Minutes Historic Preservation 5 17 07D~~~
MINUTES
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REGULAR SESSION
Thursday, May 17, 2007
5:00 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT: Chairperson Chris Olson; Commission Members John Whalen, Mary Loney-
Bichell, Matthew Lundh and David Stuart; Staff Members Dave Johnson and
Laura Carstens.
ABSENT: Commission Members Keisha Wainwright, Mike Coty and Chris Wand
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the meeting
was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Olson at 5:30 p.m..
MINUTES: The minutes of the April 19, 2007 meeting were approved as written.
PUBLIC HEARING/ INDIVIDUALLYDESIGNATED HISTORIC PROPERTIES: Application of
Chris Miller for Individually Designated Historic Properties requesting 40-42 Main Street be
designated as an Individually Designated Historic Property (IDHP).
Chris Miller, 3211 Cedar Court, spoke in fawr of the application. He stated that the building was
constructed in 1894, is 3-stories, and is currently vacant. He stated he is rehabilitating the
building and would like to see commercial uses on the first floor and high end residential uses on
the second and third floors. He felt that the ndividual historic designation will help with future
designation on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). He stated the individual historic
designation would also create local historic preservation funding opportunities to assist in the
rehabilitation.
Staff Member Carstens presented the staff report notingthe buildings historical and architectural
significance. She stated the Iowa Site Inventory Form identifies the building as being individual
eligible for the NRHP, on the basis of Criterion C, architecture.
There were no public comments.
Chairperson Olson reviewed the Historic Preservation Ordinance criteria for nominating a IDHP.
Commissioner Stuart asked the applicant to clarify what potion of the building was subject to
being historically designated. Mr. Miller explained the southern half of the block identified as 40
and 42 Main Street is subject to designation. Commissioner Stuart also asked if the IDHP
designation and NRHP listing were to pursue state and federal tax credits and rehabilitation in
accordance with the Secretary of Interior Standards. Mr. Miller stated that these are his
intentions.
The Commission discussed the IDHP criteria in light of the application.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
May 17, 2007
Page 2
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Loney-Bichell to recommend the City designate 4042 Main
Street as an IDHP because it is architecturally significant as determined by the Historic
Preservation Ordinance; is associated with events that have made a significant contributionto
the broad pattern of history of the aty of Dubuque; the structure has sufficient integrity of
location, design, materials and workmanship to make it worthy of preservation and restoration;
and the structure is at least fifty years old. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye- Whalen,
Olson, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and Stuart; Nay- None.
ADVISORY REVIEWIDEMOLITION PERMIT IN CONSERVATION DISTRICT: Application of
Jim Quayle for a Demolition Permit requesting that the Commission accept, receive and fle the
withdrawal of the Demolition Permit Requestfor property located at 1599 Central Avenue in the
Jackson Park Neighborhood Conservation District
Staff Member Johnson stated James Quayle applied for a demolition permit to remove the
detached, one-car garage fronting the alley behind 1599 Central Avenue. In a letter, Mr. Quayle
explained the garage was partially destroyed when a vehicle hit it. His initial consultation with
contractors indicated the garage was damaged beyond repair arid would need tobe removed.
Shortly before the April 19, 2007 meeting, Mr. Quayle contacted Staff and explained he found a
contractor who can repair the garage rather than remove it. Staff requested a letter formally
withdrawing the application for a demolition permit. On April 24, 2007 Staff received the letter
requesting the demolition permit application be withdrawn.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Whalen, to accept, receive and file thewithdrawal of the
Demolition Permit Request for 1599 Central Avenue. Motion caned by the following vote: aye-
Whalen, Olson, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and Stuart; Nay- None.
DESIGN REVIEW/ HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVOLVING LOAN FUND/CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS: Application of Chris Miller for a Historic Preservation Revolving Loan
Fund/Certificate of Appropriateness requesting $25,000 in HPRLF money and a Certificate of
Appropriateness for the installation of new wood windows, subject to being approved as an
Individually Designated Historic Property for propertylocated at 40-42 Main Street.
Chris Miller, 3211 Cedar Court, presented his application. He reviewed bids for windows and
requested $25,000 in Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund money. He noted that he has
selected the Lincoln windows because they are wood windows fiat meet the rehabilitation
criteria.
Commissioners discussed the windows selected, the future renovation plan$ and the need to
have the State Historic Preservation Office review the project.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Stuart to approvea Certificate of Appropriateness and $25,000
in Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund money for thewindows as submitted for 40-42
Main Street, contingent upon the successful Individual Historic Designation of the property.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and Stuart;
Nay -None.
