Adams Company - Demolition PermNovember 9, 2004
The Honorable Mayor Terry Duggan and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 W. 13th St.
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Re:
Adams Company Demolition
Dear Mayor Duggan and Members of the City Council:
From the perspective of historic preservation, the Dubuque County Historical Society concurs
with the Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission that the Adams Company building lacks
sufficient merit to be saved for historic preservation purposes.
However, the Dubuque County Historical Society is exploring the possible use ofthe Adams
Company building for expanded museum services. We have held preliminary discussions with
the Mayor and Manager and members of the Council. The museum hosted a public input session
for the Port of Dubuque and the Museum, held on August 31. This meeting was attended by
over 70 citizens. In addition, we participated in the Dubuque Initiatives public input session held
October 11. Weare making every effort to expedite this process so that it does not unnecessarily
delay the decision process for the Adams Company building.
We appreciate your consideration of the Historical Society's planning efforts and request
accommodation of the Society's planning process before actual demolition proceeds.
Sincerely,
Jerry Enzler
Executive Director
Teri Goodmann
Development Director
JE/ms
cc:
Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
MEMORANDUM
November 9, 2004
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT:
100 E. 4th Street (Adams Company) Demolition Request
The Historic Preservation Commission is recommending approval of the City's request
to demolish the Adams Company building. The Dubuque County Historical Society is
requesting that the City delay demolition until early to mid-2005 and the Commission
had expressed a similar interest.
I respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval of the demolition of the Adams
Company, understanding that the demolition will be delayed several months to
determine if the Historical Society will present a re-use proposal for the building.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc:
Jerry Enzler, Executive Director, Dubuque County Historical Society
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Bill Baum, Economic Development Director
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
November 3, 2004
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Request for Demolition Permit
Applicant: City of Dubuque
Location: 100 E. 4th Street (Adams Company), Port of Dubuque
Demolition District: Downtown Neighborhood District
Description: To demolish former industrial building
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed /the above-cited
request. The application, staff report and related materials are attached for your review.
Discussion
Economic Development Director Bill Baum presented the application to the.
Commission. Mr. Baum noted that the City has been working with the Adams Company
for relocation ofthe business out ofthe Port of Dubuque. He indicated the City has
applied and received approval for a $2 million grant for relocation of the Adams
Company and demolition of their facility. He noted that the State Historic Preservation
Office has indicated that demolition of the building will have no adverse affect on historic
properties. He indicated that the Dubuque Architectural Survey noted that the building
was not architecturally or historically significant. He noted that the Dubuque County
Historical Society Executive Director Jerry Enzler has expressed interest in the possible
re-use of the building for a museum expansion.
There were no public comments.
The Commission discussed the letter from the State Historic Preservation Office and
noted that it indicated the building has no architectural or historical significance. The
Commission discussed that the National Mississippi River Museum should be given an
opportunity in reuse of the structure.
Recommendiation
By a Historic Preservation Commission recommends the City Council
approve the demolition permit based on the State Historic Preservation Office's
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
November 3, 2004
Page 2
determination of no historic properties affected and to work with the National Mississippi
River Museum for possible re-use of the structure. They also noted that if demolition
were to take place that architecturally and historically significant materials should be
salvaged, if possible.
A simply majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the request for
demolition, with or without the conditions recommended by the Commission.
Respectfully submitted,
David Stuart, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Enclosures
cc:
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
Bill Baum, Economic Development Director
Jerry Enzler, Executive Director, Dubuque County Historical Society
D~
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Oty of Dubuque
Planning Services Department
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
Phone: 563-589-4210
Fax: 563-589-4221
PLANNING APPLICATION FORM
D Variance DRezoning
DConditional Use Permit DPlanned District
DAppeal DPreliminary Plat
DSpeàal Exception DMinor Final Plat
DUmited Setback Waiver []Text Amendment
DSimpie Site Plan
DMinor Site Plan
D Major Site Plan
D Major Final Plat
DSimpie Subdivision
DAnnexation
DTemporary Use Permit
DCertificate of Economic Non-Viability
DCertificate of ApproprJateness
~er: ~ '" riQ-n ~í
Please tvœ or Drint legibly in ink
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Phone: ~ßq. '1 ~"t ¿
State:J1\-ZiP: 5"-vððl
Property owner(s): 7.
