Minutes Historic Pres 01_18_07
MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, January 18, 2007
5:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson Christine Olson; Commission Members Keisha Wainwright,
Chris Wand, Matthew Lundh, and David Stuart; Staff Members Laura
Carstens and David Johnson.
ABSENT:
Commission Members John Whalen, Mike Coty, Mary Loney Bichell and
Robert McCoy.
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 Chairperson Olson at 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES:
Chairperson Olson requested three changes to the draft minutes of December
21, 2006.
1) The words “more historic” in line 5, paragraph 2, Page 2 should be in quotations.
2) The sentence in line 6, paragraph 3, Page 2 should be amended to read, “He explained
that studies have indicated that bare woods prolonged exposure to the sun and
ultraviolet rays deteriorate the top cells of the wood siding and consequently the siding
cannot hold paint.”
3) After line 2, paragraph 3, Page 7 the record should also reflect that Staff Member
Carstens confirmed the Mines of Spain is going forward with their project.
The Commission discussed the proposed amendments to the draft minutes and agreed the
additional comments would more accurately reflect the discussion at the meeting.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Wainwright, to approve the minutes of the December 21,
2006 as amended. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Olson, Wainwright, Wand,
Lundh and Stuart; Nay – None.
DESIGN REVIEW:
Application of Chad Walsh, Epic Construction for a National
Register of Historic Places Nomination for the Dubuque Star Brewery, 500 E. Fifth
Street.
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January 18, 2007
Page 2
Chad Walsh, project manager for Epic Construction, explained that his company has a
long-term lease with the City of Dubuque to renovate the Dubuque Star Brewery. He
introduced the project architect, Jeffrey Morton. Mr. Morton reviewed the scope of the
project and noted the building currently has two tenants. Stone Cliff Winery will occupy
the old tavern and rock building on the first floor, and a restaurant will occupy the entire
second floor of the building. Mr. Morton stated that the parking for the uses inside the
Dubuque Star Brewery will be located in the rear of the building. He explained that all
of the windows and doors in the building have been replaced since they were all in very
poor condition and rotted. He stated that wood windows and doors replicating the
originals were used. He explained that the loading dock and transformer servicing the
building will be enclosed with masonry per the Port of Dubuque design standards. Mr.
Walsh added that the parking lot will also be reviewed by the Port of Dubuque Design
Review Committee and a new street will be built by the City along the north side. He
stated the name of the street will be Star Brewery Drive. Mr. Walsh stated that the
remaining space in the building will be used for offices and small retail and specialty
shops. He explained that Stone Cliff Winery will open in the spring and the restaurant
is targeted to open in September.
Commissioner Stuart questioned the term of the lease with the City. Mr. Walsh
explained it was a 50-year lease. Commissioner Stuart suggested they study the IRS
requirements for long-term leases to verify that it qualifies for preservation tax credits.
Chairperson Olson asked why the nomination was one contributing building and one
contributing structure. Mr. Morton explained the structure is the smoke stack, believed
to be from a prior distillery and the contributing building is the brewery complex as it
exists.
Staff Member Johnson explained that the State is requesting the Commission review
the nomination, and comment on whether the Dubuque Star Brewery building meets the
significance criteria A, B, C or D for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
He stated the nomination indicates that the property is significant under Criteria A and
C. He explained Criterion A is a property that is associated with events that have made
a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history, and Criterion C is a
property that embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or
represents a significant or distinguishable entity whose components lack individual
distinction. He requested that the Commission make a recommendation to the State
Nominations Review Committee whether the Dubuque Star Brewery should be listed or
not for consideration during the Committee’s February 9, 2007 meeting.
Commissioner Wand questioned whether Criterion B could be applied to the
nomination. The Commission discussed the difference between a state and national
level National Register of Historic Places nomination versus local significance. Staff
Member Johnson explained that Criterion B is property that is associated with the lives
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January 18, 2007
Page 3
of persons significant in our past. The Commission agreed that Criterion B would
definitely apply to Dubuque on a local level and also noted its importance as a visible
entry to the city of Dubuque. The Commission also noted that artifacts and information
gathered as part of the National Register nomination for the Dubuque Star Brewery will
be displayed throughout public corridors of the building, and historic photos gathered
through the nomination process will be displayed in other areas of the building.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Stuart, to recommend nomination of the Dubuque Star
Brewery to the National Register of Historic Places based on its significance under
Criteria A and C statewide, its significance under Criteria B locally, and that it is an
important visible entry to the city of Dubuque. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye
– Olson, Wainwright, Wand, Lundh and Stuart; Nay – None.
