HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-2013 Historic Preservation CommissionIOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, March 14, 2013
City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street
Emma J Harvat Hall
5:15 P.M.
A) Call to Order
B) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda
C) Certificate of Appropriateness
1. 208 Fairchild Street (new gutters)
D) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff
E) Review and Approve Plans for Ned Ashton House — Presentation by Mike Moran
F) Discuss Historic Preservation Work Plan for 2013
G) Election of HPC Officers
H) Consideration of Minutes for February 14, 2013 — HPC Meeting
I) Consideration of Minutes for March 1, 2013 — HPC Meeting
J) Adjournment
Staff Report
Historic Review for 208 Fairchild Street
District: Northside Historic District
Classification: Contributing
March 8, 2013
The applicants, Deanna Thomann and Dana Thomann, are requesting approval for a proposed alteration
project at 208 Fairchild Street, a Contributing property in the Northside Hstoric District. The project
consists of covering a section of existing built-in gutter, and installing all new exterior gutters and
downspouts.
Applicable Regulations and Guidelines:
4.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Alterations
4.6 Gutters and Downspouts
4.7 Mass and Rooflines
Staff Comments
This two-story, side -gabled house was built c.1870. It is an I -house in form, with Late Victorian Italianate
style elements and detailing. It features a three bay front facade with the entrance off -set to the left. The first
floor windows extend to the floor and a bay window is located on the east end. A full porch stretches across
the front. The porch features slender square posts with clipped corners and simple Italianate brackets. The
house has a stone foundation, horizontal lap siding, and asphalt shingle roofing. There is a flat roof addition
on the back and an addition on the northeast corner; no known dates for these additions.
The proposed project consists of covering a section of existing built-in gutter on the east side, and installing a
new exterior gutter and downspout. The project also includes replacement of all existing exterior gutters and
downspouts on the house.
The guidelines for Gutters and Downspouts recommend repair of original built-in gutters. A second option
involves roofing over the built-in gutters and installing exterior gutters, with the condition that the roof slope
at the original gutters is not altered. The roof slope may be slightly modified at the covered gutters if required
for drainage, This is allowed when it has been determined that the original built-in gutters cannot be repaired
and cannot be returned to proper working condition.
Note that a Certificate of Appropriateness is not required for replacing external gutters, but it is required for
alteration of the built-in gutter. On a case -by -case basis, the Commission may consider allowing removal of
original built-in gutters if documentation is provided to establish evidence of need. In this case, there is
evidence that the section of built-in gutter is failing and causing damage to the house.
The guidelines for Mass and Rooflines recommend the preservation of original roof pitch and span, and
preservation of historic trim. Regarding roof pitch, there is an exception that allows minor changes to address
drainage concerns. Under this exception, other significant architectural features - such as trim, or brackets —
must not be altered.
In Staffs opinion, the section of existing built-in gutter is not a significant feature, and roofing over this
section is an acceptable option that will preserve the structural integrity of the house. This work should not
alter the proportions or detailing of the existing cornice and eaves.
Recommended Motion
Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 208 Fairchild Street, as presented in the
application, on condition that the visible features of the existing cornice and eaves are maintained at the
section of existing batingutter to be covered.
I
v
I
ADM cation ffor istoiric`
Application for alterations to the historic landmarks or
properties located in a historic district or conservation district
pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 14-4C. Guidelines for
the Historic Review process, explanation of the process and
regulations can be found in the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Handbook, which is available in the PCD office
at City Hall or online at: www,icgov.org/HPhaiidbook
For Staff Use:
Date submitted: oi / If - / 1'
❑ Certificate of No material Effect
❑ Certificate of Appropriateness
❑ Major review
❑ Intermediate review
❑ Minor review
The HPC does not review applications for compliance with building and zoning codes. Work must
comply with all appropriate codes and be reviewed by the building division prior to the issuance of a
building permit.
Meeting Schedule: The HPC meets the second Thursday of each month. Applications are due in the PCD
office by noon on Wednesday three weeks prior to the meeting. See attached document for application
deadlines and meeting dates,
Property ®Meer/Applicant Information
(Please cireck primary contact person) _
'& Property Owner Name: D'ecx w iv .--V 'tl 7Yrr c; n t, e 'e F) a t'adt,
Email: LCCC4)"f.t vAc¢t1-(-rv4'APboneNumber: (3iGy)�,3(3
mot.
