1339 Alta Vista Landmark Status
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
planning@cityofdubuque.org
THE CITY OF ( :---",
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July 27, 2004
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 W.13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: 1339 Alta Vista Street - Petition for Landmark Status
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City Council has a public hearing set for August 2, 2004 on the petition of David and
Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner to have their property at 1339 Alta Vista Street designated as a
City (local) Landmark. Infonnation regarding this petition is attached.
The Historic Preservation Commission has recommended approval of the petition.
The Long Range Planning Advisory Commission has recommended denial because the
property does not reach the same status level as the existing 8 City Landmarks, which are listed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Historic Society of Iowa has found the Moessners' petition to be incomplete because
it does not provide sufficient documentation on the significance of the property. The additional
infonnation that the State has identified would require a qualified historic preservation consultant
to prepare. This additional infonnation essentially would be the documentation needed to list
the property on the National Register.
The Historic Preservation Commission would like to evaluate the State's position, to detennine if
there might be an alternate way to designate local landmarks that does not require the property
owner to incur the expense of documenting National Register eligibility.
The Historic Preservation Commission respectfully requests that the City Council table the
public hearing the 1339 Alta Vista Street, and then refer the State's letter to the HPC for
evaluation and a recommendation.
Sincerely,
~'lt~ S~(I.-i>Q..
David Stuart, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
cc:
David Rusk, Chairperson, Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
David and Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, 1339 Alta Vista Street
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STATE
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PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
A Division Of The Department of Cultural Affairs
June 25, 2004
Mr. Wally Wernimont
50 W 13th St
Dubuque, lA 52001
RE: SHPO Comment on the Nomination and Ordinance, Designating the property at 1339 Alta Vista,
Dubuque, Iowa as' a Local Historic Landmark.
Dear Mr. Wernimont:
We thank the Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission and their staff for forwarding the above
referenced nomination and ordinance to the State Historic Preservation Bureau for review and comment.
We believe this is the first privately owned, residential property in Dubuque to be nominated by its
owners for local landmark status, which reflects well on the City's historic preservation program
particularly the work of the Commission and City Staff.
After reviewing the submitted materials, Barbara Mitchell, Ralph Christian, and I found that could not
comment on because it is incomplete. Neither the property owner's March 27, 2004 letter nor Chris
Wand's, Historic Preservation Commission Chairman, letter of May 4, 2004 to Dave Rusk, Chairman of
Dubuque's Long Range Planning Advisory Commission, provide the empirical documentation needed to
support the finding that the property meets the following significance criteria:
I) Is of architectural significance;
2) 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 ofIowa or the Nation;
3) Is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past of the City of Dubuque, Dubuque
County, the State ofIowa or the Nation.
4) The property has sufficient integrity oflocation, design, materials, and workmanship to make it
worthy of preservation or restoration.
5) The property is a least fifty (50) years.
As you know a local nomination serves two functions. First, the local nomination is a baseline document,
indicating the condition of the property (landmark or district) at the time of designation. Second, the
nomination serves as evidence of the property's significance. For these reasons, the nomination should
provide a clear statement and inventory of the character defining features of a property, those associated
with the property's period of significance, and their integrity at the time of designation. The nomination
should contain good photo-documentation of those features. The nomination should also clearly state the
significance criterion or criteria that the property meets and provide a documented statement of how and
why the property meets those criteria. The nomination should have an attached topographic map showing
the property location within the City of Dubuque as well as a scale map of the boundaries and features
(buildings, structures, objects, sites) associated with the property being nominated.
600 EAsT LOCUST STREET DES MOINES, IA 50319-0290 p, (515) 281-6826, EMAlL, ke"J'.mcg,.,h@iowa.gov
Page 2
For example, if the property has architectural significance, then there should be a detailed description of
the fabric, design and location of those character defining features, particularly the exterior ones.
Unfortunately the resolution of the digital photographs and lack of historic photographs in the
nomination, makes it impossible to determine what kind of material was and is presently on the exterior.
The cladding, for example, appears to be synthetic. A comparison of the 1973 photograph attached to the
inventory sheet, with the 2004 digital ones, indicates that the ITont entryway has been altered. Which is
the original configuration and how was that documented? It also appears that windows and shutters may
have been changed, again which are the originals? When did these alterations occur?
If the property 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 ofIowa or the Nation, what are those
events and how is this property associated with them?
