rat llesism,
Clotho Ivitntd 644 dyed, tny color deliSrt
"ex+ttim Vei tt., 3relttarrs..
Acrd to 44-der,.
Ilartipectal atte ntlOo pea to domino- Kid
Prices reshomig. itzmi to wills owed .
Figure 10: The French Dye House is the first storefront tenant, as of May 1877
(Dubuque Herald, May 4, July 3, August 1, October 10, 1877; May 21, 1878)
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Figure 11: c.late 1880s view north along Main Street from south of 9 Street
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
Page 31
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
This view shows the Kistler Building at the far left and the developing three -story commercial buildings on the
east side of the 000's block of Main. The single -story skating ring remains in the center of the block.
PS Form 10.900 -a
-86)
tnited States Department of the Interior
Jational Park Service
4ational Register of Historic Places
;ontinuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
section number Imbedded Images Page 32
Ipper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 12: c.1890s view north along Main Street from south of 9 Street
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
This view, half of a stereoscopic view, shows the Kistler Building and the Peterson Building at the left. Note
le substantial tree canopy still remaining beyond 9 1h Street on the west side of Main Street, and more generally
eyond 10 Street.
UPS Form 10 -900 -a
(8
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 33
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
right.
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 13: Main Street, viewed southwest from below 10 Street, c.1890.
Note the millinery sign suspended from the upper floor of 951 Main, second from the right
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
This image reverses the perspective of Figures #11 -12 and shows the Kistler and Peterson buildings at the
IPS Form 10 -900 -a
3 SG)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
■ational Park Service
gational Register of Historic Places
,ontinuation Sheet
section number Imbedded Images Page 34
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment
This is a newly- discovered historical image that further documents the original district nomination. It depicts
005 =7, 1031 (original facade), 1043 (original facade, north half replaced in 1945 as 1053 -57), 1053 -7, 1069 -79 and
1091 Main Street The gap visible at the right was infilled in 1891 with a southward extension of 1091 Main Street.
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 14: west side of 1000's block of Main Street, looking southwest from 11 Street, c.1885
(Center for Dubuque Studies, Loras College, Hoffman -892 Photograph)
NF'S Form 10 -900 -a
(6 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 35
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Figure 15: Detail, 1889 Perspective Map of the City of Dubuque, view northwest
(amended district boundaries marked, arrows denote amended area)
This later lithograph shows two commercial buildings in the center of the west side of the 900's block of Main
Street, while the entire east side of that street is fully commercialized to a height of three stories.
replacement.
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
9TH ,ww.w , . w�__
Figure 16: 1891 Sanborn Map (shaded buildings are extant and are amended into the district, the dark line
delineates the amended district extension
The 1891 Sanborn Map portrays the district just on the verge of its final phase of building expansion or
x L
NF'S Form 10 -900 -a
(6 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 35
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Figure 15: Detail, 1889 Perspective Map of the City of Dubuque, view northwest
(amended district boundaries marked, arrows denote amended area)
This later lithograph shows two commercial buildings in the center of the west side of the 900's block of Main
Street, while the entire east side of that street is fully commercialized to a height of three stories.
replacement.
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
9TH ,ww.w , . w�__
Figure 16: 1891 Sanborn Map (shaded buildings are extant and are amended into the district, the dark line
delineates the amended district extension
The 1891 Sanborn Map portrays the district just on the verge of its final phase of building expansion or
PS Form 10 -900 -a
3 -86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
•Jational Park Service
lational Register of Historic Places
;ontinuation Sheet
'3ection number Imbedded Images Page 36
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Figure 17: The new building excites Dubuque, c.1901 -2, the talk of the town
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
Figure 18: Bank and Insurance Building, view northwest, c.1896
(Dubuque County Historical Society)
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
The temple -front former residence (see also Figure #6) dated to the mid- 1850s. The north sidewing had a
;ommercial front added to it. This image illustrates how the Bank and Insurance Building jump- frogged northward
:ommercial development along Main. The buildings to the south survived until 1922 -23 when the corner was finally
)wilt up.
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(6-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
,section number Imbedded Images
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
,; •
Page 37
aan.a- �..•It t;� " Srs�,o'R+.. X.x�je ,L3. � !�.... � ;i" _ P . s ..-
Figure 19: c.1905 view north along Main Street from south of 8' Street
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Trees remain' at the corner of 9 and Main in this image. The Security Building, visible right of center,
emulated the Bank and Insurance Building in terms of materials, style and purpose (office /retail).
Figure 20: 1898 view north along Main Street from 9 Street
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History, Hoffman -892 Photograph)
IPS Form 10 -900 -a
3 -86)
.united States Department of the Interior
\iational Park Service
'Jational Register of Historic Places
continuation Sheet
Fection number Imbedded Images
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment
•
Page 38
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
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Figure 21: Collage of building tenant advertisements, Bank and Insurance Building, 1905
(Dubuque Telegraph Herald, March 19, 1905)
NPS Forth 10 -900 -a
(S
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Page 39
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 22: Main Street, viewed south from West 11 Street, 1905
(http: / /freepages. history. rootsweb.com/- tdlarson / dubuque/ postcards /streets /mainstsouthfr...
accessed October 23, 2002)
This image is repeated from the original district nomination because it depicts the 900's block of Main to the
south of the listed district. The Levi Block is left of center on the corner, and the Bank and Insurance Building is
looming up to the right of center. Notice the trees along the north half of the 900s block of Main Street.
PS Form 10 -900 -a
3.86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
'rational Park Service
ational Register of Historic Places
7,ontinuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
ection number Imbedded Images Page 40
1pper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 23: View south along Main from 10 Street, c.1905
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
The west side of the 900s block of Main never caught up with the highly commercialized east side of the
)lock. Here two residences (the north half of a duplex and a frame house on the corner) survive along with their
rees.
