HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-07 Info Packet~ - 1
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
February 7, 2008
MISCELLANEOUS
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda
IP2 Memorandum from Robert Beezat, The PAR Group: Candidates Accepting Invitation to
Interview for City Manager Position
IP3 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: Request for Funding
IP4 E-mails from Minnetta Gardinier to Mayor Bailey: Snow Removal [Interim City Manager
response included]
IP5 E-mail from Victoria Walton and Judith Pascoe(X2) to Doug Boothroy: Northside
Neighborhood Signs
IP6 Housing and Building Inspection -Building Permit Information January 2008
IP7 Housing and Building Inspection -How Are We Doing?
COUNCIL PACKETS ONLY
AVAILABLE IN CITY CLERK'S OFFICE OR ON-LINE (www.icgov.org)
2007 Historic Preservation Plan
~ _ ~ -
"''"'®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
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CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas February 7, 2008
www.icgov.org
• FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall
8:OOa Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda posted
Executive Session -City Manager Interviews
• __
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBD Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda posted
Executive Session -City Manager Interviews
• MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Presidents' Day -Offices closed Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
• TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBD Special Council Work Session
7:OOp Formal Council Meeting
• WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Coralville
4:30p Joint Meeting
• SATURDAY, MARCH 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBD Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda posted
Executive Session -City Manager Interviews
• MONDAY, MARCH 3 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p City Conference Board (Separate Agenda Posted)
Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, MARCH 4 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, MARCH 10 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Work Session
• TUESDAY, MARCH 11 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, MARCH 31 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Regular Work Session
• TUESDAY, APRIL 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
IP2
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To: Mayor and City Council of Iowa City, Iowa
From: Robert Beezat, The PAR Group
Date: February 6, 2008
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Subject: Candidates Accepting Invitation to Interview for City Manager Position
We contacted the six candidates who the Mayor and City Council wanted to invite to interview
for the City Manager position in Iowa City.
Five of the candidates accepted the invitation. One candidate, after further discussions with his
family regarding relocation, has decided to withdraw his candidacy.
The five candidates who have accepted the City's invitation to interview for the City Manager
position are, in alphabetical order, the following:
1. M. A. "Art" Chaudry, Executive Vice President and CFO, Union Station, Kansas City, MO
2. Lawrence M. Delo, City Administrator, City of De Pere, WI
3. Michael E. Matthes, Assistant City Manager, Des Moines, IA
4. Marketa G. Oliver, City Administrator, City of Windsor Heights, IA
5. Susan A. Stanton, Former City Manager of Largo, FL
A brief summary of each candidate's education and experience is attached.
Attach. Candidate Summaries
f~lssictirt~; in t1~ze.~tctziea°c~rrlerztn~'Cxcellencr,~ t'n the 1'rch!`ic.S~rrriec~ Sirrc€r 1~?2
M.A. "Art" Chaudry
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration, 1973
Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Science -Civil Engineering, 1969
University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana, Illinois
SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE
2007 to Present
2003 to 2007
2001 to 2002
1997 to 2 01
1985 to 1997
1996 to 1997
1990 to 1996
1988 to 1990
1985 to 1988
Union Station, Kansas Citv, Missouri
Executive Vice President and CFO
ackson Count Missouri
(population 1 million)
Chief Administrative Officer
H&R Block, Kansas City, Missouri
Vice President-Strategy & Tax Product
Development
Kansas Citv Royals Baseball Club
Senior Vice President-Business Operations &
Administration
Hoechst Marion Roussel, Kansas City, Missouri
Vice President-Global R&D Finance/Controlling
VP-Global R&D Planning/Administration
Division Controller-U.S. Operations
Director-Operations & Materials Management
1973 to 1985
1982 to 1985
1979 to 1982
1976 to 1979
1973 to 1976
RELATED PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
ohnson & ohnson Milltown, New erse
National Planning Manager
Superintendent-Sales & Distribution
Production Manager
Manager/Supervisor-Customer Service
The Urban League of Greater Kansas City
Lawrence M. Delo
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration, 1992
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bachelor of Science -Political Science, 1987
University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
SUMMARY OF RELATED EXPERIENCE
2003 to Present City of De Pere, Wisconsin
(population 22,495)
City Administrator
1997 to 2 03 City of Milton, Wisconsin
(population 5,588)
City Administrator/Finance Director
1993 to 1997 City of Tanesville, Wisconsin
(population 62,540)
1995 to 1997 Management Assistant
1993 to 1995 Assistant Operations Director
Other Experience:
1988 to 1993 Social Security Administration, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
Service Representative
1986 to 1992 United States Army Reserve
Administrative & Finance Specialist
1980 to 1985 Dairy Farmer, Loyal Wisconsin
RELATED PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
International City/County Management Association; Wisconsin City/County Management
Association
Michael E. Matthes
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration, 1996
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Bachelor of Arts -American History, 1992
Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa
SUMMARY OF RELATED EXPERIENCE
1996 to Present
2001 to Present
2001 to 2003
2000 ~ 2001
1998 ~ 2000
1996 to 1998
RELATED PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
City of Des Moines, Iowa
(population 198,000)
Assistant City Manager
Acting Director, Des Moines Municipal Housing
Agency
Acting Deputy Director, Des Moines Municipal
Housing Agency
Management Analyst, Finance Department
Management Intern
International City/County Management Association; Iowa City/County Management
Association
Marketa G. Oliver
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration, 1990
Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
Bachelor of Arts -Political Science and International Relations, 1988
Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
SUMMARY OF RELATED EXPERIENCE
2000 to Present
1990 to ?~
jug 1990 to October 1990
1989 to 1990
anuar 1990 to May 1990
une 1989 to anuar 1990
C~ of Windsor Heights, Iowa
(population 4,000)
City Administrator
City of Yakima, Washington
(population 71,000)
Assistant to the City Manager
Region XII Council of Governments
Carroll, Iowa
Regional Planner
City of Windsor Heights, Iowa
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Intern
RELATED PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
International City/County Management Association; Iowa City/County Management Association
Susan A. Stanton
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration, 1982
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Bachelor of Arts -Political Science, 1981
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
SUMMARY OF RELATED EXPERIENCE
1990 to March 2007
1986 to 1990
City of Lar o Florida
(population 78,000)
City Manager
C~ of Berea, Kentucky
(population 12,000)
City Administrator
1984 to 1986 C~ of Champaign, Illinois
(population 60,000)
Administrative Assistant to City Manager
1983 to 1984 Borough of Ketchikan, Alaska
(population 14,000)
Administrative Assistant to Borough Manager
February 1983 to une 1983
City of Newburgh, New York
(population 24,000)
Management Intern
R LATED PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
International City/County Management Association
Invitation to Meet the Candidates
Public Invitatior~
FR/D/4Y, FEBRU~IRY 15, 2008
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Iowa City Public itibrary, Room a
123 S. Linn Street, Iowa City
Candidates will introduce themselves at 4:30 p.m.
and then mingle with the audience. Comment
cards for feedback to the City Council will be
available at this meeting. Comment cards will also
be available at City Hall and on the City website at
www. icgov. org/managersearch.
Comment deadline is 12:00 noon, Sunday,
February 17.
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~t, ~~~~M~~~t~ All written and electronic correspondence
'`-.."'~""~ww~~`~ is public record and will be distributed to
f"~ i City Council, and permanently archived.
CITY OF IOtivA CITY ,
Paper
The Iowa City Press Citizen
The Gazette
The Daily Iowan
Dates
February 8t" through February 1 Stn
February 8t" through February 1 Stn
February 13t" through February 15t"
IOWA CITY, IOWA
CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT
SELECTION PROCESS ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 14, 2008
TOURS OF CITY FACILITIES -DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS -Times TBA
Friday, February 15, 2008
INTERVIEW SESSIONS -MAYOR AND COUNCIL
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
9:40 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
10:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Consultant/Interview Panel Orientation
Candidate Interview: Art Chaudry
Candidate Interview: Larry Delo
Candidate Interview: Mike Matthes
Lunch
Candidate Interview: Marketa Oliver
Candidate Interview: Susan Stanton
DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS MEETINGS -GROUP #1
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
9:40 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
10:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Meeting Preparation
Candidate Interview: Mike Matthes
Candidate Interview: Marketa Oliver
Candidate Interview: Susan Stanton
Lunch
Candidate Interview: Art Chaudry
Candidate Interview: Larry Delo
DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS MEETINGS -GROUP #2
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
9:40 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
10:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Meeting Preparation
Candidate Interview: Susan Stanton
Candidate Interview: Art Chaudry
Candidate Interview: Larry Delo
Lunch
Candidate Interview: Mike Matthes
Candidate Interview: Marketa Oliver
4:30'to 6:30 PM -PUBLIC SESSION - "Meet and Greet the Candidates"
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
IP3
Date: February 4, 2008
To, City Council
Fram: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Ret Request for Funding
Thy request for funding of a portion of the cost for a keynote speaker for the "Race, Privilege,
and Cultural Competency III" conference (referenced in the attached) was brought up at your
last Council meeting. The Division of Human Rights has a small budget from which the
Commission can draw to co-sponsor selected local events. A contribution will be made from that
budgeted fund.
cc: Stefanie Bowers, Human Rights Coordinator
mgr/pssUmem/request2.4. doc
Page 1 of 1
Kristin M. Watson
Frofn: Kristin M. Watson
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 1:14 PM
To: 'mchallenger@diversityfocus.org'
Subject: Race, Privilege and Cultural Competency III
Att~lchments: MadonnaConstantineBio.doc; ConstantineFees-2008.doc
Monica,
ThaniC you so much for agreeing to speak with your board about sponsorship of our conference. The Iowa City
Departtment of Human Rights is assisting the Women's Resource and Action Center at the University of Iowa with
the pl8nning of "Race, Privilege, and Cultural Competency III," to be held on Saturday, April 12tH
We helve invited Prof. Madonna Constantine to speak (and she has confirmed her availability). As we discussed,
she i~ known in academic circles for her research in the areas of multicultural counseling, Black mental health,
and the intersection of cultural variables in determining psychological processes and outcomes. She has gained
recent media attention for being the target of racial violence, in that she is the woman who had a noose hung on
her office door at Columbia University.
Therei are two possible funding tracks for this conference, depending upon whether the Iowa City Community
Scho41 District is interested in having Prof. Constantine speak in the schools on April 11tH. I do not have a
detailed budget to share, but I estimate that if Prof. Constantine were funded for Saturday only, the total cost of
bringing her here would be around $5000 ($4000 speaking fee, plus airtare, hotel, meals). Adding a presentation
to the schools would bring the total cost to approximately $9000 ($4000 speaking fee x 2 days, plus expenses).
Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Diversity Focus would receive recognition as a sponsor of
the event. Please contact me at the number below if you have any further questions. I have attached Prof.
Constantine's bio and fee schedule.
ThanNc you again!
Kristim
Kristim Watson, J.D.
Inves(igator
Iowa City Dept. of Human Rights
410 4. Washington St.
Iowa (City, IA 52240
319-$56-5015
Subjedt to the requirements of the Iowa Open Records Act, this message and accompanying documents are covered by the Electronic
Commiunications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Subsection 2510-2515, as amended, and contains information intended for the specified individual(s)
only. This information is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in
error alnd that any review, dissemination, copying, or taking of any action based on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you
have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by email, and delete the original message.
~~
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1/18/2008
Mad o n x s fY~ ,. ~ , ~, , ; ~ t ~ _ ~ _ ~~.,_ 1 y ~,. E;,, Professor of Psychology and Education, Department of
Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Constantine is
a highly esteemed researcher in the area of multicultural counseling. The scope of her work
includes Black mental health issues, developing models of multicultural counseling competence,
and explorimg the intersections of cultural variables such as race, ethnicity, and gender in relation
to psychological processes and outcomes, and treatment approaches.
Dr. Constarutine's contributions to the field of multicultural counseling have been acknowledged
by several psychological and educational organizations. For example, she is a Fellow of the
American Psychological Association (APA) and has received other professional
acknowledgments from the Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17 of APA) and the
Society of the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues (Division 45 of APA). Dr.
Constantine',also has received Outstanding Research Awards from the American Counseling
Associations the Association of Black Psychologists, and the Association for Multicultural
Counseling zind Development. She has been an invited presenter at many regional and national
conferences, and Teachers College has recognized her remarkable talents.and contributions to the
field of education by giving her several Outstanding Teaching Awards.
Dr. Constantine serves as Associate Editor of both the Journal of Counseling Psychology and
Cultural Diviersity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. In addition, she serves in leadership
capacities in, various counseling and psychological associations across the country.
Madonna ~j. Constantine, P~.~.
Teachers ~ol~ege, Co~um6ia university
DeFartment o~ ~ounse~ine and ~,~inica~ Psyc~o~o~y
525 w. I ZOr~' St., ~ox 9Z
(vew York, (\f ew York I ooZ7
2008
jtatement o~ ~ees ~orjervices
Madonna ~j. Constantine, Ph.D. conducts trainin~Q,
consultation, and speakin~~. en~a~ements ~or individuals,
or~Q.anizations, and groups. Diversity, multiculturalism, and race
relations are areas o~ specialization and expertise. ~ees/costs
for services are outlined below.
• Activities o~ 3 fours or less .......................$4,000
• ~ach additional Dour @ $ 1,500/{your, up to a maximum o~
6 fours per day ($9,000.
• Travel expenses (airFare, hotel, round transportation,
meals, etc. are additional.
• Qccasionally, additional costs may be incurred because o~
loner travel time.
mc816@columbia.edu
2 t 2-67s-3 372
IP4
Marian Karr
From: Gardinier, Minnetta [m-gardinier@uiowa.edu]
Seryt: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 2:26 AM
To:' Regenia Bailey
Cc: Dale Helling; Council
Sugject: RE: Snow removal
Attachments: City of Iowa City snow removal 2.doc
Dear Mayor Bailey,
I have attached afollow-up letter concerning the matter of snow removal. While I spent considerable time and
effort to clear by sidewalks yesterday and this morning, the sidewalk on Muscatine now sits 1/2 to 2/3 covered in
several inches of snow and slush wholly deposited by City plows. I hope that you and the City Council will give it
some further thought and consideration.
This situation is made more frustrating by the standards that it holds its residents to for sidewalks while its
residents are afforded poor service at best when we consider the streets. Dearborn Street has had one lane
plowetl only once and sits full of slush and snow over the full width of the street. Burlington was a total mess still
at 10 am this morning. Mr. Helling emphasizes that pedestrians need to use the sidewalks with no mention that
residents need to use the streets safely too. In the nine years that I have lived in Iowa City, I have never heard or
seen Substantive improvement to the City's approach to clearing the streets.
Sincerrely,
Minneltta Gardinier
Minnetta V. Gardinier, Ph.D.
1527 Muscatine Avenue
Iowa pity, IA 52240
----'+Original Message-----
From; Dale Helling [mailto:Dale-Helling@iowa-city.org]
Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:23 PM
To: Gardinier, Minnetta
Subj$ct: RE: Snow removal
Dear Ms. Gardinier,
Mayor Bailey requested that I follow up on your correspondence of
Janui~ry 5 regarding the citation you received for failure to clear your
sidewalk of snow and ice.
The department of Housing & Inspection Services enforces the snow
remoyral ordinance on a complaint basis and they received a complaint
regarding the snow on your sidewalk. An inspector responded on 12/31 and
observed ice and snow on your sidewalk in violation of the City
ordinance. A door tag was left on your door advising of the violation
and e letter sent to you. When you sidewalk was re-inspected on 1/3,
them was still snow and ice remaining. Photographs from the file
clearly indicate that this was not snow or ice placed on your sidewalk
as a result of snowplowing. It does show that snow was packed down on
much of the sidewalk as you indicated. This was likely the result of
2/$/20~g
Page 2 of 3
pede$trians walking there between the time the snow fell on 12/23 and
the time you returned home on 12/30. Thus the notice of citation was
issued. Such citations are issued if the snow and ice are not cleared
down to the concrete within 24 hours after a snowfall ends, as required
by the ordinance. I suspect the New Year's holiday caused a delay in the
notification letter being delivered to you. However, the door tag was
also left to ensure that you received timely notice of the violation.
As I indicated above, this ordinance is enforced on a complaint basis
and, when a complaint is received regarding a specific property, we do
inspect all properties in the entire block. Records show that two other
properties in your block were similarly cited at the same time you were.
Finally, I agree that property owners should not be responsible for
removing snow and ice deposited on their sidewalk by City snowplows and
we do not cite residents under those circumstances. Inspectors are thus
instructed to make such a determination at the time they respond to any
complaint. As I indicated above, the file photos give no indication that
the $now on your sidewalk was the result of snowplowing.
We continue to recommend that residents make arrangements for snow
removal from their sidewalks during any time they will be away from home
for an extended period. I recognize that this has been, and continues to
be, a rather severe winter in terms of snowfall, ice storms, etc.
However, many residents must use our sidewalks daily to get around the
city, access bus stops, etc. regardless of the weather. Enforcement of
the prdinance in question enhances their ability to do so more safely
and conveniently.
I appreciate your observations and I assure you that we constantly
moniitor our snow removal efforts and look for ways to improve our
practices. Perhaps there are ways we can better inform citizens of the
snow removal requirements in Iowa City and I will further explore that
with City staff.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Sincerely,
Dale Helling
Interim City Manager
-----Original Message-----
From,: Gardinier, Minnetta [mailto:m-gardinierC~uiowa.edu]
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 11:49 PM
To: Regenia Bailey
Cc: Council
Subject: Snow removal
Dear Mayor Bailey,
I have attached a letter concerning the matter of snow removal. I hope
that. you and the City Council will give it some thought and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Minnetta V. Gardinier
1527 Muscatine Avenue
2/5/2008
Minnetta V. Gardinier
1527 Muscatine Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52240
R~genia Bailey, Mayor
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
louva City, IA 52240
Monday 4 February 2008
Dear Mayor Bailey,
I am following up on the letter that I sent last month and the response that I received yesterday from
Mr. Dale Helling. The comments in that letter are clearly dismissive of information provided in my letter.
Mbst disturbing is that he claims that he can tell from the photos taken by the city that no snow plow crud
is apparent. First, I have not been offered copies of the photos to see. Second, photos taken on Jan 3
were shot AFTER I had run a snowblower and shoveled my sidewalk area to the best of my ability back on
Dec 31. Indeed, it should be evident that the snow had been cleared as evidenced by the height of snow
orh the borders of the sidewalk. Granted in my letter it was not down to bare concrete, but it was equal or
better than that of virtually every neighbor around me within view and BETTER than Dearborn Street itself.
So clearly, the layer remaining was most likely snow/ice pack left below the snowplow crud that I had
already cleared. Again, the remaining snow/ice pack was cleared completely on Sat Jan 5. Helling's
email indicates that only 2 other properties in my area were cited, and frankly, only 1-2 properties had
clear sidewalks during that period as I looked up/down Muscatine and Dearborn. I received NO doortag
when I collected my mail upon return to Iowa City, and my ONLY knowledge of the citation came from the
mailed warning.
This response is also tempered by the snowfall that hit the city yesterday -Sunday Feb 3`d. I had to
leave by house late yesterday afternoon and had to use my snowblower to clear by driveway. I took the
time to clear my sidewalks, along with my neighbors' sidewalks on either side of me. No plow had
touched Dearborn Street then or when I came home later that night. One lane was plowed by the time I
went to work this morning; however, several inches of slush and snow remained in the street by the time I
returned home from work this evening after 8pm (Monday). Clearly, a plow had not touched the street
again since I left this morning. Most maddening however, is that I shoveled the slush and snow from my
sidewalks this morning before leaving for work so that they would be clear. When I returned home this
evening, the Muscatine sidewalk is now half to two-thirds covered over again with several inches of slush
and crud plowed over the whole length by the plows running down Muscatine Avenue. To quote Mr.
Helling, "Finally, 1 agree that property owners should not be responsible for removing snow and ice
deposited on their sidewalk by City snowplows and we do not cite residents under those circumstances.
Inspectors are thus instructed to make such a determination at the time they respond to any complaint."
I re-emphasize that there is only about a foot of border between the street and the sidewalk on
Miuscatine Avenue. Surely, you have been behind a plow or seen a plow going down the street, and it's
na surprise that snow is propelled well over a foot when a plow goes down the street. I would invite the
city to simply stop by and look at my Muscatine sidewalk and compare it to the Dearborn sidewalk that
was cleared at the same time Monday morning. If as Mr. Helling indicates above that "property owners
should not be responsible for removing snow and ice deposited on their sidewalk by City snowplows," then
I ask who is responsible for clearing this material?
I shoveled these sidewalks clean once and what is now there is wholly the work of the City snowplows.
It also confirms what I explained in my earlier letter from last month's snows. In these few blocks of
Muscatine Avenue, there is no effective buffer zone between the street and the sidewalk. I cannot see
CiCy of Iowa City -snow removal
Page 2 of 2
haw the city can in good conscience claim that these residents are not being asked to clean up after the
City snowplows. The current condition of my Muscatine sidewalk area exemplifies this problem. Based
on Mr. Helling's response above, I would reiterate my proposal that in situations such as this one, the City
should clear these sidewalks. Again, I don't have a problem clearing walkways of bona fide snowfall, but
it is a gross abuse to effectively require citizens to shovel up what is dumped by City plows.
I again respectfully ask you and the City Council to give this matter careful thought and fair
consideration. It affects not only me, but also several other residents in this area.
Sincerely,
r
Minnetta V. Gardinier
Cc: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Mike O'Donnell, Mayor Pro Tem
Connie Champion
Amy Correia
Matt Hayek
Ross Wilburn
Mike Wright
IP5
Marian hCarr
From: Victoria Walton [Walton.Victoria@iccsd.k12.ia.us]
Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 9:36 PM
To: Doug Boothroy
Cc: Council; Marcia Klingaman
Subject: illegal signs
Dear Mr. Boothroy,
As a resident of the North Side Neighborhood, Iowa City, I realize our
North Side Neighborhood Association has communicated to you to draw your attention to the
increasing number of illegal signs in our neighborhood. These are signs advertising
rental agencies and are affixed permanently to houses. It is our understanding that they
are in defiance of section 14-5B-8 of the City's code, which states:
14-5B-8: SIGNS PERMITTED BY ZONE:
A.Sign Standards For ID And OPDH Zones:
1. Permitted Signs:
a. Single-family uses and two-family uses are not allowed to install permanent
signs, except for one small identification building sign and one integral sign and public
flags, as specified in table 5B-1.
4-9C-1: DEFINITIONS:
IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A sign displaying the name, address, crest, insignia or
trademark, occupation or profession of an occupant of a building or the name of any
building on the premises.
INTEGRAL SIGN: A sign carved into stone, concrete or other building material or
made of bronze, aluminum or other permanent type of construction and made a part of the
building to which it is attached.
I reiterate what our neighborhood association has communicated. We would
be grateful if the Housing and Inspection Services office would enforce the above statute,
and ask offenders to remove permanent signs from buildings. I am including below a short
list (by no means complete) of some of the Northside addresses at which illegal signs can
be found.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.
Appreciatively,
Victoria Walton
430 N. Gilbert Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
211 Davenport
216 Fairchild
420 Dubuque
422 Dubuque
509 Davenport
714 Van Buren
332 N. Van Buren
212 S. Johnson
904 Iowa
717 E. Jefferson
704 E. Jefferson
1
Marian N,Carr
From: Pascoe, Judith M [Judith-Pascoe@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2008 1:53 PM
To: Doug Boothroy
Cc: Council; Marcia Klingaman
Subject: signage
Dear Mr. Boothroy,
Thank ydu very much for calling me this morning and discussing the illegal sign issue.
I look forward to hearing from you again when you have had a chance to consult with the
City Attorney about the various ordinances that comment on signs in residential
neighborhoods.
Yours sincerely,
Judith F~ascoe
Coordinator, Northside Neighborhood Association
1
Marian NCarr
From: Pascoe, Judith M [Judith-pascoe@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2008 10:33 AM
To: Steve Nicoles
Cc: Council; Marcia Klingaman; Doug Boothroy
Subject: RE: KCRG-TV 9 News Story
Dear Mr, Nicoles,
No, I don't want to talk on camera about the issue. I'm confident that Doug Boothroy and
the HIS office will work with the neighborhood on this matter.
Thanks for your interest.
Yours sincerely,
Judith Pascoe
From: Sieve Nicoles [steve.nicoles@kcrg.com]
Sent: Friday, February O1, 2008 9:53 AM
To: Pascoe, Judith M
Subject: KCRG-TV 9 News Story
Dear Professor Pascoe,
My name is Steve Nicoles. I report for KCRG-TV 9 News. While looking through the Iowa City
city coti~ncil agenda I saw your letter to Doug Boothroy. We are interested in talking to
you about the signs in the Northside Neighborhood. Will you have some free time today for
a brief on-camera interview about the issue? When you have a moment, please call my cell
phone 325-5999.
Thank ydu in advance for your time and help.
