Jackson Park Signage_Historic Preservation CommissionPlanning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 phone
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
planning@cityofdubuque.org
Dubuqu
THE CITY OF
aartaatr .
'IIS' DUB F
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
;M., I •1011
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall — 50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque IA 52001
Applicant: Downtown Neighborhood Association
Location: Jackson Park Historic District
Description: Installation of Identification and Interpretive Signs in Jackson Park
May 22, 2014
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the above-cited request.
The application, staff report and related materials are attached for your review.
Discussion
Joe Noll, President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, spoke in favor of the request to
install one Jackson Park identification sign and three Jackson Park interpretive signs within
Jackson Park, located in the Jackson Park Historic District. Mr. Noll provided the Commission
with an overview of the construction design, noting the locations of the signs, construction
materials, and the information contained in the interpretive signs.
Staff reviewed the staff report, noting that the signs would be constructed similar to the signs
along the Heritage Trail, which meet ADA standards.
There were no public comments.
The Commission discussed the request, commended the applicant for undertaking the project,
and noted that the signs are an important first step to educate neighborhood residents about the
park's history and its importance to Dubuque. The Commission provided suggestions for the
design and content of the interpretive signs.
Recommendation
By a vote of 7 to 0, the Commission recommends that the City Council approve the request. A
simple majority vote is needed for the City Council to approve the request.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert McDonell, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Enclosures
cc: Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist
Service People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork
THE CITY OF 4
DUB
Masterpiece on IIIe Mississippi
[IVa ria nce
['Conditional Use Permit
❑Appeal
❑Special Exception
❑Limited Setback Waiver
❑Rezoning/PUD/ID
Dubuque
"1111'
2.7• 411.11113
PLAR9N EI & APPIIICATKANI FORM
❑Preliminary Plat
❑Major Final Plat
['Minor Final Plat
❑Simple Site Plan
❑MInor Site Plan
['Major Site Plan
PIeasejype or print legibly in ink
Property owner(s): City of Dubuque
Address:50 W. 13th Street
❑Simple Subdivision
❑Text Amendment
❑Temporary Use Permit
Cl. Annexation
❑Historic Revolving Loan
[Historic Housing Grant
City: Dubuque
Planning Services Department
City Hall — 50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
Phone: 563-589-4210
Fax: 563-589-4221
planning(�cityofdubuque.orq
❑Certificate of Appropriateness
DAdvisory Design Review (Public Projects)
['Certificate of Economic Non -Viability
❑Historic Designation: choose one
❑Demolition in Conservation District
❑Review of Preservation Alternatives
Phone: (563) 589-4326
State: IA Zip: 52001
Fax #: 563-589-•4149 Cell #: N/A E-mail:
Applicant/Agent: Downtown Neighborhood Association
Phone:
(563) 556-4521
Andress: 315 W. Locust City: Dubuque State: IA
Fax #: 563-589-4149 cell #: NA E-mail: jjno117@gmail.com
Site location/address: Jackson Park Neighborhood Association Downtown
Existing zoning: R-3 Proposed zoning: NIA District: Jackson Park
Zip: 52001
Landmark: ['Yes LINO
Legal Description: Sidwell parcel ID#) or lot number/block number/subdivision: 1024402002
Total property (lot) area (square feet or acres):
2.13 Acres
Describe proposal and reason necessary (attach a letter of explanation, if needed):
Install one (1) Jackson Park identification sign and three (3) Jackson Park interpretive signs.
CERTIFICATION: I/we, the undersigned, do hereby certify/acknowledge that:
1. It is the property owner's responsibility to locate property lines and to review the abstract for easements and restrictive
covenants.
2. The information submitted herein Is true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and upon submittal becomes public
record;
3. Fees are not refundable and payment does not guarantee approval; and
4. All additional required wfitten and graphic materials are attached.
Property Owner(s):
Applicant/Agent(s).
e )2A/PeR
Date:
Date: ','-- L -
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
David Johnson
Fee: Received by: Date: Docket:
DESCR Pf O N OF PROPOSED PROJECT
(use additional pages as needed)
1) Please describe your project indicating the existing materials, their condition and
design. If the project is new construction, please describe the design approach.
Jackson Park Signage and Hisi'ory Project—Installation of park sigru and thvec
interpretative signs.
The proposed project, "Jackson Park Signage and History Project" promotes neighborhood
beautification, historical appreciation, education, identification, sense of community pride and
helps make the neighborhood a desirable place to live.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association area goes from 91H71h, and Bluff to Central. The
Jackson Park Historic District is within our neighborhood association boundaries. Within our
neighborhood we have a small beautiful park called Jackson Park. Our neighborhood is one of
the most unique neighborhoods of the City, where the diversity of residents, businesses,
architectures, and cultures are celebrated. The park is surrounded by apartments, homes,
churches, and business.
