Minutes Historic Pres. 9 15 05
MINUTES
tt~T01lIC P1?~\71inON OOMMl~ION
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, September 15, 2005
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Vice Chairperson Chris Olson; Commission Members John Whalen, Mike
Coty, Mary Loney Bichell and Mirzda Berzins; Staff Members Laura
Carstens and Wally Wernimont.
ABSENT:
Chairperson Dave Stuart and Commission Members Jim Gibbs and Chris
Wand.
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the
meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Olson at 5:06
p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Whalen, seconded by Berzins, to approve the minutes of the
August 18, 2005 meeting as submitted. Motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell, and Berzins; Nay - None; Abstain - Coty.
ACTION ITEM: Application of Gronen Adaptive Reuse LLP/Community Housing
Initiatives Inc. for Nomination to National Register of Historic Places for the Dubuque
Casket Company located at 1798 Washington Street.
John Gronen, Gronen Adaptive Reuse LLP, addressed the Commission regarding the
National Register Nomination. He reported on the history of the Dubuque Casket
Company. He noted that the building would be rehabbed for housing. He explained
that the property is part of a tax credit project and that he is required to follow the
Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. He indicated that there are over 200
windows that will be installed in the building. He indicated that the entire building will be
tuckpointed and a cinder block addition will be removed. The Commission also
discussed saving the Dubuque Casket Sign.
Staff Member Carstens noted that the Commission should recommend whether or not
the structure should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She reviewed
the criteria for significance, and she noted that the nomination indicates that the
property is significant under Criterion A. She indicated that Criterion A is a property that
is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns
of our history.
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September 15, 2005
Page 2
Motion by Loney Bichell, seconded by Berzins, to recommend the nomination of the
Dubuque Casket Company to the National Register of Historic Places based on
Criterion A. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Coty, Loney Bichell
and Berzins; Nay - None; Abstain - Olson.
DESIGN REVIEW\1689 MAIN ST.: Application of Merle Ferguson/PALL LLC for a
Certificate of Appropriateness to reconstruct porch and expand by 6 inches for property
located at 1689 Main Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District.
Merle Ferguson presented the application to the Commission. He noted building
improvements to the structure and the construction of an off-street parking space at the
rear of the building. He noted that the front porch was deteriorated and tagged by the
City Housing Department prior to purchase of the property. He noted that they took
several photos of the front porch for photo documentation in order to reconstruct it. He
indicated that the Planning Services Department has signed off on the demolition of the
front porch and reconstruction. He noted that a bricklayer from Chicago used photo
documentation in order to rebuild the front porch. Mr. Ferguson explained that they
found problems with a deteriorated foundation and that the porch was not square. He
indicated that a Stop Work Order was issued by the Building Services Department
because the building expanded outside the original footprint. He indicated that they
have used brick, concrete and rebar in order to rebuild the porch and make it stable.
He requested permission to reconstruct the porch at the current location outside of the
original footprint.
Staff Member Wernimont presented the staff report. He noted that the Certificate of
Appropriateness is to enlarge the front porch. He indicated that the previous property
owners were being cited by the Housing and Community Development Department for
a deteriorated front porch pulling away from the front fac;ade. He explained that
Residential Housing Inspector Jerry Stoffel verified the footings were insufficient for the
porch. He noted that the photos show that the porch was not square. Staff Member
Wernimont indicated that he signed off on the reconstruction with a determination of a
No Material Effect. It was brought to his attention once the structure was being
reconstructed that it was expanded outside the original footprint, and therefore, the
Building Services Department had to issue a Stop Work Order. Staff Member
Wernimont informed the property owner that they needed Historic Preservation
Commission approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness. He noted that the front
porch was constructed circa 1910 and the building was constructed in 1879.
Commissioner Whalen asked for a photo of the original porch. Staff Member
Wernimont distributed a photo of the original porch, and noted the building was
probably a duplex at the time. Commissioner Whalen asked about recreating the
original porch. Mr. Ferguson noted that interior changes in the building with conversion
to apartments make the reconstruction of the original porch infeasible. Staff Member
Wernimont noted that the wrought iron railing on the third floor of the former porch was
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
September 15, 2005
Page 3
not in compliance with the City's Building Code. Mr. Ferguson said he had discussed
with Jerry Stoffel about what Building Code requirements would be. Mr. Ferguson
reviewed the reasons for the enclosed second story of the porch and railing
requirements for the third floor of the porch. Mr. Ferguson reviewed ingress and egress
from the building for the second and third floors.
Vice Chairperson Olson reviewed why the Historic Preservation Commission had to
review the project because of the change of the design of the front porch. She also
reviewed that the Historic Preservation Commission member who represented this
district was concerned that the porch would be 10-12 inches further out. Staff Member
Carstens explained that the six-inch expansion had been verified in the field by Staff
Member Wernimont.
