Historic Dis - Streetscapes etcCITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
Januaw 18,2002
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines for Historic Districts
The Histodc Preservation Commission, working with a steering committee of Commission members.
City staff and community members, has prepared a set of draft Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines
for Historic Districts.
In reviewing the draft guidelines as written, I was concerned that the guidelines seem to be regulations.
rather than suggestions. The last sentence in the Intent and Purpose section that talks about the
Commission using these guidelines to "evaluate and approve applications" contradicts the paragraphs
above it, and should be deleted.
also was concerned that the guidelines seem to set up an unrealistic expectation that the City or
private property owners must do the highest, and most costly, improvements. For example, the
sections on Setting and Site, Paving, Sidewalks Curbs and Retaining Walls do not have the alternative
of using common materials, like standard concrete. These sections also do not acknowledge that
historic materials are not always affordable to the City or to private property owners. The option of
alternative or common materials needs to be described in the guidelines.
After hearing my concerns, the Historic Preservation Commission has recommended changes to the
design guidelines that address these issues. These changes are described in the attached letter from
Terry Mozena, the Chairperson of the Commission. I believe that these recommended changes
address my concerns. They clarify that the guidelines are suggestions, not regulations. They include
the option to use substitute or common materials that are more affordable than original materials.
I very much appreciate the fact that the Historic Preservation Commission was willing to modify t~e
recommendation and I believe these are guidelines that will assist the Commission. staff and residents
as work is done in Historic. Preservation Districts.
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manage~_
Attachments
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser. Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Terry Mozena, Chairperson, Historic Preservation Commission
Plaam~ng Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13ffi Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 5894221 fax
planning(~cityofdubuque.org
JanuaW 18 2002
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
City of Dubuque
City Hall -- 50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
SUBJECT: Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines for Historic Districts
Dear Mike,
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has reviewed the draft Streetscape and
Landscape Guidelines for Historic Districts. The Commission also has rewewed your
concerns, and input that the HPC received from property owners at a public workshop In
response, the Commission would like to propose some amendments to the draft guidelines.
1. Commissioners want the design guidelines to be a user-friendly resource of suggestions for
historically correct restoration, and for alternatives when preservation of original materials is
not economically viable. We agree with you that the last sentence under Intent and
Purpose is confusing, and we think it should be deleted. We would like to add the following
information to this section:
"Untike the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance these design guidelines are not
regulations. They are suggestions, and are not mandatory.
The Historic Preservation Commission hopes that these design guidelines encourage
property owners, businesses, institutions, neighborhood associations and City
departments to look for ways to work together and to seek out funding sources to
preserve, retain and repair original historic materials whenever economically feasible.
When preservation of these historic features ~s not economically viable, the Commission
hopes that the guidelines encourage people to search for suitable substitute materials
that capture the sense of place that Dubuque's historic districts provide."
Historic District Design Guidelines
Page 2
2. Under Setting and Site, we agree that last bullet under "Not Recommended" should be re-
worded to address affordability, as follows:
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new materials, when it is
economically feasible to save and repair originals.
The Commission also agrees that an "Acceptable" category should be added to provide for
the use of substitute materials, and we suggest the following addition [o this section:
ACCEPTABLE
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with substitute materials that
simulate the original in appearance, when their use is economically feasible.
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new or common
materials, when it is not economically viable to save and repair originals or to use
substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance.
For the sections dealing with Pavinq, Sidewalks, Curbs and Retainin~q Walls, the
Commission would like to encourage the preservation of brick streets brick sidewalks.
limestone curbs and limestone walls. We also understand that these materials can add
significantly to the cost of any project, and that the City, like private property owners, does
not have unlimited funds to pay for this level of improvement. We hope that the new
Historic District Public Improvement Program can help fund these types of improvements
where neighborhood groups also support them, and that other ways will be found because
of the guidelines.
The Commission agrees that the guidelines as written may set up an unrealistic
expectation that the City or the property owner must d ~ this higher level of improvement.
the sections that deal with Pavinq, Sidewalks, Curbs and Retaining Wails, we agree that
the "Acceptable" category should include the use of new or common materials as a last
resort. Our suggested wording to be added to these se(~tions is:
In
ACCEPTABLE
· As a last resort, new or common materials, such as standard concrete, when it is not
economically viable to save and repair originals or to use substitute materials which
simulate the original in appearance.
We appreciate the opportunity to work with you on these design guidelines.
Sincerely,
Terry Mozena, Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
January 15,2002
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager'~---~
Historic Design Guidelines Manual: Streetscape and Landscape Portion
This memo transmits a draft of the Streetscape and Landscape portion of the Historic Design
Guidelines Manual, in preparation for a work session with the City Council on Monday, January
21, 2002.
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has awarded the City a grant to develop a design
guidelines manual for the historic districts. The City has hired Durrant Architects to work with a
steering committee of Historic Preservation Commission members, City staff and community
advisors to prepare a manual of design guidelines for streetscapes and structures in the 5
historic districts. A list of the committee members is enclosed.
The Historic Preservation Commission would like the design guidelines manual to be a user-
friendly resource for City staff, contractors and property owners to identify and understand
appropriate and inappropriate treatments for historic properties. The development of this design
guidelines manual has been broken up into two portions: streetscapes/landscapes, and historic
structures (underway).
Unlike the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the design guidelines are not regulatory. The
manual provides recommendations for streetscape and landscape features in public places and
private spaces in the historic districts. The guidelines present illustrated and descriptive
suggestions with the intent to preserve, ~etain and replicate the features of historic districts that
give them a "sense of place".
Input from the Historic Preservation Commission, property owners in the historic districts, and
the State Historic Preservation Office has been incorporated in the development of the draft
streetscape and landscape guidelines.
The steering committee's recommendation is for the City Council to review the Streetscape and
Landscape portion of the Historic Design Guidelines Manual, and then provide direction to the
committee for final approval of these guidelines.
Attachments
CC
Historic Design Guidelines Steering Committee
Historic Preservation Commission
Lcarsten/council/dgm-streets.doc
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES STEERING COMMITTEE
NAME BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS PHONE
Temy Mozena Historic Preservation Commission 1036 W. 3"= St 582-2707
DUbuque IA 52001
Suzanne Guinn Historic Preservation Commission 1433 Main St 589-4733
Dubuque IA 52001
Jim Gibbs Historic Preservation Commission 1037 Kirkwood 588-3078
Dubuque IA 52001
Linda Herbst Dubuque Main Street, Ltd4 76 Main St 582-1620
Dubuque IA 52001
Tacie-Campbelt Dubuque County Historical Society P O Box 266 557-9545
Dubuque IA 52004-0266
Steve Horman Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce 770 Town Clock Plaza 557-9200
Dubuque IA 52001
Dods Hingtgen Dubuque Area Board of Realtors 951 lowa St 556-2525
Dubuque IA 52001
Tammy Pfab Old House Enthusiasts 235 N. Grandview Ave 583-3807
Dubuque IA 52001
John Henning Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Assoc 452 Loras Blvd 587-0671
Dubuque IA 52001
Doug Stillings Downtown Neighborhood Association 1255 Locust St 589-2000
Dubuque IA 52001
Kafl~y Mangrich Bluff Street Neighborhood Assoc 345 Bluff St 557-1231
Dubuque IA 52001
Gil Spence Leisure Services Manager 589-4263
Laura Carstens Planning Services Manager 589-4210
Bob Schiesl Civil Engineer 589-4270
Cindy Steinhauser Assistant City Manager 589~4116
Jerelyn O'Connor Neighborhood Development Specialist ~ 589-4326
John Klosterman Street Maintenance Supervisor 589-4250
Dennis Hackbarth Building Inspector 589-4150
Jolene Patterson Housing Rehabilitation Supervisor 589-4239
WallY Wemimont i Assistant Planner 569-4210
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE
GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200~
Prepared for the Planning Services De partment
City of Dubuque, Iowa
by The Durrant Group, Inc.
St. Charles, Illinois
and
Dubuque, Iowa
2001
Durrant
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTENT AND PURPOSE
VISION FOR DUBUQUE'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
LONG RANGE GOALS FOR DUBUQUE'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION
METHODOLOGY - DEFINING THE DISTRICTS
PROPERTY LISTINGS BY DISTRICT
DISTRICT GUIDELINES
JACKSON PARK DISTRICT
WEST 11TM STREET DISTRICT
LANGWORTHY DISTRICT
CATHEDRAL DISTRICT
OLD MAIN DISTRICT
TOPICS REVIEWED BY THE GUIDELINES: Setting and Site
Driveways~ Parking, Paving - Residential
Driveways, Parking, Paving - Commercial
Grade Changes and Retaining Walls
Sidewalks, Walkways, and Curbs
Fences and Gates
Amenities-~- Residential
Amenities - Commercial
Signs and Graphics
Wayfinding Features
Street Lighting
Yard and Park Features
Landscaping
Utilities
INTENT AND PURPOSE
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200f
INTENT AND PURPOSE
This document was developed in coordination with the City of Dubuque, the local Historic Preservation
Commission (HPC), the State Historic Preservation Office, and preservation partners in the commUnity. This
document provides suggestions and recommendations for the treatment of exterior landscape and streetscape
elements both in public spaces and in private spaces that are visually accessible to the public in the five existing
historic districts. The guidelines focus on the retention and replication of features and objects that are
unique to the area--and to each district where aPPlicablo for the purpose of protecting, maintaining, and
restoring the historic character of the current and potential historic districts. Issues of new construction
and renovation are addressed by emphasizing the importance of relating new construction to existing
features and streetscapes. Positive and negative visual examples are utilized to provide a clear baseline of
acceptable and recommended approaches.
The Guidelines are intended to present landscaping and streetscape recommendations to property owners,
residents, contractors and others, relating to the type of rehabilitation and new construction that may be occur in
the current locally designated historic districts. These also may be used as a reference for rehabilitation and new
construction in locations currently not within a designated historic district, and may be expanded in the future to
accommodate new historic districts.
The City of Dubuque Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines are based on the Secretary of the Interiors
Standards for Rehabilitation as they relate to issues of Site and Setting, and the Secretary of the /r~teriors
Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes.
These federally-defined standards provide the framework for the specific guidelines presentec~ here.
Guidelines, when adopted by the Dubuque City Council, wi//serve as
document used by the City to evaluate and approve applications for determinations of No Material Effect and
Certificates of Appropriateness (COA).
VISION FOR DUBUQUE'S
HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200~
VISION FOR DUBUQUE'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
Dubuque's five historic preservation districts encompass over 600 primary and secondary structures of national,
state, Ioca and neighborhood significance. The districts exhibit a range of architectural styles that reflect the
historic context of the development of Iowa's oldest city. They nclude densely developed, mixed use, urban
enwronments with commercial storefronts and upper story housing; one-, two-, and multi-family residences;
institutional uses; neighborhood parks and F~ublic open spaces.
Within this context, and consistent with the City's historic preservation ordinance, we envision the preservation,
restoration and stewardship of the historical and architectural resources of Dubuque's five- historic preservation
districts, including:
· Promotion of the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the community through the
protection, enhancement and perpetuation of these districts;
· Safeguarding of the city's historic, aesthetic, architectural, and cultural heritage by preserving these
districts;
· Stabilization and improvement of property values in these districts;
· Fostering of civic pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements of the past exemplified by these districts;
· Protection and enhancement of the city's attractions to tourists and visitors and the support and stimulus to
business these districts provide;
· Strengthening of the economy of the city; and
· Promotion of ,the use of these districts as sites for the education, pleasure and welfare of the peopleof the
city,~
LONG RANGE GOALS FOR
DUBUQUE'S HISTORIC
PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
LONG RANGE GOALS FOR DUBUQUE'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
Long range goals for the planning and development of Dubuque's historic preservation districts are set forth, in the
Dubuque 2000 Comprehensive Plan, and are listed below for these districts separately and collectively:
CATHEDRAL~ JACKSON PARK~ LANGWORTHY AND WEST ELEVENTH STREET HISTORIC DISTRICTS · Preserve historic and aesthetic character and function of established neighborhoods.
CATHEDRAL, JACKSON PARK AND OLD MAIN HISTORIC DISTRICTS · Preserve historic and aesthetic characterand function of established neighborhoods.
· Maintain and improve the aesthetic qualities of the City parking system's facilities.
ALL HISTORIC DISTRICTS
· Encourage neighborhood identity, planning and pride of place.
· Encourage clean-up/beautification for the public, private and business sectors.
· Protect and preserve the city's historic buildings, urban pattern and natural environment.
· Protect and preserve existing open space and parkland to meet the community's needs.
· Utilize principles of good design and/or historic preservation in al public projects.
· Compliment the human scale and historic bulk and mass of existing structures when designing new or redeveloped
structures.
· Enhance the aesthetics of new and eXisting development - design, landscaping, parking, signage - with special sensitivity to
the historic character and bui ding materials found in the community.
· Adapt land use controls to fit the various historic development patterns and neighborhoods that reflect urban, suburban and
rural characteristics.
· Safeguard the cultural and historic resources of the community as critical to the quality of life and the attractiveness of
Dubuque.
iPromote the preservation of historic buildings an, d architectural resources in the com.m.,unity.
Educate the Community about the benefits of historic preservation to the community s quality of life, economic development
efforts tour sm and'tax base enhancement.
· Increase appreciation, education, technical assistance and funding for the community's historical and architectural heritage.
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR'S
STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
The Standards [36 CFR Part 67) apply to historic buildings of all periods, styles, types, materials, and sizes. They apply to both the exterior and
the interior of historic buildings. The Standards also encompass related landscape features and the building's site and environment as well
as attached, adjacent, or related new construction.
The Standards are applied to projects in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility.
1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of
the building and its site and environment.
2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces
that characterize a property shall be avoided.
3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, p/ace, and use. Changes that create a fa/se sense of historical
development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.
4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and
preserved.
5. Oistinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be
preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than rep/aced. Where the severity of deterioration require replacement of a
distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, co/or, texture, and other visual qua#ties and. where possible, materials.
Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical or pictorial evidence.
7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage~to historic materials shall no~ be used. The surface cleaninlg of
structures, if appropriate, Shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
8. Significant archeologica/ resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation
measures shall be undertaken.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shaft not destroy historic materials that Characterize the property. The new
work shall be differen, tiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, sca/e, and architectural features to protect tbe
historic integrity b(ti3e property and its environment,
1~ ~rr~w additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essentla~
..... form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. _
METHODOLOGY- DEFINING
THE DISTRICTS
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
METHODOLOGY- Defining the Districts
There are currently five historic districts in the City ~*
of Dubuque -- Jackson Park, West 11%
Langworthy, Cathedral, and Old Main. The
Guidelines will address each district separately.
Although the majority of the recommendations will
be similar for each district, this approach was
chosen to:
· clarify and simplify information for users of
the Guidelines,
· allow for the recognition and promotion of
differences between districts where they
exist.
"1 JACKSON PARK
~ k,d,~ 2 W,
~ ~', 1 3 LANGWORTHY
,a CATHEDRAL
5 OLD MAIN
· accommodate the expansion or addition of
districts to the Guidelines in the future by the
insertion of new chapters, and
· simplify the process of reviewing and
updating of the Guidelines when necessary
Historic Districts Map ~
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
METHODOLOGY- Defining the Districts
Cathedral District Old Main District Jackson Park District
The districts are architecturally diverse, and encompass both residential and commercial architecture as well as public sites of
historic and cultural importance, and public greenscapes. It is the .qoal of these guidelines to provide a comprehensive set of
recommendations that can apply to ali of the districts~ while still promotinfl the unique characteristics and features ~of each
district. The survey of each district attempted to identify features that were particular to each district through the examination of
existing structures and features, as well as historic photographs of the different districts at various points in their history.
The intent is not to recreate a specific period of history in each district, but rather to recognize and retain significant existing historic
features, and to encourage the introduction of compatible and historically appropriate new materials as necessary in each district. It is
necessary, of course, to acknowledge the existing City ordinances regulating construction, s~gns, and street trees, and these
documents should be consulted prior to any major alteration of the streetscape features.
Photographs are utilized throughout to provide visual explanations of treatments and conditions that are recommended and not
recommended n accoroance with the federal standards. In an attempt to provide increased flexibility of options in certain s!tuations
however, the Guidelines present different levels of rec._o, mmendations. Options presented in normal text represent the preferred Option
that' is in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior s Standards. These options should be used if at all possib e Options marked
by an * represent alternatives that are less preferred,, but are still acceptable, and should be discussed with the City of Dubuque
Planning Services Department and Historic Preservation Commission.
PROPERTY LISTINGS BY DISTRICTS
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
PROPERTY LISTINGS BY DISTRICT
STREET RANGE OF ADDRESSES
West Ist 199 to 235 (odd), 335 to 399
West 2nd 199, 335 to 399
West 3ra 199 to 240, 335 to 499, 1004, 1020, 1027 to 1099
West 4tr 150 to 248 (even), 33'1 to 499
West 5th 320 to 444
West 6t~ 300 to 399
West 7th 300 to 398 (even)
Wesl 8th 36
West 9th 301 to 399 (odd)
West 10~h 295 to 399
West 11th 250 to 695
West 12t~ 250 to 499, 1240, 1250, 1264 to 1270
West 13th 50, 100 to 299
West 14th 100 to 399
West 15t' 35 to 399
West 16th 44 to 399
West 17th 50 to 399
Alice 1055 to 1077
Alpine 100 to 499
Arlington 447 to 649
Bluff 39to 699, 701 [o 759 (odd), 900 to 999 (odd)
Ceiltral
Chestnut
72O
507 to 858
Copperhead Lane All
Dell. 133.5 tO 1360
Emmett Al
Grove Terrace 970 to 1295
STREET RANGE OF ADDRESSER
Hayden Lane Al
Heeb 1 to 51
Highland Place 1105 to1295
Hill 18§ to 299 (odd)
Iowa 1300 to 1699
Jefferson 560 to 687
Jones 300 to 399
Lang,~orthy 1040 to 1199
Lincoln 2241
Locust 53, 55, 401 to 699 (odd), 901 to 999 (odd),
1001 to 1599
Loras Boulevard 100 to 636
Madison 1700 to 1759
Main 100 to 399,. 405 1290 to 1759
Melrose Terrace All
North Main -1700 to 1759
Olive. 970 tO 1080
Prairie 1136 ;to 1349
Raymond Place 400
Rose 70.5, 715
St. Mary's All
Spruce 945 to 1073
Walnut 1006 to 1'293
West Locust 300 to 399
Wilbur 49Oto 610
JACKSON PARK DISTRICT
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200'/
Jackson Park
SETTING AND SITE
SETTING -The building setting is the area or
environment in which an historic property is found.
It may be an urban or suburban neighborhood or a
natural landscape in which a building has been
constructed. The elements of setting, such as the
relationship of buildings to one another, propegy
setbacks, fence patterns, views, driveways and
walkways, together with street trees and otl~er
landscaping features create the character of a
neighborhood or district.
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the setting, such as roads and streets,
furnishings and fixtures, natural or topographic~features, and key views
or vistas.
· Retain historic relationship between buildings, between buildings and
streets, and between buildings and landscape features.
· Evaluate condition and integrity of existing landscape and streetscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, and long-term protection
of these features.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any streetscape or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of the
district.
· Failing to maintain the historic relationship of buildings and setting
features through inappropriate new construction of streets, parking lots,
or building infill.
· Permitting damage or deterioration of existing features through
inadequate protection or maintenance.
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new
materials, when originals can be saved and repaired.
Historic phOt~i~ph at 11th street between Bluff and
;LoCust. The ~r;aoter of this area is defined by large;
;homes on Cer~e~ ets, combined with Urban features
'Such as u~ifbrm Setbacks higher density Of
development ~rete sidewalks and mature street
trees in the right-of way.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
SETTING
RECOMMENDED
Greenspaces are highly
visible featuresin some
districts. In this Photo
from 1878, Jackson
Park has just been
transformed frem a
graveyard to a public
park. The landscaping,
paths, and fencing is in
place, although the
central oriental gazebo
is under construction,
Jackson Park District is
notable for its more urban
character, as defined by the
public and
uses, as well as
th~ higher density of
development, resulting in
residential version of tl~e
res can
be seen in both the historic
(left) ~nd contemporary (right)
pho~os of the west side of
Main Street.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SETTING
NOT RECOMMENDED
A combination of
insensitive urban
renewal, road
construction, and
deferred
maintenance have
taken their toll on
the once dense
residentialand
commercial areas in
downtown. Having
lost their historic
context, the
surviwng structures
do not relate well to
their new
surroundings, and
seem out of place.
Jackson Park
Contemporary parking lots
in the district generally
signify the loss of structures
that contributed to the
overall setting and
character of the area. The
resulting gaps ~n the
historic fabric have a
negative visual impact, as
in the case of the imposing
Greystone, seen at right,
which once dominated its
bl°Ck at the bluff base~ It is
now the site of a large
parking lot (at left).