Figure 24: 1907 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map (shaded buildings are extant and are amended into the district, the
dark line delineates the amended district extension
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(e -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 41
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
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4674 !!'Raab• ft" *Wed t "gap, -
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The amended buildings to the listed district were all in place by 1909.
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
•
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$'1H. ST. Y. rt '��'
Figure 25: 1909 Sanborn Map (shaded buildings are extant and are amended into the district, the dark line
delineates the amended district extension)
JPs Form 10 -900 -a
6.86)
.united States Department of the Interior
\lational Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
section number Imbedded Images Page 42
1pper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
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OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
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Figure 26: Detail, Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Detail, 1936
(shaded buildings are extant and are amended into the district, the dark line delineates the amended district
extension)
PS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 66)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 43
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Figure 27: Detail, Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Detail, 1940
(black line delineates amended district boundary)
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
NIPS Form 10 -900 -a
8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
rational Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
E.section number Imbedded Images Page 44
!.pper Main Street Historic District Amendment
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
C
North
Figure 28: Detail, .Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Detail, 1943
(shaded buildings are extant and are amended into the distric, the dark line delineates the amended district
extension)
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NFS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -36)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Eection number Imbedded Images Page 45
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
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OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
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Figure 29: 1909/1950 Sanborn Map
(shaded buildings are extant (shaded buildings are extant and are amended into the district, the dark line delineates
the amended district extension
IPS Form 10 -900 -a
9 -86)
..fnited States Department of the Interior
\rational Park Service
\lational Register of Historic Places
:continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 46
Jpper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
� :•
t
Figure 30: west side of the 900's block of Main Street, looking southwest from 10 Street, c.1935
(Center for Dubuque Studies, Loras College, Photo LS 620)
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
NHS Form 10 -900 -a
(8 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 47
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 31: John Vachon photo, c.1941, looking southwest from 10 and Main Streets
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
At the far right is visible the 1839 frame residence that was built by Samuel Dixon, who served as an early
rnayor of the city in 1842. Dixon owned three lots to the corner and surrounded the whole with a five foot high board
pi vacy fence. When it was built, there were but a couple other houses further north and the downtown proper was
south of 3 Street. Doctor Roland Lewis occupied the house from 1858 until 1895 and added a rear wing to it. The
J . M. Sullivan family purchased it in 1898 and were the last to actually live there, through the 1920s. A single -story
narrow commercial building was built along the south side of the house c.1930. The house was famously
condemned for demolition by the city in 1934 but it remained standing as of 1943, and was replaced by a filling
station by 1950 (Dubuque Telegraph- Herald, March 4, November 25, 1934).
!FS Form 10 -900 -a
3 -86)
Jnited States Department of the Interior
.11ational Park Service
'rational Register of Historic Places
::.ontinuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 48
,pper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 32: Detail, Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Detail, 1962, (shaded buildings are extant and are amended into the
district, the dark line delineates the amended district extension
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Figure 33: c.1956 view northwest along Main Street, looking towards 9 Street
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
Note that the Bank and Insurance Building retains its cornice and has not gained a floor, while the storefront
level has been covered with a slipscreen.
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(e -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 49
Loper Main Street Historic District Amendment
Figure 34: The newly clad lower two stories, view northwest
(Dubuque Telegraph - Herald, July 8, 1956)
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
kS:
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Figure 35: 1965 fire in the 900's block of Main Street, west side, view south from 9 Street
(Loras College, Center For Dubuque History)
Dubuque, Iowa
?S Form 10 -900 -a
;-36)
.inited States Department of the Interior
4ational Park Service
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
National Register of Historic Places
continuation Sheet
=salon number Imbedded Images Page 50
?pper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
Figure 36: c.1977 view northwest, showing 973 Main Street (non - extant)
The Neo- classical fagade of the Federal Bank and Trust Company dates to 1914 (datestone in parapet, first
:i'ty directory listing 1915). It might have been a commercial front placed on the surviving north half of the duplex
hat survived on this site as 963 Main Street, but more likely it was all new construction and design. The bank was
:cne by 1923, and was replaced by the Universal Life Insurance Company. Curiously the Federal Bank and Trust
:=ompany relocated to its new high -rise building on the southwest corner of Ninth and Main streets in 1923, so it
rew quickly. By 1929 it housed a photography shop and during the Great Depression years the Dubuque Thrift
'Ian, Inc. This building gained a new storefront in 1945 ($2,000) and was demolished in 1990.(City directories,
3L'ilding permits).
NPS Form 10 -900 -a
(0 -86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section number Imbedded Images Page 51
Upper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Figure 37: Amended District Map (Jacobsen, 2009)
Dashed line denotes amended addition, dark - shaded buildings are non - contributing
JPS Form 10 -900 -a
8 - ?o)
United States Department of the Interior
\lational Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
section number Imbedded Images Page 52
.>pper Main Street Historic District Amendment Dubuque, Iowa
OMB Approval No. 1024 -0018
Figure 38: Photo Map (Jacobsen, 2009)
Dashed line denotes amended addition, dark - shaded buildings are non - contributing
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CLG NATIONAL REGISTER REVIEW
CLG Name Dubuque Date of Public Meeting
Property Name Upper Main Historic District Amendment, 900s -1000s Main Street, Dubuque, Dubuque County
1. For Historic Preservation Commission:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature Date
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
2. For Chief Elected Local Official:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature Date
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
3. Professional Evaluation:
❑ Recommendation of National Register eligibility
❑ Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature Date
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
RETURN TO: State Historical Society of Iowa, ATTN: National Register Coordinator, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines,
IA 50319