Historic funds -W 11th St Elevator landscaping
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
W'Ww.cityofdubuque.org
THECITYOF ~
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February 24, 2005
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 W.13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Application of Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association/Andrew Brachman for
Historic District Public Improvement Program funds to install landscaping,
benches, fencing, pavers and a historical plaque at the former W. 11 th Street
Elevator site located in the W. 11 th Street Historic District.
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
INTRODUCTION
The Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the application of Historic Bluffs
Neighborhood Association/Andrew Brachman for Historic District Public Improvement
Program funds to install landscaping, benches, fencing, pavers and a historical plaque
at the former W. 11th Street Elevator site located in the W. 11th Street Historic District.
The application and staff report are attached for your information.
DISCUSSION
Commissioner John Whalen indicated that he would abstain from the vote because he
is affiliated with Seven Bluffs Landscaping, which is providing a portion of the match.
Andrew Brachman presented the application to the Commission. He noted that he is a
Boy Scout and is working toward his Eagle Scout badge. He indicated that he needs to
complete a community service project and this is his proposed project. He described
the project area and noted that he is proposing to install a bench, a fence and brick
pavers to create a rest area. In addition to this, he said he will install a historic plaque
which will depict the history of the W. 11th Street Elevator and how it originally looked.
He also noted that the patio will be constructed out of pavers with donated materials
and labor from Seven Bluffs Landscaping. He added that he is working with Brannon
Monument on the stone for the historical plaque.
Service
People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork
Historic District Public Improvement Program
Page 2
Staff Member Carstens noted that for retaining walls over four feet in height, a building
permit and an engineer's design are required. She added that Leisure Services
Manager Gil Spence has said that the Park Division will take over maintenance of the
rest area after work has been completed.
The Commission discussed the proposed limestone retaining wall and where it would
be located. Mr. Brachman noted that the retaining wall will be constructed out of
limestone. He said will the wall should be less than four feet in height.
The Commission discussed that maybe the City could provide its Purlington pavers for
the project. Commissioner Coty noted that the Bluff Street Neighborhood Association
used Purlington pavers in the parkway in front of the Cathedral. Staff Member Carstens
indicated that the City has a stockpile of these pavers for projects on public property.
RECOMMENDATION
By a vote of 8 to 0 with one abstention by Commissioner Whalen, the Historic
Preservation Commission recommends that the City Council to approve the project as
presented and to request that the Engineering Department allow the use of the City's
stockpiled Purlington pavers if possible, that the retaining wall conform to City Code,
and that the Historic Preservation Commission be allowed to review the final design for
the plaque.
By a vote of 8 to 0 in the absence of Commissioner Whalen, the Historic Preservation
Commission recommends that the City Council approve $3,000 from the Historic District
Public District Improvement Program to fund the project.
Sincerely,
~~/~
Dave Stuart, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
cc Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
GiI Spence, Leisure Services Manager
Andrew Brachman, 1095 Grove Terrace
Cheryl Whalen, President, Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association, P.O. Box 1193
B~i3~E
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City of Dubuque
Planning Services Department
Dubuque,IA 52001-4864
Phone: 563-589-4210
Fax: 563-589-4221
HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM
PROJECT COMPONENTS (Check all that apply)
o Historic Street Lights
5J: Benches
~ Trash Receptacles
[J)'lanters
6a' WaYSides/Plazas
[J,street Trees/Grates
[gf j<.andscaping/Plantings
Q'Decorative Fence/Rail
o Decorative Bollards
o Identification Signs
o Brick Sidewalks
o Brick Crosswalks
o Brick Streets
o Limestone Curbs
o Retaining Walls
o Colored Concrete Sidewalks/Curbs
~Iored Concrete Crosswalks
o olared Concrete Street Paving
Other: Brick Patio
o Other:
Please tvDe or Drint legiblY in ink
Type of Applicant: 0 Neighborhood Group ~eighborhOOd Association (Name:
HBNA
)
Representative:
Andrew Brachman
Phone:
(563)583-1429
Address:
1095 Grove Terrace
City:
Dubuaue
State:
Iowa Zip: 52001
Fax Number:
None
Mobile/Cellular Number:
None
Project Description: Reclaimina a wild area bv c1earina it. makina it accessible. To create a rest area.
instillation of a bench. historical olaaue. and fencina is needed.