DESIGN REVIEW:
Application of Jeffrey Morton for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
remove the non-historic, wood framed, two-story rear addition and replace with a new,
more appropriate two story addition in the same footprint for property located at 472
West Fourth Street in the Cathedral Historic District.
Jeff Morton, architect for Susan Farber, property owner, presented the project. He
explained that 470 West Fourth Street, the Red House Gallery, was reviewed by the
Historic Preservation Commission previously. He noted that Ms. Farber has purchased
472 West Fourth Street for the gallery expansion. He addressed the late addition on
the rear of 472 West Fourth Street. Staff Member Johnson clarified that the Certificate
of Appropriateness would be for 472 West Fourth Street only since no changes are
proposed for 470 West Fourth Street. He stated information on both properties had
been provided in the staff report and presentation, since the buildings will be tied
together and used in conjunction with each other.
Mr. Morton stated that the late addition on the rear of the property was poorly
constructed and is leaking and deteriorating. He stated he would like to remove the
non-historic wood framed two-story rear addition, and replace it with a new more
appropriate two-story addition. He explained that there would be a connection between
470 and 472 West Fourth Street for the gallery expansion. He addressed the drawing
submitted with the design review application. He noted the front of the building facing
Fourth Street will be modified to level out the stoop accessing 470 and 472 West
Fourth Street. He added that the existing metal door on the front of 472 West Fourth
Street will be replaced with a reclaimed or new wood door with a new transom above it,
which will reflect the shape and scale of the transom on 470 West Fourth Street. He
added that the pitch of the porch will remain unchanged.
Mr. Morton next reviewed the north, west and south elevation drawings for the project.
He explained the new addition on the rear of 472 West Fourth Street will have cedar
shingles, even though the drawings depict an asphalt shingle roof. The Commission
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January 18, 2007
Page 4
indicated based on the existing roofing material, either alternative would be acceptable.
He explained that the addition will have cedar fascia, frieze board, and lap siding. He
explained that large, clear, insulating glass paneled, wood framed windows will be
installed on the second floor of the addition to maximize the amount of light entering the
gallery. He explained there will be two new doors on the rear addition.
Mr. Morton explained the clear insulating glass panes will be framed in wood. He
added that both roofs on 470 and 472 West Fourth Street will have a cedar shingle and
the pitch of the roofs will not change.
Staff Member Johnson clarified that the Certificate of Appropriateness was for the front
porch door and transom, the roof and the rear addition on 472 West Fourth Street.
The Commission discussed the project and the possibility of the applicant applying for
Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund (HPRLF) money. Mr. Morton explained
should the applicant wish to pursue HPRLF money, it will be done at a later date.
Commissioner Stuart stated he would like to see the wood elements either painted or
opaque stained. Mr. Morton indicated they are leaning toward opaque stain.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Wand, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as
submitted, noting that all new wood, except for the roofs shall be painted or opaque
stained; and cedar shingles are allowed on both 470 and 472 West Fourth Street.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Olson, Wainwright, Wand, Lundh and
Stuart; Nay – None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION
: Chairperson Olson stated she was contacted about an
article on historic preservation in the Telegraph Herald’s “In and Out” section for January.
Staff Member Carstens added she was also contacted and referred the reporter to
Chairperson Olson.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
:
Building Services Dept. – Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement: Staff
Member Johnson reviewed the January Historic Preservation Enforcement report. He
noted that 352 Bluff Street will remain on the enforcement report until a building permit
is applied for the property.
Staff Member Johnson explained 950 Spruce Street is an ongoing legal matter between
the City and Mr. Brown, and therefore is being kept on the enforcement report as a
reminder that a violation exists.
Staff Member Johnson stated the Commission’s concerns regarding 1163 Highland
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January 18, 2007
Page 5
were forwarded on to Rich Russell. He stated Mr. Russell will verify the additional
concerns brought forward and enforce as appropriate. He explained no progress has
been made at 538 Wilbur Lane, and the timeline for compliance remains May 1, 2007.
