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National Endowment for the Arts_Our Town Grant ApplicationMasterpiece on the Mississippi National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant Review Committee: Dubuque 2007 ^ 2012 . > 2013 January 8, 2013 Office of the Mayor City Hall 50 West 13`" Street Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864 www.cityofdubuque.org am pleased to submit for your consideration this application on behalf of the City of Dubuque, Iowa and in partnership with Dubuque Main Street for the Dubuque Transformed: A Year of Creative Placemaking campaign. Dubuque has been nationally recognized for its work in sustainability and livability and since 2004 arts has been a priority of the Dubuque City Council. When I was elected as Mayor in 2005, I made a commitment to greatly expand the city's investment in the arts. Since then, we have invested over $2.3 million in local art organizations and I am proud to say that, with our help, the arts have become an economic engine for Dubuque. A recent study shows that the arts are a $47 million industry in Dubuque and are what truly make our community a Masterpiece on the Mississippi. am also proud to say that our community's definition of sustainability since 2006 includes social /cultural vibrancy as one of our three pillars and our motto is viable, livable and equitable. This is the lens through which we see sustainability and at the heart of social /cultural vibrancy is Dubuque's focus on a community rich in the arts and cultural amenities. The Dubuque Transformed: A Year of Creative Placemaking campaign is a comprehensive and strategic effort to engage our citizens in transforming everyday spaces into creative places where people want to gather and turn special events into more than just festivals but a place to build social capital. Dubuque Main Street has been a key city partner since 1985 helping us turn our blighted downtown into a burgeoning cultural corridor. For this reason we are partnering with them to build upon this success and serve as a model for other cities of our size. Dubuque's vision is bold and exciting and our track record of partnering for success is equally bold and exciting. We would welcome the opportunity to once again partner with the National Endowment for the Arts to implement this vision. Thank you for your consideration and for all your work to help make cities and our country more vibrant and for creating a place for artists to thrive. Sincerely, 1O6 , 9 M A I N S T R E E T a D U B U Q U E e I O W A = 5 2 0 0 1 - 4 7 2 4 [ 5 6 3 ] 5 8 8 - 4 4 0 0 0[ 5 6 3] 5 8 8 - 0 6 4 5 -FAX m W W W. D U B U Q U E M A I N S T R E E T. O R G January 9, 2014 The Honorable Mayor Roy Buol 50 West 13th Street City Hall Dubuque, IA 52001 Dear Mayor Buol: Dubuque Main Street (DMS), a downtown development corporation and parent company of the Downtown Dubuque Cultural Corridor (DDCC), salutes and endorses the City of Dubuque's important effort to receive funding through the Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. DMS joins the City in prioritizing and committing resources to the many principles of creative place - making in the Downtown Dubuque Cultural Corridor. This effort will go a long way in leading us in our "Arts Means Business" initiative. DMS commits our Cultural Corridor Specialist to lead the arts engagement process element of this grant request. Working with and beyond our current arts organization partners, DMS will host a series of meetings, targeting all local arts groups. We will join some in and introduce others to cultural & arts "Creative Placemaking." After the engagement process and in partnership with the Dubuque Convention & Visitors Bureau, DMS is committed to bringing the arts organizations, developers and other not- for -profit organizations together to introduce the Creative Placemaking Kits to engage both local citizens and visitors to this arts and inclusivity endeavor. Likewise, we will utilize the website and video to engage an even larger population in the realization that our cultural and arts assets are truly economic development drivers. Finally, the DDCC will help coordinate the ripple commemorative park, a physical space where creative placemaking will inspire people every day through public art and meaningful events. Should anyone need further details of our endorsement of and commitment to the City of Dubuque's effort, please call Dan at 563 -588 -4400. Sincerely, Daniel L. LoBianco Executive Director DUBUQUE COUNTY Fre Isis Soddy 1 PO Box 1166, Dubuque, IA 52004 January 7, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, I am happy to provide this letter in support of the application of Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with the City of Dubuque, for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant. As a leading arts or cultural organization in the city of Dubuque, the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society works closely with our partners at Dubuque Main Street to bring quality art and artistic venues to our cultural corridor. Our organization is an incubator and umbrella organization with many affiliates these affiliates reach our mission to encourage, promote, and present local and regional arts including music, writing, theater, design, and fine art with free or low cost programming. Our organization provides exhibitions or programming on average 200 days a year and annual audiences of over 3,000 people. We are proud to be part of the growing arts and cultural effort in Dubuque. Dubuque County Fine Arts Society is committed to working with community partners like Dubuque Main Street, the City of Dubuque and other area not -for- profit art organizations to create art friendly places in our community and in particular our downtown cultural corridor. The "Year of Creative Placemaking" project will create opportunities for residents and visitors alike to become engaged in making Dubuque a cultural hub in the Midwest as well as reinforce our commitment