Four Mounds Interp. Sign Project
r~." ~. --" .. -- ,.~,
THECITYOF c. ~\
DUmJQUE
~<k~
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
August 21,2006
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall- 50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: Four Mounds Interpretive Sign Project
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The Historic Preservation Commission has discussed approving Historic District Public
Improvement Project (HIDPIP) funding for installation of three outdoor interpretive signs
and a concrete walk within the farm campus of Four Mounds.
Discussion
In response to a request from the Four Mounds Foundation, the Historic Preservation
Commission has met and discussed approving $7,394.23 in HIDPIP funding to install
three outdoor interpretive signs and a concrete walk within the farm campus of Four
Mounds.
The project is an extension of a larger project, started with assistance from HIDPIP.
The first phase of the project was to install a new wayfinding sign, small directional
signs, an introductory interpretive sign, and a new entrance sign with ground lighting.
The project goal is to install three wayside outdoor interpretive signs at three locations
throughout the farm campus of Four Mounds. The project also entails installing a
winding concrete walk leading from the Chicken House down to the Hog Shed. The
concrete walk will connect to and match the large concrete pad under the pens in the
hogshed.
Enclosed is a copy of the Four Mounds Foundation application, site plan and signage
mockups. Currently there is $32,904.02 of total HDPIP funds available. $267,095.98 of
HDPIP funding has been approved and $6,705.99 of HDPIP funds has been expended.
Recommendation
By a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends
approval of $7,394.23 of HIDPIP funding for the installation of three outdoor interpretive
signs and a concrete walk within the farm campus of Four Mounds.
A simple majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the request to allow
HIDPIP funding for the Phase I Intensive Archeological Survey and Evaluation.
Service
People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork
Four Mounds Outdoor Interpretive Signs-HIDPIP
F:\Users\Djohnson\Councilltems\Four Mounds Outdoor Interpretive Signs
August 21, 2006
Page 2
Respectfully submitted,
~/~
Dave Stuart, Vice-Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Enclosures
@
fOUR MounDS fOUnDftTIOn
4900 Peru Road. Dubuque, Iowa 52001' 563-557-7292
Officers
John Gronen
President
Pat O'Neill
Vice President
Brian Houtakker
Treasurer
Mary Mulgrew Gronen
Secretary
Trustees
Elizabeth Adams
Jayne Banfield
Christine Chapin-Tilton
Jennifer Clemens-Conlon
Eric Dregne
James Gronen
Doug Horstmann
Charles Huntley
Ann Michalski
City Appointed Trustee
Jim Mulgrew
Randy Mihm
Michaei T oskey
Richard Weber
Management Staff
Christine Happ Olson
Executive Director
Marie FitzGerald
Inn Manager/Job Coach
Ron Fritz
HEART Manager/Job Coach
Tina Hamel
Development/Administrative
Jay Potter
YE S, Manager/Job Coach
Andy Roche
Summer Day Camp Director
Neil Winger
Wood Shop Job Coach
July 31, 2006
Mr. David Stuart, Vice-Chair, and
Members of the Historic Preservation Commission
CITY OF DUBUQUE
50 W, 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Commissioners,
Please accept this request from the Historic District Public Improvement Program
for support of a new interpretation project at Four Mounds. This project will help
us attract and educate more visitors to Four Mounds, making the site more visitor
friendly through the creation and installation of three new signs at the Four Mounds
farm campus.
Background: We succeeded in listing the Four Mounds Estate Historic District on
the National Register in 2002. This listing did not provide a great deal of
protection, but greatly contributed to obtaining Dubuque Landmark status in 2003,
which in turn provides substantial protection. As well, the National Register listing
helped us become a Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area Affiliate in 2003,
which opens us up to regional funding sources and great technical assistance. This
project is the first part of a larger public access enhancement program for Four
Mounds, as defined in our strategic plan.
Four Mounds is a gentleman's farm that was part of a larger national movement,
which developed as a reaction to the growing mechanization of agriculture. Four
Mounds is the only intact gentleman's farm left in the heritage area. It is unusually
positioned to tell a part of that agricultural story that no other site can tell. This
project helps educate visitors about the history of Four Mounds, its development as
a gentleman's farm, and its role in the heritage area.
