Warehouse Demolition District
Planning Services Department
GtyHall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
P lanning@cityofdubuque.org
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February 24, 2004
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 W13ih Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Establishment of the Warehouse Neighborhood Demolition District
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
Introduction
The Historic Preservation Commission is requesting that the City Coilncil approve the
establishment of the Warehouse Neighborhood Demolition District. A map and an
ordinance are enclosed for your consideration.
Background on DemQlition Districts
The demolition districts were created to help protect architecturally and historically
significant structures from being demolished. The City Council has established eight
demolition districts (see enclosed map).
The last demolition district established was for the Downtown Neighborhood in 2001.
This demolition district is the largest in land area. It was established at the initiative of
the City Council. A lack of financial investment and intent from the private sector to re-
develop, and anticipated demolition of historic structures, were factors that led the City
Council to create the Downtown Neighborhood Demolition District.
In the demolition districts, the Building Official cannot issue demolition permits without
review by the Historic Preservation Commission and final approval by the City Council.
The Historic Preservation Commission serves in an advisory role to the City Council,
providing a recommendation on the historical and/or architectural significance of
structures. The City Council decides whether or not a demolition permit can be issued.
The demolition district does not pertain to improvements to the exterior or interior of
buildings. It does not pertain to upgrades and investments to facilities, equipment, or
infrastructure It only applies to demolition requests. Structures located in these
demolition districts are not subject to a design review by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Sendco
People
Integrity
R"'poroibility
Innovation
Teamwmk
Warehouse Neighborhood Demolition District
Page 2
Proposed District Boundaries
The City has completed Phases I through III of the Historic/Architectural Survey of
Dubuque's oldest neighborhoods. The primary beneficiaries of these surveys have been
the Housing and Community Development Department, the Economic Development
Department, private developers, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the citizens
of Dubuque in general.
Rehabilitation projects for housing and commercial projects in a surveyed area have a
more streamlined review. Private developers also are able to apply for federal and state
tax credits more easily. Review of permit requests in the surveyed areas, which
encompass historic districts and demolition districts, is easier for City staff and the
Historic Preservation Commission.
The boundaries recommended for the Warehouse Neighborhood Demolition District are
based the Phase III Architectural/Historic Survey report. The Phase III survey area
included Dubuque's oldest downtown commercial and residential properties.
The City's Phase III survey consultant identified the properties in the proposed district to
be architecturally and historically significant, and eligible for listing as an historic district
on the National Register of Historic Places (see enclosed Iowa Site Inventory Form).
Public Input
The eight existing demolition districts were established by the City Council without
public input. The City Council asked the Historic Preservation Commission to seek
public input on the proposed Warehouse Neighborhood Demolition District.
The Historic Preservation Commission held two public meetings in the Summer of 2003
to discuss the proposed Warehouse District. The owners of property in the proposed
district were notified of the meetings and encouraged to attend, ask questions, and
provide input. They were provided with information about demolition districts, historic
districts, and the National Register of Historic Places.
A list of persons notified and the packet mailed to them are enclosed along with the
minutes of these meetings and related correspondence.
Economic Analysis
The eight existing demolition districts were established by the City Council without an
economic analysis. The City Council asked the Historic Preservation Commission to
conduct an economic analysis for the proposed Warehouse Neighborhood Demolition
District.
For the Warehouse District, an economic analysis has been conducted in terms of the
retail trade inventory, the residential development inventory, the target industry analysis,
and other analyses prepared for the Downtown Dubuque Master Plan. The Downtown
Master Plan has identified opportunities and priority actions to capitalize on the historic,
Warehouse Neighborhood Demolition District
Page 3
architectural and cultural resources of Dubuque's central business district and what the
Plan terms .contiguous areas of influence". The Warehouse District is identified in the
Downtown Master Plan as a contiguous area of influence.
During the Commission's public meetings on the proposed Warehouse Demolition
District, there was interest expressed by some property owners in re-developing their
properties. The City Council's long-standing commitment to downtown revitalization and
historic preservation, and recent adoption of the Downtown Dubuque Master Plan, will
help spark this interest in redevelopment of underutilized properties in the Warehouse
District.
Recommendation
Dubuque is the major retail, medical, education and employment center for the tri-state
area. Tourism linked to the Mississippi River and historic architecture continues to be a
major economic force. The historic, architectural and cultural resources of Dubuque's
historic landmarks, sites, districts, downtown and neighborhoods also are a key to the
community's economic prosperity and quality of life. These resources, like the
Mississippi River, help form the city's unique identity.
Creation of the Warehouse Neighborhood Demolition District will help protect the tax
base and the opportunities for retention of existing businesses as well as recruitment
and expansion of new businesses that the large red brick warehouses offer. The
existing industrial uses, and the growing adaptive reuse of these large warehouses into
office, commercial, and even residential uses, can all continue with establishment of a
demolition district.
The property owners can continue to make interior and exterior improvements to their
buildings as well as expand their operations and their facilities. And the City Council
always retains the authority to approve a demolition request.
The Historic Preservation Commission respectfully requests that the City Council
establish this important Demolition District.
Sincerely,
{}b¡£Ç7~
Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Enclosures
Prepared by: Laura Carstens Cny Planner Address: City Hall 50 W. 13th St. Telephone: 589-4210
ORDINANCE NO. _-04
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11 (BUILDING REGULATIONS) OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING SECTION 11-4(a)
BY CREATING THE WAREHOUSE NEIGHBORHOOD DEMOLITON DISTRICT.
Whereas, the Historic Preservation Commission has recommended amendments to
Chapter 11 (Building Regulations) of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances regarding
demolition distrtcts; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque established demolition districts to allow for the City
Council's review of demolition permits that might impact buildings of historic or architectural
significance in these districts; and
Whereas, the City has appointed a Historic Preservation Commission to review
demolition permits in historic distrtcts; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the recommended amendments to Chapter 11
are consistent with the goals and objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan and the
purpose and intent of the City's Code of Ordinances; and
Whereas, a Historic Preservation Consultant contracted with the City of Dubuque as
part of the Phase III Architectural/Historic Survey/Evaluation has identified the area as being
architecturally and historically significant
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section1. Chapter 11 (Building Regulations) of the City of Dubuque Code of
Ordinances is hereby amended by amending Section 11-4(a) Application of Section to add
(9) Warehouse Neighborhood as a demolition district
Section 11-4(a) Application of Section: The provisions of this section shall apply to all
buildings located in whole or in part within the following descrtbed demolition districts:
(9) Warehouse Neighborhood: Beginning at the intersection of Eleventh Street and
Jackson Street, thence easterly along Eleventh Street to its intersection with Pine
Street; thence southerly along Pine Street to its intersection with Ninth Street; thence
westerly along Ninth Street to its intersection with Washington Street; thence
southerly along Washington Street to its intersection with Seventh Street; thence
westerly along Seventh Street to its intersection with Jackson Street; thence
southerly along Jackson Street to its intersection with Sixth Street; thence westerly
along Sixth Street to its intersection with the easterly property line of City Lots 362-
363; thence northerly along the easterly property line of City Lots 359-363 to its
intersection with the northerly property line of City Lots 359-361; thence westerly
along the northerly property of City Lots 359-361 to its intersection with White Street;
thence northerly along White Street to its intersection with Ninth Street; thence
easterly along Ninth Street to its intersection with alley located between White Street
and Jackson Street; thence northerly along the alley located between White Street
and Jackson Street to its intersection with Tenth Street; thence easterly along Tenth
Street to its intersection with Jackson Street; thence northerly along Jackson Street
to its intersection with Eleventh Street which is the point of beginning.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication, as
provided by law; and
Passed, approved and adopted this
day of
,2004.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Warehouse Demolition District
Warehouse District Boundary
Buildings
N Streets
Property Owners
IR CENTER CITY DEVELOPMENT LLC
- WILMAC PROPERTY COMPANY
0 THE FISCHER COMPANIES
.. TSCHIGGFRIE EXCAVATING CO
.. JEW-WEN INC D/B/A JEW-WEN
.. RETTENMAIER. JOHN
- REDMOND, MARKS
- FINCEL, MICHAEL J
~ GROSS, JAMES E & JULIE A
.. MONTAGUE GROUP INC
- RYMAN CORPORATION
IR STEWART, WAYNE C
- WHITE, JOHN H
0 STATE OF IOWA
~
N
Sïte Inventory Form
state Historical Society of Iowa
(December 1,1999)
State Inventory No. ~ [8J New 0 Supplemental
0 Part of a district with known boundaries (enter inventory no.)-
Relationship: 0 Contributing 0 Noncontributing
0 Contributes to a potential district with y:et unknown boundaries
National Register Status:(any that apply) 0 Listed 0 De-listed 0 NHL 0 DOE
9-Digit SHPO Review & Compliance Number -
0 Non-Extant (enter year)-
1. Name of Property
historic name Millworkinq District
other names/site number Carr-Rvder-Adams/Farlev-Loetscher Industrial District
2. Location
street & number White to Pine 6th to 11 streets
city or town Dubuque
Legal. Description: (if Rural) Township Name
0 vicinity, county Dubuque
Township No. Range No. Section Quarter of Quarter
(If Urban) Subdivision =- ~Iock(s) ~
3. StatelFederal Agency Certification [Skip this Section)
4. National Park Service Certification [Skip this Section)
5. Classification
Category of Property (Check only one box)
181 building(s)
0 district
0 site
0 structure
0 object
Lot(s) see beiow
Number of Resources within Pro e
If Non-Eligible Property If Eligible Property, enter number of:
Enter number of: Contributin Noncontributin
1 buildings £9. l buildings
sites sites
structures structures
o~ects o~ects
Total ~ T Total
:1
Name of related project report or multiple property study (Enter oN/A" if the property is not part of a multiple property examination).
TWe Historical Archffectural Data Base Number
The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, 1833-1955 31-059
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
1 OA011ndustrvlProcessinqlManufacturinq FacilitvlMili
10AO1-same-factorv
1 OA011ndustrvlProcessinqlManufacturina FacilitvlMili
10A01-same-factorv
01 G01.samellndustrial StoraqelWarehouse
01 G01-samellndustrial StoraqelWarehouse
7. Description
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions)
Materials (Enter categories from instructions)
01-No Stvle
foundation Stone
walls brick
roof Asphalt
other
Narrative Description (181 SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "X' representing your opinion of eligibility after applying relevant National Register criteria)
181 Yes 0 No 0 More Research Recommended A Property is associated with significant events.
0 Yes 0 No 181 More Research Recommended B Property is associated with the lives of significant persons.
181 Yes 0 No 0 More Research Recommended C Property has distinctive architectural characteristics.
0 Yes 0 No 181 More Research Recommended D Property yieids significant information in archaeology Or history.
County Dubuoue
City ~
Criteria Considerations
D A Owned by a religious institution or used
for religious purposes.
D B Removed from its original iocation.
DC A birthplace or grave.
DO A cemetery
Address White to Pine, 6th to 11 streets
Site Number 31-3636
District Number ..
0 E A reconstructed building, object, or structure.
D F A commemorative property.
D G Less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past.
50 years.
Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions)
Significant Dates
Construction date
various 12:1 check if circa or estimated date
Other dates
Architecture
Industry
Significant Person
(Complete if National Register Criterion B is marked above)
~
Architect/Builder
Architect
Unknown
Builder
Unknown
Narrative Statement of Significance (t2] SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
9, Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography t2] See continuation sheet for citations of the books, ariieles, and other sourcas used in preparing this form
10. Geographic Data
UTM ReferencesrOPT/ONAL)
Zone E""ling
Northing
Zone
Easting
Northing
1
3
2
4
D See continuation sheet for additional UTM references or comments
11. Form Prepared By
name/title James E. Jacobsen
organization Historv Pavsl Historic Preservation Consuitino Firm
street & number 4411 Inoersoll Avenue
date May 5.2003
telephone 515-274-3625
city or town Des Moines
state !ð
Zip code 50312
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION (Submit the following items with the completed form)
FOR All PROPERTIES
1. Map: showing the property's location in a town/city or township.
2. Site plan: showing position of buildings and structures on the site in relation to public road(s).
3. Photographs: representative black and while photos. If the photos are taken as part of a survey for which the Society is to be
curator of the negatives or color slides, a photo/cataiog sheet needs to be included with the negatives/slides and the following
needs to be provided beiow on this particular inventory site:
Roil/slidesheel# 7464 Frame/slot # 1-26 Date Taken 11102
Roll/slide sheet # - Frame/slot # Date Taken
Roll/slide sheet # Frame/slol # Date Taken
D See continuation sheet or attached photo,& slide catalog sheet for lisl of photo roll or slide entri.;s:--
D Photos/illustrations without negatives are aiso in this site inventory file.
