Four Mounds Archeological Survey & Evaluation
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THE CITY OF ( '-=-.,,\
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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: Historic District Public Improvement Project (HIDPIP) funding for the Phase I
Intensive Archeological Survey and Evaluation.
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The Historic Preservation Commission has discussed approving HIDPIP funding for the
Four Mounds Foundation to conduct a Phase I Intensive Archeological Survey and
Evaluation on the cultured grounds of Four Mounds.
Discussion
In response to a request from the Four Mounds Foundation, the Historic Preservation
Commission has met and discussed approving $2,304.06 to conduct an Intensive
Archeological Survey and Evaluation on the cultured grounds of Four Mounds.
The Archeological Survey and Evaluation is the first part of a larger public access
enhancement program for Four Mounds. Four Mounds has a phased plan to repave
roads, expand parking, install sewer and water, improve trails, provide outdoor
restrooms, improved onsite fire protection and increase accessibility for a variety of
visitors. In addition, Four Mounds is working on a conservation plan (in conjunction with
the road and parking project) to minimize stormwater runoff. In order to accomplish the
plan, Four Mounds needs to first identify and protect any archeological resources
throughout the Four Mounds cultured grounds.
The project goal is to complete an intensive survey and evaluation of the cultured and
immediate surrounding grounds of the National Register listed Four Mounds Estate
which consists of approximately 59.76 acres. The archeological investigation is to occur
on approximately 16.15 acres contained within the Four Mounds Estate.
Enclosed are the Four Mounds Foundation application, project area map, and project
costs. Currently there is $32,904.02 oftotal HDPIP funds available. $267,095.98 of
HDPIP funding has been approved and $6,705.99 of HDPIP funds has been expended.
Service
People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork
Phase I Intensive Archeological Survey and Evaluation-HIDPIP
F:\Users\Djohnson\Councilltems\Phase I Intensive Archeological Survey & Evaluation
August 21, 2006
Page 2
Recommendation
By a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays, the Historic Preservation Commission recommends
approval of $2,304.06 of HIDPIP funding for the Phase I Intensive Archeological Survey
and Evaluation of the cultured grounds 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.
Respectfully submitted,
~/~
Dave Stuart, Vice-Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Enclosures
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fOUR MounDS fOUnDfiTlOn
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- TIiton
Jennifer Clemens-Conlon
Eric Dregne
James Gronen
Doug Horstmann
Chanes Huntley
Ann Michalski
City Appointed Trustee
Jim Mulgrew
Randy Mihm
Michael 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 Poller
Y.E. 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 5200 I
Dear Commissioners,
Please accept this request from the Historic District Public Improvement Program
for support of a Phase I intensive archeological survey and evaluation on the
cultured grounds of Four Mounds.
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 ofa larger public access enhancement program for Four
Mounds, as defined in our strategic plan.
Goal: The project goal is to complete an intensive survey and evaluation of the
cultured and immediate surrounding grounds of the National Register listed Four
Mounds Estate which consists of approximately 59.76 acres. The archeological
investigation is to occur on approximately 16.15 acres contained within the Four
Mounds Estate. Please refer to the enclosed project area map for the exact
location. The area is covered with grass and trees, so this consists of systematic
shovel excavation at intervals no greater than IS meters or in judgmentally-placed
locations. All tests will be screened through y.," mesh with profiles noted and
described. All tests are to be mapped using handheld GPS units and/or measured
base map. The results of the field investigation would be summarized in draft and
final reports that would be completed in the format of a Multiple Property
Document Form for the National Register of Historic Places.
Coordination: The project will require a professional with expertise in archival
research and field work. The consultant will be an expert in subsurface testing to
gather information about the extent of associated remains, their structure and
composition. To satisfy these requirements, the Four Mounds Foundation has
selected Tallgrass Historians LC, Leah Rogers to conduct the Phase I Four Mounds
Archeological Investigation.
The City of Dubuque will administer the grant. The Four Mounds Foundation will
act as project manager and local grant director for the archeological investigation.
Students enrolled in the Archeo)ogy and Cultural Heritage Program at Loras
College will be assisting with the archeological investigation.
