Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 6 16 11Dubuque
DUB E VP
THE CITY OF
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
D
- 7d
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Chris Olson, John Whalen, Mary Loney Bichell,
Joseph Rapp, Chris Wand and Bob McDonell.
Commissioners Excused: Chairperson David Klavitter and Commissioner Michael Knight.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens and David Johnson.
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Bichell noted that Chairperson Klavitter and Vice
Chairperson Knight were unable to attend the meeting, and therefore, she will serve
temporarily as Chairperson in their absence. The meeting was called to order by Acting
Chairperson Bichell at 5:30 p.m.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the
meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
MINUTES: Motion by McDonell, seconded by Whalen, to approve the minutes of the April
21, 2011 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Olson,
Whalen, Bichell, Rapp, Wand, and McDonell; Nay — None.
DESIGN REVIEW /346 -348 W. LOCUST ST: Application of Lynn Lampe for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to demolish the building located at 346/348 W. Locust Street in the
Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
Commissioner Olson excused herself from the table and discussion of the case due to
previous conversations with the applicant regarding donation of the building to the HEART
Program.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report. He explained the application for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the building is the first step in the demolition
process. He explained if a Certificate of Appropriateness is not approved, the applicant
may file an application for review of preservation alternatives and subsequently an
application for a Certificate of Economic Non - Viability. He explained the proposed
demolition is in a historic district, and therefore, the role of the Commission is to review the
application and make a determination whether the proposed demolition would have a
substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historic or architectural significance and value
of the Jackson Park Historic District. He explained the Commission should consider
whether the building has historic or architectural significance.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
June 16, 2011
Page 2
Staff Member Johnson explained the 1978 and 1979 architectural survey of Dubuque
evaluated the building as being neighborhood significant. He explained neighborhood
significant properties are structures that are contributors to the significance of a district that
meets one or more of the criteria of eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic
Place. He explained the 2004 Jackson Park Historic District Phase IV District Report and
Iowa Site Inventory form identifies the property as being contributing to the Jackson Park
National Register of Historic Places District.
Lynn Lampe, 11898 John F. Kennedy Road, Dubuque, was present. The Commission
discussed with Mr. Lampe his progress since their last discussion to donate the building to
a non - profit agency. Mr. Lampe noted that he has not been able to make any progress
with non - profits. He noted he has received notices from the City regarding the building's
condition, vacant and abandoned building licenses, and the City utility bills. He stated he
has been maintaining the grass and continues to pay taxes on the property.
The Commission discussed the insurance liability issues with Mr. Lampe. Mr. Lampe
explained if he is not allowed to take the building down, an alternative would be to let the
building go for unpaid taxes, at which point the building would become the City's problem.
Mr. Lampe noted Commissioners Whalen and Olson have visited the property. Mr. Lampe
discussed the condition of the building as well as properties in the neighborhood.
The Commission discussed options such as tearing off the rear additions and rehabbing
the building in phases, starting with lower floors and then moving to the upper floors in
order to make the project more manageable. Mr. Lampe noted the property's rehab is not
economically feasible due to the cost to renovate and the lack of parking that limits its
rental income. Commissioners reviewed the history of the property with Mr. Lampe.
Having sold the building twice, Mr. Lampe noted he owned the building for a number of
years, at which time it was occupied. He explained he sold the building and the new
owners undertook work that significantly damaged the building. He explained the owners
abandoned the project and building, and the courts gave him the property back.
The Commission noted their role in this application is to determine whether the proposed
demolition would have an adverse effect on the aesthetic, historic or architectural
significance and value of the historic district. The Commission agreed the demolition would
have an adverse effect on the aesthetic, historic or architectural significance and value of
the historic district and the building is also historically and architecturally significant.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness
as submitted. Motion failed by the following vote: Aye — None; Nay — Whalen, Bichell,
Rapp, Wand, and McDonell; Abstain — Olson.