DESIGN REVIEWICERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: Application of Don & Lisa Leik for
a Certificate of Appropriateness to remodel 535 Chestnut and demolish 533 Chestnut to replace
with a new addition for the property located at 533-535 Chestnut Street in the W. 11"' Street
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
May 17, 2007
Page 3
Historic District.
Don Leik, 705 Edith Street, presented the applicationand reviewed the new plans. He noted the
entryway connecting the garage and house will extend towads the street 12 feet instead of 9
feet as depicted in the plans.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report. Restated that at the April 19, 2007 HPC
meeting, the applicant presented a request which included a 24 by 25 foot attached garage on
the front of the house. At that time the Commission expressed reluctance to approve the garage
portion of the project, stating it would alter the character of the histoic home and neighborhood.
At the April 19~h meeting, the Commission discussed design alternatives with the applicant.
Staff Member Johnson noted the Commission specifically discussed a design option which
would allow for an attached garage that appears to be detached.
Commissioners discussed the new designs. They felt the new design reducesthe visual impact.
Commissioner Stuart asked for clarification on siding materials. Mr. Leik confirmed he will be
using wood siding on 535 Chestnut Street. Commissioner Stuart asked about siding on the
addition. Mr. Leik stated he will use wood on thefront and cemplank on the sides and rear as
previously discussed. Commissioner Whalen asked about the roof. Mr. Leik reviewed the roof
lines. Commissioner Whalen noted this house fits in with homes on the west end of the block.
Commissioner Stuart said this makes it look like a late model (1920s) home.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Stuart, to approve the project as submitting using wood siding
on 535 Chestnut and the front of 533 Chestnut to the greatest extent possible Motion carried by
the following vote: Aye-Whalen, Olson, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and Stuart; Nay- None.
DESIGN REVIEW/CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application of Michael
Kronfeldt/Mick Warner for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a wood deck, install a
sliding glass door, fill-in an existing door and remove and replace windows on the rear of the
house located at 995 Grove Terrace in the W. 11 cn Street Historic District.
Michael Kronfeldt, 995 Grove Terrace and Mick Warner, 995 Grove Terrace, reviewed the
application, noting difficulty with existing windows and options considered. They reviewed the
sliding glass door they want to use, how they will infill the existing door, and the deck they plan to
add.
Commissioner Stuart asked what materials will be used for thedeck. Mr. Warner stated they will
use pressure-treated wood. Commissioner Stuart suggested they treat it as soon as the
moisture content is less than 20%.
The Commission stated painting or opaque staining the deck. The Commission explained this
is a common requirement of pressure treated wood projectsin historic districts. Mr. Warner
agreed and provided photos of the back yard and fagade.
Commissioner Stuart discussed paint or opaque stain is what the Historic Preservation
Commission recommends to make pressure treated wood less intrusive in historic districts.
Commissioner Whalen asked how the under side of the deck will be treated. Mr. Warner said
he plans to use a lattice. The Commission suggested screening or vertical lattice versus
diagonal lattice.
Mr. Kronfeldt explained that the deck will have a double rail. Staff Member Johnson confirmed
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
May 17, 2007
Page 4
that 1 1/2 inch spindles will be used on the deck
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the dimensions and layout of the deck.
Commissioners discussed the addition is not of the period of significance and can be treated
differently.
The Commission and applicant discussed the use of muntins in sliding glass doors. The
Commission recommended the use of french doors. The applicants stated the size constrain
of the room would prohibit the use of french doors. They explained the muntins on the sliding
glass doors are intended to give a more historic appearance and blend in with the style of
windows on the rear of the house.
Commissioner Stuart stated because it is a rear facade, a non-original addition, and a new deck
to be added, he felt there can be more leeway. Mr. Kronfeldt said this is Wotan attempt to
replicate something historic, but rather an effort to make the property more attractive and
useable.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Whalen, to approve the project as submitted with leeway on the
design and the deck should be painted or opaque stained. Motion carried by the following vote:
Aye -Whalen, Olson, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and Stuart; Nay- None.