Address: 5° w. {~T1+ .
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Fax Number: s-B"!- J1~>
Applicant/Agent: UJ:I/o'~
Address: ~A-M.~
Fax Number: "7~
Mobile/Ceilular Number:
17 A-u WI
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Phone: ~"ì.l.(~13
State: - Zip:
Mobile/Cellular Number:
Site location/address: 100 G. tf-{1f-~
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Existing zoning: Pl-\P Proposed zoning: -===-- Historic District:
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Landmark: ~
Legal Desaiption (Sidwell parcel 10# or lot number/block number/subdivision):
u:rr A-¡:;>Â"'tYI~ Cow..-f~7 $
2. "ø A-PlJ.4 fi trY
Total property (lot) area (square feet or acres):
Desaibe proposal and reason necessary (attadl a letter of explanation, if needed):
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CERTIFICATION: 1/we, the undersigned, do hereby certify that
1. The information submitted herein is true and ODrrect tD the best of my/our knowledge and upon
submittal beODmes public record;
2. Fees are not refundable and payment does not guarantee approval; and
~ "= 7JtjJ c: ;;;r-" - - -
Applicant/Agent Date:
10/7/0y
( ,
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY -APPUCATION SUBMrnAL CHECKUST
Received by: Date: Docket:
plan OConœptual Development Plan OPhoto O1mprovement plans
review project desaiption OAoor plan OPlat OOther.
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA
September 27, 2002
In reply refer to:
R&C#: 020931030
Mr. William J, Bawn, Economic Development Director
Economic Development Department
City of Dubuque
City Hall - Second Floor
50 West 13'th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
RE:
EDA-DUBUQUE COUNTY -CITY OF DUBUQUE-TIIEADAMS COMPANY - PORT OF
DUBUQUE RELOCATION OF FACILITY - CITY ACQUlSITION AND DEMOLITION OF
ADAMS COMPANY MANUFACTURING COMPLEX-100 EAST 4th STREET
Dear Mr. Bawn,
We have received infonnation regarding the above-referenced project for our consideration. Thank you for
providing tbe Iowa State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) with the opportunity to review this
undertaking. We make tbe following comments and recommendations based on our exanrination of this
material and in accordance with section 106 oftbe Natiopal Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and its
implementing regulations 36 CPR part 800 (revised, effective January 11, 2001).
It appears that this property's claim to historical significkce lies in its association with the development and
manufacture of the Adams-Farwell rotary engine. However, it is our opinion that no further historic
properties investigation is wammted becanse tbe original facility has long-since vanished, the 1921 structure
does not meet eligibility criteria, and the construction and operation of the current facility has most lilœly
obliterated any archaeological vestiges of the original facility. Therefore, based on the available infonnation,
We would be able to concur with the agency's (EDA) determination of 'no historic properties affected' for
this aspect of the project. Please forward a copy of the agency official's letter ofdetermiDation at your
earliest convenience so that we can issue our formal concurrence and conclude SHPO's consultation on this
project.
Be advised that the successful conclusion of consultation with the SHPO does.not fulfill the agency's
responsibility to consult with other parties that may have an interest in properties that may be affected
by this project. Nor does it override the sovereign status of federally recognized American Indian
Tribes in the Section 106 consultation process. I
If design changes are made for this project Which would involve undisturbed new rights-of-way or
easements, please forward additional information to our office for further comment along with the Agency
Official's determination of effect. If project activities unbover an item( s) 1hat might be of archeological,
historical or architectural interest, or if impørtant new archeological, historical or architectural data should be
encountered in the project APE, the applicant should make reasonable efforts to avoid further impacts to the
property until an assessment can be made by a qualified archaeologist.