The park is used by families, teens, college students and adults of a great variety of
backgrounds. They come to relax, play games, read, listen to music and enjoy the fresh air and
laughter of happy people. It is also a community gathering spot as the starting point of
community and school parades. It has a rich history, first as a cemetery, then a park. It also
has a beautiful almost life like bronze relief sculpture of a Native American Princess.
The problem is there is no sign identifying this beautiful park. Local residents and visitors
ask about the sculpture and history of the park, but there is no information available.
At the urging and encouragement of Neighborhood Specialist Jerelyn O'Connor, volunteers
from our neighborhood association began researching the history of the park and working on
putting together this project. We applied for and received a City of Dubuque Large
Neighborhood Grant to fund this project.
We are proposing to erect an attractive, historically appropriate and appealing name sign. (see
attached drawing) It will be made out of black iron with supporting post that will fit in with the
existing design of the light poles, benches, and trash receptacles.
We also want to add three durable interpretative signs in Jackson Park to tell the history of the
park and the fountain with the sculpture. It will include the story of the donor family. These
signs will have early historic pictures of the park, the gazebo, and memorial monument
dedicated to those remains that were removed following a flood in 1857, and, of course, the
fantastic fountain.
Leisure Services Department will install the signs and add planters and a flower bed. Two of
the neighbors did lots of research and collected information and photographs from numerous
sources. A third neighbor joined to help coordinate the project and enlisted the assistance of
local historian author Randy Lyon, author of The Encyclopedia of Dubuque. Lyon provided
1
additional information and photographs.
The Committee has worked closely with Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware, Park Manager
Steve Fehsal, and Assistant Planner Dave Johnson, staff for the Historic Preservation
Commission. Keith Wolf of Dubuque Sign Co has assisted with design and layout. Together
these partners will ensure that the signs meet accessibility and are appropriate for the Jackson
Park Historic District
2) Please indicate the type of construction materials to be used in the project:
The Jackson Park sign will be constructed of flat cut steel, powder coated black. The
poles will be 10' high, 4" decorative steel poles.
The three -a 2' x 3' interpretive signs will be 1/4' steel plate powder coated, with graphics
applied. The base stand will be 2" x 2" x 8' steel square tube.
3) What need does the project serve and are there any alternatives?
The project was initiated, researched, and organized by neighborhood residents
themselves. The planning committee reached out to the City Departments, local historians,
and business to accomplish this project.
Jackson Park is the oasis of our Downtown Neighborhood. For many families, especially
lower income families, it is the only green space available in the area and it features
playground equipment, picnic tables and room to run and play. Many of our downtown
residents do not have cars so it is imperative to improve this green space. Jackson Park is
a great place to meet and visit with neighbors, to watch children of diverse backgrounds
play together, breaking down barriers. It is the place to get away from hot, crowded
apartments that frequently have no air conditioning.
With the placement of the signs, residents and visitors alike will be educated about the
history of the park making it a desirable destination. They will think it is really "cool" and be
proud of their park and neighborhood. Because Jackson Park is the park where parades
start, visitors from around Dubuque and out of town will gather to walk, march, and watch
the parade. By reading the interpretive signs, they will know that people care about the
park and thus the neighborhood, lessening the fear and change their attitude about our
neighborhood. We sincerely hope it will have a positive impact on their impression of our
neighborhood.
The various City Department including Leisure Services, Police, Engineering, Housing
Department, and the City Manager's Office, have been working on ways to make the
neighborhood safer with better lighting, more patrols and security cameras. By partnering
with these department, we can create a positive impression that directly affects property
owners, businesses, churches, funeral homes, bread and breakfasts, etc.
The late Ruth Nash, a neighborhood activist, supporier of the arts, especially "music in
Jackson Park" used to say, "if you bring good people into the park and neighborhood, bad
people will leave." This is why we think the signs are important. We want to make the park
2
and surrounding neighborhood a place where good people will not only come to visit but to
live and invest themselves in our neighborhood and the larger Dubuque community.
4) What is your timeline for completion of the proposed project?
Signs will be ordered in May, 2014.
Signs will be installed by Leisure Services Personnel over the summer, 2014.
5) What is the estimated project cost?
Cost for the signs only is $5,660. Leisure Services Department will absorb costs for
installation of the signs and related landscaping. Hours of efforts by neighborhood
residents to research, design, and coordinate the project was all donated labor.
6) Will you do the work yourself, or use a contractor? Please provide name of
contractor.
