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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-15 Correspondence J)b~ 10-.5 /c? PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 220 SOUTH GILBERT STREET IOWACI1Y IOWA 52240-1632 CITY OF IOWA CITY "Discover the Benefits" PHONE (319) 356-5100 FAX (319) 356-5487 www.icgov.org TO: City Council FROM: DATE: November 15, 2007 SUBJECT: Relocation of Isaac Wetherby house to a city park At the November 14,2007 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission a "public hearing" was held on the issue as to whether or not the Isaac Wetherby house should be relocated to Reno Street Park. The meeting was attended by seven of the nine members, and the following motions were introduced and passed. Moved bv Boureeois. seconded bv O'Leary. that based on comments/concerns from the Reno Street Park neiehborhood that the Commission does not support the request to relocate the Isaac Wetherbv House. currentlv at 935 Market Street. to Reno Street Park either on a temporary or permanent basis. Unanimous. Moved bv Gustaveson. seconded bv O'Leary. to support movine the Isaac Wetherby House. currentlv at 935 Market Street. to upper City Park with the condition that a written aereement be entered into statine that fun dine will be in place for relocation. restoration and oneoine maintenance. and other stipulations to be determined bv Parks and Recreation staff. Unanimous. There were 15 guests in attendance, most of them from the GoosetownlReno Street Park neighborhood. Several of them spoke to the issue, some in favor of the house being moved to the park, and others opposed to such a move. After the Commission voted against moving the house to Reno Street Park, they discussed other possible locations, including Wetherby Park, Hickory Hill Park, Happy Hollow Park, Oak Grove Park, Upper City Park, and private lots including property adjacent to Happy Hollow Park and the possibility of purchasing the house and lot where it currently sits. While the Commission and staff would prefer that the house be saved on private property, realizing the urgency of the situation the Commission voted its support to allow the house to be moved to Upper City Park, and to have it located in place of one of the existing log cabins (the smaller one of the two). This particular log cabin is in very poor shape, and either needs to be demolished and rebuilt or demolished and removed. Staff recommended removal, which was supported by the Commission. In summary, the Commission wants assurances that the City will bear no financial burden relative to moving, restoring, maintaining or operating the Wetherby house, and that the house will not sit in a park for a lengthy period of time before restoration is completed. Their conditions for supporting the City Park location include, but may not be limited to, the following: · A written agreement must be entered into between the City and the appropriate organization(s). · This agreement must include an appropriate timeline for restoration. · The Committee to Save the Wetherby Cottage and their supporters must ensure that all necessary funding is in place to cover the costs of the relocation, the restoration and ongoing maintenance. · The Committee or a supporting organization must assume responsibility for, and costs associated with, operating and/or programming the house. · The City will be allowed to sponsor programs, events or meetings in the house, on a space available basis, at no charge. Members of Friends of Historic Preservation Board of Directors :J>J5f "I,s fI\ ~. tJMt(~~~~ Acting on the motion of the special meeting on Oct. 28th, I have been able to mediate with Mike McLaughlin, owner of the Wetherby House, a voluntary hold on demolition of the structure. He agreed to not to proceed with demolition prior to 6:00 PM on Thursday, Nov. 15th, 2007. In subsequent conversations, he has stated that given evidence of progress on relocating the house, and a definite timetable he does have some flexibility beyond the above date. Helen Burford and I have attempted to document the steps involved in relocating the Wetherby House. We have also attempted to give an estimate of the costs in such a venture. Listed in this document are our results to date. There are some major costs not yet estimated. These results will be made available to any individuals working as a group to relocate the Wetherby House. To get these estimates, Friends of Historic Preservation has expended the following funds: Goodwin House Moving Estimate $150.00 Historical Documentation of 935 E Market $500.00 Mid American Estimate $150.00 TOTAL $800.00 Several things to be aware of: according to City codes an applicant cannot get a moving permit without first securing a building permit. The Building permit requires that the building be permanently installed within 60 days of the move onto the lot. The moving permit will not be issued until 48 hours after filing the completed application and all fees, deposits for City services (which require 