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Millworking District Nation Register RecommendationTHE CITY OF DuB E ~-~~ MEMORANDUM May 1, 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Proposed Millworking Historic District -- NRHP Nomination At the April 2, 2007 City Council meeting, the recommendation to nominate the proposed Millworking Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places was tabled. Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens has determined that listing in the National Register does not interfere with a private property owner's right to alter, manage or dispose of property, as long as there is no Federal involvement. State or Federal reviews are only required if Federal funding or a Federal permit is part of a project, or if the property owner wants to use State of Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Listing on the National Register provides property owners with the opportunity to use federal and state preservation tax credits. These credits are the most widely used economic development tool in the country for historic buildings. Several properties throughout downtown have taken advantage of these tax credits, including: Bricktown, Grand Opera House, Town Clock Building, Henry Stout Senior Apartments, the Heartland Financial project, and the Upper Main Historic District (Gronen Restoration project). The City Council previously approved submission of a National Register Historic District nomination of the Millworking Historic District for those property owners who wanted to be in the District. Jeld-Wen and John White expressed opposition to being included. Jeld-Wen is at the southeast corner of the proposed district and can be left out of the nomination. John White's property, 955 Jackson Street, is in the middle of a block, and may not be left out as easily. Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens believes that John White's property needs to be in the district in order for the rest of the block to be included. Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens and Economic Development Director David Heiar are recommending nomination of the proposed Millworking Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places I concur with the recommendation and respectfully recommend Mayor and City Council approval to proceed with the nomination process with John White's property included. ~~ ~ ~ ~1,~ 1~.' ~-~...- Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager David Heiar, Economic Development Director THB CITY OF DUB E ~,~~ MEMORANDUM April 30, 2007 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager ~~~~ RE: Proposed Millworking Historic District - NRHP Nomination Introduction This memorandum transmits afollow-up report on the nomination of the proposed Millworking Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places in response to concerns raised by City Council Members on April 2, 2007. A Request for Proposals for the nomination is enclosed for City Council consideration as well. Planning Efforts In Phase III of the City's Historic/Architectural Survey/Evaluation of our older neighborhoods, the Millworking Historic District was identified as a historic district eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed Millworking Historic District is characterized by large red brick industrial buildings associated historically with the millworking industry in Dubuque. A map of the property owners in the proposed Millworking Historic District is enclosed. The proposed Millworking Historic District lies within the Warehouse District now served by Dubuque Main Street. A map of the Warehouse District is enclosed. In the City's 2004 Downtown Master Plan, the Warehouse District is identified as an "area of influence" adjacent to the central business district. The Downtown Master Plan notes that the character of this Warehouse District reflects an industrial-to-loft transition. The Envision 2010 Community Visioning Process selected revitalization of the Warehouse District as one of the top 10 ideas in 2005. As such, it is also part of the City's Iowa Great Places application. Proposed Millworking Historic District April 30, 2007 Page 2 A budget of $10,000 from the Historic District Public Improvement Program to retain a consultant to prepare and advocate for a nomination of the proposed Millworking Historic District to the National Register was approved by the City Council in May 2006. City staff is working with Dubuque Main Street staff and property owners to develop a plan for revitalization of the Warehouse District. Economic Development Director Dave Heiar has described this planning process in a separate memorandum. National Register of Historic Places A review of the reasons for and impacts of listing in the National Register of Historic Places are discussed below. Listing in the National Register makes properties eligible for Federal and State historic preservation tax credits. Information on these tax credits is enclosed. Owners of properties listed in the National Register may be eligible fora 20% Federal investment tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of income-producing certified historic structures such as commercial, industrial, or rental residential buildings. Owners of properties listed in the National Register may be eligible fora 25% State tax credit against the owner's state income taxes for certain rehabilitation costs. Listing in the National Register does not interfere with a private property owner's right to alter, manage or dispose of property. Under federal law, owners of private property listed in the National Register are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose provided that there is no Federal involvement. In a National Register Historic District, the property owners can continue to make interior and exterior improvements to their buildings as well as expand their operations and their facilities. No City reviews are required beyond what is presently needed for a building permit or site plan approval. The City's Historic Preservation Commission does not review exterior changes to properties. State or Federal reviews are not required unless federal funding or a federal permit is part of a project, or if the property owner wants to use the State