Sincerely,
Steve Nicoles
Reporter, Iowa City Newsroom
KCRG TV 9 News
Ofc. (319) 337-9999
Cel. (319) 325-5999
Fax. (319) 339-3148
1
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BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION
January 2008
KEY FOR ABBREVIATIONS
.Type of Improvement
ADD -Addition
ALT -Alteration
REP -Repair
FND -Foundation Only
NEW-New
OTH -Other type of construction
Type of Use
RSF -Residential Single Family
RDF -Residential Duplex
RMF -Three or more residential
RAC -Residential Accessory Building
MIX -Mixed
NON -Non-residential
OTH -Other
Page : 2 City of Iowa City
Date : 2/1/2008 Extraction of Building Permit Data for
To : 1/1/2008
From : 1/31/2008 Census Bureau Report
Type Tvne
Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation
BLD08-00015 IPCS WIRELESS INC. 1630 LOWER MUSCATINE ADD NON 0 0 $2,300
ADD 2 ANTENNAS TO EXISTING TOWER
Total ADD/NON permits : 1 Total Valuation : $2,300'
BLD07-00725 JEAN L REESE 1111 KEOKUK ST ADD RAC 1 0 $4,100
ADDITION "TO DETACHED GARAGE FOR SFD
Total ADD/RAC permits : 1 Total Valuation : $4,100
BLD08-00004 GRACE PIRO 521 S GOVERNOR ST ADD RSF 2 0 $70,000
ADDITION FOR SFD
BLD08-00009 MARGARET I LOOMER 1248 JENSEN ST ADD RSF 0 0 $23,261
3 SEASON PORCH AND DECK ADDITION FOR SFD
Total ADD/RSF permits : 2 Total Valuation : $93,261
BLD07-00744 ANGELS WITH WINGS DAY 2801 WAYNE AVE ALT MIX 0 0 $2,100
ADD DOORWAY TO CONNECT 2ND FLOOR LE VEL OF SFD
Total ALT/MIX permits : 1 Total Valuation : $2,100
BLD08-00002 D & P PROPERTIES LLC 2650 MORMON TREK BLV ALT
TENANT FINISH OF 2 SPACES
BLD07-00634'', PLUMBERS SUPPLY CO 2020 S RIVERSIDE DR ALT
ALTERATION OF PLUMBING SUPPLY STORE
BLD07-00618' CARQUEST 391 HIGHLAND AVE ALT
REMODEL'RETAIL BUILDING FOR CAR PARTS STORE
BLD07-00689' BLUE FIRE/BLACKSTONE 503 WESTBURY DR ALT
BAR & GRIx,L TENANT FINISH EXPANSION INTO NEIGHBORING SPACE
BLD08-00003' SERENITY YOGA & PILATE 610 EASTBURY 1 ALT
TENANT FINISH FOR EXERCISE BUSINESS
BLD07-00722'.. PROCTER & GAMBLE 2200 LOWER MUSCATINE ALT
MEZZANIN7E OFFICE AND BREAKROOM FINISH
BLD07-00723 SEOUL KOREAN RESTAURA 201 S CLINTON ST 173 ALT
RESTAURANT IN MALL TENANT SPACE
BLD07-00738' QWEST 302 S LIMN ST ALT
HVAC ROgM FOR TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT BUILDING
BLD08-00013. HIERONYMI 2324 HEINZ RD ALT
ALTERATION OF FACTORY
BLD08-00006 JADE SISTERS 521 WESTBURY RD ALT
RESTAURANT TENANT FINISH
BLD08-0002f Q IT UP LC 211 IOWA AVE ALT
DANCE FLpOR/STAGE ALTERATION FOR BAR
BLD08-00021'... WALDEN SQUARE INVS L C 713 MORMON TREK BLV ALT
ADD ADDITIONAL SEATING TO RESTAURANT
NON 1 0 $403,600
NON 1 0 $377,000
NON 1 0 $164,616
NON 1 0 $55,000
NON 0 0 $55,000
NON 1 0 $51,567
NON 2 0 $50,000
NON 0 0 $43,851
NON 0 0 $38,000
NON 1 0 $30,000
NON 0 0 $15,000
NON 1 0 $5,000
Page : 3 City of Iowa City
Date : 2/1/2008 Extraction of Building Permit Data for
To : In/2oo8
From : 1/31/2008 Census Bureau Report
Tvne Tvne
Permit Number Name Address Imnr Use Stories Units Valuation
Total ALT/NON permits : 12 Total Valuation : $1,288,634
BLD07-00687 BUSS, WILLIAM G 718 S SUMMIT ST ALT RAC 2 0 $20,800
OFFICE IN DETACHED GARAGE
Total ALT/RAC permits : 1 Total Valuation : $20,800
BLD08-00016' FIRST HAWK LLC 327 N JOHNSON ST ALT RDF 0 0 $1,500
REMOVE VG'ALLS IN BASEMENT UNIT AND ADD EXTERIOR DOOR
Total ALT/RDF permits : 1 Total Valuation : $1,500
BLD07-00010 WILL DOWNING & KUMI M 411 S SUMMIT ST ALT RSF 0 0 $30,000
CONVERT TRI-PLEX INTO SFD
BLD07-00729 COLLEGE TOWN PARTNER 335 S DODGE ST ALT RSF 0 0 $11,797
BASEMENTC FINISH FOR SFD INCLUDING 2 ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS AND BATH FOR RENTAL UNIT
BLD07-00727 APARTMENTS NEAR CAMP 535 S JOHNSON ST ALT RSF 0 0 $1,000
ADD 5TH I~''EDROOM TO SFD RENTAL
BLD07-00730 CENTER CITY PARTNERS 227 S JOHNSON ST ALT RSF 0 0 $1,000
ADD 5TH BIEDROOM FOR SFD RENTAL
BLD08-00012 DARWIN & SHARON THIR 1424 BRISTOL DR ALT RSF 0 0 $1,000
REMOVE WALL TO COMBINE LIVING/DINING ROOM FOR SFD
BLD06-00837' CENTER CITY PARTNERS 229 S JOHNSON ST ALT RSF 0 0 $500
CONVERT DINING ROOM INTO BEDROOM FO R SFD
BLD07-00686' THREE GUYS HOLDINGS L 321 S DODGE ST ALT RSF 2 0 $250
ADD BEDRIOOM TO DUPLEX UNIT
Total ALT/RSF permits : 7 Total Valuation : $45,547
BLD07-00067 ANDRIA SAVAGE 2460 S GILBERT ST NEW RAC 1 0 $30,868
12 x 32 SH1~D WITH 7 X 28 ATTACHED COVERED DECK
Total NEW/RAC permits : 1 Total Valuation : $30,868
BLD07-00628' CITY OF IOWA CITY 840 -42 LONGFELLOW PL NEW RDF 1 2 $241,159
DUPLEX Vl?ITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES
BLD07-00629' CITY OF IOWA CITY 920 -28 LONGFELLOW PL NEW RDF 1 2 $213,660
DUPLEX WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES
Total NEW/RDF permits : 2 Total Valuation : $454,819
BLD07-00737 GARY FRAKES CONSTRUCT 25 WHITE OAK PL NEW RSF 2 1 $400,000
SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
BLD08-00014' MELLINGER & SONS CONS 4167 NEWCASTLE DR NEW RSF 1 1 $256,000
SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE
City of Iowa City
Page : 4
Date : 2/1/2008 Extraction of Building Permit Data for
To : I/v2oo8
Census Bureau Report
From : 1/31/2008
Tvne Tvne
Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation
BLD07-00743 SOUTHGATE DEVELOPMEN 816 OXEN LN NEW RSF 2 1 $199,508
SFD WITH ATT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
BLD07-00718 SOUTHGATE DEVELOPMEN 4184 RUTH ST NEW RSF 2 1 $183,800
SFD WITH .ATT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
BLD07-00719 ALLEN HOMES INC 3640 LOWER WEST BRAN( NEW RSF 1 1 $150,020
SFD WITH d~TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
Total NEW/RSF permits : 5 Total Valuation : $1,189,328
BLD07-00710' BALLANTYNE, BERTHA B 230 ELIZABETH ST REP RDF 0 0 $3,753
WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR DUPLEX
Total REP/RDF permits : 1 Total Valuation : $3,753
BLD08-00005' BRUCE M & PATRICIA K MC 1642 ABER AVE REP RSF 0 0 $11,115
FIRE REPAIR OF KITCHEN FOR SFD
BLD08-00023' USHA MALLIK 9 RIDGEWOOD LN REP RSF 0 0 $7,000
STRUCTURAL REPAIR OF ROOF FOR SFD
Total REP/RSF permits : 2 Total Valuation : $18,115
GRAND TOTALS : PERMITS : 37 VALUATION : $3,155,125
Iowa City Housing and Inspection Services
Customer Service Survey ~ January 2008 1P7
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Th{e inspector was extremely conscientious regarding his job. Very thorough in his inspection and pointed
out violations which we were happy to correct. I have worked with your inspectors for. several years and
knew that they strive for safety. A job well done.
Inspector arrived at appointed time, did a thorough examination of property in a timely manner. Very
plejasant attitude.
Yolur entire staff does an excellent job. Housing Inspectors are very fair and give ample time to fix or
repair a violation -keep up the good work!
Av~esome: Thanks!
Hqusing inspector was prompt in his arrive time, and was very professional, knowledgeable, and offered
some helpful suggestions. Because of this the inspection ordeal became a much less frightening
exberience.
i
Lel~eAnn is very timely and to the point about what needs to be done and explains the rules of IC housing.
She is very nice to work with.
Inspector was extremely helpful and considerate. One unit was under fire repair and the owners had large
nu~lmber of kids which tended to be in the way. No problem. We had to change days once and your office
acjcommodated our request and changed your schedule. Thanks.
AlWVays helpful -Stan had some ideas for how to repair/comply stairs; patient. Great to work with.
M~. Anderson is one of the best inspectors I have been around. Very helpful, professional, and most
imlportant a good attitude. Your fees are way too high for rental in I.C.
Bc~b Shaver was my inspector at 617 S. Clinton. He was very fair and very good with the renters. A
couple of the renters were home at the time. Bob talked to them about what was wrong and they listened
tol~him more than me. Good job.
Very good. Been on time three inspections. Courteous.
Housing Inspector Art Anderson visited two rental properties which I own. He was punctual,
knowledgeable, sincere and likeable in demeanor. Mr. Anderson did find that several items at both
properties needed repair; in every case he took the time to explain the reasons for the importance of
keeping these items "up to code." Art Anderson =good guy
Infipection went smoothly. Pat was helpful.
hi s9dm/comments 1-08.doc
Bob did a good job of inspecting. Very polite. Your fees for inspecting are too high.
God suggestions from Inspector Mackay. I am fortunate that the city inspection is at the same time as
the low income inspection. I would encourage the city to do this for all dwellings. It saves a lot of time.
Yoju are doing fine except that we had re-inspection of property on August 31, '07 and the Rental Permit
wa's not issued until 1/4/08. A long delay!
R~fuse companies who are contracted by the landlord to pick up trash and do not should be sited by the
Housing Department. I have a container that has not been picked up in 10 days. The schedule is for 3x a
week. The excuses are feeble. Changing companies is an option but this problem occurs with most.
Sirnce we have to have pickup by code we feel it is the responsibility of Housing to site the companies!
Good service. Thank you.
Appreciate your guidance, remarks and time. Thanks.
LeeAnn did a great job!! She was professional, competent, and understanding. She made, what I thought
wags going to bean uncomfortable process, an easy one. Thanks again.
Patricia Mackay did our rental inspection. She did a very professional job. Her report was timely (within
onle week) and easy to follow. I may not always agree with inspectors but I very much appreciate
professionalism. Pat did a good job.
Ark A. has a prablem changing his mind on approved work or not approving it. To say its okay and then
demand more does not set well. Other owners report this habit also. He has good knowledge of the work.
All' of you should not stray off health and safety issues.
Norm Cate is a good inspector. I want my tenants safe as possible, but I find the cost of inspecting very
high. I also wonder how a lot of the older run down houses pass inspection.
LeeAnn was very professional and completed the inspections in a timely manner.
Bab was great -very efficient and very thorough. He made the process easy and non-stressful.
It i~ always a pleasure to work with Pat. She is thorough and always on time.
Bab is great to work with!
I felt the inspection was helpful to me as a new landlord. Thanks.
TNe delay in receiving the final rental permit was way too long! I had to call for it twice, and, in the
meantime, the web site displayed the "violations" which were merely the few items on Art's list. Our list
was taken care within just a couple of days.
H is8dm/com mentsl-08. doc 2
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Iowa C~t~
H~stor~c Preservation P an
IOWA CITY
HISTORIC PR~S~RVATION PhAN
v® ~ ®®
~xecutive summary
~e~ruary 2008
®® ~ ®®
for t~e City of Iowa City
anc~
t~e Iowa City H~stor~c Preservation Comm~ss~on
Consultants
SVENDSEN TYLER, INC.
Samna, Wisconsin
Clarion Associates I.I.C
Denver, Colorado
Preparation of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Pan was funded
by the City of Iowa City and a Historic Resource Development Program
grant from Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP)
Program and administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
1. lntroduction
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.
1. 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
of Iowa Avenue and nearby
historic neighborhoods from
the April 13, 2006 tornado. The ,:~~3.~'.
day after the storm much of the
eastern portion of Iowa Avenue
YC ~,<
appeared to be so devastated ~s ~ ~ a~ ~~,'" ~ ~ ~' ~ ~ ~ ~-.
~~
that it was thou ht that several ~~"' _~~ ~ "'
historic buildings were beyond # ~,_ 4 ~ ~~~~ I ; ~ , ~' ~~ ~~~
repair. There was uncertainty ~ ~ II _ a ~ ~1~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
..
fit" ,~ _ ~ ..,.~, ., -
as to what would replace them. q _ A
Property owners, the preservations ~~
__
community, the City, and private - ~~`~' ~~~ >~~'~ ~~~ ~= ~ r
organizations such as Friends Iowa Avenue recovers from the damage
rallied to address both the human
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 maybe 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.
5. 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.
11. 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 Apri12006 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.
111. 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.
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.
Oakes-Wood House, 1142 E. Court St., residence of Grant
Wood while he resided in Iowa City.
Objective 5: The HPC should continue to play a 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 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 a new 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
Objective 1: Adopt the Historic Preservation Plan 2007 as a part of the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan.
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 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 aSelf-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
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.
Downtown, historic buildings along South Clinton Street.
Objective 6: Target a grant or 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 Goa12, 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.
~~
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.
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 1: Open communication lines between the State Historical Society, the University,
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 Je~erson and Dubuque.
Objective 8: Encourage the University to establish a policy that supports efforts to preserve
historic residential neighborhoods adjacent to its campus.
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 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 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 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 construction of new secondary buildings, what maybe negotiable, etc.
14
Objective 1: Complete an annual review of historic preservation activity and confirm work plan
objectives for the year.
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.
~5
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 (Goa17: 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.
~~
Summary of Common Neighborhood Strategies • completed objectives HD -Historic District (local)
High to Low Priority: A to D o Future Objectives CD -Conservation District (local)
HD-NR - H1StOr1C Dlstrlct (Nat'l Register only)
urve District
Adoption
Ste s Communication &
Neighborhood
Stabilization Ste s Technical
Assistance
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Downtown Plannin District:
1. Downtown • • o o B o B o B o B o B o
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3. Brown Street HD • • • • o A o A o A o B •o A o B • 0 0
4. Clark Street CD • • • o C o A o A o C • o A o B • o
5. Colle a Green HD • • • • o A o A o B o A o B o
6.Colle eHi11CD • • • • o A oA o B oB oA oA o
7. East Colle a Street HD • • • • o A o A o B •o A o B o
8. Dearborn Street CD • • • o A o A o C • o A o B • o
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o
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Friendly, Highland,
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o
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19. Rochester Avenue o o C o C o B o C o B o C o C o
20. Summit Street HD • • • • o A o A o C o B • o A o C o
21. Woodlawn HD • • • • o A o A o C o B o A o C o
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22. North Dubuque Street/
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o
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o B
23. Tank Town • o D o B o B o B o B o C o B o
24. Dubu ue Road • o D o C o C o D o B o D o D o
Northwest Plannin District:
25. Manville Heights o o A o o B o B o A o C o B o B o C o o B
Southwest Plannin District:
26. Melrose HD-NR • • • o A o A o A o B o B • o A o B • o o A
Other Plannin Districts
0 o D o C o C o D oD o D
18
The list of historic areas and neighborhoods, summary of strategies, and map follow:
Iowa City Historic Areas and Neighborhoods
Downtown PlanningDistrict: Central PlanningDistrict (continued):
1. Downtown 16. Oak Grove-Kirkwood Avenue
2. Near South Side Corridor
Central PlanningDistrict:
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)
17. Lucas Farms-Ginter, Friendly,
Highland, Pickard, & Yewell Streets
18. Morningside-City High
19. Rochester Avenue
20. Summit Street HD
21. Woodlawn HD
North PlanningDistrict:
22. North Dubuque Street/
Montgomery-Butler House
23. Tank Town
24. Dubuque Road
Northwest PlanningDistrict:
25. Manville Heights
Southwest PlanningDistrict:
26. Melrose HD
19
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21
1V. Model for Evaluating Economic lmpacts
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.
23
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
Iowa
H~stor~c Preservation
C'itJ
Pan
IOWA CITY
HISTORIC PR~S~RVATION PhAN
v® ~ ®®
Prepared for
t~e City of Iowa City
anc~
t~e Iowa City H~stor~c Preservation Comm~ss~on
vo®® ~ ®®oe
February 2008
City o~ Iowa City
City Counci~
Regenia Bailey, Mayor (District C)
Milze O'Donnell, Mayor Pro Tem (At-I~arge~ Connie Champion, (District B~
Amy Correia, (At-I~arge~ Matt Hayelz, (At-I~arge~
Ross Wilburn, (District A) Milze Wright, (At-Large)
Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
Tim Weitzel, Chairperson
Panning ancZ Community Deve~o~nment
Jeff Davidson, Director
Robert Milelo, Senior Planner
Sunil Terdallear, Associate Planner
Consultants
SVENDSEN TYLER, INC.
Samna, Wisconsin
Clarion Associates I.I.C
Denver, Colorado
Preparation of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Pan was funded
by the City of Iowa City and a Historic Resource Development Program
grant from Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP)
Program and administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Table o~ Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 11
II. Overview of Local Historic Preservation Movement ............................................................. 15
A. Historic Preservation Movement Prior to 1992 ........................................................... 15
B. Adoption of Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan in 1992 .......................................... 16
C. Progress on 1992 Goals and Objectives ........................................................................ 17
D. Summary of Progress ....................................................................................................... 26
III. Public Opinions and Perceptions of Historic Preservation ................................................... 27
A. Opinions Sought ............................................................................................................... 27
B. Summary of Public Input ................................................................................................ 27
IV. Updated Goals and Objectives for the Historic Preservation Plan 2007 ............................. 31
Goal 1: Identify historic resources significant to Iowa City's past ................................... 31
Goal 2: Continue municipal policy of protection of historic resources and
implement this policy through effective and efficient legislation and regulatory
measures .................................................................................................................... 34
Goal 3: Establish economic incentives to encourage the preservation of historic
buildings and neighborhoods ................................................................................. 41
Goal 4: Provide the technical assistance necessary to preserve and improve historic
properties ................................................................................................................... 46
Goal 5: Heighten public awareness of historic preservation in the community and
improve preservation education efforts for various audiences ........................... 48
Goal 6: Maintain and strengthen preservation partnerships between municipal
government, state government, and federal agencies .......................................... 52
Goal 7: Establish and implement historic preservation objectives for the University of
Iowa campus and surrounding neighborhoods .................................................... 53
Goal 8: Establish and support heritage tourism efforts appropriate to Iowa City's
historic resources and community needs .............................................................. 58
Goal 9: Conduct regular review and evaluation of historic preservation initiatives by
the historic preservation community and integrate preservation objectives in
related planning work undertaken by the City of Iowa City ............................... 61
V. Neighborhood Strategies ...........................................................................................................63
Goal 10: Adopt strategies to preserve historic neighborhoods which reflect their organic
development, historical roles and traditions, modern needs, and economic
health and stability ................................................................................................... 63
District Adoption Steps ................................................................................................................63
Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps ..........................................................64
Technical Assistance Steps ...........................................................................................................65
Home Ownership Incentive Program .........................................................................................65
Iowa City Historic Areas Map Legend ....................................................................................... 67
Downtown Planning District ..................................................................................................................70
1. Downtown .....................................................................................................................................70
2. Near South Side Neighborhood ................................................................................................... 73
Central Planning District ........................................................................................................................73
3. Brown Street Historic District (includes Bella Vista Drive, sections of Ronalds Street, and
other cross streets) ...........................................................................................................................73
4. Clark Street Conservation District ................................................................................................75
5. College Green Historic District .....................................................................................................76
6. College Hill Conservation District ................................................................................................77
7. East College Street Historic District ..............................................................................................78
8. Dearborn Street Conservation District ........................................................................................79
9. Dubuque Street Corridor ................................................................................................................80
10. Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District .............................................................................................81
11. Goosetown ........................................................................................................................................83
12. Governor-Lucas Conservation District ........................................................................................86
13. Jefferson Street Historic District .................................................................................................... 87
14. Longfellow Historic District ........................................................................................................... 88
15. Muscatine Avenue Moffitt Cottage Historic District (now, part of Longfellow Historic
District) ............................................................................................................................................. 90
16. Oak Grove-Kirkwood Avenue Corridor ....................................................................................... 91
17. Lucas Farms Neighborhood-Ginter, Friendly, Highland, Pickard, and Yewell Streets........... 92
18. Morningside-City High Neighborhood ........................................................................................ 93
19. Rochester Avenue Neighborhood ................................................................................................. 95
20. Summit Street Historic District ..................................................................................................... 96
21. Woodlawn Historic District ........................................................................................................... 97
North Planning District ...........................................................................................................................98
22. North Dubuque Street/Montgomery-Butler House ...................................................................98
23. Tank Town ........................................................................................................................................ 99
24. Dubuque Road Neighborhood ....................................................................................................100
Northwest Planning District .................................................................................................................102
25. Manville Heights Neighborhood .................................................................................................102
Southwest Planning District .................................................................................................................104
26. Melrose Historic District ..............................................................................................................104
Other Planning Districts .......................................................................................................................106
Summary of Common Neighborhood Strategies ..............................................................................108
VI. Model for Evaluating Economic Impacts of Historic Preservation ...................................109
A. Rehabilitation ...............................................................................................................110
B. Property Values ............................................................................................................112
C. Heritage Tourism .........................................................................................................113
D. Selected City and Community Level Economic Impact Reports ..........................114
Appendices
Appendix A: Chronological Overview of the Historic Preservation Movement in Iowa City,
Iowa: 1957-2006
Appendix B: National Register of Historic Places Iowa City Listings
Appendix C: Public Meeting Comment Summaries (North Side/Goosetown, Longfellow, West
Side, and Downtown meetings)
Appendix D: Interview Questions; Summary of Responses; and Individuals Interviewed
Appendix E: Outline for Update of "Iowa City Historic Resources" Multiple Property
Documentation Form, including bibliography
Appendix F: Clarion Associates Recommendation Memorandum
Appendix G: Historic Preservation Commissioners, 1983-2006
Appendix H: Projects Receiving Design Review, 1985-2006
Appendix I: Historic Preservation Award Winners, 1983-2005
Appendix J: Related Historic Preservation Websites
Appendix K: Tax Incentives for Historic Buildings
Appendix L: Maps of Completed and Proposed Historical and Architectural Survey Areas
Appendix M: Map of Iowa City Subdivisions Recorded 1924-1965
Appendix N: FHP History
1. lntroduction
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.
~~
1.
or rowa tivenue ana nearby
historic neighborhoods from
the April 13, 2006 tornado. The
,,~~$ ..
day after the storm much of the ~ ~~#'
eastern portion of Iowa Avenue ,~
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historic buildings were beyond ~"~ ~, ~~ ~i` ~ i ° ~~~ ~ ' " ~ 1 ~~ 3p ~ ~,~
.:
repair. There was uncertainty „~R ~ I~ ~ ~_~ a ~ ~~r~~~~ ~ ,~ -~
as to what would replace them. ~~~ ~ - ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ -'~ °-
4`
Property owners, the preservation t- °'~ ~~ ~-> _
,. ,._ -
community, the City, and private _ °'~ =-~ - ~ - -
-- . ~ -
organizations such as Friends Iowa Avenue recovers from the damage
rallied to address both the human
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
12
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 maybe 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.
5. 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.
13
11. Overview of Local Historic Preservation Movement
A. Historic Preservation Movement Prior to 1992
The 1992 Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan contains an overview of the history of the historic
preservation movement at the national, state, and local levels. The description of local activities
spanned the period from the 1960s through the early 1990s. Separate sections discussed the
followings
i. Early preservation awareness efforts (1960s and 1970s)
ii. Zoning changes designed to stabilize and preserve residential neighborhoods (1958-
1961); Cooperative neighborhood planning effort between the City of Iowa City and the
University of Iowa's Institute of Urban and Regional Planning (1976-1978)
iii. Downtown urban renewal (1960-late 1970s)
iv Historic preservation campaigns to save Old Brick (1970-1977) and Old Capitol (1971-
1976)
v Early historical surveys, National Register of Historic Places nominations, and
important historic rehabilitation projects during the 1970s
vi. Continued historical surveys in North Side, South Side, College Hill and Goosetown
neighborhoods during the 1980s
vii. Unsuccessful efforts to list the North Side historic districts on the National Register of
Historic Places (1981-1987)
viii. North Side Neighborhood Preservation Study completed (1981)
ix. Historic Preservation Task Force formed to draft a historic preservation ordinance
(1982)
x. Adoption and revisions to the Iowa City Historic Preservation Ordinance (1982-1989)
xi. Designation of local historic districts: successful listing of South Summit Street and
Woodlawn (1983-1984); unsuccessful listing of North Side 1983-1987)
xii. Leadership for the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission (1980s)
xiii. Public awareness and education efforts (1984-1991)
xiv Continued historical surveys and unsuccessful nominations to the National Register of
Historic Places for College Hill and Goosetown historic districts (1985-1990)
xv Historic Preservation Commission designated a Certified Local Government (1987) and
responsibilities expand
xvi. Historic Preservation Commission became an issues forum (1980s)
xvii. Friends of Old Brick becomes Friends of Historic Preservation and expands mission
(1989) in Iowa City and Johnson County
xviii. Private historic rehabilitation projects grow in number (1980s)
1Marlys A. Svendsen, Svendsen Tyler, Inc., Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan, (Iowa City, Iowa: City of
Iowa City and the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission), October 1992, pp. 6-34.
15
B. Adoption of Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan in 1992
The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission began a major new chapter in the community's
preservation efforts with completion of a 10-month long strategic planning process in 1992
designed to develop a comprehensive historic preservation plan for the community. With the
assistance of a Historic Resources Development Program Grant from the State of Iowa, Iowa City
was able to retain Svendsen Tyler, Inc. of Davenport as the planning consultant for the project. In
December 1992, the City Council unanimously adopted the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan.z
The 1992 Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan established a mission statement, goals and a work
plan containing objectives designed to guide future historic preservation activities undertaken by
the City and its citizens.
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. J
Goal 1: Identify historic resources significant to Iowa City's past.
Goal 2: Make protection of historic resources a municipal policy and implement this
policy through effective and efficient legislation and regulatory measures.
Goal 3: Establish economic incentives to encourage the preservation of historic buildings
and neighborhoods.
Goal 4: Provide the technical assistance necessary to preserve and improve historic
properties.
Goal 5: Heighten public awareness of historic preservation in the community and improve
preservation education efforts for various audiences.
Goal 6: Maintain and strengthen preservation partnerships between municipal
government, state government, and federal agencies.
Goal 7: Maintain and strengthen private support for historic preservation from
individuals, not-for-profit preservation groups, neighborhood organizations, and
downtown interests.
Goal 8: Establish and support heritage tourism efforts appropriate to Iowa City's historic
resources and community needs.
Goal 9: Conduct regular review and evaluation of historic preservation initiatives by the
historic preservation community.
Ibid.
16
Goal 10: Adopt strategies to conserve historic neighborhoods which reflect their organic
development, historical roles and traditions, modern needs, and economic health
and stability.
C. Progress on 1992 Goals and Objectives
The first step in completing the current update of the 1992 Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan
(Plan) was to compile a record of the progress made during the past 15 years. This review shows
that nearly every goal and most objectives set in 1992 have seen achievement. A chronological
overview of the historic preservation movement in Iowa City from 1957 through mid-2006
appears in Appendix A. A summary of preservation activities, successes, and shortfalls during the
past 15 years for each of the ten goals and related objectives follows.
Five objectives were established for completing work under this goal. Historic resources include
buildings, structures, sites, districts, and objects which reflect the city's cultural, social, economic,
political, and architectural history. Individual historic resources or districts are generally a
minimum of fifty years old. The criteria used to identify and evaluate significance for historic
resources are those of the National Register of Historic Places administered by the National Park
Service and the State Historical Society of Iowa.
The 1992 Plan included completion of a comprehensive overview of the city's historic resources
designed to help the Historic Preservation Commission and individual property owners
identify and evaluate historic resources. This overview document was prepared using the format
established by the National Register program known as the "Multiple Property Documentation
(MPD) Form:' The overview document was titled "Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa"
and covered the years 1839 to 1940. The document was organized into five themes or "historic
contexts" including:
• "Territorial and Early Statehood Era Buildings, 1839-1857"
• "Railroad Era Buildings, 1856-1900"
• "Town and Gown Era, 1900-1940"
• "The Development of the University of Iowa, 1855-1940"
• "Iowa City Neighborhoods: Town and Country, 1840-1940"
The Historic Resources of Iowa City MPD was approved for National Register listing in 1994 and
continues to provide a framework for the nomination of individual historic resources and historic
district nominations. A complete list of National Register properties, including ten individual
resources and eight historic districts added between 1992 and 2005, appears in Appendix B.