Signs will be fabricated by Dubuque Sign Company. Installation will be completed by
Leisure Services personnel.
7) Any other information or comments?
3
Date
inteirpretive Signs (3)
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0670-8/2 14) David Johnson - Jackson Cemetery 5-7-2014.jpg _
_ Page 1
JACKSON CEMETERY
1869 grading of the property.
PhotoCourtesy: National Mississippi River
Mnseam an Aquarium
Captain William D. Bowe11 River Library
**A
(Monument Inscription)
Unknown but not forgotten.
Buried on this hillside are the remains of unknown pioneer citizens of 13nbngne,
Bodies exhumed from the area of Dubuque now known as Jackson Park were re -interred at this site
in 1867. This marker was dedicated September 1, 1996 in the sesquicentennial year for the
great state of Iowa to honor these nn known pioneer citizens of Dubuque Iowa's first dty.
Dubuque's First Designated Cemetery
The area known as Jackson Park was used as a cemetery beginning with early settlement in 1833. The site soon posed a problem. As early as
November 18, 1837, a conflict of certain streets with the grave yard was reported and considered. During a cholera outbreak in the summer of 1852,
demands for a new burial site led to the cemetery being condemned. On March 13,1856 all persons having friends buried in the old cemetery
were requested to remove them to Linwood Cemetery. In 1858 tombstones were removed, the remaining graves were excavated, and the remains
taken to Linwood Cemetetry: A memorial monument to the unknown from Jackson Park was dedicated there in 1996.
Jesse P. Farley and others petitioned to have the old cemetery converted into a public park. The first efforts to reestablish the area into a
natural setting were not completely successful. Skeletons occasionally washed to the surface after heavy rains. In 1869 under contract with the council,
William Rebman graded down, leveled, and planted with trees, the old cemetery now called Jackson Park.
Park sign and b u,utation plaques sponsored by The Downtown Neighborhood Association. Funded by a neighborhood grant from the city of Dubuque thru The Community Development Xdvisory Commission.
Designed and bolt with the help of Keith Wolff of Dubuque Sign Co.. Siam Mfg. Park and LeLam.. Service;' and Planning Services. Committee members Co -Chairman Jeff Montgomery Sr., Eric Heim Sr.. Joseph NoC
and historian. Randy Lyon. Assistance from dry staff. Dedicated to those who work v :trout roeognition to make Dubuque a groat place to live:'
(05/08/2014) David Johnson - Jackson Park 5-7 2014.jpg Page 1
JACKSON PARK
Park sign and interpretation plaques sponsored by Tho Downtown Neighborhood A ucdaUon. Funded try a neighborhood grant from the city of Dubuque thru The Community Dev !op<nentAdvlsary Commission.
Designed and built with the help of Keith Wolff of Dubuque Sign Co.. Giese Mfg. Park and Luxe Services and Planning Services. . Committee members: Cb -Chairman Jeff MontgomerySr. Eric Heim Sr., Joseph Nan.
and histcri2n, Randy Lyon. Assistance from city VaF. Dedicated to t oae who work without recognition to make Dubuque a great place to Eno:
(05/08/2014) David Johnson - Jackson Square 5-7-2014.jpg
Page 1l
JACKSON SQUARE
Pagoda with steep steps in seen among the trees of Jackson Park
Photo Courtesy: National Mississippi River
Museum and Aquarium
View of Jackson Pari: from North Main
Photo Courtesy: National Mississippi River
Museum and Aquarium
To improve Jackson Square, a music stand or pagoda in the park, similar to the one planned for Washington Square, was
constructed in 1877. Heer and Naesher won the contract for the 8150 building project. Ten people donated funds.
The stairs on the pagoda were steep and without railings, presidential candidate James G. Blaine declined to use the
Jackson Park pagoda for a speech in late 1878. Instead he used an A.A. Cooper wagon bed. The newspapers
chuckled that a Republican had stood on a "Democratic platform" to give his speech.
The pagoda was available for band use only and sitting in it was prohibited.
The pagoda, dedicated by Congressman David B. Henderson, was an immediate favorite of the neighborhood.
Due to neglect, however, the structure lasted only twenty years before it was torn down and sold for scrap.
A memorial fountain to honor Judge Benjamin William Lacy was added to the park.
Park sign and Interpretation plaques sponsored by The Downtown Neighborhood Association. Funded by a neighborhood grant from the city of Dubuque thru The Conentmty DevelopmentAdvtswy Commission.