2x the estimated expense to be escrowed by certified check) plus evidence of insurance (certificates) are also completed. The applicant's building permit application must include: . Proposed site location . Site plan including grading, etc. . Specified location/ description of foundation, sewer, water, and electrical connections with associated costs of execution. Also reconstruction of the moved building will comply with the building, electrical, plumbing, and zoning ordinance of Iowa City as well as the State Energy Code and State Handicapped Accessibility Code. I think it is important to emphasize that Friend's of Historic Preservation insist that all city processes/requirements be followed. We have long lobbied for standards and processes to be followed in dealing with historic structures, and asking for waivers of policy would counter many of our previous stances regarding city policies. Restoration costs associated with the reconstruction of the building must also comply with the Secretary of Interior Standards. While the building has been deemed "eligible" for listing on the National Register, further work which potentially could be petitioned to be covered by a grant from the State must be considered. The first financial step to consider in this analysis is cost associated with gaining title. As an intermediary taking possession of the house we would need to arrange for an inquiry into the title, take a quit claim deed, and probably a specific release from McLaughlin's mortgage lender. All of this can be done on a pro bono basis. The transfer from Friends of Historic Preservation to the final owning entity would be similarly cheap and easy. The next area to consider is the move itself. In discussions two possible relocation sites have been considered: Reno St. Park and Hickory Hill Park. Below are cost estimates for moving the Wetherby House to both sites. There are several possible options to move the house. House has three separate pieces. Due to the construction techniques used and the size of the total structure, the entire house CANNOT be moved as a single piece. PART ONE is the original 2 story structure closest to Market St. that measures 22' x 14'. PART TWO is the gable built to the rear of the house on the east side, which was likely executed by Isaac Wetherby. PART THREE is the western portion to the rear of the house. The likeliest scenarios are to either move only PART ONE or to move both PART ONE and PART TWO: Reno St. Hickory Hill $10-14,000 $10-14,000 $21,000 $18,000 Goodwin Estimate House original only Goodwin Estimate House in 2 parts If the house is moved, either as original only, or in two parts, the following would be necessary to separate the additions and secure the structures: Carpentry to separate house/frame $1,500 The following are costs associated with moving, regardless of which of the two locations or how much of the building is moved: Moving Permit Forestry I nsu rance-I iability /casualty-construction Excavation of old foundation & brick, rental of truck, pallets, storage, labor-250 a day Dumpster/ trash removal Fill grade, fence area, plug sewer line $85 $Not yet available $750 $350 $300 $200 The following must all be paid in full 48 hours prior to moving the house, by certified check. While there is no cost for fire department, they do reserve the right to stop or change the route due to public safety concerns. Reno St. Hickory Hill Mediacom- escrow $5,280 $3,382 Mid American -power lines full day escrow $2,400 same Not Quest Applicable same Traffic Engineering Deposit escrow $500 same Police (min 2 officiers@104.18hr) 12 hrs escrow $2,500 same Not Fire Department Applicable same The following are costs associated with permanently installing the house at a site. Once again these costs would be the same for either location. We do not yet have an architecturalj engineering estimate. A very rough (and modest) estimate for repairs and restoration is given below. The low estimate in that restoration budget assumes that the amount of time and labor Friends of Historic Preservation would give, in workshops conducted at the house, would be considerable. Also to be considered would be the use of the structure. Two possible scenarios seem most likely: 1. Moving the original house without the addition to be used as a "park meeting hall" similar to the log cabins that are in City Park. ADA compliant entrance and access would be required. 