or Federal historic preservation tax credits. This review is part of the federal "Section 106" process. A property owner can demolish a structure in a National Register Historic District without review by the Historic Preservation Commission or the City Council. Listing of the Millworking Historic District in the National Register will foster opportunities for retention of existing businesses as well as recruitment and expansion of new businesses into the substantial floor space that the existing large warehouses offer. The existing industrial uses, and the growing adaptive reuse of these warehouses into office, Proposed Millworking Historic District April 30, 2007 Page 3 commercial, entertainment, and even residential uses, can alt continue with establishment of a National Register district. Property Owner Support I contacted all property owners in the proposed Millworking District to determine their support. The results are overwhelming support for the National Register nomination; only two owners are in opposition: Jeld-Wen (see enclosed fax) and John White. Jeld-Wen's two properties are at the southeast corner of the district and can be left out of the nomination. Wayne Stewart's building will have to be left out as well. His building is non-contributing, so Mr. Stewart will not be able to use the preservation tax credits anyway. I also think both the Jeld-Wen properties and the Stewart property can be listed at a later date as an expansion of the district. John White's property is in the middle of a block, and may not be left out as easily. I believe his property needs to be in the district in order for the rest of the block to be in. If the majority of private property owners in a proposed district object to the nomination, the historic district cannot be listed in the National Register. In this case, only a minority have objected, so the nomination can proceed. Follow-Up to City Council Concerns On April 2, City Council Members had questions about proceeding with the National Register nomination for the proposed Millworking Historic District based on comments by out-of--town developers. I followed up on the comments with Assistant Economic Development Director Aaron DeJong and Dubuque Main Street Executive Director Dan LoBianco, who were at the meeting with these developers. Their consensus was that the developers were not as familiar with preservation tax credits and rehabilitation of historic structures; these developers primarily did new construction. It was their belief that the developers may have been thinking of a local historic district, in which the City has design and demolition review. As a follow-up to the City Council's concerns, I offer the following reasons to proceed with a National Register nomination for the proposed Millworking Historic District. 1. Local design and demolition review is not required in a National Register Historic District, as noted above. Property owners can repair, alter and even demolish their buildings in a National Register district as long as there is no federal involvement (i.e., funding, permit, or tax credits). 2. The "Section 106" review process, which is triggered by federal funding or a federal permit, applies to the proposed Millworking Historic District whether or not Proposed Millworking Historic District April 30, 2007 Page 4 it is listed in the National Register. The industrial buildings in this district were identified as eligible for the National Register in the late 1980's as part of the U.S. 61 /151 freeway project. Eligibility alone for the National Register triggers the Section 106 process when there is federal involvement. 3. Listing on the National Register provides property owners with the opportunity to use federal and state preservation tax credits. These credits are the most widely used economic development tool in the country for historic buildings. Several properties throughout Downtown have taken advantage of these tax credits, including: Bricktown, Grand Opera House, Town Clock Building, Henry Stout Senior Apartments, the Heartland Financial project, and the Upper Main Historic District (Gronen Restoration project). 4. It is better to proceed with the nomination of the district as a whole rather than having individual property owners apply piecemeal for listing. Not all of the buildings in the proposed Millworking Historic District can stand on their own merits, and so some owners who want their buildings listed may not have their properties qualify except by inclusion in the district. 5. Nomination to the National Register is a lengthy process of 6-12 months. A consultant must be hired, and then a nomination prepared and presented to the appropriate City, State and Federal officials before the district is listed. 6. The nomination is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, Envision 2010 process, Iowa Great Places application, and the Warehouse District planning that is underway. 7. The nomination is overwhelmingly supported by a majority of property owners. Recommendation I recommend that the City Council approve the issuance of the enclosed Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a preservation consultant to prepare the National Register nomination for the proposed Millworking Historic District, and then advocate for listing at the local, state and federal levels. Enclosures cc Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Dave Heiar, Economic Development Director Dan LoBianco, Executive Director, Dubuque Main Street ~~ ~ Potential Millworking ~~~ Historic District KEY ~~ [t3.sa dalaprovld.d Dy oueuqu. county c1s ' ~~ i ' s' i l ie ;, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~'/ 'r ~'~'" ~r,~:' ~°'~~ "` f .., r ~: / ,: ,f ~, JPoterlti&d Millwork~ng Ol6trici Property thvners 12-22-2008 Dubuque Main Street, Ltd Warehouse District N g'( E s5i N g't fi:1Z~ ~o ~~ ~ H ~ a o STti S~. THE CITY OF i N DUB E Masterpiece on the Mississippi h _ plotfiles: Base Map Boundary O~r~tl_07 Qeated by: Kay Munson Base data provided by Dubuque Cpunty GIS JELT~~ATEN. IA6od Rbe.Dibilton ~5o fast 8~ St. oubuque, u ~ooi~g USA 563 55T•i~3 Te! 5d9 SST- ~ www. jeid-wen.oum FAI TRANSMISSION Date: ]anuary I8, 200? To: Laura Carstens ~'d: 589-4210 Fax; 589-4221 From: Steve Wolf Td: 563-557-1603 Fax: 563-557-9732 