Historic Pres Arch GuidelinesMEMORANDUM
April 11, 2002
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
WORK SESSION - APRIL 15, 2002
Historic Preservation Architectural Guidelines
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is providing the Design Review Guidelines
for Historic Structures document for presentation to the City Council by the Historic
Preservation Commission and the Project Steering Committee. Part of that
presentation will consist of a PowerPoint by Durrant.
Michael C. Van Milligen ~
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
April 8, 2002
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Laura Carstens Planning Services Manager
Historic Design Guidelines Manual: Architectural (Historic Structures)
This memo transmits a draft of the Architectural portion of the Historic Design Guidelines
Manual, in preparation for a work session with the City Council on Monday, April 15. 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: guidelines for streetscapes and
landscapes, and architectural guidelines for histodc structures. The streetscape and landscape
guidelines portion was approved at the March 18. 2002 City Council meeting.
Unlike the Historic Preservation Ordinance the design guidelines are not regulatory. The
manual provides' recommendations for architectural features in public places and private spaces
in the histodc districts. The guidelines present illustrated and descriptive suggestions with the
intent to preserve, retain and replicate the features of historic districts that give them a "sense of
place".
Input from the Historic Preservation Commission and property owners in the historic districts
has been incorporated in the development of the draft architectural guidelines. The draft
Architectural Guidelines were reviewed at a public workshop on March 21, 2002. The SHPO
also has received a copy of the draft guidelines for review and comment.
The steering committee's recommendation is for the City Council to review the architectural
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
HISTORIC DESIGN GUIDELINES STEERING COMMITTEE
NAME BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS PHONE ~
Terry '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, Ltd. 76 Main St 582-1620
Dubuque IA 52001
Tacie Campbell 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
Doris Hingtgen Dubuque Area Board of Realtors 951 Iowa St 556-2525
Dubuque lA 52001
Tammy P{ab Old House'Enthusiasts 235 N. Gmndview Ave 583-3807
Dubuque IA 52001
John Henning Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Assoc 452 Loras Blvd 587-0671
Dubuque IA 52001
~oug Stillings Downtown Neighborhood Association 1255 Locust St 589-2000
Dubuque IA 52001
Kathy Mangrich Bluff Street Neighborhood Assoc 345 Bluff St 557-1231
.. Dubuque lA 52001
Gil Spence ~eisure Services Manager 589-4263
i~aura Carstens Planning Services Manager 589-4210
Bob Schiesl Civil Engineer 589-4270
I Cindy Steinhauser Assistant City Manager 589-4116
Jerelyn O'Connor Neighborhood'Deveispm~t Specialist 589-4326
John Klosterman Street Maintenance Supervisor 589-4250
=~ Dennis Hackbarth Building Inspector 589-4150
Joisne Patterson Housing Rehabilitation Supervisor 589-4239
Wally Wemimont Assistant Planner 589-4210
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
GUIDELINES FOR THE
TREATMENT OF HISTORIC
STRUCTURES
IN THE
HISTORIC DISTRICTS
OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Intent and Purpose ii
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation iii
Why Maintain and Preserve? iv
Vision for Dubuque's Historic Preservation Districts v
Long Range Goals for Dubuque's Historic Preservation Districts__vi
Methodology - Use of the Guidelines vii
Map of the Historic District viii
Property Listing ix
How to Get Started Checklist x
History of Dubuque xi
History of the Architectural Style and Types xii
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
Architectural Styles and Types in Each District
Descriptions of Styles, arranged alphabetically.
A-2
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
Masonry. A-33
Roofing A-37
Windows A-4'I
Storms A-44
Shuttem A-45
Awnings A-46
Doom A-47
Storms A-49
Siding. A-50
Porches A-52
Architectural Details A-56
Painting A-$7
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Overview A-59
Primary Buildings A-60
Additions A-6t
Outbuildings A-62
ADA Compliant Access A-63
Fire Escapes A-64
Satellite Dishes A-65
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS, Continued
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
Cornices
Storefronts
Display Windows and Bulkheads
Windows
Entrsnces
Awnings.
Lighting
Signage
Architectural Details
NEW CONSTRUCTION
RESOURCES
Glossary of Historic Preservation Terms
Resources Available from the Carnegie-Stout Library,
Selected Reading.
Funding Resources
Local Contacts
Chapter 25 Preservation Ordinance
State and National Resources
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-4
C-5
C-6
C-7
C-8
C-9
C-10
C-11
R-2
.R-12
R-14
R-~9
R-22
R-24
R-25
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ii
INTENT AND PURPOSE
This document was developed in coordination the the local Historic Preservation Commission and code-regulating bodies to
provide suggestions and recommendations for the kinds of rehabilitation work and new construction that may be approved by the
City of Dubuque in the locally- and nationally-designated historic districts. It is intended as a resource for the use of property
owners, residents, contractors and others, to outline the types of rehabilitation and new construction work that may be approved
by the City of Dubuque in the current designated historic districts. The Guidelines manual were designed to function in
conjunction with the Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines, which together are intended to help protect and maintain the
general historic character of the historic districts, and also the exterior integrity of the individual structures within the districts. It is
hoped that they also may be used as a reference for rehabilitation and new construction in areas currently not located within a
designated historic district
Toward this end, the Guidelines manual focuses on the identification, retention, maintenance, and restoration of the various
architectural styles and details that contribute to the overall character of the historic districts. Positive and negative visual
examples provide suggestions for generally recommended and appropriate approaches toward the maintenance, repair and
restoration of a variety of common features. Issues of new construction and renovation are addressed by emphasizing the
importance of relating new construction to existing architectural features and to the general streetscape.
The City of Dubuque Architectural Guidelines are based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings. These federally-defined standards for the treatment of historic architecture provide
a framework for the specific guidelines presented here. The guidelines also were designed in accordance with the City of
Dubuque's Historic Preservation Ordinance, but they are not regulations themselves. They are suggestions and
recommendations for appropriate treatments as defined by the federal Standards and by the existing Preservation Ordinance,
and all new work performed on structures in the Historic Districts should be in compliance with that Ordinance. For this reason,
property owners are advised to consult with the City prior to undertaking any projects in the Historic District.
The Historic Preservation Commission hopes that these guidelines encourage property owners, businesses, institutions,
neighborhood associations and City departments to look for ways to work together and seek out funding sources to preserve,
retain and repair original historic materials whenever economically feasible. When preservation of these historic features is not
economically viable, the Commission hopes that the guidelines encourage people to search for suitable substitute materials that
cal~ture the sense of place that Dubuque's historic districts provide.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
iii
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.
A property shaft be used for its historic purpose or be p/aced in a new use that requires minima/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 shaft be avoided.
3. Each property shaft be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical
development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shaft not be undertaken.
4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shaft be retained and
preserved.
5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shaft be
preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration require replacement of a
distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible,
materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictodal evidence.
7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface
cleaning of structures, ff appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed,
mitigation measures shaft be undertaken.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The
new work shall be differentiated from the old and shaft be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to
protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.
, ~O~,.... ~New additions and adjacent or related new construction shaft be undertaken in such a manner that ff removed in the future, the
,~,..~.~ essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
iv
WHY MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE ARCHITECTURAL rEA TURES IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS?
The City of Dubuque is fortunate to possess a long, rich historical and cultural heritage as one of the early, prosperous
communities that developed along the Mississippi River valley in the early 19th century. While the historical figures and events
are long gone, they are recorded for posterity in the form of the architecture and landscapes constructed during those times. As
such, they serve as one of the most powerful and enduring tools for the education of future generations. The history of the
city--its people, its industries, and its physical and economic growth--are tangible in the structures and monuments built
during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in those areas now identified as the historic districts.
In spite of the efforts of urban renewal in the downtown area, an appreciable amount of the historic architectural fabric remains
intact. This enviable level of architectural integrity is a resource that should be explored, celebrated, and promoted by the
citizens and civic institutions of Dubuque as source of local pride, and as a potential source of revenue in the heritage industry.
Much of what makes Dubuque an interesting and attractive community is the variety, detail, and quality of its architecture. A
remarkable number of architectural styles and types are represented here, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship, and a quality
of design and materials, that survives in few other places. The building materials, styles and details communicate the skills,
cultures, and pride of all of those who participated in their construction, from the local builders, to the architects, to the property
owners.
Like any resource, the unique architectural heritage of Dubuque must be protected and maintained to ensure that it remains in
good condition not only for the current generation, but for future generations. This requires that the community as a whole
recognize the value of its architecture, and devote the necessary time and resources to its long-term protection and
maintenance. Major changes in materials and forms result in a change of appearance, but they also result in a loss of
information and a loss of history. It is hoped that these guidelines will assist all members of the community in identifying their
architectural resources, and will promote their preservation and restoration for the enjoyment and education of everyone.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
VISION FOR DUBUQUE'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION DISTRICTS
Dubuque's five historic preservation districts encompass over 600 primary and secondary structures of national, state, local 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 include densely developed, mixed use, urban environments with commercial
storefronts and upper story housing; one-, two-, and multi-family residences; institutional uses; neighborhood parks and public
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 people of the city.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
vi
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 character and 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 all 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 building 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.
· Promote the preservation of historic buildings and architectural resources in the community.
· Educate the community about the benefits of historic preservation to the community's quality of life, economic
~.~ ~ ~;~ development efforts, tourism and tax base enhancement.
· Increase appreciation, education, technical assistance and funding for the community's historical and architectural
heritage.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
vii
METHODOLOGY- Use of the Guidelines
The Guidelines are composed of two components: the Streetscape and Landscapes portion, which addresses the appearance of
street and landscaping elements that provide the overall context for the residences and commercial structures in the districts; and
the Architectural portion, which addresses the treatments of the specific styles, types and features of the buildings in the historic
districts. These two manuals are intended for use together to provide a complete and coordinated set of guidelines for the historic
districts and surrounding areas.
Property owners will receive a copy of both the Architectural Guidelines and a portion of the Streetscape and Landscape
Guidelines that deals with the historic district in which their property is located. Property owners who wish to review the Guidelines
for other districts can request a copy from the Historic Preservation Commission, or they can reference the complete sets held by
the Historic Preservation Commission, City Planning Services, or the Carnegie-Stout Library. The complete Guidelines also will
be posted on the City of Dubuque website in a PDF format for reference, downloading and printing.
The Guidelines are intended to be a flexible document that will respond to the changing needs of the City, the historic districts,
and the property owners. An annual review of the Guidelines will be performed each May by the Historic Preservation
Commission to assess the need for changes and additions. Updates to the Guidelines documents will be posted to the website for
access by the public, and at the locations listed above holding complete sets of the documents.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MAP OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS
There are currently five historic districts in the City
of Dubuque -- Jackson Park, West 11th,
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,
· 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
JACKSON PARK ~'-
W 11TH STREET
LANGWORT]flY
CATHEDRAL
OLD MAIN
Feel
viii
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
PROPERTY LISTINGS BY DISTRICT
STREET RANGE OF ADDRESSES
West 1st 199 to 235 (odd), 335 to 399
West 2nd 199, 335 to 399
West 3rd 199 to 240, 335 to 499, 1004, 1020, 1027 to 1099
West 4th 150 to 248 (even), 331 to 499
West 5th 320 to 444
West 6th 300 to 399
West 7th 300 to 398 (even)
West 8th 36
West 9th 301 to 399 (odd)
West 10th 295 to 399
West 11th 250 to 695
West 12th 250 to 499, 1240, 1250, 1264 to 1270
West 13th 50, 100 to 299
West 14th 100 to 399
West 15th 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 39 to 699, 701 to 759 (odd), 900 to 999 (odd)
Central 720
Chestnut 507 to 658
Copperhead Lane All
Be'Il ~'~ 1335 to 1360
All
STREET
Grove Terrace
Hayden Lane
Heeb
Highland Place
Hill
Iowa
Jefferson
Jones
Langworthy
Lincoln
Locust
Loras Boulevard
Madison
Main
Melrose Terrace
North Main
Olive
Prairie
Raymond Place
Rose
St. Mary's
Spruce
Walnut
West Locust
Wilbur
RANGE OF ADDRESSES
970 to 1295
All
1 to 51
1105 to 1295
189 to 299 (odd)
1300 to 1699
560 to 687
300 to 399
1040 to 1199
2241
53, 55, 401 to 699 (odd), 901 to 999 (odd)
1001 to 1599
100 to 636
1700 to 1759
100 to 399, 405, 1290 to 1759
All
1700 to 1759
970 to 1080
1136 to 1349
400
705, 715
All
945 to 1073
1006 to 1293
300 to 399
490 to 610
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
HOW TO GET STARTED CHECKLIST
Step 1: Review the design guidelines for your specific Historic Preservation District and research historical
documentation (photos, surveys, etc.) of your property. This may assist in generating ideas or providing direction for the idea
you already have.
Step 2: Contact the Planning Services Department to discuss your ideas with the Historic Preservation Specialist, to
obtain the appropriate forms, and to seek historic preservation funding.
Step 3: Complete the forms and compile the information you will need to submit along with them. It is
recommended that you retain the services of a contractor or design professional, if feasible, to assist you in formulating a
plan of action (i.e. decide what renovations you want to accomplish, determine how much can you afford to do, etc.), generating
graphics to explain your project (floor plans, elevations, details), and completing the required forms. These individuals can help
you compile all of the information required for submission to Planning Services for their review and the possible review of
the Historic Preservation Commission.
Step 4: Return your completed forms and all required information to the Planning Services Department for their
review.
If the Historical Preservation Specialist determines that your project will have "no material affect" on your property or
meets the standards established by the design guidelines, they may be able to sign off on your project and you can
proceed to Step 6.
If Planning Services Staff determines that your project will require a review by the Historic Preservation Commission, you
will placed on the agenda for an upcoming HPC meeting and will receive a notice via mail of the time and place of said
meeting.
Step 5: Attend the appropriate HPC meeting and be prepared to explain your project to the commissioners. At
this meeting, three things may happen. The commission may table action until they receive additional information, award
a certificate of appropriateness or deny your request based on non-conformance with the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards.
If they award the certificate, you may proceed to Step 6. If the commission denies your request, you will need to revise
¥our~p~ject, abandon your project or compile information to establish economic non-viability for completing your project to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
Obtain a building permit and hire a competent contractor to complete the approved work.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ix
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE
The Streetscape and Landscape Guidelines are intended for use in the five existing historic
districts: Jackson Park, West 11th Street, Langworthy, Cathedral, and Old Main, and the
surrounding areas. These districts are situated primarily in the historic downtown section of
Dubuque reflecting some of the earliest and most architecturally significant growth in the
latter half of the nineteenth century through the early twentieth century. Although primarily
residential in character, a wide range of architectural styles and types are visible across the
historic districts resulting from differences in the dates of construction and primary functions,
as well as differences in the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the property owners and the
wide variance in socio-economic status of the inhabitants. The result is a remarkably intact
architectural catalogue that documents the history of the development of Dubuque, ranging
from standard workers housing to brick apartment fiats to high style mansions and public
institutions.
While Dubuque was officially platted in 1833 as part of the rush to exploit Dubuque's lead
mine, the bulk of the buildings in the historic districts, both commercial and residential, date
to the period after 1853 and the resolution of a major land claim dispute. The earliest
surviving dwellings are contained in the Irish-American section of the Cathedral District
originally known as "Dublin", where many business and working class families settled close
to the riverfront industries. The commercial section of Main Street had developed as a
thriving business center as early as the 1840s, but many of the brick buildings seen there
today are post-Civil War replacements of the original structures dating to the 1860s and
1870s.
The settlement of the land claim in 1853 sparked a short-lived burst of building in the
Cathedral District, which was quickly ended with the Panic of 1857. Housing construction
began again in earnest following the Civil War and continued through the 1900s when
manufacturing interests, land speculation, and railroads generated new prosperity and
personal wealth. Many of the large, high style homes that are so prominent in the Cathedral,
during this time, filling in or redeveloping the remaining plots near downtown, and spreading
downtown.
1837 plat of Dubuque
Jackson Park, and West 11th Districts appeared
to newly opened lands to the north and west of
~9;1~;i~ shifts in taste and demographics, growth continued to expand further away from the original downtown area through the turn of the
~b~. The originally isolated high-style homes in the Langworthy area were soon joined by multiple examples of the more modest, typically
an styles of the early twentieth century. Infill and redevelopment throughout the early twentieth century scattered these newer styles
the older homes as building density increased and larger plots were divided and sold.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
X
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND TYPES IN DUBUQUE
Jackson Park
The redevelopment of Jackson Park from the town cemetery into a large public park during the 1870s spurred the spread
housing into this area. Jackson Park historic district is distinctive for the number of large, high-style homes demonstrating a
remarkable level of craftsmanship and unusual local variants on national styles designed by local architects. From the 1860s
through the 1890s prominent citizens and wealthy industrialists either built their showcase homes conspicuously "on the hill"
overlooking the town and River below, or in the desirable "upper teens" between l0th and 17th Streets. Public institutions
serving the nouveau-riches located in this area as well, including a considerable number of religious institutions catering to
multiple denominations. Characteristics of this area included high density residential development centered around large,
prominent homes, institutional buildings and greenspaces; wide brick paved streets with limestone curbs and Iow retaining
walls; secondary structures located at the rear of the property and accessed by alleys; elaborate iron fencing; street trees in
the right of way; and park-like landscaping on the larger lots.