FOR CERTAIN KINDS OF PROPERTIES, INCLUDE THE FOllOWING AS WEll
1. Farmstead & District: (Ust of structures and buildings, known or estimated year built, and contributing or non-contributing status)
2. Barn:
a. A sketch of the frameltruss configuration in the form of drawing a typical middie bent of the barn.
b. A photograph of the loft showing the frame configuration along one side.
c. A sketch floor plan of the interior space arranQements alonQ with the barn's exterior dimensions in feet.
State Historic Preservation Office SHPO) Use Onl Below This Line
Comments:
Evaluated by (na.me/title):
C~""",,--,TI_-----_C~--~ --~-,.*----
~ --'--.__.~-'-~-_.-
"
. lo';"a Department of Cultural Affairs
. Ståt~ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Pace 1
Millworkina District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuque
City
7. Narrative Description:
This 28-building industrial complex comprises the core buildings of two giant Dubuque millwork
companies, Carr-Adams-Rider and Farley-Loetscher. The district also comprises the only intact cluster
of major industrial buildings in Dubuque- The massive buildings are without doubt the largest Iowa
examples of their era and their structural design is a worthy subject of extensive investigation and
documentation.
The district is located immediately southeast of the Dubuque downtown proper. The elevated
U.S. Highway 61 forms the southern and eastern natural boundaries of the district. The district includes
the area bounded by 6th on the south (Jackson to White Streets), White (north of 6th to 9th),the alley east
of White (9th to 1 ath), and Jackson streets (1 ath to 11th), 11th Street on the north (Jackson to Pine
streets), and Pine Street (9th to 11t"J,a Washington Street (7th to 9th) and Jackson Street (6th to 7th) on
the east.
The core major buildings (see numbers 3, 7, 12, 13, 16,25,27 and 28 in the list below) are all
load-bearing designs with load-bearing exterior brick walls. The tallest rise five stories high. All date to
the pre-World War I years although they appear to be older in date. The latter effect reflects a
conservative Dubuque design and building tradition. The.notable hint of a later building date is the
extensive use of metal industriai window infillings. The buildings are architecturally elaborated with
pavilions, pilasters, massive entry arches, decorative pediments and parapets, and other distinctive
features. Still, it would be difficult to specify a building style across the district. The Carr, Ryder &
Adams buildings as of late 1932 consisted of 12 percent reinforced concrete construction, 59 percent
"boards on joists,," and 29 percent plank on lumber skeleton construction.
Brick streets and still-functioning railroad spurs add key distinctive features to the district. The
buildings along the railroad spurs have massive metal-covered awnings and elevated loading docks.
Catwalks, one being more a five-story addition rather than a catwalk, connect many of the buildings and
the remnants of catwalks are to be found on the Farley-Loetscher Company buildings.
The north four blocks represent the buildings of the Carr-Adams-Rider Company while the
southern three blocks contain those of the Farley-Loetscher Company.
The level of integrity is surprisingly high, despite the tendency of industrial buildings to be
considerably altered over time. Many doors and windows have been in-filled but the vast majority of
the building fronts are very well preserved. Several buildings have been re-clad with metal siding but
these are being restored at the present time. Other buildings have been demolished. These for the
most part have been excluded from the district. One massive stone foundation was reused for a new
building on the northwest corner of Jackson and 10th streets. Necessarily modem penthouses, tanks
and other external service elements have been placed atop several buildings but the district has a
distinct sense of time and place.
Those buildings that appear to be single construction efforts actually represent multiple
additions over time. The building list necessarily consolidates these to single units if they are
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-31ì.36
Related District Number
Pace 2
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
encompassed within a unified façade. Each particular building descriptive entry treats the sub-units
within each larger block and provides the date sequence that the parts represent.
Building Descriptive and Historical List:
For now the buildings are fairly arbitrarily numbered from north to south. Addresses will be
given when applicable but most buildings have never been separately addressed.
Building #1-31-03637, southwest corner of Pine and East 11th streets, post-1988, Caradco?:
This is a recent (post-1988) metal clad two-story building, likely built in two parts, with a lower
southward extension. Its construction was made possible by the vacation of the south end of Elm
Street, below 11 th Street.
Building #2-31-03638, East 11th, west of Pine Street, Carr, Ryder &~Adams, c.1909:
This is a three-story rectangular brick building that is dated to pre-1909 (the lower two stories were then
in place, a matching one-story building on this corner pre-dated 1891). Its footprint measures 79x53
with the longer dimension oriented north/south. What is likely a south end extension of the same
design (45x1 08) has the same building date and is counted as part of the same building. A 1932
Associated Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Map dates both portions to 1919 and this is confirmed by the
1909/36 Sanborn Map. There is an elevator penthouse in the northeast corner of the south half and its
roof also has or had two skylights. The building has a raised ashlar limestone foundation. The window
arches are semi-circular brick openings and the window infill is louvered metal sash. There is a garage
door opening and external metal fire escape on the north façade. Sanborn Maps show a single story
brick warehouse on the site in 1884-91. These buildings are shown as sash and door warehouses. It
is possible that the southern portion of this building includes a single-story foundry that was present as
of 1884.
Building #3-31-02673, southeast corner East 11th Street and Washington Street:
This massive five story L-plan brick warehouse is one of the key factory buildings in the district. It
consists of three parts. The northernmost measures 168x91 , with its longer side oriented east/west.
The middle section measures 128x94 with its longer dimension running north/south. Both of these
buildings are five stories high. The southern three-story portion measures 222x71 and orients
east/west. The last named is likely the oldest, possibly being an enlargement of a matching two-story
building profile that was present as of 1891 as part of the Novelty Iron Works complex. The northern
section has a façade that consists of window bays that are defined by brick pilasters, ten bays in all.
Each window void is infilled with a triple metal sash (6/9) with off-center louver openings. The
brickwork is a dark brown. The building frame is of reinforced concrete with brick and window in-filling.
The foundation is raised, is of concrete and there are north-facing concrete window wells. The middle
building has a brick veneer or load-bearing exterior and is dated to 1909. The 1909 Sanborn Map
shows only a twocstory L-plan block across the entire southern and eastern sides of the block. A two-
story warehouse is in the middle of the block as is a power plant. Single-story warehouses fill the west
central and northwest parts of the block. The Sanborn Map indicates "Mill construction" which implies
--_.~~---_._--- '..
~ '_."~."."--~---_'.._~
. ._-_.._-~~-_.,~~-~~
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
. Stat§ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number ~
Related District Number
PaQe 3
MiliworkinQ District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
CQunty
Dubuque
City
load-bearing wood column and beam construction (This building includes buildings 17, 22 and 23 on
the Sanborn Maps, 1909/36)- HABS documentation interior photos show reinforced concrete
mushroom columns on the lower two floors, but square wood columns on the third floor. It is probable
that the lower two stories of the southernmost part of this building are attributable to the Novelty Iron
Works and pre-date 1884.
Building #4-31-03638, vacated Washington Street, south of East 11th Street:
This is an amalgam of infill buildings that includes a single-story loading dock and a fairly massive four-
story "catwalk" connection between buildings #3 and #7. The former is of recent date, post-1962. The
latter dates to c.1909, the year #3 was built. Otherwise this was a pass-through street (Washington)
that was lined with metal canopies over loading docks.
Building #5-31-03639, southwest corner, East 11th Street and Washington Street (Lots 428-9 and the
north part of Lot 427):
This is a large single-story square brick plan (1 00x1 04, 10,400 square feet) that dates to 1916.There is
no basement and the foundation is of stone construction. This was originally a covered lumber shed.
There are six bays ând wooden column roof supports. . The original building had sidelights.
Building #6-31-01694, 1098 Jackson Street (City Lot 389 and the north 20.83 feet of Lot 390):
This is the headquarters building for Carr, Ryder & Adams Company, and it dates to 1916. It features
the most distinctive architecture of the district, the style being a combination of Prairie and Craftsman
influences. The building is two stories with a raised foundation and its footprint measures 81x61. It is
spatially separated from the complex on most of its four sides. While the sidewalls are fully fenestrated
with double and. quadruple wooden sash (1/1), the façade is minimally fenestrated. A central pal(ilion
includes a broad stair approach, double door entry with transom, an ornamental stone entryway with
sidelights, and a window band on the upper floor. A special feature is a quoin-effect that is created on
the comers using projecting tiers of rusticated brick. The upper reaches of each quoin has a lattice
work pattern of intersecting brickwork. Stone belt courses define the water table and parapet base
levels and stone capitals surmount each quoin. The parapet coping is of tile and the parapet front
features an unusual brick variation of denticulation. This is a key building in the district.
Building #7-31-01692, #31-01693,1000 Jackson (City Lots 391,392,393, 389A, 425, 426, south part
of 427, south 20.17' of Lot 390,
This building is another key structure and one of the giant industrial buildings in the district. The
Assessor dates it to 1924. It is five stories high and the west half measures 121x12, the east half
1 00x154). The east half is somewhat longer on a north/south orientation. A driveway separates the
two sections on the lower level. The remarkable structural feature of this building is the use of solid
joists, set flush, as a ground level floor support- Wood columns (12x12) support each floor. The
building has a solid brick exterior wall and pilasters form window bays, 13 on the south front, eight to
the west. The south front is the main one and features a broad triangular pediment that is emblazoned
with "CRA." The alleyway through the building has massive Romanesque style brick arches on either
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-363'6
Related District Number
Paqe 4
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine 6th to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
end. The foundation is a combination of stone and concrete, indicating that the building went up in
stages. A hoist way and penthouse is in the southwest corner of the plan. This block was still
completely residential as late as 1909, save for William Marshall's boiler works on the southeast corner
and boarding house west of that plant.
Building #8-31-3640, vacated East 10th Street east of Washington Street:
This is a late-date (pos-1962) infilling structure on what was a portion of 10th Street.
Building #9-31-3641; southwest corner East 10th and Pine streets:
This is an L-plan two-story reinforced concrete building that was built in 1937. The Telegraph-Herald
notes the construction of a two-story reinforced concrete addition to the Klauer Mfg. Co. warehouse and
factory on May 9,1937. Its support system utilized mushroom columns. Its eastern front has been clad
in a vertical wood front and the building serves as offices.
Building #10-31-3642, southeast corner East 10th and Washington streets, Novelty Works Power
House:
This is an early remnant of the Iowa Iron Works, the noted firm of Rouse & Dean. The firm fabricated
many of the ornamental iron storefronts and structural ironwork in the main buildings of the city. It
dates to pre-1884 and served as the boiler works for that firm. This is likely the oldest surviving building
in the district. Later it was a warehouse for Klauer Manufacturing Company (c.1909). The end walls
have a stepped gable effect and the roof is a gambrel form. Brick pilasters define five bays on the
north/south running west front and three on the southern end wall. The soft red brick indicates an early
date of construction. For whatever reason, this building was not selected for HABS documentation in
the late 1980s despite its early age.
Building #11-31-3643, northwest corner Pine and East 9th streets, Novelty Works Blacksmith Shop,
1851:
This is the.earliest surviving building in the district and very likely the oldest one surviving in the city as
a whole. It is a component of the Novelty Iron Works, dating to post-1851 (HABS documentation). It is
an early red brick two story rectangular plan. Brick pilasters form five bays along the longer north/south
dimension and four across the south end wall. There is an elaborate brick parapet. The upper
windows have been replaced but semi-circular brick arches remain on the lower level. The original
building (as of 1884) had a hip or gable roof and the present parapet wall was in place by 1909 by
which time Klauer Manufacturing Company owned the block (see Klauer photographs in the historical
section).
'---~-"""""._"""
, ..
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
, . State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Paqe 5
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine, 61ft to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
1986 HABS photo, view to north across East 9 Street
(the utilities bridge has been removed)
Building #12-31-03648, entire block defined by East 10th, East 9th, Washington and Jackson streets,
900 Jackson Street
This massive two-story brick industrial building fills an entire block. It comprises eight additions
(numbered 1-8 on the 1909/36 Sanborn Map). The wooden column and beam internal support system
is truly wondrous to behold. The columns are made up of bolted 3x15 planks. Massive I-beams have
been added throughout the building over time to support an ever-increasing weight of machinery.
Heavy diagonal braces tie together columns and beams throughoutthe plan. Interior stone walls with
infilled window and door openings denote the former exterior walls of the earliest portions of the
building. The unified exterior brick façade is divided into window bays on the west half of the north wall
and across the southern and western facades. The southern façade has an irregular parapet ievel and
10 bays of varying width are defined. A massive Richardsonian style semi-circular archway opens to
the central drive-through. The stone foundation is slightly raised and a number of basement windows
and wells have been solidly infilled with concrete boxes. Windows have wooden sash (4/4, 12/12) and
semi-circular brick arches. Wooden sash is unusual in the district and denotes the early construction
date of this block. The west façade has 13 window bays, mostly of uniform width with paired window
openings on each level. The ground floor is also raised above grade. There are numerous single door
openings and one sealed up double door. The 1909 Sanbom Map indicates that the northeast section
(#8 on the 1909/36 map) is divided on the ground floor into five bays by load-bearing walls. The interior
of the block was open and included a range of smaller sheds and a power plant to the west of the open
alleyway as of 1909. This open area was reduced by 1936 and completely covered by 1962.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-36.3.'6
Related District Number
"
Pace 6
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Number 1: 100x22. This section post-dates 1909. The second plant engine room was on this
corner as of that time.