If the property is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past of the City of Dubuque,
Dubuque County, the State ofIowa or the Nation, then, in addition to providing the names, professions
and affiliations of the residents, there should be a documented discussion ofthe significant contributions
these individua1s made when they were living in the property.
Finally, there should be primary documentation, e.g. citation of the property abstract, deeds of sale,
contemporary news accounts, contracts with the designer and contractors to support the suggested
construction date.
In summary, the nomination should contain the following:
I) A description of the property detailing materials, mode and date of construction, architectural style(s),
names of designer and contractor (if known);
2) A discussion of alterations to each building, structure, site and/or object, describing type, extent and
date with source citations, and an assessment of current integrity;
3) A discussion ofuse(s) or function(s) through time;
4) A statement of significance, specifying the applicable significance criterion or criteria and detailing
how the property meets that criterion or each criteria with source citations;
5) A clearly labeled, scale site plan of the property showing the layout and locations of associated
buildings, structures, sites, objects as well as important natural features;
6) A clearly labeled, scale map showing the location of the property within the city or county, and
7) Photographs of all associated buildings, structures, sites, and/or objects. Each photograph should be
fully labeled and dated. A set of recent photographs, taken with 6 months of submission of the
nomination is required. Black and White and Kodachrome film is preferred.
8) Footnote all sources used in the text and provide a formal bibliographic list of sources used. This is a
legal document and plagiarism is not acceptable.
Use the Iowa Site Inventory Form and iostructions as a guide for the information you need to have. These
can be downloaded ITom:
http://www.iowahistory.orgipreservation/review_compliance/review - compliance.htmJ
Refer to National Register Bulletins 15 and 16b for discussions of the significance and integrity criteria
and how build a case for each in regard to a property. These can be downloaded ITom:
httD://www.cr.nDs.QOv/nr/Dublications/. For you convenience, I have included several National
Register nominations of houses which have been nominated under Significance Criteria A,B, and C or
combinations of these. Use these as models for your local nomination, particularly the description of the
Page 3
property and the significance statement. Also included is a handout providing guidance on how to
research your house.
In regard to the Ordinance for designating the property, we reviewed that as well. We suggest that you
specify the exact significance criteria which the property meets, as documented in the nomination.
Otherwise, the ordinance contains all of the requisite information.
In closing, we are delighted that Dubuque property owners are now seeking local designation of their
homes. For their protection and the City's, we ask that the nomination be rewritten so that it contains the
above referenced items. A benefit of the revised .nomination is that it could be used as the basis for a
National Register nomination that, if pursued, would qualify the owners for the various national and state
historic preservation incentive programs.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the nomination. If you have any
questions or comments on our review, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below, by phone
at 515/281-6826 or by email at kerrv.mcarath<íV.iowa.aov.
Sincerely,
~~~
Kerry C. McGrath
Local Governments Coordinator
Cc: Christopher Wand, Chairman, Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission
Ralph Christian, SHSI, Historian
Barbara Mitchell, SHSI, Architectural Historian
Enclosures
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Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, [owa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
plarming@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
RE: 1339 Alta Vista Street - Petition for Landmark Status
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 F"icently designated Fo'ur Mounds Estate Historic District. All of these
structures are on the National Register.
Sern"
People
Integrity
Re'poru>ibility
Innov,rion
T,=wo,k
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.
~~ç7~
Christopher Wand, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
cc:
David Rusk, Chairperson, Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
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
planning@cityofdubuque.org
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May 26, 2004
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall - 50 W. 13'" Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE:
1339 Alta Vista Street-Petition for Landmark Status
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
Som>iœ
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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 Commission 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.
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 detenmines 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 confonmance 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.
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
~
Prepare, Laura Carstens Plannino Services Manaaer Address: 50 W. 13th Street Telephone: 563-589.4210
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 Alta 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
la, And S 10' Of Lot 11, N 22' Of Lot la, And S 10' Of Lot 12, In Leven's AcId.,
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.
',-"
',-"
Ordinance No. - - 04
Page 2
Passed, approved and adopted this
day of
.-
,2004.
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
F:IUSERSIWwemimoIHPCI1339 Alta VISta ordinance.doc
'---'
March 27, 2004
City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission
C/o Plamrin¡ Services Department, City Hall
50 West 13 Street
Dubuque, lA 52001-4864
Dear Historic Preservation Commission:
My wife and I would like to make fonnal application for our home on the property of
1339 Alta Vista, Dubuque, lA, 52001, to be registered as a City Landmark. The story of
the property and its grand Colonial Revival structure 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 1. 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 from 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 fonnal foyer with a curved,
quarter-sawn oak grand staircase, one of the few of its kind still present in Dubuque.