pages (+ cove); 1 Re: proposed 1Vlillworking Historic District cx>NFIt~NnA~nY Nonce: ells MessAae Is mreNDeo FoR THE use aF TFiE rNalvlDUAI.OR e~ITrtY To YMNGM. R li AODRlSiED MID MAY ODNTANi Ml~DRMATION TFMT la Plillf{.EOED. OOIIFIDlMr'f1AL AND PROTlC-W !Y L,AIIY. IF YOUARR NOT TIIL INTLI~D RiCNNEM OR ALiBIT RESiOM610LE FOR OEUVERMIO T!E YF.EI<ApE TO TMO INT~lO 11ECNMCNT. YOU AIM: NERE~f NOT~O TNAT ANY ds.elwlATlaN. paTRMUTION, OOPYING, Qfl TAKMID Or /INY OMR ACTION W R! ON TI! OONTeNT>f OF TMS OOIIIAt11~MClITION Ib PROFII9ITED, i YOU HAY! 11~i:lNRD TH9 COIMtM111:AYlON IN EIMIOR, F'IiABi NOTIFY Ui Y~7IATELY 0Y 7R.EF1'IDI~ M~ RETUNN TIE ORgMML M~SAOE TrD US AT TILE AWVt ADDRlis. TFNNI YOU. Deer Ms. Carstens, We received your letter inviting us to join the MiAworking Historic District. We appreciate the invitation to join, but after much discussion with out Corporate Group we have decided to decline. We will not tie interested in joining the Mi1M~orking Historic District. We do want to express eoncem in developing these properties into residential yeas, since we are zoned heavy ~dustrial. Our experience shows that banning these two types at areas next to one and other usually leads to problems. 1 hope that the Planning Services Department considers these things as they look at this type of development. Thank you for the consideration. Best ar , otf Genera! Manager I0 3JGd ZEL6L9SE9S L6=88 L681/BL/T8 Overview of the Tax Credit Incentives Programs for Historic Properties in Iowa The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the State Historical Society of Iowa administers the State Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program, and participates in the certification process for the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives and county Historic Property Tax Exemption programs. All of these programs encourage the reuse of historic properties while retaining their character-defining features. Ultimately, each of these programs contributes to the revitalization and preservation of historic properties across the state. Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program 20% or 10% of qualified rehabilitation costs Description: 20% of qualified rehabilitation costs are available as a credit against federal income taxes on income-producing historic properties. Rehabilitation work on historic properties must be "substantial" (an IRS test) and meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Applications and photos must be reviewed by the SHPO and be approved by the National Park Service. Eligibility Requirements: Properties must be listed on the National Register or be evaluated as National Register eligible and then listed within 30 months after claiming the credit on IRS tax forms. (A 10% tax credit is also available for non-historic, non-residential, income-producing properties built before 1936. These properties can neither be listed on the National Register nor be a contributing resource in a National Register-listed historic district.) State Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program for Statewide Projects $2.4 Million tax credits per state fiscal year Description: 25% of certain rehabilitation costs are available as a credit against the owner(s) state income taxes. Properties do not need to be income-producing. There are limited credits available each year and the SHPO cannot reserve credits for more than five years into the future. For a residential property or barn constructed before 1937 before rehabilitation, the cost of a qualified rehabilitation project must exceed either $25,000 or 25% of the fair market value (less the land value) -whichever is less. For commercial properties, the rehabilitation project must exceed 50% of the fair market value of the property (less the land value) before rehabilitation. Rehabilitation work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Eligibility Requirements: Properties must be listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or be barns constructed before 1937. Historic Districts What is a Historic District? A Historic District is an area designated by the City Council that has defined geographic boundaries and contains properties that are historically or architecturally significant. The City has 5 Historic Districts. What does the Historic Preservation Commission review in Historic Districts? The Historic Preservation Commission conducts design reviews of proposed exterior changes to a building, sign or other structure in a historic district that could impact its historic or, architectural significance. The Commission does not review interior changes to a building. What Is a Design Review? A design review is a request to alter the exterior of a property. The Historic Preservation Commission has the authority to allow these changes to properties located in one of the city's historic districts. Some building changes do not require a full Commission review and can be approved by City staff. When do I need a Design Review? You may need to file an application for a design review if you want to alter the exterior portions of your property that can be seen from the public right-of-way (the public right-of-way includes streets, alleys, sidewalks and public steps). The process is intended to provide an opportunity to create, change or affect the exterior architectural features of the structure or site in a way that will not adversely affect the aesthetic, historic or architectural significance and value of the property or the neighboring properties. How long does the application process take? In most cases, the application process takes about 21 days from the application deadline if Commission review is needed. Reviews take only a day or two for City staff sign-offs. Who is the Historic Preservation Commission? The Historic Preservation Commission is a volunteer group of 9 citizens from the community who are appointed by the City Council to make decisions on design review requests. The Commissioners have various backgrounds and expertise and share interest in historic preservation, with most of them residing in one of the districts. What criteria are considered when reviewing a Design Review application? The Historic Preservation Commission uses the following Criteria when reviewing a design review request for a property in a Historic District: 1) The Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings and the "Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings" which are based on these federal standards. 