Number 2: 100x30. This is the original power plant, or at least the plant was beh.ind the front
portion of this building. It is present as of 1884. The lower floor at least has internal stone side
walls which were originally fenestrated.
Number 3: 107x70. This section also pre-dates 1884. It was later extended back to the drive-
through.
Number 4: 100x60. This section contained the original Carr, Ryder, Adams offices as of 1884.
There is a central elevator.
Number 5: This is the open drive through on the ground floor, running north/south. Originally
the driveway was open, with covered or built in wall infills.
Number 6: 100x51. This section pre-dates 1891 and was originally used for shipping and
storage.
Number 7: 1 00x11 O. This section post-dates 1909.
Number 8: 100x98. This section post-dates 1909.
Building #13-31-01691, 995 Jackson Street (Loti of City Lot 381, North 36'2" of City Lot 380):
The 1909/36 Sanborn Map denotes this building as consisting of four parts that are numbered south to
north as 9-12. Numbers 9-10 have a corrugated metal front on stud walls. Number 9 (dated to 1919)
has an L-plan and measures 100x55. It first served as a company garage and apparently was first
elevated on tapered concrete piers. Number 10 (dated to 1909) infills the front of that "L" and
measures 61x28. Number 11 measures 100x53, and #12, in two parts, measures 54x64 (front) and
48x54 (rear). The whole is two stories high and is brick faced. The pediment features a stepped gable
Dutch-like gable front. As of 1884, the site largely housed the lumber yard of the Dubuque Cabinet
Makers Association. By 1891 it was still used for lumber storage and houses occupied the 10th Street
end of the half block. By 1909 the brick north end (#11-12) was extant and housed the newest power
plant for Carr, Ryder & Adams Company. It was of fireproof construction with concrete floors and
exposed steel roof trusses. The façade is quite elaborate, bears the company name and represents
the hay day of the company's growth. The south single-story portion measures 55x100 (5,500 square
feet)
Building #14-31-01690, 901 Jackson Street (151 East 9th Street):
This appears to be a frame addition with a brick veneer to #15 to the south. It is metal covered at
present. The building was in place as of 1909 and was three stories tall. It represents an addition built
by the White House Biscuit Company. SHPO lists this property as the Dubuque Linseed Oil and Paint
Works.
Building #15-31-01690, 901 Jackson Street (City Lot 379, South 15' Lot 380) (South side door is
addressed as 151 East 9th Street):
This building had its origins pre-1884 as the Dubuque Linseed Oil and Paint Works. That same firm
occupied the same building as of 1891. The 1909 Sanborn Map shows a two-part three-story block in
place, the narrower northern portion housing the ovens and power plant on the ground floor. A single-
--~--.--_.~-~,.._.~
- -..-. _.~ -- .,
-.-_...._.._~---""_..~.. ,~-_.
" .
. lo";"a Department of Cultural Affairs
" . Státß Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Pace 7
Millworkinq District
Name of Prope'þ'
White to Pine. 6 to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
story front extension covèred the north half of the plan. Save for a lumber shed, the east half of the
block was vacant save for three houses on its north end that fronted on 10th Street. By 1909/36 the
White House Biscuit Company occupied the south one-third of this entire block and this building had
gained a fourth floor. Building $14, immediately north was also extant as of that time. As of iate 1932
the Baxter Soap Company occupied the buildings. The building is covered with metal but is in the
process of restoration. Exposed brickwork indicates the use of a dark brown brick, and semi-circular
brick window arches, 8/8 lights and original wooden sash still in place. There is a raised stone
foundation. The building measures 29x100 and is four stories high with a full basement. Ceiling levels
are eight feet in the basement, 12 feet ground floor, and ten feet on the upper floors. This building has
the potential to be a very early surviving Dubuque factory example. SHPO lists this property as the
Dubuque Linseed Oil and Paint Works.
Little contextual research has yet been applied to the context of large bakeries and biscuit-cracker
companies in Dubuque. The first factory was [Jesse P ] Farley-Wolcott's Key City Bakery that was on
the southwest corner of White and East 6th streets. The three-story plant was built for $16,000 in 1879.
It was called the American Biscuit Company as of 1891 and the factory bumed as the National Biscuit
Company with a loss of $40,000 in late 1903 (Herald, January 3, 1879; December 11, 1903).
The Dubuque Biscuit Company occupied the building at East 9th and White streets as of 1909. The
Dubuque Cracker Company remodeled the building interior in 1913, after it had been vacant for several
years. The White House Biscuit Company was there 1936-50 and became or was followed by the
Independent Bakery Company (present 1942). Baxter Manufacturing Company followed by 1945-48,
and remained as late as 1962. This is the only known surviving major baking factory, even though it
had its beginnings as part of the linseed oil works (Te/egraph-Hera/d, December 2S, 1913).
Building #16-31-03644, southwest corner East 9th and Jackson streets, S01 Jackson Street (City Lots
349-353):
This four story half-block building is the northernmost of the Farley & Loetscher Company complex. It
is composed by at least six construction increments, all of which post-date 1894, at which time the
Dubuque Linseed Oil & Paint Company occupied the northern two-thirds of the east half of the block.
The 1909 Sanborn Map shows the east half of the block almost solidly built up with four four-story brick
blocks. Only the northeast corner of the half-block, on 9th Street, was vacant. The east half of the
block was all residential save for two factories on the south end (8th Street). All of the buildings have
load-bearing brick walls and wooden columns and beams. The brick facades on sides and eastern
main front feature the same window bays with intervening pilasters, 22 on the east façade, six on each
end wall. Windows have semi-circular brick arches. Windows are or were wooden sash, the top floor
being 6/6 lights, those below, 9/9. The east façade has a centered raised pediment and there is a
corrugated metal canopy over a full-length concrete loading dock. A double south end catwalk has
been removed and the openings sealed up. This building measures 255x90 with a full-length east side
loading dock (9x255). It is jointly assessed with Building #24 to the northwest.
"
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3li.36
Related District Number
Paqe 8
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine, 6tft to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Buiiding #17-31-01689, 898 Jackson Street (City Lots 399 and the north half of 400):
The northwestern quarter of this two-story blacksmith building appears to pre-date 1891, at which time
it housed the Key City Iron Works and was in use as a foundry, and that name remains on the
building's north side wall. Pitts-Thompson Foundry was here as of 1909. The present building was
extant by 1909 with a large square single-story foundry, a blacksmith shop and a shed. The foundry,
has a combination of wood and iron columns, and the north side wall that is of concrete block
construction. The single-story garage-like additions to the south are additions to this building, the north
one pre-dating 1909, the south one post-1909 and pre-1936. The original building is an early industrial
building type, with stone foundation and brick exterior walls. Fenestration is minimal and the windows
have semi-circular brick arches. The parapet is denticulated and there is a double front door with semi-
circular arch. The garage portion to the south has a tile coping on its irregular parapet front. SHPO
lists this property as the Key City Iron Works. The two-story northwest corner portion measures 30x45,
the single story southwest portion 47.5x35. The rear single-story section measures 77x55.
Buiiding #18-31-01687-88: 810-850 Jackson Street (City Lots 401 and south half of 400),1906:
This two-story brick factory building with basement (an unusual floodplain component in the district)
pre-dates 1891 and was built by the Wieneke & Hohenadel Pickle & Kraut Factory, which occupied it at
that time. That firm, packers of pickles and vinegar, occupied the building as of 1909 and as late as
1936. A farm supply store and feed warehouse was here in 1962. The building had symmetrical
fenestration on its façade and a raised floor level. A central door had a transom. Just the central
upstairs window and two lower windows remain, along with two single doors, one of which is newer.
The parapet is denticulated and the façade painted white. The single-story storefront to the south is an
addition that post-dates 1909. The foundation is of stone. SHPO lists this property as the Wieneke-
Hoerr Company factory. The original building measures 50x98, the addition 25x98. The latter consists
of a front concrete block section, metal and concrete block center (24x36) and rear concrete block
sections.
Building #19-31-01686, 800 Jackson Street:
This is a later-date power plant that was built by Caradco c.early 1950s. The building is non-
contributing to the district pending further investigation as to its date of construction and original
appearance (see early photo in historical section below). Farley-Loetscher Company had a lumber
warehouse on this corner as of 1909 and this was expanded to cover two lots by 1936. This building is
present on the 1962 map. .
Buiiding #20-31-01669, northwest corner East 8th and Washington streets (South 26' of City Lot 415),
1912:
The core of this two-story building dates to .post-1909 when it served as the offices of Spahn & Rose
Lumber Company. By 1936 it had been rebuilt as a two-story square plan building., It has been refaced
with a modern brick and re-fenestrated so as to render it non-contributing to the district. The plan
measures 26x60 (front section) and 26x40 (rear section). There is a full basement.
-¡
----
----~~.~._-_.
, .
. lo~a Department of Cultural Affairs
. Statç¡ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31.3636
Related District Number
Pace 9
Millworkino District
Name of Property
White to Pine 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuoue
County
Dubuoue
City
Building #21-31-04746, northwest corner East 8th and Washington streets:
This is a new building, an addition to #19 to the west. It is non-contributing.
Building #22-31-04747, southwest comer East 10th and Washington streets (City Lots 418, 419 and
portion ofLot 1, Lot 417), 1911:
This three-story reinforced concrete block (67x100) dates to 1911-12, at which time it housed the
Kretschmer-Tredway Company, plumbing supplies manufacturers. Signage on the raised front central
pediment bears the title "Kretschmer Manufacturing Co." and the hoistway penthouse is inscribed "HK."
The façade has a two-bay wide central raised pavilion and brick pilasters define four equal-sized bays
across the front. There is a metal shed roof canopy over a raised loading dock across the northern two
thirds of the façade. An earlier building on this site (see photos below) housed the Pitts-Thompson
Foundry and then Kretschmer Manufacturing Company, c.191 0 plus. The building was destroyed by
fire and was immediately rebuilt as one of the city's first truly fireproof factory designs. The newer
building to the south is three-stories high and measures 80x100 with a 7x80 rear loading dock. It has a
coursed limestone foundation, exterior brick load-bearing walls and a reinforced concrete flat slab
frame with steel jacket-formed mushroom column interior supports. The three-story south side addition
dates to 1950 although the lower-two stories were envisioned by the builders as early as 1911 (see
photos, below). Ceiling heights are eight and a half feet in the basement, 12 feet on ground and
second floor levels, and ten feet on the third floor.
Building #23-31-01684-85, 700 Jackson Street or 250 East 8th Street (City Lots 402-414, north 25'2" Lot
415, Lot20fLot417), 1906:
This is a full-block sized single-story brick building and a key property within tt:1e district. It was
originally built as a covered lumber shed by the Farley-Loetscher Company. It is a remarkable
surviving building type and one that is likely not matched in the state. Not only is it a full square block in
size but it was also built with a substantially raised floor to protect its contents from flooding. The
building combines exterior load-bearing walls and an internal 20x20 brick or concrete pier construction
(17 feet on center) in its support system. Originally the building contained massive drying kilns. It
retains its raised low angled gable roof although considerable modern mechanical systems are now
mounted on the roof, altering its historical profile, Still the building is contributing because the building
itself retains its original appearance. The building facades are comprised of window bays and
intervening brick pilasters. There are 13 bays on the north and south walls, and 15 on the two side
walls. Upper level windows are doubled in each bay, with no lower fenestration, again an apparent
protection against flooding. The windows have semi-circular brick arches and stone or concrete lintels.
There are five overhead door openings on each east and west wall. The HABS documentation
includes the statement that this is "reportedly a salvaged exhibition hall from the 1904 Louisiana
Purchase Exposition in 5t. Louis." If accurate at all, it is probable that structural portions of a hall
building were re-used here. It would appear that this building uses a variety of metal and wood support
columns, beams and trusses and further investigation is recommended. It aiso appears that the entire
main floor of the building is elevated, probably for flood protection, and ramps lead up from the ground-
level doors to the raised floor. This is true at least on the east half of the plan. The building measures
240x256. There is a massive raised gable roof clerestory centered on the plan.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3Q.3Î)
Related District Number
Paqe 10
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
/"
C.1986 photo, view to the southwest, showing original penthousl;! covering and roof profile
(State Historical Society of Iowa)
Interior framing plan (HABS Documentation)
Building #24-31-04748, southeast corner East 9th and White streets (City Lots 374-78, and 349A):
This square plan has a double vaulted roof, wood framing and exterior brick walls with pilasters. The
building was apparently built by Farley & Loetscher for use as a warehouse and laboratory. As late at
1909, this site was solidly residential in its land use. It was present on the 1909/36 Sanborn Map as a
two or three-story building, with a catwalk connection across the alley to the east. The present building
might be a remnant of that earlier building, with a new roof. By 1962 Caradco owned the lot and the
Sanborn Map locates the "FarHte Dept." in the comer bL!ilding. Sometime after 1936 three residences
to the south were replaced with an extension and three single-story buildings which ranged further
south. These remain extant with a parking lot on the south end. Further investigation is recommended
to determine the building date and integrity of the building. The plan forms a U-shaped two-story
.---.-------
~ ._....,._._..~_.~".----"
"
, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
'Statf? Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number ~
Related District Number
Pace 11
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
component (1 00x1 00) that wraps around a single-story core (28x50) on three sides. A south end
single-story addition measures 28x98. There are some smaller additions along the vacated alley and
southeast corner.
