Landmark Status 1339 Alta Vista
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 Iannin g@cityofdubuque.org
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May 26, 2004
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 W.13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
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RE: 1339 Alta Vista Street - Petition for Landmark Status
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Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
INTRODUCTION
David Moessner and Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner have submitted a letter to the Historic
Preservation CommiSsion petitioning their property at 1339 Alta Vista Street to become
designated as a City (local) Landmark. The Historic Preservation Commission has
recommended approval of this petition to designate 1339 Alta Vista Street as a City (local)
Landmark.
As required by Section 6 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Long Range Planning
Advisory Commission has reviewed the request foe consistency with the Comprehensive
Plan, and recommends denial.
BACKGROUND
The Dubuque area is rich in historic, architectural, and archeological resources. Dubuque
County has 5 archeological districts, 4 historic districts, and 46 individual structures listed on
the National Register of Historic Places as well as 3 National Historic Landmarks.
The city limits of Dubuque encompass many of Dubuque County's nationally recognized
cultural resources, including 1 of the archeological districts, all 4 historic districts, and 36 of
the 46 individual structures listed on the National Register. Two of the County's 3 National
Historic Landmark are located in the Dubuque city limits. The City of Dubuque has been
adding to its National Register inventory in the last few years, principally through historic tax
credit projects in the central business district.
There are 615 structures in five locally designated historic districts administered by the City
of Dubu~ue's Historic Preservation Commission: Cathedral, Jackson Park, Langworthy,
West 11 Street and Old Main. Three of these districts, Cathedral, Jackson Park, and Old
Main, are also listed on the National Register. The Langworthy and West 11th Street
Historic Districts are currently in the process of being listed on the National Register.
The City of Dubuque has designated 8 local landmark sites for the Historic Preservation
Commission to administer: City Hall, Dubuque County Courthouse, Old Dubuque County
Jail, William M. Black steamboat, Shot Tower, Mathias Ham House, Julien Dubuque
Monument and the fE¡Cently designated Fo'ur Mounds Estate Historic District. All of these
structures are on the National Register.
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Integrity
Responsibility
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1339 Alta Vista Street - Petition for Landmark Status
May 26, 2004
Page 2
DISCUSSION
According to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Historic Preservation Commission's
recommendation on the nomination of a landmark, and its supporting report, is to be filed
with the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission with an ordinance that establishes the
local landmark and describes its location and boundaries by address and legal description.
According to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, after receipt of the Historic Preservation
Commission's recommendation, report and proposed ordinance, the Long Range Planning
Advisory Commission is to report to the City Council with respect to the relation of the
nomination to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, proposed public improvements
and any plans for the renewal of the area involved. The Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission has found that the designation of 1339 Alta Vista Street as a City (local)
Landmark is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and proposed
public improvements.
According to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the City Council is to submit the proposed
ordinance to the State Historic Preservation Office of the State Historical Society of Iowa for
review and recommendations at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of any public
hearing conducted by the City Council.
Upon receipt of the recommendation and report of the Historic Preservation Commission
and the report of the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission, and after having received
a recommendation from the State Historic Preservation Office or if the forty-five day waiting
period has lapsed since submission of the request for such recommendation, the City
Council shall approve or disapprove the ordinance or amendment, or refer the nomination
back to the Historic Preservation Commission for modification,
RECOMMENDATION
The Historic Preservation Commission respectfully requests that the City Council forward
the proposed ordinance and supporting documentation to the State Historic Preservation
Office and set a public hearing for August 2, 2004 to establish the 1339 Alta Vista as a City
Landmark.
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Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
cc:
David Rusk, Chairperson, Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
Planning Services Department
Gty Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
P lannin g@cityofdubuque,org
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May 26, 2004
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The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall- 50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
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RE:
1339 Alta Vista Street-Petition for Landmark Status
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Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Long Range Planning Advisory Commission has reviewed the above-cited
request. The application, staff report and related materials are attached for your review.
Discussion
The applicant did not speak in favor of the request.