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
SETTING AND SITE
SITE - The landscape surrounding a historic building
and contained within an individual parcel of land is
considered the building site. The site, including all of its
associated features, contributes to the overall character of
the property. As a result, the relationship between the
building and the landscape features within the site's
boundaries should be considered in the overall planning of
rehabilitation work.
6.42' H,~use at 1243 LOcust, btdlt for the Goodrich who was a cousin of
F.E, Bi~seIl (fig 6.41), a~tr bute~ to l~ague, sh~u~ [ efo~*e tile porche~ were
removed; It was la,er ou,~d by Davul~ S. Wilson~ The window hntels are
si~nilar ~a those on Rague's addition to the county wurt~ouse (fig 5~).
Some ~tigg~st the l*g,~ ho~se at Ea~le Point Wa~ also a Rag~e ~tbsign. See
~NtFER FOR DBQ HISTOR~
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the site, such as sidewalks and
paths, furnishings, light fixtures, sculpture, and water features,
natural or topographic features, and potential archaeological
resources.
· Retain historic relationship between buildings and secondary
structures, between buildings and streets, and between buildings
and landscape features.
· Evaluate condition and integrity of existing buildings and landscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, and long-term
protection of these features.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any building or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of the
site.
· Failing to maintain the historic relationship of buildings and
landscape features through inappropriate new construction of
streets, pathways, parking lots, secondary buildings, or building
infill.
· Permitting damage or deterioration of existing features through
inadequate protection or maintenance.
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new
materials, when originals can be saved and repaired.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
jaCks°n Park
SITE
RECOMMENDED
The relationship of the
building fa(;ade to its lot,
to the street and the
sidewalk, and to its
neighbors helps define
the nature of the building
site. The two photos on
the right show large free-
standing homes on large
lots, which is common in
this district. The fences,
Iow plantings, retaining
walls, and large scale
landscaping all contri-
bute to the character of
the site.
NOT RECOMMENDED
The photo on the left is
an example of a site
that has been altered in
a way that is
incompatible with the
surrounding sites in the
neighborhood. It is an
insensitive ~se of lim~
~tdne in a historic
district, especially
this residential setting:
Thankfully; the
vegetation ~as been
recently restored, a~
seed in the photo on
the right.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING, PAVING - RESIDENTIAL
RECOMMENDED
The majority of the areas contained within the
historic districts were platted in a period that relied
on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as the
primary means of iransportation. Streets were
narrow and paved with planks, and later with
pavers, if they were paved at all. In the more urban
areas of Jackson Park, Old Main and Cathedral
districts, housing patterns were dense, and rear
alleys provided access to sheds, carriage houses,
or garages at the back or side of'the property. With
the coming of the automobile, these structures
were increasingly converted to or replaced by
garages. The insertion of driveways, parking areas,
and curb cuts in these districts is generally
inconsistent with their historic character.
Within the districts the traditional paving materials
should be saved and restored. The insertion of
new curb cuts and parking--both garages and
driveways--should be kept to a minimum.
· Preservation of driveways and their original designs, materials, and placements.
· Materials for new drivesthat are consistent with the historic materials, including
crushed-limestone aggregate concrete and brick pavers.
· Parking areas located near the rear of the property, and screened with
landscaping when visible from the street.
· Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures for continued use.
· Access to garages from side or rear of property.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tinted
asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a plain
asphalt.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Insertion of new semi-circular or drive-thru drive designs in front yards.
· Demolition of an existing secondary structure for the creation of a new garage.
· Insertion of a new drive Or garage adjacent to or in front of the pr mary fa~ade.rof
the Primary structure.
· Insertion of gravel ordirt drives, which:~iolatesCity codes.
· Insertion of new drNes or parking areas without provision of preper landscape
screening from the street(s).
*Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
DRIVES, PARKING LOTS, PAVING
The majority of the areas contained within the
historic districts were platted in a period that relied
largely on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as
the primary means of transportation. Streets
originally were paved with planks, and later with
pavers, if they were paved at all. In the downtown
areas of Old Main, West 11th Street, Jackson Park,
and portions of the Cathedral districts, construction
patterns were dense, and rear alleys provided
access to the back of the property.
The insertion of prominent driveways, curb cuts,
and parking lots in these areas of the district is
generally inconsistent with their historic character.
Within the districts the traditional pawng and
materials should be saved and restored, and the
insertion of new curb cuts and parking kept to a
minimum.
COMMERCIAL
RECOMMENDED
· Location of new parking lots for commercially-used houses, churches,
apartments, schools in the rear of the properties.
· Screening parking areas at corner lots with landscaping on both streets,
· Aligning new parking areas on vacant lots with the front edge of the adjacent
property to allow for a proper landscaping screen.
· Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures for continued use.
· Access for delivery from the side or rear of property.
· Preservation and repair of brick paving where existing.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tinted
asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a I~lain
asphalt.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Demolition of an existin.g primary or secondary structure for the creation of
parking areas.
· IRsertion of a new drive or garage adjacent to or in front of the primary fa~a'de-of
the prin~ary structure~
· insertion of new drives or parking areas without provision of proper landscape
screening from street.
*ReView with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING LOTS, PAVING
RECOMMENDED
Public parking with an adequate setback,
decorative fencing, and appropriate
plantings for screening.
Historic brick street, This area was
recently repaired and the pavers were
retained.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Contemporary parking lots (at left)
in the districts create gaps in the
historic architectural fabric that
havea negative visual impact:on
the district as a whole. At left the
parking lot is prominently located
at a corner, it does not respect the
setback of the neighboring
building, and there is little to blend
it into its surrounding or hide it from
puDic view with the fencing or
landscaping. At right, the large
open space of the parking lot
interrupts the architectural row.
JackSOn Park
The density necessitates on-street or alley parking
for both commercial and residential structures.
Garages are accessed from the rear alley.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001 Jackson Park
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
Sidewalks throughout the Cathedral District were RECOMMENDED
either wood plank in their earliest form, which Was
later replaced with brick pavers in different ,Identification and preservation of original historic paving and mestone curbing
patterns, or poured concrete with a crushed materials where they su~ive, particularly in areas where the curbing has a
limestone aggregate. It is currently City policy to substantial visual impact~n the view from the street.
remove and replace these materials during new .Materials for new sidewalks and crosswalks that are consistent with the historic
construction, either with broom finish poured materials, such as brick pavers and Crushed- imestone aggregate concrete.
concrete or, more recently, .stained concrete
pavers or stained and stamped concrete. ,Replacement of deteriorated limestone curbs with new limestone.
Preservation and replication of any of the historic .New sidewalks that restore the historic width of the walkways, where
masonry materials for sidewalks would be contemporary usages and'City codes allow.
appropriate in the Jackson Park District and
adjacent neighborhoods, and is the recommended ACCEPTABLE
treatment. Substitute materials can be considered
for issues of cost and code comp ance, however. ,Substitute materials that simulate the original paving, such as colored concrete
pavers and stamped and/or stained concrete.*
Limestone was the traditional curb material
throughout the city. As with the. sidewalks, it has .Substitute materials that simulate the original limestone curbing in color,
been City policy to remove and replace these texture, and shape, such as straight curbs of tinted concrete poured with a
curbs with poured concrete curbs and gutters as textured form liner (preferred option).*
they deteriorate, or when they interfere with street ,As a last resort, straight curbs of limestone-colored stained concrete may be
or utility repairs. Limestone is recommended for used.*
use as a straight curb material in these a[eas due
to its historic presence, but alternate materials may NOT RECOMMENDED
be considered for ease of maintenance reduced ,Remova of histor c curbsand gutters without an appropr ate replacement.
cost and increased durability.
r .Use of pebble-surface concrete sidewalks.
· Use of asphalt for a paving material on sidewalks.
[~[~r~-~. ' *Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
RECOMMENDED
Jackson Park
Limestone curbs in historic (left) and contemporary(right) pHotos. These survive rather sporadically
due to the City's replacement policy They should be maintained whenever possible,
ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATES
ad;d limestone
paving
Concrete pavers Stamped concrete
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
GRADE CHANGES AND RETAINING WALLS
Any addition or removal of ground material on the
property is considered to be a change in grade. As
a general rule this should be avoided. Such
changes generally result in the alteration of the
visual character of the property, and also may
damage the site and its structures through erosion
or improper drainage.
Every residential historic district exhibited some
i=orm of retaining wal constructed from large,
rough-hewn blocks of the ocal limestone. These
retaining walls are characteristic of Dubuque, and
the massive examples seen in the Cathedral,
Jackson Park, and West 11t" Street districts
represent one of the city's most distinctive features.
Smaller scale versions are commor~ for individual
properties, and groups of properties, throughout
the districts.
As with the curbs and gutters, limestone retaining
walls have been replaced in some areas with new
poured concrete versions. The historic walls should
be retained and repaired where they exist, and
new~ walls should be built with the same finish
materials asthe historic ~Nails.
GRADE CHANGES RECOMMENDED
· Minor changes in grade that will improve drainage of a site, or that will serve to
direct moisture away froma structure.
· Minor changes ingrade for the purpose of site or landscape improvements or
restoration.
GRADE CHANGES NOT RECOMMENDED
· Changes in grade that obscure or conceal portions of the primary structure.
· Changes in gradp that may have an adverse effect on the site's structures, or
neighboring structures through the redirection of moisture or storm water.
· Changes in grade that have an impact on the character of the streetscape or the
relationship of the buildings to their sites.
RETAINING WALLS RECOMMENDED
· Identifying and preserving historic limestone retaining walls.
· Constructing new retaining wallsthat replicate the size, scale, and materials or,the
historic limestone walls.
RETAINING WALLS NOT RECOMMENDED
~Damaging or removing an historic retain!ng wall that can be salvaged or repaired.
· Constructing new retaining walls of poured concrete, railroad ties, or Standard
concrete block.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GRADE CHANGES AND RETAINING WALLS
RECOMMENDED
Jackson Park
Historic limestone retaining WallS: Such walls are common in Dubuque, and define its character. Every effort should be made to preserve the~i
NOT RECOMMENDED
Large poured concrete retai~lng Wall is incompatible
in its form, materials, and finish
Railroad tie retaini[~g walls are not a
Substitute materials.do not match the color
teXture and scale~[~e original lim~i~
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
FENCES AND GATES
Every residential area of the historic districts
exhibited some form of Iow historic fences and/or
gate. The high density of the residential areas
combined with the complexities of the local
topography limited fences primarily to large, flat
plots, usually those of the larger upper class
homes. Elaborate wrought and cast iron examples
were common on the larger properties constructed
in the latter half of the nineteenth century in ~he
Jackson Park, West 11t' Street, and C~thedral
districts. These were often .erected atop a
limestone retaining wall that served as a base, and
several examples survive in good condition. More
utilitarian mesh-type fences--precursors t0 modern
chain link--also are visible 'in these areas,
although they survive less frequently. In the
Langworthy and southern Cathedral districts
simple wooden picket fencing and gates, and
wooden balustrade style fences were a popular
choice for larger homes or groups of properties,
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of original cast and wrought iron fences and
gates.
· Replication and installation of new fences based upon identified historic
prototypes.
· Replication and installation of different types of historic fences for different
exposures, based upon identified prototypes.
· New fences that are sensitive to historic precedents in their scale, transparency,
color, and materials.
· Fencing that is in compliance with City codes.
· Installation of privacy fences at the rear of the property only.
· Removal of inappropr ate chan link or privacy fences.
· Installation Of the same appropriate material for fences wherever they occur on
the property, unless different historicmaterials are extant.
· Installation of fences with the decorative face presented to the public way.
· P!anting of windbreaks or, hedgerows to function as a privacy "fence'': on
pr mary.facades where adequate h stor c docu mentat on ex sts
!
After 1945 chain link became a popular* fencing ~
option, but this material is incompatible with the· NOT RECOMMENDED
historic character of thedStricts Original fences
should be, preserved rePaired where they
~Xi~i and fenCe~ ~h°ud. be ba~ed Upon
histor c protetypes Whe~ever possible.
· New fences constructed of chain link, horizontal board, split rails, plastic,
concrete block or other solid masonry.
not in compliance with City codes.
,Privacy fences that are set forward of the rear Wall of the structure, or that are
prom nent y v s b e from the street(s)
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
FENCES AND GATES - Wood
RECOMMENDED
JaCkSon Park
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
FENCES AND GATES - Metal
RECOMMENDED
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
AMENITIES - RESIDENTIAL
A variety of public amenities are required in public
areas for the convenience of the public. HistoriCally
these would include items such as benches or
other forms of seating, clocks, hitching posts, and
street signs. Due to intensive usage and constant
exposure to the elements, few of these items
survive except in historic photographs. Where
historic features survive, they should be preserved
and maintained. Where eVidence for historic
features is available, an effort should be made to
replicate them in newer, more durable materials
that will reduce maintenance and replacement
costs.
The City has recently installed new strap iron
benches in public spaces in the downtown area
and at Cable Car Square, and they would like to
continue the use of this style throughout the
historic districts. This style is suitable for public
areas in residential and commercial areas °f the
districts. In the more residential areas of the district
it is advisable to consider the introduction of trash
and ash receptacles, and possibly planters in
residential areas as wel! for public benefitl TO
minimize the cOSts Pf maintenance and
~ePlacement for the Ci~yl it is a'dvisable to utilize
one or two styles for ~1i features throughout the
historic dist[ ctS and thei~ ~ei~hb0ring areas. .
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of existing historic features, such as hitching
posts, benches or other seating, trash receptacles, etc. that were provided for
public use. Damage or flaws may prevent the retention or continued use of these
items, but they should be documented and preserved in storage to serve as a
guide for new features.
· New features based upon historical precedents. These can be executed in
contemporary materials and finishes to increase durability. Note that amenities
such as benches and signs that are constructed largely or entirely of wood will be
more easily damaged and will require regular maintenance.
· New features that reference the style of historic features, to establish a unified
appearance and general historic character among the public amenities in the
historic districts.
· Installation of amenities purchased through the City, or through the City's
suppliers, for use on private proPerty.
· One group or party should be responsible for the maintenance of plantings in
planters.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of existing historic features, either deliberately or through
deferred maintenance.
· Installation of new features that do not reference historical features, or that are not
coordinated with the features recommended by the Guidelines.
· Benches and waste receptacles composed largely or entirely Of smooth or pebble-
faced concrete or plastic.
· InStallation of features that do not meet current City codes.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
AMENITIES - COMMERICIAL
A variety of public amenities are required in public
areas for the convenience of the public. Historically
these would include items such as benches or
other forms of seating, trash receptacles, clocks,
hitching posts, and street signs. Due to intensive
usage and constant exposure to the elements, few
of these items survive except in historic
photographs. Where historic features survive, they
should be preserved and maintained Where
evidence for historic features is available an effort
should be made to replicate them in r~ewer, more
durable materials that will reduce maintenance and
replacement costs.
The City has recently installed new strap iron
benches in public spaces in the downtown area
and at Cable Car Square, and they would ike to
continue the use of this style througl~out the
historic districts. This style is suitable for public
areas in residential and commercial areas of the
districts. In the more commercial areas of QId Main
and south Cathedral district, it is advisable to
consider the introduction of trash and ash
receptacles clocks, and possibly planters as well
for public benefit. To minimize the costs of
mair~tenance and replacement i~or the City, it is
adv sable to utilize one or:two styles for all features
throughout the histode districts and their
r~e~.~ipg areas,
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of any existing historic features, such as hitching
posts, benches or other seating, etc. that were provided for public use. Damage or
flaws may prevent the retention or continued use of these items, but they should
be documented and preserved in storage to serve as a guide for new features.
· New features based upon historical precedents. These can be executed in
contemporary materials and finishes to increase durability. Note that amenities
suCh as benches or signs that are constructed largely or entirely of woOd will be
more easily damaged and will require regular maintenance:
· New features that reference the style of historic features, to establish a unified
appearance and general historic character among the public amenities in the
historic districts.
· One group or party should be responsible for the maintenance of plantings in
planters.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of existing historic features, either deliberately or through
deferred maintenance.
· Installation of new features that do not reference historical features, or that are not
coordinated with the features recommended by the Guidelines.
· Benches and waste receptacles composed largely or entirely of smooth or Pebble-
faced concrete or plastic.
olnstallation of features that do not meet current City codes.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
AMENITIES
RECOMMENDED
New strap iron bench at3rd and Main
Bench, planter and ght ng at Cable Car
Square
Jackson Park
Detail of planter and light
Detail :bf Simp i~°n ~e:~hat Cable Car
"Central Park" style bench
Historic property marker/h tch ng
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
The commercial areas of the historic districts
including all of the Old Main district and the central
portion of the Cathedral district near Cable Car
Square have exhibited a wide array of signs from
the late nineteenth century through the present
day. Few examples from the nineteenth century
survive, but there is photographic evidence for
signs on Main Street throughout the twentipth
century. It is desirable that new signs attempt to
reference the historic signs of the early twentieth
century in is size, scale, style, and coloration, but
substitute materials are acceptable for the
purposes of increased durability. Several examples
of appropriate signs can be seen in Cable Car
Square.
Given its age and cultural significance, neon signs
from the mid-century are now considered to be
historic in their own right. The retention and/or
replication of these materials for contemporary Use
RECOMMENDED
· All signs also should follow regulations outlined in City ordinances.
· Identification, repair, and'~preservation of existing signs from the first half of the
twentieth century or earlier.
· IdentificatiQn and preservation of signs.from the 1950s and 1960s, where
appropriate.
· Signs constructed of traditional and historic materials such as carved and painted
wood, cast bronze, or painted metal.
· Signs that replicate or reference historic signage in their style, scale, and
materials.
· Signs that replicate symbols or Iogos associated with the business, product or
trade.
· Coordination of sign colors with overall scheme of building exterior.
· Placement of signs at traditional locations, such as storefront belt courses, upper
fa(;ade walls, hanging or mounted inside the windows, or projecting from the face
of the building.
should be
Commission on a case-by-case basis:
NOT RECOMMENDED
evaluated by the Preservation ~ i '
.Removal or destruction of historic s gns e.ther through deiberate action or
I neglect'
Signs that are out of scale with the building, and with neighbor ng buildings ,and
' signs.'
', ,~ , ,S,i~ns of inappropriate materials, such as plastic Or vrnyl.
' I .Insertion,,,~ or attachment of signs in such away as to inflict damage to the. building.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
RECOMMENDED
~ Contemporary signs,
hangers, and points
of placement in
Cable Car Square,
reflecting the
reoommended style,
scale, materials, and
appearance for sign
features in the
district.
Jackson Park
Circa 1880
Historic sign variants on Main Street
Circa 1915
Circa 1960
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
WAYFINDING FEATURES
The nature and appearance of street signs and
wayfinding materials are determined to a certain
extent by code. The size, shape, and graphics of
street signs may not be aitered in certain
instances. However, the City has recently installed
decorative signposts in the area around the City
Hall. It is recommended that this type of post, or a
variant of it, be used for new signs.
Kiosks and information boards are not historic
features of Dubuque, but they are important assets
in serving both the local population and visitors to
the city. New wayfinding materials should be in
keeping with the style, materials and colors
established for other public amenities such as
benches and waste receptacles.
It may be desirable to altei- the wayfinding
materials slightly in color, material, or style for each
district as a means of clearly separating and
defining them according to their historic character.
Banners or other ga;teway markers may be
desi'rable as a means of defining each district.
Historic examples are recorded in photographs
and these should be replicated or referenced.
RECOMMENDED
· Maintain a consistency of style, color, and scale in all wayfinding fea~;ures to
contribute to the overall historic character of each district in general, and the
amenities in particular.
· Maintain a consistency in style of text and graphics within each district, or within
the districts/as a whole.
· Decorative signposts that reference historic street features.
· New gateways or banners that are consistent with the styleS, colors, and materials
selected for each district'~wayfinding materials, or for the districts in general.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· New signs, kiosks or boards that are incompatible with the other streetscape
amenities.
· New wayfinding materials that are out of scale with the surrounding buildings and
streetscape, or with the other streetscape amenities.
· Installation of wayfinding materials in such a manner as to disrupt or block critioal
vistas or views.
· Installation of waYflnding features in such a way as to damage existing historic
streetscape materials, orthe surrounding structures.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200'/
WAYFINDING FEATURES
RECOMMENDED
Jackson Park
Contemporary marker for Cable Car Souare incorporating
historic fencing ano Typical retaining wall materials
Typical new street sign With
decdra{i,~e post used in Cable' Car
Square area
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
STREET LIGHTING
Several examples of historic lighting in the Old
Main district are recorded in historic photographs,
and several examples of street light fixtures dating
from the eady twentieth century have been
preserved and reused in the downtown area. It is
not feasible to retrofit these fixtures for continued
use throughout the downtown due to problems of
repair and long-term maintenance.
Recently the City has installed new street lighting
posts in the downtown, and they would like to
continue using this style for durability and ease of
maintenance.
Street lights may represent another area where
districts can express their historic character
through differing styles, materials, or colors of lamp
posts and globes. This will need to be ba!anced
with issues of cost and upkeep for the Cityi
RECOMMENDED
· Preservation, repair and reuse of original fixtures whenever possible.