to arts as an economic engine for our community. We fully support the community's efforts through the Our Town grant program and hope you will support our city's efforts to raise the bar on what can be achieved by a committed, partnership - focused, and well- planned community development. Best Regards, Ali Levasseur President Dubuque County Fine Arts Society DUBUQUE museum N�N�~�������NNN °F art January 7, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, The Dubuque Museum of Art 15 pleased to provide this Ietter of support for the application of Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with the City of Dubuque, for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant. As a leading arts and cultural organization in the city of Dubuque with a 140 year history, the Dubuque Museum of Art works closely with our partners at Dubuque Main Street to bring quality art and artistic venues to our cultural corridor. Our organization is the oldest cultural institution in the State of Iowa and has a proud history of presenting world-class cultural experiences to our local community. Our organization provides 15 exhibitions annually and provide numerous classes, lectures and other public programs regularly. We are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and are a proud partner in the growing arts and cultural effort in Dubuque. The Dubuque Museum of Art is committed to working with community partners like Dubuque Main Street, the City of Dubuque and other area not-for-profit art organizations to create art friendly places in our community and in particular our downtown cultural corridor. The "Year of Creative Placemaking" project will create opportunities for residents and visitors alike to become engaged in making Dubuque a cultural hub in the Midwest as weU as reinforce our commitment to arts as an economic engine for our community. We fully support the community's efforts through the Our Town grant program and hope you will support our city's efforts to raise the bar on what can be achieved by a committed, partnership-focused, and weIl-planned community development. Mark D. Wahlert Executive Director m1100us/Sr ouou0uEmszuo/ ph. ve55r185/ dbgartcem DU IF' X ..M January 7, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, I am happy to provide this letter in support of the application of Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with the City of Dubuque, for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant. As a leading arts event in the city of Dubuque, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival works closely with our partners at Dubuque Main Street to bring world class films and filmmakers to our area. Adding film to the long list of arts offerings in the area, we are cultivating a film culture and demonstrating that Dubuque is a viable place for filmmakers to work, as well as for film lovers to engage in the industry. Our programming includes an annual four -day festival that brings more than 6,000 people to Dubuque, as well as film screenings and functions throughout the year. The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is committed to working with community partners like Dubuque Main Street, the City of Dubuque and other area not - for - profit art organizations to create art- friendly places in our community, particularly in our downtown area. Downtown shops, restaurants and bars are used as screening venues during our annual festival. This brings thousands of people to the heart of Dubuque, increases business in that area and showcases the city's revitalization. One of our events, an annual block party film screening, provides a free cultural experience in the city's Millwork District. Its placement on a city block among revitalized historic warehouses- turned - condos brings film to our community members rather than vice versa. The "Year of Creative Placemaking" project will create opportunities for residents and visitors alike to become engaged in making Dubuque a cultural hub in the Midwest as well as reinforce our commitment to arts as an economic engine for our community. We fully support the community's efforts through the Our Town grant program and hope you will support our city's efforts to raise the bar on what can be achieved by a committed, partnership- focused, and well - planned community development. Best Regards, Michael Coty To: Our Town Grant Review Committee Re: Dubuque Main Street Our Town Grant Application Date: 01/08/14 To Whom It May Concern, I am happy to provide this letter in support of the application of Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with the City of Dubuque, for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant. As a leading arts /cultural organization in the city of Dubuque, Matter works to cultivate creativity among people of all ages and abilities in order accelerate social and economic growth. We appreciate the efforts of partners like Dubuque Main Street to bring quality art and artistic venues to our cultural corridor. Matter provides signature creativity - building experiences that help people foster new ideas, build creative confidence, and envision new possibilities for themselves and their community. Our organization provides programming 6 days per week all year long and engages over 5,000 people each year. We are proud to be part of the growing arts and cultural effort in Dubuque. Matter is committed to working with community partners to create a culturally vibrant community that has a strong sense of place. The "Year of Creative Placemaking" project will foster opportunities for residents and visitors alike to become engaged in Dubuque's efforts to become a cultural hub and help promote increased economic activity through the arts. We fully support the community's efforts through the Our Town grant program and hope you will support our city's efforts to create distinctive, powerful places. Best Regards, Jordan DeGree Executive Director 140E 9th St Dubuque, IA 52001 t: 563- 556 -0117 f: 563- 556 -0183 is