Historic Preservation Commission - Old Jail Electronic Sign Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Action Items # 2.
ITEM TITLE: Historic Preservation Commission - Old Jail Sign
SUMMARY: Historic Preservation Commission recommending approval
of the redesign and monument materials without an
electronic message center for a new limestone sign at the
Old Jail Museum Office of Veteran's Affairs and further
recommends conditions should the Council feel an
electronic message center component is needed.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Council
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
HPC letter Staff Memo
Revised Design Supporting Documentation
Applicant Materials Supporting Documentation
Staff Materials Supporting Documentation
Dubuque City
Services Department
ME Hfi CTTY OF City Hall-50 West 131h Street
Dubuque,IA 52001-4805
(563)589-4210 phone
UB&FE (563)589-4221 fax
(563)690-6678 TDD
Masterpiece on the Mississippi aw nmz•aou olanning@cityofdubuque.org
February 4, 2016
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall - 50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Advisory Design Review
Applicant: Dubuque County
Location: Old Jail, 36 E. 8th Street
District: City Land mark/National Historic Landmark
Description: Install a freestanding sign with electronic message center
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed the above-cited
request at the January 21, 2016 meeting. The application, staff report and supporting
documentation is enclosed for your review.
Background
The Old Jail is a City Landmark subject to HPC design review. The Old Jail is also a
National Historic Landmark. The role of the HPC in this case is to serve as an advisory
design review body to City Council for this public works project.
Discussion
Dubuque County is in the process of adapting the Old Jail Museum into office space for
the Department of Veterans Affairs. They are requesting to replace the former
freestanding museum sign with a new freestanding sign that will identify Dubuque
County Veterans Affairs.
The new limestone sign will measures approximately nine feet wide and five feet high,
and the electronic message component will be 4'3"wide by 1'5" high. The sign lettering
will be a bronzed metal and externally illuminated. Dubuque County has explained the
electronic message component is desired in order to announce changes to veteran
regulations and programs as well as announce upcoming events and activities specific
to veterans and their families. The public will still be allowed to view the Old Jail cells.
The electronic message component will also display hours the cells will be available to
view.
Electronic, digital and internally illuminated signs are not recommended in the City of
Dubuque Architectural Guidelines; however, the Historic Preservation Commission does
acknowledge the Old Jail building will be serving a greater public purpose. The
Service People. Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
Commission discussed their preference is to omit the electronic message component. If
determined the electronic message component is essential to the County's ability to
perform their governmental function, the Commission also discussed design
recommendations to mitigate the effects of the lighting.
Recommendation
By a vote of 4 to 0 with two abstentions, the Commission recommends City Council
approve the materials of the monument sign as presented to be in accordance with the
City of Dubuque Architectural Guidelines without an electronic message center
component. However, if City Council feels the electronic message center component is
needed, the Commission recommends the electronic message center component not
be animated or flashing, have a monochrome, warm white illumination; be subordinate
and below the static lettering for the sign; and the static lettering be illuminated
externally also using a warm white light.
Since the January 21, 2016 Commission meeting, Dubuque County has redesigned the
sign to be in conformance with the recommendations of the Commission. Dubuque
County has decided to omit the Old Jail door component of the sign which was
discussed at the meeting. The Commission was undecided whether the door was
incorporated or not. A rendering of the revised design is enclosed.
Planning Services Staff has reviewed the revised sign and finds it to comply with the
recommendations of the Commission. A simple majority vote is needed for the City
Council to concur with the HPC's recommendation and approve the sign.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Rapp, Vice-Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Enclosures
cc Historic Preservation Commission, w/o enc.
F:USERSMjohnsonkCouncll Items\Old Jail Sign.doc
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DT lJ T� PlW&FEanning Services Department
Dubuque,IA 52001-4805
Masterpiece on fire Mississippi Phone: 563-589-4210
Fax: 563-589-4221
plannina(akitvofdubuoue.ora
PLANNING APPLICATION FORM
❑Variance []Preliminary Plat ❑Simple Subdivision ❑Certificate of Appropriateness
❑Conditional Use Permit ❑Major Final Plat ❑Text Amendment HAdvisory Design Review(Public Projects)
❑Appeal ❑Minor Final Plat ❑Temporary Use Permit ❑Certificate of Economic Non-Viabilitv
❑Special Exception ❑Simple Site Plan ❑Annexation ❑Historic Designation landmark
❑Limited Setback Waiver ❑Minor Site Plan ❑Historic Revolving Loan ❑Demolition
❑Rezoning/PUD/ID ❑Major Site Plan ❑Historic Housing Grant ❑Port of Dubuque Design Review
Please tvoe or orint leaibly in in
Propertyowner(s): Dubuque County Phone: 563.589.4432
Address:720 Central Avenue City: Dubuque state: IA Zip:52001
Fax#: Cell #: E-mail:
Applicant/Agent: Chris Soeder/Dubuque County Phone: 563.690.3533
Address:720 Central Avenue City:Dubuque state: IA Zip;52001
Fax#: Cell #:563.213.0471 E-mail: Chris,Soeder@DubuqueCounty.US
Site location/address:36 East 8th Street Neighborhood Association: N/A
Existing zoning: N/A Proposed zoning: N/A District: N/A Landmark: [N Yes ❑ No
Legal Description(Sidwell parcel ID#or lot number/block number/subdivision): 1024487001
Total property(lot)area(square feet or acres):
Describe proposal and reason necessary(attach a letter of explanation,if needed):
Request for Sign with Electronic Message Component
CERTIFICATION: I/we,the undersigned,do hereby certify/acknowledge that:
1. It is the property owner's responsibility to locate property lines and to review the abstract for easements and restrictive
covenants.