Project location/area: It is located between Grove Terrace and Hiahland. Off to the riaht of the steos
over lookina a bluff.
Total praject cost:
$11.500
Amount of Grant Request:
$3.000
CERTIFICATION: I/we, the undersigned, do hereby certify that:
1. The information submitted herein is true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and upon
submittal becomes public record;
2. The undersigned representatives are authorized to sign this application on behalf of the
neighborhood association or group; and
3. All additional required written and graphic materials are attached.
Date:J- 1(,,- DS
Date: \ - \ \n . tJtj
Representative:
Representative:
APPUCATION SUBMITTAL CHECKUST
Submittal Date: /. 18 -o5HPC Meeting Date:
Petition/Signatures in Support 0 Photos 0 Catalog examples
o Budget Documentation 0 Map(s) DOther:
Andrew Brachman
1095 Grove Terrace
Dubuque, IA 52001
Historic Preservation Commission
Planning Services Dept. HDPIP
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 5200 I
COST CATEGORY Total Project Costs Grant Funds Other Cash Other
Resources Resources
Equipment
bench and trash can $1,700 $1,700
Contractors
Fence $6,300 $1,300 $5,000
Landscaping $3,500 $3,500 In-kind - Seven Bluffs Landscaping
Historical plaque unknown Donated by several different businesses
Total $11,500 $3,000 $5,000 $3,500
Dear Commissioners,
On behalf of HBNA, I present this application for consideration for my Eagle
Scout Project.
Documentation of neighborhood support: See attached.
Project Description and time line for project completion: As of now there is a bench
that sits off to the side of the main area that is to be turned into the new resting area. This
bench is old and does not meet the needs of the Historical preservation's code. The paint is
peeling off of it and it is located in an unwelcoming spot. The proposed area is over grown
and the ground is very uneven.
Rehabilitation of this area will create a new place for pedestrians and neighbors of
11 th street to rest. Landscaping will also take place to improve access to the site. All of the
trees and undergrowth will be taken out. There will be a small retaining wall installed at the
entrance. Installation of a fence, a new bench, a trash receptacle, and a historical plaque will
turn this over grown bluff into a beautiful site for tourists and also the general public.
1. Cut down overgrowth November 6, 2004
2. Prep for retaining wall November 26, 2004
3. Purchase bench and fencing After grant announcement
4. Landscape Early Spring
5. Install bench, fence, Late Spring to Summer of2005
trash receptacle, and plaque
Proiect Bude:et:
Sketch Plan: See attached.
Photos: See attached.
Map: See attached.
Page I of2
Chris & Tim Olson
From:
To;
"Bob" <rfisch@mwci.net>
"Andrew Brockman" <sir543@aal.com>; "Gall Yunk" <gyunk@loras.edu>; "doug Spyrisan"
<dougspyrison@mchsLcom>; "Carleen Schroeder" <dzattdad@msn.com>; "Chris Olson"
<chrisandtimolson@msn.com>; "Jerelyn O'Connor" <joconnor@cityofdubuque.org>; "David
Harris" <dharris@cityofdubuque.org>; "Chris Gorrell" <cgorrell@cityofdubuque.org>; "David Cox"
<dcox@almsLbiz>; "Patricia Cline" <patriciacline@mchsLcom>; "Robert Breitbach"
<RBreitbach@netexpress.net>
Monday, September 06, 2004 11 :24 PM
Minutes of September 2" 2004
Sent:
SUbject:
HISTORIC BLUFF NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
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Minutes of September 2, 2004
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MEETING CALLED TO ORDER by the President at 7:03 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES as distributed. Motion to approve by John, Second by David Motion
carried.