· Documentation and storage of historic fixtures for reference or protected usage.
· New lighting that is consistent with the historic lighting in its sca{e, style,
materials, and colors.
· New lighting that is installed at a height appropriate for thestreetscape.
· Purchase and use of City-approved lighting fixtures by privatb property owners for
installation on their proPe~y.
· Consider coIor-coYrected metal halide lighting to provide better color rendition of
the historic materials.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Destruction or removal of existing historic light fixtures thatcan be salvaged or
repaired.
· Installation of new lighting in such as way as to block key vistas or views.
· Installation of lighting in such a way as to damage existing historic streetscape
elements, or surrounding buildings~
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
STREET LIGHTING
RECOMMENDED
New light installed by the City in Old Main and Cathedral
Districts.
Detail of new lighting
Historic photo showing original gas lights
NOT RECOMMENDED
Contemporary
photo showing
historic lighting
reinstalled on
bridge in 'downtown
Historic photo
showing specialty
lighting for chemist
shop i0 the shape
of a:ifl~ar and
' pestle
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
YARD AND PARK FEATURES
The historic districts contain a large percentage of
green space scattered throughout in the form of
private yards and public parks, most notably
Jackson Park and Washington Park. Historic
documentation has allowed for the recreation of
the pathways and pergola in Washington Park, and
similar documentation is available for Jackson
Park. It is desirable that this park be restored toits
appearance in the early twentieth centu~. This
does not preclude the insertion of Contemporary
outdoor sculpture or outdoor installations in these
spaces, however.
Yard space that is on private property is not
generally regulated by the City. It is recommended
that private property owners remain aware of the
views of their property from the public way, and to
maintain these views in a manner that is consistent
with the historic character of their district.
RECOMMENDED
· Restoration of public parks and greenspaces to their original layout and
landscaping plans (if appropriate), including the restoration or recreation of
pergolas or grandstands.
· Evaluation of later changes to public parks and greenspaces to determine their
historical significance.
· InStallation of amenities and wayfinding materials in public greenspacesthat are
in keeping with the rest of that district.
· Maintaining private property that is visible from the public way in a manner that is
in keeping with the historic character of the district.
· Installation of public sculpture or other displays of outdoor art in public
greenspaces.
· Installation of artwork on publicly-visible private property that is in keeping with
the scale of its surroundings.
· Installation of fountains or other water features on publicly-visible private prq~perty
that is keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding disffict's
streetscape
RECOMMENDED
)val of any existing historic lands(=aping or park feature.
· installation of new features on public greenspacesthat do not respect the:sCale or
character of their surrounding district.
~lns~tallation of new artwork, fountains, or peFgolas, etc.
Y~erty that does not t~espect the scale or chStdett~t bfth g
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
YARD AND PARK FEATURES
RECOMMENDED
Jackson Park
"Park-like" treatment of the large lot
surrounding this property includes ample
plantings, Iow transparent-fences, and
appropriately styled and scaled sighs.
Historic photo of Jackson Park,
Washington Park in the
been revive(
Q[ ts origina! landscaping
~ :feaiUr, es re~t~red:~b~tl~eir
; bJs. t°r~c appearance; most
notably the:gazebo,in the
· center. A similar
treatment is
recommende~: ,f. pr Jackson
Park,
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
LANDSCAPING
Some photographic evidence exists for the various
forms of landscaping that have existed in the
historic districts over time. These' schemes may not
be appropriate for restoration. Landscaping in the
historic districts will be guided largely by the
existing landscaping ordinance, .which designates
tree and shrub species, sizes, and appropriate
locations on public and private property, r
Where evidence of a historic landscape feature
exists, and can contribute to the historic character
of he district, efforts should be made to preserve
or restore these features. Such work should be
carried out with the consultation of the City
Forester to ensure that it meets the City ordinance,
and does not pose a threat to the health of the
surrounding landscape, or the safety of the public.
RECOMMENDED
· Identification, preservation, and restoration of historic landscape features
whenever possible.
· New landscapingthat meets the requirements of the landscaping ordinance.
· Restoration or recreation of landscaping features that have local historical or
cultural significance for the district or the city in general.
· preserve and maintain mature trees, replacing them when they become diseased
or die.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Insertion of new landscaping features that may pose a hazard to the health of
surrounding landscape features, or to public safety.
· Installation of new landscape features that will contribute tothe deterioration Of
nearby structures or streetscape features.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
LANDSCAPING
RECOMMENDED
Street trees on Bluff Street in the 1880s
Two examples of historically sensitive landscaping treatments
Street trees
and
landscapin~ on
north Maih
(left) and
landscapiilg
above a
retaining wall
for a
freestanding
house (right)
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Jackson Park
UTILITIES
The standard procedures for utilities govern the
size, appearance, and location of their services. It
is recommended that an attempt be made to
provide more inconspicuous service boxes in the
historic districts, either through the modification of
the covers, or the location of the boxes
themselves.
Existing electrical service runs above ~ground,
creating a network of wires over the streets and the
historic properties. The City may consider the
option of burying utilities on all new construction,
and on all repairs in the historic districts.
RECOMMENDED
· New utility boxes that are less invasive in their appearance and/or their i°c~iiion.
· BUrying all new or upgr~'~ted utility serve to reduce the number of overhead lines
in the histori~ dist~iCts. :
NOT
· Piecing utility service boxes in Open areas that are prominently ¥isible~rOm the
street, as seen below.
WEST 11TM STREET DISTRICT
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
West Eleventh
SETTING AND SITE
SETTING -The building Setting is the area or
environment in which an historic property is found.
It may be an urban or suburban neighborhood or a
natural landscape in which a building has been
constructed. The elements of setting, such as the
relationship of buildings to one another, property
setbacks, fence patterns, views, driveways a~d
walkways, together with street trees 'and other
landscaping features create the character of a
neighborhood or district.
Historic Ph°tog~aPh bf the 11th Street Elevator
CombinatiOn ~ith the large building lots, masSive
limestone retain.ing wall, the elevator, and the variety
of mature trees 0q both publiC and private
properties.
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the setting, such as roads and streets,
furnishings and fixtures, natural or topographic features, and key views
or vistas.
· Retain historic relationship between buildings, between buildings and
streets, and between buildings and landscape features.
· Evaluate condition and integrity of existing landscape and streetscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, and long-term protection
of these features.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any streetscape or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of the
district.
· Failing to maintain the historic relationship of buildings and setting
features through inappropriate new construction of streets, parking lots,
or building infill.
· Permitting damage or deterioration of existing features through
inadequate protection or maintenance.
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new
materials, when originals can be saved and repaired.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
WeSt Eleventh
SETTING
RECOMMENDED
This historic photo of Loras Boulevard in
the 1880s shows the continuity of the
architectural row as it steps down the hill.
Even though the structures a~re of
different styles, the uniformity ~f setback,
the presence of limestone retaining
walls, IoW fences, and mature street
trees at the limestone curbs ties the
architectural elements together.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Every effort should be
made to bury power lines
and to preserve mature
historic sidewalks,
and retaining walls.
Compare the historic
photo at right, and the
photo from 1987 at left.
The widening of the street
combined with the 10ss of
and Street
trees plus the insert!on of
overhead power lines has
radically altered the
character of the view.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001'
West Eleventh
SETTING AND SITE
SITE - The landscape surrounding a historic building
and contained within an individual parcel of land is
considered the building site. The site, including all of its
associated features, contributes to the overall character of
the property. As a result, the relationship between the
building and the landscape features within the site's
boundaries should be considered in the overall planning of
rehabilitation work.
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the site, such as sidewalks and
paths, furnishings, light fixtures, sculpture, water features, natural or
topographic features, and potential archaeological resources.
· Retain historic relationship between buildings and secondary
structures, between buildings and streets, and between buildings
and landscape features.
· Evaluate condition and integrity of existing buildings and landscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, and long-term
protection of~hese features.
NOT RECOMM ENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any building or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of the
site.
· Failing to maintain the historic relationship of buildings and
landscape featureS through inappropriate new construction of
streets, pathways, parking lots, secondary buildings, or building
infill.
· Permitting damage or deter orat on of existing features through
inadequate protection or maintenance
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new
materials, when originals can be saved and repaired.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SITE
RECOMMENDED
WeSt Eleventh
The two ohotos below demonstrate appropriate site treatments: the relationship of the house to the grounos; appropriate
scale and materials for paths leading to the house; original limestone retaining walls: and well-olaced landscaping features
that are scaled [o corn 31iment and frame the house.
NOT RECOMMENDED
The orominent siting of this home has been
compromised by inappropriate and poony
maintained fencing, and the insertion of landscaping
features that are ~mproperly sited and scaled in
relation to the house, creating a visual barrier.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200f
West Eleventh
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING, PAVING - RESIDENTIAL
The majority of the areas contained within the
historic districts were platted in a period that relied
on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as the
primary means of transpodation. Streets were
narrow and paved with planks, and later with
pavers, if they were paved at all. In the more urban
areas of Jackson Park, Old Main, and Cathedral
districts, housing patterns were dense, and rear
alleys provided access to sheds, carriage houses,
or garages at the back or side of the property. With
the coming of the automobile, these structures
were increasingly converted to or replaced by
garages. The West 11th Street District contains a
combination of freestanding house on large lots
and high density "urban" development. The density
and the topography required that parking and
access be located at the rear of the property along
alleys, or less frequently in the slope of the steep
terrain. Curb cuts, driveways, and visible parking
are inconsistent with the historic character of the
district, and should be avoided. New drives and
parking should respect the historic precedents.
Within the districts the traditional paving materials
should be saved and restored.. The insertion of
new curb cuts and parking--both garages and
driveways--should be kept to a minimum.
RECOMMENDED
· Preservation of driveways and their original designs, materials, and placements
· Materials for new drives that are consistent with the historic materials, including
crushed-limestone aggregate concrete and brick pavers.
· Parking areas located near the rear of the property, and screened with
landscaping when visible from the street.
· Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures for continued use.
· Access to garages from side or rear of property.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tinted
asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a plain
asphalt.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Insertion of new semi-circular or drive-thru drive designs in front yards.
· Demolition of an existing secondary structure for the creation of a new garage.
· InSertion of a new drive or garage adjacent to or in front of the primary facade of
the primary structure.
-Insertion of gravel or dirt drives, which Violates City codes.
· Insertion of new drives or parking areas without provision of proper landscape
screening from the street(s).
*Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001.
West Eleventh
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING, PAVING
RECOMMENDED
Public parking with an adequate'setback,
decorative fencing, and appropriate
plantings for screen ng
New and histonc garages inserted at the rear of the property on the alley (left), or integrated
into the slope of the terrain (right).
NOT RECOMMENDED
At left the parking lot is
prominently located at a
corner, it does not
respect the setback of
the neighboring building,
The horizontal rail fence
and minimal landscaping
does little to blend it into
its Surroundings or hide it
from pubic view At right a
carport is placed
prominently in the front
of the property.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
West Eleventh
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
Sidewalks throughout the Cathedral District were
either wood plank in their earliest form, which was
later replaced with brick pavers in different
patterns, or poured concrete, with a crushed
limestone aggregate. A historic hexagonal
concrete paver was noted in limited quantities in
the Langworthy, Old Main, and Cathedral Districts:
It is currently City policy to remove and replace
these materials during new construction, either
with broom finish poured concrete or, more
recently, stained concrete pave~*s or stained and
stamped concrete. Preservation and replication of
any of the historic masonry materials for sidewalks
would be appropriate in the Cathedral district and
adjacent neighborhoods, and is the recommended
treatment. Substitute materials can be considered
for issues of cost and code compliance, however.
Limestone was the traditional curb material
throughout the city. As with the sidewalks, it has
been City policy to remove and replace these
curbs with Poured concrete cUrbs and gUtte~ ~s
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of original historic paving and limestone curbing
materials where they su~ive particularly in areas where the curbing has a
substantial visual impacton the vew from the street.
· Materials for new sidewalks and crosswalks that are consistent with the historic
materials, suCh as brick pavers and crushed-limestone aggregate concrete.
· Replacement of deteriorated limestone curbs with new limestone.
· New sidewalks that restore the historic width of the walkways, where
contemporary usages and City codes allow.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original paving, such as colored concrete
pavers and stamped and/or stained concrete.*
· Substitute materials that simulate the original limestone curbing in color,
texture, and shape, such as strmght curbs of tinted concrete poured With a
textured form liner (preferred option) .*
· As a last resort, straight curbs of limestone.colored stained concrete may be
used.*
they deteriorate, or when they interfere wth street
or utility repairs. Limestone is recommended I
use as a straight Curb material in these areas due
to its historic presence~ b~ a.ternate mater a s maY
~0~ andbe ~onsideredin~easedfOr ease ~ maidtenance,:.. ~;~,. reduced
dura~,,,~y. .
*Review with PSD and HPC
, RECOMMENDED
· Removal of historic curbs and gutters without an appropriate replacement.
· Use of pebble-surface concrete sidewalks.
· Use of aspha t for a paving material on Sidewalks.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
WeSt Eleventh
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
RECOMMENDED
Limestone curbs in historic photo (above), These survive
rather sporadically due to the City's replacement policy.
They should be maintained whenever possible. An exam ~le
of the surviving two-tone hexagona~ pavers on 3r~ Street is
shown at left. The color, Texture, s~ze~ and overall scale of
these sidewalks should be re~)licated in new constructien in
the district, if possible.
paving
and mestone ~ggregat~': ~6~rete,(foregrobnd)
ACCEPTABL
:RNATES
Concrete pavers Stam
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
West Eleventh
GRADE CHANGES AND RETAINING WALLS
Any addition or removal of ground material on the
property is considered to be a change in grade. As
a general rule this should be avoided. Such
changes generally result in the alteration of the
visual character of the property, and also may
damage the site and its structures through erosion
or improper drainage.
Every residential historic distric! exhibited some
form of retaining wall constructed from large,
rough-hewn blocks of the local limestone. These
retaining walls are characteristic, of Dubuque, and
the massive examples seen in the Cathedral,
Jackson Park, and West 11th Street districts
represent one of the city's most distinctive features.
Smaller scale versions are common for individual
properties, and groups of properties, throughout
the districts.
As with the curbs and gutters, limestone retaining
walls have been replaced in some areas with new
poured concrete versions, The historic walls should
be retained and repaired ~vhere they exist, and
neTM Wals should be ~i~it with the same finish
materials asthe historio ~Iis,
GRADE CHANGES RECOMMENDED
.Minor changes in grade that will improve drainage of a site, or that will serve to
direct moisture away frome structure.
· Minor changes in grade for the purpose of site or landscape improvements or
restoration.
GRADE CHANGES NOT RECOMMENDED
· Changes in grade that obscure or conceal portions of the primary structure.
· Changes in grade that may have an adverse effect on the site's structures, or
neighboring structures through the redirection of moisture or storm water.
· Changes in grade that have an impact on the character of the streetscape or the
relationship of the buildings to their sites.
RETAINING WALLS RECOMMENDED
oldentifylng and preserving historic limestone retaining walls.
· Constructing new retaining walls that replicate the size, scale, and materials of-the
historic limestone walls.
RETAI:NING WALLS NOT RECOMMENDED
· Damaging or removing an historic retaining wall that can be salvaged or rePaired
· Constructing new retaining walls, of pOured concrete, railroad ties, or standard
concrete block. -
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001'
GRADE CHANGES AND RETAINING WALLS
RECOMMENDED
West Eleventh
Historic limestone retaining walls are common in Dubuque, and define its character. Every effort should be made
to preserve them where they exist, and to replicate them ~n new construction.
NOTRECOMMENDED
Large poured concrete retaining wall is incompatibl~
in its form, materials, and finish
Railroad tie retaining ~alls are not a
Substitute mateda s ~enot match the co or,
texture and scale.bfi~e orig na mes~n~
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
West Eleventh
FENCES AND GATES
Every residential area of the' historic districts
exhibited some form of Iow historic fanes and/or
gate. The high density of the residential areas
combined with the complexities of the local
topography limited fences primarily to large, flat
plots, usually those of the larger upper class
homes. Elaborate wrought and cast iron examples
were common on the larger properties constructed
in the latter half of the nineteenth centuG, in the
Jackson Park, West 11th Street, and Cathedral
districts. These were often erected atop a
limestone retaining wall that served as a base, and
several examples survive in good condition. More
utilitarian mesh-type fences--precursors to modern
chain link--also are visible in these areas,
although they survive less frequently. In the
Langworthy and southern Cathedral districts
simple wooden picket fences and gates, and
wooden balustrade style fences were a popular
choice for larger homes or groups of properties~
option, but this material is incompatible with the
historic character of [he districts. Original fences
shod!d be preserved a6d repaired where they
~x~ and new fence~ ~hOuld be based upon
histbriO protgtypes Wheq~ possible.
RECOMMENDED
,Identification and preservation of original cast and wrought iron fences and
gates.
· Replication and installation of new fences based upon identified historic
prototypes.
· Replication and installation of different types of historic fences for different
exposures, based upon identified prototypes.
· New fences that are sensitive to historic precedents in their scale, transparency,
color, and materials.
· Fences that are in compliance with City codes.
· Installation of privacy fences at the rear of the property only.
· Removal of inappropriate chain link or privacy fences.
· Installation of the same appropriate material for fences wherever they occur on
the property, unless different historic materials are extant.
· Installation of fences with the decorative face presented to the public way.
· Planting of windbreaks or hedgerows to function as a privacy "fence" on
Primary facades, where adequate historic documentation exists.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· New fences constructed of chain link, horizontal board, split rails, plastic,
concret6 block or other solid masonry.
· Fences that are not in compliance with City codes.
· Pri~acy fences that are set forward of the rear wall of the structure, or that are
prominently visible from the street(s).
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200~
FENCES AND GATES - Wood
RECOMMENDED
WeSt Eleventh
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
FENCES AND GATES - Metal
RECOMMENDED
West Eleventh
NOT RECOMM EN
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001'
West Eleventh
AMENITIES - RESIDENTIAL
A variety of public amenities are required in public
areas for the convenience of the public. Historically
these would include items such as benches or
other forms of seating, clocks, hitching posts, and
street signs. Due to intensive usage and constant
exposure to the elements, few of these items
survive except in historic photographs. Where
historic features survive, they should be preserved
and maintained. Where evidence for historic
features is available, an effort should be made to
replicate them in newer, more durable materials
that will reduce maintenance .and replacement
costs.
The City has recently installed new strap iron
benches in public spaces in the downtown area
and at Cable Car Square, and they would like to
continue the use of this style throughout the
historic districts. This style is suitable for public
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of existing historic features, such as .~Jtching
posts, benches or other seating, trash receptacles, etc. that were provided for
public use. Damage or flaws may prevent the retention or continued use of these
items, but they should be documented and preserved in storage to serve as a
guide for neW features.
· New features based upon historical precedents. These can be executed in
coi~temporary materials and finishes to increase durability, Note that amenities
such as benches and signs that are constructed largely or entirely of wood will be
more easily damaged and will require regular maintenance.
· New features that ~reference the style of historic features, to establish a unified
appearance and general historic character among the public amenities in the
historic districts.
· Installation of amenities purchased through the City, or through the City's
suppliers, for use on private property.
· One group or party should be responsiblerfor the maintenance of plantings in
planters.
NOT RECOMMENDED
areas in residential and commercial areas of the
districts. In the more residential areas of the district ~ 'Removal or destruct on of ex sting historic features, either deliberately or through
I deferred maintenance.
it is advisable to consider the introduction of trash
and ash receptacles, and possibly planters in ,Installation of new features that do not reference historical features, or that arcnet
residential areas as wel. for pub c benefit. To
minimze the costs Of maintenance and coordinated with the features recommended bythe Guideines.
i'e~laCement for the City, .it. is advisab e to ut ize -Benches and waste receptacles composed largely or ent re y of smooth or pebble,
one or two styles for ..ali :-features throughout the faced concrete or plastic. ·
historic distr ct~ and the r ne ghbor ng areas 'InStallation of features ~that do not meet current City codes.
I
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200~
AMENITIES
RECOMMENDED
New strap iron bench at 3rd and Main
Bench, planter and lighting at Cable Car
Square
, WeStEleVenth
Detail of planter ano licit
Detail ~f §trap:iron 1~:81~¢h at:Cable Cai
squ~
"Central Park" s!yle bench
Historic property marker/hitching p~st
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
West Eleventh
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
The commercial areas of the historic districts
including all of the Old Main district and the central
and southern portion of the Cathedral district near
Cable Car Square have exhibited a wide array of
signs from the late nineteenth century through the
present day. Few examples from the nineteenth
century survive, but there is photographic evidence
for signage on Main Street throughout the twentieth
century. It is desirable that new signs attempt to
reference the historic signs of the early twentieth
century in is size, scale, style, and c01ora~ion, but
substitute materials are acceptable for the
purposes of increased durability. Several examples
of appropriate signs can be seen in Cable Car
Square.