2) The standards for review specified in the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance and the Design Guidelines for Historic Districts. 3) The Commission must consider each request on the merits of the individual case, with deliberation given to the proposed change and its relationship to the historic setting, architectural or historical significance, extent of previous alteration, use of original materials and quality of the existing structure or site. National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nations cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private effort to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources. The National Register is administered by the National Park service under the Secretary of the Interior. Properties listed in the National Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. These resources contribute to an understanding of the historical and cultural foundation of the Nation. The National Register includes all historic areas in the National Park System; National Historic Landmarks which have been designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their significance to all Americans; and properties significant to the Nation, State, or community which have been nominated by the States, Federal agencies and other and have been approved by the National Park Service. Listing in the National Register has the following results which assist in preserving historic properties: • Recognition that a property is of significance to the Nation, the State or the community. • Consideration in the planning for Federal or federally assisted projects. • Eligibility for Federal tax benefits. • Consideration in the decision to issue a surface coal mining permit. • Qualification for Federal assistance for historic preservation, when funds are available. National Register properties are distinguished by having been documented and evaluated according to uniform standards. The Secretary of the Interior's National Register criteria for evaluation and documentation standards are used by every State and Territory and by Federal agencies to identify important historic and archeological properties worthy of preservation and of consideration in making planning and development decisions. The National Register program provides Federal, State and local governments and the general public the following: • National recognition of the value of historic properties individually and collectively to the Nation. • Eligibility for Federal tax incentives and other preservation assistance. • Assistance in cultural resource planning. National Recognition Americans are proud of their heritage and are honored when properties in their communities and States are entered in the National Register; Historic properties in a community are tangible links with the Nation's past that help provide a sense of identity and stability. The National Register, which recognizes the values of properties as diverse as a dugout shelter of an Oklahoma pioneer settler, the Breakers Mansion in Newport, and a 12,000-year-old prehistoric site, has helped many to appreciate the richness and variety of their heritage. Listing properties in the National Register often changes the way communities perceive their historic resources and gives credibility to efforts of private citizens and public officials to preserve these resources as living parts of our communities. Listing in the National Register, however, does not interfere with a private property owner's right to alter, manage or dispose of property. Historical commissions, design review committees, or special zoning ordinances are established by State legislation or local ordinance; they are not part of the National Register program. Information on any State or local law which may affect a historic property may be obtained from the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Mayor, City Council or other community officials. Preservation Assistance Private preservation efforts, spurred by the honor of National Register listing and made feasible by financial incentives, have resulted in a rise in the value of historic property and in the creation of construction, business and employment opportunities throughout the Nation. Documentation used for evaluation and registering historic properties is the basis for decisions about which properties merit tax incentives or available Federal assistance and how these properties should be treated to respect their historic character. What are the Results of Listing on National Register of Historic Places? Under federal law, owners of private property listed in the National Register are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose provided that there is no Federal involvement. Many states and communities use National Register listing as the backbone of their planning processes and designation criteria. In some cases, state and local ordinances may establish protections for preservation purposes. TO find out if your state or community has such processes in place and their possible effect on your historic property, follow these links the address and phone number of your State Historic Preservation Office, Tribal Preservation Office, or Federal Preservation Office. In addition to honorific recognition, listing in the National Register results in the following for historic properties: ^ Consideration in planning for Federal, federally licensed, and federally assisted projects; Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires that Federal agencies allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on all projects affecting historic properties either listed in or determined eligible for listing in the National Register. The Advisory Council oversees and ensures the consideration of historic properties in the Federal planning process. • Eligibility for certain tax provisions; Owners of properties listed in the National Register may be eligible fora 20% investment tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of income-producing certified historic