West 11th Street
Like the Jackson Park District north of downtown, the West 11th Street district is most notable for the high-profile upper-
class residences that were prominently situated "on the hill", i.e. on the bluff overlooking the town below. The styles, scale,
materials, and location of these homes served as a clear demonstration of the wealth, position, and power of the individuals
who could command the resources to construct these homes. Moving west away from the bluffs edge the housing assumes
a more modest character, with smaller scales, smaller lots, and a higher density of development. A wide range of
architectural styles and types are represented in the district, including some unusual and eclectic variants of national styles.
Characteristics of this area included Iow density residential development along the bluffs with increased density and smaller
homes to the west; massive limestone retaining walls along the bluff with lower versions to the west; decorative wood and
iron fencing; and the location of secondary structures to the rear of lots or inserted into the topography.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
xi
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND TYPES IN DUBUQUE
Langworthy
Named for the Langworthy family, the members of which were influential in the settlement and development of both Iowa in
general and Dubuque in particular, this residential district has a rambling, suburban character that is clearly distinct from the
more dense urban setting of the districts near the downtown. Edward Langworthy's Octagon House designed by John Rague
is the showpiece of the district, but this district also is notable for its excellent range of typically "American" residential
architectural styles from the 1890s through the 1920s. A wide variety of styles and economic levels are reflected in the mix of
smaller bungalows, American Four-squares, and Tudors, mixed with the larger and more showy Classical and Mission
Revivals, and Queen Annes. Characteristics of the district include relatively Iow development density with large houses on
large lots; wide streets; fewer limestone retaining walls due to the more level topography; and secondary structures set at the
side or rear of the property and accessed by driveways.
Cathedral
The Cathedral District draws its name and its character from St. Raphael's Cathedral. The massive Gothic Revival structure
serves as the centerpiece of the district, and is a clear signifier of the predominantly Irish Catholic immigrant community that
settled this area in the 1850 through the 1880s. The district is composed largely of very densely developed worker-class
housing on and around the south end of Bluff Street and Cable Car Square, giving the area a distinctly urban character. Most
of the earliest wooden structures have been removed, renovated or replaced with more durable dwellings, but the district still
retains its defining features. These include high density development of small structures very closed spaced on small lots, and
minimal setbacks with little or no fencing or retaining wall features (with the exception of the homes on St. Mary's). Larger
high-style homes and institutional buildings constructed during the 1880s and 1890s infill lots in the northern end of the district.
More recently, many of the homes on Bluff have been converted to commercial usage in and around Cable Car Square,
creating a lively mixed use environment.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
xii
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND TYPES IN DUBUQUE
Old Main
Although badly damaged and reduced by urban renewal efforts of the 1970s, the traditional commercial downtown area of
Main Street does retain groupings of several important and architectural significant commercial structures built during the
period immediately following the Civil War. Demolition, new parking, and redevelopment have separated the original "street
wall" of similarly scaled and styled two and three story brick commercial structures that served as the center of commercial
and retail activity for Dubuque from the 1840s through the 1960s. The style, scale and settings of the buildings, combined with
the nature of the activities in this area give the Old Main district a distinctly urban, commercial character that is unique in
Dubuque. Some of its defining features includes two and three story brick buildings complexly filling their narrow deep lots;
prominent glazed storefronts at the first floor level with residential or rental spaces above; minimal setbacks fronting onto wide
sidewalks and a wide central thoroughfare; little or no landscaping or fencing; interesting and unusual signage projecting from
the storefronts; and rear alleys to provide access for deliveries and refuse collection,
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-1
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND TYPES IN EACH DISTRICT
Each district contains a list of the styles represented in that district, The styles highlighted in a contrasting color
represent the predominant styles in that district that play a significant role in shaping its character,
Jackson Park
*Art Deco
,Bungalow
,Carpenter Gothic
,Classical Revival
,Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
,Eastiake
.Georgian Revival
,Greek Revival
,Gothic Revival
,Italianate
.Nec-Classical
.Queen Anne
,Richardsonian Romanesque
,Second Empire
,Shingle
,Stick
,Homestead/Gable front
,Brick flats/Row houses
.Worker's Cottages
West l lth Street
· American Four-Square
· Carpenter Gothic
· Classical Revival
,Craftsman
· Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
,Eastlake
· Georgian Revival
· Greek Revival
,Italianate
.Mediterranean
,Mission
,Nec-Classical
· Queen Anne
· Richardsonian Romanesque
· Second Empire
· Spanish Colonial
,Shingle
.Tudor
· Homestead/Gable front
· Brick flats/Row houses
,Worker's Cottages
Langworthy
· American Four-Square
,Beaux-Ads
,Bungalow
· Classical Revival
,Craftsman
· Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
· Dutch Colonial
,Eastlake
· Georgian Revival
.Italianate
.Mission
,Neo-Classical
,Octagon
· Queen Anne
,Shingle
,Tudor
· Homestead/Gable front
Cathedral
.Bungalow
· Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
.Eastlake
,Federal
· Greek Revival
· Gothic Revival
,Italianate
· Queen Anne
· Renaissance Revival
· Richardsonian Romanesque
· Second Empire
· Homestead/Gable front
· Brick flats/Row houses
· Worker's Cottages
Old Main
19th and Early 20th century
commercial architecture with
the following stylistic features
,Beaux-Arts
· Classical Revival
· Dubuque/Brick Vernacular
,Eastlake
.Nec-Classical
.Romanesque
· Second Empire
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-2
ADAMESQUE
c. 1860- '1890
The Adamesque is a continuation and
adaptation of the Adam style originally
popularized in the United States from
1780 to 1820. The style was based
largely on ancient Greek and Roman
architectural forms as interpreted by the
Adam brothers, a prolific and highly
influential architectural firm in England at
the turn of the eighteenth century. In its
American form the Adams' style is often
quite spartan, and is frequently melded
with features of other popular styles. The
defining features include a simple box-
like shape usually two rooms deep, a
strictly symmetrical fa(;ade structured
around a central gable, a prominent
central doorway that often features a
fanlight or sidelights, vertically aligned 6-
light windows on the front fa(;ade in a
horizontal rank of either five or seven
units, flat arched or flat lintels with a
keystone, a central Palladian window or
Palladian variant in the upper rank of
windows, and an elaborate entry frame
or portico at the front door that frequently
incorporates pilasters or freestanding
columns capped by an entablature or
pediment.
Simple fascia
6-light double
hung window
Central gable
with eave returns
1083 WEST 3RD
Simple, box. like mass
Flat arch lintel
Flat brick quoins to
define central gable
Palladian window
Central
columnar portico
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
AMERICAN FOUR SQUARE
c. 1900-1920
^ widely popular style that is
considered to be one of the few
indigenous styles in the United States.
The American Four Square (also known
as the "Prairie Box") originated in the
Midwestem states, and was developed
and disseminated throughout the
country by "kit" houses offered by
catalogue companies such as Sears,
Roebuck and Co., as well as pattern
books and popular magazines. The
most common form is a simple, Iow
cube with a symmetrical fa~;ade, usually
capped by a hipped roof with wide
overhanging eaves and a prominent
front dormer. This basic box can be
adorned with a variety of materials and
details incorporating one or more
popular styles, but most frequently they
draw from the Craftsman, Mission, or
Italianate styles, including 3/1 or 4/1
double hung windows, Iow wide open
porches across the front with large
square or tapered square columns, and
leaded or decorative glass transoms in
door and window assemblies.
Hipped or
pyramidal roof
Cubical shape
Front dormer Multi-light windows
1030s MELROSE
Asymmetrical open
front porch
A-3
Symmetrical fa;ade
organization
Narrow clapboard
siding
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ART DECO
c. 1920-1940
A variation on the International Style
that was developed among the
European avante-garde in the early
twentieth century, and spread to the
United States in the period between
World War I and World War II. Art Deco
was not widely accepted as a
residential style due to its stark,
streamlined appearance, but it was
commonly used a commercial style.
The plain surfaces of the boxy masses
trimmed with multiple vertical recesses,
ziggurat-like setbacks, stripped-down
classical elements, and shiny,
corrugated white metals were
considered to be evocative of the speed
and mechanization of the industrial
boom in the 1910s and 1920s, also
referred to as the "Machine Age". While
most California examples were
executed in stucco as a reference to the
style's Mediterranean origins, the
Dubuque examples adopt a more
sensible and climate-tolerant light brick
exterior.
Boxy form with projecting parapet cap
Corner setbacks
Flat, smooth surface
t5TM AND IOWA
Steel framed windows
Simple recessed
limestone surrounds
"Ziggurat" or
stepped parapet
A-4
Flat suspended
canopy
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-5
BEAUX-ARTS
c. 1885- 1930
An immensely influential style in the
United States at the end of the
nineteenth century inspired by the
Classically-referenced work of the Ecole
des Beaux Arts in Paris, which was
considered the premier architectural
school of the time. The style came to
America through architects who trained
abroad, and was popularized by the
"White City" at the 1893 Wodd's
Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The
style consists of a distinctly eclectic
combination of a variety of Classical
e~ements drawn from both ancient,
Renaissance, and Revival examples,
and was mos! commonly used on public
buildings and commercial structures.
Although examples of the style can
include an almost limitless number of
Classical elements in various
combinations, the typical features include
a rigidly symmetrical front fa~:ade with a
hierarchical arrangement of elements
divided by Ionic or
Corinthian pilasters
or columns, and
entablatures
decorated with
brackets
Central tower is an Italianate inclusion
Symmetrical fa;ade organized
around central gable and Ionic pilasters
Elaborate
entablature with
brackets
Vertically
aligned windows
325 ALPINE
Prominent central
entry flanked by
columns and/or
pilaster
Full width porch with
colonnade and full
entablature
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
BUNGALOW
c. 1905- ~930
Like the American Four Square, the
Bungalow is a distinctly American style
that was developed and disseminated
largely through catalogues, kit houses,
pattern books, and popular magazines.
The name originated with a type of
open air structure common in India,
which became the basis for the "natural"
and "healthful" architectural forms of the
Craftsman movement in Southern
California. As these forms were adopted
and codified for a mass market, they
were increasingly simplified, and also
altered to incorporate elements and
materials of other popular styles.
Common features include a Iow, wide
mass, a large Iow-pitched roof often
with dormers and wide eaves supported
by brackets or exposed rafter tails, an
open porch across the front (a remnant
of the Craftsman "sleeping porch") with
large square or tapered square
columns, decorative glazing in the
window or
door units,
and bay
windows.
Low, wide mass
Low hipped roof
313 JONES
Open porch with
square columns
A-6
Large dormer with
exposed rafter tails
Decorative leaded
transom in fixed
sash
Bay
window
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
CARPENTER GOTHIC
c. '1850- 1880
A subset of the Gothic Revival as it was
translated into residential and smaller-
scale architecture. The name Carpenter
Gothic refers to the execution of the
traditional stone details of Gothic
architecture in wood, which greatly
reduced the expense and labor involved
in production. While some of the
traditional Gothic features are apparent,
such as pointed arch window openings,
stained or decorative glazing, steeply
pitch roofs, and buttressed walls, many
new features were created that are
specific to the Carpenter version, such
as the distinctive scrolled vergeboards
or "gingerbread" that drips from the
eaves, as well as intricately carved and
turned columns, spindles, brackets, and
pendentives that were made possible
by technical innovations in the mass
production of millwork in the late
nineteenth century.
Stylized quattrefoil
window
Steep gabled roof
Spindlework
cross bracing
A-7
Pointed arch
double hung
windows
1699 IOWA
Buttressed wall
Decorative
bracket
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
CLASSICAL REVIVAL
c, ~850- ~880
As with the Beaux-Arts style, the
Classical Revival is another variant of
ancient Classical architecture as
interpreted for American uses. The
primary difference is both the source of
inspiration and the degree of authenticity
with which it was interpreted. Classical
Revival styles rely much more heavily on
Roman precedents, particularly Imperial
Baths, temples, and basilicas, which
were ideal for highly visible large-scale
public and commercial buildings such as
libraries, tCain stations, and banks. These
almost literal translations of Roman
Classicism used the language, scale,
and dignity of the originals to convey the
appropriate sense of stability and dignity
to these relative new American
institutions. Typical features include the
general large scale of the structures,
which are usually constructed of stone
masonry, rigid symmetry in the
organization of primary and secondary
facades, and massive multistory
colonnades on the primary facades or at
primary entries.
Massive corner
pilaster
Freestanding Doric
colonnade raised on
podium
Large clerestory
window
A-8
Basilican (cross-shaped)
plan
Tall entablature
359 NINTH
(COPY OF ROMAN BASILICA)
Building raised on
tall base/podium
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-9
CRAFTSMAN
c. 1905.1930
Like the American Four Square and the
Bungalow, the Craftsman is a distinctly
American style that was developed and
disseminated largely through
catalogues, kit houses, pattern books,
and popular magazines, and its features
were often incorporated into those
styles. The Craftsman originated with
the work of the Greene brothers in
Pasadena, California, who combined
e~ements of the English Arts and Crafts
movement, with Japanese influences,
and their strong personal interest in the
technical arts to create intricately
detailed wooden homes. As these forms
were adopted and codified for a mass
market, they were increasingly
simplified, and also altered to
incorporate elements and materials of
other popular styles. The defining
features include a Iow, wide mass, a
large Iow-pitched gable roof with wide
eaves supported by brackets, large
open porches (a remnant of the
"sleeping porch") with large square or
tapered square columns, 3/1 or 4/1
double hung windows, and decorative
glazing in the window or door units.
Large~ cross-gabled roof
Low, wide massing
3/1 double hung window
155 ALPINE
Wide eave with
simple bracket
Projecting open
porch with tapered
square columns
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
DUBUQUE/BRICK VERNACULAR
c, 1850- ~865
There are many structures within the
existing historic districts that do not fall
neatly into a single stylistic category. These
are loosely termed as "Brick Vernacula¢' or
"Victorian Vernacula¢', and represent an
interesting local variant that mixes simple
architectural forms with high quality
materials, and limited detailing that is freely
borrowed from a variety of high style
sources. This local style is characterized by
simple rectangular brick masses, gabled
roofs, symmetrical facades, large 1/1 or 2/2
double hung windows often with arched
heads, and a sparse use of limestone
detailing to highlight select features such as
window sills and heads.
Rectangular, two-
story structure
Brick masonry
A-lO
Steeply-pitched
side gable roof
Symmetrical arrangement
of facade
637-641 ARLINGTON
Double hung wood
frame windows
Segmental arched windows with
carved stone details
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
DUTCH COLONIAL
c. 1880- 1955
The Colonial Revival is a wide spread
and highly influential style of the late-
eighteenth century that has undergone
numerous revivals in the twentieth
century and still remains popular today.
The Colonial Revival began as a
renewed interest in the colonial-era
English and Dutch architecture on the
Atlantic seaboard during the last
decades of the nineteenth century.
Early examples rarely were historically
correct, but the publication of accurate
documentation during the early
twentieth century lead to more accurate
replications of the colonial originals.
The Dutch Colonial was a popular
variant that maintained the basic
symmetry and rectilinearity of English
colonial types, with with the addition of
gambrel roof encompassing the second
story, often with large shed roof
dormers. These roof forms were
influenced by the gambrel forms of the
Shingle style, and the resulting
structures can include elements of both
Shingle and Colonial Revival styles,
including shingled exteriors, paired
double hung windows, and pedimented
~Porti~os~at the central entry,
Side gambrel roof
Wood shingles on
walls, dormers,
and vertical face
of gambrel
Symmetrical
facade
Large shed dormer
Paired double hung
windows
1090 MELROSE
Central entry
with sidelights
A-11
Small
pedimented
entry portico
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
EASTLAKE
c. 1880- ~910s
The Eastlake style began as an
aesthetic movement in the late
nineteenth century, inspired by the
writing of English architect Charles
Locke Eastlake. His book Househo/d
Taste in Furniture, Upholstery and
Other Details was first published in the
United States in 1872. Similar to the
English Arts and Crafts movement,
Eastlake promoted hand craftsmanship
in the Decorative Arts.
The popularity of his book and designs
in the United States prompted the
mass-production of Eastlake Style
furniture and detailing, which was
despised by Eastlake himself. The term
is rather freely used to refer to a variety
of furnishings and architecture, most of
which have only a slight relation to the
custom designs and philosophical intent
of Charles Eastlake's work. The style is
characterized by abstracted geometric,
floral and linear forms that are carved or
incised into a variety of materials. In
architectural forms, these details often
are combined with those of Stick,
Queen Anne, or Dubuque Vernacular
Carved fascia with
geometric pattern
Brick masonry
Gable detailing more
typical of Gothic Revival
1678 IOWA
A-12
Low-relief geometric
decoration on limestone
window hoods
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FEDERAL
c. '1840- '1860
The Federal style appeared in Dubuque
approximately twenty years after it had
fallen out of favor along the eastern
seaboard, most likely due to the
continued influence of outdated pattern
books and a long-standing tradition of
Federal-style architecture that
flourished in towns along the
Mississippi River. Few examples of this
style remain intact, and they are
characterized by their narrow, compact
massing, brick construction, stepped
parapets at the gable ends, multi-light
double hung windows, and a entry with
multiple light sidelights and transom.