The West 11th Street District is pi'imarily residential
in Character; and there is little evidence for historic
signs in this area. New signs introduced for
businesses should follow the models identified for
the historic commercial areas in the above-
mentioned districts.
RECOMMENDED
· All signs should follow regulations outlined in City ordinances.
· Identification, repair, and preservation of existing signs from the first half of the
twentieth ceotury or earlier.
· Identification and preservation of signs from the 1950s and 1960s, where
appropriate.
· Signs constructed of traditional and historic materials such as carved and painted
wood, cast bronze, or painted metal.
· Signs that replicate or reference historic signs in their style, scale, and materials.
· Signs that replicate symbols or Iogos associated with the business, product or
trade.
· Coordination of sign colors with overall scheme of building exterior.
· Placement of signs at traditional locations suc. h as storefront belt courses, upper
fa~:ade walls, hanging or mounted in~ii:le the windows, or projecting from the face
of the building.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Rerhoval or destructiOn:of historic signs either through deliberate action or
neglecL
· Signs that are out of scale with the building,- and with neighboring buildihgs a~td
signs.
· Signs of inappropriate materials, such as plastic or vinyl.
· in~rti°n or attachment of signs in such a wayas to inflict damage to the building,
· Internally lit signs.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 20011
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
RECOMMENDED
Contemporary signs,
hangers, and points
of placement in
Cable Car Square,
reflecting the
recommended style,
sca~e, materials, and
appearance for sign
features in the
district,
West Eleventh
circa 1880
Historic sign variants on Main Street
Circa 1915
Circa ' 960
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
West Eleventh
WAYFINDING FEATURES
The nature and appearance of street signs and
wayfinding materials are determined to a certain
extent by code. The size, shape, and graphics of
street signs may not be altered ~ certain
instances. However, the City has recently installed
decorative s~gnposts in the area around the City
Hall. It is recommended that this type of post, or a
variant of it, be used for new signs.
Kiosks and information boards are not historic
features of Dubuque, but they are ~mportant assets
in serving both the local population and visitors to
the city. New wayfinding materials should be in
keeping with the style, materials and colors
established for other public amenities such as
benches and waste receptacles.
It may be desirable to alter the wayfindir~g
materials slightly in color, material, or style for each
district as a means of clearly separating and
defining them according to their historic character.
Banners or other gateway markers may be
~esii-al~le as a means of, defining each district.
Historic examples are recorded in photographs,
and.these should berep ica~e'd or referenced
RECOMMENDED
· Maintain a consistency of style, color, and scale in all wayfinding features to
contribute to the overall-historic character of each district in general, and the
amenities in particular.
· Maintain a consiStency in style of text and graphics within each district, or within
the districtsas a whole.
· Decorative signposts that reference historic street features.
· New gateways or banners that are consistent with the styles, colors, and 'materials
selected for each district'S wayfinding materials, or for the districts in general.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· New signs, kiosks or boards that are incompatible with the other streetscape
amenities.
· New wayfinding materials that are out of scale with the surrounding buildings and
streetscape, or with the other streetscape amenities.
· Installation of wayfinding materials in such a manner as to disrupt or block critical
vistas or views.
· Installation of wayfinding features in such a way as to damage existing historic
streetsCape materials, Or ~he surrounding structures.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
WAYFINDING FEATURES
RECOMMENDED
West Eleventh
Contemporary marker for Cable Car Square incorporating
historic fencing and typical retaining wall materials
'~L~iqpl new, street sign w th
dec(~mltive post use(lin Cable Car
Square area
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
West Eleventh
STREET LIGHTING
Several examples of historic lighting in the Old
Main district are recorded in historic photographs,
and several examples of street light fixtures dating
from the early twentieth century have been
preserved and reused in the downtown area. It is
not feasible to retrofit these fixtures for continued
use throughout the downtown due to problems of
repair and long-term maintenance.
Recently the City has installed new street lighting
posts in the downtown, and they would like to
continue using this style fOr durability and ease of
maintenance.
Street lights may represent another area where
districts can express their historic character
through differing styles, materials, or colors of lamp
posts and globes. This will need to be balanced
with issues of cost and upkeep for the CitY.
RECOMMENDED
· Preservation, repair and reuse of original fixtures whenever possible.
· Documentation and storage of historic fixtures for reference or protected Usage.
· New lighting that is c~nsistent with the hiStoric lighting in its scale,, style,
materials, arid colors.
· New lighting that is installed at a height appropriate for the streetscape,
· Purchase and use of City-approved lighting fixtures by private property owners for
installation on their property.
· Consider cOlor-cOrrected metal halide lighting to provide better color rendition of
the historic materials.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Destruction or removal of existing historic light fixtures that can be salvaged'or
repaired.
· Installation of new lighting in such as way as to block key vistas or views.
· Installation of lighting in such a way as to damage existing historic streetscape
elements, or surrounding buildings.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
STREET LIGHTING
RECOMMENDED
~WeSt Eleventh
New light installed by the City in,Old Main and Cathedral
Districts
NOT RECOMMENDED
Detail of new lighting
Historic photo showing original gas lights
Contemporary
photo showing
historic lighting
reinstalled on
Historic
showing specialty
lighting for chemiSi
shop io ~he shaPe
of ~'~[ar and
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200f
West Eleventh
YARD AND PARK FEATURES
The historic districts contain a large percentage of
green space scattered threugnout in the form of
private yards and public parks, most notably
Jackson Park and Washingtor~ Park Historic
documentation has allowed for the recreation of
the pathways and pergola in Washington Park. and
similar documentation is available for Jackson
Park. It is desirable that this park be restored to its
appearance rn the early twentieth century. This
does not preclude the ~nsertion of contemporary
outdoor scuipture or outdoor installations in these
spaces, however,
There is no large public park space identified in
this district, but some property owner or local
groups may chose to install amenities such as
planters or statuary in the public way. These will
require maintenance, and should be selected to
complement the character of the district.
Yard space that is on private property is not
generally regulated by the City, It is recommended
that private property owners remain aware of the
views of the r property fi~e.m the public way, and to
ma~htain these views in a n3anner that s consistent,
with the historic character'~;'their district.
RECOMMENDED
· Restoration of public parks and greenspaces to their original layout and
landscaping plans (if appropriate), including the restoration or recreation of
pergolas or grandstands,
· Evaluation of later changes to public parks and greenspaces to determine their
historic sign~icar~e,
· Installation of amenities and wayfinding materials in publicgreenspaces ~hat are
in keeping with the rest of that district.
· Maintaining private proPerty that is visible from the pub ic way in a manner that is
in keeping v~ith the~ historic character of the district.
· Installation Of public sculpture or other displays of outdoor art in public
greenspaces.
· Installation of artwork on publicly-visible private property that is in keeping with
the scale of its surroundings.
· Installation of fountains or other water features on publicly-visible private,
that is keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding
streetscape.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal of any existing historic landscaping or park feature.
· Installation of new features on public greenspaces that dO not respect the scaieor
character of their surrounding district.
-In,~tallation of new artwork, fountains, or pergo es, etc
p~i~:erty that does not respect the scale .
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
LANDSCAPING
Some photographic evidence exists for the various
forms of landscaping that have existed in the
historic districts over time. These schemes may not
be appropriate for restoration. Landscaping in the
historic districts will be guided largely by the
existing landscaping ordinance, which designates
tree and shrub species, sizes, and appropriate
locations on public and private property.
Where evidence of a historic iandSCape feature
exists, and can contribute to the historic character
of the district, efforts should be made to preserve
or restore these features. Such work should be
carried out with the consultation of the City
Forester to ensure that it meets the City ordinance
and does not pose a threat to the health of the
surrounding landscape, or the safety of the public.
West Eleventh
RECOMMENDED
· Identification, preservation, and restoration of historic landscape features
whenever possible.
· New landscaping~that meets the requirements,of the landscaping ordinance.
· Restoration, or recreation of landscaping features that have local historical or
cultural significance for the district or the city in general.
· Pr~eserve and maintain mature trees, replacing them when they become diseased
or die.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Insertion of new landscaping features that may pose a hazard to the health of
surrounding landscape features, or to public safety,
· Installation of new landscape features that will contribute to the deterioratiOn of
nearby structures or streetscape features.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
LANDSCAPING
RECOMMENDED
West Eleventh
Landscaping is in
appropriate scale
to compliment
and frame the
structure without
blocking the view
of its details or
inflicting damage
to the house,
Replant historic
street trees
along major
thoroughfares,
as shown in this
photo of Loras
Bouldevard,
c. 1880.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
UTILITIES
The standard procedures for utilities govern the
size, appearance, and location of their services. It
is recommended that an attempt be made to
provide more inconspicuous service boxes in the
historic districts, either through the modification of
the covers, or the location of the boxes
themselves.
Existing electrical service runs above groUnd,
creating a network of wires over the streets and the
historic properties. The City may consider the
option of burying utilities on all new construction
and on all repairs in the historic districts.
West Eleventh
RECOMMENDED
· New utility boxes that are less invasive n the r appearanceand/ortheir I°~ation.
· Burying all new or upgraded utility serve to reduce the number of overbuild lines
in the historic distribts.
),,"~e~,~=D,,,,,,~,,,.,~
NOT REC(
opl'~acing utility service boxes in ~pen areas~that are
street, as seen below.
~ntly visible
LANGWORTHY DISTRICT
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200f
Langworthy
SETTING AND SITE
SETTING -The building setting is the area or
environment in which an historic property is found.
It may be an urban or suburban neighborhood or a
natural landscape in which a building has been
constructed. The elements of setting, such as the
relationship of buildings to one another, prope~y
setbacks, fence patterns, views, driveways ahd
walkways, together with street trees and ott~'er
landscaping features create the character of a
neighborhood or district.
Historic of [ne 11m Street Elevator
showing the of [ne 11~n Street Historic
District. The area is largely defined
by the geography of the bluffs, in
combination building lots, mass~ve
~11, the elevator and the variety
of mature ~ on both public and :)rivate
properties.
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the setting, such as roads and Streets,
furnishings and fixtures, natural or topographic features and key Views
or vistas.
· Retain'historicrelation~hip between buildings, between buildings and
streets, and between bud ngs and andscape features.
· E~aluate condition and integrity Of existing landscape and streetscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, and long-term protection
of these features.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any streetscape or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of the
district.
· Failing to maintain the historic relationship of buildings and setting
features through inappropriate new construction of streets, parking lots,
or building infill.
· Permitting damage or deterioration of existing features through
inadequate protection or maintenance.
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new
materials, when originals can be saved and repaired.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
~ rangworthy
SETTING
RECOMMENDED
This historic photo of Loras Boulevard in
the 1880s shows the continuity of the
architectural row as it steps do~n the'~hill.
Even though the structUres a~ri~ of
different styles, the ~niformity!bf setl~ack,
the ~pres~hce ~:[ limestone retaining
wall~i Iow~fenC~s, and mature street
trees at the limest~ ,ne curbs ties the
architectural elements together.
Every effort should be
made to bury power lines
:and to preserve mature
historic sidewalks;
a~ retaining walls.
Compare the historic
photo at right, and the
photo from 1987 at lefb
The widening of the street
with the loss of
Wide sidewalk and street
~lus the insertio~ of
overhead power lines has
radically altered the
c.~,~.~o~,,.o.~o,~ character of the view.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langworthy
SETTING AND SITE
SITE - The landscape surrounding a historic building
and contained within an individual parcel of land is
considered the building site. The site, including all of its
associated features, contributes to the overall character of
the property. As a result, the relationship between the
building and the landscape' features within the site's
boundaries should be considered in the overall pianning of
rehabilitation work.
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the site, such as sidewalks and
paths, furnishings, light fixtures, sculpture, water features, natural or
topographic features, and potential archaeological resources,
· Retain histc)ric relationship between buildings and secondary
structures, between buildings and streets, and between buildings
and landscape features.
· Evaluate condition and integrity of existing buildings and landscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance~ and long-term
protect on ~J~these features
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any building or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of, the.
site.
· Failing to maintain:~he historic relationship of build 'ngs and
landscape features'~ir°u~h inappropriate new constr[~ct on*~f
streets, pathways, parking lots 'Secondary buildingS, or bud ng
inflll.
~ of existing features throiJgh
inadequate protection or maintenahce.
· Removal and replacement:of exist ng h stor c features w th rtew,
materials when or gna s Can be saved and repaired.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SITE
RECOMMENDED
The two photos below demonstrate appropriate site treatments: the relationship of the house to the
property; Iow transparent fencing, the correct scale and materials paths and drives leading to the
house, we ntegrated parking, and correctly scaled and placed landscaping features.
Langworthy
NOT RECOMMENDED
The photo to the
right is an example
of a site that has
been altered in such
a, way that it is
incompatible with the
surrounding sites in
the o0d. It
of iime-ston~ in
historic 'district,
esPecially in this
residential setting.
Thaokfully,
vegetation has been
recently restored·
The oaguerreo[yDe
image at right
records the
Octagon House in
its early years,
showing the
relation of the
house to the street.
Iow picket fencing,
ant immature trees
as contributing
elements of the
site.
Nstorlcal preservation district in l)ubl~q.e. From It lithogmphlc
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langwo hy
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING, PAVING
The majority of the areas contained within the
historic districts were platted in a period that relied
on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as the
primary means of transportation, Streets were
narrow and paved with planks, and later with
pavers, if they were paved at all In the more urban
areas of Jackson Park, Old Main, and Cathedral
districts, housing patterns were dense, and rear
alleys provided access to sheds, cardage~houSes,
or garages at the back or side of.the property. With
the coming of the automobile, these structures
were increasingly converted to or replaced by
garages. In the more suburban Langworthy District,
garages and carports are integral to the lot. These
are usually located at the side or rear of the main
structure, and constructed to compliment the scale
and materials of the house. Curb cuts and visible
driveways are appropriate in this district, but
should be undertaken in a manner that respects
the size, scale, and materials of the historic
precedents.
Within the districts the traditional paving ~aterials I
should be saved and restored. The insertion oK
new curb cuts and parking~both garages and
driveways~shou d be ke~i~t~ a m n mum
RESIDENTIAL
RECOMMENDED
· Preservation of driveways and their original designs, materials, and placements.
· Materials for new drives that are consistent with the historic materials, inCluding
crushed-limestoneaggregate concrete and brick pavers.
· Parking areas located near the rear of the property, and screened with
landscaping When visible from the street.
· Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures for continued use.
· Access to garages from Side or rear of property.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tinted
asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a plain
asphalt.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Insertion of new semi-circular or drive-thru drive designs in front yards.
· Demolition of an existing secondarystructure for the creation of a new garage
· InSertion of a new drive or garage adjacent to or in front of the primary facade of
theprimary structure
· Insertion of gravel or dirt drives, which violates City codes.
· InSertion of new drives or parking areas without provis on of proper landscape
screening from the street(s).
*Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langwo hy
DRIVES, PARKING LOTS, PAVING - COMMERCIAL
The majority of the areas contained within the
historic districts were platted in a period that relied
largely on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as
the primary means of transportation Streets
originally were paved with planks, and later with
pavers, if they were paved at all. In the downtown
areas of Old Main, West 11th Street, and the
southern end of the Cathedral districts,
construction patterns were dense, and rear alleys
provided access to the back of the property.
Due to the overwhelmingly residential character of
this district, commercial drives and parking Iotsthe
Langworthy District are inconsistent with the
historic character, and should be avoided. If large
parking areas are required for commercial
purposes, these should be hidden at the rear of the
property, or in some way screened from public
view.
RECOMMENDED
· Location of new parking lots for commercially-used houses, churches,
apartments, schools in the rear of the properties.
· Screening parking areas at corner lots with landscaping on both streets.
· Aligning new pai:i~ing areas on vacant lots with the front edge of the adjacent
property to allow for a proper landscaping screen.
· Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures for continued use.
,Access for delivery from f~he side or rear of property.
· Preservation and repair of brick paving where existing.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tinted
asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a plain
asphalt.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Demolition of an exiSting, primary or secondary structure for the creatipn of
lng'areas
of a new drive or garage adjacent to or in front of the primary fa~adeof
nary structure,
· insertion of new drives .or parking areas without provision of proper landscape
screening from street.
*Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING, PAVING
RECOMMENDED
Langworthy
Public parking with an adequate setback,
decorative fencing and appropriate
plantings for screening
NOT RECOMMENDED
Appropriate placement, scale, style, and materials for parking areas and structures,
both in the form of a garage, and a porte-cochere
At left the parking lot is
prominently located at a
corner it does not
respect the setback of
the neighboring building
The horizontal rail fence
and minimal landscaping
do, es little to blend it into
it~ surroundings or hide it
~from pubic view At right a
,: carport is placed
prominently in the front
of the property.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200'/
' Langworthy
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
Sidewalks throughout the Cathedral District were
either wood plank in their earliest form, which was
later replaced with brick pavers in different
patterns, or poured concrete with a crushed
limestone aggregate. A historic hexagonal
concrete paver was noted in limited quantities in
the Langworthy, Cid Main, and Cathedral Districts.
It is currently City policy to remove and replace
these materials during new construction, either
with broom finish poured concrete o~ more
recently, stained concrete pavers or stained and
stamped concrete. Preservation and replication of
any of the historic masonry materials for sidewalks
would be appropriate in the Cathedral district and
adjacent neighborhoods, and is the recommended
treatment. Substitute materials Can be considered
for issues of cost and code compliance, however.
Limestone was the traditional curb material
throughout the city. As with the sidewalks, it has
been City policy to remove and replace these
curbs with poured concrete curbs and g~:ttem ~s
they deteriorate, or when they interfere with street
er utility repairs. Limestone is recommended for
use as a straight Curb material in these areas due
to its historic presencei b~t alternate materials may
be Considered for ease ~Of~; ~aintenance reduced
~0§[ ~nd in~eased d~ra~iii,i~,
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of original historic paving and limestone curbing
materials where they sLlrvive, particularly in areas where the curbing has a
substantial visual impact:0n the vew from the street
· Materials for new sidewalks and crosswalks that are consistent with the 'historic
materials, such as brick pavers and crushed,limestone aggregate concrete.
· Replacement of deteriorated limestone curbs with new limestone,
· New sidewalks that restore the historic width of the walkways, where
contemporary usages and City codes allow.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original paving, such as colored concrete
pavers and stamped and/or stained concrete.*
· Substitute materials that simulate the original limestone curbing in color,
texture, and shape, such as straight curbs of tinted concrete poured with a
textured form liner (preferred option) 2'
· As a last resort, straight curbs of limestone.colored stained concrete may be
used.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal of historic curbs and gutters without an appropr ate rep acement
· Use of pebble-surface concrete sidewalks.
· Use of asphalt for a paving material on sidewalks.
*Review with PSD and Fi PC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langworthy
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
RECOMMENDED
Limestone curbs in historic photo (above). These survive
rather sporadically due to the City's replacement policy.
They should be maintained whenever possible. An example
of the surwving two-tone hexagona~ pavers on 3ra Street is
shown at left. The color, texture, size, and overall scale of
these s dewalks should be replicated in new construction in
the disirict, if 0ossible.
A(
!RNATES
Th~e types ~nd pattern,~ paving
an~t limestone ~
Concrete pavers
Stamped concrete
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001.
Langworthy
GRADE CHANGES AND RETAINING WALLS
Any addition or removal of ground material on the
property is considered to be a change in grade. As
a general rule this should be avoided. Such
changes generally result in the alteration of the
visual character of the property, and also may
damage the site and its structures through erosion
or improper drainage.
Every residential historic district exhibited some
form of retaining wall constructed from large,
rough-hewn blocks of the local limestone; These
retaining walls are characteristic of Dubuque, and
the massive examples seen in the Cathedral,
Jackson Park, and West 11th Street districts
represent one of the city's most distinctive features.
Smaller scale versions are common for individual
properties, and groups of prOperties,
GRADE CHANGES RECOMMENDED
· Minor changes in grade that will improve drainage of a site, or that will:serve to
direct moisture away frorrl a structure.
· Minor changes in grade.for the purpose of site or landscape improvements or
restoration.
GRADE CHANGES NOT RECOMMENDED --~
· Changes in grade that obscure or conceal portions of the primary structure.
· Changes in grade that n~ay have an adverse effect onthe site's structures, or
neighb0ring Structures through the redirection of moisture or storm water.
· Changes in gradethat have an impact on the character of the streetscape or the
relationship of the buildings to their sites.
RETAINING WALLS RECOMMENDED
· Identifying and preserving historic limestone retaining walls.
· Constructing new retaining wallsthat replicate the size, scale, and materials of the
historic limestone walls.
