Minutes Historic Pres 8 17 05
MINUTES
i11~TORIC PRe~\71i1l0N COMfa\I~ION
REGULAR SESSION . FT
Thuffiday, August 17,2006 .
5:00 p.m. .
Five Flags Civic Center Majestic Room D RA
4th & Main Streets, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Vice Chairperson Dave Stuart; Commission Membeffi Mike Coty, Mary
Loney Bichell, Matt Lundh and Chris Wand (via teleconference); Staff
Membeffi Laura Carstens and David Johnson.
ABSENT:
Chairperson Chris Olson and Commission Member John Whalen.
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 Stuart at 5:42
p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Bichell, seconded by Coty, to approve the minutes of the July 20,
2006 meeting as submitted. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Stuart,
Coty, Bichell, Wand and Lundh; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Greg Prehm, DaVincis Development for a Certificate
of Appropriateness to erect a monument-style freestanding sign located at 395 W. 9th
Street in the Jackson Park District.
Greg Prehm introduced himself and explained he represented DaVinci's Development,
and they wished to erect a freestanding monument-style sign to advertise a future
Italian restaurant and bar.
Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He noted that the applicant wishes to
replace the existing freestanding, non-illuminated pole sign with an 8.5' long by 6' high
freestanding monument sign. He stated the monument-type sign will be made of brick
to match the existing brick on the building and the monument will have limestone caps
and contain a 4' diameter metal sign advertising the business. He directed the
Commission's attention to the sign drawings, proposed sign face, site plan and
photographs provided in the staff report.
Greg Prehm indicated that the metal sign, once finished, will have a wood look to it. He
explained that the existing sign and previous signs on the property were ineffective at
advertising the businesses. He felt this was the reason why previous businesses have
not succeeded in that location.
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August 17, 2006
Page 2
Staff Member Johnson added that a sign was installed on the front of the building in
1997 and the current freestanding, non-illuminated pole sign was installed in 2000.
Commissioner Stuart questioned whether the proposed sign meets the sign regulations
for that district. Greg Prehm indicated that the sign met all sign ordinance requirements
with respect to size. Commissioner Stuart questioned whether the sign will be
illuminated. Greg Prehm responded that the sign will be illuminated from the ground by
spot lights.
Motion by Bichell, seconded by Wand, to approve the sign as presented. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Stuart, Coty, Bichell, Wand and Lundh; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Heath Hutchinson for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to construct stairs, landing and deck to provide ingress and egress at
the rear of the building for a loft apartment and loft office as well as provide additional
seating for a future deli; and to replace the first floor concrete patio and install a new
door accessed from the second story porch for property located at 164/180 Main Street
in the Old Main District.
Staff Member Johnson explained that the applicant, Heath Hutchinson, called prior to
the meeting and explained he was called out of town on a family emergency and his
travel arrangements back to town fell through. Consequently, the applicant respectfully
requested that his application for a Certificate of Appropriateness be tabled to the
September meeting. The Commission tabled the application to the September
meeting.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dubuque Cellular Telephone, L.P.lPlastic Center,
Inc. for a Certificate of Appropriateness to place antennas inside the existing Julien Inn
sign and a 12' X 16' equipment shelter on the roof of the Julien Inn located at 200 Main
Street in the Old Main District.
Julie Shebek introduced herself and explained that she does sign acquisition for US
Cellular. She explained that US Cellular wishes to place antennas inside the existing
sign located on the roof of the Julien Inn and locate a 12' by 16' equipment shelter to
house the equipment for the antennas on the roof. She explained that portions of the
metal sign panels will be replaced with a plastic and foam panel, which will allow cellular
signals to transmit. She explained that the antennas will not be visible at all since they
will be located inside the Julien Inn sign and the 12' by 16' equipment shelter will be
painted to match the other equipment shelters on the roof of the Julien Inn.
Staff Member Johnson read the staff report, noting that the Julien Inn is a non-
contributing property within the district. He explained the first building was replaced in
1890 and again in 1910, both due to fire. He stated the present building was realigned
to a northwest orientation substantially different from its predecessors. He noted that
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August 17, 2006
Page 3
the storefront and entry have been significantly modified over time. He distributed a
sample of the material to be used to shield the antennas on the Julien Inn sign.
Motion by Bichell, seconded by Coty, to approve the request as presented. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Stuart, Coty, Bichell' Wand and Lundh; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Steve MillerfTodd Kluck for a Certificate of
Appropriateness! Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant to tear down and reconstruct
front porch, install synthetic columns, tear off rear addition and install a deck located at
1393 & 1395 Iowa Street in the Jackson Park District.