Stepped parapet at gable
end
Multi-light double-hung
wood window
A-13
Simple limestone
heads and sills
Brick masonry
340 WEST 5TH
Recessed entry
with sidelights and
transom
Narrow, rectangular
mass
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-14
GEORGIAN REVIVAL
c. 1900~1930
Like the Adamesque, and the Colonial
Revival, the Georgian Revival is a
continuation and adaptation of an earlier
style. The Georgian was an very popular
style of the English colonies, drawing
heavily on the Renaissance-inspired
designs of British architects such as
Christopher Wren and Inigo Jones. In the
United States the style dominated
architecture of the eastern seaboard for
nearly the entire eighteenth century, and
was revived again in the late
nineteenth/early twentieth century as part
of the general interest in colonial styles,
often mixed with detailing of other
contemporary popular styles. Defining
features of Georgian Revival include its
simple, rectangular massing, side gabled
or hipped roof, rigidly symmetrical
fagade, vertically and horizontally aligned
double-hung windows with multiple
lights, and a central front entry with a
shallow decorative surround.
Multi-light double
hung wood windows
Steeply-pitched
side gable roof
637-490 WILBUR
Smaller flanking
wings set back from
main body of
building Vertically and
horizontally aligned
windows
Central front entry
with multi-light
transom and
shallow surround
Small dormers
Brick masonry,
typical of
Midwestern
versions
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
GREEK REVIVAL
c. 1850- 1865
A wide spread and highly influential
style of the mid-nineteenth century, the
Greek Revival style is often referred to
as the only truly national style of the
United States. The Greek Revival draws
its name from the direct influence of
Classical Greek architecture, which was
considered to be representative of
American democratic ideals. The
translation of the original Greek
elements into American architecture
can range from a literal copy of ancient
monuments, to simple and schematic
references to the ancient precedents.
Common features include symmetrical
floor plans and symmetrical facades,
frequently decorated with columns or
pilaster capped by a triangular
pediment. The more popular vernacular
form, seen in Dubuque, usually consists
of a tall, narrow, front-gabled structure
with symmetrical window arrangement,
pedimented window heads, and narrow,
flat trim bands at the corners and fascia
to reference the columns and
pediments of the Greek originals.
Pedimented window
heads
Main entry with
transom
Fascia and corner trim
480 EMMET
Symmetrical facade
A-15
Tall, narrow 2/2
double hung wood
windows
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-16
GOTHIC REVIVAL
c. 1850- ~880
Drawing heavily on the Gothic cathedrals
of Europe for inspiration, the Gothic
Revival came to the United States by
way of a nineteenth-century revival of
interest in Gothic architecture in England.
Frequently used in rural settings for
domestic architecture, the High Victorian
Gothic was commonly used in an urban
setting for ecclesiastic architecture as a
direct reference to the traditional
Cathedrals of France and England.
Variants of the style reflect different
European sources and American
inventions, such as the crenellated or
castellated type drawn from Medieval
English prototypes, and the polychromed
type incorporating of the multi-colored
masonry materials and patterns of the
Romanesque. Typical features include
massive masonry walls often with
buttresses, pointed arches in window
and door openings, stone or wood
tracery in the windows, and steeply
pitched roofs often incorporating towers
or spires
Rose window
Pointed arch
window and door
openings
Crenellation and
1410MAIN
Limestone
masonry
Wall buttress
Steeply pitch roof
Turret
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-17
ITALIANA TE
c. 1850- 1890
A popular style in the second half of the
nineteenth century, also known as the
High Victorian Italianate. The style draws
on Romanticized image of the Italian
rural villa as popularized by the pattern
books of American architect Andrew
Jackson Downing, which circulated
during the 1830s and 1840s and beyond.
In Dubuque elements of the Italianate
frequently mix with features of other
styles, notably the Second Empire,
creating a hybrid Italianate that conforms
to the basic characteristics with a few
unusual additions. Typical features
include a tall, box-like mass with a
hipped or Mansard roof, prominent eaves
or cornice with large decorative brackets
windows and doore with extremely tall,
narrow proportions and arched or
rounded heads, decorative window
hoods, elaborate porch detailing with
attenuated proportions, and often a
cupola or tower.
Mansard roof
Elaborate cornice
with large paired
brackets
Tall, narrow,
paneled double
entry doors
Tall, narrow double
hung wood windows
563 WEST 11TH
Carved limestone
window hood
Attenuated porch
columns and
detailing
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MEDITERRANEAN
c. 1890- ~935
Also known as the "Italian Renaissance"
style due to the direct borrowing of
details from Italian villa architecture.
Generally a style of the upper classes,
the Mediterranean style was inspired
largely by the phenomenon of the "Grand
Tour", a pastime of the upper classes in
the late nineteenth century. The tour
consisted of an extended trip through
Europe, with a focus on the ancient
civilizations of Greece and Rome. As a
result many young architects, and their
potential clients, obtained first hand
experience of the Italian countryside, and
sought to replicate it in their own homes.
The characteristic features of the style
include a Iow, wide mass with light-
colored stucco walls, a Iow-pitched
hipped roof usually covered with red clay
tiles, wide eaves supported by brackets
or exposed rafter tails, a large recessed
entry area usually demaracated by
arched openings, large narrow windows
on the lower story with smaller units on
the upper story, and a generally
symmetrical fa(;ade.
Stucco-covered
walls
Smaller window units on
upper story
Low-pitch hipped
roof with clay tile
Larger casement
windows on first
floor
1t05 HIGHLAND
Recessed entry
with arched
openings
A-18
Wide eave with
exposed rafter tails
Symmetrical
facade
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-19
MISSION
c. '1890-'1920
Most popular in California and the
southwest states, the Mission style is
the California equivalent of the Colonial
Revival in the northeast. Drawing
heavily on its Spanish heritage for
inspiration, the style consists of a
eclectic mixing of elements drawn from
historic Spanish missions with
contemporary features of the California-
based Craftsman and Bungalow styles,
as well as the rambling, Iow masses of
the Midwestern Prairie style. Its typical
features are a Iow, wide mass
frequently topped with a Iow-pitched
hipped roof of red clay tile, wide eaves
usually with exposed rafter tails, smooth
stucco-covered walls of masonry or
adobe, asymmetrical facades with
rambling floor plans, open porches on
the front supported by large square or
tapered columns, and the definitive
Mission dormer or roof parapet on the
front and/or sides.
Low-pitch hipped roof
with red clay tile
Open porch on front
Craftsman-style 4/1
windows
230 ALPINE
Tapered square
columns
Stucco-covered
walls with brick
masonry below
Wide eaves
Asymmetricalfront
facade
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEO-CLASSICAL
c. ~895-~950
Popularized in the late nineteenth and
early twentieth centuries, the
Neoclassical style is part of the larger
revival of interest in Classical styles
inspired by the "White City" of the 1893
World's Columbian Exposition in
Chicago. Similar to the Beaux-Art and
the Classical Revival in its dependence
upon Classical prototypes, the
Neoclassical is more restrained and
less literal in its use of the elements of
the Classical vocabulary, compressing
three-dimensional columns and
entablatures into crisp, two-dimensional
forms that rely heavily upon the impact
of their outline and the play of light and
shadow across the surfaces. The style
can be identified by its rigidly
symmetrical fa(;ade, flat attached
decoration in the form of panels and
pilasters, and heavily incised geometric
and floral decoration.
Fluted Ionic
pilasters in high,
relief
Carved figural
Carved floral
decoration
Parapet with incised geometric
decoration at entablature
299 MAIN
A-20
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
OCTAGON
c. 1850- '1870
An architectural rarity, the Octagon
Style owes its name to its eight-sided
plan, although examples with six, ten,
twelve, and sixteen sides are
documented. The style was promoted
heavily in the 1850s by Orson Fowler, a
writer from New York, who believed the
octagonal plan to be a more efficient
use of living space than the standard
rectangular plans by eliminating "dark
and useless corners". The style is easily
recognizable by its octagonal form, but
its detailing draws heavily from the
Italianate style, including tall, narrow
window double and triple hung
windows, wide eaves with large
supporting brackets, an elaborate porch
with narrow proportions, and the
insertion of cupola or tower (octagonal,
of course).
Wide eave with
decorative brackets
Tall, narrow, multi-
light triple hung
wood window
Octagonal cupola
with balustrade
1095 WEST 3RD
Octagonal plan
A-1
Two-story front
porch with
octagonal columns
Front entry with side
lights and transom
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-21
QUEEN ANNE
c. 'i880- 'i910
Although named for Queen Anne, the
style has little to do with the Renaissance
style architecture that was popular under
her reign. Popularized by a group of
British architects in the late nineteenth
century, the Queen Anne draws loosely
from Medieval English models, which are
seen on the half-timbered and patterned
masonry variants in the United States.
Much more common, however, are the
wood frame variants that emphasize the
modulation of surface through projecting
towers and overhanging gables, and the
juxtaposition of different finish materials,
particularly wood shingles and
clapboard, that are laid in patterns.
Although sharing many features with the
Shingle style, Queen Anne's common
features include asymmetrical facades,
bay windows, and full or partial width
open porches.
Overhanging gable
Double
hung
wood
window
Bay window
Recessed opening
with columns
Use of shingles at
upper story
Shingles in radius
pattern
265 ALPINE
Half-round
projecting turret
Partial width open
porch with
freestanding
columns
Asymmetrical facade
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-22
RENAISSANCE REVIVAL
c. '1880.1920s
A variant of the general revival of
interest in Classical styles at the end of
the nineteenth century, the
Renaissance Revival focuses more
specifically on the replication and
adaptation of Renaissance precedents,
as opposed to the ancient models that
inspired the Classical Revival. It was a
common style for building such as
libraries, banks, courthouses, and other
buildings that sought to convey a
message of strength and security.
Building massing and plans are a key
feature of the style. Buildings are often
composed of large, rectangular masses,
usually three stories in height, with a
strictly symmetrical primary fa(;ade. The
facades are divided into horizontal
registers through the use of string
courses, banding, material changes,
and different windows shapes and
surround. Detailing was usually simply
and minimal, with the decorative
features confined to doors surrounds
and window hoods, modillions,
keystones, and elaborate cornices.
Notable features include large round~
i~mhed~Window, amades, and high
masonry materials with fine
Two-story pilaster
colonnade
Tall rusticated base
Round arches
Denticular cornice
205 BLUFF
Prominent carved
surround at central
Symmetrical fa;ade with entry
projecting central block
and setback, flanking wings
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
RICHARDSONIAN ROMANESOUE
c. 1880-1900
Named for the distinctive work of Boston
architect Henry Hobson Richardson, this
style was most commonly used for large-
scale public or commercial architecture due
to the great expense involved with solid
masonry construction. Dubuque is unusual
in that it retains two domestic examples of
this style, which is rare outside of the larger
cities of the east coast. The style is best
known for its massive walls of rusticated
masonry, usually mixed with a more
smooth-faced stone or fine brickwork, and
cast terra cotta for a contrast of surface
textures. Like the Queen Anne, modulation
of surface and forms is key, and the
facades are asymmetrical, incorporating
large open porches, rounded projections,
multi-story towers, or multi-story bays.
Nearly every example also makes use of
the round arch, springing either from
massive piers, or squat columns.
Round arch
springing from
column
Turret
Partial width porch
with carved
columns,
balustrade, and
entablature
Terra
cotta
frieze
Smooth brick
face with fine
joints
504 BLUFF
Asymmetrical
facade
Double hung
wood
windows
Rounded
corner
Rusticated
masonry
base
A-23
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-24
SECOND EMPIRE
c. 1855- 1885
A very common style in the Midwestern
region, the Second Empire was a direct
derivation of the style popular in France
during the reign of Napoleon III from
1850-1972, also known as that
country's Second Empire. The most
distinctive feature is the boxy Mansard
roof, which encompasses the upper
story and provides an additional level of
living space. In most other respects the
style is quite similar to the Italianate,
with its tall, narrow windows and double
entry doors, prominent carved window
hoods, wide eaves with large decorative
brackets, and cupolas, which also use a
Mansard roof, but with a curved or
"ogee" profile that is distinct from the
roof on the main body of the house.
Wide eaves
with paired
brackets
Mansard roof
with dormers
Roof cresting
Porch with
elaborate
attenuated
columns
t375 LOCUST
Tall, narrow
double hung
wood windows
with carved
hood
Cupola with
ogee
mansard
Double entry
doors
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-25
SHINGLE
c. '1880- 1910
The Shingle style originated as a high
style among New England architects of
the late nineteenth century, and drew its
inspiration from a variety of sources,
including the Queen Anne, Colonial
Revival, and Richardson Romanesque.
It can take numerous forms and adapt
the features of other styles in its
vernacular guises, making it difficult to
distinguish from its close cousin the
Queen Anne, but it is always identifiable
by its sheathing of wood shingles that
wrap around the structural frame like a
skin. Characteristic features are similar
to the wooden variants of Queen Anne,
with an emphasis on undulating
surfaces, and curving, irregular or
projecting forms, which are starkly
contrasted with plain window trim and
open projecting porches with simple
columns or piers.
Overhanging gable Low, wide
with flared ends gable
Open porch with large,
simple piers
Double hung
wood windows
with simple trim
116 ALPINE
Wood shingle
skin
Projecting two-
story bay
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-26
SPANISH COLONIAL
c. '1915- '1940
Also known as the "Spanish Eclectic",
this style is characterized by a rather
free mixing of numerous Spanish
architectural precedents, including
Moorish, Byzantine and Gothic. It was
inspired in large part by the 1915
Panama-California Exposition in San
Diego, and the efforts of its architect
and designer Bertram Goodhue, who
brought Spanish Colonial architectural
styles to a much wider audience. The
style peaked in popularity in the 1930s,
and was most common in California and
the Southwest, but soon passed out of
favor. It is identified primarily by its
unusual, carved entry surrounds and
massive wooden doom, stucco covered
walls, Iow gabled roofs with md clay
tiles, narrow eaves, small windows with
multiple lights, and asymmetrical
facades.
Stucco wall finish
Elaborately carved
stone door surround
Gabled roof with
red clay tile
Asymmetrical facade
Narrow eaves
555 WEST 11TH
Small window opening
with multiple light
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
STICK
c. '1860-1900
Like the Gothic Revival and the Queen
Anne, the Stick style is a rather free
adaptation of the Medieval English
models inspired by the Picturesque
Gothic movement and the work of
American architect Andrew Jackson
Downing. The style draws its name from
the visible half-timbering or "Sticks" in the
gables, which are intended to reference
Medieval timber frame construction
methods. In the Stick style these
"timbers" are purely decorative, howeve~
and represent one of many applied
features that enliven the surface of the
building. The basic forms and details are
similar to the Queen Anne, with cross-
gabled, steeply pitched roofs, and an
undulating surface with projecting bays
and gables. The primary distinguishing
features are the decorative elements of
the fa(;ades, which can include multiple
sizes, shapes and patterns of wood
shingles and clapboards, curved or
diagonal gable braces, carved
vergeboards and other panels or boards
(stickwork) that are applied to or raised
above the wall surface.
Steeply-pitched
cross-gable roof
with multiple
dormers
Bay window and
balcony
Stickwork
Carved
vergeboard
t492 LOCUST
Multiple styles of
wood shingles
Carved wood panels
representing "stick"
patterns
A-27
Large
angled bay
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
TUDOR
c. '1890-'1940
Like the Stick style, Tudor is loosely
based on Medieval English prototypes,
and in fact bears almost no resemblance
to the English Tudor architecture of the
16th century. In Dubuque, as in most
cases, the Tudor style is a common
suburban style that incorporates vaguely
Gothic or Medieval detailing into
standard architectural forms, usually a
variant of the one-story Colonial Revival.
Its most characteristic feature is the very
steeply pitched cross-gabled roof on a
narrow body that gives it a distinctive
"cottage-like" appearance. Other notable
features include large exposed masonry
chimneys, groups of small multi-paned or
diamond paned casement windows, and
a prominent front entry often with an
arch-top door and decorative surround.
Brick examples usually incorporate
scattered stone detailing, while wood
frame examples sometimes exhibit half-
timbering.
Exposed masonry
chimney
Prominent front
dormer
Steeply-pitched
side gabled roof
A-28
Pairs of small,
multi-light
casement windows
1087WEST 3RD
Entry with pointed
arch door and
decorative surround
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FRONT GABLE/HOMESTEAD
c. 1860- 1900
The Front Gable residences of
Dubuque are a vernacular style of
housing common in the late nineteenth
century that spread across the country
with the expansion of the railroad
system, and developed slightly different
local variations. In form it beam a
resemblance to the basic Greek Revival
cottage, with a tall, narrow footprint, and
a pronounced front gabled fa(~ade with
symmetrically arranged door and
window openings. Other features
include 1/1 double hung windows, often
with arched tops, small one story full
width open porches, narrow eaves, and
minimal detailing. Although most
commonly constructed of wood frame,
in Dubuque many examples use local
brick masonry.