Address: <�L>fi is '-hulfr4
City: ias ? State: TA Zip Code: l:✓ % l `d'
❑ Contractor / Consultant Name: 0 i V i� �C i �r vT i rt v In i t t 11 Yt c i�
Email: IDo-) � to S' > I -CGr h -)an CQ vr: i n cornPhone Number:
Address:��f'iP� [. rlbhly'1 �S'�i✓~
City: air-w'v�« C_ State: TA Zip Code: r�
Proposed Project Information
Address: i� i`"/' i ✓' ir7 't1 t` L e ML--v C i' hk4, 1'' " 1 ci K1-
Use of Property: it i ffy r�� _ Date Constructed (if known):
Historic Designation
(Maps are located in the Historic nesetvation Handbook)
❑ This property is a local historic landmark.
OR
- ,,r This Property is within a historic or conservation
district (choose
location):
❑ Brown Street Historic District
❑
College Green Historic District
❑ East College Street Historic District
❑
Longfellow Historic District
Northside Historic District
❑
Summit Street Historic District
_,O'
❑ Woodlawn Historic District
❑
Clark Street Conservation District
❑ College Hill Conservation District
❑
Dearborn Street Conservation District
❑ Governor -Lucas Street Conservation
District
Within the district, this property is classified as:
Contributing 0 Noncontributing 0 Nonhistoric
Choose appropriate project type. In order to ensure application can be processed, please include all listed materials.
Applications without necessary materials may be rejected.
❑ Addition
(Typically projects entailing an addition to the building footprint such as a room; porch, deck, etc:)
❑ Building Elevations ❑ Moor Phms ❑ Photographs
❑ Product Informtdion ❑ Site Plans
❑ Alteration
(Typically projects entailing work such as siding Lind window replacement sl slights, windav,, opening alterations, deck or porch
replacementfconstruction, baluster repair, or similar. If the project is a minor alteration, photon tphs and drawings to describe the
scope of the project are sufficient.)
❑ Building Elevations ❑ Photographs ❑ Product Information
❑ Construrflon of new building
❑ Building Elevations ❑ Flom Plans ❑ Photographs
❑ Product iufonuation ❑ Site Plans
❑ Y9emolition
(Projects entailing the demolition of a primary structure or outbuilding, or any portion of a building, such as porch, chimney,
decorative trim, baluster, etc.)
❑ Photographs
❑ ProposalofFutmrePlans
'zRcnaia or restraratio?a of an existing structtne that xadi not change its appearance.
Photographs 112' Product information
❑ other:
Please contact the Praservation Planner at 356-5241 fzvmaterials which need to be included kith application.
project neseription:
Materials to be Used:
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Exterior Appearance Changes:
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MEMORANDUM
Date: March 8, 2013
To: Historic Preservation Comnussion
From: Cheryl Peterson, Preservation Consultant
Re: Certificates of No Material Effect, Intermediate Reviews, and Minor Reviews
The Historic Preservation Handbook requires a report to the HPC at each meeting of any projects that have
been approved administratively. Below are the projects approved since the February report.
Certificates of No Material Effect— Chair and Staff review
none
Intermediate Review — Chair and Staff review
none
Minor Review — Pre -approved items — Staff review
none
1mva City
i to sc rreser teioa 61'0n tVIIS61()II
Ch 14JI 110 1(\Vr.I :nn Sorcr luy, d i'.h7. I
MEMORANDUM
Date: March 8, 2013
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Cheryl Peterson, Preservation Consultant
Re: 2013 Historic Preservation Work Plan
At the March 14 meeting, we will discuss the Commission's work plan for 2013, As preparation, refer to the
Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan and attached Executive Summary. Considering what has been done,
what needs to be done, and what the Commission is most capable of accomplishing, please consider goals
and priorities for this year.
IOWA CITY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN
Executive Summary
February 2008
for the City of Iowa City
and
the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
Consultants
SVENDSEN TYLER, INC.
Sarona, Wisconsin
Clarion Associates LLC
Denver, Colorado
Preparation of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan was funded
by the City of Iowa City and a IHistoric Resource Development Program
grant from Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP)
Program and administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
I Introduction
The purpose of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan 2007 is to review and revise the first Iowa
City Historic Preservation Plan prepared and adopted in 1992. In the 15 years since, its goals and
objectives have served as a road map for a wide range of public and private historic preservation
activities. Recommendations in the original plan ranged from how and where to identify historic
properties and neighborhoods to legislative initiatives and economic methods for protecting
historic resources to ideas for stimulating preservation education programs and private support
for preservation undertakings. Under the direction of the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission, regular reviews of the plan's recommendations have been conducted and steady
progress has been made in achieving the plan's ten principal goals and more than 100 city-wide
and neighborhood -based objectives.