TREASURES REPORT. Balance 607.83 last month Checks Written $96.52 gives a balance of $511.31
Dave cox resigned as treasurer so Carleen said she old take the treasures job so motion. by John that
Carleen become the treasure Second by David, Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE Main Street LOT.
OLD BUSINESS The committees report on the planning of the recognition of the light project that will
be held Oct. 18, 2004 at 5 :30 PM at the Rocco Buda Park. , Jerelyn showed us the invitation that looks
great motion for Carleen to research the history of the light project and who to invite by Chris, Second
by Dave motion carried.
Andy Brockman addressed the meeting on the project of the improvement of the II th Street steps by
working on the cross over landing. as scout project. He explained what needed to be done with the
weeds and how to fence it off and make it a place for people to look over the city or just rest He talked
about plaque with a picture of the 11 th street elevator, said he talked to Brandon's and said they could
do the job. There was a lot of discussion on funding and putting the city project of the steps and
Andrew's project together. Andy talked to Gil from the park department. For him to get a grant it has to
be through the neighborhood association. Chris said she would help write the grants that are needed.
There was a good discussion on the project. Motion to proceed on what Andrew outlined and the grants
by John, second by Carleen Motion carried. Will see what we can do with the larger grant.
Talked about the neighborhood parking stickers that some property owners and tenants where unhappy
for they get only two stickers for parking. The parking regulations seems to be working for they have
less cars on the street now, Parking seems to be on Laras now. a discussion on why the ally on Loras
could be better used for parking. and who owns and uses them. Talked about other parking in other
cities.
NEW BUSINESS We should think about if our neighborhood wants to come up with something for the
9/7/2004
Page 2 of2
Faces and Voices on Marrin Luther day. We could have a lunch and a discussion or something else we
could come up with, the date is January 21st.
Jerelyn talked about the meeting for the five year plan for Community Development Projects,we should
have some one at the commissions meeting Wednesday the 8th at 6:30, We should be in on the
planning. It is for the Low and Modern Income,
OPEN DISCUSSION The bike cops talked about the membership program for the Boys and Girls Club
of the Downtown Neighborhood are doing and we should get involved with the program. They talked
about all the programs and the good effect it has on the neighborhood with the kids, If we go with he
program who will we get the money to. Jerelyn said she would check with Doug on the memberships
they also talked about the new ordinance on binge drinking and other drinking programs the tavern
owners put on. A motion that we write a letter of support for the ordnance to the council by John and
second by Carleen Motion carried. Chris said she would write the letter, they also talked about the tibs
program.
ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by John, second by Carleen Motion carried adjoined at 8:50 PM
NEXT MEETING October 7, 2004 at 7:00 PM
Secretary Bob Fisch
9/7/2004
Approval of HBNA's Neighborhood Large Grant Application 2004
for improvements of the Eleventh Street Elevator
Historical Site Project
I have worked with HBNA's representatives and Andrew Brachman to help
develop this project as an improvement of the 11 th Street steps. I have
reviewed the grant application, am aware of the stipulations and
requirements of this program, and approve submission of this application.
Gir'~k.o" L,i"", S,n,;"" City ofDubuqu,
1*;#7
Date
Approval of HBNA's Neighorhood Large Grant Application 2004
for improvements of the Eleventh Street Elevator
Historical Site Project
The Engineering staff has worked with Andrew Brachman to help develop this project as
an improvement of the I I th Street steps. I have reviewed the grant application, am aware
of the stipulations and requirements of this program, and approve submission of this
application.
pj~~~
Gus Psihoyos, Engineering Dept., City of Dubuque
/ 119 I().;-
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Project Description
Presently the area is overgrown with unwanted vegetation and small
trees. The area is aesthetically unpleasing to the eye. It also poses the
safety hazard of falling over the edge.