Several updates of the Iowa City MPD itself were also completed and listed in the National
Register following intensive level survey work in several neighborhoods. They include:
• "The Small Homes of Howard F. Moffitt in Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa,
1924-1943" (completed by Tallgrass Historians, 1992)-listed on National
Register 5/4/1993
~~
"Architectural and Historic Resources of the Longfellow Neighborhood Area,
ca. 1860-ca. 1946" (completed by Molly Nauman, Phase I-1996 & Phase II
-1998)- listed on National Register 9/12/2002
"Architectural and Historical Resources of Original Town Plat
Neighborhood-Phase II, 1845-1945" (completed by Svendsen Tyler, 1999)-
listed on National Register 5/11/2000
"Melrose Neighborhood Survey" (sponsored by the Melrose Neighborhood
Association and completed by Svendsen Tyler, 2004)-Melrose Historic
District listed on National Register 12/6/2004
Other neighborhood surveys produced MPDs that have not been listed. The decision not to
proceed with listing of an MPD was generally made because the National Register program
requires that either an individual resource or a historic district must accompany an MPD
nomination for the MPD to be reviewed. The cases below did not include such nominations and,
as a result, the MPDs were not formally reviewed:
• "Historic and Architectural Resources in College Hill, 1839-1944" (completed
by Tallgrass Historians, 1994)
• "Architectural and Historical Resources of the Dubuque/Linn Street Corridor,
1839-ca.1940" (completed by Molly Nauman, 1996)
• "Historic Folk Housing of Iowa City, 1839-ca.1910 MPDs' prepared as part
of the Survey of a Portion of the Original Town Plat of Iowa City-Phase I
(completed by Tallgrass Historians, 1997)
• "Architectural and Historical Resources of Goosetown Neighborhood-Phase
III, 1855-1945 MPD" (completed by Svendsen Tyler, 2000)
• "Architectural and Historical Resources of Iowa City Central Business District,
1855-1950" (completed by Svendsen Tyler, 2001)
The National Register nominations completed between 1992 and 2005 represented a significant
body of survey and evaluation work handled by the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
together with several privately funded individual nominations and one historic district. This
research constituted major progress towards Goal 1 of the 1992 Plan.
At the local level, many of the National Register listings were protected by the City's Zoning
Code as local Historic and Conservation Districts. Provisions for designating historic districts
existed since the Historic Preservation Ordinance was drafted but provisions for designating
conservation districts and landmarks were not added until 1995. A total of 37 landmarks, six
historic districts and four conservation districts were designated between 1996 and 2005.
Since 1992, no systematic identification of archeological resources within Iowa City's corporate
limits has been undertaken by the Commission. Instead, limited work has been done as part
of Section 106 compliance projects such as the investigation of the 1838-era Napoleon town
site in present day Napoleon Park completed during the late 1990s. Adoption of the Sensitive
Areas Ordinance in ca. 1996 attempted to promote greater coordination of information about
previously identified archeological resources in areas subject to new development. However, no
is
archeological sites have been nominated to the National Register or have been designated as local
landmarks or districts between 1992 and 2005. This maybe due to no significant sites having been
found in developing areas.
Integration of historic preservation
into public policy involves the
adoption of various planning
objectives and practices which make
retention of, and investment in,
historic resources the rule rather
than the exception. Five objectives
were laid out in the 1992 plan
for accomplishing this goal, and
major progress has been made in
achieving these objectives. Since
1992, the City's comprehensive
planning process has integrated
preservation objectives into each A.W. Pratt House, a local landmark and a National Register property,
of the neighborhood plans prepared located at so3 Melrose Avenue.
by Urban Planning staff. In addition the City has sought to strengthen regulatory provisions
to protect and preserve historic resources. These measures have included: extension of the
designation and design review process to both landmarks and conservation districts, addition of
an economic hardship provision in the ordinance, and establishment of a demolition by neglect
provision. Major steps have also been taken in improving the design review process, including
establishment of design review guidelines for historic and conservation districts in specific
neighborhoods. Measures not yet enacted include more meaningful penalties for ordinance
violators.
Improvements in the capacity and effectiveness of the Historic Preservation Commission
related to planning, communication, operations, training, and staffing constituted a major set of
recommendations. Accomplishments included the publication of an annual report for the HPC;
holding work plan sessions on a nearly annual basis; improving the quality of the agenda and
support materials circulated to the HPC; and increasing of staffing for the HPC from aquarter-
time to a half-time staff person in 2001. Areas where plan objectives have been less successful
include: regular communication with the City Council and other boards and commissions;
improved operations of HPC meetings; commissioner recruitment; and improved orientation and
training for HPC members.
The development of economic incentives by private sources and units of government was
identified as a strategy for preserving historic resources in the 1992 plan. Only minimal progress
19
on the five objectives has been made. The
State of Iowa's incentive programs for historic
tax credits and property tax abatement have
had few projects undertaken in Iowa City.
An effort to establish aspecial-taxing district
for the downtown to finance area-wide
improvements, which could have included
enhancement of its historic character, failed
when first attempted in 2005.
No progress has been achieved in having
private lenders, for instance, act independently
or in cooperation with not-for-profit
organizations or units of government to
provide essential financial resources, even if
only as seed money, for financing pools or
revolving loan funds to encourage historic
451 Rundell Street; moved from rehabilitations. The program established
203 Bowery Street. in 1994 by Friends was the only source of
small grants designed to encourage historic rehabilitation efforts. Efforts by the City to work
with property owners and Friends in the moving of historic buildings had limited success when
a threatened house was moved from 703 Bowery Street to 451 Rundell Street in 1992. Another
house move attempt in 2006 was halted when the April tornado destroyed the building before it
had a chance to be moved.
Amore recent example of a successful program that could serve as a model for future programs
occurred during the summer of 2006. In the wake of the April tornado that damaged a number
of historic districts and individual historic buildings, members of the Historic Preservation
Commission and City Staffworkedwith Friends of Historic Preservation to secure a special
appropriation from the State of Iowa to fund damage not covered by insurance claims. The
funding was handled through the Historic Resource Development Program administered by
the State Historical Society of Iowa. Friends assisted grant applicants and provided professional
design assistance. The program brought $250,000 of funding to the recovery process. Though
such an appropriation would not likely be triggered again without an emergency situation, the
coordinated effort demonstrates the capacity of the public and private groups involved to advance
a common agenda in an efficient and effective manner.
20
Technical assistance refers to providing information to property owners and the public in general
for rehabilitation, reconstruction, restoration, stabilization and documentation of historic
resources. In 1992 when the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan was adopted, the emphasis for
providing technical assistance was on individual counseling, training programs, and publications.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, efforts to provide technical assistance ranged from the
continued operation of the Salvage Barn and accompanying training programs by the Friends of
Historic Preservation to the establishment of a website for the Historic Preservation Commission.
Guest speakers on various historic rehabilitation subjects were sponsored by both Friends and the
HPC. Provision of individual counseling was offered by the City through its historic preservation
staff members. As design review cases increased during the 1990s and early 2000s, counseling
opportunities also increased.
No staffed outreach programs were established by the City or any private group to provide
design assistance to owners of historic buildings including those in the downtown or individual
residential neighborhoods. Most design assistance occurred through the design review process
handled through the HPC. Preservation workshop sessions for homeowners, commercial
property owners, or contractors were not established as a priority with only a handful of such
sessions offered. The Who to Book, a guide to skilled historic rehabilitation designers and
contractors, was transferred to the Friends website. The most significant technical assistance
accomplishment of the past decade was the establishment of the Salvage Barn by Friends of
Historic Preservation. Weekly operation of the Barn has provided opportunities for people to
not only browse changing salvage inventory but to discuss restoration projects with one another
gaining valuable hands-on technical assistance. The Salvage Barn has also played a regional role in
stimulating restoration and salvage projects in nearby communities.
Salvage Barn
The five objectives for historic
preservation education in Iowa
City focused on expanding
general awareness of preservation
issues through development of
education campaigns using the
media, special publications, events,
and other communication tools.
Emphasis was put on establishing
private leadership and support
for preservation projects through
not-for-profit preservation groups,
neighborhood organizations, and
groups representing downtown.
Since 1992 programs such as the Historic Preservation Awards co-sponsored by the Commission
and Friends have made annual awards to more than 250 exemplary preservation projects. Other
programs such as the Irving Weber Day(s) celebration coordinated by the Iowa City Public
Library have heightened interest in local history. Walking tours and neighborhood house tours
have been offered as special fundraising events but to date, none have been established as regular
21
or annual events. General awareness of preservation publications once the purview of local book
stores and public library collections, has now been expanded by outreach offered through the
Friends website that contains links to other good on-line preservation information sources.
Iowa City has maintained active partnerships at the state level in the Certified Local Government
Program. Since 1992 it has taken a leadership role in the establishment of an annual work plan.
Surveys of historic neighborhoods have identified areas eligible for National Register listing.
Nominations undertaken by the HPC and private individuals have resulted in the successful
listing of hundreds of buildings including 10 individual resources and eight historic districts
between 1992 and 2005:3
• Rose Hill, 1415 E. Davenport St., 4/28/1992
• Muscatine Avenue Moffitt Cottage Historic District, 1322-1330 Muscatine
Ave., 5/4/1993
• Schindhelm-brews House, 410 N. Lucas St., 1/28/1994
• Brown Street Historic District, roughly Brown St. from west of Linn St. to
Governor St. and adjacent parts of intersecting streets, 9/23/1994-HPC
sponsor
• Cannon, Wilbur D. and Hattie, House, 320 Melrose Ave., 10/7/1994
• St. Mary's Rectory, 610 E. Jefferson St., 7/7/1995
• Bostick, William, House, 115 N. Gilbert St., 3/28/1996
• Clark House, 829 Kirkwood Ave., 5/16/1996
• College Green Historic District, roughly bounded by Burlington, Summit,
Washington, and Van Buren Sts., 7/9/1997-HPC sponsor
• East College Street Historic District, roughly bounded by Muscatine Ave.,
Summit, Washington, and Burlington Sts., 7/9/1997-HPC sponsor
• Emma J. Harvat and Mary E. Stach House, 332 E. Davenport St., 5/11/2000
-HPC sponsor
• Bethel AME Church, 411 S. Governor St., 9/27/2000
• Ned Ashton House, 820 Park Rd., 1/26/2001
• Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., 8/30/2001
• Longfellow Historic District, roughly bounded by Court, Rundell, Sheridan,
and west boundary of Longfellow School, 9/12/2002-HPC sponsor
• Brown Street Historic District (boundary increase), 500-800 blocks of E.
Ronalds St., 9/29/2004-HPC sponsor
• Jefferson Street Historic District, Portions of 100-400 blocks of E. Jefferson St.,
9/29/2004-HPC sponsor
• Melrose Historic District, Portions of Melrose Ave., Melrose Ct., Melrose
Circle, Brookland Park Dr., Brookland Place, and Myrtle Ave., 12/6/2004
• Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, Portions of 300-600 blocks of N. Gilbert
and N. Linn Sts., 4/21/2005-HPC sponsor
3Nominations sponsored by the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission listed as "HPC sponsor."
22
Participation by members of the
Commission in statewide CLG
training sessions has been sporadic
with increased attendance by the
chairperson in recent years at both
Main Street and CLG conferences.
The HPC, with the support of staff,
has continued to have a good track
record in applying for, receiving,
and completing both CLG grants
and Historic Resource Development
Program grants (ten separate projects
since 1992).
r;xampleS of other government The Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington Street
partnerships include work carried
out on Section 106 cases where environmental review involved historic resources for projects
involving federal funding. Iowa City's new waterworks included an agreement to invest in
mothballing the Montgomery-Butler House and to complete a feasibility study for reuse of the
building while work on a sewer project in the vicinity of Napoleon Park involved completion
of archeological work at the 1838-era town site and prehistoric village. Both projects involved
sections of municipal government not regularly involved with historic resources and the Section
106 process. In the early 1990s, the HPC was involved with many design reviews of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) rehabilitation projects. In more recent years, these have
diminished significantly. Attempts to achieve a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department
of Housing and Urban Development and the State Historical Society of Iowa have not progressed
to completion. In other instances, the City has played a significant role in preservation initiatives.
One involved the investment of over $250,000 in the restoration of the Englert Theatre and a
second saw the cooperation of the City with Friends to allow a condemned house in the 900 block
of Washington Street to be rehabilitated and returned to the active housing market. A third saw
the City support the establishment the Old Capitol Cultural and Entertainment District.
The University of Iowa's history has paralleled the development of the community, and since the
middle of the nineteenth century, the University has been the largest single factor to shape Iowa
City's economy, social fabric, and nearby built environment. Because of the strong separation
between the state-empowered activities of the University and the municipality, little shared
historic preservation planning has occurred between the City and the University before or since
adoption of the 1992 Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan. Nevertheless, progress on several of the
six objectives related to the University of Iowa has been achieved since 1992.
Though no inventory of historic resources owned by the University has been conducted, efforts
have been made to retain and reuse several historic resources. Examples include the rehabilitation
23
Built in 1916, this building was originally used for the SUIlsola-
tion Hospital. After the construction of the new hospital complex
in 1928 it became the Music Building, and in 1972 was converted
into art studios. The building is located at 325 E. Je~erson Street.
Photo date: c. 1918.
and adaptive reuse of the former Hall
of Anatomy as the Biological Sciences
Library, in 2000, and the historic
rehabilitation of the Medical Laboratory
Building (Zoology Building/Old Biology
Building), in 2001. Both buildings were
subsequently listed on the National
Register as part of the Jefferson Street
Historic District in 2004. The most
significant historic rehabilitation project
completed by the University in recent
years was the 2003 restoration of Old
Capitol's dome and related fire damage.
Other efforts include the historic
rehabilitation of the Shambaugh House,
completed in 1996, and the building's
relocation to a nearby property several
years later.
Efforts to secure support from the University in solving neighborhood problems and addressing
preservation issues in areas surrounding its campus have had mixed success. The University
took a positive position on historic preservation when approached by residents in the Northside
Neighborhood to support local designation of the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. The
project was supported by the Office of the President. The University made no objections when
several properties held by the University were included in the Jefferson Street Historic District but
did express concern when the Melrose Historic District was nominated.
Inclusion of historic preservation as a guiding principle in the University of Iowa Campus Master
Plan in 2006 (available online at: http://masterplan.facilities.uiowa.edu/Dots/University
IowaCampusMasterPlan.pdf; accessed 12/2006) was an important step for the University.
The plan acknowledged the importance of key features such as Old Capitol while extending
a philosophy of preservation to the entire Pentacrest and other heritage resources (National
Register-listed) on the University campus. Language in Section 4.5.3 identifies the following
principle related to campus form and character: "Protect the campus' historic landscape and
architectural resources that positively contribute to its unique identity. Recognize and protect
the Pentacrest as the most significant character-defining feature of the campus plan:' The
announcement in late 2006 of preservation plans for the former Isolation Hospital Building in
the Jefferson Street Historic District is an example of how the master plan's historic preservation
principle can have a positive impact on University policy.
24
;, ~ ~-~, -~iys_ ~~, The development of a heritage tourism initiative integrating historic
~~.-~ ~~~ ,~, ~ .~:~ ~ preservation into the community goals of tourism and economic
:~ ~ ~ development has seen steady progress since 1992 on most of the six
~ ~- ~ ~,~~ objectives identified. Promotion of authentic and quality heritage
~~,
"~ offerings for local residents and visitors has tended to focus on
„~ ' "` ~ resources associated with the University such as Old Capitol or operated
~"~~ ~.`~ by the Johnson County Historical Society such as the Coralville School
~' and Plum Grove. Developing visitor experiences in the growing number
of historic districts through special events, walking tours, and signage
programs is having success. Historic signage and walking tour programs
include the effort completed in the Longfellow Historic District and
The House America the signage project planned for the Melrose Historic District. The
was waiting for; Longfellow neighborhood walking tour is posted on the City website.
Longfellow xistoric Marker The establishment of the Irving Weber Days annual celebration
on Clark Street has offered an opportunity to focus on local history topics though
not necessarily historic preservation topics. One of the goals of the
establishment of the Old Capitol Cultural and Entertainment District has been to foster tourism
and creation of a historic downtown walking tour is nearing completion.
Following adoption of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan in 1992, the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission conducted annual reviews of the plan's ten basic goals and the work
plan to achieve them. The results were reported each year in progress reports submitted for
Iowa's Certified Local Government program. This annual review process has helped the HPC
achieve steady progress. It has also helped make Iowa City one of the most successful state grant
recipients. As predicted, these regular evaluations have had the effect of making the plan into an
ongoing process.
When the 1992 plan was prepared, one of Iowa City's strengths was identified as the variety
and health of its older residential and commercial neighborhoods. The importance of adopting
strategies that value neighborhood differences was stressed in the nearly 60 recommendations
made for the twelve distinct neighborhoods identified in the 1992 plan. As the plan said, "what
maybe good for one neighborhood may not be wholly appropriate for another:' Since adoption
of the plan, most neighborhoods have achieved 50 to 75 percent of the historic preservation
objectives initially identified. Several neighborhoods have seen little or no progress in the specific
25
objectives but have still experienced a heightened sense of their historic value and the importance
of historic preservation. The chart that appears on the following page summarizes approximate
progress on 1992 Historic Preservation Plan objectives by neighborhood.
D. Summary of Progress
A review of local historic preservation activities shows progress in both the public and private
sectors during the past 15 years. Primary success has been achieved in the identification and
protection of historic resources on both the national and local levels. The history of Iowa City
revealed in its buildings and neighborhoods has been documented, many more historic building
owners appreciate the value of the properties, and historic preservation is now part of the ongoing
agenda of strategies for community improvement. A table appears on the following page that
depicts the estimated progress in various neighborhoods since adoption of the 1992 Plan.
Estimated Progress on 1992 Iowa City
Historic Preservation Neighborhood Strategies Objectives
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Downtown
Dubuque St. Corridor
North Side
Goosetown
Woodlawn
College Hill
Summit Street
Longfellow
Lucas Farms (Kirkwood)
South Side
West Side (Melrose)
Manville Heights
^ Progress on 1992
Plan Objectives
26
111. Public Opinions and Perceptions of Historic Preservation
A. Opinions Sought
A second step in completing the update of the 1992 plan involved assessing public attitudes
and concerns. This was done in several settings by soliciting opinions about progress made and
work yet to be completed. Four public meetings were held in April and June 2006 and a fifth
one was held in January 2007. The first two meetings were held just one week after the April
tornado struck in Iowa City and as a result the tone of the meetings reflected concerns arising
due to storm damage. The other three forums were held for the North Side and Goosetown
neighborhoods, the Manville Heights and Melrose neighborhoods, and the Downtown (two
meetings). Approximately 40 residents attended each of the first three meetings with less than
a dozen at each of the Downtown sessions. The sessions included a presentation by Marlys
Svendsen, lead consultant for the project, summarizing the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan.
Participants were asked to offer their opinions regarding successes and short-comings of the 1992
plan's goals and objectives. They were also encouraged to share concerns to be addressed in the
plan update. Comments received at the five sessions are summarized in Appendix C.
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 Svendsen during three days of interviews in late June. Svendsen
conducted additional interviews in January, March, and April 2006 and January 2007. Interviews
were held with representatives of the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning and
Zoning Commission; City planning, housing, economic development, and legal staff; and the
City manager and two City Council members. Both proponents and opponents of preservation
from the community were interviewed including representatives of Friends, neighborhood
organizations, the University, realtors, developers, bankers, Downtown retailers and Downtown
Association organizers, contractors, and architects.
B. Summary of Public Input
During the course of conducting interviews, subjects were encouraged to be frank and specific
knowing that their remarks might be shared during the report process but not attributed.
This information along with comments received during public forums became important in
ascertaining how the current preservation effort in the community is working. Is the work of
the Historic Preservation Commission effective and well-targeted? Are other parts of municipal
government fulfilling their historic preservation obligations? Is the community as a whole behind
the stated historic preservation goals of Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan? Are their additional
public and private preservation efforts needed in Iowa City?
The overall assessment of the consultants is that Iowa City's historic preservation effort is a
broad-based, community-supported undertaking. It has progressed considerably during the past
15 years involving many more residents and property owners while garnering the support of
decision makers in many levels of government. Comments made during the public meetings and
interview process generally fell under eight broad categories listed on the following pages.
27
1. Operation, Staffing, Efficiency, and Effectiveness of the Historic Preservation Commission
From the onset of the Historic Preservation Plan update project, it was understood that
considerable effort should be spent on evaluating the work of the Historic Preservation
Commission and means for improving it. As a result, many of the questions in the interviews
conducted by the consultants focused on the HPC's general operation, its staffing, its
efficiency, and its effectiveness.
2. The relationship between the City Council and the Historic Preservation Commission
Maintaining a good working relationship between elected and appointed officials is a goal
for good government. Several good suggestions were offered to help the HPC and the City
Council establish a better working relationship.
3. Historic District and Conservation District Issues
The interview process was an important tool used to solicit opinions about the operation of
historic districts and conservation districts and their success as a means of protecting Iowa
City's historic resources.
4. Improving the Design Review Process
Viewpoints offered regarding the success of the design review process since it was established
nearly 20 years ago depended on a number of factors including whether a person owned a
property within a regulated district and had direct experience with the process. In 2006, there
are more than 1,100 properties for which certain construction work is regulated. Design
review cases comprise a substantial share of the work load for the HPC and the half-time
staff person responsible for handling inquiries for certificates of appropriateness, formal
applications, HPC agendas, and compliance issues.
5. Downtown Preservation and Improvement
Opinions about Iowa City's central business district were sought from all individuals
interviewed regardless of whether or not they were downtown stakeholders. Good insight was
provided by a wide range of people interviewed.
6. Historic Preservation Incentives
As historic preservation efforts have become more sophisticated in recent years, the concept
of incentives has grown to include not only traditional financial programs but also regulatory
incentives. Comments received during the interview process included suggestions for both
financial incentives originating in the private and non-profit sector and regulatory incentives
from local government.
28
7. Historic Preservation and the University of Iowa
Most of the comments received regarding preservation and the University related to issues
on the edges of the campus or the University's impact in the community as a whole. Few were
received about the need for preservation on-campus.
8. Historic Preservation Advocacy and Education
Throughout the interview process, many people volunteered general observations about
attitudes in the community towards historic preservation and its proponents. The overall
success of historic preservation in the community was acknowledged by most people
interviewed.
Summary: Appendix D contains an example of the general format used for interview
questions along with both a summary and list of specific responses organized by general
topic. A list of individuals interviewed is provided at the end of Appendix D. Many of the
comments received and summarized in Appendix D form the basis for recommendations
that appear elsewhere in this plan.
29
1V. Updated Goals and Objectives for the Historic Preservation
Plan 2007
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 of progress
while minimal or ineffective communication has characterized preservation missteps or failures.
The common theme incorporated into the recommendations that follow 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
communication with historic property owners, good communication will be key to advancing the
comprehensive preservation agenda and strategies recommended below.4
Objective 1: Continue to research and evaluate historic resources through the systematic
and prioritized completion of neighborhood and thematic-based historical and
architectural surveys.
Following adoption of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan, the HPC assumed
the leadership role for completing comprehensive studies of Iowa City's built
environment by carrying out historical and architectural surveys based on the
National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places survey model. Work
began in 1992 with preparation of a Multiple Property Documentation (MPD)
form titled "Iowa City Historic Resources" to serve as a broad outline for future
survey and nomination work.
Since 1992 the HPC has undertaken an orderly process for completing nearly a
dozen neighborhood-based surveys. That process has included securing Certified
Local Government grants and Historic Resource Development Program grants
through the State Historical Society of Iowa that were matched by City resources
including both cash and in-kind labor. The HPC systematically worked its way
through a prioritized list of neighborhood survey projects established in the
plan's work program completing approximately 75 percent of the proposed survey
areas by 2005. In most cases, intensive level surveys were undertaken by historic
preservation professionals with Iowa Site Inventory Forms completed for all
properties within proscribed blocks. An exception was a section of the College
Hill Neighborhood, where work was carried out directly by the HPC under the
direction of a professionally experienced member of the HPC.
4To maintain continuity with the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan, recommendations are presented
according to the original ten goals adopted. Where appropriate, the language of the goals and the accompanying
objectives has been changed or expanded. In several cases emphasis has been shifted to account for completed tasks
and newly identified needs or opportunities. In other cases, entirely new initiatives are incorporated as additional
objectives. A major change is the expansion and refinement of the neighborhoods designated for study and
preservation. Underlining is used to emphasize new or expanded recommendations throughout IV. Updated Goals
and Objectives.
31
The "Iowa City Historic Resources" MPD was approved in 1994 for listing in the
National Register and subsequent amendments to the MPD have been completed
in the years since as a part of the completion of survey work. To continue an
organized approach, it is recommended that the broad outline contained in "Iowa
City Historic Resources" MPD be updated (see Appendix E) through the addition
of historic contexts and an extended time period through ca. 1960. Future
decisions for what districts to study and to regulate as well as special protection
needed for the more recent past flow from this important appendix. The priorities
set for neighborhood survey work are listed in the Neighborhood Strategies
Summary table under Goal 10 below.
Objective 2: Enlist the financial and volunteer support of private sponsors to undertake survey
work.
The ongoing leadership responsibility for this task rests with the HPC but
emphasis should be put on enlisting private sponsors and volunteers to carryout
survey work when neighborhood support is available. Successful examples for such
efforts in the past 15 years include sponsorship and funding of National Register
of Historic Places nominations by Friends for properties such as the African
Methodist Episcopal Church or the Emma Harvat House and the historical and
architectural survey work completed by the Melrose Neighborhood Association
to which Friends also contributed. In the latter project, the use of local volunteers
allowed survey work to proceed at a faster pace when neighborhood residents
handled historical research for 85 properties. Such an effort also provided training
for neighborhood residents, giving them the skills to complete future research
tasks on their own. Private efforts such as those sponsored by Friends and the
Melrose Neighborhood Association demonstrate a growing support for historic
preservation activities in the community.
Objective 3: Set designation priorities for historic districts and landmarks that emphasize the
most important or threatened resources first.
Use of a neighborhood-based historical and architectural survey effort to identify
and prioritize eligible historic districts and landmarks continues to make the
most sense in Iowa City. However, it is recommended that future efforts use both
reconnaissance and intensive level survey formats in order to complete work more
efficiently and with reg ater speed. Such an effort would mean first completing
a reconnaissance level survey to focus energy and funding on historic districts
and scattered properties that are individually eligible for the National Register
of Historic Places. Once National Register eligibility has been established, local
designation efforts should proceed.
32
Objective 4: Extend the period for neighborhoods to study through ca. 1960.
The federally-supported Certified Local Government Program that Iowa City
participates in requires that the historical and architectural survey process
focus evaluation efforts on historic resources and neighborhoods that are at
least 50 years old. When the Historic Preservation Plan was completed in 1992
its recommendations focused on historic resources built between Iowa City's
founding in 1839 through the 1930s. With the passing of time, the 50-year
cut-off period for research efforts has moved forward to include buildings and
neighborhoods built after World War II. It is now recommended that the list of
neighborhoods to study be expanded to include historic resources from the 1930s
through ca. 1960. The progress, priorities, and period of significance of the historic
resources and neighborhoods to survey should be re-assessed after five to seven
years.
A new work plan for survey efforts is incorporated into the Neighborhood
Strategies Summary Table on page 109. It tracks progress on the survey plan laid
out in 1992 through 2005 as well as suggesting a priority for future neighborhood
and thematic-based survey efforts. This new priority for surveys should be used to
guide future grant writing and volunteer recruitment.
Objective 5: Continue to nominate individual properties and historic districts to the National
Register of Historic Places. When appropriate, pursue local designation as
landmarks and historic districts for National Register properties.
The best means for identifying the historical and architectural significance of
properties is to list them on the National Register of Historic Places. The National
Register acknowledges historic resources including buildings, structures, sites,
objects, and districts that are significant in the fields of history, architecture, and
archaeology. Since 1992, Iowa City has had 10 individual resources and eight
historic districts listed on the National Register. Many other resources have been
identified as eligible for listing but the research and documentation has not been
completed.
