Historic Preservation Commission - 15th Street Reconstruction Project
Planning Services Department
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
Phone (319)589-4210
Fax (319) 589-4149
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July 6, 2000
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall - 50 W. 13th St.
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
SUBJECT: 15th Street Reconstruction between Locust and Main Street
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
It has come to our attention that the portion of 15th Street between Locust and Main Street,
which is currently brick, is slated for reconstruction in Fiscal Year 2004.
The Historic Preservation Commission strongly supports that the City reconstruct this portion
of 15th Street with brick to closely resemble the existing street design. This section of the
street is located in the Jackson Park Historical District. The Commission strongly believes
this brick street is an important and vital element of the historic district.
The Commission would like to note the significance of adjacent structures. One is the
Richard's House, which is a historical structure and also a bed and breakfast inn. Behr
Funeral Home is an important architectural structure which will be renovated to more closely
reflect its original construction.
The Commission has reviewed the 1996 Downtown Circulation Study which included an urban
design assessment. This report emphasized the importance of street guidelines for downtown
Dubuque. The report recommends that paving on streets such as 15th Street be of the
highest quality possible. Alternatives recommended in the study were: (1) that the historic
paving material be brick laid on a 45 degree herringbone pattern; (2) that paving be a
combination of brick banding with concrete panels; or (3) that streets be all concrete.
Again, the Historic Preservation Commission strongly supports keeping the brick pavement in
the section of 15th Street between Locust Street and Main Street. Thank you for your
consideration of our request.
Sincerely I
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Ken Kringle, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
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