Project specifics: This is an extension of a larger project, started with assistance
from HDPIP. The first phase of the project, currently under completion, installed a
new wayfinding sign, an introductory interpretive sign for the site, new lighting and
signage at the entrance of our lane, and small signs thoughout the site to guide
visitors to parking and trails.
This request is to install three wayside outdoor interpretive signs at three locations
throughout the farm campus of Four Mounds. As well, the project entails a
winding concrete walk leading from the Chicken House down to the Hog Shed. It
was determined a grey standard concrete walk is most appropriate, as it matches
the other concrete throughout the farm campus, but more specifically it matches the
large concrete pad that it meets under the pens in the hogshed.
Sign #1 focuses on families in service (The Lifeblood of the Farm), highlighting
the importance of the roles of the staff that lived on the grounds of Four Mounds,
through the stories of two long-time families. From the time the Burden Family
A Non Profit Foundation @ Preservation. Education
(farm owner) lived at Four Mounds (1908-1982), they had live in staff to help
manage the farm and estate. The Gardener's and Chauffeur's Houses, which flank each side of
the barn, were long-time homes to families that served Four Mounds, the Heitzman's (for 46 years)
& and the Kirch's (for 34 years) respectively. Sign #2 focuses on the farm itself (A Different Kind
ofFarm), further outlining the gentleman's farm (introduced in our first signage project) and
explaining the purpose of this unusual set offarm buildings (including our Ice House, Chauffeur's
House, and Root Cellar.) Sign #3 explains the use of the Hog Shed (Privileged Pigs), built for the
Burden's son who was stricken with Polio. The story is a great illustration of how a gentleman's
farm can develop, where wealthier families could address a particular need, hobby, or interest.
The Hog Shed sign will also detail the Hampshire hog (the specialty hogs raised there) and the
restoration of the building by our youth program. (please see draft signage mockups for more.)
Who undertakes each phase of this project: The signage concept design, editing, and interpretation
writing will be developed by me along with assistance from our staff. We will employ various
members ofa focus group (a board member with a graphic design background, Laura Carstens, Jeff
Morton, various visitors and members from our youth program) to test the signage. McCullough
Creative Group will provide layout, design, fabrication and installation. The sidewalk has been
designed by Jeff Morton and will be installed by D&D Concrete.
Project timeline: Concrete installation in fall of2006. Design and layout of signs through
Spring/Summer of2007. Installation Fall of2008.
Partnership: Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area has been an integral part of this
project, providing various trainings to help us create effective signage, visiting our site with
National Park Service staff on a consultant basis to plan for site signage, and providing $5000
toward this project. As well, the members of our focus group will help us make more effective and
engagmg slgnage.
Budget and Matching Funds: Our project budget is $12,678.23, and a detailed budget is attached.
We received a $5,000 grant from Silos & Smokestacks and we are asking for your support in a
matching grant to help us carry out this project. A grant of$7394.23 would help us makefunding
for this project complete.
We would enjoy the opportunity to give any members a tour at Four Mounds to let you know more
about our work and plans. We appreciate the opportunity to make an application to HDPIP and
thank you for your careful consideration of our request.
Sincerely,
#1 Families in Service
Signage Mockups
DRAFT
The first sign will highlight the importance of the roles of the staff that lived on the
grounds of Four Mounds, through the stories oftwo long-time families:
. The Heitzman family were gardeners and helped in the houses, serving and living
at F our Mounds from 1929-1941 and 1949-1983. Generations of family members
served the Burdens.
. Milton Kirch was our chauffeur from 1934-1968. His family lived at Four Mounds
during that time.
This sign will be illustrated with quotes from the Heitzman and Kirch families,
photographs of family members working at Four Mounds, likely chosen from the pictures
featured below.
~
- ::::
-
:z:::::
'-
-
-
-
'.-
-
-
Signage Mockups
DRAFT
#2 Gentleman's Farm Overview
The second sign will further describe the concept of the gentleman's farm (introduced in
our first signage project) and explain the purpose of unusual set offarm buildings
(including our Ice House, Chauffeur's House, and Root Cellar.)
Some pictures that will likely be included in this sign.
.