Staff Member Johnson explained that 1015 &1017 Bluff used to be on the enforcement
report together. He explained that 1015 Bluff made the necessary repairs and is now in
compliance. He stated that 1017 Bluff made temporary and inappropriate repairs to
remedy the safety issue with the stairs. He explained wood treads affixed to a metal
track was used to fill in the hole in the concrete stairs. He explained that since the
repair is inappropriate, the matter will not be removed from the enforcement report.
Staff Member Carstens noted we are currently trying to track down the address of the
property owner since a number of correspondences have been returned as
undeliverable.
Staff Member Johnson explained there have been no changes made to the property at
180 Main Street.
Staff Member Johnson reported that the property owners, City staff and local banks are
still working to close the funding gap on the German Bank building at 342 Main Street.
The Commission discussed their concern that water is entering the building and
affecting neighboring buildings and referred the matter to the Building Services
Department for follow-up.
Staff Member Johnson stated that Vance DeLire at 1921 Madison Street has been cited
for various housing and building services infractions. He explained the owners did not
appear at their hearing and were fined $800. He stated they were also ordered to
provide a schedule for repairs by February 1, 2007. Staff Member Johnson stated that
the owners have purchased a permit to repair a quarter of the roof and to realign the
gutters on January 3, 2007. He explained slow progress has been made on the roof.
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Staff Member Johnson stated that the H & W Building located at 30 and Jackson
Street was inspected by Rich Russell based on the Commission’s referral. He stated
Rich did not feel that there was enough evidence for demolition by neglect.
Commissioner Stuart stated he would follow-up with Mr. Russell. Staff Member
Johnson explained that a prospective buyer recently approached the City and met with
City staff to discuss a possible restaurant and apartment use for the southernmost
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building fronting 30 Street.
Staff Member Johnson reported that a letter requesting a timeframe for appropriate
repairs to the front porch was sent on January 8, 2007 to the property owner of 1433
Main Street. The Commission discussed that there is a new owner for the property at
1433 Main Street. Chairperson Olson recalled a past Certificate of Appropriateness or
correspondence regarding replacement of the front porch at 1433 Main Street. She
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January 18, 2007
Page 6
requested that staff research past Certificates of Appropriateness or correspondence
for this address and forward them onto the new property owner. She also noted the
previous property owner was Michelle Bain.
Staff Member Johnson explained the property at 1051 White Street was cited for
demolition by neglect. He explained that the Housing Department has been talking to
the owner about demolition as part of the vacant and abandoned buildings program.
Rich Russell met with the owner to inform him of the application process for a
demolition permit in late to mid-November. Staff Member Johnson stated the owner
was given until February 26, 2007 to apply for a demolition permit due to economic
hardship. He explained hopefully this would be considered at the March 15, 2007
meeting.
Staff Member Carstens noted for the Commission that a committee has been formed to
address problem properties for Housing and Building Services as well as the historic
preservation enforcement properties. She explained the combined effort will help the
City coordinate enforcement efforts and address enforcement in a more efficient
manner.
Historic Preservation Housing Grant: Staff Member Carstens presented the draft letter
from the Historic Preservation Commission to the City Council to restore the
Community Development Block Grant Program funding for the Historic Preservation
Housing Grant Program. The Commission discussed the letter, noting the importance
of the program to low and moderate income homeowners as well as non-profit housing
organizations for them to make necessary improvements to their properties. The
Commission discussed that it is important that the letter emphasize that historic
preservation is not optional in historic districts, and it is required by City Ordinance
regardless of income. The Commission also discussed that it was important that the
letter relay to the City Council that they recognize budget constraints and that they are
willing to request $20,000 for the FY08 Historic Preservation Housing Grant Program.
The Commission recommended that paragraph 1, page 2 of the letter be amended to
read, “Historic preservation is not optional in our historic districts; it is required by City
Ordinance, regardless of income. Therefore, low and moderate income homeowners
and non-profit housing organizations need this funding in order to make necessary
improvements to their properties.”
The Commission also recommended that paragraph 2, Page 2 of the letter be amended
to read, “Due to budget constraints in this year’s CDBG Program, the Commission
understands that $30,000 may not be feasible. Consequently, the Commission is only
requesting $20,000 for the FY08.” The Commission recommended, “is willing to see
FY08 funding maintained at $20,000” be removed from the same sentence.