structures such as commercial, industrial, or rental residential buildings. This credit can be combined with a straight-line depreciation period of 27.5 years for residential property and 31.5 years for nonresidential property for the depreciable basis of the rehabilitated building reduced by the amount of the tax credit claimed. Federal tax deductions are also available for charitable contributions for conservation purposes of partial interests in historically important land area or structures. ^ Consideration of historic values in the decision to issue a surface mining permit where coal is located in accordance with the Surface Mining Control Act of 1977; and Qualification for Federal grants for historic preservation, when funds are available. For more information on Federal grants for historic preservation and the Federal tax incentive program, visit the NPS Heritage Preservation Services page. NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROCESS FLOW CHART ~ Incomplete ~ ~ incomplete ~ Nominee submits 3 draft copies of nomination and technical materials to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for preliminary review. (SHPO has 60 days for review.) Property Eligible Incomplete, more information or editing needed Staff comments and editing are sent to Nominee for revisions. Nominee submits 3 copies (with at least one being single- sided) of nomination draft to SHPO with revisions and any requested technical materials. (SHPO has 60 days for review.) Nomination is reviewed, found adequate, and is scheduled on the agenda for the next possible State Nominations Review Committee (SNRC) meeting. (60 days in advance of meeting.) 60 days in advance of SNRC meeting: ^ SHPO sends Certified Local Governments (CLG) a copy of the nomination and a set of photographs. ^ SHPO sends mock-up committee packet and photographs to print shop. 30 days in advance of SNRC meeting: ^ SHPO sends Owners, Applicants, Mayors, and Press notification of SNRC meeting (Includes agenda). ^ SHPO sends committee packets to SNRC members. Property found State Nominations Review Committee Meeting ineligible Three times per year February, June, and October. Property is found to be ineligible for the National Property found eligible Register. Applicant is ^ 2 to 3 weeks after SNRC meeting, notice of revisions notified by SHPO. and editing requests provided by SNRC members are sent to Applicants by SHPO. Nominee may revise the ^ Owners, Mayors, and CLGs are notified by SHPO of nomination or an appeal SNRC decision. may be made to the National Park Service. pplicant submits two single-sided revised copies of omination on 25% cotton, acid free a er to SHPO. Incomplete Completed Nomination More information or Signed by the Deputy SHPO. editing needed Staff comments and Nomination is sent to the editing are sent to National Park Service in Nominee for revisions. Washington, DC for final review. (NPS has 45 days for review.) Property found ineligible Property is found to be ineligible for the National Register. Nominee is notified by SHPO. Nominee may revise the nomination or an appeal may be made to the State Nomination Review Committee (SNRC). Listing is posted 2 to 3 weeks after listing on the National Park Service website. SHPO sends Owners, CLGs, Applicants, Legislators, and Mayors notification of National Register listing within 2 to 3 STATE NOMINATION REVIEW SCHEDULE (To see National Register flow chart for process guidelines, please visit www.iowahistorv.or~e/preservation/national register/assets/national resister flow charts.pdfl FIRST SUBMITTAL LAST SHPO STAFF FINAL NOTIFICATION NOTIFICATION STATE PRELIMINARY REVIEW MEETING DRAFT Certified Local Owners, Mayors & NOMINATIONS REVIEW BEFORE the NEXT Government (CLG) Consultants/Prepazers REVIEW COMMITTEE SNRC MEETING DUE (SNRC) Collaboration between SHPO ff f i d h Three nomination drafts SHIPPING ANNOUNCEMENT News a er MEETING sta or rev ew an t e prepazer should be received by NR p p Clazification of the meeting is for revisions. staff as soon as possible Draft Committee meeting packet to SHIPPING sent within two weeks NR staffs Group Review prior to this final meeting SNRC-Ready Printing for scanning & Meetin ackets to g p following the meeting. meetings are usually every Wed. date. nomination Preparers should wait to morning 9:30-noon. and technical co ies P Committee members for receive instructions before Staff needs at least two materials review sending archival copies of the Staff needs at least two days to days to read nomination nomination to the NR read nomination drafts nor to p drafts prior to Group Coordinator to be signed and Group Review meetings. Review meetings. forwarded to the Typically this requires two or please let us know if you National Pazk Service (NPS). three cycles, depending on the would like to join us for 60 days in advance of 30 days in advance of complexity and prepazer of the any of the Group Reviews SNRC meeting SNRC meeting Barring any requests from NPS nomination. for which your nomination 60 days in advance of SNRC it takes least two months from Three nomination drafts should is scheduled. meeting the date the NPS receives the be returned as soon as possible nomination to when we receive following each staff Group notice of listing. Review. 2006 September 2, 2005 November 16, 2005 December 2, 2005 Januazy 3, 2006 February 10, 2006 Classrooms A&B February 3, 2006 March 24, 2006 Apri13, 2006 May 1, 2006 June 9, 2006 Classrooms A&B May 1, 2006 July 21, 2006 August 1, 2006 September 1, 2006 October 13, 2006 Classrooms A&B 2007 Se tember 1, 2006 November 20, 2006 December 1, 2006 Janu 1, 2007 Feb 9, 2007 Febru 2, 2007 Mazch 26, 2007 A ri12, 2007 Ma 1, 2007 June 8, 2007 Ma 1, 2007 Jul 23, 2007 Au ust 1, 2007 Se tember 2, 2007 October 12, 2007 2008 Se tember 2, 2007 November 19, 2007 December 3, 2007 Janu 2, 2008 Febru 8, 2008 Febru 2, 2008 Mazch 24, 2008 A ri12, 2008 Ma 1, 2008 June 13, 2008 Ma 1, 2008 Jul 21, 2008 Au ust 1, 2008 Se tember 2, 2008 October 10, 2008 THE Cl"IY OF ...... - " ~.:r ............. r > f r .,. ,.. ~.. ,.., ..._, ~~~~~/ City of Dubuque, Iowa Request for Proposals National Register of Historic Places: Millworking Historic District Nomination May 8, 2007 INTRODUCTION The City of Dubuque, Iowa