Four Mounds Foundation GrantMEMORANDUM
January 16, 2002
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Four Mounds Foundation Grant
Four Mounds Foundation President John Gronen is requesting City support for a grant
proposal to the State Historical Society of Iowa requesting $20,000 to repair the exterior
of the Grey House. The Four Mounds Foundation would match that amount, plus
supply any additional in-cash and in-kind donations to complete the work.
I respectfully recommend Mayor and City Council support of the grant application.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
FOUR MOUNDS FOUNDATION
4900 Peru Road · Dubuque, Iowa 52001 · 563-557-7292
January 14, 2002
Mr. Mike Van Milligen
City Manager's Office
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
Dear Mr. Van Milligen,
Per your request of this morning, this is a letter advising the City of Dubuque that the Four
Mounds Foundation has written a grant proposal (copy attached) to the State Historical Society
of Iowa requesting $20,000 from the REAP/Histoical Resource Development Grant funds to
repair theexterior of the Grey House (Conference Center/Iun). Should we be awarded grant
funding, The Four Mounds Foundation would match that amount plus supply an additional
$20,991 in cash and in-kind donations to complete the work.
The proposed project will not involve major or structural changes, but will directly and visually
affect the Grey House, completed in 1908, in its cosmetic appearance. Currently, the stucco
exterior shows cracks, surface crack repair and a sagging porte-cochere roof as well as stucco
fail'rog. The proposed repairs to the exterior stucco will preserve it and prevent additional
deterioration fi'om occuring, Left undone, the stucco will continue to fail allowing:moisture to
enter Causing future deterioration and the porte-cochere will collapse. Upon completion of the
work prescribed, the mansion's exterior will present an overall clean and complete look allowing
the massive lines of the house to be viewed and enjoyed without the interruption of ugly cracks
and uneven roof lines.
We understand your signature was given contingent to the approval of the proposed work by
the City Council. We apprecime your senistivity to the time frame we are working under and
your willingness to accommodate us. We trust, upon reading this letter and viewing the proposed
grant, the City of Dubuque will be pleased with the proposed work and the good stewardship of
the Four Mounds Foundation to preserve and maintain this historic treasure enabling our
community to use and enjoy this wonderful and unique resource.
Sincerely,
·
John Goren, President
Four Mounds Foundation
SB
enclosure
Preiervarion · Education
REAP/HRDP Application, Due January 15, 2002
State Historical Society of Iowa
REAPPrIRDP
600 East Locust Street, Des
Moines, Iowa 50319-0290
(515) 281-8754
Application #:
Date Received:
Check One Category: I~1 Museum 121 Documentary Collections XX Historic Preservation
Project Title: Grey House exterior repair
Applicant: Four Mounds Foundation
Mailing Address: 4900 Peru Road
City State Zip Code: Dubuque, IA 52001-8304
Project Manager Name: John Gronen
Address: 4900 Peru Road, Dubuque IA 52001
Project Street Address: 4900 Peru Road Project City: Dubuque
Project County: Dubuque Daytime Telephone: (563) 557-7292
E-mail address: fmounds~ncleodusa.net
Fax Number: (563) 557-3159
House District 35 Senate District 18 U.S. District: 2
(Call the Legislative Information Office at (515) 281-5129 if you do not know the project location districts)
Grant Amount Requested: $20,000
(Item A from Budget)
Cash Match: $10,000
(Item B from Budget)
In-Kind Match: $10,000
(Item C from Budget)
Total Project Cost: $ 40,000
(Item D from Budget)
Source of (potential) Cash Match: Corporate and Individual donations
REAP/HRDP Application, Due Janua~/15, 2002
Are you/your bUSiness an individual or sole proprietor? No
If your answer is NO, please check the appropriate status:
Business and for-profit corporation
Estate or trust
State government
Native American tribe
Partnerslfip ~
XX Not-for-profit corporation
Local Government
Provide Your Federal Employer Identification number: 42-1265303
If your answer is YES, please provide your Social Security number:
Operating Budget of Project:
(record only the amount dedicated to this project--not your entire operating budget costs)
Operating Budget Number of Paid Staff
FY2002: .......... FY2002: .......
FY2003: 40,000 i FY2003: 2
FY2004: ......... FY2004: ......
List all grants received during the last three calendar years (1999, 2000, 2001) and any applications
submitted in 2001, for which grant awards have not yet been announced.
Grant Project Name Title of Project Grant Amount Cash Match Source
See attachment See attachment See attachment See attachment
REAPIHRDP Application, Due January 15, 2002
Does the applicant own the historic resource?