DESIGN REVIEW /630 W. 11 ST: Application of Kurt & Crystal Rojemann for a Certificate
of Appropriateness to replace the roof on property located at 630 W. 11 Street in the W.
11 Street Historic Preservation District.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
June 16, 2011
Page 3
Kurt and Crystal Rojemann, 630 W. 11 Street, were present. Staff Member Johnson
reviewed the staff report. He explained the home was built in 1952, and is a Tudor - Revival
style. He explained that the application states the roof is in disrepair and replacement tile
to match the existing roof is discontinued. He directed the Commission to the roofing
guidelines in the architectural guidelines. He noted the condition of the clay tile roof and
the proposed replacement roofing. He explained the applicant has provided greater cost
estimates for replacement and repair of the clay tile as well as an asphalt alternative.
Mr. Rojemann reviewed the interior and exterior damage to the home due to the roof's
deterioration. He explained the rationale for replacement of the roofing. He noted they
would like to keep the copper gutters and corrugated downspouts to help maintain the
home's historic appearance. Mr. Rojemann noted since filing the application for a
Certificate of Appropriateness, other asphalt shingle options were brought to their attention.
He distributed an image of the home with a Sedona -style shingle.
The Commission discussed the tile and shingle roof options. Mr. Rojemann noted the clay
tiles are not available, and to replace the clay tile roof would be $90,000, and other options
to minimally repair the clay tile roof are in the $40,000 range. The Commission discussed
the age, style, and historical significance of the home and determined an appropriate
asphalt shingle would be an acceptable alternative.
The Commission discussed retaining the clay tile on the roof ridges and maintaining the
copper gutters and corrugated downspouts. They noted maintaining the clay tile on the
roof ridges, the copper gutters, and corrugated downspouts would help maintain the
distinctive architectural look of the home. The Commissioners agreed that for the style of
building, the roof is one of the greater character - defining features, and the shape and color
of the asphalt shingle is important. The Commission discussed the best approach to
working with a contractor to retain the ridge features and recycle usable clay tile rather than
disposal. The Commission discussed finding an asphalt shingle with a similar grayish
patina and squared edges and profile as the existing clay tile roof for the selected roof
shingle.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson, to approve replacement of the clay tile roof with an
asphalt shingle roof and the tile on the roof ridges are retained as character - defining
features, and the replacement shingle matches to the greatest extent possible, the profile,
size, shape and overall color of the existing tile. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye
— Olson, Whalen, Bichell, Rapp, Wand and McDonell; Nay — None.
DESIGN REVIEW /1433 MAIN ST: Application of Scott Hendron for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to install new gutters for property located at 1433 Main Street in the
Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
Scott Hendron, 1433 Main Street, presented a PowerPoint presentation to explain his
request to install new aluminum gutters. He reviewed the current condition of the existing
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
June 16, 2011
Page 4
Yankee gutters. He explained a modern drainage system with metal gutters will extend the
life of the building and can also maintain the architectural appearance. He compared the
Yankee gutters at 1433 Main Street to modern gutter systems with aluminum case -style
gutters, and noted if installed properly, it can offer the same historic appearance. He
explained the Yankee gutters drain through the soffit, where aluminum gutters attached to
the outside of fascia contains runoff entirely in the metal gutter. He noted when Yankee
gutters begin to fail, oftentimes the moisture causes deterioration of the soffit, cornice, brick
walls and interior features.
He explained his proposal would be to deck over the existing Yankee gutters and install a
modern gutter system. He noted a K -style seamless aluminum gutter can offer the same
profile as a Yankee gutter without the inherent maintenance issues and excessive cost and
time to repair. He explained that he wants to do the work properly and the aluminum
gutters are the best alternative to the long -term maintenance and longevity of the property
for him as well as future owners.
The Commission discussed the proposal as well as existing conditions of the property.