is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to prepare a nomination for listing in the National Register of Historic Places for the proposed Millworking Historic District. The proposed National Register district is characterized by large red brick industrial buildings associated historically with the millworking industry in Dubuque. The work on this project will begin in June 2007, with anticipated completion in June 2008. The estimated budget for this project is $10,000. COMMUNITY PROFILE The City of Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa, adjacent to Illinois and Wisconsin. The City is approximately 25 square miles in area, with a population of approximately 60,000. The City provides a full range of services. The community has a stable and diversified manufacturing base and a growing service sector. Dubuque is the major retail, medical, educational and employment center for the tri-state area. Tourism continues to be a major economic force in the community. City government continues to work in collaboration with the private sector to promote economic development. Dubuque is a community well known for its natural beauty and, in particular, the historic architecture that makes up much of the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. As Iowa's oldest city, Dubuque has had a strong historic preservation ethic since the mid 1970's, with 5 historic districts, and 9 conservation districts. The City of Dubuque has a historic preservation ordinance, a conservation district ordinance, and a variety of preservation incentives supported by an active Historic Preservation Commission. Historic and Architectural Resources Dubuque is a community well known for its historic beauty and, in particular, the Victorian architecture that makes up much of the existing five historic districts. However, there are a great many other influences in Dubuque that are recorded in Craftsman, Colonial Revival and Classical building styles, among others. A map of the five historic districts is attached. Request for Proposals: NRHP District Nomination Dubuque's many architectural themes and historic contexts are recorded in the 2000 community assessment described in Multiple Property Document (MPD) entitled "Dubuque -The Key City; The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa, 1837 -1955". The MPD describing the 1999 comprehensive survey and the 2000 community assessment of historical contexts and supporting architectural themes is being used as a foundation to help shape required neighborhood surveys phased in over time. These phased neighborhood surveys apply the historic contexts and architectural themes defined in the multiple property document. The City has undertaken a phased architectural/historic survey/evaluation of older, historic areas of the community. A map of the phased architectural/historic survey/evaluation areas is enclosed. • Phase I encompassed the neighborhoods of Washington, Jackson, and Elm Streets. • Phase II involved the Lincoln, Rhomberg, and Garfield Avenues neighborhood. • Phase III involved the oldest commercial, residential and industrial neighborhoods in and around the central business district. The City's commercial historic district, Old Main, and the proposed Millworking Historic District are included in Phase III. • The Phase IV survey area included the City's four primarily residential historic districts: Jackson Park, Cathedral, West 11th Street, and Langworthy. • The Phase V survey area encompassed all remaining neighborhoods in the City's conservation districts. The City's Phase III survey consultant identified the properties in the proposed Millworking District to be architecturally and historically significant, and therefore eligible for listing as an historic district on the National Register (see enclosed Iowa Site Inventory Form). The City contacted all property owners in the district determined eligible for the National Register. Those owners in support of the proposed Millworking Historic District are included. A map of the adjusted boundaries for the proposed Millworking Historic District is enclosed. SCOPE OF WORK Work Elements The consultant will prepare the National Register nomination for the proposed Millworking Historic District, and then advocate for listing at the local, state and federal levels. Prepare a National Register nomination for the proposed Millworking Historic District. This district has been determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register within the contexts and themes of the MPD. This task involves the preparation of National Register nomination for these two locally-designated districts. The intent is to complete the additional research necessary to submit the nomination for review and approval by the State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) and the National Park Service (NPS). All work will adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Page 2 Request for Proposals: NRHP District Nomination Evaluation, as well as the National Register Bulletins that provide guidance for National Register nominations. 2. Advocate for National Register listing. This work task will involve advocating for the National Register listing for the proposed Millworking Historic District. The intent is to submit the National Register District nomination to the City's Historic Preservation Commission, the Dubuque City Council, the SHSI State Nominations Review Committee (SNRC) and NPS for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The Consultant will be required to email a monthly project update to the City of Dubuque during the contract period. Products The City and the Consultant will produce the following products: One (1) finished original and three photocopies of the draft National Register nomination form. The original and photocopies shall include appropriate maps on continuation sheets. Two (2) archival copies of the final National Register nomination form on acid free, 25% cotton bond paper. One (1) original USGS 7.5 minute topographical map. Three (3) finished sets of appropriately labeled black and white photographs. Photos will be 5"x7" processed on black and white photographic paper and will meet NPS specifications found in "How to Complete the National Register Registration Form." Two (2) contact