Symmetrical window
arrangement
Brick masonry
Double hung windows
with arched heads
ST. MARY'S STREET
Narrow eaves
Narrow, front
gabled facade
Small~ open front
porch with turned
posts
A-29
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-30
BRICK FLA TS/ROW HOUSE
c. 1860- ~900
Two and three-story brick workers' flats
are common in the Historic Districts
near the downtown, and they were
constructed to house the families of
those who came to work in many
manufacturing firms in Dubuque. In
form they are essentially a rectangular
brick block with the long side oriented
toward the street. The facades are very
regular and symmetrical, consisting of
two, full-height bays flanking a central
entry, which is often covered by a small
open porch. The detailing draws from
the Italianate style that was popular in
residential architecture during the latter
half of the nineteenth century, including
a large, projecting cornice with
brackets, tall, narrow double hung
windows, carved stone window hoods,
and carved wood posts and brackets at
the porches/entries. Some examples
incorporated decorative brick or stone
detailing in the form of bands, water
tables, or string courses, as well a
decorative glazing
in the doors or
bay windows.
Tall cornice with large Carved window hoods
brackets Tall, narrow double Symmetrical full-height
hung windows bays
t500 BLOCK OF LOCUST
Central entry with large carved
wood brackets for canopy Brick masonry
(here located at second story)
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-31
WORKER'S COTTAGE
c. '!860-'1890
A small number of simple one-and-one
half or two-story vernacular structures
are found in the Cathedral District,
particularly along St. Mary's Street and
the south end of Bluff, which are termed
"Workers' Cottages". These simple
frame and brick buildings were
constructed by the large numbers of
industrial workers who poured into
Dubuque in the latter half of the
nineteenth century to work at one of the
many manufacturing companies, such
as Cooper Wagon Works, and Car,
Ryder and Engler Co. The houses are
similar to Gable front in that they are
fairly plain rectangular boxes, often side
gabled, with a symmetrical fa(;ade,
double hung wood windows with
multiple lights, and a shallow pitched
roof with narrow eaves. Detailing is
usually minimal, and represents a
simplified version of detailing found on
popular high
styles.
Two-story open front
porch (unusual variant
for Dubuque)
Low-pitch side gable
roof
ST. MARY'S STREET
Symmetrical facade
Central entry with tall, narrow
double door and transom
(Italianate/Second Empire feature
Narrow eaves
Brick masonry
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
A-32
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-33
MASONRY- FOUNDATIONS
Most structures in Dubuque have
foundations of concrete, brick, or local
Dubuque limestone. High style examples
occasionally use more exotic stones. Repair
and restoration of these materials should be
suited to the nature of the material.
· Foundations should not be altered in form.
This may result in structural destabilization.
· Avoid alterations in design, unless the
original design has failed due to inherent
flaws. New work should attempt to match
the original in appearance and materials.
Substitute materials are acceptable in
certain circumstances, but should match the
original in size, color, and texture.
· Clean, repair and/or repoint materials
according the Secretary's Standards to
ensure stability of materials, and integrity of
moisture barrier.
· Confine alterations or removal of materials
to the rear or non-visible areas.
· Do not conceal materials with concrete
block, plywood, corrugated metal or other
substitute materials. This affects the
appearance, and may also result in
deterioration and moisture problems.
· Do not paint or stucco stone foundations
unless badly damaged or previously altered.
· Brick can be painted if brick or mortar was
previously mismatched or damaged.
The local limestone (above) is a common material for
houses of afl styles and budgets. It should be exposed
and should not be painted. Brick is also a common
material on vernacular buildings (below). Care should be
taken to keep joints properly pointed, and to keep the the
materials away from moisture and de-icing salts.
The foundation on this building
(right) was covered by a synthetic
"stone" skin that is inappropriate
for the structure. Applications of
synthetic skins over original
materials are not recommended.
Red sandstone (above) is easily
damaged by moisture and salts, and
will "melt" if not protected. The dense
purple stone on the Richards House
(below) is a rarity in Dubuque. Note
that sills and window openings have
been properly retained.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-34
MASONRY- WALL MATERIALS
A number of Dubuque's commercial and
residential buildings are constructed from
load-bearing masonry, either brick or
limestone. The materials often were
produced by local brick yards and quarries.
The bricks frequently are set with narrow
joints, which should be maintained as part of
any repointing or repair. Most buildings
constructed prior to the 1920s used a soft
lime-based mortar that is compatible in
hardness with the brick.
· Original materials should be maintained
and repaired with matching materials
whenever possible. If original materials
cannot be used, new materials should
match the original in size, color and texture.
· Only clean masonry if it is stained, or has
been been marred by a coating or graffiti. If
only minor soiling is apparent, cleaning is
not necessary, and will risk introducing
water and chemicals into the masonry
system.
· Sandblasting or other abrasive cleaning
methods should not be used to clean
masonry or remove coatings under any
circumstances. If high pressure water
systems are used for cleaning, the pressure
should not exceed 300 pounded per square
inch to prevent damage to the masonry and
mortar.
Typical examples of brick, red
used in commercial and residential structures in Dubuque. Masonry is
used in both load-bearing and reinforced (steel frame) systems. Note
the variety of sizes and textures in the different types of masonry.
Examples of brick masonry in residential applications, frequently
combined with stone detailing. Joints are typically small, and the quality
of the workmanship is quite high, as seen in the rounded turret at left.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
MASONRY- WALL MATERIALS
· If masonry must be cleaned due to
excessive soiling or staining, use the
mildest method possible, preferably a Iow
preesure water system and a mild
detergent. Minimize the amount of water
and chemicals introduced into the masonry.
· if paint or other coating must be removed
from masonry, it is acceplable to use
chemical methods. These methods can
damage the masonry, surrounding
materials, and landscaping materials if not
used with care by qualified professionals.
· Do not coat masonry with paint or a
silicone-based sealant, as this will only seal
moisture into the walls.
· Masonry should not be covered in stucco
or any other coating. Coatings applied to
deteriorated masonry generally fail, and
only serve to hasten the deterioration.
· Mortar joints should be solid and
maintained in good repair to keep water
from entering the masonry. All repairs
should be performed carefully to prevent
overcutting of joint and damage to the
masonry.
· Repointing of masonry joints should match
the original mortar in color, texture, joint
profile, and hardness of the materials. Using
materials that are too hard (Portland
cement-based mortars) will damage the
surrounding masonry.
Synthetic stone or 'Lannon
Stone" applied over the brick
masonry of matching
commercial structures (at
left). The treatment is nearly
impossible to remove with
damaging the brick surface
underneath. Resurfacing
masonry with these synthetic
treatments is strongly
discouraged.
Painted brick masonry is shown
at left. Painting of masonry
tends to trap moisture in the
wall system, and could lead to
the deterioration of the stone
and brick. It is not
recommended.
Sandblasting brick to remove
soiling or coating severely
damages the surface of the
masonry by removing the hard,
water repellant surface, or
"fireskin" (seen at bottom left).
Once this surface is removed,
the brick is pitted and porous,
and will rapidly deteriorate upon
exposure to moisture. Masonry
should not be cleaned by
abrasive methods under any
circumstances.
A-35
Historic mortar joint profiles
Inappropriate repointing of brick
masonry (below) adversely affects
the appearance of the wall by
covering much of the brick.
Repointing should match the
original joint width and profile, as
well as the original color and
texture of the mortac
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-36
MASONRY- CHIMNEYS
Exterior brick chimneys are a common
feature in Dubuque, and often exhibit
decorative brickwork. Some rare examples
incorporate unusual materials, patterns, and
forms that give them sculptural quality. Even
the more simple forms seem on vernacular
structures are an important characteristic of
the overall design. Chimney should be
maintained with same attention to the
masonry and mortar as described for
masonry walls.
· Chimneys should not be altered or
removed unless they pose a serious threat
to public safety, or the to stability of the
structure. Ever effort should be made to
retain and repair the existing chimney
whenever possible.
· When rebuilding is necessary, materials
matching the original should be used.
Substitute materials are acceptable that
match the original in size, color, pattem, and
texture.
· Chimneys should be capped by stone, terra
cotta, or slate caps. Metal ia an acceptable
substitute when matching the original in
color and size.
· Clean and repoint the chimney masonry
following the same guidelines outlined for
wall masonry.
· Chimneys flues should be inspected and
cleaned by qualified professionals.
Various examples of
chimneys seen on
residential buildings in
the historic districts.
Many of the high style
homes incorporate
elaborate patterns into
the chimney masonry
that contribute to the
character of the
building.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ROOFING - MA TERIALS
The materials selected for the roofing can
have a dramatic impact upon the
appearance of the building, Slate was a very
popular material on the larger, high style
homes, and original materials should be
retained and repaired whenever possible.
These materials can be prohibitively
expensive however, and substitute
materials may be acceptable if installed
properly.
· If the original materials are no longer
present, are severely deteriorated, or are
prohibitively expensive, substitute materials
such as fiberglass, metal, or architectural
asphalt shingles are acceptable. New
materials should attempt to match the
original in color, size and shape.
· If restoring a slate or tile roof that has been
removed, the roofing support system should
be check to determine ff it is still capable of
carrying the weight of these materials.
· New asphalt or fiberglass materials should
be appropriate in color, such as black, grey,
dark brown. Dark red, blue-grey, and dark
green are also appropriate if replacing slate
or tile.
· Alternate materials are acceptable for flat
roofs, and other areas not visible from the
public way.
· An effort should be made to retain or
replicate roofing details in original materials,
~,sub~titute materials that match the
? /inshepeandco,or.
A-37
While it is recommended that property
owners maintain or restore slate and tile roofs
whenever possible (seen in examples above
left), many property owners have replaced
original roofing systems with asphalt shingles
(seen in examples above right), which is an
acceptable alternative.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-38
ROOFING - FORMS
Roof forms are one of the defining features
of architectural styles, and they should be
retained in their original form whenever
possible.
· If additions are required, an attempt should
be made to match the style, forms, and
materials of the originaL
· If this is not possible, additions should be
concealed at the rear or side to minimize
their impact when the residence is viewed
from the street.
· Roofing should retain its original shape,
pitch and detailing (such as cresting,
cupolas, etc.) whenever possible.
· New venting should take the form of ridge
vents whenever possible. Gable attic vents
should be retained, as these contribute to
the character of the fagade.
· New dormers, roof decks, and balconies
should not be added to the front of the
building. These are acceptable at the rear or
sides of the property where not visible from
the public way.
Some typical and unusual examples of roof forms (above
right and left).
The addition of a full width shed dormer on the front of this side
gabled house (right) has dramatically altered its appearance.
Major roof additions on the front of the building are not
recommended.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
ROOFING - GUTTERS AND
DOWNSPOUTS
To ensure the longevity of the roofing and
cladding materials, it is important that the
drainage system operate properly. Gutters
and downspouts must be placed to direct
water off the roof and away from the
building foundation. While gutters may not
have been an original feature of the
structure, they should be sensitively added
to prolong the life of the building and its
materials.
· Original exterior or built-in drainage
systems should be retained and repaired
whenever possible
· If new gutters are required, half-round and
ogee profile gutters in metal are the most
historically accurate. Vinyl and aluminum
also are acceptable ff properly placed to
minimize their visual impact
· Existing eaves and details should not be
removed or damaged as part of gutter and
downspout installation.
· Attachment straps should be nailed under
roofing materials, not exposed on top.
· Downspouts should direct water as far
away from the foundations as possible.
· Drainage systems should be cleaned and
maintained on a regular basis to prevent
damage to roofing and wall systems.
Two examples of
properly installed
gutters and downspouts
are shown here (above
and left). The gutters
follow the line of the
eaves, and downspouts
are p/aced at comers to
minimize their impact
on the fagade.
Downspouts extend 4-
6 feet away from the
base of the wall to
direct water away from
the foundation.
A-39
New copper gutters and
downspouts with decorative
scuppers were restored on this
building (above). While this is
historically accurate, such
materials may not be
economically feasible for many
property owners. Properly
colored aluminum and vinyl are
acceptable alternatives.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-40
ROOFING- CUPOLAS,
WIDOWS WALKS, AND
CRESTING
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
WINDOWS - FORMS AND
MATERIALS
The importance of window forms to the
appearance of a fagade cannot be
overstated. A variety of windows sizes,
shapes and details are visible in the building
of Dubuque, and they frequently are
characteristic of particular architectural
styles and types. Historically the windows
seen in the historic districts are constructed
of wood frames and sashes containing
divided lights. These will require periodic
maintenance and repair to keep them in
good working order, and it is strongly
recommended that original windows be
retained and restored if at all possible.
,Un/ess the original units are deteriorated
beyond repair, property owners are
encouraged to restore original window units.
,If restoration is not possible, new units can
be installed that match the original in their
size, style, materials, and number of lights
(panes).
· Vinyl and aluminum units also are
acceptable for replacement of original, but
they should only be used as a last resort. An
attempt should be made to match the
original in size, style, sash profile, and
number of lights (panes).
· True divided lights are preferable to snap-
on or false muntins applied to the surface of
the g/ass.
Original window units (above) that have been
well maintained and retain their original size,
shape, and materials. These units should be
preserved whenever possible.
A-41
Keystone
Hood/lintel
Top rail
Uppersash
Pane/
light
Muntin
Bottom
rail
Side rail
Lower sash
Parts of a window
A few examples of inappropriate replacement units
(above). New windows should fill the existing opening,
and should match the original unit is size, shape, sash
profile, number of lights, and, if possible, materials.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-42
WINDOWS - FORMS AND
MA TERIAL S
· New window units must match the original
in size. The window opening should not be
widened, filled or altered in any way to
accommodate an improperly sized unit.
· It is strongly recommended that any
replacement unit match the original in its
shape, for example a arched top should be
replaced with an arched top, not a flat
topped unit with an infill piece placed above.
· New window openings should not be added
into a primary facade, or any facade that is
readily visible from the street.
· Original windows of steel or aluminum
frames should be repaired ff possible, or
replaced with new units that match the
original as closely as possible in size, style,
and materials.
· Ca/red stone or decorative brick hoods
and lintels and sills are a prominent feature
in many buildings. These should be retained
and preserved whenever possible.
1/1 sash
1/1 sash with
diamond
muntins
2/2 sash
Palladian
4/4 sash 6/6 sash
Common window types in Dubuque
Diamond pane casement
Decorative variants
Head and sill details
Circular
Multi~light
Casement
Multi-light
transom
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
WINDOWS- DECORATIVE
GLASS
Many buildings in Dubuque, both public and
private, make use of decorative glass. This
includes leaded, beveled, etched, and
stained glass. These are a distinctive and
significant characteristic of the local
architecture, many of which were
specifically designed for their current
locations.
· Decorative glass should be preserved in its
original location, maintaining its dimensions,
pattern, and original materials whenever
possible.
· All decorative glass should be repaired
rather than replaced. If repair is not feasible,
the glass should be stabilized and protected
until it can be repaired by a specialist.
· Non-original decorative glass pieces should
not be installed into primary facades, or
facades that are visible from the public way.
· Clear storms windows or panels can be
installed over the decorative glass for
protection and energy conservation.
A-43
Representative samples of decorative glass panels in
public and private buildings in Dubuque.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-44
WINDOWS- STORMS,
SCREENS, SECURITY
Screen and storm units for windows are
appropriate for the buildings in Dubuque,
with some residences retaining early
examples intact. As with windows, new
storms and screens should fit the existing
window opening in their size and shape.
Security units generally are not appropriate
for the primary fagade of a building, unless
they are historic units or replications of
historic units.
· Screens and storms should fit the shape of
the original window opening without infill
pieces at the top or bottom.
· Units can be constructed in wood or
aluminum, and should fit within the window
frame.
· Units should allow for the full view of the
window, with the central rails and muntins
placed to match those of the window behind
· Internal storms are an alternative that will
minimize the visual impact of the unit from
the public way.
· Storm units with built-in lower screens are
acceptable.
· Half unit screens that cover only the lower
sash opening are acceptable.
,Security bars ere acceptable on windows
that are not visible from the street.
Recommended window storm and screen forms shown above. The units fit within the window
frames and conform to the shape of the window unit.
Original window and opening
Odginal window opening with
unit =
treatment
Odginal window opening with inappropriate sro/m/screen unit = Not recommended
The building at left
demonstrates the impact
of inappropriately sized
storm and screen units on
the appearance of a
fa¢ade. Compare the
original screens with the
proper shape and muntin
configuration (upper right),
to the rectangular units
that require infill (lower
left). The latter is strongly
discouraged.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-45
WINDOWS- SHUTTERS
In homes prior to 1945--and prior the
introduction of residential air conditioning
systems--operable Iouvered shutters
frequently were installed on windows to
provide shading and cooling during the
summer months, and protection during the
storms. The surviving original shutters tend
to be primarily ornamental now, and in
many cases they have been removed.