Listing on the National Register is often the first step in heightening public
awareness about a property or neighborhood. The same criteria are used to
establish the eligibility of a property for local designation and protection. Since
1996, the Iowa City HPC has successfully pursued a strategy of nominating
National Register listed individual properties as local landmarks. Currently, this
strategy has resulted in the designation of 36 National Register listed properties for
local landmark protection. In the case of several properties including the
A.W. Pratt House at 503 Melrose Avenue and the College Block Building at 125
E. College Street, local landmark designation has been key to their long-term
preservation. The strategy of coupling landmark designation to National Register
33
Objective 6: Nominate properties of national
level significance as National
Historic Landmarks.
This new objective focuses
attention on historic resources
with national level significance
and high levels of integrity.
Old Capitol is a well-known
National Historic Landmark that
demonstrates both national level
significance and a high level of
physical integrity. Other examples
likely include Plum Grove at 1030
Carroll Avenue, the residence of
Iowa's first territorial governor;
the Iowa Hydraulics Laboratory/
Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research on the campus of the University; the Oakes-
Wood House at 1142 E. Court Street, the residence of Grant Wood while he
resided in Iowa City; and a property associated with the life and career of Dr.
James Van Allen, internationally renowned astronomer and physicist.
A strategy for evaluating and promoting NHL designations would be to work
with potential co-sponsors for NHL eligible properties such as the University or
private owners, the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the National Park Service's
Midwest Regional Office, Cultural Resources Division in Omaha. An appreciation
of the presence of national level resources will give Iowa Citians a heightened sense
of the importance of such resources for the entire country.
As with the 1992 preservation plan, the updated 2007 Historic Preservation Plan
should be incorporated into the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. Those involved
in the updated plan at neighborhood sessions and interviews should be invited to
participate in the adoption process.
Objective 2: Most of the specific recommendations made in 1992 to amend the City's historic
preservation ordinance have been completed. These included successfully
establishing individual landmark designation, conservation district designation,
a certificate of economic hardship provision, and demolition prevention powers
for the HPC. Following discussions with City staff, community interviews,
34
Oakes-Wood House, 1142 E. Court St., residence of Grant
Wood while he resided in Iowa City.
Objective 1: Incorporate an updated 2007 Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan into the Iowa
City Comprehensive Plan.
and an examination of the Iowa City Zoning Code, consultants from Clarion
Associates prepared a review of the historic preservation ordinance to identify
potential future updates to the ordinance. Comparisons with historic preservation
ordinances from comparable cities and national best-practices were also made.
A full discussion of Clarion Associates' historic preservation ordinance review is
included in section II of Appendix F. The most important recommendations are
called out as new objectives beginning with Objective 7 below.
Objective 3: Evaluate the need for zoning changes in historic and conservation districts as a
neighborhood stabilization measure.
Designation of a neighborhood as a historic or conservation district is not
intended to satisfy all of the stabilization needs of a neighborhood. Evaluation of
the applicability of the underlying zoning designation should be undertaken as a
parallel activity. An example of how this was undertaken successfully took place
in a portion of the Longfellow Neighborhood in 2000 when down-zoning was
considered for Governor and Lucas Streets south of Burlington. Continuation of
the existing multifamily residential zoning designation was reviewed to determine
if it was encouraging the demolition of older residences and construction of
new apartment buildings, and if so, whether the results were greater density and
parking congestion that were incompatible with a stable neighborhood. Following
completion of the down-zoning by the P&Z Commission, the area was evaluated
to determine if the neighborhood qualified as a historic or conservation district.
In 2001 the Governor-Lucas Conservation District was enacted. Together the
land-use changes and design review requirements of the down-zoning and the
conservation district designation have served as compatible neighborhood
stabilization strategies.
Efforts should be made to make it understood that land use change involves a
separate and distinct set of issues to be evaluated by the P&Z Commission and that
design review issues are carried out by the HPC based on historic or conservation
district designation based on an evaluation of neighborhood character and the
application of design review standards. The HPCs' work does not involve non-
visual issues such as property usage, density, parking requirements, etc. so long as
these issues do not affect the appearance of a building covered by design review.
The coupling of discussions involvin zg oning than eg_by the P&Z Commission
and decisions re ag rding historic or conservation district designation by the HPC
body.
Objective 4: Revise Building Code requirements for historic districts.
In 1992, this objective related to the need to establish more flexible building code
provisions for buildings located in historic districts. Limited progress has been
35
made on this objective. The capacity of Housing and Inspections Services staff to
identify buildings in historic districts and conservation districts that require design
review has improved, however, despite the fact that more than 1,100 buildings
now included. In light of the newly adopted International Existing Building Code
and the State of Iowa's Historic Building Code, opportunities now exist for using
building codes more suited to historic resources to guide their improvement. It is
recommended that the International Existing Building Code and the State's Historic
Building Code be adopted to provide for safe structures, preserve historic features,
and assure the highest economic impact from reusin eg xisting historic buildings.
Objective 5: Amend portions of the Iowa City Zoning Code relating to Conservation District
Overlay Zones to emphasize differences from historic districts by:
a) Clarifying goals for these areas based on additional community input and
incorporating these goals into a revised purpose statement for conservation
districts;
b) Reinforcing the distinction between historic and conservation districts with a
focus on issues related to mass, scale, and general compatibility in reviews of
conservation district properties; and
c) Requiring periodic resurveys of conservation districts (every five to ten
years) to determine if areas may have improved to the point that historic
district designation maybe appropriate or buildings may have changed their
designations as contributing and noncontributing. Such resurveys could also
be used to reassess appropriate boundaries.
Objective 6: Improve enforcement of the Historic Preservation Ordinance by establishing_
remedies for noncompliance, maintenance, and demolition by neglect standards,
and administration changes.
a) Strengthen remedies for noncompliance -fines, injunctive relief and
compliance orders, forcing reconstruction, and loss of further entitlement.
b) Use provisions of the International Building Code to promote maintenance
and upkeep of historic properties.
c) Consider administrative changes to improve enforcement of historic
preservation design review including: working closer with Housing and
Inspection Services and the City Attorney's Office to establish procedures
that ensure uniform and efficient enforcement of the preservation ordinance;
establishing a designated staff person within HIS to handle preservation
enforcement issues in order to ensure that alterations are carried out in
conformance with the HPC approval; and reviewing the "Definitions" section
in the Historic Preservation Ordinance to make sure language is concise
36
and not open to court interpretation. For example, prior to regulation of
commercially used properties, a review should be completed to determine all
of the elements subject to, or excluded from, design review (e.g. signs, awnings,
decorative lighting, etc).
Objective 7: Make changes in the design review process to improve efficiency and add
predictability Some recommended changes in the design review process are based
on the lessons learned in the post-April 2006 tornado period.
a) HPC should give reasons (or "findings of fact") for its decisions on applications
for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
b) Continue to use a tiered system ("Major;' Intermediate" and "Minor" reviews)
for completing design review in conservation districts but more clearly define
what types of alterations fall within each category.
c) Use "Minor" and "Intermediate" reviews in conservation districts for standards
more tailored to the key issues related to those districts rather than the more
detailed standards of historic districts.
d) Allow the tiered system of review to be used for minor and intermediate
level reviews in historic districts by delegating administrative authority to
professional staff with concurrence of the HPC chairperson. Operate this
system in the same manner that the Certificate of No Material Effect is handled
in order to speed the design review process and reduce design review agenda
size. If a measure cannot be approved administratively, an application should
be automatically forwarded to the full HPC. In other words, do not give staff/
chairperson power to disapprove.
e) Delegate to staff the ability to grant minor modifications to certain standards
in order to streamline ordinance administration. To do this, a more specific
authorization for modifications based on historic status should be established.
Staff decisions should be subject to appeal to the HPC. As a part of this step,
regular staff reports should be prepared for the HPC by staff based on a menu
of basic, pre-approved items (i.e., hand railings, doors, foundation treatments,
siding options that are pre-approved if a set of conditions are met.).
f) Maintain clear design review standards that result in predictable decisions by
staff and the HPC and that limit administrative discretion.
g) Modify the design guidelines sections of the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Handbook (Sections 4.0 through 7.0) by either removing the distinction
between Disallowed and Not Recommended approaches, or by refining the
exceptions criteria in Section 3.2 of the design guidelines to better define when
the HPC may allow more flexibility in applying the guidelines.
37
h) In order to speed the processing of design review applications, stress the need
for complete answers to all questions including plans and drawings that clearly
show existing condition and proposed changes. Allow staff to determine if
applications are sufficient and reject incomplete applications.
i) In conservation districts, develop clear and specific standards that address
frequent design review issues. For example, what level of deterioration
determines whether windows should be replaced rather than repaired?
j) In order to improve design guidelines and process applications more
expeditiously, identify in advance the details on buildings that are the most
important to preserve. When surveys are done, identify these features on site
inventory forms and photos. Include evaluations of garages as contributing or
noncontributing resources on site forms for all properties.
k) Allow the HPC to give "conditional approval" by clearly stating conditions in
COA applications and delegating to staff the power to oversee implementation
of the conditions in order to speed the process.
1) Encourage cooperative arrangements with Friends to provide assistance to
owners in complying with design review process including sponsorship of
professional design assistance, joint workshops held by the HPC and Friends,
and promotion of use of the Salvage Barn materials where appropriate to solve
design review issues.
m) Establish a regular training program for the HPC including design review
orientation for new members and periodic refresher training for the entire
HPC.
Objective 8:
preservation procedures, standards, regulations, guidelines, incentives, definitions,
and noncompliance violations.
Objective 9: Revise design guidelines to better address key issues and presentation format.
a) Reexamine guidelines and/or recommendations for new construction; garages
and outbuildings, including garage doors; determining when materials are too
deteriorated to repair; and windows (should they be repaired or replaced).
b) Develop a design manual that includes illustrations or photographs of
appropriate designs for common building elements such as porch balustrades,
porch skirting, hand rails, garage doors, etc. Alterations consistent with those
pre-approved designs would potentially be eligible for administrative approval.
38
c) Eliminate inconsistencies between the historic preservation ordinance and
the Historic Preservation Handbook. Examples of inconsistencies include the
following: the Handbook does not reflect recent changes regarding multifamily
design standards and review procedures; the trigger for when a Certificate of
Appropriateness is required is described differently in the ordinance and the
Handbook; and the Handbook does not accurately describe setback averaging
as defined by the Zoning Code.
d) Consider alternative paving materials for establishing required parking areas
in conservation and historic districts. Comments at one of the public meetings
expressed concern about the impact of hardscape paving in rear yards. Though
this is not an element reviewed by the HPC, it is recommended that the City
consider the use of alternatives to impervious materials for parking spaces in
historic and conservation districts (examples of trademarked porous paving
materials include Grasscrete, Grasspave2, Geoblock, Grasroad Pavers8, Tuff
Track, Grassy Paver, Grass-Cel, and Checker Block).
e) Consider revisions to the design guidelines to allow more flexibility in using
alternative/substitute materials for common alteration projects such as door
and windows replacement based on specific criteria such as historic status of
the structure, properties of the substitute materials, etc.
Objective 10: Advocate changes in state enabling_legislation for historic preservation
commissions to allow communities greater flexibility in establishing the make-up
of their commission. When a number of commission appointment issues were
discussed with the State Historical Society staff, they were open to the idea of
changing HPC membership requirements in the Iowa Code. Consideration should
be given to changes that do the following:
a) Establish a fixed size for the HPC. Currently there are ten members on the
HPC with six representing districts and four serving as at-large appointees.
Should another historic district be established, the HPC would grow to eleven
appointees, etc. There is currently no limit on the potential commission
size. The commissioners serve rotating three-year terms. The flexible size
and shorter terms of the HPC differs from other commissions staffed by the
Planning and Community Development Department. The Planning and
Zoning Commission has seven members serving five-year terms and the Board
of Adjustment has five members each serving five-year terms. To provide
stability for the HPC, it is recommended that its size be established at a fixed
number that approximates the current size. Consideration should also be ig ven
to len thg ening the term of commissioners from three to four years.
b) Eliminate the representative basis for appointments currently in place for
a portion of the HPC's total membership. The Iowa Code requires that a
commissioner be appointed from each locally designated historic district. As
more historic districts are designated, the size of an HPC grows without regard
to the size of a district or the practicality of an HPC's size. Pursue amendment
of the State Code to provide more flexibility in the composition of the
Commission.
39
c) Strengthen technical expertise of commissioners appointed to the HPC. There
are currently minimal requirements in the Iowa Code for technical expertise
of historic preservation commission appointees.s Federal Certified Local
Government program requirements specify that at least two commissioners
be "preservation professionals"6 and suggests these should be an architect and
an architectural historian. To improve the design review efficiency of the HPC,
it is recommended that two or more members be appointed based on their
technical expertise or skills.
d) To strengthen the HPC and make its actions more effective and efficient,
an
fix
commission at nine members in order provide atie-breaking vote with four at-
large members and five from a mix of historic and conservation districts. This
number allows for broad representation while keeping voting control in the
hands of district residents. Two of the at-large members would be required to
have demonstrated experience or skills in historic preservation or related fields
such as architecture, contracting, real estate, development, etc. An ongoing
effort should be maintained to provide diversity for commissioners, including
residential distribution within designated districts.
Objective 11: Strengthen relationship between HPC and Planning and Zoning Commission.
a) In advance of decisions re ag rding the designation of potential historic districts
or conservation districts, an invitation should be extended by chairperson of
the HPC to the P&Z Commission to have a member of P&Z to attend the HPC
meetin s .
b) Conduct an annual joint meeting between the P&Z and the HPC to establish
common goals and discuss areas of concern. Invite members of the City
Council to attend and offer agenda items.
Objective 12: Strengthen language of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
a) In paragraph Section 14-5I-12(F)(2) regarding development in instances where
SThe Code of Iowa (Section 303.34 et seq.) states that members of a historic preservation commission "shall
be appointed with due regard to proper representation of residents and property owners of the city and their relevant
fields of knowledge including but not limited to history, urban planning, architecture, archeology, law, and sociology."
(from Certified Local Government Handbook, State Historical Society of Iowa; available online at: http://www.state.
ia.us/government/dca/shsi/preservation/clg_program/clg_manual.html, accessed 11/18/06.)
6 "Historic preservation professionals are persons who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qual-
ification Standards. The Standards call for an advanced degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) and professional, work experience
in one of the following fields: history, architectural history, prehistoric or historic archaeology or licensed/certified
architects with training/experience in historical architecture rehabilitation. In addition, individuals with degrees and
work experience in urban or rural planning, American Studies, American Civilization, Cultural Geography, Cultural
Anthropology, Folklore, Curation, (building) Conservation, and landscape architecture are also recognized as pres-
ervation professionals, although Professional Qualification Standards have yet to be promulgated." (For source, see
Footnote 5.)
40
significant archaeological sites are identified, the City's authority to require
retention of an archeological site as private or public open space through a
mandated design of the site plan, planned development or subdivision should
be stated more clearly and affirmatively. In this paragraph the word "require"
should be used rather than "attempt:' Like all land use regulations, care must
be taken to avoid any "takings" claims. Barring that requirement, however, it is
certainly within the power of the City to deny an application that impacts such
resources.
b) Paragraph 14-5I-12(G) establishes the ability of the City to limit development
in the area of burial sites and to require designation as public or private open
space. This is an appropriate standard, however, care must be taken when
dealing with some types of burial sites, particularly those falling under the
standards of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act,
to avoid identifying the area as such in public records in order to maintain
protection for these sites. Instead of prescribing a specific buffer size, it may
be more appropriate to include a more general standard for site design that
requires integrating the burial area and buffer into the overall site plan.
Objective 13: Re-examine Citespolicy re ag rding 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: The last resort for preserving a historic building is moving it. This complex issue
should be examined by a group representing various parties responsible for such
actions (HPC, P&Z, ZBA, HIS, Traffic En ing Bering utility companies, moving_
companies, etc.) to determine if a new ordinance or revised set of policies should
be adopted.
on page 111. Examine the impact of historic rehabilitation expenditures, the roles
preservation and district designation play in property values, and the value of
heritage tourism. As a part of the assessment, identify current impediments-both
public and private-to redevelopment.
Objective 2: Develop a comprehensive set of economic incentives aimed at resolvin
impediments to redevelopment. Although some issues were identified during
the current planning process, others need to be more fully evaluated. Once the
impediments have been fully identified, the preservation incentives developed in
other communities and states that are outlined below should be considered.
41
Objective 1: Assess the economic impact of historic preservation on Iowa City by conducting
a study based on section "V. Model for Evaluating Economic Impacts;' beginning
Objective 3: Establish and market tax incentives for historic buildings.' Ongoing promotion of
these incentives should be undertaken by the HPC as well as the staff for the City's
Economic Development Division, Friends of Historic Preservation, the Downtown
Association, and especially the Cultural and Entertainment District. A more
complete discussion appears in Appendix K.
a) Promote local property tax abatement through the City's Urban Revitalization
Program for the CBD or the state-wide tax abatement program (Iowa's
"Temporary Historic Property Tax Exemption") for properties outside of the
Urban Revitalization Area.
b) Along with the State Historical Society of Iowa staff, investigate the merits of
establishing a statewide property tax abatement incentive such as a temporary
property tax freeze linked to anon-rehabilitation measure such as local
landmark or district desi ng ation.
c) Promote use of the federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives pro rg am
for income-generating properties undergoing rehabilitation that are listed
on the National Register or eligible for listing. The incentive creates a 20%
federal investment tax credit for property owners completing qualifying
rehabilitations.
d) Promote the use of the Iowa State Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Pro rg am
for income-generating properties undergoing rehabilitation that are listed on
the National Register or eligible for listing. The incentive parallels the federal
tax credit program and offers a 25% state investment tax credit for property
owners completing qualifying rehabilitations. Because of current rules
governing this program, properties located within Cultural and Entertainment
Districts, such as in Downtown, have a competitive advantage for receiving
credits.
Objective 4: Downtown: Consider combining aSelf-Supporting Municipal Improvement
District (SSMID) for the central business district with the Main Street program;
promote use of the State Investment Tax Credits for historic buildings made
available through the Cultural and Entertainment District program.
a) When the SSMID objective was proposed in 1992 it was aimed at use
in existing historic districts. Since that time, an effort has been made to
establish an SSMID in the Downtown. Though unsuccessful in 2005, based
on interviews with Downtown leaders it is believed that conditions may have
changed in the central business district in terms of ownership support. A
SSMID remains an opportunity for a regular source of funding to underwrite
a facade improvement program, a revolving low-interest loan program, and/or
'Even though some of these measures require action at the state level, they are offered here as guidance for
all of the government agencies involved in their enactment.
42
Downtown, historic buildings along South Clinton Street.
full-time staff position for the Downtown. Downtown supporters of such a
measure and the Downtown Association should take the leadership role in
establishing a Downtown SSMID.
b) It is also recommended that Downtown leaders look at combining a SSMID
effort with the "Main Street Approach" for or ag nizing its staff efforts. This
approach seeks to integrate the goal of economic development within the
context of historic preservation.
The Main Street Approach8 has four overall concepts and a set of guiding
principles:
• Business Improvement -This element involves diversifying the
downtown economy by identifying potential market niches, finding
new uses for vacant or underused spaces and improving business
practices.
• Design -Utilizing appropriate design concepts, the visual quality of
the downtown (buildings, signs, window displays, landscaping, and
environment) is enhanced.
• Organization -The organizational element brings together the public
sector, private groups and individual citizens, with coordination by a
paid program manager, to work more effectively in the downtown.
• Promotion - By promoting the downtown in a positive manner, a
community can begin to focus on downtown as a source of community
pride, social activity and economic development potential.
• Guiding Principles
- Incremental Process
- Comprehensive Four Point Approach
- Quality
- Public and Private Partnership
- Changing Attitudes
- Focus on Existing Assets
a"The Main Street Approach;' Iowa Department of Economic Development; available online at http://www.
iowalifechanging.com/community/mainstreetiowa/approach.html; accessed 11/21/06.
43
- Self-Help Program
- Implementation Oriented
c) In 2004, local efforts were successful in having the Downtown designated as
part of the Old Capitol Cultural and Entertainment District (CED). This State-
designation identifies compact, mixed use areas of Iowa towns and cities where
cultural facilities and services are concentrated. A primary advantage of this
designation currently is access to the State tax credits to assist property owners
in completing rehabilitations of historic buildings within CEDs as described in
greater detail above. Downtown property owners should be encouraged to take
advantage of the State income tax credit for historic rehabilitations of buildings
in the Old Capitol Cultural and Entertainment District.
d) Develop closer coordination between economic development staff,
preservation planning staff, and HPC for Downtown projects.
e) Develop agrant/loan program for Downtown business/property owners who
participate in voluntary rehabilitation guidelines. (see Objective 5 and Objective
6 below)
Objective 5: Private Loan Program: Establish a private loan pool for rehabilitating historic
buildings.
When this objective was identified in 1992, leadership for this effort was broadly
directed at both public and private sectors with interest in historic preservation.
Successful models for revolving loan pools and interest write-downs in other
communities were suggested as examples. Since then, the only organization that
has stepped forward to lead such an effort has been Friends. Their efforts have
included modest rehabilitation grants to individual historic property owners and,
in the wake of the 2006 tornado, a grant program coordinated with matching
funds from the National Trust for Historic Preservation focusing on technical
assistance.
Based on comments received at neighborhood meetings and in interviews,
there is a continuing need for a private loan or grant pool for rehabilitating
historic buildings. To better focus the establishment of such a program, it is
other needs such as was done with the post-tornado program. These could include
neighborhoods containing affordable housing such as Goosetown, properties
transitioning from rental units to owner-occupied, buildings undergoing
design review in both historic or conservation districts, buildings undertaking
ADA improvements, etc. In all cases, the recipient building would also be an
individually significant building or a contributing building in a conservation or
historic district. Work funded through such a program should comply with the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards and/or the HPC's design guidelines.
44
Objective 6: Municipal Grant/Loan Program: Expand existing grant or loan programs using
Community Development Block Grant funds or other municipal sources to
underwrite the costs of sound rehabilitation work on buildings undergoing design
review in historic and conservation districts.
The City's federally-funded Community Development Block Grant and HOME
Investment Partnership programs focuses efforts on providing financial
assistance to low and moderate income homeowners wanting to make repairs and
improvements to their homes. Since 1992 these efforts have shifted from older
neighborhoods in the central city to outlying areas. This maybe partially due to
requirement for lead based paint testing and abatement.
In 2003 the City established the Targeted Area Rehabilitation Program (TARP) to
compliment CDBG/HOME programs without the same income requirements of
the federal programs. The purpose of TARP is to stabilize and revitalize targeted
neighborhoods, which also include areas of the city containing several historic
and conservation districts as well as a number of National Register properties. The
program allows the City to offer low-interest loans that are repayable over a 20-
yearperiod, with the money awarded to qualified homeowners on a first-come,
first-serve basis. There is potential for TARP to be marketed more effectively
historic conservation districts.
Low-interest loans and grant programs have been developed in a wide variety
of communities nationally to help offset the costs of rehabilitating designated
historic structures. In Cedar Rapids two popular and well-regarded programs
have been established for designated historic districts. The City's Paint Rebate
program provides exterior paint rebates for consumable painting materials up
to a maximum of $400 if the homeowner paints his or her home. This program
will provide rebates up to 50% of labor costs or $1,200, whichever is less, for
a homeowner to hire a paint contractor. Though the dollar amounts are not
significant, the effect of this program has been to develop good will in districts that
prohibit installation of synthetic siding.
Other communities provide grants to property owners to hire a preservation
architect or other professional to assist in preparing rehabilitation plans. A related
form of incentive provides low- or no-interest loans to property owners to assist
with project costs. All of these programs aim to encourage property owners to
perform appropriate rehabilitations and to help offset the costs of maintaining
historic properties. Establishment of a paint rebate program similar to the Cedar
Rapids pro rag m targeted at buildings in conservation and historic districts should
be considered. With modest annual funding to encourage painting for buildings,
such a program can demonstrate good will and help property owners to realize
that their preservation efforts are appreciated in the community.
45
Recognizing the traditionally strong real estate appreciation in the Iowa City
market, tie any historic grant programs to a repayment plan that would obligate
recipients to repay grants if a property is sold within five years. Repaid grants
would be incorporated into a revolving fund available for new grants. As with a
private grant/loan program, work funded should comply with the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards and/or the HPC's design guidelines.
Objective 7: Re ug latory relief: Many communities allow designated historic buildings to
qualify for exemptions or variances from building code and zoning standards
such as parking requirements and setbacks. Iowa City has taken advantage of this
approach and these provisions should be maintained in future building code and
zoning revisions. Relief to parking requirements could be tied to use of specific
surface materials (see Goal 2: Objective 9 d).
Objective 8: Non-local Grants: Establish a more coordinated approach to preparation of non-
local grants by giving grant writing responsibility to City staff members including
the half-time historic preservation planner and other Planning and Community
Development staff. Through the HPC and City staff, the City of Iowa City has had
considerable success in securing State grants since 1995 with eight grants received
during the following decade through the State Historical Society's Historic
Resource Development Program and Certified Local Grant Program. Despite
this success rate, the effort has been uneven depending to some extent on the
individual capacity of staff members or the interests of HPC members. To improve
the number and amount of grant income to support HPC operations, greater effort
should be made to secure grants through the timely preparation of grant requests.
Also, federal grant opportunities through the National Park Service and private
grant programs offered through such organizations as the National Trust for
Historic Preservation should be considered for eligible projects.
Objective 9:
projects for the State Historical Society's rg ant programs and assist in rg ant
wr ~. State programs include the Historic Sites Preservation Program and the
Historic Resource Development Program.
Objective 1: In the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan, this objective focused on providing
technical assistance to owners of historic buildings undergoing the design review
process. If funding became available, the objective recommended establishing a
new staff position with this responsibility. Since then both aspects of the objective
have been accomplished. During the intervening years, the HPC's responsibility
for design review cases has grown 8-fold from approximately a dozen per year
to nearly 100. The response of the Planning and Community Development
Department has been to change the qualifications of the staff planner responsible
46
for HPC support to include architectural design skills. Greater guidance during
the application process has been provided to applicants. The historic preservation
planning activity has also been increased following an increase from aquarter-
timeposition to a half-time position.
The demand for design review assistance continues to grow. The design work
completed during the post-tornado period during the summer of 2006 provided
insight into the best methods for streamlining the design review process. Some of
these methods involve delegating responsibility to the staff. This shift in the design
review process combined with recommendations for continuing to survey and
designate historic and conservation districts suggests that the workload for historic
preservation activities will continue to grow in the future. An initial step for
dealing with this rg owing workload should be to encoura eg_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: Formulate and implement a Downtown design program and support
neighborhood based programs; continue home improvement workshops.
The importance of having a comprehensive design program for the Downtown
and other historic neighborhoods is stated in several sections of the Historic
Preservation Plan update. What has changed for future years are the opportunities
for delivering information, the specific audiences to be reached, and message
content. The Internet now represents an important opportunity for conveying
a wide range of historic rehabilitation information and design review topics
customized by building type, architectural style, historic or conservation district
character, and a constantly updated set ofbest-practices. Both the City's web portal
and Friends websites provide opportunities to formulate aspects of an improved
comprehensive design program.
Other measures to be taken to improve the delivery of technical assistance require
a reassessment of content. Expansion of the Historic Preservation Handbook or
creation of a new "user-friendly" update of the Historic Preservation Guidelines
should be undertaken. During the interviews, a number of people suggested the
need for compilation of a "design handbook" that contains graphics and specific
examples for persons undertaking rehabilitation projects. A series of separate
handouts for common repair items such as door replacements/repairs, garage door
design, porch repairs, deck additions, and new garage designs could also be part of
a design handbook.
Objective 3: Sponsor training sessions for topics designed to improve capacity of property
owners to deal with design review process. Workshops could be recorded
and broadcast on the Iowa City Public Library Channel and City Channel 4.
Workshops or training session topics to be considered include:
47
• Historic period paint schemes
• Windows and doors: when to repair and when to replace?