sheets and negatives for each roll of black and white film filed in a "Print- File" preserver. Two (2) sets, with a maximum of ten (10) color slides showing at least four sides of the building and representative interior spaces. Two (2) copies of a typed and completed "Photograph/Catalog Field Sheet' for each roll of film and each "Print-File" sleeve of color slides, Completed review form for the nomination indicating that the Historic Preservation Commission and the City Council have reviewed and commented on the nomination. One page project summary report. A completed, typed Historic-Architectural Date Base (HADB) encoding form for summarizing report if applicable. Page 3 Request for Proposals: NRHP District Nomination INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL Letter of Transmittal Provide a letter of transmittal briefly outlining the consultant's understanding of the work and general information regarding the consultant and sub-consultants to be involved, and the name, address, telephone number, fax number and E-mail address for the firm's primary contact person. Profile of Consultant The proposal shall include general information about the consultant, the consultant's are of expertise related to this RFP, and the consultant's official name, address and principal officers, including the qualifications of the project manager and other key personnel who would be assigned to the project. Qualifications The consultant must meet the professional qualification standards as established by the Secretary of the Interior and the SHSI for history and architectural history. The consultant must have either a master's degree in American History, American Studies or a closely related field, or a bachelor's degree plus either two years full-time experience in research and writing, or teaching or substantial contribution to the field. 1. The proposal shall include the name of the consultant, his or her qualifications and experience, and the names, qualifications and experience of other key personnel who would be associated with the project. 2. The proposal shall describe the experience of the consultant in preparing National Register nominations. The proposal shall include at least three references of clients with which the consultant has had similar projects and which have been completed within the past five years, and the names of any key personnel proposed for this project who worked on the reference projects. 3. The proposal shall discuss the consultant's ability to integrate this project into the consultant's present workload. Fees and Compensation Provide a proposed cost plus expenses budget for completion of the scope of services with cost breakdowns by scope element. Quotation of fees and compensation shall remain firm for a period of at least 90 days from the proposal submission deadline. Please provide the proposed fees and compensation under separate cover. Initial screening will be done by a selection committee without the benefit of knowing the proposed fee for services. EVALUATION CRITERIA Proposals will be screened to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements. Qualifying proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee to identify the potential consultant which Page 4 Request for Proposals: NRHP District Nomination most closely meets the needs of the City. Factors to be considered by the selection committee will include the following: 1. Qualifications and experience of the consultant -qualifications and experience of the principal consulting staff proposed to work on the project, reference checks, achievements and completion of similar projects within the past five years. 2. Grasp of project requirements and understanding of project scope -the consultant's analysis, preparation and level of interest. 3. Responsiveness and compatibility between consultant and the City of Dubuque - general attitude, ability to communicate with general public. 4. Proposed schedule required to complete project and ability to complete the project on time and within budget. 5. Proposed cost to complete project. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE An original and four (4) copies of each proposal shall be delivered by 5:00 p.m. CDT on May 22, 2007 to the address given below: David Johnson, Assistant Planner Planning Services Department City of Dubuque 50 W. 13th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 The proposals shall be sealed and be clearly labeled: National Register of Historic Places: Millworking Historic District Nomination. Each consultant assumes full responsibility for delivery and deposit of the completed proposal package on or before the deadline. The City of Dubuque is not responsible for any loss or delay with respect to delivery of the proposals. Questions Regarding this RFP Further information may be obtained from Assistant Planner David Johnson by telephone at (563) 589-4210, by email at diohnsonCa~cityofdubugue.org by writing to the above address, or by fax at (563) 589-4221. The City of Dubuque anticipates award of the contract to the successful consultant for this project by June 4, 2007. Consultants whose proposals are not accepted will be notified as soon as the selected consultant has been approved. Page 5 i Potential Millworking Historic District ~ i Ii /i n m z r Base data provided by Dubuque County GIS Historic District FI 'CHE CITY OF ~ ~~~~'' I__ ~.,~ ~ t ~ ~:1LL ~-~~ MEMORANDUM April 30, 2007 TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: David J. Heiar, Economic Development Director .