· Original shutters should be retained and
preserved in proper working order whenever
possible.
· Where shutters have been removed, or
have deteriorated beyond the point of repair,
they can be recreated using the style,
shape, detailing, and materials of the
original
· New shutters should not be added to a
building unless there is physical or
photographic documentation of their
existence,
· Shutters should be opereb/e, and should
match the shape and size of the window
frame so that the opening is completely
covered when the shutters are closed.
· Non-opereb/e aluminum or vinyl units
attached directly to the siding are not
historically accurate, and are not
recommended.
A few examples of properly
maintained, original Iouvered
shutters. Note that the units are
hinged at the window frames,
and can be closed over the
window (above). The example at
/eft shows shutters that have
been shaped to fit the size and
shape of the window opening.
Operable shutters must be attached with hinges next to the window aide rail (above). A common
mistake in shutter installation is placing shutters flush with the
The shutters at/eft are too long and too
narrow for their window unit. If closed,
they will not cover the window unit. The
example at right shows a decorative use
of a shutter. Even though the shutter is
the proper length, only one leaf attached
at the edge of the window frame.
Shutters should be instal/ed in operable
pairs, and should cover the window unit
completely when closed.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-46
WINDOWS - AWNINGS
Awnings were applied to windows and
doors prior to the 1940s as a means of
providing shade and cooling for interiors.
They are not a common feature of
Dubuque architecture due to the use of
front porches and shutters, which were
more common. Awning typically are seen
on commercial storefronts in the historic
districts, and are not considered
appropriate for residential architecture.
,Awnings should not be installed unless
there is historical, photographic, or
physical evidence of their existence
· Awnings should be constructed of canvas
or a similar woven materiaL
· Awnings should not be installed where
they will interfere with or cover details such
as carved window hoods moldings or trim.
,They should be sized to fit the size and
shape of the opening.
· Awning color should compliment the
colors of the building
· Installation should not damage
surrounding materials
· Aluminum or metal awnings are not
historically appropriate and are not
recommended. They should be removed if
previously installed.
Awnings shown above are constructed of
appropriate materials, and are correctly
installed. Awnings should fit within the
current opening, and should not obscure
details.
The massive projecting metal awnings on this building
have radically distorted its appearance, and have
obscured the half-round windows of the fagade, which
are a disctinctive feature of the building. This is not a
recommended treatment.
The photo on the left shows this residence before the awnings (and synthetic siding) were removed.
The photo on the right reveals a Palladian window and diamond pattern muntins that were hidden
behind the inappropriate awnings.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
DOORS - FORMS AND
MA TERIALS
Doors and surrounds on the front facades of
buildings are prominent and defining visual
features, and usually reflect some aspect of
the building's style. Many of the homes in
Dubuque display and unusually high level of
variety and craftsmanship in the doors,
hardware, sidelights and transoms of the
homes and commercial structures. These
features should be retained in their original
forms whenever possible.
· Doors and their associated features such
as special glazing and hardware, sidelights,
frames, and transoms should be retained
and preserved ff at all possible.
· If the original features are missing or are
beyond repair, new features should be
constructed to replicate the original in size,
shape, style, details and materials.
· If replication is not feasible, the original
materials should, at a minimum, be
stabilized, documented, and stored until the
originals can be repaired or replicated.
Original materials should not be discarded if
at all possible.
· The original size of the opening should not
be altered in any way on the primary facade,
· Doors with new designs differing from the
original should not be installed on the
primary facade, or facades visible from the
street.
The variety of acceptable door
treatments in Dubuque is far too
diverse to display here. This
represents a only a small sampling
of the different types of original
doors, surrounds, glazing and
hardware that are present in the
historic districts, ranging from
simple paneled doors, to
elaborately carved units with
leaded, etched, or stained glass
lights and transoms. Every effort
should be made to retain and
preserve original doors where they
exist.
A-4.7
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-48
DOORS - FORMS AND
MA TERIALS
· New doors should not be installed in new
openings created on the primary facade, or
on any facade visible from the street.
· Most residential doors in Dubuque are of
wood stile-and-rail construction, often with
specialty woods, decorative glazing and/or
decorative hardware. A specialist should be
consulted for their repair or replication.
· Commercially available steel, hollow core
or laminate doors are not acceptable
substitutes. These doors should be used
only at rear or side entries not viaible from
the street.
Typical door types - paneled and glazed
Three examples inappropriate door treatments (above). At left, the original door was removed and replaced
with a contemporary unit and infill. At center the original door is boarded and the surround filled. At right the
original door has been replaced with a contemporary hollow core unit that does not match the building style.
Two examples of
inappropriate door
replacement, which
filled portions of the
original openings to
accommodate smaller
doors (at left and right).
New doors should
conform to the existing
opening in size and
shape, and should
attempt to match
original styles, details,
and materials, when
possible.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
DOORS- SCREENS, STORMS
As with windows, screen and storm units for
doors are appropriate for the buildings in
Dubuque, with some residences retaining
early examples intact. New storms and
screens should fit the existing door opening
in their size and shape. Security units
generally are not appropriate for the primary
facade of a building, unless they are historic
units or replications of historic units.
· Original storm and screen doors should be
preserved whenever possible.
· If the original units have been removed, or
are beyond repair, replacement units should
match the original in size, style, detailing,
and materials, ff possible.
· Screens and storms should fit the shape of
the original door opening without infill pieces
at the top or bottom.
· New units can be constructed in wood or
aluminum, and should fit within the original
door frame.
· Units should allow for a view of the door,
with any rails, styles, or panels placed to
match those of the door behind.
· On the primary fagade, security doors
should be non-intrusive, and should attempt
to match the style of the doors and the
architecture in general.
· Security doors are acceptable on doors
that are not visible from the street.
HISTORIC STORM/SCREEN DOORS
YES YES YES
Some high style dwellings retain a set of vestibule doors on the
exterior (/eft). These should be retained. Historic pane/ed
screen/storm doors often survive on vernacular buildings, and
these should be preserved whenever possible.
Security doors should be a non-intrusive as possible, and
attempt to match the style of the doors. At /eft, a simple
wrought iron grille is in keeping with the overall Tudor style.
SECURITY DOORS
YES NO
A-49
NEW STORM/SCREEN DOORS
YES NO
New screen/storm doors should fit the
door opening, and allow as much of the
original door to show through as
possible. Many aluminum storm and
screen doors installed at mid-century
are not appropriate in style or materials,
and are not recommended/
NO NO
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
SIDING MA TERIALS
While masonry was a popular construction
material in Dubuque, many of the
residences are frame construction with
some form of wood cladding. The is
particularly true of workers housing, and
also of the high style Victorian variants of
the late 19th century that rely on the
undulation of surfaces and textures for
visual impact, such as the Queen ^nne,
Stick and Shingle styles. Often wood siding
was combined with masonry materials, or
less frequently with stucco, for further
variation of texture and color.
As these materials deteriorated over time,
and as tastes changed, wood siding
materials often were hidden beneath newer
materials such as asbestos and asphalt
shingles, masonite, and aluminum and vinyl
siding. These alterations not only had a
negative impact on the appearance of the
structure, but also had a detrimental effect
on the wood materials below, which were
damaged by the installation process, and
further deteriorated by the damp
environment created by the new siding
materials.
City funding programs are in place to assist
property owners with the restoration of
siding.
,Original siding materials should be retained
and restored whenever possible, particularly
those that utilize multiple styles and shapes
~o~ ~la~ding materials.
Multiple shapes and types of wood
cladding are characteristic of Stick
(top left), Carpenter Gothic (bottom
/eft) and Queen Anne (right) sty/es.
The detail, texture, and pattern
imparted by the varying materials is
integra/to the overall design. Every
effort should be made to retain and
restore these original c/adding
materials, whenever feasible.
A-50
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-51
SIDING MA TERIALS
· Synthetic siding materials should be
removed to expose the original materials,
whenever possible. The condition of the
original materials should be evaluated by a
member if the HPC or Planning Department.
Any decorative features removed by the
installation of synthetic siding should be
restored, if possible.
· Original wood siding should be repaired
with new matching the original in size,
design, placement and materials.
· New siding should not cover or obscure
any decorative details.
· Siding materials can contain hazardous
materials, such as asbestos and lead painL
It is recommended that the property owner
consult a professional before any removal
project.
Synthetic siding can dramatically alter the appearance of a building. Vinyl siding (upper left) covers the
original clapboard, changing the depth of the siding in relation to the window and door frames. An
asphalt "brick" pattern (upper right) hides the original wood clapboard, and completely changes the
reading of the facade. Two types of synthetic siding ware applied to this Queen Anne (bottom right). The
large size and f/at profile of the siding is in direct contrast to the delicacy and texture of the original wood
shingles still exposed on the dormer. Synthetic siding has hidden all of the original finishes on the Queen
Anne variant at bottom right. The variety of surface co/or and texture typical of the style have been
rep/aced by a uniform, monochromatic akin that awkwardly wraps around the cylinder of the tower.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-52
PORCHES
The location, size, scale, materials, and
design of front porches make them one of
the defining elements of historic buildings in
Dubuque. In many instances, the porches
contain as much, or more detail of design
and materials as the rest of the facade in
the form of turned posts, spindlework,
elaborate brackets, and half walls and
supports of brick or stone. Frequently these
are combined with staircases or steps of
wood, carved stone, or brick creating a
highly decorative, colorful, and prominent
focal point on the primary fa(;ade. These
elements should be retained, researched,
and restored whenever possible.
· Porches on the primary facade, or facades
visible from the street, should be retained
and restored with matching materials, ff
feasible.
· Substitute materials are acceptable, ff they
match the size, design, and detailing of the
original.
· Original porches should not be removed,
unless so deteriorated that they pose a
threat to public safety.
,Porches should not be enclosed with solid
materials. Screening is acceptable so long
as the structural framework is minimal, and
is placed behind the major decorative and
architectural elements of the porch.
· The quality and variety of the porch styles
!detailii~g~is a distinctive characteristic of the
districts. Porches and their features should
be~ ;~etained and preserved whenever
pQs$ilSle.
The examples shown above represent recommended treatments for porches on front facades, and are in
keeping with the scale, style, and materials of the buildings. The porch at the far right is a historically
sensitive replacement/restoration that replicates the scale, size, and detailing of the original, while using
new materials.
The impact of porch alterations on the facade is clear in the examples below. At left, a simple, flat metal
canopy is in clear contrast with the decorative posts and spindlework of the original. At right, a wide open
porch has been partially filled with siding, windows and a door, obscuring the first floor of the dwelling with
incompatible materials. Radical alterations of this kind are not recommended, and should be removed ff
existing.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
PORCHES -
Parts of a Porch
BAL
Upper raft
Spindles, in this
they are
square
Lower rail
A-53
Recessed pediment capping
cornice/entablature and
defining front entry
Cornice or entablature, long
horizontal member that rests
top of columns or posts.
Can be plain or embellished.
Columns or posts, in this case they
are square Doric columns. They can
be wood or masonry.
Piers supporting columns or posts,
in this case brownstone masonry
piers.
which can be of wood or
masonry. Should have railing for
safety.
Entablature
Capital
Shaft, this example
is fluted (vertical
grooves)
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-54
PORCHES - COLUMNS, POSTS AND BALUSTRADES
AND STAIRS
Massive partially enclosed mason/y porch with
simple parapet, battered (tapered) square
columns, and rough limestone base- Mission
Low, full width, partially enclosed pomh with concrete block supports, concrete
block half wall, wide eaves, wood casement windows and transoms, and
"eyebrow" arch at ento,~- American Four Square
Tapered square seated on ~ half
wa//support a pitched reof on this partial width
enclosed porch - Craftsman/Bungalow
~T~t~ry open porch
~rved brackets supporting a simple cornice
~ de~reted with pendentlve saw-cut fretwork. A
cast iron screen acts as a blaustrade, and a
~/o~wood ba/ustrade caps the top - Octagon
A simple, Iow, open, fall width porch consists of wooden Doric columns seated on a
frame half wall, with central wood stair - Dubuque Vernacular
A small, but elaborate pedimented ent/y incorporates
Ionic columns, a denticular entablatures, and a Iow
carved stone stair with bollard- Second Empire/
Italianate/Classical Revival
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-55
PORCHES - COLUMNS, POSTS AND BALUSTRADES
AND STAIRS Slender pound turned posts, turned spindles in balustrade, fumed newel poete on stair rail,
lattice supported by saw-cut brackets, exposed curved roof etraclure on underside - Dubuque
Vernacular/Row House/Queen Anne
Two-story s
Slender ~quare carved posts with capitals,
projecting cornice supported by brackets,
cast iron cresting, and a wooden stair with
paneled siding - Italianate
· Paired square Doric columns
,with simple entablature and
pediment marking main entry
stair, square spindles in
~,, and large
masonry support piers -
Queen Anne Free
Classic/Classical Revival
Carved stone staircase and
balustrade with large
posts and
"carved upper hand rail-
Second Empire and
Italianate
and "tracery" balustrade -
Carpenter Gothic
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-56
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Architectural details can include elements
from every category covered in these
guidelines, but traditionally they refer to
"added" details that help define an building's
style and date of construction. Original
features should be retained and restored
whenever possible.
· Original details should not be removed,
unless they are so deteriorated as to pose a
threat to public safety.
· Whenever possible details should be
repaired rather than removed or replaced.
· Details that are missing or deteriorated
beyond repair should be replaced with new
details matching the original in size, style,
detailing, and materials.
· Details should not be hidden or covered by
aluminum, vinyl or other synthetic siding
materials.
· New details should not be added unless
there is clear photographic, physical, or
historic evidence documenting their
appearance and location for restoration.
Carved bargeboard and spandrel panels on gable of a Stick
style house.
Decorative carved cornice
Carved or cast
bracket at entry of a
Second Empire
structure.
Cornice, bracket, and flat arch
detailing on Classical Revival
structure.
Cut-out bracket and shed roof canopy
for Carpenter Gothic church.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-57
PAINTING - PAINT REMOVAL
AND NEW COLOR SELECTION
Paint and stain finishes are one of the easist
and least expensive ways to showcase the
distinctive architectural features of a
building, and to restore its historic character.
Many resources are available to give
guidance on appropriate color schemes for
different styles and periods of homes. The
most accurate method for determining
period colors is to hire an architectural
conservator or qualified professional to
perform a paint analysis, which will provide
a history of the different color schemes on
the property over time.
Buildings with wood finishes or trim require
a good coat of exterior grade paint or stain
to prevent deterioration of the wood from
exposure to the elements. Exterior finishes
should be checked and retouched annually
to ensure continual protection.
PREPARATION
· Any building painted before the 1970s most
likely contains lead paint, which is a serious
health hazard around small children, or
when released into the environment as
airborne particles. If at all possible it is best
to encapsulate the existing lead paint under
new coats of lead-frae finishes. However,
removal frequently is necessary to ensure
proper adhesion of the new finishes. A
qualified contactor should be consulted for
that requires large-scale
I of lead-based paints.
Paint colors can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of a historic home, as demonstrated by the
"before and after" views above. At left, the light color of the body with solid white trim and detailing does little
to differentiate the trim and architectural features. At right the house has been repainted using appropriate
Victorian-era colors: a light greenish-grey body paint with a darker green to highlight woodwork and gables,
and an even darker graen to highlight specific edges and details.
Two examples of resources for historic paint colors - Comstock's 1883 guide for Victorian Houses (le~) and
the Society for the Prese~ation of New En¢land Antiquities' CPNEA) "Historic Colors of America" paint cuide
(righ¢ developed through their research of original finishes at Williamsbur¢. In addition to these resource&
most mcr paint compa,ies now offer a "historic" line of colors that draws on historic examples, ff you opt for
paint analysis to determine your exact original colors, these can be matched by a local paint supplier.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-58
PAINTING - PAINT REMOVAL
AND NEW COLOR SELECTION
· When applying new finish coats it is
important to remove deteriorated existing
finishes to ensure good adhesion. Scraping
is the and most labor intensive method for
removing loose paint, but a/so the /east
likely to damage wood finishes and trim.
Chemical strippers a/so are acceptable, but
these should be used with caution as they
can cause serious health problems and
environmental damage is used improperly.
· Heat guns are another method for reducing
the effort and expense of removing paint,
but should be used by trained professionals,
particularly when used on wood materials.
,Under no circumstances should
abrasive methods (sandblasting) be
used on wood or masonry finishes. High
pressure water cleaning (above 300 psi) is
not recommended for masonry cleaning,
and high pressure water washing is not
recommended for wood finishes as this can
easily damage the wood and introduce
moisture into the building.
NEW FINISHES
· A/ways use exterior grade paint and stain
materials, preferably oil-based or exterior
latex over a primer coat.
· New colors do not require approval by
the HPC, but the staff can provide
~r~co~ndations for resources and
te co/ors, if desired.
maintenance wi// increase the
~, of your exterior finishes and paint.