RETAINING WALLS NOT RECOMMENDED
the districts. ~ ~
g
As with the curbs and gutters, limestone retainin¢
walls have been replaced in some areas with new
poured concrete verS:iOnSdThe hii~toric walls should
be te~ained and re~aire~ Where they exist and
ne~ ~alls Should be 6~i~: ~th the same finish
mai~rialsaS:th~ histbric~waiiSl :
;ling or remov ng an historic retaining wa that can be sa va
· Constructing new retaining walls of poured concrete, railroad ties,
concrete block.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GRADE CHANGES AND RETAINING WALLS
RECOMMENDED
Langworthy
Historic limestone retaining wal~s are common m Dubuque, and define its character. Every effort should be maoe
tO preserve them where they exist, and to replicate them in new construction.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Large poured concrete retaining wall is incompatiblb
in its form, materials, and finish
Railroad tie retaimng walls are not a
Substitute materials do not match the co or
texture, and scale.~f.the original lim~e~tbi~e
walls
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langwo hy
FENCES AND GATES
Every residential area of the historic districts
exhibited some form of iow historic fences and/or
gate. The high density of the residential areas
combined with the complexities of the local
topography limited fences primarily to large, flat
plots, usually those of the larger upper crass
homes. Elaborate wrought and cast iron examples
were common on the larger properties constructed
in the latter half of the nineteenth centu~ in the
Jackson Park, West 11~h Street, ahd Cathedral
districts. These were often erected atop a
limestone retaining wall that served as a base, and
several examples survive in good condition. More
utilitarian mesh-type fences--precursors to modern
chain link--also are visible in these areas,
although they survive less frequently. In the
Langworthy and southern Cathedral districts
simple wooden picket fencing and gates, and
wooden balustrade style fences were a popuJar
choice for larger homes or groups of properties,
After 1945 chain link became a popUlar:fencing
option, but this material is incompatible With the
historic character of the,districts. Original fences
= sho~!d be preserved ~: repaired Where they
~istl and hew fence~ §~0uld be based Upon
histbric prototypes When~t poss b e
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of original cast and wrought iron fences, and
gates.
· Replication and~installation of new fences based upon identified historic
prototypes.
· Replication and installation of different types of historic fences for different
exposures, based upon identified prototypes.
· New fences that are sensitive to historic precedents in their scale, transparency,
color, and materials.
· Fences that are in compliance with City codes.
· Installation of privacy fences at the rear of the property only.
· Removal of inappropriate chain link or privacy fences.
· Installation of the same appropriate material for fences wherever they occur on
the property, unless different historic tn~terials are extant.
· Installation of fences with the decorative face presented to the public way.
· Planting of windbreaks or hedgerows to function as a privacy "fence'.' on
primary, facades, whe~eadequate h stor c documentation exists.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· New fences constructed of chain link horizontal board, split rails, plastic,
concrete block or other solid masonry.
· Fences that are not in compliance With City Codes.
· 'Privacy fences that are set forward of the rear wall of the structure, or that are
prominently visible from the street(s).
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001'
FENCES AND GATES - Wood
RECOMMENDED
~.a.gwor~.y
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
FENCES AND GATES - Metal
RECOMMENDED
Lan gworthy
NOT RE(
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001.
Langwo~hy
AMENITIES - RESIDENTIAL
A variety of public amenities are required in public
areas for the convenience of the public. Historically
these would include items suc.h as benches or
other forms of seating, clocks, hitching posts, and
street signs. Due to intensive usage and constant
exposure to the elements, few of these items
survive except in historic photographs. Where
historic features survive, they should be preserved
and maintained. Where evidence for histbric
features is available, an effort should be made to
replicate them in newer, more durable materials
that will reduce maintenance and replacement
costs.
The City has recently installed new strap iron
benches in public spaces in the downtown area
and at Cable Car Square, and they would like to
continue the use of this style throughout the
historic districts. This style is suitable for public
areas in residential and commercial area~ 0f t~e
districts. In the more residential areas of th~ district
it is advisable to consider the introduction of trash
and ash receptacles, and possibly planters in
residential areas a~ we! for public benefit; To
m qimize the cOSts maintenar~Ce and
~bPi~men~ for the Cirri ii is advisable to utilize
one or two styles for ~i~ features throughout the
historic diStriCtS and fhei~¢~g'hboring areas.
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of existing historic features, such as hitching
posts, benches or other seating, trash receptacles, etc. that were provided for
public use. Damage or flaws may prevent the retention or continued use of these
items, but they should i~e documented and preserved in storage to serve as a
guide for new features.
.New features based upon historical precedents. These can be executed in
contemporary materials and finishes to increase durability. Note that amenities
such as benches and signs that are constructed largely or entirely of wood will be
more easily damaged and will require regular maintenance.
· New features that reference the style of historic features, to establish a unified
appearance and general historic character among the public amenities in the
historic districts.
· Installation of amenities purchased thrOugh the City, or through the City's
suppliers, for use on private property.
· One group or party should be responsible for the maintenance of plantings in
planters.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of existing historic features, either deliberately or through
deferred maintenance.
· Installation of new features that do not reference historical features, or that are not
coordinated with the features recommended by the Guidelines,
· Benches and waste receptacles compOSed largely or entirely of smooth or pebble.
faced concrete or plastic.
· Installation of features that do not meet current City codes.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001~
AMENITIES
RECOMMENDED
New strap iron bench at 3rd and Main
Bench, planter and lighting at Cable Car
Square
Langwo~hy
Detail of planter and light
Detail of Strap iron b~h at Cable Car
square
"Central Park" style bench
Historic property marker/h tch ng post
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langworthy
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
The commercial areas of the historic districts
including all of the Old Main district and the central
and southern portion of the Cathedral district near
Cable Car Square have exhibited a wide array of
signs from the late nineteenth century through the
present day. Few examples from the nineteenth
century survive, but there is photographic evidence
for signs on Main Street throughout the twentieth
century. It is desirable that new signs attempt to
reference the historic signs of the early twentieth
century in is size, scale, style, and coloration, but
substitute materials are acceptable for the
purposes of increased durability. Several examples
of appropriate signs can be seen in Cable Car
Square.
The Langworthy District is primarily residential in
character, and there is little evidence for historic
signs in this area. New signs introduced for
businesses should follow the models identified for
the historic commercial areas in the above-
mentioned districts.
RECOMMENDED
· All signs should follow regulations outlined in City ordinances.
· Identification, repair, and preservation of existing signs from the first half of the
t~ventieth century or earlier.
· Identification and preservation of signs from the '1950s and 1960s, where
appropriate.
· Signs constructed of traditional and historic materials such as carved and painted
wood, cast bronze, or painted metal.
· Signs that replicate or reference historic signage in their style, scale, and
materials.
· Signs that replicate symbols or Iogos associated with the business, product or
trade.
· Coordination of sign colors with overall scheme of building exterior.
· Placement of signs at traditional locations, such as storefront belt courses, upper
fa~:ade walls, hanging or mounted inside the windows, or projecting from the face
of the building.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of historic signage either through deliberate action or
neglect.
· Signs that are out of scale with the building, and with neighboring buildings and
signs.
· S!gns of inappropriatematerials, such as plastic or vinyl.
· Insertion or attachment of signs in such a way asto inflict damage to the building.
· Internally lit signs.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
RECOMMENDED
Contemporary signs,
hangers, and points
of placement in
Cable Car Square,
reflecting the
recommended style,
scale, materials, and
appearance for sign
features in the
district.
Langwo~hy
Circa 1880
Historic sign variants on Main Street
Circa 1915
Circa 1960
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001'
Langworthy
WAYFINDING FEATURES
The nature and appearance of street signs and
wayfinding materials are determined to a certain
extent by code. The size, shape, and graphics of
street signs may not be altered in certain
instances. However, the City has recently installed
decorative signposts in the area around the City
Hall. It is recommended that this type of post, or a
variant of it, be used for new signs.
Kiosks and information boards are not historic
features of Dubuque, but they are important assets
in serving both the local population and visitors to
the city. New wayfinding materials should be in
keeping with the style, materials and colors
established for other public amenities such as
benches and waste receptacles.
It may be desirable to alter the wayfinding
materials slightly in color, material, or sty!e for eabh
distriCt as a means of clearly separating and
defining them according to their historic character.
be l
Banners or other gateway markers may
desirable as a means ~f defining each district.
Historic examples are recorded in phOtographs,
and these should be rep!i~ted or referenced.
RECOMMENDED
· Maintain a consistency of style, color, and scale in all wayfinding features to
contribute to the overall historic character of each district in general, and the
amenities in particular.
· Maintain a consistency in style of text and graphics within each district, or within
the districts as a whole.
· Decorative signposts that reference historic street features.
· New gateways or banners that are consistent with the styles, colors, and materials
selected for each district's wayfinding materials, or for the districts in general.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· New signs, kiosks or boards that are incompatible with the other streetscape
amenities.
· New wayfinding materials that are out of scale with the surrounding buildings and
streetscape, or with the other streetscape amenities.
· Installation of wayfinding materials in such a manner as to disrupt or block critical
vistas or views.
· Installation of wayfinding features in such a way as to damage existing historic
streetscape materials, or the surrounding structures.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
WAYFINDING FEATURES
RECOMMENDED
Langwo~hy
Contemporary marker for Cable Car Souare incorporating
historic fencing and typical retaining wall materials
Typical new street sign with
decorative post used in Cable Car
Square area
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langworthy
STREET LIGHTING
Several examples of historic lighting in the Old
Main district are recorded in historic photographs,
and several examples of street light fixtures dating
from the eady twentieth century have been
preserved and reused in the downtown area. It is
not feasible to retrofit these fixtures for continued
use throughout the downtown due to problems of
repair and long-term maintenance.
Recently the City has installed ~ew street lighting
posts in the downtown, and they would like to
continue using this style for durability and ease of
maintenance.
Street lights may represent another area where
districts can express their historic character
through differing styles, materials, or colors of lamp
posts and globes. This will need to be balanced
with issues ~f cost and upkeep for the City,
RECOMMENDED
· Preservation, repair and reuse of origi hal fixtures whenever possible.
· Documentation and storage of historic fixtures for reference or protected usage.
· New lighting that is consistent with the historic lighting in its scale, style,
materials, and colors.
· New lighting that is installed at a height appropriate for the streetscape.
· Purchase and use of City-approved lighting fixtures by private property owners for
installation on their property.
· Consider color-corrected metal halide lighting to provide better color rendition of
the historic materials.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Destruction or removal of existing historic light fixtures that can be salvaged or
repaired.
· Installation of new lighting in such as way as to block key vistas or views.
· Installation of lighting in such a way as to damage existing historic streetscape
elements, or surrounding buildings.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
STREET LIGHTING
RECOMMENDED
Langworthy
New light installed bytheCity inOId Main and Cathedral
Districts
NOT RECOMMENDED
Detail of new lighting
Historic photo showing original gas lights
Contemporary
photo showing
historic lighting
reinstalled on
Or[age in downtown
Historic photo
showing specialty
lighting for chemist
shoa in the shape
of a mortar and
pestle
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langworthy
YARD AND PARK FEATURES
The historic districts contain a large percentage of
green space scattered throughout in the form of
private yards and public parks, most notably
Jackson Park and Washington Park. Historic
documentation has allowed for the recreation of
the pathways and pergola in Washington Park. and
similar documentation is available for Jackson
Park. It is desirable that this park be restored to its
appearance in the early twentieth century. This
does not preclude the insertion of contemporary
outdoor sculpture or outdoor installations in these
spaces, however.
There is no large public park space identified in
this district, but some property owner or local
groups may chose to install amenities such as
planters or statuary in the public way. These will
require maintenance, and should be selected to
complement the character of the district,
Yard space that is on private property is not
generally regulated by the City, It is recommended
that private property owners remain aware of the
views of their property from the public way, and to
maintain these vtews in a manner that is consistent
w th the h storic character of their district.
RECOMMENDED
· Restoration of public parks and greenspaces to their original layout and
landscaping plans (if appropriate), including the restoration or recreation of
pergolas or grandstands.
· Evaluation of later changes to public parks and greenspaces to determine their
historic significance.
· Installation of amenities and wayfinding materials in public greenspaces that are
in keeping with the rest of that district.
· Maintaining private property that is visible from the public way in a manner that is
in keeping with the historic character of the district.
· Installation of public sculpture or other displays of outdoor art in public
greenspaces.
· Installation of artwork on publicly-visible private property that is in keeping with
the scale of its surroundings.
· Installation of fountains or other water features on publicly-visible private property
that is keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding distriCt's
streetscape.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal of any existing historic landscaping or park feature.
· Installation of new features on public greenspaces that do not respect the scale or
character of their surrounding district.
· Installation of new artwork, fountains, or pergolas, etc. on publicly-v~slble private
property that does not respect the scale or charaCter of the surrounding district.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Langwo hy
LANDSCAPING
Some photographic evidence exists for the various
forms of landscaping that have existed in the
historic districts over time. These schemes may not
be appropriate for restoration. Landscaping in the
historic districts will be guided largely by the
existing landscaping ordinance, which designates
tree and shrub species, sizes; and appropriate
locations on public and private property.
Where evidence of a historic landscape feature
exists, and can contribute to the historic character
of the district, efforts should be made to preserve
or restore these features. Such work should be
carried out with the consultation of the City
Forester to ensure that it meets the City ordinance,
and does not pose a threat to the health of the
surrounding landscape, or the safety of the public.
RECOMMENDED
· Identification, preservatior~, and restoration of historic landscape features
whenever possible.
· New landscaping that meets the requirements of the landscaping ordinance.
· Restoration or recreation of landscaping features that have local historical or
cultural significance for the district or the city in general.
· Preserve and maintain mature trees, replacing them when they become diseased
or die.
NOT RECOMMENDED
olnsertion of new landscaping features that may pose a hazard to the health of
surrounding landscape features, or to public safety.
· Installation of new landscape features that will contribute to the deterioration of
nearby structures or streetscape features.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
LANDSCAPING
RECOMMENDED
Landscaping is in
appropriate scale
to compliment
and frame the
structure without
blocking the view
of its details, or
inflicting damage
on the house.
LangWorthy
NOT RECOMMENDED
Landscaping
elements are
overgrown or
inappropriately
sized, with the
result that they
block views of the
house, and could
possibly result in
the deterioration
of building
materials.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
L a ngworthy
UTILITIES
The standard procedures for utilities govern the
size, appearance, and location of their services. It
is recommended that an attempt be made to
provide more inconspicuous service boxes in the
historic districts, either through the modification of
the covers, or the location of the boxes
themselves.
Existing electrical service runs above greund,
creating a network of wires over the streets and the
historic preperties. The City may consider the
option of burying utilities on all new construction,
and on all repairs in the historic districts.
RECOMMENDED
· New utility boxes that are less invasive in their appearance and/or their location.
· Burying all new or upgraded utility serve to reduce the number of overhead lines
in the historic districts.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Pl~cing utility service boxes in open areas that are prominently visible from the
street, as seen below.
CATHEDRAL DISTRICT
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
SETTING AND SITE
SETTING -The building setting is the area or
environment in which an historic property is found.
It may be an urban or suburban neighborhood or a
natural landscape in which a building has been
constructed. The elements 0f setting, such as the
relationship of buildings to one another, prope~y
setbacks, fence patterns, . views, driveways and
walkways, together with street trees 'and other
landscaping features create the CharaCter of a
neighborhood or district.
Histdri,
Cathedral
sidewalks,
way,
at Fifth Street and Locust in ti3e
The character of this area is
geography of thebluffs, in
features such as uniform
development, concrete
street trees in the right-of
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the setting, such as roads and ~treets,
furnishings and fixtures, natural or topographic,features, and key Views
or vistas. · ~
· Retain~historie. i:elationship between buildings, between buildings and
streets,~tind between buildings and landscape features,
· EValuate condition and integrity of existing landscape and streetscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, and long-term protection
of these features.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any streetscape or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of the
district.
· Failing to maintain the historic
features through inapproPriat~e ne~v bon~truction of streets,
or building infill. '-
· Permitting damage or deteriorationof existing features through
inadequate ,nance.
· Removal and
materials, When 6flginals can be
listoric features with new: ~ ~,.:: ·
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
SETTING
RECOMMENDED
The Fenelon Place
Elevator at Fourth Street
is one of the defining
features of the district, and
a significant part of'its
history and of the history
of Dubuque. Although its
appearahce has been
altered somewhat over
time, it remains intact and
functions today as the
centerpiece of Cable Car
Square.
The Cathedral District is
notable for its more "urban"
character, as defined by the
~iXof COmmercial, public and
rb~idential uses, as well as
the higher density of
development, resulting in
residential version of the
"streetwall". These features
can. bee seen in both the
hiStbric (left) and
contemporary (right) photos of
the West 'side of Bluff Street.
Greenspaces are t~ighly
visible features in
several districts; Here
Washington Pa~l~ inthe
Cathedral Distriot ha's
i:J~en revived and
portions of its original
landscaping features
restored to their historic
appearance, notably
the gazebo in the
center.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SETTING
NOT RECOMMENDED
A combination of insensi'
urban renewal, r~ad
construction, and: deferred
maintenance have taken
their toll on the once dense
residential and commercial
areas at the southern end of
the district, Having lost their
historic context, the surviving
structures do not relate well
to their new surroundings,
and seem out of place.
~ Ca thedral
Contemporary parking ots in
the districts generally signify
ihe loss of structures thai
O,tr!buted to the overall
etting and character of the
area. The resulting gaps in
the historic fabric havea
negative visual impact, as in
the case of the im posing
Gteystone, seen at right,
Which once dominated its
block at the bluff base. It is
now the site of a large
parking lot (at 'left).
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
SETTING AND SITE
SITE - The landscape surroUnding a historic building
and contained within an individual parcel of land is
considered the building site. The site, including all of its
associated features, contributes to the overall character of
the property. As a result, the relationship between the
building and the landscape, features within the site's
boundaries should be cons dered in the overall p !anni~g of
rehabilitation work. ' '
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are ir~portant in
defining the historic character of the site, such as sidewalks ai~d
paths, furnishings, light fixtures, sculpture, water features, natural or
topographic features, and potential archaeological resources.
· Retain historic relationship between buildings and secondary
struCtures, between buildings and streets, and between buildings
and landscape features.
· Evaluate condition and integrity of existing buildings and landscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, a'nd long-term
prote~ction 6~these features.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any building or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character~of
site. ,'-
,Failing to maintain thehiStoric ~elafl0nshipof buildings and
landscape features~through inappropriate
streets, pathways, parking lots, secondary build)ng$,.or
infill.
· Permitfingd~mage or deterioration of existing features through
inadequate protection or maintenance.
materials, when orig
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SITE
RECOMMENDED
The relationship of the building'fa(;:ade to its iot~ te the street and the
sidewalk, and to its neighbors helps define the n~ture of the building
site. The two photos above show freestaddiiighames Clos. ely:sp~¢ed
on small lots with small setbacks Whld~ is typical bf si~b. in:this
d str ct A h stor c photo of the distriCt ~(i°wer right)indicates ;(hat
there was tte room on the s res for more than a nun of fence along
the front of the P~ope~ With Street trees placed in the right of Way.
The restoration o1' t~0~e, features wOUld have a considerable viSual
ir~pact On the res deni'~! ~91~t °ns of the district.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING, PAVING - RESIDENTIAL
RECOMMENDED
The majority of the areas contained within the
historic districts were platted in a period that relied
on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as the
primary means of transportation. Streets were
narrow and paved with planks, and later with
pavers, if they were paved at all. In the more urban
areas of Jackson Park, Old Main, and Cathedral
districts, housing patterns were dense, and rear
alleys provided access to sheds, carriage*houses,
or garages at the back or side of the property. With
the coming of the automobile, these structures
were increasingly converted to or replaced by
garages. The insertion of driveways, parking areas,
and curb cuts iN these districts is generally
inconsistent with their historic character.
Within the districts the traditional paving materials
should be saved and restored. The insertion of
new curb cuts and parking--both garages and
driveways--should be kept to a minimum
· Preservation of driveways and their origi hal designs, materials, and placements.
· Materials for new drives~:.~hat are consistent with the historic materials, including
crushed-limestone aggregate concrete and brick pavers.
· Parking areas located near the rear of the property, and screened with
landscaping when visible from the street.
· Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures for continued use.
· Access to garages from side or rear of property,
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tinted
asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a plain
asphalt.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· insertion of new semi-circular or drive-thru drive designs in front yards.
· Demolition of an ex sting secondary structure for the creation of a new garage~
of a new drive ~r garage adjacent to or in front of the primary .facade of
structure.
· Insertion of new drives 'or parking areas without provision of proper landscape
screening from the street(s).
*Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
DRIVES, PARKING LOTS, PAVING -COMMERCIAL
The majority of the areas contained within the RECOMMENDED
historic districts were platted in s period that relied
largely on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as .Location of new parking lots for commerciallY-used houses, churches,
the primary means of transportation. Streets apartments, schools in the rear of the properties.
originally were paved with planks, and later with .Screening parkin.~ areasat corner lots with landscaping on both streets.
pavers, if they were paved at all. In the downtown
areas of Old Main, West 11th Street, and the -Aligning new parking areas on vacant lots with the front edge of the adjacent
southern end of the Cathedral districts property to allow for a proper landscaping screen.
construction patterns were dense, and rear alleys .Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures:for continued use.
provided access to the back of the property.