Tom Kluck, Kluck Construction, presented the proposal for the front and rear porches.
Tom Kluck explained that he was present to represent Todd and Scott Kluck. He
explained the applicants would like to remove a badly deteriorated front and rear porch.
He explained the applicants would like to remove the rear porch and replace it with an
open deck.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report, noting the proposal includes a request
for $5,000 from the Historic Preservation Housing Grant to tear down and reconstruct
the front porch, install synthetic columns and tear off a rear addition and replace it with
an open deck. He stated that the application explains the property owners have agreed
to cost share the reconstruction of the porch; however, the property owner at 1393 Iowa
Street, Steve Miller, is proposing to finance his share of the grant. He stated that two
bids from Iowa licensed contractors have been submitted and included in the
application. He explained the Historic Preservation Housing Grant Committee has
reviewed the application. He stated the proposed work is an eligible project, and meets
the requirements of the grant.
Commissioner Stuart noted that when utilizing grant money, a faithful reproduction is
expected. He noted with the exception of the synthetic columns, a reproduction of the
front porch would be designed to have the same size, style, shape and scale of the
original porch. He recognized that the porch was added after the building was
constructed, and based on previous photos, he estimated the porch was built prior to
1917. He explained photographic evidence from 1917 showed the stone base to the
front porch columns.
The Commission discussed salvaging any existing columns and investigating the
architectural salvage warehouse. The Commission also discussed using a more
appropriately scaled column. Specifically, they suggested a narrower column such as
the small colonial 6"-12" plain column depicted in the sample materials provided by the
applicant in the application.
Tom Kluck explained the applicants are going to tear out the small dilapidated rear
addition, return the door to its original size and location, and construct a deck off the
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August 17,2006
Page 4
rear of the house. He explained the deck will be made of cedar and will not have any
handrails or guard rails.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Coty, to approve request as submitted, noting that the
columns must come as close as practicable with the original columns with an emphasis on
the proportion of the columns and the top and bottom capitals of the columns. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye - Stuart, Coty, Bichell, Wand and Lundh; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of David Luchsinger/Susan Kearns for a Certificate of
Appropriateness to demolish the existing front porch located at 1323/1325 Bluff Street
in the Jackson Park District.
The applicant, David Luchsinger, explained he and his wife wish to demolish their
existing front porch to be replaced at a later date. He stated that the front porch is an
inappropriate style for the building and it is in poor condition.
Staff Member Johnson gave the staff report. He noted the Iowa Site Inventory Form
supports the applicant's claim that the existing classical revival style porch is an
inappropriate style for the Italianate building. He stated that the 1891 and 1909-1936
Sanborn maps provided in the staff report indicate the porch is not original to the
building.
Motion by Bichell, seconded by Coty, to approve the request as submitted. Motion was
approved by the following vote: Aye-Stuart, Coty, Bichell, Wand and Lundh; Nay-None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Chris Olson, Four Mounds Foundation for a Historic
District Public Improvement Project Application for an interpretive signs project and
concrete walk located at the Four Mounds Estate at 4900 Peru Road.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Chris Olson, Four Mounds Foundation for a Historic
District Public Improvement Project for a Phase I Intensive Archeological Survey &
Evaluation located at located at 4900 Peru Road.
The Commission stated they would like to combine the Four Mounds Foundation
Historic District Public Improvement Project (HDPIP) applications for the interpretive
sign project and the Phase I Intensive Archeological Survey and Evaluation for the
purposes of their review and approval.
Jay Potter, representing the Four Mounds Foundation, presented both projects.
Staff Member Johnson explained the Four Mounds Foundation would like to install
three wayside outdoor interpretive signs at three locations throughout the farm campus
of Four Mounds as well as a winding concrete walk leading from the chicken house
down to the hog shed. He explained a grant of $7,394.23 is being requested to
accomplish this.
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August 17, 2006
Page 5
He explained the Four Mounds Foundation would also like to conduct a Phase 1
intensive archeological survey and evaluation on the cultured grounds of Four Mounds.
He stated this is to occur on approximately 16 acres of the 60-acre Four Mounds
Estate. He explained the archeological survey and evaluation is needed for Four
Mounds to start future projects. He stated Four Mounds is requesting HDPIP funds of
$2,304.06 to help finance the Phase 1 intensive archeological survey and evaluation.
He noted there is currently $32,904.02 of total HDPIP funds available. $267,095.98 of
HDPIP funding has been approved and $6,705.99 of HDPIP funds have been
expended to date.
The Commission reviewed the requests and had no additional questions.