Before and after view The Richards House in the 1400 block of
Locust (above). At/eft the deteriorated condition of the paint
finishes are visible. The uniformity of the co/or hides the wealth of
details on this Stick Style home. At right, the property owners are
experimenting with different co/ors to highlight the unique and
intricate details of the dormers and bays.
The Shingle Style home
at/eft has a three co/or
paint scheme of bright
co/ors. While the
placement of the co/ors
is good for highlighting
the architectural
features, the co/ors
themselves tend to
obscure the details and
overwhelm the
architecture in genera/.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-59
NEW CONS TRUCTION
The number of vacant lots available for new construction in the historic districts are very few. Those that exist result from the demolition of
historic residences, or the division of larger lots for development. Any new construction in existing or future designated districts should be
compatible with the historic character of the district in which it is located, whether it is a new primary structure, secondary structure, or addition
to an existing building.
· Set back/placement on the lot - Different districts have different setbacks (distance from the street to the front of the building). New construction should
respect these setbacks on the front and side lots, as any major variation will have a considerable impact on the overall streetscape.
· Orientation on the lot - Nearly every commercial and residential structure in the districts has its primary fa(~ade facing the street, with its original primary
entry on the front. This orientation should be replicated in new construction.
· Scale (overall height and width) - The scale of structures varies dramatically from district to district. New construction should not vary more than one-half
story from the predominant scale of the structures around it. If the proper side and front setbacks are maintained, the overall width will be in accordance with
the surrounding properties.
· Massing - Similar to scale. This refers to the overall mass of the house, or its size as a simple geometric shape, which is usually some variation on a cube.
Different architectural styles tend toward a different massing of the forms e.g., Tudor - tall and narrow, Craftsman - Iow and wide, etc. The massing of new
construction should reference and respect the general massing of the adjacent structures.
· Foundation height- Foundations in the Historic districts are generally tall, brick, limestone, or concrete block masses that are quite visible from the street.
New construction should reflect both the height and materials of the structures in the area. While it is acceptable for the height of the foundation to vary with
changes in the grade along the sides of the building, at grade foundations generally ara not acceptable in the historic districts.
· Number of stories - Buildings within the historic districts generally range from one to three stories. New construction should not vary more that one-half
story from that of its neighbors. Buildings that form part of a streetwall or unified street fa~:ade should match their neighbors exactly so as not to disrupt the
overall straetscape.
· Roof form - Roof form and slope is largely dependent on architectural style, and new construction should fall within a range of 6:12 (6 inches of rise per 12
inches of run) to 12:12. Hipped and gabled roof styles ara the most common forms, with Mansard appearing as a common style in certain districts, and flat
roofs on commercial structures.
· Window and door size and placement - Window sizes and shapes are often ralated to architectural style, and the historic districts display quite a variety
of forms. New construction should attempt to mimic the overall proportions, symmetrical arrangement, and decorative trim of the windows in adjacent
structures.
· Porch size and location - A large percentage of the rasidential structures incorporate a full width front porch or smaller entry porch of some type,
frequently embellished with decorative metal work, stone or wood stair cases, or carved wood trim or columns. New constructions should reference the
styles, scale, location and detailing of the existing historic examples.
· Architectural style - A wide variety of historic styles are documented in the existing districts, and it is suggested that new construction recognize the
historic styles in its scale and overall mass, if not in the specific detailing. New or modern styles can be integrated into the districts if done in a manner that is
sensitive to the historic character of the district.
~*Materlals and colors - Several materials ara prominent featuras of the historic districts, such as the local limestone and brick. New construction should
incorporate or referance these materials, or their colors, dimensions, and texturas.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEW CONS TRUC TION -
Primary Buildings
The number of vacant lots available for new
construction in the historic districts are very
few. Those that exist result from the
demolition of historic residences, or the
division of larger lots for development. Any
new construction in existing or future
designated districts should be compatible
with the historic character of the district in
which it is located.
· /Vew construction should reinforce the
patterns that are prominent in the district.
New buildings should complement the
adjacent dwellings in the district by
replicating or referencing typical features
such as scale, overall height, massing,
set back on the lot, foundation height,
number of stories, roof form, window
and door size and placement, porch size
and location, and style.
· Each new structure should be designed for
its specific location. New construction
should reference the characteristics of the
sty/es on the block in which it is located.
Features that may be appropriate in one
district, may not be appropriate in another,
and features appropriate in once section
within a single district may not be
appropriate in other areas of that same
district.
Windows
Proportions,
placement
both
horizontally
and
vertically,
and trim at
openings
A-60
Roof form
Consists of roof pitch (angle Overall massing
of slope), roof height, and Consists of building
details such as dormers or width, depth, and height
multiple
Vew construction (/eft) that does not respect the
massing, styles, materials or detailing of the
surrounding residences.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-61
NEW CONS TRUCTION -
Additions
Many building in the historic districts have
received additions over their lifetime, and
these historic additions were quite sensitive
to the original style, scale, size, and
materials of the original. New additions
should follow this model, and should be as
deferential to the historic structure as
possible to ensure minimal negative impact
on the building.
· Additions should be located at the rear or
side of a building, rather than on the primary
facade, or where it will be highly visible from
the public way.
· Additions should not result in the loss of
significant amount of historic materials. If
original materials must be removed, an
attempt should be made to incorporate them
into the design of the addition.
· Existing opening should be used to
minimize the amount of alteration to the
exterior walls of the historic structure.
· The design of the addition should be
compatible with the style of the historic
building in its overall design, roof form,
window and door size and location, cornice
height, materials, and colors.
· Additions should be smaller in scale than
the original building if possible to indicate
their status as an addition. If a multiple story
a~ition is desired t should match the
1~gp.~rtlons of the historic structure.
Example of a compatible
addition that copies the
scale, massing, style, roof
line, height, materials,
openings, and detailing of
the originaL The historic
original portion is on the
left, while the addition is
on the right. The addition
is identifiable by the two-
dimensional character of
its window heads.
Two examples of inappropriate additions prominently placed on the front facade of a residence (below).
The additions are not compatible in their style, placement, materials, or detailing, and cover a large
percentage of the primary facade.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-62
NEW CONS TRUC TION -
Outbuildings
Many building in the historic districts have
existing historic outbuilding at the rear of the
property that were designed to match the
primary building in their styles, colors, and
materials. These building are considered
historic in their own right, and should be
retained and restored whenever
possible. The construction of new garages
and outbuildings is acceptable, but they
should be sited at the rear of the property
where they will have the least impact on the
primary structure.
· New outbuilding should be sited at the rear
of the property, away from the primary
facades, or near a rear alley.
· They should be smaller in scale than the
primary structure.
· The design of new outbuilding should be
compatible with the primary structure in its
proportions, roof form, and exterior
materials. Traditional materials and details
should be used if possible.
· Garage doors should compatible in style
and materials if possible. Hinged wood-
panel carriage doors and wood paneled
overhead doors with glazed lights are more
appropriate than solid metal or metal
paneled units.
· The colors of the new outbuilding should be
~o~patib. le with the colors of the primary
Two examples of inappropriate garage additions prominently placed on the front fagade of a residence
(above). The additions are not compatible in their style, placement, materials, or detailing, and compete
visually with the primary fagade.
Two examples of appropriate outbuildings that are
constructed as separate structures at the rear of the
property, and are sympathetic to the style, scale, colors,
and materials of the primary structure (below and at right).
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
A-63
NEW CONSTRUCTION -
ADA Compliant Access
In order to provide code compliant access
for dwellings and commercial properties, it
is necessary to add access ramps with the
appropriate slope and slip-resistant
surfaces.
· Ramps should be located and designed to
be reversible i.e,, in such as way to
minimize damage to existing materials and
to allow for removal of the ramp and
restoration to the historic original
appearance with no loss of architectural
integrity.
· Ramps should be located at the side or
rear of a property whenever possible to
minimize visibility from the public way,
· if ramps must be located on the primary
fa(~ade, or in a highly visible location, they
should be designed to be as transparent as
possible, or to have the minimal visual
impact on the facades. Screening with
landscaping is also an acceptable
alternative.
· The design and materials of the new ramp
should be simple and non-obtrusive, or they
should be selected for compatibility with the
overall color and style of the primary
structure.
Two examples of
appropriate ADA compliant
entries added to properties
in the historic districts.
Above, a ramp is
incorporated into and
existing entry and porch at
the rear of the property,
and is la~ge invisible from
the street. At left the ramp
serves the primary front
entry, and has been
incorporated in such as
way that it does not
compete with or obstruct
the view of the facade.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEW CONSTRUCTION-
Fire Escapes
Buildings that are converted to commercial
or multi-unit residential uses will require
adequate fire escapes to meet the fire and
safety codes. Within Dubuque there are
several existing historic examples of fire
escapes both for commemial and residential
properties that can serve as a guide in the
fabrication and installation of new units.
· Do not add new fire escapes to a building
unless required by the fire and safety code.
All new units should be designed and
installed in accordance with city codes.
· New ramps should be added in such a way
as to minimize the impact on the building,
and their installation should be reversible.
· New fire escaped should be added to the
rear of the property whenever possible.
Historic examples are installed prominently
on the side facades of buildings, and this is
acceptable for new units, as long as they
are designed and installed with sensitivity to
the historic structure.
Two examples of existing
historic metal fire escapes
that are prominently located
on side facades. As long as
they remain code compliant,
these units should be
maintained for continued
use. New fire escapes
should be located at the rear
of a property whenever
possible, but installation on
secondary facades has a
clear historic precedent, and
is acceptable as long as it is
done sensitively.
A-64
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
NEW CONSTRUCTION -
Satellite Dishes
Cable and satellite dishes are now relative
small, lightweight, unobtrusive units that
can be mounted directly on the structure.
· Do not install the dish in such a way as to
damage historic materials.
· The dish should be placed so as not to
obscure an significant architectural
features.
· Dishes should be located at the side or
rear of the property so that it cannot be
seen from the public way.
The satellite dish
(above) has been
installed on the rear of
the property where it is
not not visible from the
public way. The dish at
right was installed on
the gable peak of the
front parch, which is
highly visible, and is
not recommended.
A-65
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
Awning
Typical Storefront
Cornice
Transom
Door(s)
Cornice and
~OWS
C-1
Display
window
Bulkhead
Entrance
Typical Commercial
Building
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
C-2
FACADES - CORNICES
Cornices function as a decorative cap for
the building fa(~ade, and is a characteristic
feature of mid-nineteenth century
commercial architecture in Dubuque, The
cornice often has unusual decorative
elements that are characteristic of the
building's style, Frequently cornices were
fabricated of pressed sheet metal to create
the crisp details, but bronze, cut limestone,
and terra cotta are also present in the Old
Main historic district.
Often a series of commercial facades used
the alignment of key elements--windows,
string courses, and cornices--to create the
effect of a "street wall" or single unified
facade lining the street. As a result, the
removal or alteration of a cornice will have a
negative impact on the building itself, but
also those adjacent to it.
· Every effort should be made to retained
and preserve cornices in their original
forms.
· Damaged cornices should be restored to
match the original in size, style, and details.
Substitute materials are acceptable.
,Deteriorated cornices should be repaired,
not concealed behind new materials.
· Missing cornices should be recreated only
if photographic or physical evidence is
ava#able to guide the recreation.
Four examples (above) of pressed metal cornices on nineteenth-century commercial
buildings in Dubuque. The example at the lower right is e relatively
A cut limestone cornice with geometric design tops a Neoclassical style building (below left), while a
terra cotta cornice is set atop a glazed terra cotta Classical Revival facade (below right).
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
C-3
FACADES- STOREFRONTS
In Dubuque, as in many towns during the
1950s through the 1970s, older commercial
buildings in the historic downtown
underwent a series of renovations in an
attempt to update and "modernize" their
appearance. The result was the alteration of
many original storefront through the
installation of new materials over the
original, or occasionally, entirely new
storefronts. Fortunately, several examples
have survived, or have been restored to
reflect their original arrangement of large
display windows over a bulkhead, recessed
entrances, and large transom windows.
· Original storefronts and their components
should be repaired or restored rather than
replaced, when possible.
· Elements that are missing, or deteriorated
beyond repair, should be replaced with new
materials that reflect the size, style, and
detail of the original. Substitute materials
are acceptable.
· Physical and photographic documentation
should be consulted for the restoration of
altered features, or the recreation of missing
storefronts.
· Storefront alterations in the 1920s can have
historical value in their own right, and are
often as rare as their 19th century
counterparts due to 20th century
renovations. Consult with the HPC to
deters!ne the significance of these features.
The storefront above retains it slender cast iron supports, large display windows and transoms,
and recessed entrances. The large amount of glass is characteristic of storefront of this period.
Three examples of inappropriate storefront alterations are shown below. At left a new masonry veneer
has been added over the original storefront. At center a typical 1920s-1930s alteration using a skin of
Cararra glass in aluminum frames. And at right the entire storefront has been subsumed in an new
masonry and tinted glass front.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
C-4
FACADES- DISPLAY
WINDOWS AND BULKHEADS
Display windows and bulkheads are often
the first and primary point of visual contact
form most viewers. The large, undivided
expanses of plate glass were considered to
be innovative marketing devices for the
display of goods, and also a practical means
of lighting the building interiors. Bulkheads,
window frames, and structural supports
were given a decorative treatment that
reflected the overall style of the building.
· Original windows and bulkheads should be
retained and restored whenever possible.
· Missing or damaged materials should be
replaced with new that match the original in
size, style, and detailing. Substitute
materials are acceptable.
· Missing elements should be recreated
using photographic or physical evidence.
Where no evidence exists, it is
recommended that windows be restored as
large, uninterrupted expanses of glass with
slender supports and frames, similar to the
examples depicted here.
· Bulkheads should be retained and restored
whenever possible using tradition materials
such as wood, brick, or stone. Metal and
glass block are not recommended.
· Prism glass or other decorative transom
glazing should be retained and restored
whenever possible.
The storefront above (right and/eft) was recently restored using the recommended style, sizes, and
materials. The coloration of the storefrent has been repeated on the awning and on the window frames
and cornice, unifying the facade.
A comer building of masonry
construction (right) utilizes
square cast iron columns on a
stone base to create an open first
floor filled with large display
windows. Prism g/ass fills the
transoms (/eft) of this storefrent,
providing an increased amount
light to the interior. Such details
rarely sun/ive, and should be
retained if at all possible.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
C-5
FACADES- WINDOWS
The importance of window forms to the
appearance of a facade cannot be
overstated. Historically the windows seen in
the historic districts are constructed of wood
frames and sashes containing divided
tights. These will require periodic
maintenance and repair to keep them in
good working order, and it is strongly
recommended that original windows be
retained and restored if at all possible.
· Unless the original units are deteriorated
beyond repair, property owners are
encouraged to restore original window units.
· If restoration is not possible, new units can
be installed that match the original in their
size, style, materials, and number of lights
(panes).
· Vinyl and aluminum units also are
acceptable for replacement of original, but
they should only be used as a last resort. An
attempt should be made to match the
original in size, style, sash profile, and
number of lights (panes).
· True divided New window units must match
the original in size. The window opening
should not be widened, filled or altered in
any way to accommodate an improperly
sized unit.
· It is strongly recommended that any
replacement unit match the original in its
shape, for example a arched top should be
rep/aced with an arched top, not a flat
topped unit with an infi/I piece p/aced above.
· New window openings should not be added
into a primary facade, or any facade that is
readily visible from the street.
· Original windows of steel or aluminum
frames should be repaired if possible, or
rep/aced with new units that match the
original as closely as possible in size, sty/e,
and materiels.
· Carved stone or decorative brick hoods
and lintels and sills are a prominent feature
in many buildings. These should be retained
and preserved whenever possible, lights are
preferable to snap-on or fa/se muntins
applied to the surface of the g/ass.
The windows above retain their original 2/2 wood sash
and frame with cut limestone hoods and sills. Below the
original window units have been removed and rep/aced
with units that are not appropriate in size or shape. The
result is a dramatically altered facade. New window units
should match the original opening in size and shape, and
should replicate the original number of lights (panes)
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES- ENTRANCES
Like the rest of the storefront, original
entrance doors were large and narrow, with
large single lights (glass) in the upper half.
· Original doors, frames, and transoms
should be retained and restored whenever
possible.
· Missing or damaged materials should be
replaced with new that match the original in
size, style, and detailing. Wood is the
recommended material, but anodized
aluminum is an acceptable alternative.
· Missing elements should be recreated
using photographic or physical evidence.
Where no evidence exists, it is
recommended that entrances be restored
with simple glazed pane/ed doors in slender
frames with large transoms, similar to the
examples depicted here.
· Prism g/ass or other decorative transom
glazing should be retained and restored
whenever possible.
· Original decorative paving at entrances
should be retained and preserved whenever
possible.
C-6
Two examples of the original
tall, narrow paneled wood
doors in commercial
storefrents. Large sidelights
and transoms all for the
maximum amount of glazed
surface on the fagade. Note
that the style and shape of
the doors matches the other
features of the storefront.
Solid wood doors or metal
doors would not be
historically accurate, and are
not recommended.