IOWA HISTORICAL BUILDING
600 East Locust. Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0290
Phone: (515) 281-6412. Fax: (515) 242-6498,or (515) 282-0502
Feel free to contact me at (515) 281-8744 if you have any questions or require further assistance.
Sincerely,
Daniel K. Higginbottom, Archaeologist
Cc: Mr. Bob Cecil, Director, Economic Development Administration
DEMOLITION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: October 21,2004
Property Address: 100 E, Street (Adams Company)
Property Owner: City of Dubuque
Applicant: City of Dubuque
Project: To demolish structure.
Demolition District: Downtown Neighborhood Landmark: No
Style: None Funding: Federal Date Built: 1921
Present Land Use: Industrial Existing Zoning: Port of Dubuque PUD
Physical Characteristics: The Adams Company Complex at 100 E. 4th Street is a brick
and metal warehouse/manufacturing plant with an asphalt roof.
Property History: Please refer to the attached pages about the history of the Adams
Company.
Staff Analysis: The City of Dubuque is proposing to demolish the structure at 100 E. 4th
Street (Adams Company) in order to provide improvements to the Port of Dubuque.
The City of Dubuque's acquisition and demolition of the Adams Company
Manufacturing Complex is a federal undertaking. Because of the federal undertaking,
the City was required to go through the Section 106 review process. The State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) has reviewed the structures and concluded that demolition
-of the structures will have a determination of 'no historic properties affected". The
SHPO notes in their September 27,2002 letter to Economic Development Director
William J. Bua.m that the original facility has long-since vanished, the 1921 structure
does not meet eligibility criteria, and the construction and operation of the current facility
has most likely obliterated any archaeological vestiges of the original factory.
The City Code provides for the Historic Preservation Commission to review the
demolition request, and then to make a determination as to:
(1) whether the building has historic or architectural significance to the community, and
(2) whether denial of the proposed demolition would prevent the property owner from
earning a reasonable economic return,
If the HPC finds that one or the other of these criteria is not met, then the Commission
must recommend approval of the demolition request. If the HPC finds that both of these
criteria are met, then the Commission must recommend denial of the demolition
request. The Commission's recommendation goes on to the City Council for final
action.
PHOTOS OF SUBJECT PROPERTY
The Adams Company - Rear/Side
PHOTOS OF SUBJECT PROPERTY
c
PHOTOS OF SUBJECT PROPERTY
The Adams Company - Rear/Parking Are¡;¡
PHOTOS OF SUBJECT PROPERTY
The Adams
History of The Adams Company
The Adams Company, one of Dubuque's oldest industrial units, is
observing its 75th year of continued manufacturing, in 1958.
The Adams Company, who are successors of The Roberts and Langworthy
Iron Works, was started in August 1883. F. E. Roberts came to Dubuque
from Rockford, Illinois and planted the seed of what was to become in the
years to follow, a great rnanufacturing plant. In a short time Edward and
Reeder Langworthy, father and son, bought an interest in the business and
it be came The Roberts and Langworthy Iron Works.
At that time there were two young men, brothers, living in Dubuque,
Eugene Adams and Herbert Adams. Eugene was a surveyor for the Chicago,
Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. Herbert was a clerk in a
Dubuque wholesale shoe house, Large and Amsden. The plant was on south
Main street.
In February 1885, Roberts left Dubuque and the Langworthys and
Eugene Adams carried on.
In 1892, Rerbert Adams, then a salesman for a shoe house in Chicago,
resigned and returned to Dubuque to become partners with his brother in
The Langworthy-Adams Iron Works.
Misfortune dealt The Adams brothers a severe blow. In May 1892, their
plant was destroyed by fire. But the fire failed to check the ambition
of the brothers. They purchased a tract of land, the site of the present
plant, from General Booth. The land was really nothing more than an
island, surrounded by water on four sides, with a small bridge leading to
the main land-what is now third street. In a period of years, they trans-
formed their original tract from an island into several acres of property,
by doing their own filling which is from 25 to 35 feet deep.