2. The information submitted herein is true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and upon submittal becomes public
record;
3. Fees are not refundable and payment does not guarantee approval; and
4. All additional required written and graphic materials are attached.
Propertyowner(s): Dubuque County Date: 8 January 2016
Applicant/Agent: Date: 8 January 2016
ris Soeder
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY—APPLICATION SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST
Fee: 0 Received by: David Johnson Date: 1/8/16 Docket: January 21,2016
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT
(use additional pages as needed)
1) Please describe your project, indicating the existing materials and their condition
and the reason for the proposed work:
The project includes installation of a exterior electronic message sign on the west side
of the Historic Jail building. The existing sign for the Old Jail Museum will be removed
and a new sign, perpendicular to the roadway is proposed. Proposed drawings have
been attached. The static portion of the proposed new sign is to inform the Veterans
where the new office is. The electronic portion of the new sign will be able to be
programed to announce changes and status of veterans regulations/programs. The sign
will be used to announce upcoming events and activities specific to Veterans and their
families...i.e. —All The Way Home Conference, Activities at the Veterans Freedom
Center etc. This is to be a tool for the Dubuque County Veterans Affairs to assist
veterans and their families.
2) Please indicate the type of construction materials to be used in this project:
The sign monument will be random-sized Dubuque limestone with a limestone cap
stone above the electronic message component. The metal letters will have a dark
bronze anodic finish. An historic jail door will be located adjacent to the sign
monument on a new concrete foundation. The electronic component of the sign will
be V-5" high by 4'-3"wide with a full color screen.
Visually, this is intended to be similar to the sign at the Federal Building.
3) What alternative remedies have you considered to solve your problem or meet your
needs?
A static sign will not adequately inform Veterans in a changing manner, as intended
by the Veterans Affairs Department, and was not considered.
4) What is your timeline for completion of the proposed project?
Substantial Completion on April 15, 2016.
5) What is the estimated project cost?
$20,000
6) Will you do the work yourself, or use a contractor? Please provide name of
contractor.
Sheets General Construction has the contract for the overall renovation project.
7) Any other information or comments?
This sign is part of a larger project to relocate Veterans Affairs and the Dubuque
County IT Department to the office portion of the Historic Jail Building.
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ADVISORY DESIGN REVIEW STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: January 21, 2016
Property Address: 36 East 8th Street
Property Owners: Dubuque County
Applicants: Chris Soeder/Dubuque County
Project: Install a freestanding sign
District: City Landmark Style: Recent
Funding: N/A Date Built: In-Progress
Present Land Use: Office Existing Zoning: C-4 Downtown Commercial
Level of Significance: Level of Rehabilitation:
❑ City Landmark ❑ Alteration/Addition
❑ National Historic Landmark
Staff Analysis: Dubuque County is requesting to install one (1) freestanding sign with
an electronic message component. The existing freestanding sign parallel to the road
will be removed and replaced with a new freestanding sign installed perpendicular to the
road. The new freestanding sign will measure approximately 9' wide by 5' high and the
electronic message component will be 4-3" wide by 1'-5" high. The sign will incorporate
the jail door used in the existing sign. The remaining static portions of the sign will be
random sized limestone veneer. The sign lettering will be bronzed metal.
Veterans Affairs will be occupying the building. The application states the electronic
portion of the new sign is needed to announce changes to veteran regulations and
programs. The sign will be used to announce upcoming events and activities specific to
veterans and their families. The application explains a completely static sign was
considered, but it would not adequately inform veterans of current changes in programs.
The application states the electronic message component is a tool to inform veterans
and their families.
Compliance with Guidelines: The property is a National Historic Landmark. It is also a
City Landmark and therefore subject to advisory design review by the Historic
Preservation Commission.
Citizens and property owners recognize that the character of development in downtown
and the historic districts are of community interest. It is their goal that the community
continues to develop in a coordinated manner so the character of the traditional built
environment is maintained.