A small section of mosaic at a
storefront entry is both functional
and decorative. Every effort should
be made to retain and preserve
these feature.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
C-7
FACADES- AWNINGS
Awnings were applied to windows and
doors prior to the 1940s as a means of
providing shade and cooling for interiors.
Awning typically are seen on commercial
storefronts in the Old Main historic district,
and are considered appropriate for
storefronts.
· Awnings should not be installed unless
there is historical, photographic, or
physical evidence of their existence
· Awnings should be constructed of canvas
on a similar woven material
· Awnings should not be installed where
they will interfere with or cover details such
as carved window hoods moldings or trim.
· They should be sized to fit the size and
shape of the opening.
· Awning color should compliment the
colors of the building
· Installation should not damage
surrounding materials
· Aluminum or metal awnings are not
historically appropriate and are not
recommended. They should be removed if
previously installed.
· Advertisement of names or signage on
awnings is appropriate for commercial
uses.
Appropriate and recommended installations of awnings
on commercial storefronts.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES- LIGHTING
Lighting for commercial storefronts can
have a dramatic impact on the appearance
of a building at night, and can create a more
interesting and inviting environment that
encourages commercial and social activities
after business hours. Care should be taken
in the installation of lighting, so as not to
overwhelm the fa(;ade. New lighting should
be subtle and well-placed to illuminate
entries and signage, and to provide a
welcoming and safe atmosphere for
patrons.
· Original lighting fixtures should be retained
and restored whenever possible.
· New lighting fixtures should have simple
designs that do not draw attention away
from the facade, or should draw on period
lighting style to compliment the detailing of
the facade.
· Lighting fixtures that are used for up/ighting
or signage lighting should be concealed as
much as possible.
Concealed downlighting washes
the facade at night, while a
replication carriage fixture
provides light at the entry.
If evidence can be found, the
restoration of historic lighting
schemes is recommended, as in
this early theater with its string of
incandescent bulbs
C-8
Some possible options for exterior
storafront lighting that would be in
character with the architecture of
the historic commercial district
(above and left)
Lighting of signs is
both a practical and
attractive addition to a
building or storefront.
Lighting should be
done in a manner that
is inconspicuous, and
focuses light directly
on the signage.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES - SIGNAGE
Signage for commercial storefronts should
be compatible with the scale, style, and
period of the building. Some signage pre-
dating the 1950s is now considered historic
in its own right, such as painted walls and
neon. These should be retained and
restored whenever possible to recognize
change over time.
· All signage should be in accordance with
the City of Dubuque ordinance regulating
signage.
· New signage should be composed of
traditional materials, such as wood, copper,
or bronze. Plastic or plywood signs are not
recommended.
oSignage painted on display windows or
doors and window glazing is encouraged.
oSignage incorporating or resembling
business Iogos and symbols are
recommended.
· New signage should be located at
traditional sign locations, such as upper
facades, beltcourses, projecting from the
face of the building, or hanging in windows.
· New signage should be installed in such a
way as to prevent any damage to the
building by anchoring into mortar joints, not
masonry.
· Lighting of signs is encouraged, but
internally lit signs are not recommended.
Signage painted or gilded on storefront
glazing is encouraged (be/ow).
Historic painted signage should be
retained and restored whenever
possible (above and be/ow)
Examples of hanging
and painted signs
using the
recommended style,
scale, materials, and
placement (right and
below). Signage is
acceptable in multiple
forms and locations,
as seen in the
example below.
C-9
An entry paving
also can function
as signage, as
seen in this historic
example (left).
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
FACADES- SIGNAGE
Intemaliy lit plastic signs (above) are inappropriate in their materials, design, and
overall appearance. They are not recommended.
Signage should recognize the scale, sty/e, materials, and co/ors of the building and
the district. Signage should not dominate the facade (above), nor should it cover or
damage important architectural features. In this instance, the large plywood sign
obscures storefront and transom windows on this commercial building.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
C-10
FACADES - ARCHITECTURAL
FEATURES
Architectural details can include elements
from every category covered in these
guidelines, but traditionally they refer to
"added" details that help define an building's
style and date of construction. Original
features should be retained and restored
whenever possible.
· Original details should not be removed,
unless they ara so deteriorated as to pose a
thraat to public safety.
· Whenever possible details should be
repaired rather than removed or replaced.
· Details that ara missing or deteriorated
beyond repair should be replaced with new
details matching the original in size, style,
detailing, and materials.
· Details should not be hidden or coverad by
aluminum, vinyl or other synthetic
materials.
· New details should not be added unless
there is clear photographic, physical, or
historic evidence documenting their
appearance and location for restoration.
Cast terra cotta cornerstone
Cast terra cotta molding
at window (above), and
cast engaged terra cotta
column (right)
Carved limestone pilasters
(left), carved window
heads and molding and
decorative panel (above)
Several examples of cast and carved ornament applied to the
surface of facades in the Old Main district. These features
contribute significantly to the overall style of the buildings, and
the character of the district.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
C-11
NEW CONSTRUCTION
As a result of urban renewal programs, the number of vacant lots available for new commercial construction in Old Main district is considerable.
Those that exist result from the demolition or deterioration of historic commercial structures, and have left large gaps in the fabric of the
streetwall. Any new construction in this area should be compatible with the historic character of the district, and should attempt to provide
sensitive thrill that will restore the integrity of the district and the overall streetscape.
· Set back/placement on the lot -The setback is minimal for Main Street commercial properties. New construction should respect these setbacks on the
front and corner lots, as any major variation will have a considerable impact on the overall streetscape.
· Orientation on the lot- Nearly every commemial and residential structure in the districts has its primary fa9ade facing the street, with its original primary
entry on the front. This orientation should be replicated in new construction.
· Scale (overall height and width) - The scale of structures is fairly uniform on Mian Street. New construction should not vary more than one-half story from
the predominant scale of the structures around it. Most properties fill their entire lot, and if this is respected the overall width will be in accordance with the
surrounding properties.
· Massing - Similar to scale. This refers to the overall mass of the structure, or its size as a simple geometric shape, which is usually a narrow, deep
rectangular block. The massing of new construction should reference and respect the general massing of the adjacent structures.
· Foundation height- Foundations in the Historic districts are generally tall, brick, limestone, or concrete block masses that are quite visible from the street.
New construction should reflect both the height and materials of the structures in the area. While it is acceptable for the height of the foundation to vary with
changes in the grade along the sides of the building, at grade foundations generally are not acceptable in the historic districts.
· Number of stories - Buildings within Old Main historic district generally range from three to seven stories. New construction should not vary more that
one-half story from that of its neighbors. Buildings that form part of a streetwall or unified fagade should match their neighbors exactly so as not to disrupt
the overall streetscape.
· Roof form - Most buildings have a flat roof with a large parapet or cornice at the front. This should be replicated on new construction, and an effort shuold
be made to match the cornice/parapet height of the adjacent buildings.
· Window and door size and placement - Window sizes and shapes are generally tall, narrow double-hung units with 2/2 lights. New construction should
attempt to mimic the overall proportions, symmetrical arrangement, and decorative trim of the windows in adjacent structures, and match the alignment of
the neighboring buildings. Large plate glass storefront or display windows should be maintained on the lower level.
· Architectural style - A wide variety of historic styles are documented in the existing districts, and it is suggested that new construction recognize the
historic styles in its scale and overall mass, if not in the specific detailing. New or modern styles can be integrated into the districts if done in a manner that is
sensitive to the historic character of the district.
· Materials and colors - The materials are a prominent feature of the Old Main historic district, such as the local limestone, brick, and terra cotta. New
construction should attempt to incorporate or reference these materials, or their colors, dimensions, and textures.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
C-12
NEWCONSTRUC~ON
· New construction should reinforce the
patterns that exist in the district.
· New buildings should be compatible in
height with the adjacent structures.
· New buildings should maintain the same
setback as its neighbors
· New buildings should have the same width
and scale as the other structures in the
district.
· New building should maintain the same
alignment of windows, storefrents, and
architectural details such as water tables,
string courses, and cornices as the adjacent
buildings.
· New buildings should maintain a clear
separation of storefrent and upper stories.
· New buildings should have a primary
facade that incorporates materials similar in
their size, color, and texture to their existing
historic structures, such as brick, terra cotta,
and limestone.
· New building should use a roofing structure
similar to that of adjacent buildings.
· Whenever feasible, new construction
should attempt to fill in the open lots to
improve the integrity of the streetwall and
create a continuous street facade.
At /eft, a section of the Old Main historic district
showing the traditional appearance of the
commercial buildings and their relationship to one
another.
At right, the new Chamber of Commerce building in
the Old Main district attempts to address the
surrounding architecture in its scale, height, cornice
line, materials, and window size and location. While
some of the features are a bit awkward, this
represents a good attempt at historically sensitive
infill.
At right, the addition of the starkly modem Five
Flags center clashes with the existing historic
theater. The new building does not attempt to
reference the sty/e, sca/e, or detailing of the historic
structure, and constitutes a rather inappropriate
interruption in the streetscape.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
RESOURCES
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM THE CARNEGIE-STOUT LIBRARY
SELECTED READING
FUNDING RESOURCES
LOCAL RESOURCES
Local Contacts
Chapter 25 Preservation Ordinance
The following primary resources are available for reference at the Planning Services Department and the HPC
· Jacobsen, J., Dubuque - The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa,
1837-1955, Phase I Historical and Architectural Survey Report.
· Jacobsen, J., Dubuque - The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa,
1837-1955, Phase II Historical and Architectural Survey Report.
· Jacobsen, J., Dubuque - The Key City: The Architectural and Historical Resources of Dubuque, Iowa,
1837-1955, Post-Phase I-II Version.
· Krivinskey, B., Dubuque Architectural Survey Historic Preservation Planning Project, 1978-~979.
· Krivinskey, B. and Miehe and Associates, Lower Main Street Historic District - Dubuque, Iowa, Historic
Preservation Planning and Design Study (1981).
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-2
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS
Adaptive Use Rehabilitation of a historic structure for use other than its original 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 not
limited 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 porch handrail, forming a
balustrade.
Balustrade An entire rail system with top rail and balusters.
Bargeboard A board which hangs from the 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 piers providing regular divisions and usually marked by windows.
Bay window 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.
iBoard and batten Siding fashioned of boards set vertically and covered where their edges join by narrow strips called battens.
;'~'6~d A term used to describe the various patterns in which brick (or stone) is laid, such as "common bond' or "Flemish bond."
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-3
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.
Building A structure used to house human activity such as a dwelling or garage.
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 to provide a weatherproof exterior wall
surface.
Classical order Derived from Greek and 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 roof where the ends of the ridge are terminated in a small, diagonal roof surface.
i~olp~i~l Revival House style of the early 20th century based on interpretations of architectural forms of the American colonies
p~O~t0 the Revolubon.
i'C~l~n A circular or square vertical structural member.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-4
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 help to define its character.
Contemporary Reflecting characteristics of the currant period. Contemporary denotes characteristics which illustrate that a
building, structura, or detail was constructed in the prasent or racent past rather than being 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 featura rasembling 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 within a historic district.
Dentils A row of small tooth-like blocks in a classical cornice.
Design guidelines The "Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" as adopted by the
Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, and other guidelines which may be adopted from time to time.
Doric order A classical order with simple, unadorned capitals, and with no base.
Dormer window A window that projects from a roof.
Double-hung window A window with two sashes, one sliding vertically over the other.
;Eave~The edge of a roof that projects beyond the face of a wall.
nt A material part or detail of a site, structure, street, or district.
~i~ation Any one of the external faces or facades of a building.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-5
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Ell The rear 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 resting on the column capital; consists of an architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Fabric The physical material of a building, structure, or community, 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 projecting decorative element, usually of metal, at the top of a roof turret or gable.
Fishscale shingles A decorative pattern of wall shingles composed of staggered horizontal rows of wooden shingles with half-
round ends.
Flashing Thin metal sheets used to prevent moisture 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, concave 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 structure above.
Frieze The middle portion of a classical cornice; also applied decorative elements on an entablature or parapet wall.
~!~The triangular section of a wall to carry a pitched roof.
~G_/~'~lp roof A pitched roof with one downward slope on either side of a central, horizontal ridge.
~brel roof A ridged roof with two slopes on either side.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-6
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Ghosts Outlines or profiles of missing buildings or building details. These outlines may be visible through stains, paint, weathering,
or other residue on a building's facade. Also known as a palimpsest.
Greek Revival style Mid-19th century revival of forms and ornament of architecture 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 components 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
opening; also called a drip 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 dwellings 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 or in an original window opening.
Jack arch (see Flat arch)
Keystone The wedge-shaped top or center member of an arch.
Knee ~race An oversize bracket supporting a roof or porch eave.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-7
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
architectural significance 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 historic 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
terne alloy of lead and tin. These roofs were attached or crimped together in various 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 doors.
Multi-light window A window sash composed of more than one pane of glass.
~Mupt,n A secondary framing member to divide and hold the panes of glass in multi-light window or glazed door.
construction Construction which is characterized by the introduction of new elements, sites, buildings, or structures or
'*~dltions to existin.q bud n,qs and structures in historic areas and districts.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-8
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 arched 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 used over windows, doors, 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.
Portland cement A strong, inflexible hydraulic cement used to bind mortar. Mortar 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 deterioration old and historic buildings, sites, structures, and objects and
providing for their continued use by means of restoration, rehabilitation, or adaptive use.
Pressed tin Decorative and functional metalwork made of molded tin used to sheath roofs, bays, and cornices.
~ropor~ion Harmonious relation of parts to one another or to the whole.
idal roof A roof with four identical sides rising to a central peak.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-9
GLOSSARY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION TERMS, continued
Queen Anne style Popular late 19th century revival style of early eighteenth-century English architecture, characterized 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 spacing between buildings.
Ridge The top horizontal member of a roof where the sloping surfaces meet.
Rusticated Roughening of stonework of concrete blocks to give greater articulation to each block.
Sash The moveable framework containing the glass in a window.
Segmental arch An arch whose profile or radius is less than a semicircle.
~$erni~:cjrcular arch An arch whose profile or radius is a half-circle the diameter of which equals the opening width.
~$6~@g The sum of attributes of a locality, neighborhood, or property that defines its character.
~ Proportional elements that demonstrate the size, materials, and style of buildings.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-lO
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 19th century which features frame dwellings largely covered with wood shingles on
both floors.
Shingles Wood which is split into flat shingles 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 used in screens and porch trim.
Stabilization The act or process of applying measures essential to the maintenance of a deteriorated building as it exists at
present, 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 materials,
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.
Style A type of architecture distinguished by special characteristics of structure and ornament and often related in time; also a
general quality of a distinctive character.
Surround An encircling border or decorative frame, usually at windows or doors.
..~a~ Carved ornament on the form of a cloth draped over supports, or in the form of a garland of fruits and flowers.
~om A horizontal opening (or bar) over a door or window.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
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 edge of a gable, sometimes decorated by carving.
Vernacular A regional form or 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.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
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 &Concems
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 ~reservation projects
Grand Mi#work 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
~reservation Brief #2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Brick Buildings
i~[e¢~rvabon Brief #9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
ervation Brief#10: Exterior Paint Problems on Histodc Woodwork
R-12
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-13
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, rehabilitation 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?
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-14
SELECTED READING
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Where to Look: a Guide to Historic Preservation Information. Washington, DC: The
Council, 1982.
All About Old Buildin,qs: the Whole Preservat on Catalo.q. Washington, DC: Preservation Press, 1985.
American Bun.qalow Ma.qazine. Bi-Monthly. 123 South Baldwin Avenue, P.O. Box 756, Sierra Madre, CA 91025- 756
Bleekman, George M. III, ed. Twentieth Century Buildin,q Materials, 1900-1950: an Annotated B b io.qraphy. Washington, DC: U.S.
Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division, 1993.
Blumenson, John J.-G., Identif¥in,q American Architecture. Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1981.
Bullock, Orin M. The Restoration Manual; an Illustrated Guide to the Preservation and Restoration of Old Buildin.qs. Norwalk, Conn:
Silvermine Publishers, 1966.
Bucher, William Ward III, ed., and Christine Madrid. Dictionary of Buildin.q Preservation. New York: J. Wiley, 1996.
Conservation of Historic Brick Structures: Case Studies and Reports of Research. Dorset: Donhead, 1998.
Coppa & Avery Consultants. An Architectural Guide to Wood Construction, Preservation, Conservation, Restoration and Framin.q.
Monticello, IL: Vance Bibliographies, 1985.
Curtis, John Obed. Movin.q Historic Buildings. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior, Heritage Conservation and Recreation
Service, Technical Preservation Services Division, 1979.
Dennis, Stephen N., ed., and Andrea Zizzi. Directory of American Preservation Commissions. Washington, DC: Preservation
Press, 1981.
~ia~onsteln, Barbaralee. Buildin,qs Reborn: New Uses, Old Places. New York: Harper & Row, 1978.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002 R-15
SELECTED READING, continued
Economic Benefits of Preserving Old Buildings Conference. Economic Benefits of Preserving Old Buildings. Washington:
Preservation Press, 1976.