Designed and builtwiththe help of Keith Wolff of Dubuque Sign Co- Giese Mfg, Park and Leisure Services and Planning Services. Committee ittee member= Co -Chairman Jeff Montgomery Sr~ Eric Heim Sr_ Joseph Noll;
and historian, Randy Lyon. Assistance from city Vat Dedicated to those who work without recognition to make Dubuque a great piece to aye.'
ADVISORY DESIGN REVIEW STAFF REPORT Ilflee•ting Date: Ilflay 15, 2014
Property Address: Jackson Park
Property Owners: Jackson Park
Applicants: Downtown Neighborhood Association
Project:
Install one (1) Jackson Park identification sign and three (3)
Jackson Park interpretive signs.
Historic Preservation District: Jackson Park
Style: N/A
Funding: Neighborhood Grant
Present Land Use: Park
Level of Significance:
Contributing
Landmark: No
Date Built: N/A
Existing Zoning: R.3
Level of Rehabilitation:
ON/A
Staff Analysis:
The Downtown Neighborhood Association is requesting to install one (1) Jackson Park
identification sign and three (3) Jackson Park interpretive signs. The neighborhood
association has designed the signs and selected their proposed locations in
coordination with City Staff. The applicants have provided the enclosed project
description, site plan, and sign renderings which provide details for the project.
The development of Jackson Park:
The two principal downtown parks were Washington Park and Jackson Park and they
were in competition from the start to outdo each other. Washington Park had the
advantage of proximity to the downtown and a cleaner design (it being demarcated by
streets on all four sides). Washington Square was also a designated park on the
original plat, while Jackson Park was first the public cemetery. The cemetery was
closed in 1857 and the graves removed to Linwood Cemetery. The Herald announced
in 1873 that "the city fathers intend to make this plot [Jackson Park] of ground one of the
beauty spots of the city." The parks were simply there at that point. Still the Weekly
Times could note "Our Dubuque public squares are in a bad enough condition just now,
but Marshalltown's is worse" (May 28, 1873).
Trees were planted in 1876 and pagodas followed in both parks in 1877. Architects
Heer & Nascher designed the pagodas but there was bad blood between the designers
and the City Council, with the architects seeking compensation for claimed losses (Die
Iowa, May 23, 1878). Die Iowa credited Dr. Quigley with the park improvements ("he
never gave up") and criticized the layout of the new paths ("the city gardener got his
plan from an old German bucksaw, remarked a professional gardener the other day in
jest, but rightly") (Die Iowa, August 23, 30September 20, 1877). The same source
Design Review — Jackson park Signs
criticized 1880 park improvements, the paths being too narrow and "winding paths
wander strangely." Mr. Dyer, the designer was "far removed from genius" (ibid., August
19, 1880). The stairs on the pagodas were steep and without railings (see historical
photographs below) and it is small wonder that presidential candidate James G. Blaine
declined to use the one in Jackson Park for a speech in late 1878. Instead he used an
A. A. Cooper wagon bed and the newspapers chuckled that a Republican had stood on
a "Democratic platform" to give his speech (ibid., October 10, 1878). The grand
opening of the park took place in mid-September 1877 with Chinese lantern decorations
and a speech by Colonel David Henderson (ibid., September 20, 1877). The
incomplete nature of Jackson Park is reflected in an 1878 rumor that the Council was
planning to purchase the lots north of the park to enlarge it, the Herald offered "This is
as it should be" (Herald, September 8, 1878). Further research is recommended to
determine how the park actually developed. Clearly, residential development north of
the park was delayed for many years.
Both parks served as the venues for an impressive array of events, including musical
concerts, educational programs, and the like. Washington Square appears to been the
more prominent of the two parks given that Senator William Allison nearly succeeded in
making it the site for a new county courthouse in 1876 and it was the site of the notable
City Carnival in 1902. One rather curious program conducted in Jackson Park in 1895
was a stereoscopic show by Professor J. A. Wilson, who represented the Afro-American
Department of the Atlanta Exposition (Herald, August 8, 1895).
Curiously the parks were not simply available for any public use and the early years are
filled with complaints of inadequate benches, those available being located within the
park and not on the outer street fronts, and usually filled with riffraff who intimidated
proper ladies.
There seems to be some trouble with the boys and the police in the vicinity of Jackson
Square. The boys use the vacant space north of the square for a ball grounds and
occasionally their ball is batted into the square, which they go after. The police are
ordered to arrest any person trespassing on the square hence the difficulty. The boys
should remove to other quarters to play ball, or the old placards on the fence warning
them not to trespass on the grounds should be removed (Herald, June 7, 1876)
The pagoda was available for band use only and sitting in it was prohibited. The Herald
called upon the city "to open Jackson Park to the public" (Die Iowa, July 17, 1879).