Building #25-31-02738, 750 White Street (east half of the block, vacant land, City Lots 369-73 and
alleyway; west half of the block, this building, City Lots 354-58),1906+:
This is the west half of what was once a full block of three story brick buildings of the Farley &
Loetscher Company. The east half of the block was solidly built up by the company by 1884 and there
was a power plant on the west half of the block. By 1891 the power plant remained but housing still
occupied the north half of the half block. By 1909 just the five-story building on the southwest corner
was built and a single-story powerhouse and an associated wood shavings (fuel) storage house were
on the west half of the block to the north. These occupied the southern half of that half block and a
two-story blacksmith shop was to the north. By 1909/36 the entire block was built up. The major core
element of the surviving building is dated 1912 by the Sanborn Map of that date. This building was
likely built as a single unit. This is a three-part commercial block. The whole block plan was
symmetrical with central and corner pavilions, the whole being five stories high. The surviving half
contained the company offices and its architecture reflects that role. The building fronts west towards
the downtown. Most notable is a full-story exposed basement level with stone veneer. The exposure is
considerably greater on the southern exposure than its opposite end. The office entrance, on the
southwest corner on 8th Street, features an ornamental pedimented stone entryway. The façade on the
south is broken into six window bays by the use of broad stone capped pilasters. The west façade
lacks the pilaster treatment but does use the triple pavilion plan, with plain intervening wall planes. The
attic level of the buiiding is covered with a slip cover and further research is necessary to determine its
original appearance. There is a broad plain band that encircles the attic base. Rows of narrow
windows infill the southern exposure only. The building has lost its massive chimney. The building is of
fireproof reinforced concrete construction. The plan includes five floors and basement and measures
256x120. Ceiling heights are eight feet in the basement, twelve feet on all floors above that level.
New Farley & Loetscher Building, White & 7 streets, view northeast
(note original parapet lines) (Hera/d, January 2, 1910)
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-36.36
Related District Number
"
PaQe 12
MiliworkinQ District
Name of Property
White to Pine, 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Building #26-31-04759, 701 Jackson Street, southwest corner East yth and Jackson.streets (City Lots
364-68 plus vacated alley), 1917:
This is the southernmost Farley & Loetscher building and a date stone dates it to 1917. This half block
was a railroad yard through 1891 and the 1909/36 Sanborn Map shows the present building, and
confirms the building date. As late as 1909, the building site was occupied by a stone cutting complex
and trackage and platforms that were associated with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad
freight house, a block south. This is a massive seven-story building and a key property within the
district. Like its counterpart to the north, this design employs narrower central and end/corner pavilions.
There are attic projections at each of these points, which vary the parapet line. The end walls (north
and south) feature enframed four-bay squares with intervening pavilions. The uppermost floor lacks the
recessed pavilion fronts but maintains the same twin window fenestration pattern (four sets across the
center with single windows vertically aligned in the corner bays. The same pattern is employed on all of
the fronts. The exterior brickwork is of a dark brown brick. The building itself is of reinforced concrete
construction but the brick veneer obscures the concrete skeleton on all sides. The interior support
columns have mushroom capitals and square base plates atop them. All of the exterior trim is of cast
concrete. This includes a broad molded belt course that separates the first and second floors, window
sills. Unlike the counterpart building to the north, this one fronts east and prominently placed painted
signage covers the two longer side walls. Shed roof metal canopies cover loading docks on the south
and east sides. A series of separate small canopies run along the west front. Twin catwalks once
connected north from this building, but have been removed. The southern loading dock is not original
to the design, and is not depicted on the 1909/36 Sanborn Map. This is a seven-story 101 x255 plan. A
wrap-around canopy covers the ground level of the east (273x18) and south (119x18) sides. Ceiling
heights are ten feet in the basement, 16 feet on the ground level and 12 feet on all of the other floors.
Architects:
Christian Loetscher designed and supervised the construction of all of his own buildings.
Excluded Buildings and Adjacent Parcels:
Thomas Martin-Strelau Companv E. J. Voqenthaler Companv Machine Shop. South side East 9th, east
ofWashinqton Street:
This triangular tract contained the power plant from the Dubuque Oatmeal Power House, that
was built in 1882, and other buildings associated with these two companies. The complex was
documented to HABS standards in 1986-87 and the buildings were demolished as part of the U.S.
Highway 61 construction project.
~ ----_.~- --
"
. lo~a Department of Cultural Affairs
'Stðt~ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Paqe 13
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine, 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Dubuque Oatmeal Mill Power House (1882)
East side of Washington, south of East 9th Street Non-extant (HABS documentation)
Thomas Martin-Strelau Company(Wood and Coal, right portion,
E. J. Vogenthaler Company Machine Shop (left portion)
South side East 9th, east of Washington Street, view southwest. Non-extant
(HABS documentation photo, 1986)
Thomas Martin-Strelau
South side
, . ¡~¡JJ::¡J¡.
E. J, Vogenthaler Company Machine Shop (left portion)
Street, view southeast. Non-extant
photo, 1986).
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-36;3'6
Related District Number
"
Pace 14
Millworkinc District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Klauer Manufacturinq Company Complex. southeast corner East 9th and Washinqton streets:
This extant complex is located to the north of the demolished Martin-Strelau, E. J. Vogenthaler
complex. It includes a 1912 sheet metal factory that is the oldest surviving building that is associated
with this company that was established in 1911. That building, a gable roof 62x154 brick design,has
been altered beyond recognition by the addition of a raised parapet front and second story. The rest of
the complex represents the contin~ing alteration of 1941 and 1946 ~~ings.
I. ....-.....
. -,...,
Klauer Manufacturing Company Complex, southeast corner East 9 and Washington streets.
The 1912 building is at far left (HABS Documentation)
8. Narrative Statement of Significance:
The district contains the majority of the key buildings that were associated with the Carr, Ryder
& Adams and Farley-Loetscher millwork companies, two firms that were leaders in the city's industrial
sector. Lumber-processing was a major Dubuque industrial sector and the long-term success of these
firms transcended the regional demise of lumber shipping and processing that otherwise ended along
the Mississippi River during the years prior to World War I. The district is recommended as being
National Register of Historic Places eligible under Criterion C, Architecture and Criterion A, history.
Architecturally, the district comprises the last surviving cluster of key industrial buildings in the city and
these collectively illustrate both the styles and the building technologies of this class of buildings.
Historically, the district is directly associated with Dubuque's industrial history. As of 1870, the city was
the most industrialized city in the state and that economic sector remained vital to the city's continuing
prosperity. Some of the buildings and firms included in this district were the largest of their trades in the
world.
--_._-~-
" .
. lo:"'a Department of Cultural Affairs
'. .Stat~ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Pace 15
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine Stl1 to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Detail, Birds Eye View of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, 1872
This 1872 lithographic detail depicts a largely residential area with vast lumber piles on many
blocks. The origins of what would become an industrial district are evidenced by six industrial
operations: (1) Iowa Iron Works, (2) Dubuque Cabinet Makers Association, (3) Dubuque Oat Meal Mills,
(4) Key City Planing Mills, (5) Key City Furniture Company, and (6) Carr, Ryder & Adams Company.
1889 Lithograph, view north
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3¡¡.16
Reiated District Number
.'
Pace 16
MiliworkinQ District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
The district also includes a range of lesser industrial firms, a cracker factory, a remnant of the
Iowa Iron Works, portions of the linseed oil company works and the like. Many of these example
buildings survive nowhere else in the city.
Lumber Manufacturing in Dubuque:
The city emerged as a major lumber manufacturer given its ideal up-river location relative to the
Upper Mississippi River Valley timber supply. By 1869 there were already eight firms in Dubuque that
were milling and processing the raw lumber. These were Carr & Austin, Patch & Wait (J. L. Dickinso's),
Clark & Cowles, Pelan & Randall, E. R. Lumber, Dubuque Lumber Company, Clark & Scott, H.
Lambeck, E. R. Lumbert, Peterson & Company. These firms were particularly vulnerable to disastrous
fires, the last named just having been destroyed. Over time, numerous successor firms appeared
along with a number of lumber supply firms such as Standard Lumber Company. These withered or
burned away prior to World War I and just two firms, Carr, Ryder & Adams and Farley & Loetscher
would survive into recenttimes (Times, January 1,1869).
Carr, Ryder & Adams Company:
William W. Carr reached Dubuque in 1866 from New York State. He partnered with W. H.
Austin and the Carr & Austin Company was established in 1866 or 1867 on South Main Street between
Jones and Railroad streets. It burned in 1879 and the firm relocated to 9th and Jackson streets. Two
early partners, A. B. Carlin and J. A. Rickard, later worked with Christian Loetscher. It was reorganized
in 1881 as Carr, Ryder & Wheeler. In 1891 it became Carr, Ryder & Engler Company. In 1897 it was
renamed Carr, Ryder & Adams Company. In 1938 it became Carr, Ryder & [James Currie] Collier
Company. During World War II it produced foot lockers and ammunition boxes for the war effort. In
1958 it became Caradco and continues under that name today. At one time the company had
extensive branch plants and subsidiaries and these were divested of after World War II.. The firm was
capitalized at $125,000 in 1887 and $150,000 in 1890. The Scovill Manufacturing Company purchased
the firm in 1968 and moved the window making works to Rantoul, Illinois. Door manufacturing
continued until October 1978 when 84 jobs were discontinued (Lyon, pp. 56-67).
Carr, Ryder & Wheeler, and Jackson, view east towards the river
(Dubuque Trade Journal, August 21, 1882)
-.-.'<---.--.---.-_w-
. lo;"'a Department of Cultural Affairs
. Stat\? Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
'.
Paqe 17
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine Stf\ to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
This is a very early depiction of the Carr, Ryder & Wheeler plant. The three-story building in the
foreground is the west part of building #12. The company drying kilns and William Marshall's boiler
works are on the east half of the block. The Stout & Knapp Company lumber yards are visible to the
northeast.
Carr, Ryder & Adams, view northeast (Herald, March 19, 1905)
This is the same perspective as the 1882 view. Three-story additions have infilled to the north
and southeast although the 1891 Sanborn fails to confirm this degree of expansion. The plant to the
northeast is the Novelty Iron Works but again, the same map fails to confirm this degree of
development.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3q$
Related District Number
.'
Paqe 18
Miliworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine, 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Marshall's Boiler Works started out near the southeast corner of what is now building #12 in this district.
The above image represents the new plant that was built on the southeast corner of the corner of block
immediately north (now Building #7). The firm would again be displaced by the expansion of the
company.
Buildinqs:
1867, "immense Dubuque planning mill," brick on stone foundation, three stories, 70x80 with
24x15 boiler wing, $36,000, located south of downtown on Southern Ave. (Herald, September 5,
1867).
1878, Carr, Austin & Co., warehouse, $3,500 (Times, December 11, 1878).
1881, Carr, Ryder & Austin Sash Factory burns, new $35,000 factory already underway (Herald,
May21, December 4, 1881).
1883, Carr, Ryder & Wheeler, improvements, $5,362 (ibid., December 19,1883).
1888, addition (ibid., March 15, 1888).
1890, warehouse (ibid., January 18, 1891).
1892, $20,000 factory improvement (Herald, December 25, 1892).
1897, drying kilns, $6,000 (Hera/d, January 5, 1898).
1901, install new mill outfit for manufacturing of sash, doors, etc. "that will employ not less than
100 men," (Enterprise, October 20,1901). '
1902, "Carr, Ryder & Adams Co completed the new addition to their manufacturing plant, which
now covers the whole of one block and over half of the block across the street, (Enterprise,
June 20,1903)."
1906, company declines to provide numbers, Telegraph-Herald estimates $25,000 in
improvements, notes company has acquired adjoining buildings (Telegraph-Herald, December
30,1906).
1909,
Immense Factory Plant: Carr, Ryder & Adams Co. Plan A Gigantic
Structure: .
What will be the largest single factory building in the city will be the
immense new plant which Carr, Ryder & Adams Co. will start work on as
soon as spring opens up. The plans as prepared contemplate
improvements that will more than double the present capacity of the
company.