~/~~ SUBJECT: Warehouse Planning Process INTRODUCTION This memorandum provides an update on the planning process for establishing a Warehouse District. BACKGROUND Over the past few months, several City staff members have been meeting with major warehouse property owners and Dubuque Main Street Ltd. Representatives to begin the preparation of a warehouse district plan. The Committee is chaired by Assistant City Manager, Cindy Steinhauser and includes Laura Carstens from Planning, Aaron DeJong and myself from Economic Development, Dan LoBianco and Katie Bahl from Dubuque Main Street Ltd., Brian Dalziel from the Business Accelerator, Tim McNamara, John Gronen, and Tony Pfohl representing property owners. We have recently invited GDDC to join in this planning process. The plan will be modeled after the Lower Main Plan and will include the following: • Vision Statement • Goals and objectives of the plan • Objectives and potential project highlights • Findings of Neighborhood Survey • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Opportunities • Census Information • Preservation of Warehouse district • Creation of a clean and attractive streetscape • Improved pedestrian and vehicular traffic • Improved parking opportunities • Assignment of responsibilities • Ranking of tasks and timetable • Supporting documentation • Infrastructure Improvements Simultaneously, acouple of other groups are also evaluating the development potential of the Warehouse District. Studies and reports are being prepared by the Community Land Use and Economic Group, LLC (the CLUE Group) and a group of University of Iowa Graduate students will provide some input as part of a class project. The CLUE group report focuses on regulations that enhance or inhibit redevelopment. The report also recommends financial tools needed for downtown development. The recommendations are based on sensitivity to preservation. Existing and recommended building codes, tax policies, and zoning issues are just some of the topics addressed in this report. The graduate student report provides case studies from eight other communities that have redeveloped Warehouse Districts. The communities include Milwaukee, Cleveland, Omaha, Peoria, Lowell (Massachusetts), Minneapolis, Wichita, and Manchester (New Hampshire). The preliminary draft of the CLUE group stresses the critical need to provide financial tools and options to encourage and accommodate private investment in warehouse redevelopment projects. The most utilized financial incentives in re-development efforts are federal and state tax credits. These credits are only available to buildings or districts that are registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Federal historic tax credits equal 20% of eligible rehabilitation costs for designated buildings. Non-historic buildings built prior to 1936 are eligible for credits equal to 10% of eligible costs. The State Historical Society of Iowa administers the application process. There are additional 25% rehabilitation tax credits available from the State of Iowa. The Iowa Legislation has just authorized increased levels of State Historic tax credits. There is currently a waiting list that projects the credits out for several years. Although it is possible to obtain National Register of Historic Place status for individual buildings, a District designation should be pursued because these tools have atwo-fold purpose that is uniquely suited for the Warehouse District. First, they provide amuch- needed method for property owners and developers to attract the equity financing needed for high profile projects involving vacant or under-utilized structures. Second, they ensure that the historical integrity of the Warehouse District will be preserved for the benefit of future generations. The latter purpose is essential to maintaining and enhancing the historical identity of the Warehouse District and the City of Dubuque as a whole. While not all of the buildings in the Warehouse District have historic attributes worthy of preservation, the ones that do have such attributes need these tools for both of the reasons cited above. In addition, a district status provides opportunities for tax credits for buildings that might not qualify on their own. Listing in the National Register, does not interfere with a private property owner's right to alter, manage or dispose of properly. Under federal law, owners of private property listed in the National Register are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose provided that there is no Federal involvement. In a National Register Historic District, the property owners can continue to make interior and exterior improvements to their buildings as well as expand their operations and their facilities. No City reviews are required beyond what is presently needed for a building permit or site plan approval. The City's Historic Preservation Commission does not review exterior changes to properties. State or Federal reviews are not required unless federal funding or a federal permit is part of a project, or if the property owner wants to use the State or Federal historic preservation tax credits. This review is part of the federal "Section 106" process. A property owner can demolish a structure in a National Register Historic District without review by the Historic Preservation Commission or the City Council. Listing on the National Register will foster opportunities for retention of existing businesses as well as recruitment and expansion of new businesses into the substantial floor space that the existing large warehouses offer. The existing industrial uses, and the growing adaptive reuse of these warehouses into office, commercial, entertainment, and even residential uses, can all continue with establishment of a National Register district. Nomination to the National Register is a lengthy process of 6-12 months. A consultant must be hired, and then a nomination prepared and presented to the appropriate City, State and Federal officials before the district is listed. The nomination is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, Envision 2010 process, Iowa Great Places application, and the Warehouse District planning that is underway. The nomination is overwhelmingly supported by a majority of property owners. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City Council proceed with the nomination process as outlined by Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager to submit a request to have a portion of the warehouse area placed on the National Register of Historic Places in order to allow property owners to take advantage of tax credits in a timely manner. ACTION STEP This memo provides an update on the status of the Warehouse Planning efforts and encourages support of the request for RFP's to hire a preservation consultant to prepare the National Register nomination for a portion of the Warehouse District as submitted by Laura Carstens. F:IUSERS1DHeiar\Warehouse District\Warehouse Planning Process memo.doc