ADVISORY DESIGN REVIEW/DEMOLITION PERMIT IN CONSERVATION DISTRICZ
Application of Lynn Schmitz for a Demolition Permit to demolish condemned home located at
2411 Central Avenue in the Broadway Street Neighborhood Conservation District.
Amy Schmitz, wife of the applicant, 3055 Shiras Avenue reviewed their request to demolish the
house at 2411 Central Avenue. She explained the damage the building has sustained due to
fire and an explosion. She noted the demolition would allow expansion of the adjacent used car
sales lot.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report, noting the Phase 1 surveystates the building is
not architecturally or historically significant. He noted the front of the building was blown off in a
explosion approximately 1 '/z years ago and all the materials were removed He stated that the
building has been condemned and has been vacant since the fire. He noted the Historic
Preservation Commission needs to review whether the building is significant and make its
recommendation to the City Council.
The Commission discussed the request and recommended the applicant salvage the brick and
historic materials.
Motion by Stuart, seconded. by Loney~Bichell, to recommend that the City Council approve the
demolition of 2411 Central Avenue because it lacks architectural or historical significance.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye- Whalen, Olson, Loney-Bichell, Lundh and Stuart;
Nay -None.
ADVISORY DESIGN REVIEW/HISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Application of Dave Stuart/Downtown Neighborhood Council requesting $8,250 in Historic
District Public Improvement Program funding for the installation of two benches and
approximately 45 planters in the Jackson Park Historic District.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
May 17, 2007
Page 5
Commissioner Stuart excused himself from the Commission to present the Historic District
Public Improvement Program (HDPIP) application on behalf of Downtown Neighborhood
Council. He explained the Downtown Neighborhood Council is requesting HDPIP funding for
the installation of approximately 45 planters to be installed in planting lawns adjacent to selected
historic properties in the Jackson Park Historic District. He stated the application will also fund
two additional black strap benches to be located in Jackson Park.
He stated the Downtown Neighborhood Council will need location approval from the City of
Dubuque Engineering Department and will eventually transfer ownership of the planters to the
City of Dubuque Leisure Services Department. He explained benches will be taken over by the
Leisure Services Department as well. He noted a mix of neighborhood architecturejustifies a
mix of planter styles.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report.
Motion by Olson, seconded by Whalen, to approve the request as submitted. Motion arried by
the following vote: Aye-Whalen, Olson, Loney-Bichell and Lundh; Abstain -Stuart; Nay-
None.
ADVISORY DESIGN REVIEWIPUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY: Application of City of Dubuque for
Advisory Design Review of the Downtown/Port of Dubuque for Pedestriai
Wayfinding Sign System located in the Cathedral, Jackson Park, W. 1'N' Street and Old Main
Historic Districts and at Downtown Landmarks.
Staff Member Carstens presented fie request along with a sample Pedestrian weyfinding sign.
She explained the project involves installation of a Pedestrian Wayfinding sign system consisting
of kiosk map signs and trailblazer signs throughout the downtown and Port of Dubuque. She
explained that signs will be located within the Cathedral, Jackson, West 1'f'' Street and Old Main
Historic Districts and at two downtown landmarks: City Hall and the Carnegie Stout Public
Library. She stated the Pedestrian Wayfinding Sign 9~rstem is intended to enhance visitors'
experiences and compliment existing signs. She explained themap kiosks will have a map of
downtown Dubuque and the Port of Dubuque, showing locations of map kiosks, key destinations
and attractions. She stated trailblazer signs will be located in the public sidewalks within
downtown Dubuque and the Port of Dubuque She stated these signs will be aluminum with
scotch guard 3M tape lettering much like existing historic district entry signs.
The Commission and staff discussed the colors and materials for the Pedestrian Wayfinding
Sign System.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Whalen, to recommend that City Council approve the designs for
the Pedestrian Wayfinding Sign System with the signs located in the Downtown area to be more
of a brick red than a fire engine red to compliment the historic brick buildings in dowriown and
the Port of Dubuque. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye- Whalen, Olson, Loney-Bichell
and Lundh; Abstain -Stuart; Nay- None.
ADVISORY DESIGN REVIEWMISTORIC DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:
Application of City of Dubuque for Advisory Design Review of the Downtown/Port of Dubuque for
the Dubuque History Trail located in the Cathedral, Jackson Park, W. 11~' Street and Old Main
Historic Districts and at Downtown Landmarks.