A Non Profit Foundation @ Preservation. Education
The following will be produced as a result of the project:
oTwo copies of a research design outlining the project activities and schedule.
oThree (one original and two copies) finished sets of typed Office of the State Archeologist site
inventory forms, for each new site located. For previously reported sites, an updated site inventory
form will be submitted.
oTwo sets of black and white photographs documenting sites, methodology, associations, features,
profiles, associated topography and disturbances. For each roll of black and white film used for the
project, two (2) contact sheets and one set of negatives will be developed and filed in Print file type
plastic sleeves. Ifslides are taken during the project, two (2) colored slides (an original and a
copy) showing sites, methodology, associations, features, profiles, topography and disturbances
will be provided.
oTwo (2) typed, completed copies of "PhotographlCatalog Field Sheet", for each roll offilm.
oThree (3) copies of the Draft Project Report.
oA minimum of twelve (12) copies of the final project report, to include five (5) bound copies and
one (I) unbound, print-ready master copy. .
oTwo (2) copies of a one-page report, summarizing the project results, as required for all grant-
funded activities.
oA completed, typed National Archeological Bibliographic Data (NABD) encoding sheet,
summarizing site information, will be submitted to the State.
Schedule:
Sorine 2007
Research design draft performed
Summer 2007
Preparatory site planning
Fall 2007
Field work conducted
June 30. 2008
Final report submitted
This project fulfills Four Mounds and City goals through:
This project is a necessary component of larger enhancement plans for the Four Mounds Estate, a
City-owned public site. Four Mounds has a phased plan to undertake a road repaving, parking
expansion, installation of sewer and water, trail improvement, making the site more accessible to a
variety of visitors, outdoor restrooms and site fire protection. In addition, Four Mounds currently
is working on a conservation plan (in conjunction with the road and parking project) to minimize
stormwater runoff. In order to move ahead with t1iese plans, Four Mounds needs to be able to
identify and protect those archeological resources throughout the cultured grounds. In addition to
protection, this project will allow Four Mounds to save money as they move ahead with other
planned projects by avoiding areas of significance.
This project also will help fulfill the following goals of the City of Dubuque's historic preservation
plan:
. Encourage neighborhood identity, planning and pride of place
. Safeguard the cultural and historical resources of the community as critical to the quality of
life and the attractiveness of Dubuque.
. Promote the preservation of historic buildings and architectural resources in the
community.
. Educate the community about the benefits of historic preservation to the community's
quality of life, economic development efforts, tourism and tax base enhancement.
. Increase appreciation, education, technical assistance and funding for the community's
historical and architectural heritage.
Partnership: This project is a joint partnership of Four Mounds Foundation, the City of
Dubuque, and Loras College.
Budget and Matching Funds: Our project budget is $13,923, and a detailed budget is attached.
We anticipate a $8,200 grant from the CLG Grant Program and we are asking for your support in a
matching grant to help us carry out this project. A grant of$2,304 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.
J
/
Christin ~
Executive Director
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DESIGN REVIEW STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: August 17, 2006
Property Address: 4900 Peru Road
Property Owner: City of Dubuque
Applicant: Four Mounds Foundation
Project: Phase I intensive archeological survey and evaluation on the
cultured grounds of Four Mounds.
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 applicant is requesting $2,304.00 in HDPIP funding to support the
Phase I intensive archeological survey and evaluation on the cultured grounds of Four
Mounds. The project goal is to complete an intensive survey and evaluation of the
cultured and immediate surrounding grounds of the National Register listed Four
Mounds Estate which consists of approximately 59.76 acres. The archeological
investigation is to occur on approximately 16.15 acres contained within the Four
Mounds Estate. Please refer to the enclosed project area map for the exact location.
Design Review Staff Report - Four Mounds Foundation HDPIP
Page 2
The project will require a professional with expertise in archival research and field work.
The consultant will be an expert in subsurface testing to gather information about the
extent of associated remains, their structure and composition. To satisfy these
requirements, the City of Dubuque will seek out and hire a consultant who is qualified in
prehistoric and historic archaeology according to the Secretary of the Interior's
Qualifications for Professional Archaeologists.
Enclosed is a copy of the Four Mounds Foundation application, site plan and cost
breakdown 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 Proiect Cost $13,922.66
Four Mounds Foundation Cost $11,618.60
Total Grant Request $2,304.06
Grant to total cost 16.55%
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:~
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