mattercreative.org Mission Matter cultivates creativity in order to accelerate social & economic growth. Directors Michael Budde Tom Culbertson Norma Denlinger Faye Finnegan Julie Florez Natalie Hoffman Sam Mulgrew Wendy Knight Christina Rader Stella Runde Cindy Steinhauser Valorie Woerdehoff January 6, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, I am happy to provide this letter in support of the application of Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with the City of Dubuque, for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant. Rising Star Theatre Company is dedicated to providing quality productions, meaningful experiences both on and offstage, and varied theatre study opportunities for the people of Dubuque and the surrounding tri -state communities. RSTC has had the pleasure to work closely with our partners at Dubuque Main Street to bring quality art and artistic venues to our cultural corridor in the past and we look forward to continuing that partnership. This past year Rising Star Theatre Company partnered with Dubuque Main Street, the Dubuque Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and the Dubuque Museum of Art on a cabaret series located in the Historic Millwork District. Each cabaret featured an art exhibit by local artists and was followed by musical performances provided by area actors and musicians. Beyond the cabaret series RSTC produces musicals throughout the year and this past season over 5,000 people attend one of our performances. In addition, over 250 people, ages 7 to 76; participated in our productions either on or offstage. Our annual youth production provided every child who auditioned, nearly 200 students, the opportunity to be a part of community- based arts event, which is unique to Dubuque .We are proud to be part of the growing arts and cultural effort in Dubuque and look forward to providing exciting theatre experiences in the tri- state area for years to come. Rising Star Theatre Company is committed to working with community partners like Dubuque Main Street, the City of Dubuque and other area not - for - profit art organizations to create art friendly places in our community and in particular our downtown cultural corridor. We look forward to expanding these partnerships and the "Year of Creative Placemaking" project will help allow us to do just that, while at the same time conceive opportunities for residents and visitors alike to become engaged in the rich cultural history of Dubuque. We fully support the connnunity's efforts through the Our Town grant program and hope you will support our city's efforts on what can be achieved collaboratively among committed not - for -profit organizations. Best Regards, Nicholas Haider Producing Artistic Director Rising Star Theatre Company 1310 White Street, Dubuque, Iowa 563.231.0110 www .risingstartheatrecompanycorn AREA CONVENTION TORS BUREAU January 8,2014 To Whom It May Concern, I am happy to provide this letter in support of the application of Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with the City of Dubuque, for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant. We look forward to partnering with these organizations to undertake the placemaking kit initiative, a video series with a social media campaign as well as our commitment to create, support and maintain a website that the arts community can utilize to provide them a collective online presence for the area. The Dubuque Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to support both of these organizations, as well as the entire arts and cultural attractions in our community. Dubuque is unique not only in our geography, but also in the culture that has been cultivated by the arts. This thriving network of organizations & individuals is constantly evolving to better serve the collective mission of the arts industry and the community as a whole. Each year, Dubuque welcomes 1.9 million visitors and generates $320 million in travel related expenditures. We know that the arts and culture in Dubuque is a vital component to our success as a travel destination. In a recent study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, it was found that the arts and culture industry in Dubuque, Iowa generates $47.2 million in annual economic activity. In turn, 1,530 full -time equivalent jobs are created and $36.7 million in household income is generated. This study has proven what we have known for some time, the arts mean business in Dubuque. As a CVB it is our job to ensure that the success of our partners continues to evolve and to allow for creative placemaking in our community. When we can support our local businesses, and provide them with the resources necessary to reach their full potential, we all benefit. Thank you for your consideration, Keith Rahe President & CEO Dubuque Area Convention & Visitors Bureau DUBUEZVE AREA CHAMBER \VII ERE IT ALL BELONGS. January 10, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, On behalf of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, I am happy to provide this letter in support of the application of Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with the City of Dubuque, for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant. As a leading community development partner in the city of Dubuque, the Chamber works closely with our partners at Dubuque Main Street to help promote the many cultural amenities that help contribute to our high quality of life. We recognize that arts and cultural amenities are an economic engine in our community. In 2012 our organization assisted the city of Dubuque and Dubuque Main Street in conducting a comprehensive economic impact study of the arts and cultural industry in Dubuque. This study showed that the arts are a $47 million annual business in Dubuque, employ over 1,530 people, generate over $5 million in local and state government revenue and provide over $36.7 million in local income. With this information we were able to launch an initiative entitled "The Arts Mean