The overall purpose for the 1992 Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan stated in the introduction
was simply put, "to conserve old buildings makes a good community better." The validity
and importance of these few words still rings true in 2007. They were affirmed in neighborhood
meetings, group discussions, and dozens of individual interviews conducted during the spring
and summer of 2006. A review of annual preservation awards and an inspection of individual
neighborhoods throughout the community revealed dozens of successful private and public
historic preservation projects. An invigorated, private non-profit organization, Friends of Historic
Preservation (Friends), is now professionally staffed and responsible for a range of education and
financial incentive programs.
An expanded historic preservation ordinance covering individual landmarks as well as additional
historic and conservation districts offers protection to 1,100 properties with free technical
assistance provided to property owners through more than 100 design reviews undertaken
annually. More than 60 people have served on the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
during its 25 years. Some went on to hold a position on the Planning and Zoning Commission, be
elected as a City Councilor, or direct major historic building preservation efforts.
The historic preservation goals and objectives recommended here are intended to be
comprehensive. They are built on a foundation of preservation success over more than three
decades. Although this plan was prepared for the City, its success will depend on leaders at
all levels of government, from the University of Iowa, and from private organizations such as
Friends and various neighborhood associations. Individual property owners will continue to be
at the center of preservation efforts, saving important buildings and historic neighborhoods one
building at a time. The diverse base of support for preservation in Iowa City's past suggests that it
will be an even more important community improvement strategy in the future.
This new edition of the Historic Preservation Plan will provide a road map for preservation
policies and activities for the next 10 to 15 years. Being intended for such a long time frame, the
plan contains a lengthy set of goals and objectives that may initially appear daunting. However,
the plan's policies and its interrelated goals and objectives can be stated in a few basic themes.
Tell the good news: Because
it involves applying rules
and regulations to property,
designation of historic and
conservation districts and local
landmarks sometimes becomes
controversial and creates
conflict within the community.
This should not be allowed to
overshadow the many positive
benefits that preservation has
brought to Iowa City. A good
example is the amazing recovery
of Iowa Avenue and nearby
historic neighborhoods from
the April 13, 2006 tornado. The
day after the storm much of the
eastern portion of Iowa Avenue
appeared to be so devastated
that it was thought that several
historic buildings were beyond
repair. There was uncertainty
as to what would replace them.
Property owners, the preservation
community, the City, and private
organizations such as Friends
rallied to address both the human
Iowa Avenue tornado damage, April2006
Iowa Avenue recovers from the damage
and physical needs to achieve recovery. As a result, what could have been a scar across
the heart of the City has been restored to a condition better than before the storm. This
restoration effort shows the value of the preservation ethic and practice to all of Iowa City.
Through the many educational programs and initiatives detailed in this plan, the City and
preservation proponents such as Friends should strive to tell the good news about the
positive benefits that preservation brings to the community and local economy.
2. Streamline the process: Some of the conflict that arises around preservation matters comes
from the length of the design review process. The plan identifies a number of areas where
the review process can be streamlined and handled administratively, rather than requiring
that the Commission review every aspect of a project. Streamlining the process should not
only make the review process more user-friendly, but it should also free up Commission
and staff time to devote to preservation activities other than regulations, such as education
and promotional activities. Given budget constraints, the efficiencies advocated in the plan
will be necessary to achieve the plan's other goals and objectives.
3. Neighborhood preservation: In some of the public meetings citizens were concerned
about issues like zoning violations, poor property maintenance, trash and litter, vandalism
and parking congestion, that negatively affect the quality of life in some neighborhoods.
In addition to historic preservation programs, this plan advocates the use of tools, such as
targeted code enforcement and home ownership programs to preserve the quality of life in
older neighborhoods. This multipronged approach may be necessary to maintain the value
and stability of older neighborhoods so that they remain a viable option in an expanding
housing market.
4. Tap the economic development potential of the City's historic resources: The first
step is to measure the full economic impact of preservation and to identify impediments.
The plan recommends bolstering the marketing of Downtown by promoting its historic
resources; promoting the use of Federal and State tax incentives as a means of encouraging
rehabilitation projects, and developing local incentive programs to support preservation.