Ornately carved, classically detailed cornices adorn the parlor and study, and the dining
room features a built-in, oak china cupboard.
Previous 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.
"-.../
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.
Yours sincerely,
þ4 f /ß?~
David P. Moessner, Dr.Theo!.
(with Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Dr.Theo!.)
1339 Alta Vista Street -
Dubuque, IA 52001-4373
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'~OUSE TOUR
Sponsored by
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Saturday & Sunday
May 20 & 21,2000
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.
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Stevenson-Moessner
1339 Alta VISta Street
This dignified example of a Colonial Revival house,
built (c, 1908) in the Levens Addition 10 Dubuque, was
constructed of the best woods, with the exterior furlshed
, in four-inch cedar Clapboard siding. and painted in a
three-color traditional theme. The rectilinear, symmetri-
cal shape of the house is borrowed from the Georgian
style popular in llie èighteenth centwy. Copper gutteIS
highlight the roof. Other ,colonial details include the
muiti-Jigbt window sash,.pilasters which frame the front
entrance, a steep roof, and heavy shutters. Previous own-
en; of the home include the Latmen;, 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 formal foyer with a .curved grand staircase. In
theparlor,..the classically detailed cornice is of carved
wood. The dining room has a built-in china cupboard,
and the table is set with examples of British, 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 an collection while on
. their world nvcls and have furnished their home with
Dubuque antiques and memorabilia. Dubuque pieces
inClude the chair iri the foyer and two sideehairs in the
parlor. The sideboard in the dining room was purchased
at Sinsinawa. .
Floral and tkcoraJiy. enhancements by
Sue Hehr at Eagle Country Floral
2150 J.F.K. Road - 583-8104
HISTORIC SITES FIELD SURVEY
DUBUQUE. IOWA
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Common Name
Address
13:2,,\ (1 Pt.
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Map Key
I-I?
Year Built
~1v'-UJ
!'resent Owner ~ /) 1m.\- I<t.vl.l
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Present Occupant l~ i'rI.t~
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Present Use
Zoning
-:,j:
Material
NATURE OF SITE
STRUCTURAL CONDITION
Building
Area
Site
Other
'f..
Foundation
Walls
Roof
Windows
Conunents
'~"'URCE OF INTEREST
MAINTENANCE
Historical -
Architectural ..:t....-
Other
Structure
Site
Adj- Bldgs.
Adj. Prop.
Vicinity
CQIIUOents
ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY
Exceptional -
Excellent 111\
Good )(
Fair
Poor
Significant features
URBAN DESIGN VALUE
Is si te threatened?
Great
Moderate
Minor
,
.
Additional information
SIGNIFICANCE
Neighborhood -X....-
City
5tate
National
>ate of Field Survey ~~ Inspected 1:y
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Minor
Sound Repair
L
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.L
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Excellent Good
L
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Major
Repair
Critical
Fair
Poor
Ai.
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MEMORANDUM
April 5, 2004
TO:
Historic Preservation Commission
FROM:
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager~
SUBJECT:
Petition for Landmark Status - 1339 Alta Vista Street
INTRODUCTION
David Moessner and Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner have petitioned the Historic
Preservation Commission that the residential structure they own at 1339 Alta
Vista to be designated as a City (local) Landmark.
Section 25-6. Identification and designation of landmarks, landmark sites
and historic districts (see attached) of the Historic Preservation Ordinances
gives the Commission the responsibility to recommend if a property should
become a city landmark. The Commission's role is to make a determination
upon evidence submitted as to whether the nominated landmark does or does
not meet the criteria for designation.
CRITERIA
The Commission needs to make a determination that the property meets the
following criteria:
(1)
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
Petition for Landmark Statue - 1339 Alta Vista Street
Page 2
(2)
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
(3)
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.
DISCUSSION
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. These are noted on the attached list. The property at 1339 Alta Vista
is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Staff was unable to find a
determination of eligibility for listing on the National Register for this structure.
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.
PROCESS
The Commission is required by City Code to hold a public hearing on the petition
for landmark status. Within 30 days, the Commission is to make a determination
on whether or not the proposed landmark meets the criteria.
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 Planning 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.