Staff reviewed the letter from David Moessner and Jean Stevenson-Moessner and related
materials petitioning that their property at 1339 Alta Vista Street be designated as a City (local)
Landmark,
There were no public comments.
The Long Range Planning Advisory Commission discussed the request, noting that 1339 Alta
Vista is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
Recommendation
By a vote of 5-0, the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission recommends that while the
request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan's Cultural Arts goal and four objectives
related to cultural and historic resources of the community, the property does not reach the
same status level as the eight existing City Landmarks, and the petition should be denied.
A simple majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the request or to concur with
the recommendation for denial.
Respectfully submitted,
~~
David Wm. Rusk, Chairperson
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
cc: Christopher Wand, Chairperson, Historic Preservation Commission
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MEMORANDUM
May 5, 2004
SUBJECT:
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
. Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager "'~
Petition for City Landmark Status - 1339 Alta Vista Street
TO:
FROM:
INTRODUCTION
The Historic Preservation CQmmission has recommended approval of the
petition by David Moessner and Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner that the structure
they own at 1339 Alta Vista Street to be designated as a City Landmark.
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The letter of recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission, the
petition, .and an ordinance conferring City Landmark status for 1339 Alta Vista
Street are attached.
BACKGROUND .
According to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, if the HPC determines the
property meets the criteria, then this recommendation and an ordinance
establishing landmark status are submitted to the Long Range Planning Advisory
Commission. Within 60 days, the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
shall report to the City Council on the proposal's conformance with city plans,
The City Council then submits the proposal to the State Historic Preservation
Office for review and recommendations at least 45 days prior to the City
Council's public hearing.
DISCUSSION
The City's Comprehensive Plan includes a Cultural Arts goal and four objectives
related to cultural and historic resources of the community, as shown below:
'--./
Petition for Landmark Status - 1339 Alta Vista Street
Page 2
1.
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6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
To safeguard the cultural and historic resources of the community
as critical to the quality of life and the attractiveness of Dubuque.
Promote the preservation of historic buildings and architectural resources
in the community.
Educate the community about the benefits of historic preservation to the
community's quality of life, economic development efforts, tourism and tax
base enhancement.
Explore, preserve and iñterpret for present and future generations, the
history of Dubuque and the Mississippi River.
Increase appreciation, education, technical assistance and funding for the
community's historical and architectural heritage.
The petition for City Landmark status for 1339 Alta Vista Street is consistent with
Cultural Arts goal 6 and objective 6.1 of the Comprehensive Plan.
REQUESTED ACTION .
The requested action is for the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission to
review the petition for landmark status for 1339 Alta Vista Street, and then report
to the City Council on the proposal's conformance with city plans.
Attachments
'-'
P1anning Services Department
GtyHall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
P Ianning@cityofdubuque.org
THECITYOF ~
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May 4, 2004
Dave Rusk, Chairperson
Long Range Pianning Advisory Commission
City of Dubuque
50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
SUBJECT:
Petition for City Landmark Status - 1339 Alta Vista Street
Dear Chairperson Rusk:
This letter transmits the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission in
support of the petition by David Moessner and Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner that the
residential structure they own at 1339 Alta Vista to be designated as a City Landmark.
BACKGROUND -
Currently, there are eight City Landmarks: Julien Dubuque Monument, City Hall, Old
County Jail, Dubuque County Courthouse, Mathias Ham House, Four Mounds Estate,
William M. Black and the Shot Tower. All of these City Landmarks are listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
In the City of Dubuque, there are 39 structures individually listed on the National
Register. The property at 1339 Alta Vista is not listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
The structure at 1339 Alta Vista Street was identified as being architecturally
significance in a 1973 Historic Sites Field Survey conducted by Lawrence Sommers
(now Deputy SHPO for the State of Nebraska). The 1973 Bruce Kriviskey survey
identified the structure as being of supportive. The property owners have indicated
historical significance in their submitted letter. The property is over 50 years old and is
well preserved.