S. Learn from ourselves. The planning update process included a comprehensive review
of what had been accomplished since the 1992 plan was adopted. Our progress has been
substantial whether measured in the number of neighborhoods studied, buildings protected,
or citizens involved in the process. Creative solutions for problems in one area are likely
to work elsewhere or at a later date. Good communications between neighborhoods and
districts, training newcomers to preservation, educating the general public, and learning
from ourselves will be key to creating even greater success in the future. Both public entities
such as the Historic Preservation Commission and private organizations such as Friends of
Historic Preservation will play leadership roles.
ll. Process for Updating 1992 Iowa City Historic Preservation
Plan
The process for updating the 1992 Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan began with an assessment
of progress made during the past 15 years. Nearly every goal and most objectives set in 1992
have seen significant progress. To identify public attitudes and concerns, four public forums
were held in April and June 2006 in the North Side and Goosetown neighborhoods, the College
Hill and Longfellow neighborhoods, the Melrose and Manville Heights neighborhoods, and two
in the Downtown. The first two meetings were held just one week after the April 2006 tornado
struck and, as a result, the tone of the meetings reflected concerns arising out of the storm.
Approximately 40 residents attended each of the first three meetings with less than twenty people
at the two Downtown sessions.
Solicitation of opinions continued through a series of one-on-one interviews with representative
opinion holders and key decision makers. Consultants Matt Goebel and Bohdy Hedgecock with
Clarion Associates joined lead consultant Marlys Svendsen during three days of interviews in
late June 2006. Svendsen conducted additional interviews from January 2006-January 2007.
Interviews were held with representatives of the Iowa City HPC and Planning and Zoning
Commission; City planning, housing and legal staff; and the City manager and several City
Council members. Both proponents and opponents of preservation from the community were
also interviewed including representatives of Friends of Historic Preservation, neighborhood
organizations, realtors, downtown developers, bankers, Downtown retailers and Downtown
Association organizers, contractors, and architects. Interview subjects were encouraged to be
frank and specific knowing that their remarks might be shared during the report process but not
attributed.
Ill. Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives
The review of local historic preservation efforts since 1992 shows major progress in both public
and private activities. Good communication has been at the center of the best cases while minimal
or ineffective communication has characterized preservation missteps or failures. As preservation
planning efforts grow increasingly more complex and affect a growing number of neighborhoods
and property owners, the single most important strategy will be to improve communication at all
levels. As a result, a common theme incorporated into the recommendations that appear below
is thoughtful, clear, and audience -appropriate communication. Whether this takes the form of
official reports, shared strategy sessions, targeted publications, web -based information gathering
and dispersal, or direct contact with historic property owners, good communication will be key to
advancing the comprehensive preservation agenda and diverse strategies recommended below.
MISSION: Iowa City and its citizens seek to identify, protect, and preserve the
community's historic resources in order to enhance the quality of life and
economic well-being of current and future generations.
Objective 1: Continue to research and evaluate
historic resources through
the systematic and prioritized
completion of neighborhood
and thematic -based historical
and architectural surveys. Adopt
the outline in the 2007 plan for
an updated "Iowa City Historic
Resources" Multiple Property
Documentation Form that
includes new historic contexts and
an extended time period through
ca. 1960.
Objective 2: Put new emphasis on enlisting
private sponsors and volunteers
to carryout survey work when
neighborhood support is available.
Oakes -Wood House, 1142 E. Court St., residence of Grant
Wood while he resided in Iowa City.
Objective 3: Set designation priorities for historic districts and landmarks that emphasize
threatened resources first. Use both reconnaissance and intensive level survey
formats in order to complete work more efficiently and with greater speed.
Objective 4: Extend the period for neighborhoods to study through ca. 1960.
Objective 5: The HPC should continue to playa leadership role in nominating individual
properties and historic districts to the National Register. Follow up National
Register listing with local designation as landmarks and districts.
Objective 6: Nominate properties of national level significance as National Historic Landmarks.
Objective 1: Adopt the Historic Preservation Plan 2007 as a part of the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan.
Objective 2: Continue to update the City's historic preservation ordinance based on
comparisons with historic preservation ordinances from comparable cities and
national best -practices.
Objective 3: Review and revise zoning for new historic and conservation districts to
encourage preservation by coupling land use change with design review and other
neighborhood stabilization measures.