The new factory plant will be on the south side of Eleventh Street on
Washington, and will be 171 by 187 feet, five stories and basement. It
will be of brick and stone and of fire proof construction modern in every
detail and built especially for factory purposes.
It will be built in two divisions with fire walls and fire proof openings
between. It will have a fire proof tinned roof, and metal window frames
and wire glass.
In contemplation of the great addition to the capacity of the factory, a
new power station is to be erected across Jackson street from the present
factory north of the Biscuit Company's plant, where Carr, Ryder & Adams
--"
"
, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
St~ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number ~
Related District Number
Paqe 19
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Co. recently purchased three lots. Contracts for this building were let last
week and the foundation for the great smoke stack was put in last fall.
This power station will be 40 (7) by 100 feet, and will be a two story brick
building with wide entrance and large windows.
The present plant now covers the entire block between Tenth and
Eleventh, from Jackson to Washington streets and part of the block east.
The completion of the new building with other improvements which the
company contemplates will give it a plant of solid buildings covering more
than two and a half blocks. The plans for the new building are practically
complete and the contracts are to be let and arrangements made for
beginning work as soon as spring opens up (Times-Journal, January 21,
1910).
1910, new warehouse and 40x100 addition to power plant, $50,000, this was part of the
complex on the block northeast of East 9th and White, the power station was across from
National Biscuit, the new warehouse was a fireproof five stories high, 171x7 with a basement, of
brick and stone construction. The smokestack foundation was laid during the fall of 1909 (ibid.,
January 21, 1910; January 1, 1911).
1910, five-story concrete and brick (80x100), $13,500, new factory power plant, $5,000, addition
to lumber sheds, $2,000 (ibid., October 2,1910).
1911, Standard Lumber Company fire damages company (Key City Furniture as well), $300,000
total loss (Times-Journal, May 27, 1911).
1915, company fire loss heaviest of those damaged, total loss $170,000 (Telegraph-Hera/d,
April27,1915).
1919, $200,000 storage building, 160,000 square feet addition, contractor, A M. Stiles, George
Stiles Construction Company (Times-Journal, December 19, 31, 1919).
1924, warehouses, $400,000, Telegraph-Hera/d (December 28,1924) says $100,000 addition
(The Dubuquer, December 1924).
1948, Block long lumber warehouse
1954, Research building
Carr, Ryder &"Engler Company, & Jackson streets, view ;'órtheast, c.1890
(Center for Dubuque History, Nagle Photo Collection, #1709)
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31.3636
Related District Number
"
Pace 20
Millworkina District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
Carr, Ryder & Adams complex, view southeast, 1911 (Greater Dubuque, 1911)
As of 1911 the block in the foreground was completely residential, save for Marshall's boiler
plant. The power plant in the center includes Building #10 in the district. The matching raised corners
on the two main blocks might have been planned but they were never actually built. The entire block to
the left (northeast) post-dated 1909, as did the smokestack and relocated power plant.
of the Carr, Adams & Collier Company plant, view southeast, 1947
(Bilt-Well Bulletin, November 1947).
In this image, #1 locates a new lumber warehouse, #2 three other warehouses, #3, the cut stock
and product warehouse, #4 lumber warehouse, #5 the company office, #6 the "Novelty" or "Annex," #7
Building #24, #8 the main plant, and #9, the power house. The warehouses are all non-extant and
excluded from this district. Building #3 corresponds with the same building number in this district.
Building #4 is #5, the office is #6, #6 is numbered #8, #7 is the same number, #8 is #12, #9 is #13.
--~--~~-~---~'_.~-"'-,"",-'P~C_~~-
"
, lo;"'a Department of Cultural Affairs
Stat~ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Pace 21
Millworkino District
Name of Prope~ .
White to Pine, 6' to 11 streets
Address
Dubuoue
County
Dubuoue
City
Caradco, 1951, view to southeast (Dubuque, Iowa, As A Stranger Sees It)
Fariey-Loetscher Company:
Christian Loetscher (1850-1902) was born in Switzerland and was apprenticed there as a
carpenter. He emigrated to America in 1868 and first worked on the Pacific Coast prior to coming to
the city in 1872. He first worked for Patch & Waite at 9th and Jackson streets. He started his own
millwork firm with partners A. A. Loetscher, W. R. Clark, A. B. Carlin and J. A Rickard, in early 1876,
under the name Key City Planing Mill (two story 40x60 feet). The firm started with ten hands. The firm
was reorganized as the Farley-Loetscher Company, with partner J. P. Farley (died c.1892), and was
incorporated in 1881 the capital stock was $50,000, incorporators were Farley, Loetscher, H. L. Stout,
J. M. Griffith, A. B. Carlin and A. A. We/scher, later partners were C. M. Peaslee and James M Burch)
(Lyon, pp. 145-146,269).
Original Key City Planing Mill (Greater Dubuque, 1911)
Eighth and White, view southwest.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-36~¡¡
Related District Number
"
Paoe 22
Millworkino District
Name of Property
White to Pine 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Farley & Loetscher Manufacturing Company, 1882
(Dubuque Trade Journal, August 21 1882).
This is the earliest image of the company and the building is still labeled the Key City Mill. This
is a southern view along White Street from East 8th Street. Drying kilns are east of 8th Street, the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad freight depot is just south of the four-story building visible in
the left background. The four-story hip roof building with cupola is the Jefferson Hotel (7'h and White),
the smoke .stack in the right background is the Holly Boiler Works on Iowa Avenue. The large gable
roof building just to the lower right of that stack is the original county courthouse. The three-story
Farley & Loetscher plant is now the north end of Building #16.
Farley & Loetscher Manufacturing Company (cover, 1883 Dubuque city directory)
-----_.___""""m'~~
" .
, lo;"'a Department of Cultural Affairs
Stat~Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
'.
Paqe 23
Millworkinq District
Name of Propert~
White to Pine 6' to 11 streets
Address
Site Number 31.3636
Related District Number
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
This view, made a year later, is directed to the northwest, from East 7th and White streets. The
block has been extended to the south to the corner of East 7'h and the power plant and smokestack
shifted westward on the block. This is now Building #16.
Farley & Loetscher Manufacturing Company, (Enterprise, January 24, 1903)
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3~
Related District Number
Paqe 24
Millworkinq District
Name of Properi,r
White to Pine 6' to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
This is the second block, west side of White between East 7'h and 8th and the view is to the
northwest towards White Street. This building is non-extant, while Buiiding #25 occupies the west half
of the block. '
Farley & Loetscher Manufacturing Company, 1911 (Greater Dubuque, 1911)
This depiction is a view to the northeast from Seventh and White streets. It is hypothetical to
the extent that the left-hand block was never built, beyond the east half, and the right-hand one had yet
to cover the whole block. The enclosed lumber shed is to the east, beyond Jackson Street and the two
lumber warehouses, in the center background, represent the expansion of the company north beyond
8th Street.
(Company letterhead, 1923, courtesy Dale Wiegand, Dubuque Sash & Door Mfg.)
This c.1920s view of the company complex documents the high point of its development, save
for the power plant that came several decades later. This view is to the southwest from East 9th and
~---_...
- -------.-
--,-~._--
"
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Sta~ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Pace 25
Millworkina District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuaue
City
Washington. The lumber shed and other buildings shown to the west of White Street are not
documented by any Sanborn Map and likely represent buildings that were located elsewhere.
Dry Kiln and Enclosed Lumber Shed, Farley & Loetscher Manufacturing Company, view southeast
911 .
Farley & Loetscher Manufacturing Company Power Plant, c.1950, view northeast
(Building #19) (undated Te/egraph-Hera/d copy of photo, Center For Dubuque History)
Loetscher's singular innovation, in 1900, was using West coast white pine as his millwork stock
source. Consequently his raw material source was immune to the effects of the depletion of the upper
Mississippi River woodlands that began at that time. As his competitors shut down, his company grew
stronger. At its height the company occupied 23 acres of floor space and was the largest millwork plant
in the world. By 1922 company employees numbered 1,000. The company developed a national
market with its recognized brand name of "Quality-Bilt" woodwork. Branch subsidiaries were located at
Sioux Falls, Des Moines, and Chicago. A plastics department was added in the late 1930s. Other
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31.36313
Related District Number
"
Paqe 26
MHlworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
successful new product lines included "rolling garage doors," and kitchen cabinets. At its peak, the firm
employed 1,250 employees.
The company closed in early 1962 at which time it had 500 employees. Caradco absorbed its
holdings. The W. H. Gonyea Trust had acquired the company in 1960 but it had been losing money for
some years and that trend was not reversed (Telegraph-Herald, January 12,1962).
The Dubuque Enterprise termed the firm as "among the largest manufacturers of fine interior
finish, doors, windows, blinds, mouldings and fine mill work in general in the entire country." The same
source noted that the firm was notable both for its national market and its national reputation for quality
workmanship (Enterprise, August 10,1902).
The plant of the company is one of the most extensive of its kind in the United States,
compromising, as it does, a mammoth four-story structure, covering an entire block 100
by 225 feet in dimensions. It is needless to say that in the equipment of this immense
plant the company have called to their aid all the latest improvements in wood-working
machinery (ibid.)."
A year later, the same source added:
Sash and door manufacturing is one of the leading industries in the city and the great
factories of Farley & Loetscher Mnfg. Co., and the Carr, Rider [sic] & Adams Co. each
occupy solid blocks and employ between them upwards of 750 men (ibid., January 24,
1903).
Buildinqs:
1869, Key City Planing Mill, two-story addition, 22x40, $1,800 (Heraid, December 16, 1869).
1879, large brick planning mill, Eighth Street, $15,000 (Times, November 16,1879).
1879-80, three-story building, 8th & Jackson streets, $75,000, demolished after 1962. The
Herald, January 1, 1880 reports construction of a $15,000 planing mill in 1879. The Herald
January 1,1881 reports $7,000 in improvements in 1880. The Herald, December 31, 1882,
reports $40,000 in improvements.
1881, fire near Julien Hotel destroys temporary sash factory, company secures temporary
quarters and plans new building (Herald, May 21, 1881)1
1881 $7,500 in new building, "immense addition," brick, four stories, 40x52, and new warehouse
on opposite corner, brick, 100x50 (Herald, January 1, May 20, 1881).
1882, $40,000 in new building, new boiler house $27,000 (ibid., January 1, 1883).
1886, $4,000 in improvements (ibid., January 1,1887).
1891, fire loss of $50,000 (Herald, August 19,1891).
1892, addition of a fourth floor to the complex, company capitalization increased to $200,000.
$10,000 in improvements (Herald, December 25, 1892).
1903, Jackson Street between 8th and 9th streets (company capitalization increased to
$400,000):
Farley-Loetscher Manufacturing Co. is at work on an addition to its plant
that extends a soldi block and when completed will double the size of
_._--~ _....
--~--~
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
'" Sta~ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
PaQe 27
Millworkino District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuoue
City
their present plant, giving them a continuous frontage of two blocks
(Enterprise, June 20,1903).
1906, 8th & White, five story office and warehouse, $35,000, largest plant in city prior to
construction of Deere plant, used salvaged timbers from the St. Louis Expo of 1904 (Telegraph-
Herald, December 30, 1906).
Prominent among the growing factories of the city is the Farley, Loetscher
Co., sash, doors, etc. For years past this as been one of the largest
subscribers to the improvement columns and this year finds them down
on the list for an expenditure of thirty-five thousand dollars (ibid.)
1907, $35,000 in improvements (ibid., December 29,1907).
1909, White & 7th, five story factory, 50' frontage on White (ibid., January 2,1910).
1910, White between 7th & 8th, five story concrete and brick, 200x100, $100,000 (ibid., January
2,1910, January 1,1911).
Great Factory Addition: Farley & Loetscher Mnfg. Co. To Push Work In
Spring:
Only the excessive cold weather has put a stop to the work on the great
addition which the Farley & Loetscher Mnfg. Co. is building to its plant.
This building will cover all of he west half of the block on White, between
Seventh and Eighth streets, and it is one of the very largest factory
projects the city has ever had.
The fifty feet fronting on White at the Seventh street corner was built up
last year, and is afive story and basement structure. It is the intention to
build up the remainder of the block, 206 feet front, the structure to
conform to the comer in style and design. This will make a solid five story
and basement structure covering the entire east [west?] haJf of the block.
Its dimensions will be 100 by 256 feet. Since the entire east half of the
block is occupied by the present factory, the completion of the new
building will give the company a factory plant covering a solid block, 220
by 256 feet.
The largest single building under one roof in the city is its lumber sheds
and dry house on the block east of the factory block, this being a brick
structure also 220 by 256 feet. In addition to these two solid blocks the
company several years ago built up the half block on Jackson, from
Eighth to Ninth, which is north of the factory plant, with a four story and
basement brick building for warehouse and shipping purposes. This plant
of two and a half blocks is unquestionably not only the largest factory
plant in Iowa, but one of the very largest in the western country.