Staff Member Wernimont noted that the concrete buttress and notches in the columns
were not going to be replaced on the front of the structure. Mr. Ferguson noted that this
buttress was added at a later date to support the deteriorating porch.
Vice Chairperson Olson asked about the steps. Mr. Ferguson noted that the first
limestone step is deteriorated but the steps will not extend any further than the original.
He indicated that the first step will be put back using concrete. Vice Chairperson Olson
noted concrete is a material change in character defining feature. Mr. Ferguson
indicated a willingness to work with the Historic Preservation Commission and to
replace it with a new limestone step.
Commission and staff discussed that Zoning Board of Adjustment approval is also
required for front yard setback. Vice Chairperson Olson asked about windows on the
second floor. Mr. Ferguson said that they planned to replace all the windows in the
building with vinyl windows and he has worked with staff. Commission and staff
discussed what windows are regulated by the Historic Preservation Commission. Staff
Member Wernimont discussed the window policy the Historic Preservation Commission
adopted.
Commissioners discussed with Mr. Ferguson the enclosure on the second floor porch
deck. Mr. Ferguson felt that the planned improvements would be a significant
improvement to the building and the neighborhood. Mr. Ferguson discussed financial
feasibility of different types of windows and trim. Commissioner Whalen noted that
these requirements are what the Historic Preservation Commission expects of property
owners in the historic districts. He noted that the porch being replaced is not original,
but that staff signed off on the porch being replaced as it was. He felt the expectation
was that wood windows would be used if that was what was there. Staff Member
Wernimont offered to bring the window policy to the next meeting.
Commissioner Loney Bichell explained that the Historic Preservation Commission is
trying to reverse the muddling of building features throughout the historic districts. Vice
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September 15, 2005
Page 4
Chairperson Olson noted that with review of the porch, information on materials being
used is lacking. Mr. Ferguson and his contractor indicated that there would only be a
material change in the windows on the building. The contractor indicated that the frieze
and other porch features would match the removed porch.
Commissioner Coty explained the Historic Preservation Commission's role is to review
projects at the design step, and to guide renovation of these structures using historically
appropriate materials. He added that when people make an investment in historic
districts, the Historic Preservation Commission wants to help make this investment be
appropriate. He noted the Historic Preservation Commission appreciates their
investment. Mr. Ferguson said if the Historic Preservation Commission wants wood
windows, they will put in wood windows. Mr. Ferguson's contractor indicated that the
existing windows are not all wood. He explained the cost factor of wood windows
versus aluminum. Vice Chairperson Olson echoed Commissioner Coty's remarks.
Commissioner Coty expressed appreciation for Mr. Ferguson's willingness to use wood
windows.
Commissioner Whalen asked staff for clarification on the Certificate of Appropriateness
for porch with or without wood windows as originally in the porch. Staff indicated that
because the windows do not require a permit, their replacement is not regulated by the
Historic Preservation Commission. Staff also noted that the window policy requires that
windows on city, state and nationally significant structures be replaced in size, style and
configuration. Staff offered to meet with the Building Services Department to review the
window policy and issues of this case, and then bring back a more informed opinion at
the next meeting.
Commissioners discussed the project with Mr. Ferguson. Staff Member Wernimont
reviewed what portions of the porch are built at this point. Staff Member Wernimont
asked if wood posts at the first floor are still needed. Mr. Ferguson said they are not,
and they will be removed.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Olson, to expand the front porch and to reconstruct the
porch as previously approved by staff with an offer by the Historic Preservation
Commission to work on the design for the second floor to allow the applicant to deviate
from the staff approval. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen,
Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins and Olson; Nay - None.
Mr. Ferguson asked if the windows on the second floor could be double-hung.
Commissioners offered to review windows and offered suggestions on wood window
vendors. Staff Member Wernimont noted that funding for wooden windows is available.
DESIGN REVIEW\1638 IOWA ST.: Application of Greg & Kelly Simpson for a
Certificate of Appropriateness, a Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant, and a
Historic Preservation Revolving Loan to restore soffit and replace stoop and front door
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
September 15, 2005
Page 5
for property located at 1638 Iowa Street and the Jackson Park Historic Preservation
District.
Kelly Simpson presented the existing conditions, proposed work, and unknown extent
of water damage on the soffits. She stated that restoring the soffit is their first priority,
and are planning to replace the stoop and restore with a historically-accurate porch.
She indicated that she is working with Mid-America Salvage on columns for the front
porch. She indicated that no photo of the original porch could be found.
Commissioners suggested several locations with similar styles that have front porches.