Secvice
People
Integrity
R"']'OßSibility
hmovation
Teamwmk
Petition for Landmark Status
Page 2
DISCUSSION
The Historic Preservation Ordinances gives the Historic Preservation Commission the
responsibility to recommend if a property should become a City landmark, based on the
criteria for designation. The Historic Preservation Commission has determined that the
property meets the following criteria:
'---' '
(1)
(2)
(3)
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The nominated property, structure, object, site or area:
a. Is of architectural significance, as defined by this chapter, or
b. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of the history of the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, the
State of Iowa or the nation; or
c. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past the City of
Dubuque, Dubuque County, the State of Iowa or the nation; or
d. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in pre-history
or history;' and
The structure, property, object, site or area has sufficient integrity of location,
design, materials and workmanship to make it worthy of preservation or
restoration; and
The structure, property, object, site or area is at least fifty (50) years old,
unless the Commission determines that it has achieved significance within the
past fifty (50) years and is of exceptional importance.
RECOMMENDATION
The Historic Preservation Commission recommends that the property be listed as a City
Landmark.
Sincerely,
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Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
,,---.
Preparer: Laura Carstens. PlanninG Services Manaaer Address: SOW. 13th Street Telephone: 563-5894210
ORDINANCE NO.
-04
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25 (HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ORDINANCE) OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING
SECTION 25-6 IDENTIFICATION AND DESIGNATION OF LANDMARKS, LANDMARK
SITES AND HISTORIC DISTRICTS TO INCLUDE THE STRUCTURE AT 1339 AL T A
VISTA STREET AS A CITY LANDMARK.
Whereas, the Historic Preservation Commission has recommended amendments
to Chapter 25 (Historic Preservation Ordinance) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Dubuque; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the recommended amendments to the
Historic Preservation Ordinance are consistent with the goals and objectives of the
Comprehensive Plan and the purpose and intent of the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 25) of the City of
Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby amended by amending Section 6 to add (14)
1339 Aita Vista Street as a City Landmark as follows:
Section 25-6.14 1339 Alta Vista Street.
The property hereinafter described is hereby designated as a landmark, according to
the provisions of this chapter, to wit:
The buildings, structures, objects, sites, and property situated on Lot 11, N 22' Of Lot
10, And 5 10' Of Lot 11, N 22' Of Lot 10, And 5 10' Of Lot 12, In Leven's Add.,
commonly known as 1339 Aita Vista Street.
Section 2. That the foregoing has heretofore been reviewed by the Historic
Preservation Commission and Long Range Planning Advisory Commission of the City
of Dubuque, Iowa and the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Section 3. The property has architectural and historic significance and meets the
requirements for designation as a city landmark and city landmark site.
Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication.
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Ordinance No. - - 04
Page 2
Passed, approved and adopted this
Attest
day of
-
,2004.
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
F;\USERS\Wwemimo\HPc\1339 Alia Vista cldinance,doc
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March 27,2004
City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission
C/o Planning Services Department, City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
Dear Historic Preservation Commission:
My wife and I would like to make fonnal application for our home on the property of
1339 AIta Vista, Dubuque, lA, 52001, to be registered as a City Landmark. The story of
the property and its grand Colonial Revival s1ructure reflect much of the history and
character of Dubuque.
The land rights to the house go back at least to 1856 when families such as the Bonsons
and the Brunskills owned mineral rights to the property in the area referred to as Leven's
Addition during the time when Dubuque was still known for its lead mining. In 1888 the
property was sold to the Catholic Church, first under the care of John Hennessy and later
under the auspices of John J. Keane, Archbishop of Dubuque. In 1906 the property was
sold to Samuel B. Lattner, a prominent lawyer in Dubuque, as well as president of the
Worthington Savings Bank, trustee ofSt. Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church, and
dedicated Board Member of the YMCA. In 1908 Lattner built the stately Colonial
Revival home, constructed ITom the best woods in old world craftsmanship, resplendent
with the rectilinear lines and steep roofs of the Georgian popular style of the eighteenth
century, and sheathed in a four-inch cedar clapboard exterior. Among other colonial
features, the home exhibits copper gutters, multi-light window sashes, and a three-color
traditional theme. One enters the home to an oak-paneled formal foyer with a curved,
quarter-sawn oak grand staircase, one of the few of its kind still present in Dubuque.