Objective 4: Revise building code requirements for historic districts. Consider adopting the
International Existing Building Code and the State of Iowa's new Historic Building
Code to provide for safe structures, preserve historic features, and assure the
highest economic impact from reusing existing historic buildings.
Objective 5: Amend the Zoning Code relating to Conservation District Overlay Zones by
reinforcing the distinction between historic and conservation districts with a
focus on mass, scale, and general compatibility in design reviews of conservation
district properties. Conduct periodic resurveys of conservation districts to affirm
boundaries and assess historic district eligibility.
Objective 6: Improve enforcement of the Historic Preservation Ordinance by establishing
remedies for noncompliance, maintenance and demolition by neglect standards,
and administration changes.
Objective 7: Make changes in the design review process to improve efficiency and add
predictability.
Objective 8: Revise the Historic Preservation Handbook by adding anew section that
summarizes the sections of Title 14: Iowa City Zoning Code that relate to historic
preservation.
Objective 9: Consider revising current design guidelines to address key issues (new
construction, garages, deteriorated materials, windows —new or replacement, and
paving) and presentation format improvements (illustrated design manual with
pre -approved designs). Eliminate inconsistencies between the Zoning Code update
and the Historic Preservation Handbook.
Objective 10: Advocate changes in State enabling legislation to allow Iowa City greater
flexibility in establishing the make-up of its HPC relating to a fixed size, district -
representative basis for appointments, and technical expertise.
Objective 11: Strengthen relationship between HPC and Planning and Zoning Commission.
Objective 12: Strengthen language of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance pertaining to protection of
archeological sites and Native American burial grounds.
Objective 13: Re-examine City policy regarding brick streets to assure protection and funding
are in place for conserving and restoring significant areas both inside and outside
of historic and conservation districts.
Objective 14: To improve historic building moving procedures, convene a group representing
various parties responsible for such actions (HPC, P&Z, ZBA, HIS, Traffic
Engineering, utility companies, moving companies, etc.) to determine if a new
ordinance or revised set of policies should be adopted.
Objective 1: Assess the economic impact of historic preservation on Iowa City by conducting
a study that examines the impact of historic rehabilitation expenditures, the roles
preservation and district designation play in property values, and the value of
heritage tourism.
Objective 2: Develop a comprehensive set of economic incentives aimed at resolving
impediments to redevelopment.
Objective 3: Establish and market tax incentives for historic buildings including local property
tax abatement, state-wide tax abatement, federal tax credits, state tax credits, and
local sales tax credits.
Objective 4: For the Downtown, promote the use of a Self -Supporting Municipal Improvement
District along with the Main Street -style downtown improvement program
and the tax incentives available for the Old Capitol Cultural and Entertainment
District.
Objective 5: Establish a private revolving grant/loan program for rehabilitating historic
buildings; target the program at other needs such as neighborhoods containing
affordable housing, properties transitioning from rental units to owner -occupied
space, buildings undergoing design review in historic or conservation districts,
buildings undertaking ADA improvements, etc.
10
Downtown, historic buildings along South Clinton Street.
Objective 6: Target a grantor loan program using federal funds or other municipal sources to
parallel a private revolving grant/loan program. Consider models for paint rebate
programs for historic and conservation district buildings.
Objective 7: Provide regulatory relief for conservation and historic districts.
Objective 8: Develop a more coordinated approach to preparation of grant applications;
establish leadership within City staff.
Objective 9: Encourage private individuals and non-profit organizations to identify eligible
projects for the State Historical Society's grant programs and assist in grant writing.
Objective 1: An initial step for dealing with the growing workload of the Commission should
be to encourage operational efficiencies recommended in Goal 2, Objective 7.
For the long term, consideration should be given to increasing the preservation
position from half-time to three-quarters or full-time depending on the availability
of funding.
Objective 2: Improve delivery of technical assistance through creation of a more "user-friendly"
update of the Historic Preservation Handbook or a separate "design handbook."
Objective 3: Sponsor training sessions for topics designed to improve ability of property owners
to deal with design review process.
Objective 4: Continue and expand operation of the Salvage Barn as an undertaking of Friends
with support from the City of Iowa City.
Objective 5: Promote technical assistance for National Register nomination writing through
the State Historical Society.
11
Objective 1: Maintain a marketing approach for all education and promotion products and
activities.
Objective 2: Continue to create volunteer opportunities and special events.
Objective 3: Maintain preservation as an element in larger community improvement efforts.
Objective 4: Broaden and strengthen non-profit historic preservation groups such as Friends.