Motion by Lundh, seconded by Bichell, to approve the Four Mounds Foundation Historic
District Public Improvement Project funding application for the installation of three wayside
outdoor interpretive signs and winding concrete walk within the Four Mounds farm campus;
and for the Phase I Intensive Archeological Survey and Evaluation to be performed on the
cultured grounds of Four Mounds. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye-
Stuart, Coty, Bichell, Wand and Lundh; Nay - None.
Commissioner Wand left at 6:04 p.m.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Windows on the Busted Lift: The Commission expressed concern that the current owner of
the Busted Lift is unaware of the previous approval and non-compliance for the rear
windows at the Busted Lift. The Commission suggested that out of courtesy to the new
building owner, Heath Hutchinson, staff forward previously approved materials for the
windows at the rear of the Busted Lift to Mr. Hutchinson as well as the Commission prior to
next month's HPC meeting. The Commission felt it was important for the new owner of the
building to know the enforcement history on the building as well as bring those
enforcement issues into compliance.
Staff Member Carstens noted the enforcement issue should be included in the Building
Services Department's enforcement report. The Commission discussed the lack of
progress on compliance for the Busted Lift. The Commission requested that the Busted
Lift enforcement be placed back on the monthly enforcement report and that Building
Services follow through with enforcement. The Commission also requested staff forward
outstanding enforcement issues regarding the front and rear facades of the Busted Lift to
Heath Hutchinson as a courtesy prior to the September Commission meeting.
Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance Conference: The Commission and staff reviewed the
IHPA conference brochure and registration forms. Staff Member Carstens requested that
those Commission members wanting to attend let her know by the end of the month so
staff can register and get name tags for those members going to the conference.
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August 17, 2006
Page 6
Millworkina Historic District: Commissioner Stuart explained he attended the last
Warehouse District Committee meeting, and they had renamed the Committee to the
Millworking District Committee. He explained that the Commission is trying to partner with
the Millworking District Committee on the nomination of the Millworking District to the
National Register of Historic Places. He also explained the importance of Dubuque's
Millworking District and the benefits of being listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. He said the Millworking District Committee would like to meet individually with
those property owners about the nomination of the Millworking Historic District prior to any
public hearings.
Commissioner Stuart explained that should the Millworking District Committee request
assistance from the Commission, he would volunteer his time. Commissioner Lundh said
he was involved in a number of projects in the Millworking District. Commissioner Stuart
asked Commissioner Lundh to attend the next Millworking District Committee meeting.
Commissioner Stuart expressed the importance of property owners' participation in the
creation of the district and keeping the district intact.
Historic District Public Improvement Proaram Status: The Commission discussed the
amount of funds approved, expended and remaining funds for the Historic District Public
Improvement Program. Staff Member Carstens noted thatthose monies not approved and
expended can be carried over to next year. Commissioner Stuart was concerned that the
amount of HDPIP funds expended did not reflect actual expenditures for the sidewalk
projects. Staff Member Carstens said that she would have that updated.
The Commission discussed other HDPIP lighting projects.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Buildina Services Department Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement: Staff
Member Johnson reviewed the Building Services Enforcement Report. He explained that a
window in the dormer at 1349 Prairie Street has been verified as missing and a notice will
be sent this week. He explained that no other progress has been made on the
enforcement cases. Staff Member Carstens noted that the lack of updated information on
the report would be brought to the Building Services Department's attention.
Staff Member Johnson explained that John Gronen had been invited to the August Historic
Preservation Commission meeting to report on the German Bank Building per the
Commission's request, but he was not in attendance. He indicated he would contact John
Gronen and request he attend the September meeting.
Staff Member Johnson explained that per the Commission's request, a letter was sent to
Mike McCoy explaining the Commission's interest in working with him to find preservation
alternatives and funding for the H & W building.
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August 17, 2006
Page 7
ShotTower Rehabilitation: Staff Member Johnson noted that the rehabilitation ofthe Shot
Tower has begun. He explained that Great Lakes Archeological Research Center as well
as the geomorphological subcontractors began work on the Shot Tower. He stated that the
geomorphology is completed at this point, and in the following weeks, the archeologists will
begin their investigation.
Staff Member Carstens explained that staff is continuing to work with the National Park
Service to determine an appropriate design for the top of the Shot Tower. Once
determined, bids will be sent out for the rehabilitation of the stone and brick components of
the Shot Tower. She stated staff is currently looking at the possibility of using a clear
Lexon or Plexiglass-type product which would not be visible from a distance, but would
provide a viewing deck for visitors to the tower. She also explained that staff and the
architects are discussing an appropriate stair design for the interior of the tower. She
explained originally, metal stairs were proposed; however, the National Park Service has
questioned whether wood stairs can be used since they were the original stair material.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner
Adopted