Commissioners cautioned against using any high pressure washing for removing paint
from the soffit. Commissioners discussed contractors and methods for repairing
gutters, including using a rubber membrane. Mrs. Simpson reviewed the plans to
repair, repaint, and replace in kind the brackets, dentials, windows, dormers and soffit.
Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the staff report. He stated the applicant has applied
to the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant Program and Historic Preservation
Revolving Loan Fund. He noted the cost difference in lead-based paint removal if the
grant were to be used instead of the loan. The consensus was to apply the grant
toward the front porch when a design is ready.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Berzins, to approve the soffit and gutter repairs as
submitted and presented, and to approve a $25,000 loan from the Historic Preservation
Revolving Loan Fund. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson,
Coty, Loney Bichell and Berzins; Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
189 Hill Street: Staff Member Wernimont provided an email from Thalia Cutsforth
regarding additional work needed on their property. He noted that they were previously
approved for a Certificate of Appropriateness and a Historic Preservation Revolving Loan
by the Historic Preservation Commission. Tony Cutsforth distributed photos showing the
extent of rotted wood. He reviewed the need for additional $4,000 in loan funds.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Berzins, to approve an additional $4,000 in Historic
Preservation Revolving Loan Funds. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye-
Whalen, Olson, Coty, Loney Bichell and Berzins; Nay - None.
1689 Main Street: AI Kopchek, representing the Downtown Neighborhood Council,
spoke regarding the encroachment into the sidewalk area for the expansion of the front
porch. Vice Chairperson Olson noted the Historic Preservation Commission has
already reviewed and approved the expansion and that Mr. Kopchek's concerns with
the setback are a zoning matter. Staff referred Mr. Kopchek to the September 22, 2005
Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on the setback for the front porch.
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September 15, 2005
Page 6
649 Arlinqton: Staff Member Wernimont distributed photos of a two-story wood frame
addition on a brick home. He noted that he has received a request from Master Siding
and the property owner to install vinyl siding due to the poor condition of the wood
siding. He noted the building has structural problems. He has provided the
homeowner, Tony Anderson, with information on the Historic Preservation Homeowner
Grant Program and the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund. The consensus
was to reiterate denial of vinyl siding and encourage the homeowner to apply for a grant
and loan to stabilize the addition and repair and replace the wood siding.
578 W. 11 th Street: Property owner John Whalen reviewed a handout of the street and
alley views for the proposed garage at 578 W. 11 th Street. He noted that the original
garage had a flat roof and he is proposing to install a gable roof.
Staff Member Wernimont asked the Historic Preservation Commission to determine if
he could sign off for the gable roof as being compliant with the Design Review
Guidelines. The consensus of the Commission, with abstention by Whalen, was that
staff could sign off as No Material Effect based on the Design Review Guidelines.
Four Mounds Historic District Public Improvement Grant: Chris Olson, Executive
Director of the Four Mounds Foundation, reviewed that the Historic Preservation
Commission has approved a $6,000 Historic District Public Improvement Program grant
for the Four Mounds signage. She discussed the use of a Four Mound logo as a main
entry sign into the property. She described the use of up-lighting on a rock wall to
highlight the sign. She indicated the sign would be iron/steel and mounted on the wall.
Consensus by the Historic Preservation Commission, with the abstention of Olson, was
to proceed with the Four Mounds sign as presented with the finial design, and the
lighting to be reviewed at a later date by the Historic Preservation Commission.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
407 Loras Boulevard: Commissioner Loney Bichell had observed an unusual tuck pointing
on the Bluff Street east side of the property at 407 Bluff Street. Commission and staff
discussed what might have caused this.
609 Arlinqton Street: Commissioners and staff reviewed prior approval and lack of work
recently at this property.
Restore-O-Rama Workshop: Staff Member Carstens explained what Dubuque Main
Street, Ltd. proposed for a joint Main Street/Restore-O-Rama Workshop with architectural
programs for school children in Mayor April 2006. They discussed the possibility of having
it as a regional conference for Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. The Commission discussed
looking at the date of the Homebuilders Show and that preference for travelers to attend a
conference is in April. They emphasized April weather is good for outdoor tours.
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September 15, 2005
Page 7
1349 Prairie Street & 1637 Arlinqton Street: The Commission referred to correspondence
from the Housing and Community Development Department regarding enforcement on
these two properties. Commissioners discussed the condition and timeframe for
enforcement on these properties.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
BuildinQ Services Department Report: Commissioners received the enforcement report.
Commissioner Whalen noted the lack of progress over the last two months at 1163
Highland Place and asked that the Building staff resume inspections and enforcement.
Vice Chairperson Olson noted that 1589 Bluff Street may be donated to the HEART
Program. Commissioners noted problems again occurring at 970 Olive Street and asked
staff to review if the third story windows were installed as per Historic Preservation
Commission approval.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wally Wernimont, Assistant Planner
Adopted