Business ". This is an awareness campaign in our community to help businesses and residents understand the value and significant impact that the arts have in our community. With funding through the NEA the city of Dubuque and Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with many local organizations and artists, will build upon the groundwork laid from this campaign through their "Year of Creative Placemaking Project ". A project that will empower everyone in our community to embrace the artist within themselves and make our community a more creative and welcoming place. With our track record of partnership to transform our community, we fully support the efforts of the Our Town grant program and hope you will support our application for funding. The Chamber is excited to be working with Dubuque Main Street, the City of Dubuque and other important community partners on events that support creative placemaking. We know that Dubuque's success is not by accident, but by intention. Time and time again, our countless collaborations have resulted in tremendous community accomplishments and this effort will be no exception. The Chamber understands the arts are an imperative, economic, and mission - relevant industry in Dubuque. We will continue to lead and engage in these efforts to ensure that Dubuque is the best place to live, work and play. We thank you for your consideration of our application. Best regards, 2///10,46,0 Molly Grover President and CEO 30D MAIN STREET • SUITE 200 I DUBUQUE, IA I 520011 I PHONE: 553.557.5200 f EA\.563.557.1591 WW'W.I2Ue,11JQ5E r,'7 January 7, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, Greater Sc:hn o I am happy to provide this letter in support of the application of Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with the City of Dubuque, for the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant. As a leading community development partner in the City of Dubuque, the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation works closely with our partners at Dubuque Main Street to help promote arts and cultural attractions in our community. We recognize that arts and cultural amenities are an economic engine in our community that lends to our quality of life and greatly improves our regional ability to retain and recruit the talented workforce we need. The arts promote diversity and inclusivity and in our global society, city's that embrace the arts as a workforce tool will have a distinct economic advantage over those who do not. In 2012 our organization assisted the City of Dubuque and Dubuque Main Street in promoting the results of a comprehensive economic impact study of the arts and cultural industry in Dubuque. This study showed that the arts are a $47 million annual business in Dubuque that employs over 1,530 people, generates over $5 million in local and state government revenue and provides over $36.7 million in local income. The Arts Mean Business is an awareness campaign in our community to help businesses and residents understand the value and significant impact that the arts have in our community. With funding through the NEA the City of Dubuque and Dubuque Main Street, in partnership with many local organizations and artists, are prepared to expand the economic impact that the arts are having in our community. Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, whose corporate offices are located in the downtown cultural corridor, are proud to help support this effort and encourage you to invest in our successful track record of partnering to transform our community. Thank you for your consideration, Rick Dickinson President & CEO City of Dubuque NEPA /NTHP Compliance Site Assessment: The proposed location for the Together We Are One Park in located in a commercial area that is home to our successful Art on the River public art project and rests adjacent to the Mississippi River. This vacant parcel of land is located at 5th & Bell Street. This property is part of the 90- acre campus redevelopment and has previously been designated by the City Council as a location for a future park. The riverfront area now known as the Port of Dubuque was an area plagued by environmental issues, undervalued property, a mixed of heavy industrial uses adjacent to Downtown — this was the epitome of a brownfield environment and was burdened with obstacles for redevelopment. The project will not impact environmental or historic resources. The site at 5th and Bell Streets is a landscaped parcel that was part of a USEPA brownfield assessment and clean -up grant for the Port of Dubuque. The site was used by Miller Logging for nearly three decades before the site was assessed, cleared, and cleaned up. In 2005, the Port of Dubuque received the USEPA's Phoenix Award as one of the nation's outstanding brownfield redevelopment projects. Enclosed images show the project site in 1996 and 2007 aerial photos of the Port of Dubuque, as well as the project site environs viewed from 5th and Bell Streets prior to clean up. The project will not have the potential to have an adverse effect on environmental or historic resources. As noted above, the project site was part of an award- wining USEPA- funded brownfield assessment and clean -up effort. The site at 5th and Bell Streets is a landscaped parcel that is designed to accommodate public art and streetscape amenities proposed as part of the project. Site diagrams are enclosed. The City of Dubuque has conducted historic /architectural surveys and evaluations of nearly 5,000 structures in the historic riverfront, downtown and older neighborhoods in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. The surveys and evaluations were conducted with funding and approval from Iowa's State Historic Preservation Office. Based on this research and documentation, the project site is not listed in nor determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) individually or as part of a historic district. Site Description: The proposed site at 5th and Bell Streets in the