Evers, Christopher. The Old-House Doctor. Woodstock, New York: The Overlook Press, 1986.
Favretti, Rudy J. Landscapes and Gardens for Historic Buildings: a Handbook for Reproducing and Creating Authentic Landscape
Settings. Nashville, Tenn.: American Association for State and Local History, 1978.
Flemin9, Ronald Lee. Fa(~ade Stories: Changing Faces of Main Street Storefronts and How to Care for Them. Cambridge, MA:
Townscape Institute; New York: Hastings House, 1982:
Friedland, Edward P. Antique Houses: Their Construction and Restoration. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1981.
Friedman, Donald. Historical Building Construction: Design, Materials, and Technology. New York: W.W. Norton, 1995.
Greer, Nora Richter. Architecture Transformed: New Life for Old Buildings. Gloucester, Mass: Rockport Pub; Cincinnati, OH:
North Light Books, 1998.
Grow, Lawrence. The Fourth Old House Catalogue. Pittstown, NJ: Main Street Press; New York, NY: Distributed by Kampmann,
1984.
Hanson, Shirley, and Nancy Hubby. Preserving and Maintaining the Older Home. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983.
Harris, Cyril M. ed. Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. New York: Dover Publications, 1977.
Hutchins, Nigel. Restoring Old Houses. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980.
K~ngas, Robert. The Old-House Rescue Book. Reston, Virginia: Reston Publishing Company, 1982.
~El~eld,~" Michael W. Renovation: A Complete Guide. New York: Wiley, 1982.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002 R-16
SELECTED READING, continued
London, Mark. Masonry: How to Care for Old and Historic Brick and Stone. Washington, DC: Preservation Press, 1988.
Maddex, Diane. The Brown Book: A Directory of Preservation Information. Washington, DC: Preservation Press, 1983.
McAlester, Virginia and Lee McAlester. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984.
Metals in America's Historic Buildings: Uses and Preservation Treatments. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Heritage
Conservation and Recreation Service, Technical Preservation Services Division, 1980.
Morton, W. Brown, III, Gary L. Hume, and Kay D. Weeks. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. 1979. Rev. ed. Washington, DC: Technical Preservation Services. U.S. Department
of the Interior, 1990.
Moss, Roger. Century of Color. Watkins Glen, N.Y.: The American Life Foundation, 1981.
Myers, Phyllis. Neighborhood Conservation: Lessons from Three Cities. Washington: Conservation Foundation, 1977.
Nash, George. Old-houses, A Rebuilder's Manual. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentiss-Hall, 1980.
Old House Interiors. Gloucester, MA: Dovetale Publishers, 1995.
Old-House Journal, The. Monthly. Old-House Journal Corporation, 435 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215.
Old-House Journal Buyer's Guide, The. Annual. Old-House Journal Corporation, 435 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11215.
Park, Sharon D., AIA. The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors. Preservation Brief no. 16. Washington, DC:
Technical Preservation Services, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1989.
i~iii~lS~, Steven J. Old-House Dictionary. Lakewood, Colorado: American Source Books, 1989.
William F, Practical Guide to Home Restoration. New York: Bantam/Hudson Idea Books, 1980.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002 R-17
SELECTED READING, continued
Rusk, Katherine. Renovating the Victorian House: A guide for Aficionados of Old Houses. San Francisco: One Hundred One
Productions, 1981.
Rypkema, Donovan D. The Economics of Historic Preservation. Washington: The National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1994.
Seale, William. Recreating the Historic House Interior. Nashville, Tenn.: American Association for State and Local History, 1979.
Schweitzer, Robert, and Michael W.R. Davis. America's Favorite Homes - Mail Order Catalogues As A Guide To Popular Early
20th Century Houses. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1990.
Shopsin, William C. Restoring Old Buildings for Contemporary uses: an American Sourcebook for Architects and Preservationists.
New York: Whitney Library of Design, 1986.
Stahl, Frederick A. A Guide to the Maintenance, Repair, and Alteration of Historic Buildings. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold,
1984.
Stephen, George. New Life for Old Houses. Washington, DC: The Preservation Press, 1989.
Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Respectful Rehabilitation. Washington,
DC: The Preservation Press, 1982.
Travers, Jean. Guide to Resource Used in Historic Preservation Research. Washington: Preservation Press, 1978.
United States, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Contribution of Historic Preservation to Urban Revitalization.
Washington: The Council, 1979.
United States, Urban Renewal Administration. Historic Preservation Through Urban Renewal. Washington, 1963.
~!'~i't Preservation Briefs. Published periodically. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.
John, RIBA. Conservation of Brick. Oxford; Boston: Butterworth Heinemann, 1999.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002 R-18
SELECTED READING, continued
Weaver, Martin E. Conserving Buildin.qs: Guide to Techniques and Materials. New York: Wiley, 1997.
Weeks, Kay D. New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns. Preservation Brief no. 14. Washington, DC:
Technical Preservation Services, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1986.
Ziegler, Arthur P. Historic Preservation in Small Towns: a Manual of Practice. Nashville: American Association for State and Local
History, 1980.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-f9
FUNDING RESOURCES
Historic Preservation Grant
A grant in the form of a forgivable loan for properties in historic districts to repair or restore: porches, wood windows, wood doors,
wood siding, character-defining features, and chimneys. Exterior painting and historic color paint projects are also eligible. This is
a program created by the Historic Preservation Commission and is jointly administered between the Planning Services Department
and the Housing and Community Development Department.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230 or the Planning Services
Department at (563) 589-4210.
Historic Preservation Revolving Loan
A Iow-interest loan for properties located in the Jackson Park, Cathedral, W. 11th Street or Langworthy Historic Preservation
Districts for exterior work that results in property improvements that meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines
for Rehabilitation. This is a program created by the Historic Preservation Commission and is jointly administered between the
Planning Services Department and the Housing and Community Development Department.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230 or the Planning Services
Department at (563) 589-4210.
Facade Grant
A grant which requires matching funds for front or rear fa(;ade renovations in the Old Main Subarea which includes the Old Main
Historic District to eliminate inappropriate additions or alterations and restore facades to their historic appearance, or to rehabilitate
the fa~;ade to include new windows, paint, signage, awnings, etc. to improve overall appearance. Landscaping or screening with
fencing or retaining walls may also be allowed, especially as it may improve property adjacent to the public right-of-way.
For more information contact the Economic Development Department at (563) 589-4393.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-20
FUNDING RESOURCES, continued
Downtown Rehabilitation Loan
A Iow-interest rehabilitation loan for interior and exterior rehabilitation, fa(;ade renovation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings
and must include code-related improvements.
For more information contact the Economic Development Department at (563) 589-4393.
Home Owner Rehabilitation Program
Low-interest loans for homeowners located anywhere in the City to rehabilitate their properties.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230.
Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Program
A HUD lead paint removal assistance program, with grants made available for properties in downtown neighborhoods. This
program is administered by the Housing and Community Development Department.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230.
Operation Paintbrush
A program to access free exterior paint for homeowners anywhere in the City.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230.
Operation Upkeep
Provides grants and loans to homeowners in the downtown census tracts to help improve the exterior appearance and conditions
of their homes.
For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department at (563) 589-4230.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-21
FUNDING RESOURCES, continued
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
For properties located within one of Dubuque's five Historic Districts or designated as landmark properties, approved rehab can
result in significant federal tax credits. This program is jointly administered through the City and the State Historic Preservation
Office in Des Moines.
For more information contact the Economic Development Department at (563) 589-4393.
Iowa Historic Rehab Tax Credit
A State tax credit program that offers 25% tax credit for historic rehabs. This program is administered through the Historic
Preservation Office in Des Moines.
For more information contact the State Historic Preservation Office at (515) 281-6412.
Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP)
A program that provides matching grants for work on historic properties, museums and their collections, libraries and their
collections. Rehabilitation work on historic properties must meet the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
For more information contact the State Historic Preservation Office at (515) 281-6412.
Neighborhood Grants
Neighborhood grants are available for organized neighborhood associations and groups for many neighborhood improvement
projects.
For additional information contact the Neighborhood Development Specialist at 589-4326.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LOCAL 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
· Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant
· Historic Preservation Revolving Loan
· Sign Regulations
°Zoning Regulations
Old House Enthusiasts
(563) 589-4210
(563) 557-9545
(563) 588-7163
(563) 589-4150
(563) 589-4230
(563) 589-4393
(563) 589-4270
(563) 589-4210
P.O. Box 3075
Dubuque, IA 52004-3075
R-22
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
LOCAL CONTACTS, continued
Neighborhood Development Specialist · Neighborhood Grants
· Bluff Street Neighborhood Association
· Downtown Neighborhood Council
· Historic Bluffs Neighborhood Association
Dubuque Main Street, Ltd.
Iowa OneCall Utility Line Location Service
· Call 48 hours prior to excavation
(563) 589-4110
(563) 588-4400
1-800-292-8989
R-23
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
R-24
CHAPTER 25 PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
City of Dubuque, Iowa 2002
STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES
FUNDS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES
Iowa Arts Council (for activities that are primarilv arts based)
Community Arts, Local Arts Council Board Development, Grassroots Partnership incentive
Julie Bailey, 515/281- 4018, Julie. Bailey@dca.state.ia.us
Artists or Architects-in-the-Schools, Mini Grants Programs, Operational Support Grant
Stephen Poole, 515/242-6500, Stephen. Poole@dca.state.ia.us
Public Art Artists Roster, Art in State Buildings Program
Bruce Williams, 515/281-4006, Bruce.Williams@dca.state.ia.us
Iowa Dept. Economic Development
Rural Innovation Grants (small study, training, planning project grants)
Sue Lambertz, 515/242-4922, sue.lambertz@ided.state.ia.us
Iowa Humanities Board (.qrants, speakers, exhibits)
Executive Director, (319) 335-4153
National Trust for Historic Preservation Grant Pm,qrams
Chris Happ, Midwest Region, (312) 939-5547 ext. 226, mwro@nthp.org
State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Historic Sites Program Grants(for historic properties & buildings that interpret Iowa history)
Cynthia Nieb 515/281-8754, Cynthia. Neib@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI REAP/HRDP Grants (funds survey, planning, nominations, public education, training)
Cynthia Nieb, 515/281-8754, Cynthia. Neib@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Certified Local Government Matching Grants (for planning, survey, nomination, public education,
planning for rehab, or reuse)
Kerry McGrath, 515/281-6826, Kerry. McGrath@dca.state.ia.us
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION-RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION
State Historical Society of Iowa
SHSI Historic Sites: Steven Ohrn, 515/281-7650, Steve. Ohrn@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Archeology
Doug Jones 515/~281-4358, Doug.Jones@dca.state.ia.us
Dan Higginbottom, 515/281-8744, DaniehHigginbottom@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI History, Architectural History: Ralph Christian, 515/281-8697, Ralph. Christian@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Conservation of Museum Collections, Objects, Materials
SHSI Documentary Collections (Advice/Grants)
Gordon Hendrickson, 515/281-8875, Gordon. Hendrickson@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Field Services On Site Technical Assistance
Kathy Gourley, 515/281-6913, Kathy. Gourley@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Bureau Chief, History: Lowell Soike, 515/281-3306, LowelI.Soike@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Teacher Resource Center: Shirley Taylor, 515/281-8741, Shirley. Taylor@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Historic Property Inventory: Berry Bennett, 515/281-8742, Berry. Bennett@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Local Historic Preservation Programs
Kerry McGrath, 515/281-6826, KerryMcGrath@dca.state.ia.us
SHSI Historic Library Collections: Des Moines 515/281-6200 Iowa City 319/335-3926
SHSI National Register of Historic Places, Tax Incentives: Beth Foster, 515/281-4137, Beth. Foster@dca.state.ia.us
Very Special
Arts Iowa
Disability Access for Arts Organizations
Sue Jensen, 515/281-3179
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
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Iowa Barn Foundation
Rural Preservation: Jacqueline Schmeal (713) 527-9474, 102550.1237@compuserve.com
Iowa Chapter, American Institute of Architects
Directory of Architectural Firms 515/244-7502
Iowa Chapter, American Institute of Architects Educational Programming): Barb Schmidt, 515/244-7502
Iowa Dept. Economic Development
Tourism Division Heritage Tourism Program: Nancy Landess, 515/242-4836, tourism@ided.state.ia.us
Iowa Dept. of Human Ri.qhts
Division of Persons with Disabilities - ADA Evaluations: John TenPas, 515/281-5969
Iowa DePartment of Transportation
Highway Signs, Official/Private: Steve Westvold, DOT ~ 515/239-1296
ISTEA-21 Enhancement Program Ttechnical Assistance for Project Development
Projects in north half of Iowa - Susan L. Licht, (319) 338-7188
Project in south half of Iowa - Leah Rogers, (319 895-8330
Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance
Statewide Network, Advocacy: Joyce Barrett, (319) 337-3514, jjsmtbarr@aol.com
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Landowner's Options for Voluntary Protection of Property: 515/288-1846, info@inhf.org
Iowa Office of State Archaeologist
Archeological Sites, Burial Discoveries: William Green, (319) 335-2389, osa@uiowa.edu
Main Street Iowa Program
Storefront Design Assistance: Tim Reinders, 515/242-4762, tim.reinders@ided.state.ia.us
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National Alliance of Preservation Commissions National Network, Newsletter, Advocacy
Pratt Cassity, Executive Director,(706) 542-4731
Jack Williams, Board of Directors Chairman, (206) 325-6441
National Center for Preservat on Technolo.qy and Trainin.q
Research, Education, Information on Preservation Technology: 318/357-6421, ncptt@ncptt.nps.gov
National Park Service
National Center for Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnership Programs
Certified Local Government Coordinator - Virginia Freeman, (202) 343-6005
National Center for Cultural Resource Stewardship & Partnership Programs
Historic Preservation Planning
Susan Henry-Renaud, srenaud@hps.cr, nps.gov
PRESERVATION ACTION
National Lobby Network for Historic Preservation
Reps. in Each State (202) 659-0915
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
The Main Street Iowa Pro.qram (State Coordinator)
Thom Guzman, 515/242-4733, thom.guzman@ided.state.ia.us
The National Main Street Center (Washin.qtonl DC)
Kennedy Smith, Director, (202)673-4219, kennedysmith@earthlink, net
ISU Extension to Communities
Community and Regional Planning: Tim Borich, 515/294-0220, xlborich@exnet.iastate.edu
Community Networking and Coalition Building: Betty Wells, 515/294-1104, xlbwells@exnet.iastate.edu
..... ~:~ Educating Public Officials/Land Use Issues: Stuart Huntington, 515/294-2973, xlhuntin@exnet.iastate.edu
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
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STATE AND NATIONAL RESOURCES, continued
Landscape Design
J. Timothy Keller (515) 294-5677, design@exnet.iastate.edu
Julia Badenhope, (515) 294-5676, xl baden@exnet.iastate.edu
Leadership Development: Paul Coates, 515/294-1644, xlpaulc@exnet.iastate.edu
Retail Trade Analysis: Kenneth E. Stone, 515/294-8269, xlkstone@exnet.iastate.edu
Institute for Decision Makin,q (UNI)
Randy Pilkington, (319) 273-6945
REHABILITATION MONEY FOR HISTORIC PROPERTIES
State Historical Society
SHSI REAP-Historical Resource Development Program Grants
Cynthia Nieb 515/281-8754, Cynthia. Nieb@dca.state.ia.us
Iowa Community Cultural Grants: Riki Saltzman, 515/242-6195, Riki. Saltzman@dca.state.ia.us
Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credits (income producing properties)
Beth Foster, 515/281-4137, Beth. Foster@dca.state.ia.us
Iowa Historic Property Tempory Tax Exemption in Participating Counties
Beth Foster, 515/281-4137, Beth. Foster@dca.state.ia.us
IoWa Department of Economic Development
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Henry Manning, 515/242-4836, hank.manning@ided.state.ia.us
Housing Fund (rehab affordable housing, homeowner/tenant assistance) and
Local Housing Assistance Program (develop community housing)
Anna Smith, 515/242-4812, anna.smith@ided.state.ia.us
~.~ ~ Revitalization Assistance for Community Improvement (matching grants for neighborhood
...... ~,~.~revitalization, restoration, signage, upper story rehabilitation cities under 30,000 )
.. ~,~? Jean Carlson-Johnson 515/242-4791 jean johnson@ided state ia us
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Small Business Administration (for business-related projects): 515/284-4422
Federal Housing Administration (HUD-insured Title I home improvement loans): (800) 735-4849 or (800) 733-4663
Impact Review of Federal Actions on Historic Properties Section 108 Review
State Historical Society of Iowa
"SHPO" Comments/Section 106/Review and Compliance: Doug Jones, 515/281-5627, Doug.Jones@dca.state.ia.us
DOCUMENTATION OF HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Historic American Buildin,qs Survey/Historic American En.qineerin,q Record (HABS/HAER) "Built in America" Digital Records: http://Icweb2.1oc.gov/ammem/hhhtml/