If one or more co-applicants are involved in the project, provide the same name of each co-applicant, the
mailing address, telephone number, and a contact person.
Co-Applicant: City of Dubuque
Street Address: 50 West 13th Street
City': Dubuque County: Dubuque Zip: 52001-4864
Telephone Number: (563) 589-4110
Contact Person: Mike Van Milligan Telephone Number: (563) 589-4110
I give my permission for the applicant to carry out the project described in this grant application.
Note: Silo la [}hse Ink
gnature of Property Owner (Use blne ink) Date
~Four Mounds Foundation holds a 49 year lease on the property - Copy of lease attached
I have.revi_ew_ed t?s coml}leted grant application. I certify that the information provided is complete and
correct and that, ~f aw?,r~ed funds, the applicant organization is prepared to undertake the project.
Signatu~d of'Applicania~ Legally Authorized Representative Date
Typed Name: John N. Gronen
Title: President
REAP/HRDP Application, Due January 15, 2002
ASSURANCES
The applicant hereby agrees and acknowledges that:
1. If awarded funds, the applicant will conduct operations in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, as amended in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which bar discrimination
against any employee, applicant for employment, or any person participating in any sponsored program on
the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or physical or mental disability, and requke
compensation for employment at no less than minimum way requirements, and will provide safe and
sm~itary working conditions;
2. If the project involves real property, the applicant or co-applicant can prove ownership of the property;
3. The applicant will expend funds solely on the described project and programs;
4. If the proposed project affects a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the applicant
will consult with the State Historical Society of Iowa, and also will act in accordance with the Secretary of
Interior's Standards for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and the Secretary of Interior's Standards for
Archaeology and Historical Preservation;
5. If awarded funds, applicant wffi include in all ottieialstatements, promotions, publicity, advertising,
and in any printed document, audio visual production, or microfilmed material the following credit
line: "This project was partially supported through funding from the Resource Enhancement and
Protection (REAP) Act through a Historical Resource Development Program (REAP/HRDP) Grant from
the State Historical Society of Iowa";
6. The facts, figures, and information contained in this application, including all attachments, are true and
correct; and
7. Failure to comply with the administrative rules for this program will restflt in the penalties outlined in those
rules.
igfiat6re of Legally Authortzed Representative
//
i.l/yype Name and Title of Legally Authorized RepresentaZve:
t .
Date
John Gronen, President
REAP, IHRDP Application,,Due Janua~ *15, 2002
Cultural Impact Questionnaire
The Cultural Impact Questionnaire will provide the State Historical Society of Iowa with information
about the effects of your project on its proposed site. You MUST Submit this form with the 2002
REAP/HRDP Application
Property Name: Four Mounds Foundation
Property Number & Street: 4900 Peru Road
County: Dubuque City: Dubuque Zip: 52001-8304
Telephone: (563) 557-7292
Contact Person for Project: John N. Grunen
Please answer the following questions:
1. The project will directly or visually affect one or more buildings, structures or objects 50 years of age
or older. Yes
2. If you answered "yes" to the last question, submit a ohotum'aph and the address ofcach property and
check which kinds of project activities are proposed for this property:
Rebab'dltation
New Construction
Demolition
Vacate/Abandon
Yard, Sidewalks, Plantings
XX Other ( specify): Repair to exterior
3. The project will involve excavation: No
4. If you answered "yes" to the last question, please provide the following:
Describe the width and depth of the proposed excavation work:
Submit a map showing the precise location of project:
Thank you for your cooperation. You MUST return these pages with your completed grant application.
REAP/1-1RDP Application, Due Januar~ 15, 2002
Significance of the Historical Resource as It Relates to the Proposed Project. Identify the historical
resource in the proposed project. Why is the resource important to state, regional or local history?. Note: You
are limited to this one page for question t. Your answer must not scroll onto the next page·
The Grey House has significant historical value for local, regional and state history. It is located on
the 54-acre Four Mounds estate which is a turn oftke century English Gentleman's farm, perhaps the
only one left in the State of Iowa which is in tact and open to the public. It is the principal home of
five located on the estate, as well as a dozen outbuildings, and is situated on a bhiffline with a
marvelous view of the Mississippi River.
The Grey House, home of George A. and Viola Rider Burden, was completed in1908 and is an early
example in Iowa of a large house strongly influenced by the Arts & Crafts Movement. It was
designed by Chicago architect, Lawrence Buck, and is the only surviving house in Iowa designed by
Buck.