• Do-it-yourself window repair
• Repair and restoration of wood siding
• Painting your own house: dos and don'ts, hiring a contractor
• Old house repairs: using alternative materials
• Historic landscaping
• Energy solutions for old houses
• Saving porches: foundations, skirting, decks, steps, balustrades, posts and
pillars, ornamentation, roofs and painting
• How to reopen enclosed porches
• New garages for old houses
Objective 4: Continue and expand operation of the Salvage Barn as an undertaking of Friends
of Historic Preservation with suRport from the City of Iowa City Develop new
strategies for recruiting volunteers. Consider developing a business plan for
the operation that would include additional sources of operating income to
help sustain a paid staff. Tie any major changes to plans for establishment of an
expanded facility in 2010 at the Eastside recycling center. Build on the lessons
learned by the Salvage Barn from the post-tornado experience in 2006 when it was
used to stimulate restoration projects. Use the Friends website to highlight Salvage
Barn inventory and promote sales.
Objective 5: Continue to have technical assistance for National Register nominations provided
by the State Historical Society.
Since 1992 the role of the HPC in training the public in the preparation of
National Register nominations has been virtually non existent. Instead, the
HPC has sponsored the professional preparation of both individual and district
nominations. The role of training individuals has fallen to the State Historical
Society of Iowa, the state agency responsible for administering the National
Register program in Iowa. It is recommended that in the future, the HPC continue
its sponsorship of nominations. Rather than carrying out the trainin eg fforts
itself for individual nominations, the HPC should promote existing training
opportunities provided by the State Historical Society
When proposed in 1992, this objective simply meant that an effort should be made
to ask what people want and provide it, rather than give them what it is thought
they need. The public input process in the current preservation plan update is
48
Objective 1: Maintain a marketing approach for all education and promotion products and
activities.
a good example. A periodic survey of the opinions of historic and conservation
district property owners regarding their concerns about the design review process
or the kinds of design aids they would like to see provided are other examples.
Objective 2: Create volunteer opportunities and special events.
Since 1992, numerous volunteer opportunities and special events have been
staged on behalf of historic preservation efforts. Examples include the continuing
work of Friends to preserve residences with the help of volunteers or to continue
the efforts of the Salvage Barn. Other examples include Friends of the Englert,
championing preservation of the historic Englert Theatre, or the Iowa City Public
Library's efforts to coordinate volunteer activities for Irving B. Weber Days. This
spotlight on local history has grown from a one day event to a month long series
of activities. Such activities present the opportunity to incorporate an annual
event focused on historic preservation education. Creating opportunities to take
advantage of the skill and enthusiasm of volunteers should continue to be an
outreach effort.
Objective 3: Establish and maintain preservation as an element in community improvement
efforts.
This objective focuses efforts on inte rg ating historic preservation into the wider
agenda for community improvements. In some cases that may mean getting
community support for a historic preservation effort such as the Englert Theatre
but in other cases it may mean seeking to integrate a historic preservation activity
into an existing agenda such as developing and promoting a historic walking tour
for the Downtown Association's retail campaign. Other examples might include
establishing historic preservation objectives for neighborhood associations. Several
of the projects completed in the North Side, Longfellow, Goosetown, and Melrose
neighborhoods using "Program for Improving Neighborhoods" (PIN) grants have
demonstrated the value placed on heritage in these neighborhoods.
Objective 4: Continue to broaden and strengthen non-profit historic preservation groups.
Friends of Historic Preservation,
established in 1975 to save Old Brick
Presbyterian Church and reorganized in
1988 as a broader preservation group,
underwent aself-examination and
planning process in 1992 to establish
a clearer set of objectives. In 1999 this
strategic planning process was repeated.
Important results have been projects
focused on public education, technical
assistance, and supporting historic
Neighborhood street marker
49
rehabilitation with hands-on projects. Retention of a part-time executive director
has been critical to the higher profile gained for the organization. In future
years, there will continue to be a need for a historic preservation advocacy and
education group such as Friends. Its full-time, professional staffin , an expanding-
membership base, and higher communityprofile should be near and mid-term
objectives. Efforts such as the Salvage Barn, National Historic Preservation
Month and Weber Days activities, Historic Preservation Awards, and the newly
inaugurated Parade of Historic Homes, should be encouraged.
Objective 5: Develop new education efforts aimed at the general public, local officials, owners
of historic properties, and target audiences such as elementary students.
There was considerable discussion during interviews and at neighborhood sessions
about the need to focus more resources on educating the general public, local
officials, and owners of historic properties about the benefits of the Iowa City
preservation program. While finding the time and money to make education
and outreach a priority can be a struggle, the long-term benefit of taking a more
proactive approach to these issues can be significant. Support for preservation
from the public and local decision-makers is an essential element for success. To
carry out the objectives below, a combination of City staff and contracted services
will be necessary. Additional assistance from HPC commissioners and Friends
of Historic Preservation will be needed. Funding sources for some efforts may
require special grants. Recommendations for education and public awareness
efforts include:
a) Develop an annual or semi-annual "historic preservation report" that is both
visual and statistical and distribute it to important audiences. Such a report
should contain illustrative "before and after" photographs for representative
rehabilitation projects. It should also contain relevant statistics such as the
number of design review applications in each of the historic and conservation
districts, length of time for processing applications, number of approvals
versus denials, estimated value of rehabilitation work, etc. Target audiences for
this report should be the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission,
the Neighborhood Council and residents of historic and conservation districts.
A copy of the report should be available online through the City's website.
b) Identify audience groups and develop tar eg ted publications, training sessions,
and special events. Approach these groups through existing membership
organizations including contractors through the Remodeling Contractors
Association, real estate agents through the Iowa City Area Association of
Realtors, and landlords through the Apartment Owners Association. Training
sessions and simple FAQ flyers should be developed for each group. In
addition, specialized publications for real estate agents such as guides to Iowa
City historic neighborhoods and architectural styles should be prepared. A
"Parade of Restored Homes" could also be developed. Other organizations
50
such as neighborhood associations containing
historic or conservation districts should be
reached through newsletter articles or an HPC
"history corner" column.
c) Host an annual or bi-annual meeting or "District
Forum" for leaders or representatives from
historic and conservation districts. Consider this
a prime opportunity to exchange information
between the HPC and districts including
information about regulatory changes, successful
preservation initiatives, and suggestions for
solving problems that cross district boundaries.
Coordinate this effort with the Neighborhood
Council and invite public officials.
King-Littrell-Palmer Chicken
d) Promote heritage education efforts at local xatchery
elementary schools (especially those in Longfellow xistoric Marker
older neighborhoods such as Horace Mann, located near Rundell Park
Longfellow, Lincoln, etc.) by supporting
establishment of a local history education program that includes information,
tours and events connected to historic districts.
e) Continue efforts to identify historic properties and historic districts with
plaques, street markers, walking tours, heritage paths, and other tools as a
way of educating the community about historic resources. Annual award
ceremonies, sponsored by the HPC and Friends should be continued as a tool
for recognizing new landmarks and outstanding preservation projects. An
annual "Mayor's Award" should be added as a part of the awards program.
The Annual Historic Preservation Awards program sponsored by Friends
of Historic Preservation should make an effort to dispel views that historic
preservation is an elitist activity by highlighting some of the best efforts for
more modest historic buildings and for projects that entail smaller scale
projects.
Objective 6: Consider participation in "Preserve America;' a White House initiative that
encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy cultural and
natural heritage resources. The initiative includes an awards program, Preserve
America community designation, grant opportunities, educational outreach, and a
Teacher of the Year award.9
Objective 7: Recognize the day-to-day administration of the preservation program of the HPC
as an opportunity for outreach.
9Program summarized at "The Preserve America Initiative; http://www.preserveamerica.gov/overview.html.
51
Rather than a burden to development, it is
possible to frame the design review process
as an added benefit for property owners and
an opportunity for education. In this sense,
the design review component of the program
can be promoted as an incentive to property
owners. There was considerable discussion
about the appropriate role for staff to play in
this situation. Many interviewees felt that staff
should be more pro-active in providing design
recommendations to property owners to help
them meet the design guidelines. While this
approach needs to be monitored to ensure
that staff or the HPC are not dictating specific
design solutions, providing suggestions and
examples of successful approaches to similar
design problems is appropriate.
Since 1987 Iowa City has participated in the National Park Service's Certified Local
Government Program and has obtained nearly a dozen grants to underwrite the
costs of historical and architectural surveys, planning efforts, National Register
nominations, and education programs. Continuance of Iowa City's two-decade
-long effort as a CLG is recommended.
Objective 2: Continue the role of Planning and Community Development Department staff in
the Section 106 Review Process for City projects involving federal funding.
a) At the time that the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan was completed, HPC
played an active role in reviewing Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funded housing rehabilitation projects. In recent years, aspects of
this federal program that is operated through the Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD), has changed. In addition, the location of
projects has shifted outside of historic neighborhoods partially due to issues
associated with lead-based paint. The State Historic Preservation Office
(SHPO), the state agency responsible for administering reviews of federally
funded projects, is located in the State Historical Society of Iowa. In recent
years the SHPO has encouraged the City of Iowa City to sign a programmatic
agreement to cover steps for reviewing HUD funded projects, including CDBG
housing rehabilitations. Such an agreement would require the City to maintain
"certified staff" capable of completing in-house reviews. The City submitted a
52
Neighborhood street sign markers.
Objective 1: Maintain Iowa City's status as a Certified Local Government (CLG).
programmatic agreement to SHPO in March 2003 and to date, the agreement
has not been signed. The National Advisory Counsel postponed the decision
due to the workload after Hurricane Katrina. If the City continues to spend
b) In order to meet its le ag 1 obligations under Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act, the City should continue to work with the State Historic
Preservation Office to complete reviews for all "federal undertakings:' This
term refers to a range of federal activities including construction (e.g. federally
funded sewer projects), rehabilitation (e.g. CDBG/HUD housing projects), and
repair projects; licenses, permits (e.g. Corps of Engineers permits), loans, loan
guarantees, and grants; leases; federal property transfers; and other types of
federal involvement. As a courtesy, City departments should inform the HPC
of federal undertakings that may involve historic resources.
Objective 3: Improve monitoring of state and federal legislation involving historic preservation.
In order to improve monitoring of legislative changes, it is recommended that
and budget levels. This can be accomplished by forwarding email messages and
regular reports from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation
Action, or the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance to the assigned HPC member
for review. If issues surface at either the state or federal level that have importance
for Iowa City, the HPC could then recommend that the mayor take a position
on behalf of the city and communicate that position to the appropriate parties
including the state delegation action network. The best location for monitoring
ongoing federal legislation is the Preservation Action website: http://www
preservationaction.org/. State legislation can be monitored through the State
Historical Society.
No formal progress has been made on this objective since the 1992 Historic
Preservation Plan was approved. The traditional relationship among these entities
is not one of equal partners and, as a result, will require a disproportionate level
of leadership from the strongest of the three. In this case, the University of Iowa.
This objective of establishing communication lines re ag rding historic preservation
between the State Historical Society, the University ,and the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission remains important in addressing all of the other issues
identified below
53
Objective 1: Open communication lines between the State Historical Society, the University
and the HPC with leadership for the effort to be placed with the State Historical
Society.
Objective 2: Complete an inventory of University-related historic resources.
Since the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan was completed, historical and
architectural surveys have been completed along portions of the East Campus and
West Campus of the University. These surveys have included the identification of
individual historic resources and historic districts eligible to the National Register
of Historic Places. In the case of the Downtown Survey completed in 2001, several
blocks of the East Campus paralleling Iowa Avenue between Clinton and Gilbert
streets were included. Other surveys including the Dubuque-Linn Street Corridor,
the Original Town Plat Phase I and Phase II, and the Melrose Neighborhood
surveys, included blocks adjacent to the University campus. In each of these
surveys, the University's development, its workforce, and housing for its student
population were identified as major historical factors. National Register historic
district nominations listed since 2004 for the Jefferson Street Historic District, the
Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, and Melrose Historic District contain dozens
of buildings linked to the University's history including nearly a dozen owned by
the University. Together with the Old Capitol National Historic Landmark and
the Pentacrest National Register of Historic Places Historic District, these on and
off-campus resources are important in understanding the history of the University.
No historical and architectural survey has been completed of buildings and
sites on the balance of the University's campus. Two important steps towards
accomplishing Objective 2 have been completed, however. The first involved
publication of The University of Iowa Guide to Campus Architecture by John Beldon
Scott and Rodney P. Lehnertz in 2006. It documents nearly 80 resources on the
campus grouped by proximity and use. The primary criterion for their inclusion
in the guide was architectural importance though historical associations were
identified for some of the buildings. The "campus zones" laid out in the book
University of Iowa historic building rehabilitations, old Zoology Building, 100 Bock of
Iowa Avenue.
54
could form the basis fora ~~, ',\: -
~.
future survey. They include ~ , x `
the Pentacrest, Iowa Avenue ~~ ~~~°.
Campus, Main Campus ~~- "~ ~ ~''~ ~-
North, Main Campus South, ~ .,,~:, ~-'' '"`~"~"' ~
River Valley Campus, Arts ~ , '"' +""' ~ ~' ~ t~ ,~ ~
Campus, Near West Campus, ~= ~ ~ ~ `~
l
Medical Campus, University ,~~ .> ~' ~ ~ ~ ~r ~' `~~'
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~
~~. ^1
Campus, Athletics Campus, ;~- ~,~ - -,,,~~ ~
and Oakdale Research
Campus. A second step was ~ ~~'' ~~ $~~ ~~
the adoption of The University _~ ~~~ ~~` ~~ ~'~~ ~ ~~
of Iowa 2006 Campus Master ~ ~L
~~".
Plan -The Campus, the ~s-~- ' • ~- ,~~
Buildings, and the Space Anatomy Hall, Old Biology Sciences Library, 2002, southwest'
Between. The Plan identified a corner Je~erson and Dubuquae
number of heritage resources
on the campus to which special attention should be given for planning purposes.
With the help of Beldon and Lehnertz's UI Guide to Campus Architecture, the
University should be encouraged to inventory historic resources based on National
Register criteria, including an analysis of historic associations and architectural
significance remains an important objective as the University undertakes planning_
for its future campus needs. SuRport for such a measure should be sought from the
State Historical Society
Objective 3: Identify Universityphysical plant needs which could be met by acquisition and
reuse of historic resources.
Since 1992, the University has undertaken a number of noteworthy historic
rehabilitation projects. Historic Preservation Awards were given by the HPC
to the following buildings: 1996-President's House, 102 Church Street; 1997
-Shambaugh House, 219 N. Clinton Street; 1998-507 N. Clinton Street; 2002-
Hydraulics Lab; 2002-Old Biology Building; 2003-Calvin Hall, 2 West Jefferson
Street; 2004-post-fire restoration of Old Capitol; and 2005-President's House,
102 Church Street. Other projects completed or underway included the reuse of
Anatomy Hall as the Biological Sciences Library in 2000, several phases of work
to upgrade and reuse Kinnick Stadium in the early 2000s, and work underway in
2006 at the Iowa Memorial Union. Care was given in each of these examples of
historic rehabilitation to the architecturally significant features of the buildings
and their historic role at the University.
Over the past few decades, the University's campus planning process has respected
its historic landmarks and been sensitive to their design needs. The 2006 Master
Plan involved planners in evaluating heritage properties on the campus and
completing a review of their structural soundness and mechanical systems in order
55
to evaluate their feasibility for adaptive reuse. Where feasible, the plan calls for
retention and updating heritage properties rather than their replacement.
In support of ongoing historic rehabilitation measures for historic properties
on the University campus, an effort should be made to investigate the use of
federal and state investment tax credits to subsidize their rehabilitation. The State
Historical Society should suRport this measure.
Objective 4: Expand heritage tourism efforts for University-related historic resources.
This objective is currently being addressed through the efforts of staff at Old
Capitol. Emphasis of the interpretive program is on Old Capitol itself, its
restoration, and its role in territorial government, Iowa's early statehood, and
the founding of the University. Over time, an effort should be made to widen
the heritage promotion of Old Capitol staff throu hg interpretation of other
in
that
have strong University connections such as the Melrose Historic District and
the Jefferson Street Historic District. Strengthening the University's identity by
emphasizing its association with its surrounding neighborhoods will benefit both
groups. The efforts of the University to establish a "Writers Corridor" emphasizing
the role of the Iowa Writer's Workshop should be encouraged by the City and the
HPC.
Objective 5: Establish a fraternity and sorority house stewardship program.
Little progress has been made on this objective since 1992. Both fraternity and
sorority houses remain threatened resources as they age. Within the next several
decades, many of the landmark buildings associated with the University's Greek
community will turn 100 years old. The buildings will need major rehabilitations
at the same time that membership rates are fluctuating. It is recommended that the
HPC work with the Office of Student Life for the University and the InterfraternitX
Conference, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council to develop an
inventory of historic resources associated with Greek community life. An outline
for the "University of Iowa Greek Community: Sorority and Fraternity Houses
Historic Context, 1866-1940" is included in Appendix E. Primary areas of Iowa
City where buildings are include the North Side group in the 600-800 blocks along
North Dubuque Street south of Park Road and along the 300-400 blocks of North
Clinton Street; East College Street; East Burlington Street; and Riverside Drive
and Ellis Street. Once the inventory is concluded, National Register nominations
should be encouraged for eligible buildin sg and preservation strategies should be
developed. Investigation of the use of federal tax incentives for investors should be
undertaken.
56
Objective 6: Participate in a forum for discussing University-neighborhood issues related to
historic preservation.
During the course of neighborhood
meetings and interviews, most
comments about the University related
to issues arising from the proximity of
the campus to nearby older residential
areas. Some of the issues raised
were not directly related to historic
resources but specifically related to
more general University-neighborhood
concerns. Whether the issue is a
positive one, such as cooperatively
finding ways to promote historic
character and neighborhood identities
in its recruitment and retention efforts
for both students and faculty, or
providing opportunities for regular
dialogue regarding problems related to
student housing, the development of
a forum for discussion is the first step.
Alpha Phi Sorority; 903 E. College Street. Leadership for this effort should come
from neighborhood associations that are affected by University-neighborhood
issues. Some university and college communities create task forces for specific
issues while others have regular committees or councils that cooperatively work on
shared issues. If such a forum is developed in Iowa City, the HPC should monitor
activities of shared interest involving historic preservation and offer input.
Objective 7: The University of Iowa should establish a policy that supports efforts to preserve
historic residential neighborhoods adjacent to its campus.
Much of the campus is surrounded by residential districts dating from the
late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over the past two decades, historical and
architectural survey work has identified dozens of individual historic properties
and several historic districts in these neighborhoods. Property owners in many
of these neighborhoods have completed historic rehabilitations continuing their
use as owner-occupied residences, converting houses that had been divided into
apartments back to single-family use, or continuing their use as multifamily
buildings. Preservation of the historic character of these neighborhoods was
encouraged in both interviews and at neighborhood meetings. In many cases,
preservation strategies have contributed to neighborhood stabilization and
enhanced property values. This pattern of neighborhood preservation in areas
surrounding the campus should be encouraged by the University in its master
plan. Future expansion of the University of Iowa campus, if any, into adjacent
5~
residential areas should be undertaken in a manner
that avoids negative impact on individual historic
resources and historic districts.
Objective 8: Encourage the University to establish a housing_
subsidesprogram to encourage University faculty and
administrators to reside in neighborhoods near the
cam us.
A creative idea suggested during interviews was for
the University to model housing subsidy programs
designed to recruit and retain faculty after ones
available at several other universities. These programs
provide interest rate buy-downs for faculty and staff
who buy properties near their respective university.
In the case of Iowa City, such a program could be
extended to properties located in designated historic
and conservation districts. Such a program would not
only encourage owner-occupied real estate sales in
nearby neighborhoods but also provide an incentive
for these neighborhoods to be designated as a historic
Mo~i tt Cottages
Longfellow Historic Marker
on Muscatine Avenue near
Washington Street
or conservation district.
The recommendations made in the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan regarding
the development of a comprehensive heritage tourism program focused on
integrating historic preservation into two community goals-tourism and
economic development. As the plan said, "Successful heritage tourism requires
the development of authentic and quality heritage offerings for local residents and
visitors. Heritage tourism planning should recognize local priorities and capability
as well as the need for creative and accurate education and interpretation. Iowa
City's heritage tourism efforts should be developed in tandem with other visitor
interests and needs:' The plan went on to recommend that preservation and
protection of historic attractions, including historic districts, should be a priority.
The plan laid out five objectives that remain valid in 2007. They are restated below,
with expanded language where appropriate.
Objective 1: Develop a heritage tourism plan as a cooperative effort between the Iowa Cites
Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tohnson County Historical Society
University of Iowa, Friends of Historic Preservation, and Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission. Include information about local historic districts,
conservation districts local landmarks, heritage trails, and neighborhood signage
5s
programs at a common online location linked to websites of the City as well as the
other sponsors.
Objective 2: Develop and promote heritage tourism packages for visitors to Iowa City.
Objective 3: Develop a herita eg tour ug ide program.
The concept of developing a tour guide program consisting of trained heritage
tourism specialists is not considered as meritorious today as it was in 1992.
Trends in tourism have shifted away from the traditional tour bus group to a focus
on developing individual opportunities. Though the concept of having trained
heritage guides remains valid for some visitor groups the importance of such a
program in future tourism efforts remains in doubt.
Objective 4: Expand heritage tourism potential for Old Capitol and Plum Grove.
Both Old Capitol and Plum Grove
have undergone significant change
and development as heritage tourism
sites since 1992. In 2001, disaster
struck Old Capitol when fire destroyed
the building's golden dome. Since
then, damage to the dome has been
restored and work has been completed
on phased restoration of the balance
of the building's exterior. The stated
mission for Old Capitol
today is as "a living museum ti~
and educational resource --
dedicated to Iowa's cultural
and environmental history, -~ ~,..,
as well as government and ~~
civic life:' Year-round
visitors to Iowa City and the
University campus regularly include
a tour of the building and hear about
the process of restoration as well as the
historic roles served by Old Capitol.
Plum Grove is owned by the State
Historical Society of Iowa and
administered as a seasonal historic
site by the Johnson County Historical
Society. The property operates
summer archeological field schools
and guided tours interpret the restored
Old Capitol Fire, 2001
59
After restoration
1844 house June through October. Plum Grove is one of three historic properties
staffed by the JCHS, which expanded its permanent collection into a new facility at
Coralville's River Landing District in 2006.
Both the Old Capitol Museum and Plum Grove have the opportunity to see their
roles in a menu of heritage tourism opportunities expanded. The development
of rotating exhibits, specialized tours (including tours of the post-fire restoration
at Old Capitol and the archeological field schools at Plum Grove), and special
events have the potential to increase visitorship and community support for these
important Iowa City landmarks.
Objective 5: Develop heritage festivals.
,~ ~~~~`~, ~ ~,~,. Since 1992, the main heritage festival to be
~; ~ ~ ~ introduced and maintained in Iowa City is the
,~~ ~:; "Irving B. Weber Days:' It is held annually and
°'~~, 'x f"~~' coordinated by the Iowa City Public Library
' ~ "to honor the life of Iowa City's most beloved
,r - ~,,, 9
historian and to celebrate the rich history of
~ ~'~ <~-~ this community." Co-sponsors have included
~~ ~ the Johnson County Historical Society, Friends
~ `'~
of Historic Preservation, the Iowa City Historic
a ~,
Preservation Commission, the State Historical
}~` ~~ Societ of Iowa, Friends of Old Brick, Iowa Pro ect
' ~"' _ , • '' 4 on Place Studies, and the Iowa City Noon Lions
~~ _ _ ~ ~'~;.~ Club, which published Weber's Iowa City history
= ~ '~`~~~ books. This event spotlighting local history has
grown from a one day event to a month long
~, ~:~~
F-~ ;,;,~ series of activities. Weber Days presents the
~~ ; _ - opportunity to incorporate historic preservation
_- ~ activities such as the Annual Historic Preservation
~~~ - - __ Awards or tours of historic properties and historic
Irving Weber statue at Iowa Avenue districts. An example of an activity that could
and Linn Street. focus attention on both Weber's life and historic
preservation activities would be a historic tour of
his own neighborhood-the blocks surrounding his house at 421 Melrose Court in
the Melrose Historic District.
Objective 6: Develop the heritage dimension of visitor experiences such as dining shoRping~
and housing.
An effort should be made to encourage the development of visitor activities in
historic properties when possible. Since 1992, Iowa City has added a number of
successful bed and breakfast options for visitors. Several are located in historic
districts and take advantage of their heritage in marketing efforts. Other visitor
60
services, including dining and shopping, have the potential to be supported
in a similar manner. Historic buildings in Downtown and in the Gilbert-Linn
Street Historic District have the potential to be marketed for both their retail
opportunities and the historic locations
the future.
contain. Stressing the co-relationship
ould be a goal for heritage tourism in
Objective 7: Establish "heritage trails" in Tohnson 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 activelyparticipate in
the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance-an organization whose 100+ members
represent a variety of arts and culture organizations in Iowa City and the adjacent
communities of the Amanas, greater Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon, North Liberty,
West Branch, and West Liberty. The ICCA has the potential to be a good tool for
promoting historic neighborhoods, historic retail districts, public historic sites,
and other historic preservation objectives.
Objective 2: Prepare an annual "historic preservation report" for submittal to the 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 communit~plannin eg fforts; for example, integrate
neighborhood strategies for relevant historic areas and landmarks in the ten
planning districts included in the Comprehensive Plan's ten district plans.
61
Objective 1: Complete an annual review of historic preservation activity and confirm work plan
objectives for the year. Prepare the annual Certified Local Government report for
submittal to the State Historical Society of Iowa as an outcome from this process.
V. Neighborhood Strategies
In the mid 1990s, the City began a comprehensive planning update process that focused on the
concept of "district planning:' Completed in 1996, the process incorporated recommendations
of the Iowa City: Beyond 2000 citizen task force. Ten geographic based planning districts were
established and introductory studies were made for each district that included descriptive
overviews, a summary of unique features, and an explanation of current public infrastructure
elements. In 1997 the City Council adopted the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan, which
incorporated the district planning concept. More detailed plans for several of the districts have
been completed in the decade since then.
Historic preservation played a prominent role in the overall recommendations of the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan as well as the district plan strategies. Support of goals and objectives laid out
in the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan was recommended. In areas of the city containing older
neighborhoods -the Downtown, Central, North, Northwest, and Southwest planning districts
- historic character was identified as an attribute to be protected.
As part of the 2007 update of the Plan, neighborhood strategies were expanded from 12 to 26
neighborhoods. In some cases, this reflects a division of earlier neighborhoods into distinct
smaller districts based on completed survey work, the completion of historic and conservation
district designations, and the need to evaluate newer neighborhoods that have reached or will
reach the 50-year threshold in the near future.
Four "packages" of recommendations have been compiled that apply to more than one district
or neighborhood. The first recommendations are grouped as District Adoption Steps and consist
of a series of step-by-step measures to guide the local historic district or conservation district
designation process. This package of measures was developed based on the successful experience
in other neighborhoods and the lessons learned in the unsuccessful experience in others. Input
from interviews was particularly useful in preparing the District Adoption Steps listed 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 about what historic district or conservation district designation means at
the beginning of the discussion process.
3. Identify major concerns/questions and prepare answers before and during 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 construction of new secondary buildings, what may be negotiable, etc.
63
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.
Common objectives relating to Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization apply to older
residential neighborhoods throughout the community. They include recommendations for
education programs to increase public awareness of historic resources and encourage resident
involvement with preservation. They also include general neighborhood stabilization efforts
designed to make aging neighborhoods attractive places to live.
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 condition 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.
64
The increasing importance of establishing technical assistance as a "user-friendly effort" was
identified as an important strategy for many neighborhoods, including those already established
as historic or conservation districts, or in some cases, where designation efforts have not begun.