Ornately carved, classièally detailed cornices adorn the parlor and study, and the dining
room features a built-in, oak china cupboard.
Previons owners include the Mathias C. and Suzanne Kurz family, who were associated
with the hardwood lumber industry (Iowa Coffin Co.); Julius and Elizabeth Loosbrock, of
the Sorbeau Juvenile Manufacturing Co. (textile industry); Dr. James (oral surgeon) and
Harriet N. McKay; and Dr. John T. (urologist) and Laura Dolehide.
Our goal is to preserve and enhance the home, as much as is feasible, according to its
original design and splendor. Registering the home as a City Landmark, we believe, will
help ensure the beauty and grandeur of this old, new-world revival landmark.
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Thank you very much for your consideration. We shall be delighted to provide any
further documents or information that might be of assistance in this process.
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Yours sincerely,
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David P. Moessner, Dr. Theo!.
(with Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Dr.Theo!.)
1339 Alta Vista Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4373
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May 20 & 21,2000
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Stevenson-Moessner
1339 AIta VISta Street
'. This dignffied example of a ColoIña1 Revival house,
built (c. 1908) in the Levens Addition to Dubuque. was
constructed of the best woods. with the exterior finished
. in four-inch cedar clapboard siding. and paiOted in a
tbree-color traditional theme. The rectilinear, symmeoi-
cai shape of the house is borrowed froM the Georgian
style popular in ~ èigl1teenth centwy. Copper gutters
higbiigbt the roof. 0theI' .colonial details include the
niuiti-ligltt window sash..pilasters which ftame the front
enttance, a steep roof, and heavy shutters. Previous own-
ers of the home include the Lattners. the Joseph Meyer
family (1915-1946), Dr. and Mrs. James McKay, and Dr.
Jack and Laura Dolehide. You enter the home to an oak-
paneled fonnal foyer with a.cuived grand staircase. In
tbeparlor;'tbe classically detailed cornice is of carved
wood. The dining room has a built-in china cupboan\,
and the table is set with examples of Bñtish, Gennan,
and Japanese china patterns. The study retains its origi-
nal built-in cabinets, green tiled fireplace, and the elab-
orate ceiling cornice.
The owners,have acquired an art collection wlñle on
. their worlÍI. tÏãvcJs and have furnished their home with
Dubuque antiques and memorabilia. Dubuque- pieces
include the chair iti the foyer and two sidecbaiIs in the
parlor. The sideboard in the dining room was purchased
at SinsinÍ1wa.
F/Qral and decorative e1ÙUl1U:ements by
Sue Behr at Eagle Country F1oral
2150 J.F.K. Road - 583-8104
HISTORIC SITES FIELD SURVEY
DUBUOUE, IOWA
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Address
13"'1 aH& \J~
Map Key I-I'? Year Built
Present Use ~N~jI
Present Owner ~'1 t\\,¡. !<a,\A
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Present Occupant 1 '"""'-' fi\.t~
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Zoning
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Material
NATURE OF SITE
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Building
Area
Site
Other
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STRUCTURAL CONDITION
Foundation
Walls
Roof
Windows
Conments
~'-"~"'URCE OF INTEREST
MAINTENANCE
Historical -
Architectural...t.-
Other
Structure
Site
Adj. Bldgs.
Adj. prop.
Vicinity
Comments
ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY
Exceptional -
Excellent 111
Good ì<
Fair
Poor
Significant features
URBAN DESIGN VALUE
Is site threatened?
Great
Moderate
Minor
,
.
Additional information
SIGNIFICJ4'1CE
Neighborhood -X..-
City
State
National
~te of Field Survey
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Sound Repair Repair Critical
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