· Access for delivery fromlthe side or rear of property.
· PreservatiOn andi~epair of brick paving where existing.
The insertion of prominent driveways, curb cuts
and parking lots in these areas of the district is ACCEPTABLE
generally inconsistent with their historic character.
Within the districts the traditional paving and .Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tli~ted
materials should be saved and ~restored, and the asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a plain
insertion of new curb cuts and parking kept to a asphalt.*
minimum. NOT RECOMMENDED
· Demolition of an exist ng primary or secondary structure for the creation of
of a new drive or garage adjacent to or in front of the primary fagade of
structure.
-Insertion of new drives or parking areas without provision of proper landscape
screening from street,
*ReView with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001'
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING LOTS, PAVING
RECOMMENDED
Public parking with an adequate setback,
decorative fencing, and appropriate
plantings for screening.'
NOT RECOMMENDED
Historic photo showing brick street paving,
circa 1917.
Contemporary parking lots (at left)
in the districts create gaps in the
: architectural fabricthat
ative visual impact on
a whole. At left the
parking lot is prominently loCated
at a corner, it does not raspect the
setback of the neighboring
bu, ilding and there is little to blend
it ~nto its surrounding or hide it from
pubic view with the fencing or
landscapir~g. At right, the large
open space of the parking lot
interrupts the architectural row.
Cathedral
The density necessitates on-street parking for both
commercial and residential structures. Garages are
generally small and accessed from the rear of the
property. Driveways, curb cuts, and visible garage
structures in this area are ri.et approP¢iate'.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
Sidewalks throughout the Cathedral District were
either wood plank in their earliest form, which was
later replaced with brick pavers in different
patterns, or poured concrete'with a crushed
limestone aggregate. A historic hexagonal
concrete paver was noted in limited quantities in
the Langworthy, Old Main, and Cathedral Districts.
It is currently City policy to remove and replace
these materials during new construction, either
with broom finish poured concrete or, mbre
recently, stained concrete pavers or stained and
stamped concrete, Preservation and replication of
any of the historic masonry materials for sidewalks
would be appropriate in the Cathedral District and
adjacent neighborhoods, and is the recommended
treatment. Substitute materials can be considered
for issues of cost and code compliance, however.
Limestone was the traditional curb material
throughout the city. As with the' sidewalks, it has
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of original historic paving and limestone curbing
materials where they survive, particularly in areas where the curbing has a
substant a v sual~ rnpact 6n the view from the street.
· Materials fOr new sidewalks and crosswalks that are consistent with the historic
materials, s~Ch aK brick pavers and crushed4imestone aggregate concrete~
· Replacement of deteriorated limestone curbs with new limestone.
· New sidewalks that restore the historic width of the walkways, where
contemporary usages and City codes allow.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original paving, such as colored concrete
pavers and stamped and/or stained concrete.*
· Substitute materials that simulate the original limestone curbing in color,
texture, and shape, such as straight curbs of tinted concrete poured With a
textured form liner (preferred option) .*
been City policy to remove and replace these .As a last resort, straight curbs of limestone.colored stained concrete may be
curbs with poured concrete curbs and gutters ~s I s~
they deteriorate, or when they interfere with street u .*
or utility repairs. Limestone is recommended for,
use as a straight curb material in these areas due:
to its historic presence but alternate materials may
be CC~nsidered for ease of/maintenance, reduced
~0~ and increased dbra~i:iity,
NOT RECOMMEND ED
· Removal of historic curbsand gutters without an appropriate replacement.
· Use of pebble-surface co'ricrete sidewalks.
, of asphalt for a paving material on sidewalks.
· ReView with PSD and H PC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
RECOMMENDED
Cathedral
Th~e~
an~ limestone
paving
Historic two-tone hexagonal sidewalk
pavers and contemporaryDroom-finished
concrete. The latter ~s visually
incompatible, andis not recommended,
Limestone curbs in historic photo. These survive
rather sporadically due to the City's rep~acemem
policy. They shouldbe maintained whenever
possible.
ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATES
Concrete pavers Sram ped cohcrete ~'
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
GRADE CHANGES AND RETAINING WALLS
Any addition or removal of ground material on the
property is considered to be a change in grade. As
a general rule this should be avoided. Such
changes generally result in the alteration of the
visual character of the property, and also may
damage the site and its structures through erosion
or improper drainage.
Every residential historic district exhibited some
form of retaining wall constructed from large,
rough-hewn blocks of the local limestone: These
retaining walls are characteristic of Dubuque, and
the massive examples seen in the Cathedral,
Jackson Park, and West 11t? Street districts
represent one of the city's most distinctive features.
Smaller scale versions are common for individual
ProPerties, and groups of prOperties, thr6~hOUt
the districts.
As with the curbs and gutters, limestbne ~etaining
wails have been replaced in some areas with new
poured concrete versionS; :~he historic walls should
be :~etained and re~aire~:Where they exist, and
new Wa s Shoud be ~Ui~wth the same finish:
matbrials as:the histOri~;Wai!~;
GRADE CHANGES RECOMMENDED
· Minor changes in grade that will improve drainage of a site, or that will serve to
direct moisture away fro~.a structure.
· Minor changes in grade for the purpose of site or landscape improvements or
restoration.
GEADE CHANGES NOT RECOMMENDED
,Changes in grade that obscure or conceal portions of the primary structure.
· Changes in grade that may have' an adverse effect on the site's structures, or
neighboringStrucfiJ~res through the redirection of moisture or storm water.
· Changes in grade that have an impact on the character of the streetscape or the
relationship of the buildings to their sites.
RETAINING WALLS RECOMMENDED
· Identifying and preserving historic limestone retaining walls.
· Constructing new retaining walls that replicate the size, scale, and materials df:the
historic limestone walls.
AINI NG WALLS NOT RECOMMENDED
ging or removing an historic retaining wail that can be salvaged or repaired.
· Constructing new retaining walls of poured concrete, railroad ties, or stel~dard
concrete block.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GRADE CHANGES AND RETAINING WALLS
RECOMMENDED
Historic limestone retaining wails at houses
located at the base of the bluffs. Such walls
are common in Dubu(~ue. ano define its
character. Every effort should be made to
preserve them.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Large poured concrete ret~iini~g wail is incompatibl~
in its form, materials, and finish
Railroad tie
Cathedral
Substitute materials ~0not match the cdgr,
texture and sci~ ~i~ original-lim~!~
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
FENCES AND GATES
Every residential area of the historic districts:
exhibited some form of Iow historic fences and/or
gate. The high density of the' residential areas
combined with the complexities of the local
topography limited fences primarily to large, flat
plots, usually those of the larger upper class
homes. Elaborate wrought and cast iron examples
were common on the larger properties construc!ed
in the latter half of the nineteenth centuff in ~he
Jackson Park, West ilth Street, ahd Cathedral
districts. These were often erected atop a
limestone retaining wall that served as a base, and
several examples survive in good condition. More
utilitarian mesh-type fences--precursors to modern
chain link--also are visible in these areas,
although they survive less frequently. In the
Langworthy and southern Cathedral districts
simple wooden picket fencing, and gates, and
wooden balustrade style fences were a popular
choice for larger homes or groups of properties:
After 1945 chain link became a popuar fencng
option, but this material is incompatible with the
historic character of the distriCtS. Original fences
shq~d be preserved ~:~ repaired where they
bxi~t, and new fences:~ould be based upon
historic prototypes whene~er poSsible,
:
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of original cast and wrought iron fences and
gates. ~
· Replication and :installation of new fences based upon identified historic
prototypes.
· Replication and installation of different types of historic fences for different
expOsures, based upon identified prototypes.
· New fences that are sensitive to historic precedents in their scale, transparency,
color, and materials.
· Fenes that is in compliance with City codes.
· Installation of privacy fences at the rear of the property only.
· Removal of inappropriate chain link or privacy fences.
· Installation of the same appropriate material for fences wherever they occur on
the property, unless different historic materials are extant.
· Installation of fences with the decorative face presented to the public way.
· Planting of windbreaks or hedgerows to function as a privacy "fence, on
primary facades, where adequate historic documentation exists.
NOT RECOMMENDED
-New fences constructed of chain-link, horizontal board, split rails, plastiC,
concrete block or other'solid masonry.
iFences that are not in compliance with City codes.
'P~iVacy fences that are set forward of the rear wall of the structure, or that are
prominently visible from the street(s).
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
FENCES AND GATES - Wood
RECOMMENDED
Cathedral
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
FENCES AND GATES - Metal
RECOMMENDED
Ca thedral
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
AMENITIES - RESIDENTIAL
A variety of public amenities are required in public
areas for the convenience of the public. Historically
these would include items such as benches or
other forms of seating, clocks, hitching posts, and
street signs. Due to intensive usage and constant
exposure to the elements, few of these items
survive except in historic photographs. Where
historic features survive, they should be preserved
and maintained. Where evidence for historic
features is available, an effort should be made to
replicate them in newer, more .durable materials
that will reduce maintenance and replacement
costs.
The City has recently installed new stm~) iron
benches in public spaces in the downtown area
and at Cable Car Square, and they would like to
continue the use of this style throughout the
historic districts. This style is suitable for public
areas in residential and commercial areas of the
districts. In the more residential areas of the district
it is advisable to consider the introduction of trash
and ash receptacles, and possibly planters in
residential areas as well for public benefit. To
minimize the costs of maintenance and
replacement for the city~ 'it is advisable to utilize
one'or two styles for al! features throughout the
historic distr cts and the r n~ §hbor ng areas
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of existing historic features, such as httching
posts, benches or other seating, trash receptacles, etc. that were provided for
public use. Damage or flaws may prevent the retention or continued use of these
items, but they should be documented and preserved in storage to serve as a
guide for new features.
· New features based upon historical precedents. These can be executed in
contemporary materials and finishes to increase durability. Note that amenities
such as benches and signs that are constructed largely or entirely of wood will be
more easily damaged and will require regular maintenance.
· New features that reference the style of historic features, to establish a unified
appearance and general historic character among the public amenities in the
historicdistricts.
· Installation of amenities purchased through the City, or through the City's
suppliers, for use on private property.
· One group or party should be responsible for the maintenance of plantings in
planters.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of existing historic features, either deliberately or through
deferred maintenance.
· Installation of new features that do not reference historical features, or that are not
coordinated with the features recommended by the Guidelines,
· Benches and waste receptacles composed largely or entirely of smooth or pebble-
faced concrete or plastic.
· Installation of features that do not meet current City codes,
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
AMENITIES - COMMERICIAL
A variety of public amenities are required in public
areas for the convenience of the public. Historically
these would include items such as benches or
other forms of seating, trash receptacles, clocks,
hitching posts, and street signs. Due to intensive
usage and constant exposure to the elements, few
of these items survive except in historic
photographs. Where historic features survive, they
should be preserved and maintained. Wh~re
evidence for historic features is available, an effOrt
should be made to replicate them in newer, more
durable materials that will reduce maintenance and
replacement costs.
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of any existing historic features, such as hitching
posts, benches or other seating, etc. that were provided for public use. Damage or
flaws may prevent the retention or continued use of these items, but they shou d
be documented and preserved n storage to serve as a guide for new features.
· New features based upon historical precedents. These can be executed in
contemporarY materials and finishes to increase durability. Note that amenities
such as benches and signs that are constructed largely or entirely of wood will be
more easily damaged and will require regular maintenance.
· New features that reference the style of historic features, to establish a unified
appearance and general historic character among the public amenities in the
historic distr cts
· One group or party should be responsible for the maintenance of plantings in
The City has recently installed new strap iron
benches in public spaces in the downtown area
and at Cable Car Square, and they would like to
continue the use of this style throughout the
historic districts. This style is suitable for public
areas in residential and commercial araas 0f the
districts. In the more commercial areas of Old Main
and south Cathedral district, it is advisable to
consider the introduction of' trash and ash
receptacles, clockS, and POSsib y planterS aSwell
~or Public benefit To:~nimze the Costs of
maintenance and replacement ,for the City. it is
adv Sab e tout ze One ??~0 StYles for all features
thrOUghout the histe'h~: dstrcts and ther
r~e~[~i~ng ia reas. :
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of existing historic features, either deliberately or through
deferred maintenance.
,Installation of new features that do not reference historical features, or that are not
coordinated with the features recommended by the Guidelines.
· .Benches and waste receptacles composed largely or entirely of smooth or pebble-
· faced concrete or plastic.
· Installation of featuresthat do not meet current City codes.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
AMENITIES
RECOMMENDED
New strap iron bench at 3r~ and Main
Bench, planter and lighting at Cable Car
Square
Detail of planter and light
Cathedral
Car
'Central Park" style bench
Historic property markedhitching pos[
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
The commercial areas of the historic districts
including all of the O1(~ Main district and the central
and southern portion of the Cathedral district near
Cable Car Square have exhibited a wide array of
s~gns from the late nineteenth century through the
present day. Few examples from the nineteenth
century survive, but there is photographic evidence
for signs on Main Street throughout the twentieth
century. It is desirable that new signs attempt to
reference the historic signs of the eady twentieth
century in is s~ze scale, style, and coloration, but
substitute materials are acceptable for the
purposes of increased durability. Several examples
of appropriate signs can be seen in Cable Car
Square.
Given its age and cultural significance, neon signs
from the mid-century are now considered to be
historic in their own right. The retention and/or
replication of these mater a s for contemporary use
should 3e evaluated by the Preservatior
Commission on a case-by-case basis.
RECOMMENDED
· All signs should follow regulations outlined in City ordinances.
· Identification, repair, and preservation of existing signs from the first half of the
twentieth century Or earli6r.
· Identification and preservation of signs from the 1950s and 1960s, where
appropriate.
· Signs constructed of traditional and historic materials such as carved and painted
wood, cast bronze, or painted metal.
· Signs that replicate or reference historic signs in their style, scale, and materials.
· Signs that replicate symbols or Iogos associated with the business, product or
trade.
· Coordination of sign colors with overall scheme of building exterior.
· Placement of signs at traditional locations, such as storefront belt courses, ~lpper
facade walls, hanging or mounted inside the windows, or projecting from the face
of the building.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of historic signage either through deliberate action or
neglect,
· Signs that are out of scale With the building, and with neighboring buildings and
signs.
· Signs Of inappropriate materials, such as plastic or vinyl.
· IriSertion or attachment of signs in such a way as toJnflict damage to the building.
· Internally lit signs.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200'/
Cathedral
SIGNAGE AND GRAPHICS
RECOMMENDED
Contemporary signs,
hangers, and points
of placement in
Cable Car Square.
reflecting the
recommended style,
scale, materials, and
appearance for sign
features in the
district.
Circa 1880
Historic s~gn variants on Main Street
Circa 1915
Sirca 1960
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
WAYFINDING FEATURES
The nature and appearance of street signs and
wayfinding materials are determined to a certain
extent by code. The size, shape, and graphics of
street signs may not be altered in certain
instances. However, the City has recently installed
decorative s~gnposts in the area around the City
Hall. It is recommended that this type of post, or ~
variant of it, be used for new signs.
Kiosks and information boards are not historic
features of Dubuque, but they are important assets
in serving both the local population and visitors to
the city. New wayfinding materials should be in
keeping with the style, materials and colors
established for other public amenities such as
benches and waste receptacles.
It may be desirable to alter the wayfinding
materials slightly in color, material, or stylefor each
district as a means of clearly separating and
defining them according to their historic character.
Banners or other gateway markers may be
desi~*able as a means 0.{ ~lefining each district.
Hi~t0ric examples are rbco~.ded~,~r in photographs,
and these shou d be rePl b:a~ted or referenced.
RECOMMENDED
· Maintain a consistency of style, color, and scale in all wayfinding features to
contribute to the overall ~historic character of each district in general, and the
amenities in particular.
· Maintain a consistency in style of text and graphics within each district, or within
the districts as a v~hole.
· D~corative signposts that reference historic sti'eet features.
· New gateways or bannersthat are consistent with the styles, colors, and materials
selected for each district's wayfinding materials, or for the districts in general
NOT RECOMMENDED
,New signs, kiosks or boards that are incompatible with the other streetscape
amenities.
· New wayfinding materials that are out of scale with the surrounding buildings and
streetscape, or with the other streetscape amenities.
· installation of wayfinding materials in Such a manner as to disrupt or blOekCritical
vistas or views.
· InStallation of wayfinding features in such a way as to damage existing historic
streetscape materials, or the surrounding structures.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200f
WAYFINDING FEATURES
RECOMMENDED
Cathedral
Contemporary marker for Cable Car Souare incorporating
historic fencing and typical retaining wall materials
Typical new,street §ign with
dec~'(~e oost used in Cable Car
Souare area
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Ca th e dra I
STREET LIGHTING
Several examples of historic lighting in the Old
Main district are recorded in historic photographs,
an(~ several examples of street ligh! fixtures dating
from the early twentieth century have been
preserved and reused in the downtown area. It is
not feasible to retrofit these fixtures for continued
use throughout the downtown due to problems of
repair and long-term maintenance.
Recently the City has installed new street lighting
posts in the downtown, and they would like to
conti hue using this style for durability and ease of
maintenance.
Street lights may represent another area where
districts caw express their historic character
through differing styles, materials or colors of lamp
posts and globes. This will need to be balanced
with issues of cost and upkeep for the City.
RECOMMENDED
· Preservation, repair and reuse of original fixtures whenever possible.
· Documentation and storage of historic fixtures for reference or protected usage.
· New lighting th~ is consistent with the historic lighting in its scale, style,
materials, and colors.
· New lighting that is installed at a height appropriate for thestreetscape.
· Purchase and use of City.approved lighting fixtures by private property owners for
installation on their proper~y.
· Consider color, cOrrected metal halide lighting to provide better color rendition of
the historic materials.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Destruction or removal of existing historic light fixtures that can be salVaged Or
repaired.
· Installation of new lighting in such as way as to block key vistas or views.
· Installation of lighting in such a way as to damage existing historic streetscape
elements, or surrounding buildings.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001.
~ ! i ~Cathedral
STREET LIGHTING
RECOMMENDED
New light installed by the City in Old Main and Cathedral
Districts.
Detail of new lighting
Historic photo showing original gas lights
NOT RECOMMENDED
Contemporary
photo showing
historib lighting
reinstalled on
bridge in downtown
Historic photo
showing specialty
lighting for chemist
shop in ~e shape
of:~' ~[ar and
'pestle
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
YARD AND PARK FEATURES
The historic districts contain a large percentage of
green space scattered throughout in the form of
private yards and public parks, most notably
Jackson Park and Washington Park. Historic
documentation has allowed for the recreation of
the pathways and pergola in Washington Park, and
similar documentation is available for Jackson
Park. It is desirable that this park be restored to its
appearance in the early twentieth century. This
does not prectude the insertion of contemporary
outdoor sculpture or outdoor installations in these
spaces, however.
Yard space that is on private property is not
generally regulated by the City. It is recommended
that private property owners remain aware of the
views of their property from the public way, and to
maintain these views in a manner that is consistent
with the historic character of their district.
RECOMMENDED
· Restoration of public parks and greenspaces to their original laYOUt and
landscaping plans (if appropriate), including the restoration or recreetion of
pergolas or grandstands~
· Evaluation of later changes to public parks and greenspaces to determine their
historic significance.
· InStallation of amenities and wayflnding materials in public greenspaces that are
in keeping with the rest of that district.
· Maintaining private property that is visible from the public way in a manner that is
in keeping with th~ historic character of the district
· Installation rof public sculpture or other displays of outdoor art in public
greenspaces.
· Installation of artwork on publicly-visible private property that is in keeping with
the scale of its surroundings.
· Installation of fountains or other water features on publicly-visible private property
that is keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding district's
streetscape
NOT RECOMMENDED
· R~moUal of any existing historic landscaping Or park feature.
· Installation of new features on public greenspaces'that do not respect the SCale.or
character of their surrounding district.
,Installation of new artwork, fountains, or pergolas, etc. on
property that does not respect the scale or character of the surreut~ding
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City ofDubuque, lowa 2001
YARD AND PARK FEATURES
RECOMMENDED
Sculpture, paths, and lighting in Washingi°n
Park, c. 1884.
Cathedral
Histodc photo of WashingtOn ,Park
:" ~[ its originai' ~dSCaping
features ~e~io~6]d i~ ~heir
historic appearance, mos[
notably the gazebo n the
center.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
LANDSCAPING
Some photographic evidence exists for the various
forms of landscaping that have existed in the
historic districts over time, These schemes may not
be appropriate for restoration. Landscaping in the
historic districts will be guided largely by the
existing landscaping ordinance, which designates
tree and shrub species, sizes,, and appropriate
locations on public and private property.
Where evidence of a historic landSCape"feature
exists, and can contribute to the historic character
of the district, efforts should be made to preserve
or restore these features. Such work should be
carried out with the consultation of the City
Forester to ensure that it meets the City ordinance,
and does not pose a threat to'the health of the
surrounding landscape, or the safety of the public.