The Technical Assistance Steps below and referred to by reference for specific neighborhoods and
districts provide a menu of activities for the HPC, Friends, and neighborhood associations to use
over time to help property owners who are planning improvements to their buildings-including
work that is outside the scope of formal design review but important to overall up-keep and
building preservation.
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. The need for such a
program was identified in various neighborhood meetings and interviews. In communities
around the country, such programs are usually targeted at populations that are at or below
median income levels. Some of Iowa City's most affordable single-family homes are in northeast
Goosetown and parts of Longfellow Potential funding sources for such a program might include
Community Development Block Grant, HOME, and major employers. The basic components of a
Home Ownership Incentive Program focusing on neighborhood stabilization 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.
65
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.
The update of preservation strategies for specific neighborhoods that follows is organized
alphabetically within larger "Planning Districts" that were adopted by the City in 1997. The
city has been divided into ten such Planning Districts including five containing historic areas
discussed below. Within these Planning Districts, other terms are used to describe various
neighborhood groups. The term "historic district" (HD) refers to a contiguous area that has been
listed on the National Register of Historic Places, designated by local ordinance, and/or both.
Historic districts are significant because of their architecture, historical associations, and other
visual attributes. The term "conservation district" (CD) applies to a local designation for areas that
share a common character, which may include both visual and historical qualities, but because of
physical integrity concerns, does not qualify as a historic district. Both local historic districts and
conservation districts are protected through a design review process administered through the
Historic Preservation Commission.
The term "neighborhood" is used is several manners in the discussion that follows. When
the word is capitalized, it refers to one of the areas of the city organized through the Office of
Neighborhood Services in the Planning and Community Development Department. This City
program supports and encourages neighborhood action and provides ideas and resources that
can help shape the future of a neighborhood. Neighborhoods actively organized in the historic
areas include the Northside, Goosetown, College Green, Longfellow, Melrose Avenue, Manville
Heights, Oak Grove. Morningside/Glendale, and Shimek.
The terms "neighborhood" or "corridor" are used to describe areas that have been formally
surveyed through the Historic Preservation Commission or are recommended for surveying
to determine their eligibility as a local historic district, conservation district, and/or National
Register district. A summary of the status for completed and future neighborhood objectives
appears at the end of this section on page 109.
66
Iowa City Historic Areas and Neighborhoods
Downtown PlanningDistrict: Central PlanningDistrict (continued):
1. Downtown 16. Oak Grove-Kirkwood Avenue
2. Near South Side Corridor
Central PlanningDistrict:
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)
17. Lucas Farms-Ginter, Friendly,
Highland, Pickard, & Yewell Streets
18. Morningside-City High
19. Rochester Avenue
20. Summit Street HD
21. Woodlawn HD
North PlanningDistrict:
22. North Dubuque Street/
Montgomery-Butler House
23. Tank Town
24. Dubuque Road
Northwest PlanningDistrict:
25. Manville Heights
Southwest PlanningDistrict:
26. Melrose HD
67
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69
Downtown Planning District:
1. Downtown
Located at the physical center of Iowa City, Downtown has a history of development and
redevelopment extending back to the community's beginnings. In 2001, the Downtown
Historical and Architectural Survey was completed fora 15-block area in the central business
district that was summarized in "Architectural and Historical Resources of Iowa City Central
Business District, 1855-ca. 1960:' The study described the growth and development of the
Downtown as well as the nearby University campus. It explained the patterns of development
that produced building booms and redevelopment after major downtown fires. The rebuilding
along South Dubuque Street in the 1870s and East Washington Street in the 1880s and 1910s was
described, along with the stories of how Iowa Avenue became home to commercial laundries,
East Washington Street became the financial district, civic and governmental buildings located
along Linn Street and later Gilbert Street, hotels and restaurants were scattered throughout the
downtown, and the downtown campus expanded to include three blocks north of Iowa Avenue.
The Downtown survey area contained 135 buildings, of which 43 were identified as individually
eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places with eight buildings already listed.
Another 55 appeared not to be individually eligible for listing and would be considered non-
contributing structures in a potential historic or conservation district due to their recent dates
of construction or historic integrity problems. The remaining 28 buildings are not individually
eligible, but would be eligible for listing as contributing resources in a historic or conservation
district.
A transitioning real estate market has
property values stable or appreciating in
the Downtown. Since 1992 municipal
investments have included major new
parking garages, a series of streetscape
improvements along Iowa Avenue and
the Pedestrian Mall, and a major addition
to the Iowa City Public Library. The last
urban renewal parcel has been developed
with ahigh-rise residential and retail
building. A historic rehabilitation has
been completed for the former Carnegie
library. Other market factors affecting
the Downtown since 1992 include the
reuse of a portion of Old Capitol Mall
by the University, establishment of retail
entrances to first floor businesses in the
Downtown, je~erson Hotel Building,
125-31 E. Washington Street.
70
mall along Clinton Street, and construction of the competing Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville.
Unsuccessful efforts have been made to establish aSelf-Supporting Municipal Improvement
District in the central business district. No Main Street-type improvement and promotion
effort has been undertaken. As in 1992, few of the Downtown's older buildings are promoted
as "historic buildings" by owners or business operators. As a result, it is likely that few visitors
currently identify the Downtown as a historic neighborhood. The potential for marketing the
Downtown as a historic shopping district remains as a possibility.
Objective 1: Emphasize the improvement of key historic buildings in the Downtown such as:
- Dey Building (8 S. Clinton)
- Coast & Sons Building (10-14 S. Clinton)
- Moses Bloom Clothing Store
(28-30 S. Clinton)
- Whetstone Building (32 S. Clinton)
- College Block Building (125 E. College St.,
post-tornado rehabilitation)
- Crescent Block (117-119 E. College St.,
post-tornado rehabilitation)
- Hohenschuh, W.P., Mortuary
(13-15 S. Linn St)
- Arcade Building (128 E. Washington St.)
- Hotel Jefferson Building (125-31 E.
Washington St.)
- IXL Block (220-224 E. Washington St.)
- Boerner-Fry Company/Davis Hotel (332 E. Washington St.)
Objective 2: Encourage facade improvements for intact, adjoining buildings especially those
along S. Clinton and S. Dubuque streets between Iowa Avenue and Washington
Street, and along Washington Street east of Clinton Street. Develop financial
incentives (See Goal 3: Objective 4 and Objective 5)
71
Downtown, South Dubuque Street between Iowa Avenue and Washington Street.
Objective 3: In order to establish eli ig bility for federal and state investment tax credits for
property owners 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.
Objective 4: Designate a larger area of the Downtown as a conservation district and designate
individually 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.
Objective 5: Adopt design guidelines for Downtown commercial and institutional buildings.
Conduct an ongoing training program for the HPC aimed at developing the
capacity for conducting design review of commercial properties. Evaluate merits
of making guidelines voluntary or mandatory and how they could be used to bring
preservation sensitivity to changes in building regulations related to health and
safety or handicapped access.
Objective 6: Establish a Main Street-style program for the Downtown using the National Trust
for Historic Preservation's "Main Street Approach" as the model. Support local
efforts for a SSMID as a potential funding source and retention of a Downtown
manager. Integrate these efforts with the Old Capitol Cultural and Entertainment
District efforts.
Objective 7: To complement the public improvements along Iowa Avenue and the restoration
of Old Capitol, encourage the historic rehabilitation of building facades principally
in the block between Clinton and Dubuque streets.
Objective 8: Incorporate questions related to historic preservation and historic buildin sg tock
in market studies completed for the Downtown in order to determine the likely
impact of historic preservation measures on promotion efforts, special event
planning, remote and onsite signage, and other related issues.
Objective 9: Prepare a separate historic preservation commercial plan for the Downtown.
Begin by incorporating Downtown recommendations from Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, and
10. Incorporate findings from other downtown studies such as the "niche study"
being prepared through the Planning and Community Development Department
in 2007. Target the plan for Downtown property owners and business operators.
Organize the plan into clear, easily understood recommendations, established
priorities, and relevant incentives.
72
2. Near South Side Neighborhood
The Near South Side neighborhood includes the
blocks south of Downtown and the University
campus between Burlington Street and the Iowa
Interstate Railroad. This area has seen considerable
redevelopment since the 1970s and two blocks
in the area sustained severe tornado damage in
April 2006. The area has gradually shifted from a
residential neighborhood with commercial uses
on its fringes along the Rock Island Railroad, Iowa
River, and Gilbert Street to a neighborhood of
public institutions, offices, and large scale apartment
buildings. Recent apartment complexes were
developed with stricter design controls. No district
containing a collection of contiguous historic or
architecturally significant buildings remains. The
area's two surviving older institutional buildings, the Johnson County Court House and the
former Sabin School, are without immediate threat although their institutional occupants are
considering growth needs.
Objective 1: Complete a reconnaissance level survey of the Near South Side neighborhood and
complete intensive level work for individually eligible historic resources.
Objective 2: Encourage retention of redeveloped historic commercial buildings in the Gilbert
St-Maiden Lane corridor. Designate individually significant buildings as local
historic landmarks and encourage private owners to complete National Re ig ster
nominations by makin sg urvey results available. Priority landmark designations
for the HPC should be the Tohnson County Court House and Sabin School.
Central Planning District:
3. Brown Street Historic District (includes Bella Vista Drive, sections of Ronalds Street, and
other cross streets)
This historic district is located along the north edge of Iowa City's "North Side" neighborhood.
Since the 1960s this area of Iowa City has been the subject of intense debate and neighborhood
planning. During the 1980s, efforts were unsuccessful to designate a large mixed-use historic
district in the North Side that included portions of Brown Street. After completion of the 1992
Historic Preservation Plan, the HPC made its first priority the designation of Brown Street and
portions of adjacent side streets (Bella Vista, Linn, Gilbert, Van Buren, Johnson, Dodge and
Governor) as a separate National Register and local ordinance historic district. These efforts were
successfully completed with strong neighborhood support in 1994 following considerable debate,
organizing, and promotion efforts led by the HPC. In 2004, the district boundaries were expanded
to include a section of Ronalds Street. Since 1994, 94 design reviews have been conducted by the
73
Near Southside Neighborhood,
Johnson County Court House, 417 S. Clinton Street
HPC. These efforts have led to a generally positive view of the design review process as a means
for protecting historic resources. Changing housing trends and the appeal of older houses as
single-family residences have demonstrated the capacity of North Side neighborhoods such as
Brown Street to rejuvenate and prosper.
Objective 1: Retain Brown Street Historic District designations (National Register and local
district) for sections of Brown Street, Bella Vista, and Ronalds Street. Regularly
provide information to new property owners about the responsibilities and
advantages of owning property in a historic district.
Objective 2: The declining number of rental units in the Brown Street Historic District has led
to fewer complaints related to over occupancy and associated issues. However,
the City should remain vigilant in addressing complaints about zoning violations,
removal of snow from sidewalks, weed removal and trash control.
Objective 3: Maintain and preserve existing stretches of brick-paved streets within the Brown
Street Historic District. The Brown Street route is part of a continuous brick-paved
route that leads to Oakland and St. Joseph's cemeteries from churches in the center
of town.
Objective 4: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
Clark Street Conservation District, left: one of seven historic signs in Longfellow Neighborhood Art Project, SE cor-
ner of Seymour ~r Clark; top right: 500 block of Clark Street, looking north; bottom right: Lustron houses, 715 and
717 Clark Street, originally considered noncontributing resources in district.
74
4. Clark Street Conservation District io
The Clark Street Conservation District is an L-shaped neighborhood that includes facing
blocks along Clark Street between Maple Street and the Iowa Interstate Railroad and adjoining
blocks of Roosevelt Street and the west side of Maggard Street south of Sheridan Avenue. The
district abuts the Summit Street Historic District on the west and the Longfellow Historic
District and Longfellow School site to the east. The Clark Street Conservation District includes
residences constructed as worker housing for the nearby Kelly Manufacturing Company and
Oakes Brickworks during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as well as homes built for what
became an early 20th-century commuter suburb. Modest one- to two-story houses in styles
and vernacular house forms typical of the period characterize the district. Scattered examples of
earlier domestic architectural styles and forms appear on the west edge adjacent to the Summit
Street Historic District. Narrow, tree-lined streets contribute to the historic sense of time and
place of this neighborhood. At the time the Clark Street Conservation District was designed
in 2001, 57 of the district's 76 properties, approximately 75 percent, were considered to be
contributing to the character of the conservation district. Two newer, pre-fabricated Lustron
houses in the district were evaluated as non-contributing due to their age. Since 2001, 17 design
reviews have been completed.
Objective 1: Retain the Clark Street Conservation District desi ng ation. Regularly provide
information to new property owners about the responsibilities and advantages of
owning property in a conservation district.
Objective 2: Re-evaluate the district periodically to determine if the passage of time or the
rehabilitations completed have changed the status of the district from conservation
to historic, or if individual buildings should be evaluated as contributin rag ther
than non-contributing. This recommendation is especially important for aging
resources such as the two rare examples of Lustron Houses (two of six known to
have been built in Iowa City) at 705 and 709 Clark Street.
Objective 3: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
5. College Green Historic District
College Green was laid out midway between downtown and eastern limits of Iowa City in the
original town plat in 1839. The block was the site for an unsuccessful effort to establish the
"Iowa Female Collegiate Institute" college in the 1850s and reverted to park use thereafter.
Substantial houses were built on the eminence surrounding the park, their styles typical of house
forms and designs from the late 19th century and early 20th century. The neighborhood has a
strong association with the development of the University with residences in the area having
served as homes for faculty and staff as well as rooming houses. College Green Park serves as a
neighborhood focal point. The College Green Historic District was one of two residential districts
identified in the historical and architectural survey of the College Hill Neighborhood completed
loPortions of neighborhood description taken from "Proposed Clark Street Conservation District Report;'
November 1, 2001.
75
in 1994. The district was listed on the National
Register of Historic Places in 1997 and became
a local historic district a short time later. Since
then, 38 design reviews have been conducted,
including 21 in 2006 in the wake of the April
tornado. Mature landscape elements in and
around College Green Park were also destroyed
or damaged following the tornado.
Objective 1: Retain College Green Historic
District designation (National
Register and local district) for
blocks surrounding ark and
extending east along E. College
Street. Regularly provide
information to new property
owners about the responsibilities
and advantages of owning
property in a historic district.
College Green Historic District, from
College Green Park.
Objective 2: Re-evaluate district boundaries after rehabilitation work is completed in post-
tornadoperiod; determine if district boundaries should be adjusted based on
building damage/removal or restoration work completed. Also, determine if status
as "contributing" or "noncontributing" needs to be adjusted. Consider joining
College Green and East College St. historic districts if changes in building integrity
merit it.
Objective 3: If new landscape plans for College Green are developed, an effort should be made
to have those plans reflect the park's history In the wake of the 2006 tornado, the
importance of this objective is increased. As a part of such a park plan, an effort
should be made to investigate historic documents, plans, and photos in order to
design a plan for College Green Park that reflects its history. Complete a historic
archeology survey of portions of the west side of the park to determine the
presence of artifacts associated with the construction of a ladies seminary on that
site during the mid-1850s. This information should be used for developing passive
green space in the plan and as the basis for construction or reconstruction of park
features.
Objective 4: Promote sound rehabilitation of sorority and fraternity houses in the district as
a part of a larger effort to encourage historically sensitive rehabilitation of Greek
communityproperties. The intention for such a campaign would be to develop a
sense of awareness and stewardship for the historic buildings owned by the Greek
community (See Goal 7, Objective 5, page 57).
Objective 5: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
76
6. College Hill Conservation District
u
College Hill Conservation District, 103 S. Governor Street, above left: post-April 2006 tornado damage; above right: after
Cert~cate of Appropriateness granted for repair and restoration work by owner.
The College Hill Conservation District is an irregular shaped area that extends along portions of
Iowa Avenue, Washington Street, College Street, and Burlington Streets between Johnson Street
and Muscatine Avenue. The district adjoins three historic districts -College Green, East College
Street, and Woodlawn. The neighborhood takes its name from the topographic rise in the center
of the area occupied by College Green Park and the ladies seminary that was once located in the
park. The neighborhood includes a mix of single-family and multifamily residential buildings
dating from the late 19th through the early 20th century. The neighborhood traditionally had a
strong association with the University, housing students in rooming houses, in scattered fraternity
and sorority houses, and more recently, in apartment buildings. Private residences housed
University faculty and staff as well as many business and civic leaders. Construction of apartment
complexes and the unsympathetic renovations of other buildings have diminished the appearance
of some of the streetscapes.
The College Hill Conservation District was evaluated in two separate surveys -the intensive
level survey of the College Hill Neighborhood completed in 1994 and the reconnaissance level
survey of Iowa Avenue in 2003. The district became a local conservation district in 2003. Since
that time, 76 design reviews have been conducted, including 50 completed in 2006 in the wake of
the April tornado. The College Hill Conservation District was one of the most seriously damaged
neighborhoods in the tornado.
Objective 1: Retain the College Hill Conservation District desi ng ation. Regularly provide
information to new property owners about the responsibilities and advantages of
owning property in a conservation district.
Objective 2: Re-evaluate district boundaries after rehabilitation work is completed in post-
tornado time frame to determine if boundaries should be changed based on
building damage/removal or restoration work. Consider amending boundaries of
the East College Street and College Green historic districts by adding blocks from
the College Hill neighborhood if changes in building integrity merit it.
~~
Objective 3: Encourage the development of an Iowa Avenue streetscape improvement plan
in the blocks immediately west of the Woodlawn entrance. Include landscaping
measures in the Iowa Avenue boulevard and parking areas as well as upgrades
for sidewalks, curbs and gutters along Iowa Avenue. Use the implemented
streetscape plan, positive post-tornado recovery efforts, and the stability of the
nearby Woodlawn Historic District to attract continued investment along the Iowa
Avenue blocks west of Woodlawn.
Objective 4: Promote sound rehabilitation of sorority and fraternity houses in the district as
a part of a larger effort to encourage historically sensitive rehabilitation of Greek
communityproperties. The intention for such a campaign would be to develop a
sense of awareness and stewardship for the historic buildings owned by the Greek
community (See Goal 7, Objective 5, page 47).
Objective 5: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 53.
7. East College Street Historic District
The East College Street Historic District is a linear neighborhood located along the 1000 and
1100 blocks of East College Street three blocks east of College Green Park. Substantial houses
were built along the street, primarily between 1880 and 1920, manifesting the architectural styles
and vernacular house popular in Iowa City during those decades. Queen Anne and Craftsman
influence and American Four-square house forms predominate in three-quarters of the district's
28 buildings. Several properties in the district have historical associations with early business
leaders, while others were faculty members at the University. The East College Street Historic
District was one of two districts identified in the historical and architectural survey of the College
Hill Neighborhood completed in 1994. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 1997 and became a local historic district a short time later. Thirty design reviews have
been completed. Several buildings and mature landscape elements along East College Street were
damaged in the April 2006 tornado but most in the district avoided serious destruction.
Objective 1: Retain East College Street Historic District designation (National Register and
local district) for 1000 and 1100 blocks along E. Colle e Sg treet. Regularly provide
information to new property owners about the responsibilities and advantages of
owning property in a historic district.
Objective 2: Re-evaluate district boundaries after rehabilitation work is completed in post-
tornado time frame to determine if district boundaries should be changed based
on building damage/removal or restoration work completed. Consider joining
East College Street and College Green historic districts if changes in building
integrity merit it.
Objective 3: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
~s
8. Dearborn Street Conservation District 11
The Dearborn Street Conservation District is a J-shaped neighborhood that includes facing
blocks along Dearborn Street and the west side of Seventh Avenue between Muscatine Avenue
and the Iowa Interstate Railroad. It also includes facing blocks of Rundell Street between Sheridan
Avenue and the railroad and the intersecting blocks of Center Avenue, Sheridan Avenue and
Jackson Street. The area was surveyed in 1996. The district abuts the Longfellow Historic District
to the west. For organizational purposes, the Dearborn Street Conservation District is within the
Longfellow Neighborhood Association. The Dearborn Street area developed primarily during the
1930s and post-World War II years. A number of the district's houses are based on standardized
small house plans popularized during the pre-World War II period. By this time the automobile
was more common and many homes have small historic garages that are similar to the houses or
are incorporated into the house structure. A number of the houses have been altered, diminishing
the neighborhood's architectural integrity and eligibility for designation as a historic district. At
the time the Dearborn Street Conservation District was designated in 2001, 105 of the district's
147 properties, approximately 75 percent, were considered to be contributing to the character of
the conservation district. Since 2001, 16 design reviews have been completed.
Objective 1: Retain the Dearborn Street Conservation District designation. Regularly provide
information to new property owners about the responsibilities and advantages of
owning property in a conservation district.
Objective 2: Re-evaluate the district periodically to determine if the passage of time or the
rehabilitations have changed the status of the district from conservation to
historic, or if individual buildings should be evaluated as contributing rather
than non-contributing. This recommendation is especially important for aging
resources that reach the 50-year eligibility for contributing status.
Objective 3: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
9. Dubuque Street Corridor 1z
Dubuque Street is one of the most
attractive entrances into Iowa City
because of both natural and human-
made features -the expanse of the
Iowa River, the setting of Hancher
Auditorium in the river flats, the
views of City Park, natural limestone
outcroppings, the large scale and
handsome designs of fraternity
buildings, and mature landscaping.
Since adoption of the 1992 Historic
11Portions of the neighborhood description taken from "Proposed Dearborn Street Conservation District
Report;' November 1, 2001.
12This neighborhood was referred to as the "Dubuque-Linn Street Corridor" in the 1992 Plan. Eastern
blocks of this neighborhood are now included in the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, neighborhood #10 below.
79
Dubuque Street Corridor, 700 ~r 800 blocks North Dubuque Street.
Preservation Plan, Dubuque Street has undergone a transformation. Razing of several contiguous
single-family dwellings and the construction of multistory apartment buildings occurred at the
north end while further south, construction of the University's above-street skywalk connecting
biology buildings interrupted the historic vista of the Downtown from the blocks north of Iowa
Avenue. The City has played a role in the appearance of replacement buildings built at the north
end through the Zoning Code's requirement for design review for newly constructed multifamily
buildings. In the case of the skywalk project, considerable discussion between the City and the
University took place, but in the end, it was determined that Dubuque Street's historic status as a
state road precluded the City from controlling the project.
For construction of the new, multifamily buildings, design review has been completed by City
staff based on Multi-Family Residential Design Standards in the Central Planning District.
Changing ownership patterns in recent years suggests that some of the visually important
buildings in fraternity row along the north end of Dubuque Street are likely to undergo reuse as
rental apartments or residential condominiums. Proximity to the University campus suggests that
this area will continue to be redeveloped. The area along portions of North Dubuque, North Linn,
and North Clinton streets was surveyed in 1996. A section of the surveyed area was incorporated
into the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District discussed below. The balance of the neighborhood is
not currently designated as either a historic or conservation district.
Objective 1: The Dubuque Street Corridor should be evaluated for eli ig bility as a local
conservation district. Findings of the Dubuque/Linn Corridor Survey completed
in 1996 and the recommendations of the North Side National Register project
completed in 2003 should be updated with information regarding demolitions and
newly constructed buildings. An evaluation should be made as to whether or not
a portion of the neighborhood -sections of North Clinton and North Dubuque
streets -meet the criteria for conservation district designation. Such an evaluation
would also provide a list of individual buildings with historical or architectural
significance eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. If it is determined
that a conservation district should be pursued, follow the District Adoption Steps
listed above on page 63.
Objective 2: Because of this area's proximity to the University, identifyprospective sites for
future redevelopment which will not adversely impact historic resources. Include
properties containing buildings that are outside of a proposed conservation
district or are not individually eligible for the National Register.
Objective 3: If a conservation district is established, develop design guidelines aRpropriate
for this area which, like the design guidelines for the Downtown, acknowledge
the specific requirements of dealing with fraternity house building tomes as well
as aRpropriate scale, rhythm, mass and materials for new buildings. In addition,
develop guidelines for site improvements for properties in this area including
wall and fencing materials, signage, lighting, etc. The goal of such guidelines is to
provide and maintain a quality entrance corridor into the city.
so
Objective 4: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
Objective 5: Promote sound rehabilitation of sorority and fraternity houses in the district as
a part of a larger effort to encourage historically sensitive rehabilitation of Greek
community properties. The intention for such a campaign would be to develop a
sense of awareness and stewardship for the historic buildings owned by the Greek
community (See Goal 7, Objective 5, page 57).
10. Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District
The Gilbert-Linn Street Historic
District makes up a mixed
residential and commercial
neighborhood at the west end of
Iowa City's traditional North Side.
Some of the city's oldest buildings
are in this neighborhood. Residents
and property owners in the area
participate in the geographically
larger Northside Neighborhood
Association. The Gilbert-Linn Northside Market Place retail district,
Street Historic District has an 200 block North Linn Street.
irregularly shaped boundary
that begins approximately four blocks north of the Downtown and the East Campus of the
University and extends north approximately four blocks along N. Gilbert and N. Linn streets
from E. Bloomington Street to Fairchild Street along the eastern edge and E. Ronalds Streets on
the western edge. Mercy Hospital's campus is at the southeast corner of the District. Boundaries
along the west and east edges generally extend only one or two lots west of Linn Street and east of
Gilbert Street, respectively, depending on the integrity of buildings and the presence of parking
lots or vacant parcels. Properties facing the intersecting streets of E. Davenport Street, E. Fairchild
Street, and E. Church Street are also included.
Since the 1960s, this area of Iowa City has been the subject of intense debate and neighborhood
planning. Following the completion of surveys of the neighborhood in the 1970s, unsuccessful
efforts were made during the early 1980s to designate several larger North Side residential and
commercial historic districts to the National Register. These efforts were closely tied to efforts to
establish a local ordinance historic district as well. Following extensive debate, public hearings
before the HPC and P&Z Commission, and boundary revisions, objection from owners in the
southern blocks of the proposed district saw the effort tabled. Following adoption of the 1992
Historic Preservation Plan, the North Side blocks were resurveyed and new efforts were made
to establish boundaries for smaller districts. The first such effort in 1994 saw the Brown Street
Historic District successfully listed on the National Register and as a local district after an
extensive public education campaign.
si
In 2003, efforts returned
to designation of a historic
district in the west end of
the North Side. A smaller,
mixed-use residential and
commercial area extending
along Gilbert and Linn Streets
was proposed for National
Register designation. Public
debate focused on potential
restrictions to commercial
development and expansion
Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, residences in the 600 block Linn Street related to Mercy Hospital
in the south blocks if the same area were designated as a local ordinance district. Eventually,
boundaries for the National Register area were reduced to the current district. Concurrent plans
to designate the area as a local historic district failed when the City Council denied the district in
2004 by a narrow margin.
Meanwhile, a combination of market conditions along with changing zoning and building
regulations have had a positive effect on the neighborhood. Changin hg ousing trends and the
rg owing appeal of older houses as single-family residences have demonstrated the capacity of
North Side neighborhoods to survive and prosper. These market trends combined with adoption
of the Multi-Family Residential Design Standards in the Central Planning District for new
construction of apartment buildings along with a down zoning in the area have made the blocks
contained in the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District less threatened than in the 1970s.
Proximity to the University campus and Mercy Hospital (adjacent to the district to the southeast),
however, suggests that this area will continue to be one of the front-lines for redevelopment
pressures in the future. Future decisions outside of the district, including building trends south of
the Downtown and hospital ownership or medical specialties, could greatly influence the rate of
change in the residential and commercial blocks surrounding the district. Without design review
in place for the historic district and/or a larger conservation district, the neighborhood is not
likely to achieve its potential in terms of historic preservation objectives.
Objective 1: Retain the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District designation (National Re isg ter)•
Regularly provide information to new property owners about the responsibilities
and advantages of owning property in a historic district.