The new building will be of fireproof construction throughout and is
designed for the special purposes of the company.
The enlargement of the plant which the new building will effect has
made necessary the installation of a complete new power plant, the new
smokestack for which is 153 (?) feet high and the largest in diameter of
any in the city.
The development of the Farley & Loetscher Mnfg. Co. is indeed
marvelous. It was started in 1875, thirty-five years ago, by Mr. Christian
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-363'6
Related District Number
"
Paqe 28
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Loetscher, the present head of the business, and the genius of its
development, and the late Jesse F. Farley, under the style of Farley &
Loetscher. Its beginning was indeed modest, it being a planning mill
occupying a story and a half frame at the corner of Jackson and Eighth
streets. The first brick building was put up on the site of the frame
structure in 1879,and from this has been developed the immense
business of today, which takes rank as the largest sash and door factory
in the worid.
Mr. Christian Loetscher is the president, James M. Burch, vice president
and treasurer, and J. A. Loetscher, secretary. These with Messrs.
Eugene Ryan and A. A. Loetscher comprise the board of directors.
Mr. Christian Loetscher, who has designed and personally
superintended all the building operations and other improvements is
giving his personal attention to the new work.
The power plant was built last fall and to make way for the new structure
the old smoke stack was taken down and the former power plant
dismantled. The corner at Eighth and White street [sic] has been built up
one story and a good start has been made on the foundation along White
street, so that with the opening of spring the work will be pushed
vigorously and it is expected to be complete by fall (Times-Journal,
January 21,1910).
1910, 8th and White, five story concrete and brick, 200x100, $19,000 (Telegraph-Herald,
October4,1910).
1911, Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, Washington Street between 7th and 8th streets, fire
damages company, total loss to fire $140,000 (Times-Journal, July 31, 1911).
1917, Seventh & White, warehouse, $200,000 (Times, January 1, 1918).
1924, two warehouses, $40,000 (The Dubuquer, December 1924).
This addition...will be almost exactly the duplicate in the full length of the block...and will
just double the size of the company's plant.
The new structure will be 256 feet by 100 feet deep, four stories. The foundation is
complete and work on the superstructure is to begin immediately, the contracts calling
for the completion of the building by August 1 st.
When the new structure is built, the plant will have a continuous frontage of two blocks
542 feet and will be the largest institution of its kind in the western country and one of
the very largest there is.
[the City Council had approved "artistic bridges" using steel arches to connect the 3rd
and 4th floors over 8th Street-Enterprise, April 11, 1903]
Federal photographer John Vachon used the Farley & Loetscher piant to illustrate the
thriving industry of Dubuque in 1940. His photos depict the activity around the plant as well as
the continued use of extensive hand labor in the handling of materials.
---~_.~._-~._._.._- ~
.~-..-._--~.~.._-.- ._--,~.,,_..._--~
. .
'"
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Stat~ Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Paae 29
Millworkina District
Name of Property
White to Pine 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuoue
City
Building 25, view northeast from East JÌh and White streets, April 1940.
(Photo by John Vachon)
Building #16 is visible to the right, the block in the foreground is non~xtant, view
northwest along Jackson Street, from near 7th Street
(Photo by John Vachon, April 1940)
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3536
Related District Number
"
Paoe 30
Millworkinq District
Name qf Property
White to Pine, 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Farley & Loetscher Manufacturing Company, unloading lumber, photo by John Vachon.
April 1940.
Farley & Loetscher, view east (Photo by John Vachon, April 1940)
<~. ------
-- ~-~-_.-
~~,.'--.. ".-""'.'.."'-'-'-'-..-'-."
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
'" Stãte Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number ~
Related District Number
Paqe 31
Millworklna District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 61ft to 11 streets
Address
Dubuaue
County
Dubuque
City
New doors being loaded for shipment, Farley & Loetscher
(Photo by John Vachon, April 1940)
Klauer Manufacturinq Companv:
Peter Klauer (1842-1919) was born in Germany and came to Dubuque in 1850 with his
family. His father John was a local potter. Peter opened his own tinsmiths shop in 1870 at
1236 Iowa Avenue and operated it there for 15 years. He built a three-story building in 1885
and outgrew it in three years. The shop was moved to 18th and Washington and in 1894 a new
plant was built or enlarged on the west side of the 1300s block of Iowa Avenue. The firm began
to produce eaves troughs in 1894 and that jobbing trade increased the company's business. In
1905 the Iowa Iron Works plant was purchased. A fire had just destroyed the foundry there.
The firm incorporated in 1906 as Klauer Manufacturing Company and the acquired works were
rebuilt. Products included drain trough fittings, conductor pipe, metal roofs, siding and
beginning in 1908, metal castings. Additional land was acquired in 1911 and a new plant was
built to produce corrugated metal culverts. In 1912 the firm started producing charcoai-fueled
railroad car heaters. Smedley Steam Pump Company was acquired in 1910 and its foundry
.was used. In 1917 a branch plant was established in Ottumwa (Midland Metal, closed 1924).
The company was featured on the cover of Post Magazine (January 18, 1941). In 1926 it
developed a rotary snow plow ("Snogo") that was very profitable, particularly with U.S. military
needs during WWII (thus the Post cover). Peter's son William Henry Klauer (1878-1952)
graduated from Bayless Business College and became a partner in the firm by 1906. He served
as a director for the Chicago, Great Western Railroad, the Union Trust and Savings Bank, and
served on the Loras College Board of Regents. He saved the bankrupt Julien Hotel in the
1930s, paid off the debt and reopened it. The company continues in operation today (William
Klauer, "History of the Klauer Manufacturing Company," Loras College Thesis, 1961).
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31.3&36
Related District Number
,,'
Paqe 32
Millworkino District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Photo c.1908, Klauer Manufacturing Company, northeast corner Washington and East 9th, view
northeast. The building visible at the far left is Building #10, that to the far right is Building #11
(Center For Dubuque History, Loras College, Photographs).
Iowa Iron Works built this three-story building but by 1908 the Klauer Company had its
name on the edifice.
Additions:
1902, foundry destroyed by fire, $20,000 loss, three firemen killed and one injured
(Herald, May 9, 1902).
1908, foundry rebuilt
1912, sheet metal factory, 62x154, $12,000, also south of East 9th, remodeled and non-
contributinglexcluded from district.
1937, two-story reinforced concrete addition to warehouse (Telegraph-Herald, May 9,
1937).
1941, new office building on the former Knapp-Stout Lumber Yard, south of East 9th,
east of Washington Street (remodeled 1968, 1973, 1977and non-contributing, excluded
from district).
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company:
Brothers Herbert C. and Frederick N. Kretschmer partnered with - Morrison in February
1907 to form the Morrison & Kretschmer Manufacturing Company, producers of plumbing
fixtures and supplies. Already by 1910 Morrison was gone and the firm was titled Kretschmer
Manufacturing Company. At that time the firm had 40 employees and occupied the four-story
former Pitts-Thompson Foundry on the southwest corner of Washington and East 9th streets.
c ~~~ VC7~-
..~-_. ---
----------~,,--~~~.,.
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
'" State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Paqe 33
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine st" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
The building bumed completely on July 31, 1911 and the present building (Building #22) had
replaced it In 1929 Frank Kretschmer and Harry E. Tredway formed the Kretschmer-Tredway
Company and continued operations in this building to the present day. Curiously the exterior
sign age was never updated. While the company was a small one compared to other Dubuque
iron-working firms, this company left a iegacy in the form of one of the city's first truly fireproof
buildings and an example of reinforced concrete construction (HABS documentation).
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company, view southwest
The main building has been remodeled (Greater Dubuque, 1911). This is the architect's
elevation sketch for a building that was only then being built.
Additions:
1914, $20,000 in improvements (Telegraph-Herald, December 27,1914)
1941, new office building
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3r¡¡¡¡6
Related District Number
Paqe 34
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
view northwest towards Kretschmer (Greater Dubuque. 1911).
The Kretschmer building shown is the one that burned in 1911.
The Spahn & Rose Lumber Company was incorporated on January 23. 1904 by James Collier,
Charles J. Spahn Sr. and George D. Rose. Charles Spahn was another Dubuquer who tapped
into the California white pine lumber source and he and John T. Adams are credited with saving
that industry. Spahn left the firm in 1903 (Lyon, pp. 417-18).
Wineke-Hoerr Company. Manufacturers of Canned Goods:
Wieneke-Hoerr Company, view northeast (Greater Dubuque, 1911).
This is building #18 in the district.
This firm was founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1890 with a capital stock of $25.000.
By 1911 the canning plant employed 100 workers (Greater Dubuque, 1911).
Iowa Iron Works:
This firm had its origin in 1851 as Farley, Rouse and Company. Hammond Rouse
(1824-?) came to the city that spring and he partnered with local capitalist J. P. Farley. The firm
was re-titled Rouse & Williams in 1857 and Rouse & Dean in the early 1860s. Products
included boilers, steam engines, steam fittings, steamboat castings. mill equipment and cast
iron architectural columns and storefronts. As of 1884 this firm occupied an entire block to the
northeast of East 9th and Washington streets. It was formally incorporated as the Iowa Iron
Works but that title was used well before that time (1884 Sanborn Map).
~ ---"""""""','m_""""'-'-~=.~
. ¡
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
'" Sta1ßHistorical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number ~
Reiated District Number
Paqe 35
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Iowa Iron Works, view northeast from East 9th and Washington streets.
The building at far left survives as Building #10, that at far right as Building #11
By 1880 the firm was regarded as one of the principal city industries and it acquired local
prestige when it provided much of the cast iron work and metal cornices for the growing
downtown. The firm as of 1880 employed 60 men and had an annual product of $75,000. It
was already regarded as the oldest iron working firm upriver from St. Louis. Rouse retired in
1880 and J. McMurchy replaced him, the firm being Dean, Hopkins and McMurchy. In 1881 it
incorporated with a capitalization of $150,000. By 1883 some of its buildings were three-stories
high with a total enclosed square footage of 58,000. The mill supply market area included six
states. The company enjoyed its zenith in the mid-1890s. It abandoned the block at
Washington and East 9th in 1903 and Klauer Manufacturing took over its works (see above).
Boat building activities included at its Ice Harbor plant until 1906 when the Dubuque Boat and
Boiler Company bought out that facility (HABS documentation). Its most significant ship
contracts, the torpedo boat Ericsson, the steamboat L E. Patton, and the revenue cutter
Windom, were all built on this site and not at the harbor. Two buildings survive, the power plant
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31-3&36 ' ,,'
Related District Number
Paqe 36
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6'" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
(#10) and the blacksmith shop (#11), the latter is dated to 1851 (Dubuque Trade Journal, May
23,1883; Herald, June 27,1856; January 1,1895).
Additions:
1851, original plant, blacksmith shop (see Building #11)
1867, two-story "immense building" initial part of building to cover entire block
1892, $6,500 in improvements (Herald, December 25, 1892).
1902, foundry destroyed by fire, $20,000 loss, three firemen killed and one injured
(Herald, May 9, 1902).
Novelty Iron Works:
This fimr was established in 1866 and was titled Novelty Iron Works as of 1876. Its
products included "Convex Turbine Water Wheels, steam engines, saw and flour mill
machinery, band saws, shingle machinery...shafting, hangers and pulleys and belting and
supplies." As of 1884 this firm occupied an entire block to the northeast of East 10th and
Washington streets. The firm won first premiums at the Centennial Exposition in 1876 and the
Columbian Exposition of 1893. C. S. Burt was an early president, and was succeeded by John
Olinger by 1895. George E. Davis was secretary/treasurer by 1895. At that time the firm
employed 100-150 workers. The main two-story building of this company likely survives as the
base for the southemmost portion of Building #3. Carr, Ryder & Adams acquired the company
plant by 1909.
Novelty Iron Works, 1883, view northeast from East 10
(1883 Dubuque City Directory)
..-- - --
-~- ~ - --
--~".._--
, _.,-,_._.,,_._--~-_..,
'. !
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
'd StäteHistorical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number ~
Related District Number
Pace 37
Millworkinc District
Name of Prope:;,r
White to Pine. 6' to 11 streets
Address
Dubucue
County
Dubuoue
City
Additions:
Novelty Iron Works, (Herald, January 1,1895).
1876, $6,000 in improvements (Herald, December 2,1876).
9. Major Bibliographic<¡1 References:
Enterprise, August 10, 1902, p. 23.
Perspective Map of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, 1889.
Telegraph-Herald, January12, 1962 ("Farley & Loetscher Will Close").
F arlev-Loetscher 75th Anniversarv. 1875-1950.