Pictured is current condition ofrest area.
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Cost of fence: $6.300
(S&H included)
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Cost of receptacles: $900
(S&H included)
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Cost of bench: $800
(S&H included)
Sketch Plan and Photos
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plaque
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DESIGN REVIEW STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: February 17, 2005
Property Address:
Property Owner:
Applicant:
Project:
Former West 11th Street Elevator Site
City of Dubuque
Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association/Andrew Brachman
To install landscaping, bench, fencing, brick pavers and historical
plaque
Historic Preservation District: West 11th Street Landmark: No
Style: None
Funding: Historic District Public Improvement Program
Date Built: N/A
Existing Zoning:
R-3 Moderate Density Multifamily
Present Land Use: ResidentialNacant
Level of Siqnificance:
Level of Rehabilitation:
D Design for Historic Features
D Alteration/Addition
D Not Evaluated
Physical Characteristics: A massive stone vaulted tunnel marks the point where the
West 11th Street Elevator passed through the wall. Today a recessed shaft located at
the center of Grove Terrace and on the West 11th Street right-of-way, marks the point
where the Elevator continued up and out of that tunnel and above grade up to Highland
Place to the west. The West 11th Street Stairs, of concrete construction, now parallel
the former course of the Elevator. They extend from Bluff Street to the east, up the bluff
front, through the tunnel and along the south side of the retaining wall that defines the
bluff that fronts east behind the houses along Grove Terrace
Property History: The Eleventh Street Elevator Company was established in 1887,
began service in May 1888, and began to use electrical power in 1890. It differed
structurally from the 4th Street model because it was elevated high above the ground
surface. The upper station was at Highland Place. The wealthy residents on Grove
Terrace were less than pleased with the noise from the operation and in mid-1895 the
company put rubber tires on the cars. The Herald reported at least temporary success,
"the noise is hushed, neighbors satisfied and babies sleep sweetly and undisturbed
again." Already by 1889 the hill railways were being hailed as "a great convenience to
residents on the hill" with a magnificent view that made it "a place of public resort not
only by residents butfor strangers visiting the city" (Tribune, December 21, 1871;
National Demokrat, May 25, June 15, 1876; Die Iowa, September 13, November 8,
1877; Herald, December 2, 1876; June 25, 1895; Dubuque: The Key City.. .1889, p. 76).
Staff Analysis: The applicants are applying for funding from the Historic District Public
Improvement Program for proposed streetscape improvements in the public right-of-
way. The Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association has endorsed Andrew Brachman's
Eagle Scout project which involves the installin~ of landscaping, fencing, brick pavers, a
bench and an historical plaque on the West 11t Street Elevator landing. The applicant
Design Review Staff Report - Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association
Page 2
has been working with Leisure Services Manager GiI Spence and City Engineer Gus
Psihoyos on the proposed project.
Total Project Cost $11,500.00
Neiohborhood Association Cost $8,500.00
Total Grant Reauest $3,000.00
Grant to total cost 26.09%
I
Staff Comments: Planning and Engineering staff noted that the retaining wall proposed
for this project will require a permit from the Building Services Department, an
engineer's design, and a footing if it is over four feet in height.
The role of the Historic Preservation Commission in reviewing this project is to serve as
an advisory design review body to the City Council for review of public works projects
which have historic preservation implications in historic districts. The Commission is
also responsible for providing a recommendation to the City Council about funding
projects from the Historic District Public Improvement Program. The Commission's
recommendation will go on to the City Council with the application materials for their
review and approval of the project.
Compliance with Design Guidelines: In 2002, the Streetscape and Landscape
Guidelines were created to help provide recommendations for public improvements in
the public right-of-way. Landscaping, fences, benches, brick pavers, and signs were
taken into consideration with the Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines.
Prepared by:
Reviewed:~~ Date: f52,II-o) .