Objective 2: In the near term (one to two years), focus neighborhood historic preservation
efforts on an education program to develop a clear understanding of what a local
ordinance historic district means for a designated area. Address FAQs about
the designation process, including questions about "urban myths" and genuine
concerns voiced during the 2004 designation effort. Establish a "user-friendly"
technical assistance effort for property owners by implementing the Technical
Assistance Steps on page 65.
82
Objective 3: In the midterm (two to three years), encourage designation of the Gilbert-Linn
Street Historic District as a local ordinance historic district. Follow the District
Adoption Steps listed above on page 63.
Objective 4: Because of this area's proximity to the University, continue efforts to identify
prospective sites for future redevelopment which will not adversely impact historic
resources. Include properties containing buildings that are outside of a proposed
historic or conservation district or are not individually eligible for the National
Register.
Objective 5: Maintain and preserve existing stretches of brick-paved streets within the Gilbert-
Linn Street Historic District, including portions of Fairchild Street and several
blocks of Linn that are part of the brick-paved route that leads to Oakland and St.
Joseph's cemeteries from churches in the center of town.
Objective 6: Incorporate historic preservation efforts in planning for the Northside Market
Place retail district (intersecting blocks at Market, Linn, Gilbert and Bloomin tg on
streets .Stress the significance of the neighborhood's history as an industrial and
commercial enclave of 19th century breweries and markets. Encourage efforts to
tell the story of its early development (stone and brick buildings) as well as its turn
of the century buildings (O.H. Carpenter designed houses). Emphasize the story
of its diversity (German and Bohemian working class residents and merchant
families). Promote preservation of the architectural elements of both landmarks
such as the Slezak Building-National Hall (Pagliai's Pizza) at 302 E. Bloomington
and vernacular commercial buildings such as the Hamburg Inn at 214 N. Linn.
Relate the story of the neighborhood's buildings of literary significance such as
402 E. Market through the development of walking tours or special celebrations.
Encourage public improvements that are consistent with the neighborhood's
historic character and private redevelopment measures that complement surviving
landmarks such as the Union Brewery at 127-131 N. Linn Street and the home of
its owner, Conrad Graf, at 319 East Bloomington Street or the Jacob Wentz House
at 219 N. Gilbert Street.
Objective 7: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
11. Goosetown
The Goosetown neighborhood encompasses the blocks at the east end of the North Side and is
discussed as a separate neighborhood because of its distinct ethnic origins and building stock. It
is roughly bounded by Oakland Cemetery on the north, Rochester Avenue and the alley south
of Bloomington Street on the south, North Dodge/North Lucas-Governor Street on the west,
and Reno Street on the east. Originally developed in the mid to late 19th century, this area was
populated largely by working class Bohemian or Czech immigrants with a smaller number of
German immigrants.
83
Once characterized by small houses
situated amidst semi-agrarian blocks,
Goosetown grew both internally and
on its edges in the decades immediately
following 1900. The commercial and civic
center for Goosetown lay to the west in
the blocks along North Johnson and North
Dodge streets. Around North Market
square, several churches, successive public
schools, and a Czecho-Slovakian fraternal
hall were built. Over time, large lots in
Goosetown were sometimes subdivided
and houses were occasionally moved or
more often replaced when circumstances
required it.
Goosetown. Left: Chensky-Klema House, 1013 East Bloomingon
Street
Through the years, the Goosetown neighborhood remained a neighborhood of closely-knit
Bohemian and German families. For the men, work life might include a job at a local brewery or
in one of the building trades if you were lucky. For those less fortunate, low-paying jobs changed
frequently. For the women, work outside the home included jobs as laundresses and domestics or.
if you were fortunate, clerking in a store downtown or working at a printing company or the local
glove factory. As the University of Iowa grew after 1900, employment opportunities gave stable
jobs to dozens of Goosetown residents.
Through two World Wars and the Great Depression, Goosetown remained aclose-knit
neighborhood of working class families whose children attended the same school and attended
the same churches. They maintained pride in their former Bohemian homeland while they took
new pride in their Iowa City neighborhood, their well-kept homes, and productive gardens.
Public awareness of the history and location of Goosetown has grown since 1992, especially
following publication of Marybeth Slonneger's Goosetown social history, Small But Ours, in 1999.
Goosetown's identity as a distinct neighborhood has grown with pride in the modest design and
scale of the neighborhood's housing stock. A parallel recognition has developed of the area's
"affordable housing:'
In 2003, in response to a neighborhood-based petition to consider designation of a Goosetown
conservation district, the HPC held a public information meeting. Concern of some neighbors
regarding an obligation for property owners to undergo design review was strongly expressed.
Since 1992, the historic character of the neighborhood has changed as the result of carefully
planned historic rehabilitation projects for some buildings and modernizations of others. In
the latter cases, buildings have seen the installation of synthetic siding, loss of wood porch
detailing, resizing of windows, construction of out-of-scale additions and garages, and other new
construction work that has diluted the character of the neighborhood. No concerted technical
assistance or preservation education program has been undertaken.
84
As efforts are undertaken for Goosetown's preservation in the future, the neighborhood's dual
images-a picturesque historic district and aloes-cost residential neighborhood-will likely be
argued by some as conflicting. However, neighborhood preservation efforts in other communities
show that the two can be compatible. Factors such as small lot size, modest house square footage,
the presence of a substantial number of one and one-and-a-half-story houses, and the simple
vernacular designs of Goosetown dwellings are more likely to be important factors in maintaining
their affordability. Since these factors are also part of their historic character, any design review
process that preserves Goosetown's modest-scale dwellings by not allowing inappropriately-sized
additions or front porch enclosures is likely to assist in keeping the area affordable.
Other concerns, including issues relating to siding (installing synthetic siding versus maintaining
painted wood finishes) and window replacement (opting for repairing and replacing selected
wood sash rather than total window replacement) have been debated in other communities.
Careful evaluations have demonstrated that in assessing the long-term effect, the historic
rehabilitation approach is about the same cost or less expensive and has the benefit of often
contributing to a historic house's appreciation. The HPC has demonstrated the flexibility of
conservation district regulations in practice. The best example was the operation of the HPC
during the post-tornado months of 2006. A record number of design reviews for buildings in
blocks damaged by the storm were reviewed and rehabilitated by their owners. Some received
technical assistance during the process that enabled them to save historic features their insurance
companies might not have considered worth paying for as part of a tornado loss. Success of the
design review process under even the most adverse circumstances demonstrates the community
benefits of historic preservation regulation.
Objective 1: Develop and submit a Multiple Property Documentation form to the National
Register of Historic Places for "Iowa City's Bohemian History, 1855-1945" for
scattered resources found throughout the North Side and Goosetown; base the
MPD on survey work of the Phase I and Phase II Original Town Plat surveys
(1997, 2000) and the Phase III Goosetown survey (2000). Identify four to six
individually eli ig ble properties for preparation of individual National Re ig ster
nominations to include with submittal of the MPD.
Objective 2: Be ig n the process of desi ng ating a Goosetown conservation district with a stron
education effort that develops a clear understanding of what a local ordinance
conservation district means for a designated area. Include dissemination of
"history corner" columns in the neighborhood association newsletter addressing
FAQs, including questions about "urban myths" and genuine concerns about the
designation effort. Develop other special topic publications based on questions of
property owners.
Objective 3: Follow-up on Objective 2 using the District Adoption Steps listed above on page 63.
s5
Objective 4: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
12. Governor-Lucas Conservation District 13
The Governor-Lucas
Conservation District was
Iowa City's first conservation
district. It is a rectangular-
shaped neighborhood southeast
of the central business district
that includes properties along
Governor and Lucas streets
between Burlington Street and
the Iowa Interstate Railroad as
well as properties along Bowery
Street between Lucas Street and
Governor-Lucas Conservation District, Bethel A.M.E. Church, the Summit Street Historic
411 S. Governor Street. District. Measures to designate
the area for protection began with a reconnaissance survey of the neighborhood and blocks to
the west completed in 1990. In 1996 and 1998, a smaller area was included in the intensive level
survey completed for the Longfellow Neighborhood. Turn-of-the-century houses and tree-lined
streets characterize the Governor-Lucas Conservation District with houses dating from the late
19th century through the 1930s. Governor Street's unusually wide lots and deep set-backs on the
east side create a sense of spaciousness that is similar to portions of Summit Street and not found
in most Iowa City residential districts. Examples of vernacular house forms and architectural
styles from the 1860s through the 1930s are present, with many good examples of Craftsman
Style, American Four-Squares and Bungalows intermixed with earlier Victorian styles.
The Governor-Lucas Conservation District includes 140 residential properties and one church,
the Bethel AME Church (National Register). Unlike other historic and conservation districts in
Iowa City, owner-occupants make up a minority of residents -slightly less than one-third. The
neighborhood saw its transition to rental occupancy begin in 1961 when the majority of the
district was rezoned for dense multifamily occupancy. In the wake of this rezoning, blocks to the
west saw houses razed and new apartment buildings erected. In May 2000, owner-occupants and
long-term renters, aware of the pressure to construct dormitory-style apartment buildings in the
neighborhood, successfully petitioned the City Council to down-zone the neighborhood. Work
on establishment of a conservation district paralleled the rezoning measure. Since 2001, 27 design
reviews have been completed.
Objective 1: Retain the Governor-Lucas Conservation District desi nag tion• Regularly provide
information to new property owners about the responsibilities and advantages of
owning property in a conservation district.
is Portions of the neighborhood description taken from "Proposed Lucas-Governor Conservation District
Report;' November 1, 2001. (Note: At an unidentified point in time, common usage saw the name of the district
become "Governor-Lucas" perhaps reflecting the title and name of Governor Lucas, Iowa's territorial governor who
resided in his retirement home, Plum Grove, located several blocks to the south.)
86
Objective 2: Re-evaluate the district periodically to determine if the passage of time or the
rehabilitations completed have changed the status of the district from conservation
to historic, or if individual buildings should be designated contributing rather than
non-contributing.
Objective 3: Consider local landmark designation for eligible properties in the district such
as Bethel AME Church. Given the important history of this church to Iowa City
and Iowa, take special care in evaluating planned preservation and rehabilitation
measures. Work with the church owner and non-profit groups to develop a master
plan for reuse and rehabilitation. Identify acontinued-use plan that preserves its
original historic character by evaluating along-term, wholistic plan for its use and
building modifications that are sensitive to its historic character.
Objective 4: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
13. Jefferson Street Historic District
The Jefferson Street Historic District is a linear
neighborhood that extends along East Jefferson Street
from Clinton to Van Buren streets. Properties facing
the intersecting streets of Dubuque, Linn, Gilbert, and
Van Buren are also included within the district. The
district includes a mix of institutional buildings (religious
and academic) and residential buildings that reflect its
historical development along the edge of the downtown
and the University campus. University-related resources
include buildings originally used as a biological sciences
classroom building, a medical school anatomy lecture
hall, an isolation hospital, and sorority houses. Buildings
used for religious purposes include four churches, a
student center, a former convent, and a rectory. The
balance of the district includes two large apartment
buildings, a collection of medium- and large-sized
single-family dwellings that date from the 1850s through
the 1930s, and a variety of secondary structures erected Ie~erson street Historic District,
during the early 20th century. The district contains a St. Mary's Catholic Church,
total of 38 primary resources with all but one considered 22o E. Ie~erson Street
contributing. Buildings in the Jefferson Street Historic District exhibit a range of late 19th and
early 20th century architectural styles including excellent examples of eleven distinct styles and
several vernacular residential forms.
The most recent historical and architectural surveys of this area were completed in 1999 and
2001. In 2004, the Jefferson Street Historic District was listed on the National Register. No local
historic district designation has been established for the area. East Jefferson Street currently
serves as a one-way arterial street with significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Proximity
to the University campus, suggests that this area will continue to be one of the front-lines for
s~
redevelopment pressures. Future reuse for a key property in the district, the former University
Isolation Hospital at the southwest corner of Gilbert and East Jefferson streets, will have a major
impact on the district.14
Objective 1: Retain the lefferson Street Historic District designation (National Re isg ter)•
Regularly provide information to new property owners about the responsibilities
and advantages of owning property in a historic district.
Objective 2: In the near term (one to two years), focus neighborhood historic preservation
efforts on an education program to develop a clear understanding of what a local
ordinance historic district means for a designated area. Focus on FAQs regarding
designation including questions about "urban myths" and genuine concerns.
implementing the Technical Assistance Steps on page 65.
Objective 3: In
F
Steps listed above on page 63.
Objective 4: The University of Iowa 2006 Campus Master Plan identified National Register listed
properties that the University owns as heritage properties that should be protected.
(see Section 4.5.3: "Protect the campus' historic landscape and architectural
resources that positively contribute to its unique identity.") This policy was
established for historic resources within the current campus including buildings
in National Register Historic Districts such as the Pentacrest and the Jefferson
Street Historic District. As a result, an effort should be made to engage University
representatives in discussions for specific historic resources in the district, such as
the Isolation Hospital at the southwest corner of Jefferson and Gilbert streets.
To focus efforts for this property, a comprehensive assessment of reuse options
should be undertaken. The University should consider potential use of federal
investment tax credits to finance rehabilitation through the sale of the credits to
for profit entities. Consider soliciting planning assistance from the Midwest Offices
of the National Trust for Historic Preservation or engaging a group of specialized
architects and planners experienced in academic campus reuse issues. A planning_
effort for the Isolation Hospital could serve as a model for future efforts to plan for
historic resources with both a University and community interest.
Objective 5: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
14. Longfellow Historic District
The Longfellow Historic District includes portions of the original Rundell Addition, Oakes
14In late 2006 near the conclusion of the Historic Preservation Plan update process, reuse of the Isolation
Hospital for the University's Urban Planning Graduate School was announced and is likely to have a positive impact
on the building's long-term preservation.
88
Addition and East Iowa
City. The northern
fringe of the Longfellow
neighborhood was
developed before World
War I while the balance of
the area extending south
of Court St. and east of
Clark St. was not fully
developed until World War
II. Longfellow Elementary
School is an important landmark
anchoring the neighborhood,
which was originally conceived as a
streetcar suburb. Facing blocks have a
homogeneous scale of buildings with
uniform setbacks. The neighborhood
has a high level of physical integrity,
including many historic garages.
Good examples of vernacular house
forms and architectural styles from
before and after World War II survive
throughout the neighborhood.
Since 1992, major progress has been made on historic preservation objectives. In 1996 and
1998, historical and architectural survey work was completed. Parallel designation tracks saw
the Longfellow Historic District listed as a local ordinance historic district in 2001 and on the
National Register the following year. The local Longfellow Historic District and Moffitt Cottage
Historic District were combined into a single historic district in 2003. Since local designation,
the district has had 56 design review cases. Fears of residents expressed in 1992 regarding
incompatible exterior remodeling of pristine bungalows and period cottages has been replaced
by deliberate planned historic rehabilitations. Removal of the district's small period garages has
been slowed, and where replacement buildings have been erected the design review process has
mitigated their loss by requiring more compatible design for new garages. The continuing loss of
original garages remains a challenge for the neighborhood.
Good efforts on heightening public awareness of neighborhood history have been undertaken
through projects sponsored by the Longfellow Neighborhood Association and the leadership of
individual residents. One of the most successful to date has been the Longfellow Neighborhood
Art Project financed with a City PIN grant. It features a series of large free-standing markers
highlighting the stories of the Oakes Brickworks, the Muscatine Avenue Moffitt Cottages, the
Civil War-era site for Camp Pope, the O.S. Kelly Factory, Rundell Park, and others. Regular
columns appear in the Association's newsletters featuring local history and preservation topics.
Objective 1: Retain the Longfellow Historic District desi ng ation. Regularly provide information
to new property owners about the responsibilities and advantages of owning
property in a historic district.
89
Longfellow Historic District, above: 600 block of Oakland Avenue; below: 1100
block
Objective 2: Re-evaluate the district periodically to determine if the passage of time or the
rehabilitations completed for buildings under design review have than eg d the
boundaries for the district, or if individual buildings should be evaluated as
contributing rather than non-contributing. This recommendation is especially
important for aging resources that reach the 50-year eligibility for contributing
status.
Objective 3: Support historic preservation efforts for the Longfellow School buildin ag s an
important anchor in the historic district. Adopt strategies for preserving historic
neighborhood schools promoted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
is Encourage retention and celebration of the existing school building as a
neighborhood value.
Objective 4:
centennial anniversary of the Rundell Land and Improvement Company Use the
publication as an opportunity to solicit historic neighborhood photos and first
hand accounts of the area's post-World War II changes from present and former
residents. To broaden the appeal of the book, incorporate the stories of nearby
neighborhoods.
Objective 5: Maintain up-to-date information re ag rding historic preservation at the Lon feg llow
a website is challenging The Longfellow Neighborhood Association has an
excellent site but the material regarding historic preservation was more than two
years old when examined. Although some of it may still be accurate, it is critical
that all of it be updated regularly or site users will discount its validity or be
misled. Since the current newsletter is maintained through the City's website, it
is important that the City make the maintenance process as straight forward as
possible and cooperate in the updating effort.
Objective 6: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
15. Muscatine Avenue Moffitt Cottage Historic District (now, part of Longfellow Historic
District)
This small National Register historic district contains five stone cottages located along the east
side of the 1300 block of Muscatine Avenue. They were built during the 1920s and 1930s by
Iowa City developer and contractor Howard F. Moffitt. Their distinct designs blended features of
Tudor Revival and Craftsman Style dwellings in a variety of cottage forms. The Muscatine Avenue
Moffitt Cottage Historic District was listed in the National Register in 1993 and locally designated
a short time later. In 2003, the small district was incorporated into the adjoining Longfellow
Historic District. Only one design review case was heard in the district before it was merged
is"Focus On Historic Neighborhood Schools;' National Trust for Historic Preservation available at: http://
www.nationaltrust.org/issues/schools/neighborhood school preservation; accessed 12/1/2006.
90
with Longfellow All of the recommendations and strategies presented above for the Longfellow
Historic District apply to this small enclave of buildings. The one objective listed below applies to
these buildings separately.
Objective 1: Use research work completed on the Moffitt Cottages to develop across-district,
citywide bicycle/driving tour highlighting Moffitt cottages, such as the Muscatine
Avenue group. Publish information about the tour on-line and in the Longfellow
neighborhood newsletter. Encourage preparation of a social history of Moffitt
houses using the recollections of former owners.
16. Oak Grove-Kirkwood Avenue Corridor
The Oak Grove-Kirkwood Avenue
Corridor neighborhood occupies an area
in the southern blocks of the Central
Planning District roughly bounded by the
Iowa Interstate Railroad right-of-way on
the north, Van Buren Street or Webster
Street on the west, Lower Muscatine Road
on the east, and Highland Avenue and De
Forest avenues on the south. Subdivisions
in the Oak Grove-Kirkwood Avenue
Corridor prior to 1890 included the Page
Addition, Borland Place Addition, and
Block 2 of the Summit Hill Addition
north of Kirkwood Avenue and the Lucas 806 Kirkwood Avenue
Addition south of Kirkwood Avenue.
Between 1890 and World War I, the Wilson and Lantz Addition was added north of Kirkwood
Avenue and the Switzer Subdivision, E.W. Lucas's Addition and Sunnyside Addition were
added south of Kirkwood Avenue. Large undeveloped parcels were still held individually along
Kirkwood Avenue through the Great Depression years. During the 1920s, the S.J. Kirkwood
Homestead Addition and Kirkwood Place Addition were platted, the latter by Bert Manville.
Additions made between 1935 and 1955 included Kirkwood Circle (1939), C.R. Regan Addition
(1950), Highland Addition Part 3 (1955), and Plum Grove Part 3 (1955).
The Kirkwood Avenue corridor is made up of facing blocks along an east-west stretch of the
avenue between Diana and Roosevelt streets. Originally named "Wyoming Road;' it served as an
important country road leading into Iowa City from the southeast. Prominent farmsteads and
country homes built along and near Kirkwood Avenue before 1900 include Plum Grove (National
Register, 1030 Carroll Street), the Governor Samuel Kirkwood House (local historic landmark,
1101 Kirkwood Avenue), the Clark House (National Register and local landmark, 829 Kirkwood
Avenue), the Lovelace House (820 Kirkwood Avenue), and the Gotch House (1110 Kirkwood
Avenue). Wide lots and deep set backs continue along much of the corridor. Plum Grove has been
held as a state-owned property since the 1940s. It is operated as a house museum and memorial
to the lives of Governor Lucas and his wife Friendly by the State Historical Society of Iowa
91
Oak Grove-Kirkwood Avenue Corridor,
and administered by the Johnson County Historical Society. In 1992, the Historic Preservation
Plan stated that though owned by the State of Iowa, "Plum Grove pales by comparison with the
attention received by its sister landmark -Old Capitol:' This position continues reflecting the
relative importance of the University in statewide affairs when compared with the Historical
Society.
Objective 1: Complete a reconnaissance survey of the Oak Grove-Kirkwood Avenue Corridor
Neighborhood in order to focus intensive level survey work on scattered
individually eligible National Re ig ster properties and on multi-block areas such as
the Kirkwood Avenue corridor.
Objective 2:
ifi
If the Kirkwood Avenue
corridor is determined eligible for National Register listing, pursue nomination.
Objective 3: Encourage local designation of a Kirkwood Avenue historic district. F
Objective 4: Support the continued use of Plum Grove as state-owned, locally administered
historic site. Make efforts to rotate exhibits, emphasize specialized tours such
as evening "candle light tours" or archeological field school tours, and special
events have the potential to increase visitorship and community support for this
important historic property.
Objective 5: Coordinate efforts with the State Historical Society and the Tohnson Count
Historical Society to evaluate Plum Grove for designation as a National Historic
Landmark and seek designation as an Iowa City historic landmark.
Objective 6: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
17. Lucas Farms Neighborhood -Ginter, Friendly, Highland, Pickard, and Yewell Streets
As noted above, the Lucas Farms neighborhood occupies an area in the southern blocks of the
Central Planning District extending south from Kirkwood Avenue to Highland Avenue and De
Forest avenues and from Van Buren Street or Webster Street on the west to Lower Muscatine
Road on the east. Subdivisions in the Lucas Farms Neighborhood were established during
the 1920s and later focused on the blocks south of Kirkwood Avenue. They included the S.J.
Kirkwood Homestead Addition (1924) and the Kirkwood Place Addition (1925), the latter
platted by Iowa City developer Bert Manville. Additions made between 1935 and 1955 included
Kirkwood Circle (1939), C.R. Regan Addition (1950), Highland Addition Part 3 (1955), and Plum
Grove Part 3 (1955). The main blocks in this neighborhood of historic and architectural interest
front on the intersecting blocks of Ginter, Friendly, Highland, Pickard, and Yewell streets and
include good examples of suburban development in Iowa City during the 1920s-1930s.
92
The multi-block area along Ginter,
Friendly, Highland, Pickard, and
Yewell streets contains a dozen or
more Moffitt stone cottages, most
of which were identified as eligible
for National Register listing in
the in MPD form for "The Small
Homes of Howard F. Moffitt in
Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa,
1924-1943" listed on the National
Register in 1993.
Lucas Farms Neighborhood, Mo~it house, 1217 Friendly Street.
Objective 1: A reconnaissance level survey of the Lucas Farms Neighborhood should be
completed to focus intensive level survey work on scattered individually eligible
National Register properties and on multi-block areas identified as containing a
potential National Register eligible historic district or locally eligible conservation
district.
Objective 2: Once reconnaissance survey work is completed, a second phase would focus
intensive level work for individually significant buildings and historic districts.
Buildings in a multi-block area with the potential for either historic district
or conservation district eligibility should be surveyed intensively. If a historic
district is identified as eligible for National Register listing, a district nomination
should be pursued. If a district is not identified, individual nominations should be
encouraged based on the "Small Houses of Howard F. Moffitt" MPD.
Objective 3: Once survey work is completed, encourage local designation of a historic or
conservation district. Follow the District Adoption Steps listed above on page 63.
Objective 4: Use research work completed on the Moffitt houses in the Lucas Farms
Neighborhood survey as an opportunity to develop across-district, citywide
bicycle/driving tour highlighting specific Moffitt cottages and enclaves of houses
such as those in the Lucas Farms Neighborhood. Publish information about the
tour on-line and in the neighborhood newsletter. Encourage preparation of a
social history of Moffitt houses that uses the recollections of former house owners.
Objective 5: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
18. Morningside-City High Neighborhood
The Morningside-City High Neighborhood is one of several neighborhoods newly included in
the update of the Historic Preservation Plan. The neighborhood includes a series of irregular
93
shaped blocks between Muscatine
Avenue and City High School
campus. Court Street forms the
south boundary and rear property
line of houses facing the south
side of Glendale Road forms
the north boundary. The area is
substantially different from blocks
to the west due to the inclusion
of diagonal and curving streets,
cul-de-sacs, and blocks of various
sizes and shapes to better fit the
topography. The development of
the neighborhood extended from
the platting of the Morningside
Addition in 1924 on the former
fairgrounds site through the
post-World War II period and
early 1950s. The Morningside-City
High neighborhood is directly
north of East Iowa City, which was
platted in 1898 as a subdivision for
manufacturing sites and worker
housing.
The visual centerpiece of the neighborhood is City High School, built in 1938-1939 as a joint
project of the Iowa City School District and the federal Public Works Administration. House
building appears to have continued in the neighborhood at a slow pace during the Depression
years, but World War II deterred development of new subdivisions until the end of the war. After
the war, subdivisions in the neighborhood included College Court Place (1948), Wildman's 1st
Addition (1949), Adrian's Addition (1950), West Bel Air Pt. 1 (1956), and Lafferty Subdivision
(1960). The 1950s development in the neighborhood is symbolized by installation of a miniature
Statue of Liberty at entrance to the City High campus in 1950. Its installation was part of a
national campaign sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America to erect statues across the U.S. The
construction of Herbert Hoover Elementary School in 1954 south of City High prompted the
neighborhood's last wave of residential development.
For many, the inclusion of a neighborhood made up of buildings dating from the decades
immediately preceding and following World War II stretches the concept of "historic:' However,
the passage of time requires historians, architectural historians, archeologists, and city planners
to retain an arbitrary "look back" date of 50 years for evaluating potentially significant historic
resources. This criterion has been central to the National Register of Historic Places since it was
established in 1966. The "look back" date in those years extended only until World War I. Since
then, there has been a gradual recognition of newer buildings as important historic resources in
telling a community's ever expanding-and more recent-history.
94
Morningside-City High Neighborhood, above: 100-inch replica of Statue
of Liberty at City High School, one of 200 copies placed by the Boy Scouts
in the U. S., 1949 ~ 1957; below, 1700 block of College Street.
Objective 1: Complete a reconnaissance survey of the Morningside-City High Neighborhood
historic district(s) or, more likely, potential conservation district(s).
Objective 2:
ifi
Objective 3: If a Morningside-City High historic or conservation district is recommended,
Follow the District Adoption Steps listed above on page 63.
Objective 4: Develop a National Register of Historic Places nomination for the City High
campus and the little "Miss Liberty" statue at its entrance. Use the nomination to
draw attention to Iowa City's involvement with national trends such as the Public
Works Administration that sought to put people to work in the waning years of
the Great Depression and the patriotic campaign waged by the Boy Scouts with the
effort to put miniature Statues of Liberty in county seat towns across the nation.