~-
Signage Mockups
DRAFT
#3 Hog Shed History
The third sign explains the use of the Hog Shed, built for the Burden's son, Bill who was
stricken with Polio. The story is a great illustration of how a gentleman's farm can
develop, where wealthier families could address a particular hobby, need or interest. The
Hog Shed sign will also detail the Hampshire hog (the specialty hogs raised there) and the
restoration of the building by our youth program.
Photos and graphics will include
. Before & During restoration photos (pictured below). The After image below
would be redundant, but is included here just for reference.
. A historic image showing the hog shed (as pictured below) which allows us to
highlight the ecological change in landscape
. An illustration of the Hampshire Hog
. A photo depicting Bill Burden
'"
'-.,.
..r-,- '. ',C._
.....~.'"'
-
J!!
.s
.Q
:>
Ul
"0
C
:;<
,
.5
c:
'"
(5
J:
"
rn
:::;
...
c:
::J
o
E
<(
~
c:
'"
::J
o
QQCCNW")
QQOl,.OO
...c:i1.ri~M
caQNCOQ
C'\IQ)"foo""
f:.IIt.....~619-
00
00
~O
00 0
N
EA-EA-EA-~tA-
CONlO
~<o:t'C:O
U1<o:t'"
NCOO
Ol~~
E;A-WWeA-EA-
tA-WWWf:!90
-
C
10
-
:;
01
C
o
U
'"
" C
~ ffi .9
cCi) ro
ctl "en C
CD Ci.i (/J C:'- c:
tn .;;:; ttI O)"'E 0
..~ - 0 .-
::::::>> C/J ca '00 a (5
- <( L.. OJ Q ....
CD .... ::::I 0 >- [
C (J:j t5 OJ CIJ OJ
5~.~ g'3:c:
~::J..cc~
CD - (,J 0) co.2
o.~~iii5:iii
"'''''''
"'''''''
cSc:ic:i
"'''''''
C),tO C\I
f"'J't")"C"",l'"
... ... ...
00
,=!o
00
NO
CON
N (f")~
......
00
,=!O
00
CO....
OlO
~f~
.........
000
000
do...r
N N
~N_
~ ~
.........
"''''0
o
00
c:
.9
]!
lii
Ol<n
.. c
.~ '2 a
Q)~c~
U) (,J C) co
... ";:: 'en ii.i
.g..ca>c:
_ ~ a.-
CJ OJ OJ ;>.
RlQ)Q)ro
.:= ttI ro ::?:
c c c: ~
O OJ Ol '"
uiiiUi5:
...
01
.,
01
C
.,
c-
)(
w
a;
>
10
~
I-
"''''
"''''
c:)c:i
..'"
"'..
......
... ...
00
00
00
000
N ~
......
... ...
o
o
o
....
~
...
>-
u
co
,
N
IJ)
..
IJ)
c
..
c-
)(
w
-
c
.,
E
c-
'S
cr
w
IJ)
.! ~
Q. ro
c- "0
::J '"
rn "0
ad ~
IJ) OJ
'ia ,9
'i:'o ......
.!~13
10 _ '"
::tiI:CIl
IJ)
..
IJ)
c
..
c-
)(
w
~
..
J:
o
C"')~
"''''
""'"
.....
'"
",'
..
...
c#
Cl N
~
co
'"
...
C"'J#
",ex>
~lO
'"
'"
,.:
...
Qcfl.
ClOl
e'"
Cl
Cl
It;
...
Q
'"
"e-
o.
lii
o
I-
o
'"
Ol
'"
~c:
<( '"
I- "
o iii
I-a.
'"
'"
~
'"
,g~
cn~
1:; Qj
~I
-5"'ffi
~ c
ro .Q
"Orn
ffiz
~ <Jl
",-><
.2 ~
500
- '"
0-><
> 0
'" E
.saCll
E06
E i3
.r:.800
"
-
10
::t
"0
C
:;:
,
-=
ad
.c
IJ)
IOJ:
(JB..c
... '" "
O:::;rn
~"O:::;
~ C J:
::1:;2 I/'J
o ' '"
rn.5u
'"",
- "'-,
~ '"
""'-"""
~~
p,
1:'%. ~
~~ J..