Port of Dubuque is a landscaped parcel that is designed to accommodate public art and streetscape amenities proposed as part of the project. Site age, NRHP listing: As noted above, the project site intended for the installation of a public art piece is not listed in nor determined eligible for the NRHP individually or as part of a historic district. Environmental Impact: As noted above, the project site was part of brownfield assessment and clean -up effort. The site at 5th and Bell Streets is now a landscaped parcel that is designed to accommodate public art and streetscape amenities proposed as part of the project. A Phase 1 environmental assessment was conducted for the City. The report of July, 2000 indicated three leaking underground storage tanks were removed from the site, the soil in the area was excavated, and replaced with clean fill, and then the site received a "No Further Action" certificate in September 1999. Enclosed is the Executive Summary of the Phase 1 environmental assessment report of July, 2000. Local Review: The project site is located in the Port of Dubuque Outdoor Plaza, which requires design approval through the Port of Dubuque Design Review Process. The project also was approved by the City Council. Miller Logging, 380 4"' Street Prepared for City of Dubuque Prepared by Preston Engineering, Inc EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Environmental Audit Report Privileged Document July 26, 2000 Preston Engineering, Inc. (Preston) has been retained by City of Dubuque in Iowa to conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the property owned and operated by Miller Logging Company at 380 4th Street in :Dubuque, Iowa. This Phase I ESA has been performed in conformance with the scope and limitations of ASTM Practice E 1527 -97. Mary Miller, co owner of Miller Logging, was interviewed by Jaci Moore from Preston Engineering. She indicated that the company had operated from the subject property for approximately 27 years. Ms. Miller indicated that the site had been in the LUST program. Three tanks were removed from the site. The soil in the area was excavated and replaced with clean fill. The site received a "No Further Action" certificate in September 1999. The certificate does not represent that the site is environmentally clean. Residual concentrations of contamination may remain in the soil or groundwater at the site. There were no deed restrictions or institutional controls placed on the property as part as the certificate. The LUST information showed that the extent of the plume did not extend off of the property. Other than the release from the underground storage tank, she did not indicate any environmental concerns. City directories arid Sanborn Maps dating back to the early 1900's were searched to ensure that the property was not used in a manner, which would pose a threat to the environment. In the 1941 and 1942 city directories, John Farley filling station was located at 265 East Fourth Street. The location of this property is most likely southwest from the subject property on East Fourth Street. The filling station was most likely on the property that is presently owned by the Plastic Center. Due to the age and the life span of the filling station, the property is unlikely to pose an environmental threat to the subject property. In addition, the proximity of the gas station from the subject property, and the direction of the groundwater flow would discount the facility from posing a threat to the property at 380 4th Street. There were 17 LUST sites within ''A mile of the subject property. All were discounted due to the location and distance from the subject property. There were no sites within the search that would be considered to be an environmental threat to the subject property. Ms. Moore conducted on onsite reconnaissance on July 19, 2000. The on -site investigation included examination of the accessible perimeter of the grounds and adjacent properties. The property was currently being used as a machine shop and log storage. During the site investigation, Ms. Moore observed an area on or near the property that was being used for storage of drums. The location of the barrels is southeast of the building. Since the property boundary could not be determined, they may be located on a portion of Bell Street. The area was overgrown, and it was difficult to determine the quantity of barrels that were being stored in the area. Ms. Moore noted that there were over 10 barrels. There were no labels on the drums, and they appeared to be very old. Upon further investigation, Ms. Moore determined that some of the drums were partially full. There was one drum that was open and waste oil was had spilled onto the ground. Because of the appearance, the uncertainty of the material, and the proximity to the subject property, the observation must be considered to be an environmental condition. Due to finding during the onsite investigation, Preston Engineering is recommending that further investigation be performed on this site. Port of Dubuque 1996 Project site Port of Dubuque 2007 Project site Project Site environs prior to clean up. Plan Phase 2 1 } 1 DURRANT City of Dubuque Outdoor Plaza and Parking Lot Enlarged Plan Phase 2 DURRANT City of Dubuque Outdoor Plaza and Parking Lot Overview Phase 2 V. 0 0 0 0 0 0 U DURRANT Vendor Space Along 5th St. DURRANT City of Dubuque Outdoor Plaza and Parking Lot THE CITY OF Dui Masterpiece on the Mississippi National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant Review Committee: Dubuque bitil All-America City 1111 ' 2007 • 2012 •2013 January 8, 2013 Office of the Mayor City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 -4864 www.cityofdubuque.org I, Cindy Steinhauser, grant permission to share the city of Dubuque's 2014 NEA Our Town application with other funders. Please feel free to contact me at csteinha@citvofdubuque.org or at 563 -589 -4110 if you have any questions regarding this authorization. Thank you, Cindy Steinhauser Assistant City Manager