The Re-Saw, Farley & Loetscher Company, May 1922 (obituary for Christian Loetscher)
Associated Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Drawing of Caradco, Inc., December 14,1932 by
W. C. Styerwalt (courtesy Dale Wiegand, Dubuque Sash & Door Mfg.).
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1884, 1891, 1909/36
Dubuque City Directories, 1902, 1915, 1925, 1934
Bruce Kriviskey, Dubuque, lowa--Architectural Survey 1978/1979, Atlas of City Wide and District
Survey Maps, Dubuque; n.p., c.1979
County Assessor's Data
Dubuque, Iowa, As A Stranger Sees It, (n.p., 1951)
Tigges, John T. and James L. Shaffer, Imaqes of Dubuque In The 19th Centurv, (Chicago: Arcadia
Press, 2000).
HABS Documentation, December 1988 (Fraser, Clayton B., Fraserdesigns, Loveland Colorado)
Carr, Ryder and Adams Company Warehouse, HABS No. IA-160-AP
Iowa Iron Works Blacksmith Shop, HABS No. IA-160-AR
Klauer Manufacturing Company Factory, HABS No. IA-160-AS
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company Factory and Warehouse, HABS No. IA-160-AL
. '
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
Site Number 31.300~ ' ,,'
Related District Number
Paqe 38
Millworkinq District
Name of Property
White to Pine. 6" to 11 streets
Address
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
11
Additional Documentation:
Legal Description:
Blocks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 509, east halves of two blocks not yet identified,
Map:
, ------...
. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
',I Stafìe, Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form
Continuation Sheet
PaQe 39
MiliworkinQ District
Name of Propertt
White to Pine 6t to 11 streets
Address
<¡ite Number 31-3636
Related District Number
Dubuque
County
Dubuque
City
Photographs:
Roll 7461
Frame View Description
1 northeast from White and 6th
2 north White from south of 7th
3 no image
4 northwest from Jackson and 8th
5 west Jackson and 7th
6 north along Jackson from 7th
7 north along Washington from 7th
8 west along 8th from Washington
9 north from Hwy.61 along Pine
10 northwest from same vantage between 7th and 8th
11 southwest from Hwy. 61 at 7th
12 west along 8th from Washington
13 northwest from Washington south of 9th
14 northwest from Pine and 9th
15 same from same, view more to north
16 southwest from same
17 northwest from Pine south of 11th
18 southwest from Pine and 11th
19 southeast from 11th west of Washington
20 southeast from 11th & Jackson
21 east from 10th & Jackson
22 southeast from same
23 same from same, east side of street
24 same from 9th & Jackson
25 northeast from Jackson north of 9th
26 southeast from 9th, west of Jackson
27 northeast north side of 10th, from Jackson
28 north along Jackson from north of 8th
, ..'
,--..-...--.--
.
Title First name Lastname Company ComDanv2 Address City State Postalcode
American Architectural Property Owner 6500 Brooktree Wexford PA 15090
Products Inc. Road Suite 202
Design Center Prooertv Owner 290 Main Street Dubuque IA 52001
Mr. Michael Fincel 850 Jackson Dubuque IA 52001
Mr.& James & Julie Gross 2345 Clarke Dubuque fA 52001
Mrs. Crest Drive
Jeld-Wen Inc Alln: Prop Tax P.O. Box 1329 Klamath OR 97601
Falls
Plastic Center Inc. ProDertv Owner 290 Main Street Dubuaue IA 52001
Mr. Mark Redmond 1905 Asbury Dubuque IA 52001
Road
Mr. John Rellenmaier 1105 Loras Dubuque IA 52001
Boulevard
State of Iowa Property Owner 800 Lincoln Ames IA 50010
DeDt of TransDortation Way
Mr. Wayne Stewart P.O. Box 49 East IL 61025
Dubuque
Tschiggfrie Excavating Property Owner 400 Julien Dubuque IA 52003
Dubuque Drive
Wilmac Property Property Owner 801 Jackson Dubuoue IA 52001
Jeld-Wen Fiber of Iowa ProDertv Owner 250 E 8'" Street DubuQue IA 52001
Montague Group Inc Property Owner 630 66'" Cedar IA 52404
Avenue SW Rapids
. Ryman Corporation Property Owner 630 66'" Cedar IA 52404
Avenue SW Rapids
Mr. Lyle Whalen 16786 Middle Dubuque IA 52002
Road
Mr. John White 409 Burch Dubuque IA 52001
-...
.""~,,-- ~
..-..'----- -,
,',
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, lowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
P lannin g@cityofdubuque.org
«Title» «FirsLname» «Lastname»
«Company»
«Address»
«City», «State» «Postalcode»
D~
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July 2, 2003
Subject: Proposed Warehouse Demolition District
Dear «Title» «Lastname»,
This letter is to inform you that the Historic Preservation Commission is proposing to
establish a Warehouse Demolition District. City Assessor records show that you own
property in the proposed demolition district (see enclosed map).
The City's historic preservation consultant has conducted an historic and architectural
survey of the downtown area. He has evaluated the properties located on the enclosed
map and made a determination that they are eligible to be placed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Information about demolition districts, historic districts, and
the National Register of Historic Places is enclosed.
The Historic Preservation Commission is holding a public meeting at the Camegie Stout
Public Library Auditorium on July 17, 2003 at 5:00 pm about the proposed demolition
district. You are invited to attend the meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, you
may send your comments by mail, fax or em ail to:
Planning Services Department
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Fax: 563-589-4221
Email: planninaocv.citvofdubuaue.oro
Sincerely,
~ÇldJ2
Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
enclosures
cc:
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
s.,yice
People
Integrity
R"'P°roibility
lnno.vation
Teamwo,k
Demolition Districts
What is a Demolition District?
A demolition district is an area of the city composed of structures that have historical or
architectural value. In demolition districts, a demolition permit must be reviewed by the
Historic Preservation Commission and City Council before demolition can occur. Not all
structures located in demolition districts have architectural or historical significance. The
City of Dubuque currently has 8 demolition districts.
How is it different from a Historic Preservation District?
In historic districts, the Historic Preservation Commission has the power and authority to
regulate exterior changes being made to structures. In the demolition districts, the
Historic Preservation Commission do not review exterior changes to the buildings.
What is a Demolition Permit?
A Demolition Permit is a building permit granting permission for the applicant to demolish
a building.
When do I need a Demolition Permit?
You may need to obtain a Demolition Permit from the Building Services Department if
you are proposing to demolish all or part ofa building or structure.
How long does the application process take?
The demolition review process usually takes approximately 30-60 days from date of full
application to the Historic Preservation Commission.
What criteria are considered when reviewing a Demolition Permit?
The Commission must review all of the information submitted by the applicant and make
a determination as to the following:
(1) Whether the building proposed for demolition has historic or architectural significance
to the community; and
(2) Whether denial of the proposed demolition permit would prevent the property owner
from earning a reasonable economic retum on the property.
If the Commission finds that denial of the application would prevent the property owner
from earning a reasonable economic return on the property, or that the building does not
have any historical or architectural significance to the community, the Commission must
recommend approval of the application.
If the Commission finds that denial of the application would not prevent the property
owner from earning a reasonable economic return on the property and that the building
has historical or architectural significance to the community, the Commission must
recommend denial of the permit application.
Additional information about Demolition Districts is available on the City's website at the
following address: www.citvofdubuque.orqlindex.cfm?paqeid=91.
Historic Districts
What is a Historic District?
A Historic District is an area designated by the City Council that has defined geographic boundaries
and contains properties that are historically or architecturally significant. The City has 5 Historic
Districts.
What does the Historic Preservation Commission review in Historic Districts?
The Historic Preservation Commission conducts design reviews of proposed exterior changes to a
building, sign or other structure in a historic district that could impact its historic or architectural
significance. The Commission does not review interior changes to a building.
What is a Design Review?
A design review is a request to alter the exterior of a property. The Historic Preservation Commission
has the authority to allow these changes to properties located in one of the city's historic districts. Some
building changes do not require a full Commission review and can be approved by City staff.
When do I need a Design Review?
You may need to file an application for a design review if you want to alter the exterior portions of your
property that can be seen from the public right-of-way (the public right-of-way includes streets, alleys,
sidewalks and public steps). The process is intended to provide an opportunity to create, change or
affect the exterior architectural features of the structure or site in a way that will not adversely affect the
aesthetic, historic, or architectural significance and value of the property or the neighboring properties.
How long does the application process take?
In most cases, the application process takes about 21 days from the application deadline if Commission
review is needed. Reviews take only a day or two for City staff sign-offs.
Who is the Historic Preservation Commission?
The Historic Preservation Commission is a volunteer group of 7 citizens from the community who are
appointed by the City Council to make decisions on design review requests. The Commissioners have
various backgrounds and expertise and share an interest in historic preservation, with most of them
residing in one of the districts.
What criteria are considered when reviewing a Design Review application?
The Historic Preservation Commission uses the following criteria when reviewing a design review
request for a property in a Historic District:
1)
The Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings and the
"Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings' which are based on these federal
standards.
2)
The standards for review specified in the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance and the
Design Guidelines for Historic Districts.
3)
The Commission must consider each request on the merits of the individual case, with
deliberation given to the proposed change and its relationship to the historic setting,
architectural or historical significance, extent of previous alteration, use of original materials
and quality of the existing structure or site.
Additional information about Historic Districts is available on the City's website at the following
address: www.citvofdubuQue.oro/index.cfm?paoeid=91.
-- ---
-- --
~_.
~
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's cultural
resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and
support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and
archeological resources. The National Register is administered by the National Park
Service under the Secretary of the Interior. Properties listed in the National Register
include districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are significant in American
history, architecture, archeology, engineering, ahd culture. These resources contribute to
an understanding of the historical and cultural foundations of the Nation.
The National Register includes all historic areas in the National Park System; National
Historic Landmarks which have been designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their
significance to all Americans; and properties significant to the Nation, State, or
community which have been nominated by the States, Federal agencies and others and
have been approved by the National Park Service.
Listing in the National Register has the following results which assist in preserving
historic properties:
Recognition that a property is of significance to the Nation, the State or the
community.
Consideration in the planning for Federal or federally assisted projects.
Eligibility for Federal tax benefits.
Consideration in the decision to issue a surface coal mining permit.
Qualification for Federal assistance for historic preservation, when funds are
available.
National Register properties are distinguished by having been documented and
evaluated according to uniform standards. The Secretary of the Interior's National
Register criteria for evaluation and documentation standards are used by every State
and Territory and by Federal agencies to identify important historic and archeological
properties worthy of preservation and of consideration in making planning and
development decisions.
The National Register program provides Federal, State and local governments and the
general public the following:
National recognition of the value of historic properties individually and collectively to
the Nation.
Eligibility for Federal tax incentives and other preservation assistance.
Assistance in cultural resource planning.
National Recognition
Americans are proud of their heritage and are honored when properties in their
communities and States are entered in the National Register. Historic properties in a
community are tangible links with the Nation's past that help provide a sense of identity
and stability. The National Register, which recognizes the values of properties as diverse
as a dugout shelter of an Oklahoma pioneer settler, the Breakers Mansion in Newport,
and a 12,OOO-year-old prehistoric site, has helped many to appreciate the richness and
variety of their heritage.
Listing properties in the National Register often changes the way communities perceive
their historic resources and gives credibility to efforts of private citizens and public
officials to preserve these resources as living parts of our communities. Listing in the
National Register, however, does not interfere with a private property owner's right to
alter, manage or dispose of property.
Historical commissions, design review committees, or special zoning ordinances are
established by State legislation or local ordinances; they are not a part of the National
Register program. Information on any State or local law which may affect a historic
property may be obtained from the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Mayor,
City Council or other community officials.
Preservation Assistance
Private preservation efforts, spurred by the honor of National Register listing and made
feasible by financial incentives, have resulted in a rise in the value of historic property
and in the creation of construction, business and employment opportunities throughout
the Nation. Documentation used for evaluating and registering historic properties is the
basis for decisions about which properties merit tax incentives or available Federal
assistance and how these properties should be treated to respect their historic
character.
.,--..~
~,---_._..-
"
What are the Results of Listing on National Register of Historic Places?
Under federal law, owners of private property listed in the National Register are
free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose provided
that there is no Federal involvement.
Many states and communities use National Register listing as the backbone of their
planning processes and designation criteria. In some cases, state and local ordinances
may establish protections for preservation purposes. To find out if your state or
community has such processes in place and their possible effect on your historic
property, follow these links for the address and phone number of your State Historic
Preservation Office, Tribal Preservation Office, or Federal Preservation Office.
In addition to honorific recognition, listing in the National Register results in the
following for historic properties:
Consideration in planning for Federal, federally licensed, and federally assisted
projects;
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires that Federal
agencies allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment
on all projects affecting historic properties either listed in or determined eligible for listing
in the National Register. The Advisorv Council oversees and ensures the consideration
of historic properties in the Federal planning process.