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
May 17, 2007
Page 6
Staff Member Carstens reviewed the many partnerships workingtowards the completion of the
Dubuque History Trail. She explained the Dubuque History Tral will feature pedestrian
wayfinding and interpretation signs, the History Trail map for dozens of sites, five historic district
walking tours, on-site interpretation at seven sites, historic site signage, district interpretive
signage, downloadable iPOD casts, cell phone messaging, trolley tours, website education and
a river taxi tour on the Mississippi River. She stated the objective s to interpret and present the
heritage tours and sites in Dubuque to its 1 million visitors each year. She stated the Dubuque
History Trail will provide increased understanding and appreciation of Dubuque's history, its role
in the larger picture of regional and national history,and a significant increase in heritage
visitation for the city. She explained the original funding source identified by the Dubuque
County Historical Society to provide $59,500 of the required local match for a Preserve America
grant of $148,500 has been determined to be ineligible by the National Park Service. She stated
that HDPIP funds would be used for cost ofwayfinding signs and maps not covered by the
Preserve America grant. She stated that staff recommends that the Commission recommend
City Council approval of $59,500 in HDPIP funds for the Dubuque History Trail. She stated the
Dubuque History Trail meets a number of HDPIP evaluation criteria.
The Commission discussed the Dubuque History Trail and stated it would be a significant benefit
to historic preservation and awareness in Dubuque.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Stuart, to recommend that the City Council approve $59,500 in
HDPIP funds for the Dubuque History Trial to be used for part of the local match to cover costs
of wayfinding signs and maps not covered by the Preserve America Grant. Motion carried by the
following vote: Aye-Whalen, Olson, Loney-Bichell and Lundh; Abstain -Stuart; Nay- None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: None.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: The Commission discussed the benefits of requesting the estimated
cost of a project as part of the HPC application form. The Commissim directed Staff change the
HPC application form to request the estimated cost of projects
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Landmark Nomination for the Carneaie Stout Public Library: Staff Member Carstens explained on
February 15~', the Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of a nomination for
landmark designation for the 1901 portion of the Public Library submitted by the Library Board of
Trustees. She stated the recommendation on the nomination was then filed with the Long Range
Planning Advisory Commission. On March 14~', the Long Range Planning Advisory Commission
recommended the City Council approve the Carnegie Stout Public Library nomination for landmark
designation for the 1901 portion. Subsequently, the City Council submitted the proposed nomination
to the State Historical Society of Iowa for review and recommendations and set a public hearing
where a decision would be made on the landmark nomination. Staff Member Carstens stated the
State Historical Society of Iowa supported the nomination of the 1901 portion of the Library and
further recommended that the 1979 portion be designated as a landmark as well. Staff Member
Carstens stated Library Director Susan Henricks has conferred with the Library Board of Trustees
regarding the State's recommendation, and the Board of Trustees agreed that they would like to see
the entire building designated as a landmark, if that is possible.
The Commission discussed the nomination for landmark designation of the entire Camegie Stout
Public Library. The Commission agreed with the State's opinion that the nomination should treat the
1901 and 1979 portion of the Library as one resource. The Commission also noted an added
benefit would be their ability to conduct design review on any future exteriorwork to the Library as a
Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission
May 17, 2007
Page 7
whole. The Commission also stated the landmark designation of the entire Library would reflect an
even greater level of recognition.
Motion by Whalen, seconded by Stuart, to recommend that the City Council designate the entire
Carnegie Stout Public Library as a local landmark. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -
Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell, Lundh and Stuart; Nay- None.
Building Services Dept. -Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the updated items to the Historic Preservation Enforcement Report:
• 1163 Highland -Staff Members Johnson and Russell visited the property and documented
the additional concerns raised by the Commission regarding the condition of the soffit and
fascia. Building Services Manager Rich Russell will issue a letter requesting the additional
repairs.
• 538 Wilbur -Building Services Manager Rich Russell left a message on May 11, 2007
requesting the status of the required repairs.
• 1921 Madison -According to his attorney, the property owner has decided to sell the
property. Legal Staff is monitoring the situation.
• 1433 Main - Mr. Hendron submitted preliminary drawings for Staff review and advice. Staff
Member Johnson stated the application form was missing but the remainder of the
application looked great. He would expect 1433 Main St. to be on the June HPC agenda.
• 1051 White -The City Council approved the demolition request for 1051White Street.
• H&W Building -Building Services Manager Rich Russell inspected the complaints on the
property and a notice of demolition by neglect will be issued.
2007 Upper Midwest Planning Conference Call for Proposals -Staff Member Carstens reviewed the
2007 Upper Midwest Planning Conference Call for Proposals. She stated the Conference theme
was "Rollin' on the River". The Commission reviewed the suggested sessions. Staff Member
Carstens requested the Commission contact Building Services Manager Rich Russell or herself with
any suggested sessions for the Planning Conference.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner Adopted
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