RECOMMENDED
· Identification, preservation, and restoration of historic landscape features
whenever possible.
· New landscaping= [hat meets the requirements of the landscaping ordinance.
oRestoration or recreation of landscaping features that have local historical or
cultural significance for the distriCt or the city in general.
· Preserve and maintain mature trees, replacing them when they become diseased
or die.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Insertion of new landscaping features that may pose a hazard to the health of
surrounding landscape features, or to public safety.
· Installation of new landscape features that will contribute to the deterioration of
nearby structures or streetscape features.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
LANDSCAPING
RECOMMENDED
Mature Street trees and vineyards planted on
the bluffs above as seen from the intersection
of 5th and Locust in the 1860s.
CathedraI
Young street trees at the curb on the-west side of Bluff'St¢~t:as
s.e~en in the 1880s,
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Cathedral
UTILITIES
The standard procedures for utilities govern the
size. appearance, and location of their services, It
is recommended that an attempt be made to
provide more inconspicuous service boxes In the
historic districts, either through the modification of
the covers, or the location of the [~oxes
themselves.
Existing electrical service runs above ground,
creating a network of wires over the streets and the
historic properties. The City may consider the
option of burying utilities on all new construction
and on all repairs in the historic districts.
RECOMMENDED
· New utility boxes that are less invasive in their appearance and/or their location.
· Burying all new or upgraded utility serve to reduce the number of overhead lines
in the historic distriCts.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Placing utility service boxes in open areas that are prominently visible from the
street, as seen below.
OLD MAIN DISTRICT
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
SETTING AND SITE
SETTING -The building setting is the area or
environment in which an historic property is found.
It may be an urban or suburban neighborhood or a
natural landscape i~ which a building has been
constructed. The elements of setting, such as the
relationship of buildings to one another, property
setbacks, fence patterns, views, driveways and
walkways, together with street trees and other
landscaping features create the character of a
neighborhood or district.
Photo of Main
Street in 1877
showing the
maiden voyage of
the Steam Railway.
The trolley was a
defining feature of
the character of
Main Street, as was
the dense
commercial
development
creating a Iow
canyon or
"streetwall" effect
on the primary
commercial
thoroughfare, ll,37 M~id~t ~rtp of ~h~ Hitl Str~t a~d West Dubuque Steam
railway, from 8th and ~fn, Thu~day, 12 July I877. The tr~qk
~,~ ~'~; ~ ~;~ ~ ~scen&d 2~¥~ feet on Hill and 3rd St~eto to Alpine and ]ullen
~- ,~ Rlnive~ity), to Broad Street (Mt Pl~sanO. In 1879 ~e~ice was
,;c . ~ ~ extended to the W~tent braoe~ at ]ulien and Ddhi (riga 9.12
'' ~ ~ and 9.13), where the mr~n~ wns. From a s~reogmph by
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the setting, such as roads and streets,
furnishings and fixtures, natural or topographic features, and key wews
or vistas.
· Retain historic relationship between buildings, between buildings and
streets, and between buildings and landscape features.
· Evaluate condition and integrity of existing landscape and streetscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, and long-term protection
of these features.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any streetscape or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of the
district.
· Failing to maintain the historic relationship of buildings and setting
features through inappropriate new construction of streets, parking lots,
or building infill.
· Permitting damage or deterioration of existing features through
inadequate protection or maintenance.
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new
materials, when originals can be saved and repaired.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
SETTING
RECOMMENDED
The high density of
the commercial area
on and near Main
Street was one of
the defining features
of the downtown
area, as seen in the
aerial photo of
Dubuque prior to
urban renewal
(upper left). Portions
of this dense
historic commercial
development still
survive in the Old
Main District, albeit
in a somewhat
abbreviated form,
as seen in the
photos at right.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SETTING
NOT RECOMMENDED
A combination of insensitive
urban renewal, road
construction,, and de[erred
maintenance have taken
their toll on the once dense
commercial areas in the
district. The loss of adjacent
structures destroys historic
context, and places large
gaps in what was intended
as a unified street facade.
Contemporary
parking lots (at
left) and ramps in
the districts
generally signify
the loss of
structures that
contributed to the
overall Setting
and character of
the area. The
resulting gaps ~n
the historic fabric
have a negative
visual impact.
Old Main
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200'/
Old Main
SETTING AND SITE
SITE - The landscape surrounding a historic building
and contained within an individual parcel of land is
considered the building site. The site, including all of its
associated features, contributes to the overall character of
the property. As a result, the relationship between the
building and the landscape features within the site's
boundaries should be considered in the overall Planning of
rehabilitation work.
RECOMMENDED
· Identify, retain and preserve landscape features that are important in
defining the historic character of the site, such as sidewalks and
paths, furnishings, light fixtures, sculpture, water features, natural or
topographic features, and potential archaeological resources.
· Retain historic relationship between buildings and secondary
structures, between buildings and streets, and between buildings
and landscape features.
· Evaluate condition and integrity of existing buildings and landscape
features. Devise plans for repair, maintenance, and long-term
protection ofthese features.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal, relocation, or radical alteration of any building or
landscape element that contributes to the historic character of the
site.
· Failing to maintain the historic relationship of buildings and
landscape features through inappropr ate new construction of
streets, pathways, parking lots, secondary buildings, or building
infill.
· Permitting damage or deterioration of existing features through
inadequate protection or maintenance.
· Removal and replacement of existing historic features with new
materials, when originals Can be saved and repaired.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001'
Old Main
SITE
RECOMMENDED
The high density of the development required that bud ngs consume the majority of their long, narrow.lots. Building facades are directly related to the
sidewalk and street with a minimal setback on the front facade, and on the secondary facades when at a corner.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING, PAVING - RESIDENTIAL
The majority of the areas contained within the
historic districts were platted in a period that relied
on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as the
primary means of transportation. Streets were
narrow and paved with planks, and later with
pavers, if they were paved at all. In the more urban
areas of Jackson Park, Old Main, and Cathedral
districts, housing patterns were dense, and rear
alleys provided access to sheds, carriage houses,
or garages at the back or side of the property. With
the coming of the automobile, these structures
were increasingly converted to or replaced by
garages. The insertion of driveways, parking areas,
and curb cuts in these districts is generally
inconsistent with their historic character.
Within the districts the traditional paving material
should be saved and restored. The insertion of
new curb cuts and parking should be kept to a
minimum.
RECOMMENDED
· Preservation of driveways and their original designs, materials, and placements.
· Materials for new drives that are consistent with the historic materials, including
crushed-limestoneaggregate concrete, and brick pavers.
· Parking areas located near the rear of the property, and screened with
landscaping when visible from the street.
· Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures for continued use.
· Access to garages from side or rear of property.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tinted
asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a plain
asphalt.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Insertion of new semi-circular or drive-thru drive designs in front yards.
· Demolition of an existing secondary structure for the creation of a new garage,
· Insertion of a new drive or garage adjacent to or in front of the primary fa~:ade of
the primary structure.
· Insertion of gravel or dirt drives, which violates City codes.
· Insertion of new drives Or parking areas without provision of proper landscape
screening from the street(s).
*Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
DRIVES, PARKING LOTS, PAVING
The majority of the areas contained within the
historic districts were platted in a period that relied
largely on pedestrian, trolley, and carriage traffic as
the primary means of transportation. Streets
originally were paved with planks, and later with
pavers, if they were paved at all. In the downtown
areas of Old Main, West 11th Street, and portions
of the Cathedral districts, construction patterns
were dense, and rear alleys provided access to the
back of the property.
The insertion of prominent driveways, curb cuts
and parking lots in these areas of the district is
generally inconsistent with their'historic character.
Within the districts the traditional paving and
materials should be saved and restored, and the
insertion of new curb cuts and 'parking kept to a
minimum.
COMMERCIAL
RECOMMENDED
· Location of new parking lots for commercially-used houses, churches,
apartments, schools in the rear of the properties.
· Screening parking areas at corner lots with landscaping on both streets.
· Aligning new parking areas on vacant lots with the front edge of the adjacent
property to allow for a proper landscaping screen.
· Preservation and renovation of historic secondary structures for continued use.
· Access for delivery from the side or rear of property.
.Preservation and repair of brick paving where existing.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original in appearance, such as tinted
asphalt and stained and/or stamped concrete, or common materials such a plain
asphalt.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Demolition of an existing primary or secondary structure for the creation of
parking areas.
· InSertion of a new drive or garage adjacent to or in front of the primary facade of
the primary structure,
· insertion of new drives or parking areas without provision of proper landscape
screening from street.
*Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
DRIVEWAYS, PARKING LOTS, PAVING
RECOMMENDED
Old Main
Public parking with an adequate setback,
decorative fencing, and appropriate
plantings for screening.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Historic photo showing brick street paving,
circa 1917.
Contemporary parking lots (at left) in
the districts create gaps in the
historic architectural fabric that have
a negative visual impact on the
district as a whole. At left the
parking lot is prominently located at
a corner, it does not respect the
setback of the neighboring building,
and [hera is little to blend it into its
surrounding or hide it from pubic
view. At right, the open space for
parking has isolated a building in
what was an architectural row.
The density necessitates on-straet parking for both
commercial structures. Driveways, curb cuts, and
visible garage structures in this area are not
appropriate.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001'
Old Main
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
Sidewalks throughout the Cathedral District were
either wood plank in their earliest form, which was
later replaced with brick pavers in different
patterns, or poured concrete with a crushed
limestone aggregate. A historic hexagonal
concrete paver was noted in limited quantities in
the Langworthy, Old Main, and Cathedral Districts.
It is currently City policy to remove and replace
these materials during new construction, either
with broom finish poured concrete or, more
recently, stained concrete pavers or stained and
stamped concrete. Preservation and replication of
any of the historic masonry materials for sidewalks
would be appropriate in the Cathedral District and
adjacent neighborhoods, and is the recommended
treatment. Substitute materials can be considered
for issues of cost and code compliance, however.
Limestone was the traditional curb material
throughout the city. As with the' sidewalks, it has
been City policy to remove and replace these
curbs with poured concrete curbs and gutters as
they deteriorate, or when they interfere with street
or utility repairs. Limestone is recommended for
use as a straight curb material in these areas due
to its historic presence, but alternate materials may
be considered for ease of maintenance, reduced
cost and increased durabi ry.
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of origi hal historic paving and limestone curbing
materials where they survive, particularly in areas where the curbing has a
substantial visual impact on the view from the street.
· Materials for new sidewalks and crosswalks that are consistent with the historic
materials, such as brick pavers and crushed-limestone aggregate concrete.
· Replacement of deteriorated limestone curbs with new limestone.
· New sidewalks that restore the historic width of the walkways, where
contemporary usages and City codes allow.
ACCEPTABLE
· Substitute materials that simulate the original paving, such as colored concrete
pavers and stamped and/or stained concrete.*
· Substitute materials that simulate the original limestone curbing in color,
texture, and shape, such as straight curbs of tinted concrete poured with a
textured form liner Ipreferred option) .*
· As a last resort, straight curbs of limestone-colored stained concrete may be
used.*
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal of historic curbs and gutters without an appropriate replacement.
· Use of pebble-surface concrete sidewalks.
· Use of asphalt for a paving material on sidewalks.
*Review with PSD and HPC
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
SIDEWALKS, WALKWAYS, AND CURBS
RECOMMENDED
Limestone curbs in historic Photo (below). These survive
rather sporadically due to the City'S replacement Poiicy. They
should be maintained whenever possible.
Historic two-tone hexagonal sidewalk pavers and
contemporary broom-finished concrete (above). The
latter is visually incompatible, and is not recommended.
A surviving entry mosaic is shown at right. Specialty
paving SUCh as this should be preserved.
ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATES
Three types and patterns ~f brick sidewalk paving
and limestone aggregate concrete (foreground)
Concrete pavers Stamped concrete
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
FENCES AND GATES
Every residential area of the historic districts
exhibited some form of Iow historic fences and/or
gate. The high density of the residential areas
combined with the complexities of the local
topography limited fences primarily to large, flat
plots, usual y those of the larger upper class
homes. Elaborate wrought and cast iron examples
were common on the larger properties constructed
in the latter half of the nineteenth century in the
Jackson Park West 11th Street, and Cathedral
districts, n the Langworthy and southern Cathedral
districts simple wooden picket fences and gates,
and wooden balustrade style fences were a
popular choice for larger homes or groups of
properties.
After 1945 chain link became a popular fencing
option but this material is incompatible with the
historic character of the districts. Original fences
should be preserved and repaired where they
exist, and new fences should be based upon
historic prototypes whenever possible.
Due to its commercial character there was little,
if any, fencing in the Old Main District. Any new
fencing installed for public areas or parking
areas should be in keeping with the historic
character of the district.
RECOMMENDED
,Identification and preservation of original cast and wrought iron fences and
gates.
· Replication and installation of new fences based upon identified historic
prototypes.
· Replication and installation of different types of historic fences for different
exposures, based upon identified prototypes.
· New fences that are sensitive to historic precedents in their scale, transparency,
color, and materials.
· Fences that are in compliance with City codes.
· Installation of privacy fences at the rear of the property only.
· Removal of inappropriate chain link or privacy fences.
· Installation of the same appropriate material for fences wherever they occur on
the property, unless different historic materials are extant.
· Installation of fences with the decorative face presented to the public way.
· Planting of windbreaks or hedgerows to function as a privacy "fence" on
primary facades, where adequate historic documentation exists.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· New fences constructed of chain link, horizontal board, split rails, plastic,
concrete block or other solid masonry.
· Fences that are not in compliance with City codes.
· Privacy fences that are set forward of the rear wall of the structure, or that are
prominently visible from the street(s).
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
FENCES AND GATES - Metal
RECOMMENDED
Old Main
NOT RECOMMENDED
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
AMENITIES - COMMERICIAL
A variety of public amenities are required in public
areas for the convenience of the public. Historically
these would include items such as benches or
other forms of seating, trash receptacles, clocks,
hitching posts, and street signs; Due to intensive
usage and constant exposure to the elements, few
of these items survive except in historic
photographs. Where historic features survive, they
should be preserved and maintained. Where
evidence for historic features is available, an effort
should be made to replicate them in newer, more
durable materials that will reduce maintenance and
replacement costs.
The City has recently installed new strap iron
benches in public spaces in the downtown area
and at Cable Car Square, and they would like to
continue the use of this style throughout the
historic districts. This style is suitable for public
areas in residential and commercial areas of the
districts. In the more commercial areas of Old Main
and south Cathedral district, it is advisable to
consider the introduction of trash and ash
receptacles, clocks, and pQssibly planters as well
for Public benefit. To ~inimize the costs of
maintenance and replacement for the City, it is
advisable to utilize one or two styles for all features
thrOUghout the historic districts and their
n~e~[gh.bQ [i~n g areas.
RECOMMENDED
· Identification and preservation of any existing historic features, such as hitching
posts, benches or other seating, etc. that were provided for public use. Damage or
flaws may prevent the retention or continued use of these items, but they should
be documented and preserved in storage to serve as a guide for new features.
· New features based upon historical precedents. These can be executed in
contemporarY materials and finishes to increase durability. Note that amenities
such as benches or signs that are constructed largely or entirely of wood will be
more easily damaged and will require regular maintenance.
· New features that reference the style of historic features, to establish a unified
appearance and general historic character among the public amenities in the
historic districts.
· One group or party should be responsible for the maintenance of plantings in
planters.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of existing historic features, either deliberately or through
deferred maintenance.
· installation of new features that do not reference historical features, or that are not
coordinated with the features recommended by the Guidelines.
I oBenches and waste receptacles composed largely or entirely of smooth or pebble-
faced concrete or plastic:
· Installation of features that do not meet current City codes.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200~
AMENITIES
RECOMMENDED
New strap iron bench at 3rd and Main
Bench, planter and lighting at Cable Car
Square
Old Main
Detail of Dian[er and light
Detail 0f strap iron bbn(~h at Cable Car
square'
"Central Park" style bench
Historic property marker/hitching post
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200f
Old Main
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
The commercial areas of the historic districts
including all of the Old Main district and the central
and southern portion of the Cathedral district near
Cable Car Square have exhibited a wide array of
s~gns from the late nineteenth century through the
present day. Few examples from the nineteenth
century survive, but there is photographic evidence
['or signs on Main Street throughout the twentieth
century. It is desirable that new s~gns attempt to
reference the historic signs of the early twentieth
century in is s~ze. scale, style, and coloration, but
substitute materials are acceptable for
purposes of increased durability. Several examples
of appropriate s~gns can be seen in Cable Car
Square.
Given its age ane cultural significance, neon signs
from the mid-century are now considered to be
historic r their own right. The retention and/or
replication of these materials for contemporary use
should be evaluate~ by the Preservation
Commission on a case-by-case basis,
RECOMMENDED
· All signs should follow regulations outlined in City ordinances.
· Identification, repair, andpreservation of existing signs from the first half of the
twentieth century or earlier.
· Identification and preservation of signs from the 1950s and '1960s, where
appropriate.
· Signs constructed of traditional and historic materials such as carved and painted
wood, cast bronze, or painted metal.
· Signs that replicate or reference historic signs in their style, scale, and materials.
· Signs that replicate symbols or Iogos associated with the business, product or
trade.
· Coordination of sign colors with overall scheme of building exterior.
· Placement of signs at traditional locations, such es storefront belt courses, upper
fa~:ade walls, hanging or mounted inside the windows, or projecting from the face
of the building.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Removal or destruction of historic signs either through deliberate aotion or
neglect.
· Signs that are out of scale with the building, and with neighboring buildings and
signs.
· Signs of inappropriate materials, such as plastic or vinyl.
· ~ nsertion or attachment of signs in such a way as to inflict damage to the building.
· Internally lit signs.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS
RECOMMENDED
Contemporary signs,
hangers, and points
of placement in
Cable Car Square.
reflecting the
recommended style,
scale, materials, anc~
appearance for sign
features in the
district.
Old Main
Circa 1880
Historic sign variants on Main Street
Circa 1915
Circa 1960
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200f
Old Main
WAYFINDING FEATURES
The nature and appearance of street signs and
wayfinding materials are determined to a certain
extent by code. The size, shape, and graphics of
street signs may not be altered in certain
instances. However, the City has recently installed
decorative signposts in the area around the City
Hall. It is recommended that this type of post, or a
variant of it, be used for new signs.
Kiosks and information boards are not historic
features of Dubuque, but they are important assets
in serving both the local population and visitors to
the city. New wayfinding materials should be in
keeping with the style, materials and colors
established for other public amenities such as
benches and waste receptacles. ·
It may be desirable to alter the wayfinding
materials slightly in color, material, or style for each
district as a means of clearly separating and
defining them according to their historic character.
Ban~ers or other gateway markers may be
desirable as a means of defining each district.
HistOric examples are recorded in phOtographs,
and these should be rePiibated or referenced.
RECOMMENDED
· Maintain a consistency of style, color, and scale in ali wayfinding features to
contribute to the overall historic character of each district in general, and the
amenities in particular.
· Maintain a consistency in style of text and graphics within each district, or within
the districts as a whole.
· Decorative signposts that reference historic street features.
· New gateways or banners that are consistent with the styles, colors, and materials
selected for each district's wayfinding materials, or for the districts in general.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· New signs, kiosks or boards that are incompatible with the other streetscape
amentities.
· New wayfinding materials that are out of scale with the surrounding buildings and
streetscape, or with the other streetscape amenities.
· Installation of wayfinding materials in such a manner as to disrupt or block critical
vistas or views.
· Installation of wayfinding features in such a way as to damage existing historic
streetscape materials, or the surrounding structures.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
WAYFINDING FEATURES
RECOMMENDED
Old Main
Contem 3orary marker for Cable Car Square incorporating
historic fencing and typical retaining wall materials
Typical new street sign with
oecorative post used in Cable Car
Square area
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
STREET LIGHTING
Several examples of historic lighting in the Old
Main district are recorded in historic photographs,
and several examples of street light fixtures dating
from the early twentieth century have been
preserved and reused in the downtown area. It is
not feasible to retrofit these fixtures for continued
use throughout the downtown due to problems of
repair and long-term maintenance.
Recently the City has installed new street lighting
posts in the downtown, and they would like to
continue using this style for durability and ease of
maintenance.
Street lights may represent another area where
districts can express their historic character
through differing styles, materials, or colors of lamp
posts and globes, This will need to be balanced
with issues of cost and u ;)keep for the City.
RECOMMENDED
· Preservation, repair and reuse of original fixtures whenever possible.
· Documentation and storage of historic fixtures for reference or protected usage.
· New lighting that is consistent with the historic lighting in its scale, style,
materials, and colors.
· New lighting that is installed at a height appropriate for the streetscape.
· Purchase and use of City-approved lighting fixtures by private property owners for
installation on their property.
· Consider color-corrected metal halide lighting to provide better color rendition of
the historic materials.
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Destruction or removal of existing historic light fixtures that can be salvaged or
repaired.
· Installation of new lighting in such as way as to block key vistas or views.