Throughout the years The Adams Company have specialized in the
manufacture of hardware, gears, foundry equipment, steel windows and
railings.
Since the deaths of Eugene Adams in 1952 and Herbert Adams in 1945,
their sons Waldo; Harlow and Philip Adams have been the directors and
officers.
Harlow Adams, who entered the employ of The Adams Company when he
returned from World War I in August 1918, died on January 29,1958.
Waldo and Philip Adams are carrying on the business with the aid of
the 170 mens and women who have helped build the business over a long
period of years.
THE ADAMS COMPANY
The company was established in 1883 in Dubuque, Iowa as the Roberts &
Langworthy Iron Works and became The Adams Company shortly thereafter
when Herbert and Eugene Adams purchased it, In 1892 the company was
moved to its present location in Dubuque on the Fourth Street peninsula.
The company remains privately held and is in its' third generation of family
management.
Through the years the company manufactured a wide range
changing with the markets and the economy. Initially, and for
the primary product line centered on cast iron and steel building and home
products. These included stove repair parts, dampers, decorative fireplace
accessories, ornamental railings and building products.
The company also developed other products to expand the business, During
the early 1900's, it manufactured the Adams-Farwell automobile, an
innovative and expensive car with a rotating 3 or 5-cylinder engine, which
was designed by the company and became the model for the Rhone aircraft
engine of World War I fame. Only one auto remains today at the Reno
Automobile Museum.
1910 through 1955 the company also designed and
tools for cutting gear threads and semi-automatic
for use in foundries. From 1920 to 1975 the Company
flasks and jackets for use in the foundry mold making
i:>rand was one of the leading names in thE! industry,
From
Around 1915 the company also began making gears and sha~ which
sold to other manufacturers in various industries. This effort expanded
through the 1930's and 40's and emerged in the 1950's as a major focus of
the business. -
Today; two product groups remain; custom power transmission parts and
dec::orative fireplace accessories.
The manufacture of custom power transmission parts (gears, shafts,
couplings, housings, and other miscellaneous power transmission
components) is located in our plant in Dubuque, Iowa on East Fourth Street.
These products are sold to original equipment manufacturers throughout - -
the U.S. and Canada. -
°lJrdecorative fireplace accessory line is manufactured in our Mineral Poil1t.
VVisce>nsinlocation and remains a leading brand in the industry. Specialty
retailers throughout the U.S, and Canada carry these products.
September 2002
About The Adams Company
Gears & Shafts To Your Specifications
Adams has...
The Experience
Since 1912 Adams has been manufacturing custom gears and shafts in large and small
production runs for customers in a wide range of industries. We make your pàrts to your
specifications!
Our people are experienced engineers, technicians, machinists, quality-control personnel ...
people who know their business.
We are prepared to work independently or hand in hand with your engineers to provide the
best solutions for your particular gear and shaft requirements.
The Capabilities
The Adams staff of qualified technicians works with a full range of precision production:
machinery, such as CNC blanking and grinding, gear hobbers, Gleason geneIators, shapers,
shavers, vertical machining centers, milling machines, thread grinders, internal and external
grinders, and a host of other standard and speçialized machinery,
Our operators are backed by a tool room and technical staff skilled in providing the right
tooling and fixturing for large or small volume runs.
We have quality control, inspection, and testing equipment including Rockwell, Brinell,
Magnaflux, profilometers, optical comparators, and gear testers to insure that your part is
made to print every time,
The Service
We know the importance of delivering quality parts on time.
Adams is ready to work with you to develop the delivery scheduling program that fits your
needs.
Our computerized order processing program, developed exclusively by Adams, assures
systematic scheduling, provides vital production lead time information, and confinns
delivery dates. Here is product delivery you can rely on!
Look to Adams for the experience, expertise, and service to get the job done in the most
cost-effective manner.