~ ..r
~ \Il
-
((
~ z
~
t'I \\\
-L tJ
~ ~
-
r
t I ex j
CJ
~
~ If-TIN I.r- \rJ
o
:t:.
~
~
I
1-
q-
I
:frI
~
~
"1I:l:;l:
~~
1
i
;1
I
!
&l ~
1>1 ~
f / /1 ......
'-'/ I _ _.....
-.... - -"-'-~-" -- .\"
" .. '<>~
'<:<~:>, i,,:,~~
' ',- , ~ '- ,<""
..... -. , ','," ",,"'..,
~ C" :, "<' "'-,":::;" fill
o::li' .,-"'-"", " " ,,', '-',
c" "" " ,,' .
\10 ~ ,":; '.....> [fJ-' ",
" \ ~ " " '
"'~l. ,> ",~~~,
'~"""l'!l
>}:',,,-
"'.'.
,... .
" : -.
/' . v:
~: ~ !:
,~": :
I .........
.'
~
...:\
~tj
:~
(i.~
I~
~
u.I ~I ~I ~~ (~
-
::J: .,,0' ~1t IZ ~~
0 I~ -,. ~ ~~
(," G'3
%-
If\ ()~ t: i --
:;: m ~ ~~
(1\ C:J ~
C7 ~~ - r- ~ Z
z ~
In '^ f !
- ~~. ~ ~ ", Ii
C'
z Cf\
-
~
-tt
o
c
yo
6
Co
~
"
I
i
Co
...
:r:
o
~
~
...
~
DESIGN REVIEW STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: August 17, 2006
Property Address: 4900 Peru Road
Property Owner: City of Dubuque
Applicant: Four Mounds Foundation
Project: Installation of three interpretive signs at the Four Mounds farm
campus.
Historic Preservation District: No
landmark: Yes
Style: N/A
Funding: Historic District Public Improvement Program
Date Built: N/A
Existing Zoning: R-1 Single-Family Residential
Present land Use: Residential/Recreational
Level of Sianificance:
Level of Rehabilitation:
o Design for Historic Features
o Alteration/Addition
o Not Evaluated
Physical Characteristics: The Four Mounds Estate Historic District encompasses the
country estate established in 1908 by George A. and Viola Burden between Peru Road
and the Mississippi River. The extant buildings include their home, the Grey house built
in 1908, a barn, corncrib, icehouse, hog house, garage, pump house, porch ramada,
root cellar, and two servants' homes (for the gardener and the chauffeur), and the White
House built in 1924 for their son, George R. Burden and his wife, Elizabeth, upon their
marriage. George R. ("Bill") and Elizabeth Burden added a garden shed, two
playhouses (only one extant), a woodworking shop, and a rock garden to the estate.
The final building added to the estate was a cabin built in 1956 for Frindy Burden
Gronen, daughter of George R. and Elizabeth. The Four Mounds Estate derived its
name from the presence of four prehistoric burial mounds that line the bluff top just
down slope from the Grey House.
Staff Analysis: The applicants are applying for funding from the Historic District Public
Improvement Program for the purchase and installation of three wayside outdoor
interpretive signs to be placed at three locations throughout the Four Mounds farm
campus. The project will help educate visitors about the history of Four Mounds, its
development as a gentleman's farm, and its role in the heritage area.
The project also includes a grey, standard, winding concrete walk leading from the
chicken house down to the hog shed. The applicant explains the grey, standard
concrete walk was determined most appropriate because it matches other concrete
Design Review Staff Report - Four Mounds Foundation HDPIP
Page 2
found throughout the farm campus and the large concrete pad that it meets under the
pens in the hog shed.
Enclosed is a copy of the Four Mounds Foundation application, site plan and signage
mockups for the Commissions review. Currently there is $32,904.02 of total HDPIP
funds available. $267,095.98 of HDPIP funding has been approved and $6,705.99 of
HDPIP funds has been expended. The following is the cost breakdown for the current
project.
Total Project Cost $12,678.23
Four Mounds Foundation Cost $5,284.00
Total Grant Reauest $7,394.23
Grant to total cost 58.32%
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 at landmark sites. 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 on
public property.
Prepared by:~...--
-----
- ReVieWed:~~ Date: ~