· Installation of lighting in such a way as to damage existing historic streetscape
elements, or surrounding buildings.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
STREET LIGHTING
RECOMMENDED
Old Main
New light installed by the City in Old Main and Cathedral
Districts
NOT RECOMMENDED
Detail of new lighting
Historic photo showing original gas lights
Contemporary
photo showing
historic ghting
reinstalled on
bridge in downtown
Historic photo
showing specialty
lighting for chemist
shop in the shape
of a mortar and
oestle
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
LANDSCAPING
Some photographic evidence exists for the various
forms of landscaping that have existed in the
historic districts over time. These schemes may not
be appropriate for restoration. Landscaping in the
historic districts will be guided largely by the
existing landscaping ordinance, which designates
tree and shrub species, sizes, and appropriate
locations on public and private property.
Where evidence of a historic landscape feature
exists, and can contribute to the historic character
of the district, efforts should be made to preserve
or restore these features. Such work should be
carried out with the consultation of the City
Forester to ensure that it meets the City ordinance
and does not pose a threat to.the health of the
surrounding landscape, or the safety of the public.
RECOMMENDED
· Identification, preservation, and restoration of historic landscape features
whenever possible.
· New landscaping that meets the requirements of the landscaping ordinance,
· Restoration or recreation of landscaping features that have local historical or
cultural significance for the district or the city in general.
· preserve and maintain mature trees, replacing them when they become diseased
or die,
NOT RECOMMENDED
· Insertion of new landscaping features that may pose a hazard to the health of
surrounding landscape features, or to public safety.
· Installation of new landscape features that will contribute to the deterioration of
nearby structures or streetscape features.
Historic photos do not show any landscaping in the
Old Main District, and the installation of new street
trees Would be inappropriate. Any new landscaping
that is installed in open space or to screen parking
areas should conform to city ordnances.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2005
Old Main
LANDSCAPING
RECOMMENDED
Historic photos of Main Street
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
Old Main
UTILITIES
The standard procedures for utilities govern the
size, appearance, and location of their services. It
is recommended that an attempt be made to
provide more inconspicuous service boxes in the
historic districts, either through the modification of
the covers, or the location of the boxes
themselves.
Existing electrical service runs above ground,
creating a network of wires over the streets and the
historic properties. The City may consider the
option of burying utilities on all 'new construction,
and on all repairs in the historic districts.
RECOMMENDED
· New utility boxes that are less invasive in their appearance and/or their location.
· Burying all new or upgraded utility serve to reduce the number of overhead lines
in the historic distriCts.
NOT RECOMMENDED :
· Placing utility service boxes in oPen areas that are prominently visible f~0m the
street, as seen below.
RESOURCES
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
RESOURCES
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS
INFORMATION RESOURC ES
Preservation Resources in the Carnegie-Stout Library
State Historical Society of Iowallowa SHPO Resources
National Park Service/NCPTT - Overview, Information Clearinghouse and Grants
National Park Service - Technical Preservation Service, Preservation Briefs, Preservation
Planning, and Publications
Historic American BuildingSurvey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER) "Built
in America" Digital Records
"Historic Downtown Main Streets: Strategies for Compatible Streetscape Design"
Selected Bibliography
PRODUCT RESOURCES
Forgotten Signs, New York
Lost Art
CIS Street Furniture
CITY RESOURCES
Contacts - Planning Services Department, Historic Preservation CommissiOn
Chapter 25 Preservation Ordinance
Street Tree and Landscaping Ordinance
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS
Adaptive Use Rehabilitation of a historic structure for use other than its onginal use such as a residence converted into offices.
Addition New construction added to an existing building or structure.
Alteration Any act or process that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a structure, including, but nol imited
to, the erection, construction, reconstruction, addition, sand blasting,Water blasting, chemical cleaning, chemical stopping, or
removal of any structure, but not including changes to the color of exterior paint.
American bond A brickwork pattern where most courses are laid flat, with the long "stretcher" edge exposed, but every fifth to eighth
course is laid perpendicularly with the small "header" end exposes, to structurally tie the wall together.
Appropriate Especially suitable or compatible.
Apron A decorative horizontal trim piece on the lower portion Of an architectural element.
Arch A curved construction which spans an opening and supports the weight above it. (see flat arch, jack arch, segmental arch and
semi-circular arch)
Attic The upper level of a building, not of full ceiling height, directly beneath the roof.
Baluster One of a series of short, vertical, often vase-shaped members used to support a stair Or pomh handrail forming a
balustrade.
Balustrade An entire rail system with top railand balusters.
Bargeboard A board which hangs fr0mthe projeCting end of a gable roof, covering the end rafters, and often sawn into a decorative
pattern.
Bay The portion of a facade between columns or p~ers providing regular divisions and usually marked by windows.
BayWind0w A projecting window that forms an extension to the floor space of the internal rooms; uSUally extends to the ground
level.
Belt course A horizontal band usually marking the floor levels on the exterior facade of a building.
Board and batten Siding. fashioned of boards set vertically and covered where their edges jo~n by narrow strips called battens.
Bond A term used to describe the various patternsin which brick (or stone) is laid, such'~as~ "common bond' or"Flemish bond."
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Bracket A projecting element of wood, stone or metal which spans between horizontal and vertical surfaces (eaves. shelves,
overhangs) as decorative support.
Buildin~l A structure used to house huma~ activity such as a dwelling or ga. rage.
Bulkhead The structural panels just below display windows on storefronts. BUlkheads can be both supportive and decorative in
design. Bulkheads from the ~19th century are often of wood construction with rectangular raised panels while those of the 20th
century may be of wood, brick, tile, or marble construction. Bulkheads are also referred to as kickplates.
BunGalow Common house form of the early 20th century distinguished by horizontal emphasis, wide eaves, large porches and multi-
light doors and windows.
Capital The head of a column or pilaster.
Casement window A window with one or two sashes which are hinged at the sides and usually open outward.
Certificate of Appropriateness A certificate issued by the building official or Historic Preservation Commission indicating its
approval of plans for alteration., construction, removal or demolition of a landmark or of a structure within a historic district.
Certified Local Government Any city, county, parish, township, municipality, or borough or any other general purpose subdivision
enacted by the National Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to further delegate responsibilities and funding to the local level.
Character The qualities and attributes of any structure, site, street or district.
Clapboards Horizontal wooden boards,thinner at the top edge, which are overlapped tc provide.a weatherproof exterior wall surface.
Classical order Derived from Greek anti Roman architecture, a column with its base, shaft, capital and entablature having
standardized details and proportions, according to one of the five canonized modes: Doric, Tuscan~ Ionic. Corinthian~ or Composite
CliPPed Gable A gable rQof where the ends of the ridge are terminated in a small, diagonal roof surface.
%
ColOnial Revival HouSe Style of the early 20th century ~ased on interpretations of architectural forms of the American colonies prior
to the RevOlution.
ColUmn A Circular or §qUare vert ca structural member. ·
Commission The HistOric Preservation Commission.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Compatible In harmony with location and surroundings.
Configuration The arrangement of elements and details on a building or structure which hel D to define its character.
Contemporary Reflecting characteristics of the currant period. Contemporary denotes characteristics which illustrate that a building,
structure, or detail was constructed in the present or recent past rather than b~eing imitative or reflective of a historic design.
Context The setting in which a historic element, site. structure,street, or district exists.
Corbel In masonry, a projection, or one of a series of projections, each stepped progressively farther forward With height and
articulating a cornice or supporting an overhanging member.
Corinthian order Most ornate classical order characterized by a capital with ornamental acanthus leaves and curled fern shoots.
Cornice The uppermost, projecting part of an entablature, or feature resembling it. Any projecting ornamental molding along the top
of a wall, building, etc.
Cresting A decorated ornamental finish along the top of a wall or roof, often made of ornamental metal.
Cross-gable A secondary gable roof which meets the primary roof at right angles.
Demolition Any act or process that destroys in part or in whole a landmark or a struCture wth' in a historic' ' d~stnct.' '
Dentils A row of small tooth-like blocks in a classical cornice.
Design guidelines The "Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" a.s, adopted by the
Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior. and other guidelines Which may be adopted from bme to time.
Doric order A classical order with simple, unadorned capitals, and with no base.
/ that projects from a roof.
DOable-hUng windoWiA'wind'ow with two sashes, one sliding vertically over the other.
EaYe- The ~dge of a r°°f ~hat projects beyond the face of a wall.
Element A material part~0r detail of a site, structure, street, or district.
Elevation Any one of the external faces or facades of a building.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Ell The roar wing of a house, generally one room wide and running perpendicular to the principal building.
Engaged column A round column attached to a wall.
Entablature A part of a building of classical order rosting on the column capital; consists of an architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Fabric The physical material of a building, structuro, or commu ~ity, COnnoting an interweaving of component parts.
Facade Any one of the external faces or elevations of a building.
Fanlight A semi-circular window usually over a door With radiating muntins suggesting a fan.
Fascia A projecting flat horizontal member or molding; forms the trim of a flat roof or a pitched roof; also part of a classical
entablature.
Fenestration The arrangement of windows on a building.
Finial A ~)rojecting decorative element, usually of metal, at the top of a roof turrot or gable.
Fishscale shingles A decorative pattern of wall shingles composed of staggerod horizontal rows of wooden shingles with half-round
ends.
Flashing Thin metal sheets used to prevent moisturo infiltration at joints of roof planes and between the roof and vertical surfaces.
Flat arch An arch whose wedge-shaped stones or bricks are set in a straight line; also called a jack arch.
Flemish bond A brick-work pattern where the lOng "stretcher" edge of the brick is alternated with the small "header" end for
decorative as well as structural effectiveness.
Fluting Shallow, concpye grooves running vertically on the shaft of a column, pilaster, or other surface.
Foundation The lowest exposed portion of the building wall, which supports the structuro above
Frieze Themiddle portion of a classical cornice; also applied decorative elements on an entablaturo or parapet wall.
Gable The .triangular Section of a wall to carry a pitched roof.
Gable roof A pitched ro0f'with one downward slope on either side of a central, horizonta ridge.
Gambrel roof A ridged roof with two Slopes on either side.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Ghosts Outlines or ~)mfiles of missing buildings or building details. These outlines may be visible through stains, paint, weathering,
or other residue on a building's facade.
Greek Revival style Mid-19th century revival of forms and ornament of amhi~ecture of ancient Greece.
Harmony Pleasing or congruent arrangement.
Height The distance from the bottom to the top of a building or structure.
Hipped roof A roof with uniform slopes on all sides.
Historic District An area designated as a "historic district" by ordinance of the city council and which may contain within definable
geographic boundaries one or more landmarks and which may have within its boundaries other proportions or structures that. while
not of such historic or architectural significance to be designated as landmarks nevertheless contribute to the overall historic or
architectural characteristics of*the historic district.
Historic imitation New construction or rehabilitation where elements or corn ~)onents mimic an architectural style but are not of the
same historic period as the existing buildings (historic replica).
Hood molding A projecting molding above an arch doorway, or window, originally designed to direct water away from the oper~in*g;
also called a dri0 mold.
Homestead Style An architectural form of the late 19th and early 20th centuries featuring dwelling built in Gable Front plans with
limited architectural detailing and generally of frame construction. These dwe~ ings were commonly built throughout the Midwest.
Ionic order One of the five classical orders used to describe decorative scroll Capitals.
Infill New construction where there had been an opening before, such as a new building between two older structures; or block infill
between porch pierS orlnan original window opening.
Jack arch (see Flat ar0h)
Keystone The wedge-Shaped top or center member of an arch.
Knee brace An oversize bracket supporting a roof or porch eave.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Landmark A property, structure or natural object designated as a "landmark" by ordinance of the city council, pursuant to procedures
prescribed in this title, that is worthy of rehabilitation, restoration and presentation because of its historic or architectura s ~]nif~ance
to the city.
Landscape The totality of the built or human-influenced habitat experienced at any one place. Dominant features are topography,
plant cover, buildings, or other structures and their patterns.
Lattice An openwork grill of interlacing wood strips used as screening.
Lintel The horizontal top member of a window, door, or other opening.
Maintain To keep in an existing state of preservation or repair.
Mansard roof A roof with a double slope on all four sides, with the lower slope being almost vertical and the upper almost horizontal.
Masonry Exterior wall construction of brick, stone or adobe laid up in small units.
Massing The three-dimensional form of a building.
Material Change A change that will affect either the exterior architectural or environmental features of an histodc property or any
structure, site, or work of art within an historic district.
Metal standing seam roof A roof composes of overlapping sections of metal such as copper-bearing steel or iron coated with a
tame alloy of lead and tin. These roofs were attached or crimped together in ~anous raised seams for which the roof are named,
Modillion A horizontal bracket, often in the form of a plain block, ornamenting, Or sometimes supporting, the underside of a cornice.
Mortar A mixture of sand lime, cement, and water used as a binding agent in masonry construction.
Mullion A heavy vertical 'divider between windows or doom.
MUlti-light window A window sash composed of more than one ~)ane of glass.
Muntin A secondary framirtg member to divide and hold the panes of glass in multi-light window or glazed door.
New construction cons!ruction which is characterized by the introduction of new elements, sites, buildings, or structures or
additions to existing b~i dihgs and structures in historic areas and districts. -
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Normally Required Mandatory actions, summarized in the guidelines, whose compliance is enforced by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
Obscured Covered, concealed, or hidden from view.
Oriel window A bay window which emerges above the ground floor level
Paired columns Two columns supported by one pier= as on a porch.
Palladian window A window with three openings, the central one amhed and wider than the flanking ones.
Paneled door A door composed of solid panels (either raised or recessed) held within a framework of rails and stiles.
Parapet A Iow horizontal wall at the edge of a roof.
Pediment A triangular crowning element forming the gable of a roof; any similar triangular element usea over windows doom, etc.
Pier A vertical structural element, square or rectangular in cross-section.
Pilaster A square pillar attached, but projecting from a wall resembling a classical column.
Pitch The degree of the slope of a roof.
Portico A roofed space, open or partly enclosed, forming the entrance and centerpiece of the facade of a building, often with
columns and a pediment.
Port and cement A strong, inflexible hydraulic cement used to bind mortar, iViO~tar or patching materials with a high Portland cement
content should not be used on pre-1920 buildings. The Portland cement is harder than the masonry, thereby causing serious damage
over annual freeze-thaw cycles.)
Preservation Generally, saving from destruction or deteriorat on o d and historic buildings,'sites structures and objects and
prd~iding for their Cont'i?iU~d use by means of restoration, rehabilitation, or,adaptive use. ~ '
pressed tit~ DecoratiV;e'ari~ functional metalwork ma~b of molded tin used to sheath roofs, bays, and cornices,
prOPortion HarmonioUs'relatiOn of parts tO one another or to the whole,
pyramidal roof A roof With four identk;al sides rising to a central peak.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200'/
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Queen Anne style Popular late 19th century revival style of early eighteenth-century English architecture, characterizeo by
irregularity of plan and massing and a variety of texture.
Quoins A series of stone, bricks, or wood panels ornamenting the outside of a wall.
Recommended Suggested, but not mandatory actions summarized in the gUidelines.
Reconstruction The act or process of reproducing by new construction the exact form and detail of a vanished building, structure, or
object, or a part thereof, as is appeared at a specific period of time.
Rehabilitation The process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient
contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural and
cultural values.
Replication Constructing a building so that it is an exact replica or imitation of an historic architectural style or period.
Restoration The act or process of accurately taking a building's appearance back to a specific period of time by removing later work
and by replacing missing earlier features to match the original
Retain To keep secure and intact. In the guidelines, "retain" and "maintain" describe the act of keeping an element, detaiL, or
structure and continuing the same level of repair to aid in the preservation of elements, sites and structures.
Re-use To use again. An element, detail, or structure might be reused in historic districts.
Rhythm Regular occurrence of elements or features such as spacin§ betweer~ bu Id ngs
Ridge The top horizontal member of a roof where the sloping surfaces meeT.
Rusticated Roughening ~f stonework of concrete blocks to give greater articulation to each block.
Sash The moveable framework containing the glass in a window.
Segmental arch An a~¢h Whose profile or radius is less' than a semicircle.
Se.m,.i-circUlar arch A~ai(~h Whose profile or fa'dias is ~ half-circle the diameter of which equals the open,ng width.
Setting The sum of a~tl~ibUtes of a locality, neighborhood, or property that ~lefines its bl'i~cter.
Scale Proportional elements that demSr~strate the size, materials, and style of building~ '
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200f
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Sheathing An exterior covering of boards of other surface applied to the frame of the structure. (see SidinG)
Shed roof A gently-pitched, almost flat roof with only one slope.
ShinGle Style Architectural style of the late ~lGth century which features frame dwellinGs largely covered with wood shingles on both
floors.
ShinGles Wood which is split into flat shinG les and different shapes. Wood shingles are common elements to the Queen Anne and
BunGalow styles.
SideliGht A vertical area of fixed Glass on either Side of a door or window.
Siding The exterior wall covering or sheathing of a structure.
SiGnificant Having particularly important associations within the contexts of architecture, history, and culture.
Sill The bottom crosspiece of a window frame.
Slate Thin sections of stone which were used as a roof surface material for pre-~1945 dwellings.
Spindles Slender, elaborately turned wood dowels or rods often use~ in screens an~: porch trim.
Stabilization The act or process of applying measures essential to the maintenance of a deteriorated building as it exists at pr~esent,
establishing structural stability and a weather-resistant enclosure.
streetscape The distinguishing character of a particular street as created by'its width, degree of curvature, paving *naterials, design
of the street furniture, and forms of surrounding buildings.
Stretcher bond A brickwork pattern where courses are laid flat with the long?stretcher" edge exposed,
~tyle A type of architecture distinGuishe(t by special characteristics of structu're and ornament and often related in time; also a
eneral qua ty of a d s. tin~t ve character
Surround An encircliti~;§.0t'der or decorative frame, usually at windows or doors.
swag Carved omame~/on the form of a cloth draped over supports or in the form of a garland of fruits and flowers,
Transom A horizontal opening (or bar) over a door or window.
?
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Trim The decorative framing of openings and other features on a facade.
Turret A small slender tower.
Veranda A covered porch or balcony on a building's exterior.
Vergeboard The vertical face .board following and set under the roof eoge of a gable, sometimes decorated by carving.
Vernacular A regional form ar adaptation of an architectural style.
Wall dormer Dormer created by the upward extension of a wall and a breaking of the roofline.
Water table A projecting horizontal ledge, intended to prevent water from running down the face of a wall's lower section.
Weatherboard Wood siding consisting of overlapping boards usually thicker at one edge than the other.
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 200'/
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM THE CARNEGIE-STOUT LIBRARY
About Fences
Adhesion of Paint to Weathered Wood
The Alliance Review: Side-Swiped? Synthetic Siding Still a Sticky Issue for Commissions
Artificial Siding: Problems & Concerns
Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint: A Nationwide Problem
A Victorian Garden
The Best Way to Build A Fence
Effect of Weathering of New Wood on the Subsequent Performance of Semitransparent Stains
Eliminating Lead Hazards
Financing Historic Preservation: A guide to local, state, and federal financing for historic preservation projects
Grand Millwork Catalog for Home Builders
Historic Preservation: It's role and responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Commission
Historic Preservation: What it means for property owners and communities
Introduction to Leadlock Encasement Products
Lead in Drinking Water
Liquid Wood
Main Street: Keeping Up Appearances-Storefront Guidelines
Maintenance of Gutters
National Register Bulletin ¢¢39: Researching a Historic Property
Painting the American House 1820-1920
Photodegradation of WOod Affects Paint Adhesion
Porches
Preservation BriefS2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Brick Buildings
PreServation Brief#9: Th:e Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
Preservation Bdef #10: Exterior Paint Problems on Histodc Woodwork
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM THE CARNEGIE-STOUT LIBRARY, Continued
Preservation Brief #28: Painting Historic Interiors
Preservation Tech Notes: Windows - Interior Storm Windows: Magnetic Seal
The Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings: A guide to the restoration, rehabilitati~on and preservation of historic buildings in the City of
Dubuque, Iowa
Respirators for Lead
Substitute Siding: Take it off...Here's How
Theme Gardens
Why Bother to Paint Wood Before it Weathers?
Why Save Wood Windows?
STREETSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2001
CITY OF DUBUQUE CONTACTS
City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission
Dubuque County Historical Society
Center for Dubuque History (Loras College)
Building Services Department
· Building Permits, Demolition Permits, Sign Permits
Housing and Community Development
· Lead Abatement, Rehabilitation Loans
Economic Development Department
· FaCade Grant, Downtown Rehabilitation Loans
Engineering Department
· Construction in the Public Right-of-Way
Planning Department
· Historic Preservation Design ReView
Preservation Homeowner Grant
Revolving Loan
ulations
;lulations
(563) 589-4210
(563) 557-9545
(563,) 588-7163
(563) 589-4150
(563) 589-4230
(563) 589-4393
(563) 589-4270
(563) 589-4210