2. Moving the original house and addition. Constructing an ADA compliant (unisex) bathroom, and possibly a refreshments bar (sink, refrigerator) for meetings. Architectural/Engineering: Architect @125 hr/drawings @40 hr Foundation-full basement with floor Building Permit- Electric/Plumbing/Sewer/HV AC Building Permit-Foundation, Code compliant: 60K $534; 80K $654; 100K $774 Repairs/Restoration National Register application $Not yet available $9,000 $300 $534 $60,000 $3,500 So to give a summary of cost estimates: OPTION MOVE SITE TOTAL Original structure Reno St. $23,865.00 $73,334.00 $97,199.00 Original structure + addition Reno St. $33,365.00 $73,334.00 $106,699.00 Original structure Hickory Hill $21,967.00 $73,334.00 $95,301.00 Original structure + addition Hickory Hill. $28,467.00 $73,334.00 $101,801.00 I think the above estimates are reasonable, and accurate, and as if often the case with construction, lower than actual costs. Considerable fund raising would need to take place. The Scanlon Foundation has given preliminary indication that Friends of Historic Preservation could get a $5000.00 grant toward saving the Wetherby House. The State Historical Society's HDRP grant could match funds raised up to a maximum of $15,000.00. This leaves as a final consideration the cost to maintain the structure over time. The City has made it very clear that they are unwilling to assume the responsibility of long term maintenance, care and utilities. To that end the idea of an endowment or some sort of permanent funding mechanism has been suggested. Something to consider with that is what fellow board member Craig Willis wrote regarding this issue: The ongoing maintenance, consisting of utilities, insurance and upkeep (I am assuming the property to be property tax exempt), can be funded either with an endowment or by a "pay- as-you-go" fundraising commitment. One caveat I offer with the notion of an endowment fund is that, if one solicits funds for something the solicitor calls an endowment, certain legal restraints arise on the use of the funds. Essentially, the non-profit cannot touch the principal of the endowment. So, the risk is that if the endowment is not completely funded, one is stuck with only the income. For example, if the annual expenses are $5k (that does seem high to me), but one only raises 20k for an endowment, you get lk per year, with a fundraising obligation of 4k per year, instead of having 4 years fully paid. Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: linzwhy@avalon.net Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 5:27 PM To: Council; Council Cc: Terry Trueblood; Terry Trueblood Subject: Saving Weatherby House from demolition To Iowa City Council: I urge you to do everything in your powers to prevent the scheduled demolition this week of the birth home of an important Iowa City figure, and pioneer photographer Weatherby. Efforts to acquire this property and/or building for historical preservation were begun in a timely fashion, but due to a lack of cooperation by the previous and current owners, it has unfortunately come down to an emergency situation. Even if the building could be rescued and temporarily stored on city property, such as a park, it would be a major victory for those of us who value something other than high rise apartment complexes. My neighborhood park, Benton Hill Park, would actually be ideal for an historical house, as it was created on the location of a previously demolished historical house. If some engineering difficulties could be overcome getting the house onto it, there is a large ready-made building foundation surrounded by a concrete wall. it is filled with weeds, but is level and large enough, and would not detract from other fixtures or use of the park. Lindsay Alan Park 401 Douglass St. Iowa City IA 52240 Hn?why@avf!!Qn.net 11/1512007 Date Fri, Nov 09, 2007 05:42 PM Nov. 9, 2007 Dear Mayor Wilburn: I am writing regarding the preservation of the Isaac Augustus Wetherby home on Market Street. My father was the family Doctor for the Wetherbys. When I was a child I knew his daughter, Carrie Wetherby and was at her home once that I can remember, then when Carrie moved to the Mary O'Coldren Home on Clark Street, I would go to see her and she would have boxes of buttons, beads, etc. for me to play with and I drew pictures for her, which she kept. When she was in the Hospital in her 90's, I took my first child, 6 months old,up for her to see. I also remember her going to the Tama Reservation with us for the PowWow, I think you call it. I was 8 years old then. I met Isaac Wetherby's Great-Great-Grandaughter, Jane Beattie of California, about 30 years ago through a m.en~ of Carrie and my parents, ~ Louise Lawye...r. We and the State Historical Society are hoping to save the home of Isaac Wetherby for future generations of Iowa City. I sent the name for Wetherby Park in 1976 and it was picked from 19 entries. Sincerely, ~~ (Mrs.) Theo Lindley (J- 965 Applewood Ct. #1 Coralville, IA 52241 0 "J c:::::. c:::::. ~o --.. p=::) ~ a 0-< "< 11 ==i c) - <:...> -- --<r ! m "\] rn -- ----.' O;:;:.~:::: :Jl: 0 ;E/'. - )i: . ..- c..n <:...