REQUESTED ACTION
The requested action is for the HPC to review the petition for landmark status for
1339 Alta Vista Street, and then determine whether or not this property meets
the criteria in Section 25.6 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
attachment
Sec. 25-6. Identification And Designation Of Landmarks, Landmark Sites
And Historic Districts:
(a) Generally: The commission may conduct studies for the identification and nomination of
landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts, as defined by this chapter. The commission
may proceed on its own initiative or upon a petition from any person, group or association.
(b) Nomination:
(I) Landmarks And Landmark Sites: The nomination of landmarks and landmark sites shall
be initiated by an application submitted to the commission by the property owner on a form
supplied by the commission.
(2) Historic Districts: The designation of historic districts shall be initiated by a nomination
for such designation. A nomination shall be made to the commission on a form prepared by
it and may be submitted by a member of the commission, the owner of record of property
within a proposed historic district, the city council, or any other person or organization.
When a commissioner, as a private citizen, nominates an historic district for designation, the
nominating commissioner shall abstain from voting on the designation. This provision shall
not extend to a designation motion presented by a commissioner as part of commission
proceedings.
(c) Criteria For Consideration Of A Nomination: The commission shall, upon such
investigation as it deems necessary, make a determination as to the following:
(I) 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 ofIowa or the nation; or
c. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past of 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 prehistory or history;
and
(2) 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
(3) 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.
(d) Notification Of Nomination: Within sixty (60) days after receipt ofa completed nomination
in proper form, the commission shall hold a public hearing. Notice that a nomination for
designation is being considered and the date, time, place and purpose of the public hearing
shall be sent by certified mail, at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the hearing, to
the owner(s) of record of the nominated landmark, landmark site, or property within the
nominated historic district and to the nominator(s). Notice shall also be published in a
newspaper having general circulation in the city. The notice shall state the street address and
legal description of a nominated landmark or landmark site or the boundaries of a nominated
district.
(e) Public Hearing: Oral or written testimony concerning the significance of the nominated
landmark, landmark site or historic district shall be taken at the public hearing from any
interested person. The commission may request expert testimony, consider staff reports or
present its own evidence regarding the compliance of the nominated landmark, landmark site
or historic district with the criteria set forth in subsection (c) of this section. The owner of
any nominated landmark, landmark site or of any property within a nominated historic
district shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to present evidence regarding the
nomination, shall be afforded the right of representation by counsel and shall be given
reasonable opportunity to cross-examine expert witnesses. The hearing shall be closed upon
completion of testimony.
(f) Determination By The Commission, Recommendation And Report: Within thirty (30) days
following the close of the public hearing, the commission shall make a determination upon
the evidence as to whether the nominated landmark, landmark site or historic district does or
does not meet the criteria for designation. Such determination shall be made in an open
meeting by resolution of the commission, shall be reduced to writing in the form of a
recommendation and shall be supported by a written report in support of the nomination.
The commission's recommendation on the nomination of a landmark, landmark site or
historic district, and its supporting report, shall be filed with the long-range planning
advisory commission, and shall include a proposed ordinance or amendment establishing
such landmark, landmark site or historic district and describing its location and boundaries
by address and legal description.
(g) Action By Long-Range Planning Advisory Commission: Within sixty (60) days after receipt
of the commission's recommendation, report and proposed ordinance or amendment, the
long-range planning advisory commission shall report to the city council with respect to the
relation ofthe nomination to the general development plan, zoning ordinance, proposed
public improvements and any plans for the renewal of the area involved. Upon submission
of the report of the long-range planning advisory commission, or upon the expiration of the
sixty (60) day period, the matter shall be transmitted to the city council.
(h) Action By City Council:
(I) The city council shall submit the proposed ordinance or amendment to the bureau of
historic preservation 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. Any recommendations made by the bureau of historic preservation shall be made
available by the city to the public for viewing during normal working hours at a city
government place of public access.
(2) 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 bureau of historic preservation or if the forty five (45) day waiting
period has lapsed since submission of the request for such recommendation, the city council
shall conduct a public hearing on the ordinance or amendment establishing the proposed
landmark, landmark site or historic preservation district. After public hearing, the city
council shall approve or disapprove the ordinance or amendment, or refer the nomination
back to the historic preservation commission for modification. A modified nomination shall
require compliance with the same procedure for designation as set forth above.
(3) City council approval of the ordinance or amendment shall constitute designation of the
landmark, landmark site or historic district.
(i) Amendment And Rescission Of Designation: A designation may be amended or rescinded
upon petition to the commission and compliance with the same procedure and according to
the same criteria as set forth above for designation. (Ord. 18-01, § 1,3-19-2001)