The guidelines provide direction for improving properties within downtown and the
historic districts of the community. They define a range of appropriate responses to a
variety of specific design issues. The guidelines seek to manage change so the
traditional character of the area is respected while accommodating compatible
improvements. They reflect the City's goals to promote economic development,
enhance the image of the area, and reuse historic resources. The document is
compatible with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties, while expanding on the basic rehabilitation principles as they apply in
Dubuque.
The guidelines promote high quality construction, support economic development, and
maintain an active pedestrian-oriented environment. They also promote preservation of
the historic, cultural and architectural heritage of Dubuque. The design guidelines
provide a basis for making consistent decisions about the treatment of historic
resources.
The Architectural Guidelines do not recommend animated, message board and
internally illuminated signs. Instead, they suggest external illumination, and traditional
and historic materials in character with the details of the building. The Commission
needs to consider the building and areas overall context and use as well as the degree
of flexibility in order to accommodate adapting and improving the building.
The following is a general review of applicable guidelines:
Signs should be subordinate to the overall building composition. The proposed
sign can be considered subordinate to the overall building composition.
Design a sign to be simple in character. The stone veneer and cut metal portions of
the sign can be considered simple in character.
Scale signs to fit with the facade of the building. The scale of the proposed sign can
be considered a fit with the fagade of the building.
Locate a sign to emphasize design elements of the facade itself. The signs location
is away from the building and near the street; therefore minimizing any visual impact on
the historic structure. By locating the sign away from the building it can be considered in
conformance with the guideline.
Mount signs to fit within existing architectural features using the shape of the
sign to help reinforce the horizontal lines of the building. The freestanding sign
location and materials can be considered a fit within the existing architectural features of
the building.
A sign should exhibit qualities of style, permanence and compatibility with the
natural and built environment. The proposed sign style and materials can be
considered compatible with the natural and built environment.
Use sign materials that are compatible with the building facade. The static sign
materials only can be considered consistent with the Old Jail fagade.
Use colors, materials and details that are compatible with the overall character of
the facade. The colors of the sign will be green, bronze and stone. The colors,
materials and details of the static portion of the sign only can be considered compatible
with the overall character of the facade.
Permanent, durable materials that reflect the Dubuque context are encouraged.
The static portions only of the proposed sign have permanent, durable materials that
can be considered consistent with the guideline.
Avoid highly reflective materials. There are no reflective materials on the sign.
Color shall be used both to accentuate the sign design and message and also
integrate the sign or lettering with the building and its context. The colors used in
the proposed sign will accentuate the sign design and message and also integrate the
sign or lettering with the building and its context.
Use colors for the sign that are generally compatible with those of the building
front. The,sign colors will be compatible with the building front.
Limit the number of colors used on a sign. In general, no more than three colors
should be used, although accent colors may also be appropriate. No more than
three colors will be used on the proposed sign.
Avoid damaging or obscuring architectural details or features when installing
signs. The freestanding sign will not damage or obscure architectural details or
features.
Minimize the number of anchor points when feasible. The sign will not be anchored
to a wall and therefore the guideline is not applicable.
Use shielded lighting source on a sign. The light source of the sign will come from
the electronic message center component which can be considered inconsistent with
this guideline.
Direct lighting at signage from an external, shielded lamp is appropriate. Lighting
will come from the electronic message center component which can be considered
inconsistent with this guideline.
A warm light, similar to daylight, is appropriate. Lighting will come from the
electronic message center component which can be considered inconsistent with this
guideline.
Strobe lighting is not appropriate. No lighting of the sign will have a strobe effect. The
City of Dubuque sign code does not allow it.
Internal illumination is not appropriate. Illumination will come from the electronic
message center component which is considered internal and therefore inconsistent with
this guideline.
I
Halo illumination may provide an effective and subtle form of lighting which can
be used to accentuate both sign and building. This form of lighting can be used
with either wall or sign panels or individual letters. The light source shall not be
visible. Staff is not aware of any addition lighting sources or effects.
The Old Jail is in the process of being adapted for new government office space. It is
important to recognize the Old Jail will serve a greater public purpose and Dubuque
County feels it is important the signage be dynamic to display current information to
veterans. Dubuque County feels static signage cannot adequately accomplish that on
its own and the electronic message component is needed.
The electronic message component of the sign may not be considered consistent with
the City of Dubuque Architectural Guidelines. All other components of the sign can be
considered consistent with the Architectural Guidelines.
Requested Action: The role of the Commission in reviewing public projects is to serve
as an advisory design review board to City Council. The Commission is asked to review
all considerations for the Dubuque County Veterans Affairs sign and make a
recommendation to City Council. The Commission's recommendation will be forwarded
to City Council for their consideration.
Prepared by: ��� --Reviewed: �34�udL. Q,�� Date: t-15-
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