> http://webmaila.netzero.net/webmail/new/8?block=1&msgList=0000APkO:0017DF1LOOO...ll/9/2007 Iowa City Council FILEr) Z007 NOV 13 Pt1 I: 53 CITY CLERI< IOVVi~\ CiT)~ rO\NA November 8, 2007 410 E. Washington Iowa City, 10 52240 Dear Council Members: Thank you for considering the preservation of the Wetherby House on Market Street. It is my hope that the house can be not only preserved, but used to nurture the arts and culture of Iowa City. I am blessed not only to be Isaac Wetherby's great-great granddaughter, but to have grown up around my Wetherby relatives. I have many original Wetherby photos of the family-and house--hanging in our home. My husband and I first visited Iowa City in 1977, and met Theo lindley, who was responsible for the name of Wetherby Park and who knew Carrie Wetherby, the last Wetherby resident of the house. We visited Iowa City again last month. So you can see our interest in the Iowa City Wetherby history has been long and strong. Aside from my personal interest, however, I urge you to preserve the house as an example of what an ordinary man can accomplish through ingenuity, perseverance, honest dealings, and a community spirit. Fueled both by idealism and necessity, his wide-ranging endeavors led to his making a major contribution to Iowa City's development as a cultural and political center. Marybeth Slonneger's book, based on Wetherby's journal, will back up this statement. He is a citizen to inspire young Iowans to rise from ordinary beginnings to extraordinary ends. Sincerely, ~~ Jane Beattie 3753 Via Baldona Oceanside, CA 92056 Regenia Bailey From: Janz, Kathleen F [kathleen-janz@uiowa.edu] Sent: Sunday, November 11,200712:34 PM To: terry-trueblood@iowa-city.org Cc: marcia-klingaman@iowa-city.org; regen ia-bailey@iowa-city.org Subject: Reno St Park Wetherby Cottage Dear Terry (and Parks Commission): Yesterday (Saturday, Nov 10) I received a letter concerning the City's plan to move the Wetherby Cottage to Reno St Park. The proposal will be discussed this Wednesday (Nov 14) and the public is invited to comment at this time. I do not think there is not enough information in the letter for neighbors to understand the impact of the cottage to the park and the neighborhood. I write to ask that a decision not be made until everyone is fully informed. For example, after receiving the letter, I spoke with Marybeth Slonneger about the issue and she indicated that the cottage would be used for meetings and as a "living history" display for school children through out the area. If this is the case, I personally would want to understand: how the neighborhood might be compensated for loss of open space; the ways and times in which the building will be used; possibility of increased vandalism to the park; and likelihood of increased noise and traffic (including buses). I respect and admire the work the Slonnegers and others have done for our neighborhood and for historic preservation. I count them as one of the best reasons to live in Goosetown. It may be that this plan is sound, but I ask that prior to a decision that could potentially change the character of a residential neighborhood that more information, e.g., traffic and parking studies, be provided to everyone, including the neighbors not attending Wednesday's meeting. Respectfully, Kathy Janz 328 Reno St Iowa City 11/12/2007 Marian Karr From: Sent: To: Subject: Rod Scott [rod.scott@mchsi.com] Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:27 AM Council Historic Wetherby House 935 E. Market St. IHPA Iowa City Wetherby stay Letter 07.doc Attachments: IHPA Iowa City Wetherby stay L... Mayor Wilburn, Attached please find letter of support from the Board of Directors of the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance. Thank you, Rod Scott Director Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance 1 IOWA HISTORIC PRESERVATION ALLIANCE ~o )> :::1 / O--~ -::=t (-) -:::E\ r-)_I,' ~...~~ Z )> N c::::> ~ ~ :z: o ..::. November 13, 2007 Mayor Wilburn Iowa City, IA Dear Mayor, The Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance is writing to you in support of issuing a stay of demolition and developing a plan to save the Isaac A. Wetherby cottage house 935 E. Market St. in your city. The demolition of this historic property would forever lose the opportunity to connect it and the people ofIowa City to one of America's prominent painters and photographers from the 1800's. Furthermore the demolition and land filling of this structure doesn't seem to be the best or most sustainable option in these days where communities are determined to be more environmentally aware and sustainable. We understand the property owner would be willing to donate the structure to the city or another entity. This would enable the community to reuse the building, provide interpretation of the significance of the building, list it on the National Register of Historic Places and perhaps even achieve a National Historic Landmark status for it. The property could also be returned to the tax rolls by being resold on another lot. This type of modest property would be an excellent starter home in a neighborhood. There was a time in Iowa where houses were moved to another location and re-used instead of demolished. We need to look at some of these sustainable methods our forefathers utilized and maybe emulate them. Thank you for your consideration of this proposed action. Board of Directors Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance -n - .- ,..- \ \-n ~-t '0 .r:- :l' :ii: C? W CJ:J