Objective 5: Develop new education efforts aimed at the general public, local officials, owners
of historic properties, and target audiences. Include an annual or semi-annual
"historic preservation report" that is both visual and statistical; identify audience
groups and develop targeted publications and training sessions; host a "district
forum" for leaders or representatives from historic and conservation districts.
Objective 6: Consider participation in the national "Preserve America" program.
Objective 7: Recognize the day-to-day administration of the design review process as an added
benefit for property owners rather than a burden for development.
Objective 1: Continue Iowa City's successful efforts as a Certified Local Government (CLG).
Objective 2: Continue the role of Planning and Community Development Department staff
and the HPC in the Section 106 Review Process for City projects involving federal
funding and historic resources.
Objective 3: Improve monitoring of state and federal legislation involving historic preservation.
Objective 1: Open communication lines between the State Historical Society, the University,
and the HPC.
Objective 2: Complete an inventory of University -related historic resources.
Objective 3: Identify University physical plant needs which could be met by acquisition and
reuse of historic resources; integrate a reuse objective into the University's master
plan.
12
Objective 4: Expand heritage
tourism efforts for
University -related
historic resources
beyond Old Capitol;
include interpretation
of other campus
buildings of historic
and architectural
significance,
important University
contributions in
science and the
humanities, and
nearby historic districts.
University of Iowa historic building rehabilitations, old Zoology
Building 100 Block of Iowa Avenue.
Objective 5: Establish a fraternity and sorority
house stewardship program.
Objective 6: Participate in a forum for discussing
neighborhood/University issues
related to historic preservation.
Objective 7: Investigate establishment of a
University housing subsidy program to
encourage faculty and administrators
to reside in neighborhoods near the
campus.
Anatomy Hall, Old Biology Sciences Library, 2002,
southwest corner]efferson and Dubuque.
Objective 8: Encourage the University to establish a policy that supports efforts to preserve
historic residential neighborhoods adjacent to its campus.
Objective 1: Develop a heritage tourism plan as a cooperative effort between the Iowa City/
Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Johnson County Historical Society,
Friends of Historic Preservation, University of Iowa, and Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission.
Objective 2: Develop and promote heritage tourism packages for visitors to Iowa City.
Objective 3: Develop a heritage tour guide program.
Objective 4: Expand heritage tourism potential for Old Capitol and Plum Grove.
13
Objective 5: Continue to support and develop heritage festivals.
Objective 6: Develop the heritage dimension of visitor experiences such as dining, shopping
and housing.
Objective 7: Establish "heritage trails" in Johnson County. Identify and promote Iowa City sites
along such routes with interpretive signs. Work to identify funding sources and
provide technical assistance for key resources along these routes.
Objective 8: The HPC and local preservation organizations should actively participate in
the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance as a good tool for promoting historic
neighborhoods, historic retail districts, public historic sites, and other historic
preservation objectives.
Objective 1: Complete an annual review of historic preservation activity and confirm work plan
objectives for the year.
Objective 2: Prepare an annual "historic preservation report" for submittal to City Council and
other organizations as described in Goal 5: Objective 5, a) above.
Objective 3: Incorporate recommendations of the Historic Preservation Plan 2007 in other
neighborhood and community planning efforts.
The neighborhood strategies have been expanded to include 26 neighborhoods (from the 12
indicated in the 1992 plan). Four "packages" of recommendations have been compiled that
apply to more than one district or neighborhood: District Adoption Steps, Communication and
Neighborhood Stabilization Steps, Technical Assistance Steps, and a Home Ownership Incentive
Program. Each package of recommendations is outlined below.
District Adoption Steps:
1. Develop a clear understanding for why a historic or conservation district is being proposed;
carefully evaluate the boundaries for the district.
2. Stress education up front about what historic or conservation district designation means.
3. Identify major concerns/questions and prepare answers before the discussion process.
4. Stress good case studies of rehabilitation projects in other neighborhoods.
5. Develop more options for design review issues that are problems —windows and siding,
design for constriction of new secondary buildings, what may be negotiable, etc.
14
6. Study real estate and economic impact of district designation on market values and tax
assessments in other previously designated districts.
7. Confirm record of design review cases that have been problems versus those that were
approved in other districts —cite specific numbers.
8. Stress good news about post -tornado stories as an example of the best and worst that can
come from a natural disaster pushing a design review process "to -the -max"; focus discussion
on large issues while also responding to narrower concerns.
Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps:
1 Promote heritage education efforts at local elementary schools (especially those in older
neighborhoods such as Horace Mann, Longfellow, Lincoln, etc.) by supporting establishment
of a local history education program that includes information, tours and events connected
to historic districts.
2. Recruit and train potential district residents to serve on the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission.
3. Participate in an annual or bi-annual "District Forum" for historic and conservation district
representatives hosted by the HPC. The District Forum's agenda could vary but would
regularly provide a setting for sharing information about regulatory changes, exchanging
successful ideas among districts, and offering suggestions for solving problems that cross
district boundaries.
4. Parking problems though not specifically a preservation concern, are important for the
overall stabilization of neighborhoods. To address these concerns it is recommended
that neighborhood associations and the City, explore alternative methods of managing
parking. This might include a residential parking permit program in some areas, the use
of angle parking to increase the supply of parking spaces where appropriate, and the use of
"environmentally friendly" paving techniques when parking is added to back yards. When
addressing parking solutions the conflicting issues of increasing supply while minimizing
paving in a residential setting must be considered.
5. The City should remain vigilant in addressing complaints regarding issues such as zoning
violations, removal of snow from sidewalks, weed removal and trash control that affect
neighborhood quality of life. In some locations, targeted code enforcement maybe
appropriate to address perceived neighborhood decline.
6. In areas where housing conditions surveys show the need for reinvestment, promote
neighborhood stabilization through a Homeownership Incentive Program such as outlined
below.
7. Establish a "user-friendly" technical assistance effort for property owners by implementing
the Technical Assistance Steps also listed below.
8. Develop and fund a program to alleviate lead -based paint for residential landmarks and
buildings in historic and conservation districts that is sensitive to their architectural
character.
15
Technical Assistance Steps:
1. Develop a historic preservation technical assistance program as an on -going effort aimed at
developing and maintaining the capacity of historic district property owners to maintain or
restore their historic buildings.
2. Distribute an annual or semi-annual "historic preservation report" to property owners in
districts that includes information regarding design review efforts.
3. Add a "history corner" column in the neighborhood association newsletters received by
district residents with information on relevant subjects ranging from a do-it-yourself guide
for re -glazing windows to where the neighborhood ghosts reside to why moisture trapped
in exterior walls leads to peeling paint and dry rot. These columns could be collected at the
City website, indexed, and/or printed annually for retention at the public library.
4. Develop special topic publications in response to resident suggestions and needs identified
by the design review process.
5. Deliver technical assistance and public awareness information through neighborhood
newsletters and website(s), and direct communications with district residents, including
email.
A neighborhood strategy that crosses district and neighborhood boundaries involves the creation
of a program to encourage owner -occupancy as a stabilizing measure. Potential funding sources
for such a program might include Community Development Block Grant, HOME, and major
employers. The basic components are outlined below.
Home Ownership Incentive Program
1. Consider the primary goal for such program as neighborhood stabilization by encouraging
an increase in owner -occupied properties where housing conditions indicate a need for
reinvestment.
2. Establish the program through the cooperation of one or more lenders. Consider CDBG/
HOME and funding from major employers to establish program.
3. Target the program to neighborhoods where housing conditions indicate a need for re-
investment, for areas where the percentage of owner -occupied dwellings are less than
50% and for areas that contain small affordable dwellings that are suitable for first time
homebuyers.
4. Incentives could include interest rate reductions, free initial consultations from architects or
engineers skilled in working with historic properties, cost savings at local retailers, etc.
5. This program could complement the University -sponsored program (Goal 7: Objective 8).
6. Support this program through code enforcement and educational programs, designed to
stabilize neighborhoods making them more attractive for residents.
Downtown:
1. Encourage facade improvements through local incentive programs and promote state and
federal tax credit programs.
2. Market downtown as a historic shopping district and explore the possibility of establishing a
Self -Supporting Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) or Main Street program.
16
3. In order to establish eligibility for federal and state investment tax credits for property own-
ers completing historic rehabilitation projects, cooperate with property owners to nominate
key individual buildings and a small Downtown historic district to the National Register of
Historic Places based on the "Architectural and Historical Resources of Iowa City Central
Business District, 1855—ca. 1960" MPD.