The Commission noted that oftentimes the Yankee gutters are Tined and have a metal
edge that detracts from the appearance of the gutter system. The Commission agreed that
when thoughtfully and properly installed, the K -style gutters can offer a similar appearance
as the Yankee gutter; however, the Commission discussed concerns about the profile of
the metal gutter against the outside fascia versus the profile of the Yankee gutter. The
Commission noted the Yankee gutters leave more of the fascia exposed.
The Commission discussed where the downspouts would be located. Mr. Hendron
explained that downspouts will need to be relocated in order to improve drainage. He
stated he does not anticipate needing additional gutters and downspouts on the front of the
building.
Motion by Olson, seconded by Whalen, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as
presented with no additional downspouts to be added to the front facade or in front of the
window sets on the sides of the core of the building, except where currently located, with
retaining the corrugated downspouts as an acceptable alternative but not required. Motion
carried by the following vote: Aye — Olson, Whalen, Bichell, Rapp, Wand and McDonell;
Nay — None.
EDUCATION TASK FORCE:
Draft Introduction to Historic Preservation Program Outline: Commissioner McDonell
reviewed the outline for the Proposed Introduction to Historic Preservation Program video
that will run on City Channel 8 and the City of Dubuque website. He noted the program is
geared towards typical projects in historic districts. He explained the Task Force is
focusing on keeping the program lively and moving forward without getting bogged down
with too much detail.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
June 16, 2011
Page 5
Staff Member Johnson clarified the draft outline was for the longer introduction to Historic
Preservation program with vignettes for highlighting key concepts. Commissioners
suggested using before and after images and projects and building facts around the story.
The Commission used Marilyn Langevin's project as an example.
The Commission discussed having three examples of a small residential project, a large
residential project, and perhaps a commercial project, and breaking them out into smaller
vignettes, which exemplify the outlined topics. The Commission noted the importance of a
lot of audio and visual components to the program. The Commission suggested using the
rehabilitation examples as the basis of the program and breaking them out into shorter
vignettes which incorporate the underlying concepts.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: The Commission discussed the Certificate of
Appropriateness request to demolish 346 -348 West Locust Street. The Commission
reiterated the project appears to be feasible if completed in stages and the rear additions
were removed. They noted by removing the rear addition, a greater backyard could be
created. The Commission discussed the difficulty with off - street parking and promoting
investment in properties adjacent to the bluff, particularly in the West Locust and Bluff
Street area. The Commission noted those properties adjacent to the bluff, do not have an
option for off- street parking. The Commission noted that the discussed building was
historically and architecturally significant as well as important to the District. The
Commission discussed whether a larger neighborhood project could be done to infuse
investment and interest in the area. The Commission noted the value of off- street parking
being available without walking distance of the West Locust and Bluff area properties.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell, to send a letter to City Council making them aware
that they've recently reviewed a demolition permit request in the West Locust and Bluff
Street area, and note that one of the principal reasons why the applicant contends the
building is no longer viable is because there is no off - street parking, and there is not an
opportunity to provide off - street parking themselves, and that the Commission asks the City
Council whether there is an opportunity to explore parking solutions for that neighborhood.
The Commission discussed off - street parking for the neighborhood. The Commission
stated if off - street parking were available, it would promote investment in the neighborhood
and make the area more marketable. The Commission noted that Mr. Lampe stated other
properties in the area are also vacant and abandoned. The Commission stated if one
building is allowed to be demolished, other buildings will be demolished shortly thereafter.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Whalen, Bichell, Rapp, Wand and McDonell;
Nay — None; Abstain — Olson.
Minutes — Historic Preservation Commission
June 16, 2011
Page 6
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Building Services Historic Preservation Enforcement Report Update: The Commission
reviewed the updates to Historic Preservation Enforcement. The Commission discussed
the condition and work that is being done to the William Ryan House at 1375 Locust Street.
The Commission discussed the positive work being done at the intersection at 11 and
Main. The Commission questioned the progress at 1163 Highland. Staff Member Johnson
explained they have been sent a letter reminding them of their deadlines, and they will
receive a municipal infraction if they do not follow through.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted
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