Design Review — Jackson park Signs
The original gazebo in Jackson Park, likely viewed to the northwest, c.1877
(Photo KG 578, Center For Dubuque History, Loras College)
Removal of graves, future Jackson Park, view north
(Photo HAM 834, Center For Dubuque History, Loras College)
Design Review — Jackson park Signs
Removal of graves, former Jackson Park, view northwest
(Photo LHH 4610, Center For Dubuque History, Loras College)
Jackson Park, view southeast, c.1886
(Photo #4611, Center For Dubuque History, Loras College)
Design Review — Jackson park Signs
Jackson Park, view southeast, c.1888
(Photo #252, Center For Dubuque History, Loras College)
Jackson Park, view northeast, c.1910
(Photo ORS, 3581, Center For Dubuque History, Loras College)
Design Review -- Jackson park Signs
Iowa Street, viewed northeast from Jackson Park, c.1906
(Photo DK 115, Center for Dubuque History, Loras College)
Compliance with Guidelines: Please refer to Yards and Park Features on page 82,
and Interpretive Sign on page 137 of the City of Dubuque Architectural Guidelines for
recommendations.
Prepared by:
•
Reviewed: -Date:
David Johnson - Jackson Park Signs
From: David Johnson
To: Jerelyn O'Connor
Subject: Jackson Park Signs
Page 1 of 2
»> Jerelyn O'Connor 05/07/2014 11:15 AM »>
Dave -- Per the neighborhood assoc., let's go ahead with the application as is. Thanks for all your help.
Jerelyn
»> Joseph Noll <jjnoll7@gmail.com> 5/7/2014 11:00 AM »>
Jerelyn,II don't see a problem with the proposed location that we agreed upon with Steve the last time we met.
Having plowed snow for many years I could see where a sign placed over the sidewalk would be a major
problem with maintenance of the Park.
I left a phone message to let you know that we will be meeting with Kieth Wolff this afternoon at 1:30. Not sure if
Randy will be able to make it.
Joe
On Tue, May 6, 2014 at 4:14 PM, Jerelyn O'Connor <,loconnor@cityofdubuque,org> wrote:
Joe -- will you please give me a call about this at your earliest convenience. Thanks.
Jerelyn
589-4326
»> David Johnson 5/6/2014 4:10 PM »>
Jerelyn, does the neighborhood association want to make the suggested changes to the sign or move
forward with the current application? If they want time to coordinate we can move the application to the
June meeting. Thank you
Dave
»> Stephen Fehsal 05/06/2014 3:56 PM »>
Dave,
The sign would need to be modified if it was to be installed over the sidewalk at W. 15th Street and Main.
This location is our primary entrance for maintenance vehicles and equipment into the park. Our refuse
collection truck has a height of 9 foot 3 inches. The sign arch at it's lowest point would have to be a
minimum of 10 feet off the ground to account for this issue.
Also, the width of the sign would have to be modified. I believe the current sidewalk is between six and eight
feet. Each post would need to be a minimum of two feet away from the sidewalk edge. This would allow for
the posts to not Interfere with snow removal efforts on the sidewalks during the winter months. This could
potentially make the sign ten to twelve feet wide.
These issues were discussed with the neighborhood association. General consensus was that the proposed
location may be the best visual location if not placed over the sidewalk.
Thanks,
Steve
STEVE FEHSAL
Park Division Manager
City of Dubuque, Iowa
about:blank 05/08/2014
Page 2 of 2
Leisure Services Department
2200 Bunker Hill Road
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563-589-4260
Email: sfehsakacityofdubuaue.orq
»> David Johnson 5/5/2014 9:50 AM »>
Steve,
The Planning Services Department did a preliminary review of the Jackson Park signs. It looks like it will be a
fantastic project. That said, Planning Services Staff reviewed this at one of our bi-weekly project meetings
and without prompting even those unfamiliar with the project questioned why the sign Is not located over
the sidewalk at the at -grade access/sidewalk at the corner of Main and W. 15th Street. Consequently, we all
anticipate the HPC might raise that very same question. It would be helpful If you could provide me with a
brief written explanation as to the reasons the sign cannot be located over that sidewalk. It would also be
helpful to know how large a sign would need to be to accommodate maintenance equipment for the park. If
you can get me something by Wednesday afternoon I can forward It to the HPC. They are advisory in their
review and will make a recommendation to City Council.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association Is presenting the application, but It would be helpful if you or Marie
were available Thursday May 15th at 5:30 P.M. to attend the meeting In -case the Commission would have
any questions or suggestions that might require the expertise or authority of the Parks Division. Thanks
Dave
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