4. Designate a larger area of the Downtown as a conservation district and designate individu-
ally significant buildings as historic landmarks. Boundaries for the Downtown district
would be roughly defined by Iowa Avenue and the alley south of Iowa Avenue between
Linn and Gilbert streets on the north, Clinton Street on the west and Gilbert Street on the
east. The southern boundary includes the alley south of College Street between Clinton and
Linn Street and then east to Gilbert Street to include the old Iowa City Public Library and
Trinity Episcopal Church.
5. Integrate the programs and incentives of local district/shopping district/SSMID/Main Street
with the Old Capitol Cultural and Entertainment District.
Summary: A summary is provided in the table on the following page of many, but not all, of
the neighborhood strategies suggested for the 26 neighborhoods discussed under Goal 10.
Substantially completed Neighborhood Strategy objectives are represented by the solid • symbol
and future objectives shown with an open ® symbol. Priorities for some efforts have been ranked
as High to Low with A -level efforts given highest priority, B and C-level efforts ranked of high
to moderate priority, and D-level efforts given lower priority. Unranked efforts will be assigned
priorities based on the findings of completed surveys or are of uniform importance across
neighborhoods.
17
Summary of Common Neighborhood Strategies } Completed Objectives HD Historic District (local).
_ High to Loh Priority: A to D o Future Objectives CD — Conservation District (local)
RD-NR- Historic Dinly)
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2. South Side
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Central Planning District:
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4. Clark Street CD
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8. Dearborn Street CD
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16. Oak Grove -Kirkwood
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17. Lucas Farms - Ginter,
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18. Morn in side-CityHigh
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21. Woodlawn HD
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NorthPlanningDistrict:
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25. Manville Heights
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26. Melrose HD-NR
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18
The list of historic areas and neighborhoods, summary of strategies, and map follow:
Iowa City Historic Areas and Neighborhoods
Downtown Planning District:
1. Downtown
2. Near South Side
Central Planning District:
3. Brown Street HD
4. Clark Street CD
5. College Green HD
6. College Hill CD
7. East College Street HD
8. Dearborn Street CD
9. Dubuque Street Corridor
10. Gilbert -Linn Street HD-NR
11. Goosetown
12. Governor -Lucas St. CD
13. Jefferson Street HD-NR
14. Longfellow HD
15. Muscatine Avenue Moffitt
Cottages HD (Longfellow)
Central Planning District (continued):
16. Oak Grove -Kirkwood Avenue
Corridor
17. Lucas Farms -Ginter, Friendly,
Highland, Pickard, & Yewell Streets
18. Morningside- City High
19. Rochester Avenue
20. Summit Street HD
21. Woodlawn HD
North Planning District:
22. North Dubuque Street/
Montgomery -Butler House
23. Tank Town
24. Dubuque Road
Northwest Planning District:
25. Manville Heights
Southwest Planning District:
26. Melrose HD
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IV. Model for Evaluating Economic Impacts
Completion of an economic impact study for historic preservation activities in Iowa City was
recommended in the plan. The final section of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan 2007
provides methodologies for the City of Iowa City to use for examining the economic benefits
of historic preservation in the community The plan suggests how three types of historic
preservation impact —rehabilitation expenditures, property values, and heritage tourism can be
measured.
An economic activity, such as the rehabilitation of historic properties, generates both direct
and indirect impacts on a local economy. The model in the plan identifies how the size of those
impacts can be measured. It then identifies how these impacts can be translated into other
metrics, such as jobs created, total household earnings, and tax revenues. Those various metrics
can also be compared to other industries to establish how preservation rates as an economic
activity. For example, in a study of the economic impacts statewide in Colorado, rehabilitation
was found to create 32 jobs per $1 million of direct impact, more than computer and data
processing, trucking, banking services, and manufacturing semiconductors.
In addition to the community -wide impacts of preservation activities on the local economy,
preservation also pays dividends to the owners of historic properties. The most obvious benefit is
in the generally positive impact on property values of designated properties. The property values
debate —"What effect does local historic district designation truly have on property values?" —is a
complex issue and its study is recommended for future analysis.
A third area in which historic preservation acts as an engine for economic activity is heritage
tourism. Historic areas attract visitors who provide a significant source of revenue for the local
economy. Just as with historic rehabilitation projects, the economic impacts of heritage tourism
go far beyond the direct expenditures. Expenditures of heritage tourists can be measured as
they "ripple" through the local economy, as direct expenses at hotels, restaurants, and retail
establishments.
Built in ca. 1910, the Paul -Helen Building was rehabilitated with
the help of the Federal tax credit program in the 1980s.
207-215 E. Washington Street
23