This 21-room house is two-stories in height and is distinguished by a massive clipped-gable or
jerkinhcad roof and a massive horizontal emphasis. The roof is covered with cement composition
shingles. The walls are grey rough-cast stucco, while the foundation is limestone block in
construction. The roof has flared, wide overhanging eaves and small hip roofed dormers on the roof
slope at the attic leveL Exterior features of note include the original casement and multi-panel
double-hung windows, the use of rectangular and rounded cantilevered bay windows on both the first
and second floors, a distinctive two-story bow window at the juncture of the two ells on the rear
elevation of the house, and the use of round-arched, scgmental-arcbod and rectangular window and
door openings. Also of note is the stuccoed porte-eockere that shelters the main front entry door,
which is a single door flanked by sidelights. The metal-and-glass light fixtures flanking the entry and
hanging down from the porta-eochere roof are Arts and Crafts fixtures featuring two versions of the
Four Mounds logo. These fixtures may have been designed by Eleanor d'Arcy Gaw, who had
developed a national reputation as an Arts and Crafts metal worker and was an associate of architect,
Lawrence Buck, who designed the Grey House.
The interior of the house follows a T-shaped plan and features brick and tile fireplaces, distinctive
Arts& Crafts light fixtures, and the natural woodwork and Mission-style furniture complete the feel
of this Arts & Crafts inspired home. The main floor consists of an entry way, receiving area, card
room, living room, dining room, two screened veranda/sun rooms, pantry, kitchen and informal
dining room. The second floor hosts seven bedrooms, including two for the house servants, four
bathrooms with original fixtures, and a screened veranda. A bow window including a window scat
greets you at the head of the stairs and offers a spectacular view of the Mississippi River.
The basement is remarkable for the massive limestone walls even for the interior support walls and
includes a laundry room, a bathroom, a milk storage room, a fruits, vegetable and preserves storage
room, a large boiler room, two smaller rooms for general storage and storage of all the screens and
storm windows for the house, and a large tank room that still houses the massive water-pressure tank
that provides water throughout the house. ~
REAPIHRDP App;iuu;,;on, Due Janua~ 15, 2002
Significance or Contribution of the Project to Enhance the Preservation, Conservation, or
Interpretation of Iowa's llistorieal Resources. Describe your proposed project and how it relates to the
historical resource identified in question one. Explain how the proposed project will enhance the
preservation, conservation, and/or interpretation of your historical resource. Note: You are limited to this one
page for question 2. Your answer must not scroll onto the next page.
The proposed project will have a significant contribution to the preservation of the Grey House as
well as insuring the future availability of the home for historic interpretation of both an early 20m
century Arts and Crafts House design as well as an important part of an English Gentleman's Farm.
The Grey House is the major (of five homes) house and the main emphasis of the Four Mounds estate.
Its awesome presence is the focus of the estate and the hub of activity both then and now.
Over the years, the grey rough-cast stucco exterior has cracked due to settling and weather
conditions. Although the cracks have been spot patched, more extensive maintenance work is needed
to prevent additional deterioration in the stucco as well as other structural damage due to moisture..
The porte-cochere needs major structural repair due to moisture and setting over the course of time.
The roof of this structure is bowing badly and the stucco has extensive cracking. This repair work is
imperative to the preservation of the house, and will also enhance the physical appearance of the
home as welL
Participants in the Youth Empowerment Services (Y.E.S.) Program will be involved in all aspects,
where safe and appropriate, in this restoration rei~.ir project. The Y.E.S. program teaches
vocational skills to at-risk youth ages 14-18 years of age, and help youth build their communication,
problem-solving and team work skills.
The Grey House is a revenue generating entity for the foundation's programming, servings as a
conference center/inn hosting educational seminars, conferences, social gatherings and also provides a
unique setting for overnight accommodations. The Conference Center/Inn is a 'job site" for the
Y.E.S. Program, where youth are taught hospitality training while working in the center on a ratio of
3:1 with job coaches.
The house is open to the public for tours, enabling individuals to share in this wonderful piece of
history be'rog preserved, one building at a time, for the enjoyment of our community. AS you can see,
the house is a significant piece of our history, but is a "working" piece of history making a great
contribution to the people it serves.
REAPIHRDP Application, Due Januar)r 15, 2002
3. Knowledge and Understanding of Accepted Professional Standards as They Relate to the Proposed
Project. Identify the professional standards, or best practices you will follow. Explain how you will apply
the professional standards or best practices in your project. Nots: You are limited to this one pa§e for
question 3. Your answar must not scroll onto the next page.