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January 18, 2007
Page 7
Motion by Wand, seconded by Olson, to approve the Historic Preservation Housing
Grant Program letter, as revised. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Olson,
Wainwright, Wand, Lundh and Stuart; Nay – None.
Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund: The staff and Commission discussed the
letter from Douglas Horstmann, President and CEO of Dubuque Bank and Trust. Staff
and Commission both noted that they were not aware that any such program existed
from Dubuque Bank and Trust. Staff Member Carstens explained that unlike the
Dubuque Bank and Trust loan fund, the City’s Historic Preservation Revolving Loan
Fund is handled through the City. She stated Premier Bank provided the City with a
$200,000 loan at 0% interest for 10 years in 2005. She explained the 3% interest rate
charged to property owners in historic districts is reinvested into the loan fund. She
explained the loan applications are not handled by Premier Bank; but rather by the
City, and she didn’t believe the City could honor Mr. Horstmann’s request to mail out
information on Dubuque Bank and Trust’s loan fund to property owners, since it is not a
City program. The Commission agreed, noting that the City of Dubuque has an
agreement and commitment to Premier Bank, who funds the Historic Preservation
Revolving Loan Fund. The Commission agreed they would be opposed to using City
money to advertise Dubuque Bank and Trust’s loan program; however, they did not
object to staff communicating to the public about the program. Staff Member Carstens
recommended that the Historic Preservation Commission contact Mr. Horstmann,
express their appreciation for the DB&T Fund, explain the differences from the City’s
HPRLF, and provide Dubuque Bank and Trust with the addresses of property owners in
historic districts for them to send their own mailing out.
The Commission discussed other ways of promoting the Dubuque Bank and Trust Loan
Program to property owners in historic districts. Commissioner Wand suggested
pooling the Dubuque Bank and Trust loan program with the Premier Bank/City of
Dubuque Historic Preservation Loan Fund to provide a greater amount of money for the
public to utilize. Staff Member Carstens again reiterated that no matter how the
programs would be structured, the City has an agreement with Premier Bank and the
City of Dubuque program is different in that the City manages the program.
The Commission discussed the need for staff to communicate the differences in the
City of Dubuque HPRLF and the Dubuque Bank and Trust loan program.
Motion by wand, seconded by Stuart, to send a letter to Douglas Horstmann at DB&T to
encourage him to meet with staff to discuss the City of Dubuque HPRLF details and
differences between the two programs. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye –
Olson, Wainwright, Wand, Lundh and Stuart; Nay – None.
Annual IHPA Preservation at its Best Awards: The Commission discussed properties
deserving nomination in 2006. The Commission recommended the HEART project
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January 18, 2007
Page 8
located at 2052 & 2056 Washington for the Residential category. The Commission
recommended the Shot Tower project completed by the Central Alternative High School
students for the Special Projects category. The Commission recommended the West
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11 Street elevator park completed by Andrew Brachman under the Public category.
The Commission recommended nominating the former Rolling Bootery (Ira Hanson
Block) at 1086-1098 Main Street for a proposed Mixed-Use category. The Commission
discussed proposing a mixed-used category for the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance
Preservation at its Best Awards because mixed-use is an integral part of historic
preservation. The Commission noted that nominations are due by March 15, 2007, and
stated they would continue to think of additional nominations for the other remaining
categories.
Ken Kringle Historic Preservation Award Nominations: The Commission discussed
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nominations for this award, specifically identifying John Whalen’s West 11 Street
project, Thomas Zaber’s porch at 1005 Locust Street, 1300 Walnut Street, the first floor
of Washington Court, and the remainder of the 1000 block of Main, including the
mansion completed by John Gronen. Staff Member Carstens stated that the Ken
Kringle awards will be placed on the February Historic Preservation Commission
agenda for discussion. She stated that at that time, the Commission can make formal
nominations.
Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit: The Commission reviewed and discussed the
letter from City Manager Michael Van Milligen requesting the State of Iowa support
efforts to increase the annual funding for historic preservation tax credit program, and
to expand the sales tax rebate to include our downtown.
2006 GPRA Annual Report: The Commission reviewed the report and no comments
were made.
2006 CLG Annual Report: The Commission reviewed the report and no comments
were made.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________ _________________________
David Johnson, Assistant Planner Adopted