Eliqibilitv for certain tax provisions:
Owners of properties listed in the National Register may be eligible for a 20% investment
tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of income-producing certified historic structures
such as commercial, industrial, or rental residential buildings. This credit can be
combined with a straight-line depreciation period of 27.5 years for residential property
and 31.5 years for nonresidential property for the depreciable basis of the rehabilitated
building reduced by the amount of the tax credit claimed. Federal tax deductions are
also available for charitable contributions for conservation purposes of partial interests in
historically important land areas or structures.
Consideration of historic values in the decision to issue a surface mining permit
where coal is located in accordance with the Surface Mining Control Act of 1977;
and
Qualification for Federal grants for historic preservation, when funds are
available.
For more information on Federal grants for historic preservation and the Federal tax
incentive program, visit the NPS Heritaqe Preservation Services page.
N
A
~----".,~._---". ,.,. '. ~~--~ ._-,--"~. -. -,. .'. ".-." -. ....,.",.~-."._,.""..._.,~-
N
A
(.
. Gronen Properties, LLC. ~~@~UW~~
P.O. Box 1862
Dubuque, IA 52004-1862 JUL 1 4 2003
Ph: 563.557.7010
PlANNIN'¡¡ 'ŠERVICES DEPARTMENT
July 11, 2003
Mr. Chris Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
Dear Chairperson Wand:
As a developer and owner of a number of properties li'TIou/ši':1out Dubuque's downtown, I
value our corn1l1unity's historic resources as a means for economic .development. I
apologize I could not attend the hearing in person, but I wish to express my full support
for the creation of a Warehouse Demolition District.
Dubuque's history as a world leader in sash and door production is seated at the
warehouse district. This area is enormously important to our history as a 19th & 20th
century industrial city. Some of the buildings on their own may not seem to warrant a
strong call for preservation, but as a collection, this is a highly intact group of buildings
with a common theme. The sense of place and history that these buildings convey can be
attractive to business, shoppers, and residents alike.
Other cities across the United States that have comparable districts are working hard to
preserve them-and it is paying off. One only needs to look at Omaha's Old Market and
Warehouse district to look at the potential impact sensitive stewardship and development
can have. These buildings' particularly large floorplates, high ceilings and open
floorplans make them especially attractive to developers who want both flexibility in
design and historic character. As well, with the nearby development at Lower and Upper
Main Street and the Port of Dubuque, the time is right for moving ahead to ensure
stability.
Thank you for your attention and your continued service to the City of Dubuque.
¡::¡Ù. .
rõ)~@~U\Yl~rm
I1ll JUL 1 1 2003 lYJ
'" ' '.
v Ubuq ~ C 01M1ty H f4'torícaJ., S ocie:ty
MEMO
TO: Local History Committee
FROM: Jerry Enzler
DATE: July 8, 2003
RE: July Meeting
In lieu of a Local History Committee meeting this month, you are encouraged to attend a public
meeting regarding the Historic Preservation Commission's proposed warehouse demolition
district The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17th at 5:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Stout
Public Library Auditorium. (see attached information)
If you are unable to attend, you can forward your comments to the following:
Tacie Campbell, Curator
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
350 E. Third St
Dubuque, IA 52001
Fax: 563-583-1241
(563) 557 9545 fax (563) 583 1241 350 East Third Street Dubuque, 1A 52001
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium' Mathias Ham House 'Ryan House 'Old County Jail
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 5S9-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
P lanning@dtyofdubuque.org
+~
Du~
~c/k.~
"
January 15, 2004
Rick Dickinson
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
300 Main Street, Suite 120
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Proposed Warehouse Demolition District
Dear Rick:
The Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed your letter of December 3, 2003
addressed to Mayor Terry Duggan regarding the proposed Warehouse Demolition District
with City Legal and Planning Services staff.
It appears from this letter that you may not have received adequate information about the
proposal. The Commission would like to provide you with additional information about the
proposed district, and address your concerns.
Your first concern was that there is not an economic feasibilitv study for the proposed
action. .
An economic feasibility study is not required to establish a demolition district. The City
Council has established 8 demolition districts (see enclosed map) without an economic
feasibility study. The last demolition district established was for the Downtown
Neighborhood. This demolition district is the largest in land area. It was established at the
initiative of the City Council.
For the proposed warehouse district, an economic analysis has been conducted in terms
of the retail trade inventory, residential development inventory, and target industry analysis
prepared for the Downtown Master Plan. In the Plan, the warehouse district is identified as
a contiguous area of influence for the central business district.
Your second concern was that the proposed district is ex post facto zoninq.
The City Legal Department provided oversight to the creation of the 8 demolition districts.
They have determined that the districts are not ex post facto zoning.
The Zoning Ordinance regulates the uses of land, as well as bulk regulations pertaining to
lot size and area, setbacks, and building height. The Zoning Ordinance also establishes
requirements for parking, landscaping and signs.
Sernce
People
Integrity
Re'poruribility
Innovation
Teamwork
Proposed Warehouse Demolition District
Page 2
A demolition district regulates none of these things. The demolition district does not pertain
to improvements to the exterior or interior of buildings. It does not pertain to upgrades and
investments to facilities, equipment, or infrastructure. It only applies to demolition requests.
Your third concern was that the proposed district lacks financial investment and intent from
the private sector to re-develop the area.
A lack of financial investment and intent from the private sector to re-develop, and
anticipated demolition of historic structures, were factors that led the City Council to create
the Downtown Neighborhood Demolition District.
During the Commission's public meetings on the proposed Warehouse Demolition District,
there was interest expressed by some property owners in re-developing their properties.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
~Çl4Ù2
Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
cc
Mayor and City Council Members
GDDC Board Members
Proposed Warehouse Demolition District
Page 2
A demolition district regulates none of these things. The demolition district does not pertain
to improvements to the exterior or interior of buildings. It does not pertain to upgrades and
investments to facilities, equipment, or infrastructure. It only applies to demolition requests.
Your third concern was that the prooosed district lacks financial investment and intent from
the private sector to re-develop the area.
A lack of financial investment and interit from the private sector to re-develop, and
anticipated demolition of historic structures, were factors that led the City Council to create
the Downtown Neighborhood Demolition District
During the Commission's public meetings on the proposed Warehouse Demolition District,
there was interest expressed by some property owners in re-developing their properties.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
C4ul~
Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
cc
Mayor and City Council Members
GDDC Board Members
F?FC'EIVED
HPC
q
GreaterDubuque
Development Corporation
December 3, 2003
03 ore - <:; ¡.¡".¡' 0", ,
- " , v 41
Terry Duggan
Mayor
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
City Cic';'s Office
DubuCì! '" it:'
,_.OJ, " 0
Mayor Duggan:
On behalf of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, I am writing to go on record in
opposition to the Historic Preservation District's proposed Warehouse Demolition District.
In addition to the specific concerns and potential limitations on expansion that Jeld-Wen shared
with our office (three of their four buildings are located in the proposed area), consider the
following as well:
1) There is not an economic feasibility study for the proposed action. Regardless of one's
position (either in favor of or in opposition to this proposal), an economic impact analysis
should, at the very least, be conducted to determine the real dollar cost/impact.
2) The proposed district is a form of ex post facto zoning. Companies, like Jeld Wen, have
had the appropriate zoning in place for years. As a result, investments and upgrades
have' been made tò facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. The proposed change
would, in effect, rezone numerous properties after the fact,
3) The proposed district lacks financial investment and intent from the private sector to
re-develop the area. That is, the proposal has been driven by the Historic Preservation
Commission, not real dollars from the private sector.
We ask that this proposal be denied. In Jeld Wen's case, it's a matter of taking care of a loyal,
existing business that provides 89 quality jobs in our community and wants nothing more, than
the flexibility to expand and update when needed.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need clarification.
C3?~
Rick Dickinson
Director
cc:
Mr. Michael Van Milligen, City Manager, City of Dubuque
Mr. Chris Wand, Chair, Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission
Mr. Steve Wolf, Manager, Jeld-Wen of Dubuque
Mr. Darin Harmon, Jeld-Wen Legal Counsel, Kintzinger Law Firm
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pheoe563.557.9009
300 Mal" Street. Suite 120. OubuQ"e, Iowa 52001
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JELDWEN"
m,od Fiber Division
250 East 8" St.
Dubuque. IA
52001.7049 USA
563557-1603 Tel
563557.9732 Fax
www.jeld.wen.com
July 25, 2003
Christopher Wand
Historic Preservation Commission
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Dear Mr. Wand,
I am responding to your letter dated July 2, 2003. It was in regards to a Proposed
Warehouse Demolition District. According to your letter three of our four buildings
located in the vicinity of250 East 8th street will be in the proposed demolition district.
JELD- WEN is a heavy industrial manufacturer of doors and door components. We
currently employ 90 people at the facility in Dubuque.
After reviewing your letter along with the attachments defining demolition districts,
historic districts and the National Register of Historic Places, we have concluded that
this will not be in the best interest ofJELD-WEN... This type of designation will not fit
into a site that is zoned for heavy industrial use. The buildings are actively being used
for production seven days a week 24 hours per day. To list these buildings as historic
sites would not be complimentary with their current use. This type of designation will
only lead to conflicts in the future, as JELD- WEN will continue to modernize our
facilities while the city will desire to preserve the old.
Please continue to keep us informed of any upcoming meetings or discussions in
regards to this proposed demolition district We definitely want to have our opinion
heard.
~Best RE18.ard~
\~~);
sieven Wolf v
General Manager
c.c.
Rick Dickinson, Greater Dubuque Development Corp.
Darin Harmon, Kintzinger Law Firm
David Stork, JELD- WEN Legal Division
lo...U:íC',-
Planning Services Department
City HaIl
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 5S9-4210 office
(563) 5S9-4221 fax
(563) 690-667S TDD
planning@cityofdubuque.org
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October 13, 2003
«FirsLname» «Lastname»
«Address»
«City» «State» «Postal code»
Subject: Proposed Warehouse Demolition District
Dear «Title» «Lastname»,
This letter is to inform you that the City Council will review the request from the Historic
Preservation Commission to establish the Warehouse Demolition District (see enclosed
map).
The City Council will review the request at the October 20, 2003 meeting. The meeting
will be held at 6:30 pm in the 3rd Floor Auditorium at the Carnegie Stout Public Library,
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa.
If the City Council approves the Warehouse Demolition District, the Building Official
cannot issue a demolition permit without review by the Historic Preservation Commission
and final approval by the City Council. Structures located in these demolition districts
are not subject to a design review by the Historic Preservation Commission. The
property owner may make exterior and interior alterations to the structure without
Historic Preservation Commission review.
Creation of this demolition district will help protect the large brick warehouses that
represent the industrial heritage of Dubuque, and that are considered eligible for listing
on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sincerely,
~y~
Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
enclosure
cc:
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Smiœ
P~ple
IntegÚty
R"'poroibility
Innovation
Teamwmk
Title First name Lastname Companv2 Address City State Postalcode
American Architectural Property Owner 6500 Brooktree Wexford PA 15090
Products Inc. Road Suite 202
Design Center Property Owner 290 Main Street Dubuaue IA 52001
Mr. Michael Fincel 850 Jackson Dubuaue IA 52001
Mr.& James & Julie Gross 2345 Clarke Dubuque IA 52001
Mrs. Crest Drive
Jeld-Wen Inc Attn: Prop Tax Property Owner P.O. Box 1329 Klamath OR 97601
Falls
Plastic Center Inc. Property Owner 290 Main Street DubuQue IA 52001
Mr. Mark Redmond 1905 Asbury Dubuque IA 52001
Road
Mr. John Rettenmaier 1105 Loras Dubuque IA 52001
Boulevard
State of Iowa Property Owner 800 Lincoln Ames IA 50010
Deot of Transoortation Way
Mr. Wayne Stewart P.O. Box 49 East IL 61025
Dubuaue
Tschiggfrie Excavating Property Owner 400 Julien Dubuque IA 52003
Dubuaue Drive
Wilmac Prooertv Property Owner 801 Jackson Dubuaue IA 52001
Jeld-Wen Fiber of Iowa Property Owner 250 E 8m Street DubuQue IA 52001
Montague Group Inc Property Owner 6306610 Cedar IA 52404
Avenue SW Raoids
Ryman Corporation Property Owner 6306610 Cedar IA 52404
Avenue SW Rapids
Mr. Lyle Whalen 16786 Middle Dubuque IA 52002
Road
Mr. John White 409 Burch Dubuaue IA 52001
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690.6678 TDD
P 1annin g@cityofdubuque.org
D~
~c/k.~
October 24, 2003
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Warehouse Demolition District
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
At the October 20, 2003, City Council meeting, the Council tabled the Warehouse
Demolition District.
The Historic Preservation Commission respectfully requests that the City Council
provide them with direction about what information they would like the HPC to submit in
order to make an informed decision about the Warehouse Demolition District
Respectfully submitted,
~JfÝZ~
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
Service
People
Integrity
Re'poroibility
InnQvation
Teamwork