We will refer and adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and
Historic Preservation (September 29, 1983) and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Buildings (Revised 1990). In addition we will consult the following Preservation
Briefs:
15 - Preservation of Historic Concrete: Problems and General Approaches
22 - The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco
39 - Holding the Line: Controlling Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings
Using briefs 15 and 39 and other best practices, we will determine the cause and extend of the
deterioration plus an assessment of the entire building to determine the overall condition of the stucco.
Most of the damage we believe is a result of age, building settlement, vegetation intrusion, and water
infiltration.
Scaflblding will be set-up to both assess and accomplish the stucco repair job. Alter the cause of
deterioration has been identified, brief22 will be consulted to begin the actual work. Weather conditions
and time of year Will be a factor in determining when the actual work begins. We will perform the
following steps to repair and/or correct the stucco problems. Cracked surfaces will be excavated removing
all damaged stucco without disturbing the condition of the surrounding material. New metal lathe will be
applied so it tucks behind the existing and it will be anchored with screws. To maintain the authenticity of
the structure, and to have the repair work blend with the original, like materials and methods will be used.
The existing stucco will be analyzed and test samples will be applied to get the appropriate strength,
composition, color and texture. A mixture of 3:l sand to lime/cement content such as Portland cement and
½ hydrated masons lime will be used with clean potable water to make a workable solution. Smaller
amounts of the mix will be prepared to avoid set-up and over-mixing. It will be troweled onto the wall
surface and watched closely to avoid drying to fast. The "scratch" coat will be allowed to set for a day
before applying the "float" coat onto a dampened surface and allowed to set properly. The "finishing" coat
will then be applied and will be allowed to properly cure for at least 4-days by keeping it damp during the
day and covering it at night.
Please note that the following work is not included in the budget requested for this grant application,
but is imperative to the preservation and conservation of the structure. Four Mounds is financing
and providing the labor and materials to accomplish this equally important project. A second budget
page has been provided showing the cost breakdown on this portion of the work.
In repairing the port-cochere, a temporary beam will be set to hold the porte-cochere roof in place while
structural repair is being performed on the existing beam. The stucco will then be removed firom the inside
of the support columns allowing access to the deteriorating support beam. This beam will be removed using
the best practices available and will be replaced with like materials and methods. Once in place, the
temporary beam will be removed and stucco repair will hegira Briefs 15, 22, and 39 will be consulted and
the same steps, listed as listed above will be taken to repair cracked and failing stucco
REAPIHRDP Application, Due Januar~ 15, 2002 _.
~,~,:~ ~x a hreat t the Resource. What will happen to your identified resource if this project is not
fimded? Note: You are limited to this one-half page for question 4. Your answer must not scroll onto the next
page.
Without repair, the porte-cochere roof will collapse and the stucco finish will fail. Deterioration to the
remaining stucco finish will be extensive. Cracks will continue to women allowing moisture to penetrate
the exterior cause chunks of stucco to dislodge. Eventually the moisture will create structural damage when
support beams begin to rot and decay.
Degree to the Goals and Objectives of the Project Enhance the Applicant's Long-Range Plan. What
are your long-range goals and objectives for your historical resource? How will this project help you mt~t
your goals and objectives? Note: You are limited to this one-half page for question $. Your answer must not
scroll onto the next page.
As the main dwelling at Four Mounds, the Grey House is a key player in the long- range educational
interpretation goal we have for the entire Four Mounds estate fi.om the buildings, to thc grounds, the burial
mounds, the river (pre and post dam), etc... The Grey House is also an integral part of our long-range
financial goals. We depend, in part, on the revenue generated fi-om its use to assist in funding the programs
Four Mounds offers, as well as being a "job site" for the Y.E.S. Program.
REAPIHRDP Application, Due Januar~ 15, 2002
6. Degree to Which the Project Supports the Economic, Educational, and Cultural Health of the Local
Area, Region, or State. How will your proposed project affect the economy in your area~ attract tourism,
mad lead to more education and/or appreciation of history? Note: You are limited to this one-half page for
question 6. Your answer must not scroll onto the next page.
The Four Mounds Grey House (Conference Center/Inn) last year served over 6,000 people, hosting
nearly 200 non-profit organizations at a discounted or Yorgiven fee, thanks to the support of
corporate, individual and family business. The Grey House employees five full and part-time
employees adding to the employment opportunities of our community. The work we are proposing
within this grant will be an educational classroom for our Youth Empowerment Services (Y.E.S.)
Program where at-risk youth ages 14-18 year olds will work along side skilled craftsmen learning
trade skills required to complete the project IE: stucco repair, carpentry, etc... It will continue to
be to be a job site in conference center/inn (hospitality) work where youth learn to cook, plate food,
clean, greet and serve guests, etc... The estate may be the only example of an English Gentleman's
Farm left in the state for people to enjoy and appreciate the lifestyle of by-gone days. The Four
Mounds Conference Center/Inn (Grey House) has become a destination location as more and moro
travelers have and are discovering it.
Degree Of Cooperation Between Organizations Or Individuals Within A LoCal Area, Region, Or The
State As Evidenced By But Not Limited To The Number Of Volunteers, Cash Match, And In-Kind
Match. Explain how other groups and individuals in your ~ommunity or area will be involved with your
project. Note: You are limited to this one-half page for qud~ion 7. Your answer must not scrOll onto the next
page.
Contractors involved in this project will offer an educational training component to students in the
Y.E.S. Program based on a curriculum developed by their particular trade for apprentice training.
Skilled craftsmen will work directly with program participants teaching trade skills. Companies both
locally and otherwise will be contacted for material donations. Community service workers will provide
volunteer labor and our cash match will eome through individual and corporate donations,
REAP/HRDP Application, Due Januar)' 15,
Degree to Which the Budget is Reasonable, Appropriate to the Project, Complete and Mathematically
Correct. Explain to us the work plan and budget for your project. Include each phase, the order of each
phase and the cost. Note: You are limited to this one page for question 8. Your answer must not scroll onto
the next page.
1. We will seek three bids for the work to be performed.
2. Contractors will be selected based on their bid and knowledge of the practices of the Secretary of
the Interior's Standards and Guidelines to include:
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Arehaeolog.v and Historic Preservation and
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings
Preservation Briefs:
15 - Preservation of Historic Concrete: Problems and General Approaches
22 - The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco
39 - Holding the Line: Controlling Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings
3. Contracts will be signed and work plans will be put in place. Scaffolding will be put in place and
work will begin to restore/repair the exterior of the Grey House.
1. Scaffolding wlil be set.up to both assess and accomplish the stucco repair work-
2. As set forth on page 3 cause and extent of damage and deterioration wm be assessed.
3, Using brief 22 as a reference, work will begin including excavating damaged stucco, instamng new
metal lathe followed by the application of the appropriately selected stucco mix.
The grant application budget for this project totals
*Please refer to the supplement budget page for additional charges
$40,000*
As noted on page 3, Four Mounds is performing additional work on this project due to the structural
threat to the porte-cochere. That work includes:
1. Scaffolding will be set-up here as well to assess and accomplish the repair work.
2. As set forth on page 3 cause and extend of damage and deterioration will be assessed.
3. A temporary support beam will be set in place to support the roof of the porte-cochere.
4. Stucco will be removed from the inside of the support columns.
5. The failing support beam will be removed and replaced with like materials in a like method.
6. The temporary support beam wm be removed.
7. Stucco repair will be performed using practices outlined in brief22.
Supplement page budget for this project and additional charges on the stucco total $20,991
REAPIHRDP Application, Due Januar~ 15, 2002
PROJECT BUDGET: The Review Panel will evaluate the degree to which the budget is reasonable and
appropriate to the project.
REAP/HRDP GRAIqT PROPOSED BUDGET
Grant Request Cash Match In-Kind Subtotal
Consultant
Personnel Use
Contract for Services 19,500 9,750 9,750 39,000
Travel Expense
Equipment Expense
TAN Services $500.00 250 250 1,000
Phase I
Archaeological Survey
Other Expense
(Be Spe~fic)
Column Subtotals 20,000 10,000 10,000 40,000
Total Budget 40,000
Your match is determined by your applicant status.
The total of the first three columns must equal the project total figure.
USE WHOLE DOLLAR AMOUNTS
SpBMITTED FOR YOUR INFORMATION TO SHOW FOUR MOUNDS COMMITTMENT TO THIS PROJECT.
REAP/HRDP Application, due January t5, 2002
PROJECT BUDGET: The Reviexv Panel xvill evaluate the degree to which the budget is reasonable and
appropriate to the project. Four Mounds Foundation
PROPOSED BUDGET
_G~-Rcqucst Cash Watch In-Kind Subtotal
Consultant
PersomaelUse
gv,,oeo Ammt. 1,800 1,800
Carpentry 1,280 1,280
Con~act for Services
~n~p~ne~y 1.824 1.087 2.911
Travel Expense
Equipment Expense
TAN Services $orOO.O0-
(Your match is determined by your applicant status.)
Phase I Archaeological Survey
Other Expense (Be Specific)
Column Subtotals 1 ~,: qna ~: 0~7 9 n: q q 1
The total of the first three columns must equal the project total figure. USE WHOLE DOLLAR AMOUNTS
STATE
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
OF
IOWA