Objective 5: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
19. Rochester Avenue Neighborhood
The Rochester Avenue Neighborhood < ~
includes facing blocks along the avenue
and blocks to the south from roughly y ~ : ~`` ~~ ~,:
Elizabeth Street on the west to Parsons ~ ~ ~ ~~`~ ~~; ` ~. ~~, ~'`~
.~ ~,,
Avenue or Ralston Creek on the east and ~-~ e . ~° ~ : ~~ .~
~:
from Bloomington Street on the north `~ ~ ~ ~ < < ~ ~ , "~ ~ ~~~ ~`
~.~
to Jefferson Street/Glendale Avenue on - ~ ~~
the south. This neighborhood includes ~~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~ ,,~~ _
the heavily tornado damaged-area _ ` 'I~~~' ~' "~' _ '~"' ~°`"~"~
~.
along Hotz Street and Clapp Street. The -' ~~`~
neighborhood contains several additions
platted from end of World War I through ~, ~ ~' r
ca. 1960, including the Rose Hill
Addition, J.W. Clark's Addition, Raphael Rochester Avenue Neighborhood, 1300 block Rochester Avenue.
Placer Addition, Memler's Addition (1951), Highland Addition Pt. 2 (1954), Wildwood Addition
(1956), Streb's 1st Addition (1958), and Mark Twain Addition (1959). The meandering course of
the North Branch of Ralston Creek and Glendale Park are included.
The pre-urban history of Rochester Avenue saw farmsteads and acreages owned by Ruth Irish and
O.S. Barnes on north side of Rochester Avenue and J.P. Memler, Peter Zach and O.S. Barnes on
south side of Rochester Avenue. Housing stock in the neighborhood includes one- and two-story
frame and masonry residences, a mix of vernacular house forms such as the American Four-
square, Front-Gable and Wing, and Suburban Cottage. The neighborhood also includes pre and
post-World War I domestic architectural styles including variations of the Craftsman, Colonial
Revival, and Bungalow styles.
95
Objective 1:
in order to focus intensive level survey work on scattered individually eli ig ble
National Re ig ster properties and on multi-block areas that maybe significant as
historic district(s) or, more likely, potential conservation district(s).
Objective 2: Once reconnaissance survey work is completed, complete intensive level work for
individually significant buildings and districts.
Objective 3: If a Rochester Avenue historic or conservation district is recommended, Follow
the District Adoption Steps listed above on page 63.
Objective 4: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
20. Summit Street Historic District
The Summit Street Historic District is
a linear neighborhood composed of
facing blocks along South Summit Street
between Burlington Street and the Iowa
Interstate Railroad. The neighborhood's
three blocks include Iowa City's best
collection ofwell-preserved Victorian-
era and turn-of-the-century American
Revival style residences. Houses are
set well back on deep lots with many
properties containing carriage houses,
fences, carriage blocks, and historic
landscaping features. Construction dates
for the district's building stock primarily
range from the 1860s-1910s.
Summit Street Historic District, 513 S. Summit Street
The Summit Street blocks were recognized through the years as having a sense of time and
place. Individual houses were prominently featured in Margaret Keyes' early book on Iowa City
architecture. Early threats to the neighborhood posed by apartment house construction were
thwarted by neighborhood activism and subsequent down zoning and historic district protection.
In 1973, residents sought and received a designation for the area as a National Register historic
district -the first historic district established in Iowa City. A decade later, the district was also
the first to be listed as a local historic district. Since local designation and the beginning of design
review, the district has had 61 cases.
The health of Summit Street is evidence of the long term community benefits fostered by
historic preservation. A neighborhood that was threatened with redevelopment in the 1960s is
now a stable and well-regarded residential anchor for the near east part of the city. Buildings
in the district have been rehabilitated at a rate commensurate with or ahead of other older
neighborhoods in the city. Property values have kept pace with or exceeded appreciation in the
balance of the community. Traffic increases are still perceived by current residents; and others, as
the principle threat to the neighborhood.
96
For many, the Summit Street Historic District is an example of the idiom "If it ain't broke, don't fix
it!" The area has awell-recognized historic image in the community and the district's addresses
are sought after in spite of an increasingly competitive market for preserved historic residences.
Regardless of the actual and perceived success of historic preservation along South Summit
Street, owners change, buildings experience change, and strategies for continued success will be
necessary.
Objective 1: Retain designation of the Summit Street Historic District. Provide information
to new property owners about the responsibilities and advantages of owning
property in a historic district through regular mailings and a visitation program
conducted by residents.
Objective 2: Continue to identify and retain Summit Street's unique neighborhood
development features such as deep lots with spacious front yard setbacks, canopy
landscaping with minimal low-level screening, etc. Do not add features to the
neighborhood which provide a false sense of history, such as decorative street
lights or undocumented fences and walls.
Objective 3: Consider establishing a regular event (annually or bi-annually) such as a "front
porch festival" open to the public in order to invite neighbors and Iowa City
residents to share the history of Summit Street-a rich heritage which belongs to
the entire community. Such an event negates the mindset that historic preservation
only makes sense for prestigious neighborhoods.
Objective 4: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
21. Woodlawn Historic District
Woodlawn is an enclave of 14well-preserved late 19th and early 20th century residences located
at the Y-shaped junction of Iowa Avenue, Evans Street, and Muscatine Avenue. "Governor's
Square" located southwest of Woodlawn, was originally planned as the location for the governor's
residence. After the capital relocated to Des Moines in 1857, these plans were abandoned and
Governor's Square was replatted for house lots. In 1889 S.M. Clark's Sub-division, which contains
Woodlawn, was platted east of the terminus of Iowa Avenue. Beginning in the 1880s houses
were built along Woodlawn Avenue's spacious lots featuring Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen
Anne, Stick/Eastlake, and Tudor Revival styles. Through the years, a Woodlawn address, like that
of South Summit Street, connoted prestige. The Woodlawn Historic District was listed on the
National Register in 1979 and became a local historic district in 1983. Since that time, 15 design
reviews have been conducted. Several buildings and mature landscape elements on Woodlawn
were seriously damaged in the April 2006 tornado.
Objective 1: Retain designation of Woodlawn as a historic district. Regularly provide
information to new property owners about the responsibilities and advantages of
owning property in a historic district.
97
Objective 2: Use Woodlawn as an anchor for encouraging the development of an Iowa Avenue
streetscape improvement plan in the blocks immediately west of the Woodlawn
entrance. Include landscaping measures in the Iowa Avenue boulevard and
parking areas as well as upgrades for sidewalks, curbs and gutters along Iowa
Avenue. Use the implemented streetscape plan, positive post-tornado recovery
efforts, and the stability of the Woodlawn District to attract continued investment
along the Iowa Avenue blocks west of Woodlawn.
Objective 3: Establish a "user-friendly" technical assistance effort for property owners b~
implementing the Technical Assistance Steps on page 65.
Objective 4: Consider establishing a regular event (annually or bi-annually) such as a "front
porch festival" open to the public in order to invite neighbors and Iowa City
residents to share the history of Woodlawn-a rich heritage which belongs to the
entire community not just the current residents of the area.
Objective 5: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
North Planning District:
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The North Planning District includes
the northern portions of Iowa City
roughly bounded by the Iowa River,
Interstate 80, North Dodge Street, and
Iowa Highway 1. Several individual
historic resources and large areas of
undeveloped land are located along
Dubuque Street in the western part of
the district while the eastern blocks
comprise a portion of what is known
today as the Shimek Neighborhood and
what was known historically as "Tank
Town:' In 2000, the "North District
Montgomery-Butler House, North Dubuque Street Reconnaissance Survey" was completed
for the North District Plan. Buildings
scattered throughout the North District were identified as potentially eligible for the National
Register. They are clustered in three groups: the first includes scattered properties along Dubuque
Street; the second includes a group of buildings in Tank Town, and the third includes a group of
former rural properties extending along aone-mile stretch of Dubuque Road.
22. North Dubuque Street/Montgomery-Butler House
One of the most important historic resources along Dubuque Street is the Montgomery-Butler
House site, aCity-owned historic dwelling and the ruins of several outbuildings, that overlooks
98
the north edge of Waterworks Prairie Park. The house site was acquired by the City in 1995
as part of the property acquisition for the new municipal water treatment facility. During the
environmental review process for the treatment facility project, the stone house was identified
as a historic site that met the criteria for listing in the National Register. Stabilization measures
to preserve the building were completed as part of an agreement between the City, the State
Historical Society of Iowa, Corps of Engineers, and the National Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation. The City set aside 4.28 acres within the future Waterworks Park, including the stone
house, to be developed as a cultural resource. The house was "mothballed" in 1998 and a formal
nomination for the property to the National Register was prepared through the HPC in 2001 but
not finalized.
A feasibility study to evaluate reuse options for the Montgomery-Butler House was completed
in 2001. A community planning workshop was facilitated by a consultant and attended by
representatives of bicycle, open-space, historic preservation, and civic organizations as well as
City staff. Of the options evaluated, the concept of reusing the Montgomery-Butler House as
a historic site and interpretive center was determined to be the most feasible. Since submittal
of the study, measures to further stabilize and monitor the property have continued. A paved
bicycle access to the site from the park has been completed. No interpretative measures have been
completed and anon-municipal sponsor or leader for the project has not been identified.16
Objective 1: Make completion of the final steps of the National Register nomination process for
the Montgomery-Butler House a priority for the HPC.
Objective 2: Designate the Montgomery-Butler House as a local landmark. It is important to
complete this process to provide design review authority for the HPC as a part of
the evaluation of reuse options for the building in the future.
Objective 3: Now that Waterworks Prairie Park is completed and the new water purification
facility is completed, Review the findings and recommendations of the
Identify leadership to take the project to the next phase of completion.
23. Tank Townl'
Tank Town includes the eastern-most portion of the North Planning District. According to old
timers, the Tank Town neighborhood included the hilltop blocks that surrounded the municipal
water tower that was erected at 900 North Dodge Street at the turn of the 20th century, hence the
name. Several grocery stores and a saloon were located nearby on Dodge Street. North School at
928 North Dodge Street was part of the north end enclave since it opened in the 1880s. Originally
populated by Bohemian and German immigrants, Tank Town also included blocks that fronted
on the route of the Military Road (currently State Highway 1) where it entered Iowa City from
the northeast. Scattered dwellings and farmsteads were in place along this route before the Civil
16Marlys Svendsen, Svendsen Tyler, Inc. Montgomery-Butler House Feasibility Study Report (Iowa City, IA:
Department of Planning and Community Development, City of Iowa City), 2001.
''Marlys Svendsen, Svendsen Tyler, Inc., North District Reconnaissance Survey, Iowa City, Iowa, (Iowa City,
IA: Department of Planning and Community Development, City of Iowa City), July 27, 2000.
99
War and within a few decades both
immigrant groups were taking up
residence in substantial numbers
in the blocks north of Goosetown
along the Military Road. In
recognition of the area's strong
Bohemian connections, North
School was renamed "Shimek
School" for Bohumil Shimek,
a lifelong resident of Johnson
County and the son of Bohemian Tank Town, Old North School or Shimek School, 928 North Dodge Street.
immigrants, who went on to
become a noted professor of botany at the State University of Iowa. The old Shimek School closed
in 1917 when Horace Mann Elementary School opened. Shimek's local fame lives on in the name
adopted for the modern day Shimek Elementary School at 1400 Grissel Place and the Shimek
Neighborhood.
In 2000 the "North District Reconnaissance Survey" identified several buildings in the North
District that were potentially eligible for the National Register including a potential historic
district along Dubuque Road that is discussed below. A cluster of adjoining blocks of Tank Town
along Dewey and North Summit streets south of Oakland Cemetery was also evaluated for
historic district eligibility and was determined to not meet the level of physical integrity required.
Objective 1: Complete intensive level survey work on historic resources identified as potentiall
individually significant in Tank Town. Focus on properties that relate to the
historic context recommended for "Iowa City's Bohemian History, 1855-1945"
for scattered historic resources found throughout the North Side, Goosetown,
and Tank Town that are linked to the story of immigrant Bohemian and German
families. Identify four to six individually eli ig ble properties for preparation of
individual National Register nominations to include with submittal of the MPD.
Objective 2: Determine whether an~parts of Tank Town should be included in a potential
Goosetown conservation district. If so, incorporate measures for these Tank Town
areas under 11. Goosetown, Objective 2 above.
Objective 3: Maintain and preserve existing stretches of brick-paved streets within the North
District. The most intact section is located in the 800 block of North Dewey Street.
This block represents a continuation of the paved route along Brown Street that
provided access to Oakland and St. Joseph's cemeteries from churches in the center
of town.
24. Dubuque Road Neighborhood
North of Tank Town and the settled portions of Iowa City, farmland and wooded areas dotted
the country side during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A number of the farms located
ioo
along the original route of the Military Road or present day "Dubuque Road" where it turns north
off Highway 1, were operated as dairy farms with their herds furnishing a significant portion of
Iowa City's milk supply. A dozen large residences and barns along Dubuque Road date from ca.
1890 to the 1930s when the dairy industry in this rural neighborhood peaked. By the 1930s one
of the larger local creameries in the area-the Swaner Farms Dairy-had relocated its business
to 1103 North Dodge Street. The company processed milk for home delivery to consumers and
manufactured butter, ice cream, cheese and other dairy products under the brand "Hometown:'
In 1981, Swaner Farms Dairy became part of a group of dairies in Omaha, Des Moines, and
Concordia known as Robert's Dairy retaining its "HomeTown" brand until the mid 1990s. The
dairy continues to process milk from its location along Dodge Street. Other north end dairy
operations identified in the North District Reconnaissance Survey Report included the Queen
Dairy Farm located at 1729 Dubuque Road and run by various members of the Ruppert family
beginning in ca. 1912 and the Model Dairy, which operated from the intersection of North Dodge
and Dubuque Road. These properties have potential for National Register or local landmark
designation. The Robert's Dairy merits closer evaluation once the principal buildings reach the
50-year time frame for National Register eligibility.
In the intervening years, residential construction along Dubuque Road has diminished the
significance of this "country neighborhood:' The design and location of new dwellings now
precludes National Register eligibility of this neighborhood but it still may meet the criteria for a
conservation district.
Objective 1: Evaluate the properties along Dubuque Road for designation as a conservation
district. This nearly one mile stretch of "country road" was originally built as
part of the U.S. Military Road between Iowa City and Dubuque in 1839. Located
within the corporate limits since before World War I, it continues to retain some
of its rural quality. The significance of this route itself as well as the collection of
residences and barns built along it from ca. 1860 make this an area that may merit
protection. Recent new construction of large residences precludes its National
Register eligibility and may have diminished its rural landscape qualities making it
ineligible for a conservation district designation as well.
Objective 2: If a determination is made that the area is eligible for conservation district
designation, maintain the remaining open space, deep set-backs and wide-spacing_
between remaining residences along Dubuque Road as part of the design review
standards for the district.
Objective 3: The North District Reconnaissance Survey identified several important secondary
structures for former farms and active farm properties along Dubuque Road
including two large barns. In order to provide alternative uses for these properties
to support their preservation, consider providing zoning incentives and property
tax abatement.
101
Northwest PlanningDistrict:
25. Manville Heights Neighborhood
Manville Heights comprises a distinct
residential neighborhood bounded on
the east by Riverside Drive, on the south
by the right-of-way of the CRANDIC
Railway and U.S. Highway 6, and on the
north and west by Park Road. The area
developed initially as a farm operated by
the Frank Hutchinson family in the 1840s
and was known as "Hutchinson's Grove:'
National Guard encampments were held at
Hutchinson's Grove shortly after 1900 and
the electric interurban between Cedar
Rapids and Iowa City was completed along Manville Heights Neighborhood, Tudor Revival Style cottage,
the southern edge of the neighborhood 21s Lexington Avenue.
in 1904-Cedar Rapids and Iowa City
Railway (CRANDIC). Electric power became available in the area as a result. Hutchinson's
Grove served as Iowa City's Chautauqua Grounds during summers of 1906, 1907, and 1908
with participants able to travel byway of the new electric railway. Recreation use of the area was
further encouraged by the establishment of City Park in 1906 and construction of the City Park
bridge over the Iowa River in 1908.
The potential of the area to serve
as a residential district was tapped
in 1910 when Manville Heights
Addition was platted by Iowa City
contractor and developer, Bert E.
Manville, after he purchased 80
acres from the Hutchinson family;
house construction began the same
year. Other subdivisions in place by
1917 included Manville Addition,
Chautauqua Heights, Black Springs,
and Black's Second with the Folsom
farm immediately north of U.S.
Highway 6 added as the Capital View
Subdivision in 1938.
During the three decades leading up to World War II, Manville Heights developed as one of Iowa
City's true streetcar and early automobile suburbs. The Manville streetcar line was extended to
City Park and Heights by 1915. Layout of Manville Heights's additions deviated somewhat from
the grid system of east side neighborhoods. The Manville Addition also included oversized lots
io2
Manfille Heights Neighborhood, Hutchinson House, 119 W. Park
Road, University of Iowa Press.
with multi-acre, block-size dimensions that were later divided into the irregular parcels found
between Woolf and Magowan avenues. The Clara Louise Kellogg School on Woolf Avenue
(nonextant; now the site of the VA Hospital) opened in 1917 and Lincoln Elementary School
opened in 1926 to further serve the growing neighborhood's young families.
The building of Manville Heights' houses paralleled growth in the central business district, the
University's West Campus, and new hospital complex during this period. Early Manville Heights
homebuyers were affiliated with the University including professors, University of Iowa Hospital
physicians, and employees. Other residents included local merchants, professionals, and members
of the B.E. Manville family. Manville Heights houses were constructed in the popular designs and
forms of the day-Georgian Revival, Mission, Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and simplified Prairie
School styles and vernacular forms such as the American-Four Squares, Bungalows, and Period
Cottages. When small house designs were introduced in the late 1920s and 1930s, Cape Cod
cottages and Tudor Revival cottages were added. By the early 1960s, multi-lot parcels saw sale of
separate lots and construction of Ranch Style and Neo-Colonial Style homes.
Today, the Manville Heights neighborhood retains much of its suburban quality, with the added
benefit of good access to the sprawling West Campus via Woolf Avenue and a separate pedestrian
walkway over Highway 6. Several fraternity houses mark the eastern edge of the Heights along
Riverside Drive while more contemporary houses overlook the Iowa River bluff that delineates
the western edge. Park Road extends along the north while the U.S. Highway 6 route and a steep
topographic change mark the southern edge. Two individual properties in the neighborhood are
listed on the National Register-the Hutchinson House (119 Park Road) and the Ned Ashton
House (local historic landmark, 820 Park Road).
Objective 1: Complete a reconnaissance and intensive level survey of the Manville Heights
Neighborhood; focus intensive level survey work on individually eligible National
Re ig ster properties and on a multi-block area potentially eligible as a historic
district or conservation district. Completion of the survey should be a high
priority for the HPC given the fact that individuals with connections to early
development in the area are available to pass along recollections and historical
information. Interest in completion of a survey by residents was the highest of
any neighborhood consulted during neighborhood meetings. Encoura eg survey
sponsorship (volunteers and financin~y the Manville Hei htg s Neighborhood
Association.
Objective 2: If a historic district is determined eligible for the National Register, a nomination
should be prepared and submitted for listing.
Objective 3: Encourage local designation of a Manville Heights historic or conservation district.
Follow the District Adoption Steps listed above on page 63.
103
Objective 4: SuRport the continued use of the 1840s-era Hutchinson House (119 Park Road
as the headquarters for the University of Iowa Press or another University reuse
compatible with the building's historic size and scale. As a part of any reuse, retain
the open space surrounding the Hutchinson House. Consider undertaking a
historic archaeology investigation at the site under the direction of the University's
Department of Anthropology with field studies similar to those done at Plum
Grove or under the direction of the State Archeologist's Office.
Objective 5: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
Southwest PlanningDistrict:
26. Melrose Historic District
The Melrose Historic District includes a
multi-block neighborhood along and south
of Melrose Avenue and the University
of Iowa hospital complex and athletic
buildings. Through the years the people
who researched, healed, coached, taught,
and worked north of Melrose Avenue,
frequently lived south of Melrose. The
Melrose Historic District developed
in several waves beginning in the late
19th century and extending through the
post-World War II period. Its greatest
growth was associated with the
establishment of the University's -
General Hospital and erection of
the buildings for the University's
athletic programs during the late
1920s. Staff and faculty for these
facilities needed housing, and the
mixture of small and large lots~,~
available in new additions platted
south of Melrose Avenue provided
ideal home sites.
Architecturally, the neighborhood retains an important collection of diverse, architecturally
significant houses and small cottages. A handful pre-World War I residences along Melrose
Avenue, a state road laid out in 1853 to connect Iowa City to points west, convey the history of
the area before the West Side Campus was established. The balance of the neighborhood contains
well-preserved examples of Craftsman Style bungalows, Georgian and Colonial Revival Style
houses, and English Period Cottages located along narrow streets and picturesque drives.
104
Melrose Historic District, above: Irving and Martha Weber
House, 421 Melrose Court; following page: 400 block Melrose
Court.
Like other neighborhoods abutting the University campus, the buildings of the Melrose Historic
District are impacted by University operations and hospital growth. The strategies suggested
below view this juxtaposition as a positive factor and suggest several means for sustaining the
economic vitality of the area's historic buildings.
Objective 1: Retain designation of Melrose Historic District as a National Register district.
Regularly provide information to new property owners about the responsibilities
and advantages of owning property in a National Register historic district.
Objective 2: In the near term, focus neighborhood historic preservation efforts on an education
program to develop a clear understanding of what a local ordinance historic
district means for a designated area. Address FAQs, including questions about
"urban myths" and genuine concerns. Establish a "user-friendly" technical
assistance effort for property owners by implementing the Technical Assistance
Steps on page 65.
Objective 3: In the mid term (within two years), encourage designation of the Melrose Historic
District as a local historic district. Following up on Objective 2, follow the District
Adoption Steps listed above on page 63.
Objective 4: If the neighborhood becomes a locally designated historic district, ado t a
financial incentive program to support buildin sg undergoing the design review
process (see Goal 3: Economic Incentives, Objective 4) that could be extended to
district properties. See Home Ownership Incentive Program on page 65.
Objective 5:
Weber neighborhood walking tour in conjunction with Irving Weber Days or a
"front porch festival" in order to invite neighbors and Iowa City residents to share
the history of the Melrose Historic District. Such an event will help establish the
importance of the district's history in the community and for University planners.
Objective 6: Where possible, retain expansive settings of older residences located along Melrose
Avenue including wide and deep lot dimensions, deep set backs and landscaping.
Objective 7: Because of the proximity of major activity nodes for the University (hospitals
and sports venues), the Melrose Historic District is at greater risk than most
campus-adjoining residential neighborhoods. It also has a high potential for
serving as a vital partner for the University by stabilizing the southern edge of its
campus, providing a source of affordable, well-preserved housing, and telling the
story of the University Hospitals and some of the University's most prominent
sports figures. To reduce the risk for the Melrose Historic District, improved
communication and continued joint planning needs to take place. Toint issues to
be addressed include: a) affirming Melrose Avenue as the long-term boundary
between the Melrose Historic District and the south edge of the University
campus; b) developing~oint efforts to sustain the availability ofwell-maintained,
owner-occupied housing in the Melrose Historic District; and c) improving the
visual relationship between historic residences and parkin ag reas.
io5
Objective 8: Spotlight the neighborhood's history for University and Hospital visitors by
developing a walking tour, beginning at the University Hospital complex, which
includes Melrose Avenue's historic residences, post-World War I residential
enclaves, Brookland Park, etc. Complete the historic signage program planned by
the Melrose Neighborhood Association.
Objective 9: The University of Iowa 2006 Campus Master Plan identified National Register listed
properties that it owns as heritage properties that should be protected. (see Section
4.5.3: "Protect the campus' historic landscape and architectural resources that
positively contribute to its unique identity.") Though this policy was established
for historic resources within the current campus, it should also apply to properties
owned by the University but located "off-campus" in a National Register Historic
District such as the Melrose Historic District. An effort should be made to
engage University representatives in discussions for specific historic resources
in the Melrose Historic District. University-owned properties include individual
residences along Melrose Court and Melrose Avenue currently used as day-care
or housing, the Huston House (223 Lucon Drive) used as a student cultural
center, and the Caywood Apartment Building/Melrose Apartments (741 Melrose
Avenue).
For example, a comprehensive reuse study should be undertaken for the Caywood
Apartment Building in order to investigate historic preservation strategies
that could make it a vital part of the University campus. A task force including
representatives of the Melrose Historic District could assist the University
in investigating potential use of federal investment tax credits to finance
rehabilitation through the sale of the credits to for-profit entities. Planning
assistance from a group of specialized architects and planners experienced in
academic campus reuse issues and federal historic tax credits should be sought.
Reuse options such as the sale of condominium residential units to Hawkeye
football supporters could be investigated. A planning effort for the Caywood
Apartment Building could serve as a model for future efforts to plan for
historic resources in the Melrose Historic District with both a University and
neighborhood/community interest.
Objective 10: Pursue the Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps on page 64.
Other Planning Districts:
Scattered historic properties survive in other parts of the community. In some instances,
farmsteads have been incorporated into modern residential subdivisions. A solitary farmhouse
or barn may survive as testimony to a property's earlier use. "Rose Hill;' the Irish family residence
at 1415 E. Davenport Street is one such example. Now located along a street of late 20th century
homes near Hickory Hill Park, the 1849 brick house survives as an example of the Greek Revival
Style that typified early Iowa City housing. The house was listed on the National Register by its
owner in 1992 and was designated a local landmark in 1996. The two measures combine good
private and public preservation efforts.
106
In other cases, scattered historic properties retain their early open-space settings, agricultural
use, or large acreage sites. The James McCollister Farmstead located at 2460 S. Gilbert Street was
among the first properties locally listed on the National Register when its owner nominated it
in 1976. It was designated a local landmark in 1996. The property's 1864 brick house survives
as an excellent example of the Italianate Style, its substantial size providing evidence of the
early prosperity of Johnson County's farmers. The McCollister Farmstead is also an example
of a property that is in a location and setting that is likely to see development pressure in the
future. Together, National Register listing and local landmark designation will provide a level of
protection intended to guide changes to the McCollister Farmstead property in the future.
Objective 1: Provisions of the City's Sensitive Areas Ordinance should be retained and
Central and North Corridor Planning Districts.
Objective 2: Completion of a systematic reconnaissance level survey of outlying areas of Iowa
City should be undertaken. Farmsteads, residences, former schools, churches,
commercial buildings, industrial properties, transportation resources such as
bridges and early roadways, and other historic property types should be evaluated
in advance of development taking place.
Objective 3:
Register of Historic Places nominations and local landmark desi nag tion• Together,
these measures will provide a minimal level of protection for important historic
resources in outlying areas of the community.
Summary: A summary is provided in the table on the fallowing page of many, but not
all, of the neighborhood strategies suggested for the 26 neighborhoods discussed under
Goal 10. Substantially completed objectives are represented by the solid symbol and
future objectives shown with an open ®symbol. Objectives with the highest level of
importance are designated as "A" priority and should be initiated in the next two years.
"B" priority objectives are of moderate high importance and can be deferred for two to
five years. "C" priority objectives are of lesser importance or require other activities to be
completed before they are initiated. They can be delayed from in five to eight years. "D"
priority objectives are long-term initiatives to be undertaken in eight to ten years.
ion
Summary of Common Neighborhood Strategies completed objectives HD -Historic District (loeal~
High to Low Priority: A to D o Future Objectives CD -Conservation District (local)
HD-NR - H1StOr1C Dlstrlct (Nat'l Register only)
urve District
Adoption
Ste s Communication &
Neighborhood
Stabilization Ste s Technical
Assistance
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Downtown Plannin District:
1. Downtown • • o o B o B o B o B o B o
2. South Side o o A o B o C o
Central Plannin District:
3. Brown Street HD • • • • o A o A o A o B •o A o B • 0 0
4. Clark Street CD • • • o C o A o A o C • o A o B • o
5. Colle a Green HD • • • • o A o A o B o A o B o
6. Colle a Hill CD • • • • o A o A o B o B o A o A o
7. East Colle a Street HD • • • • o A o A o B •o A o B o
8. Dearborn Street CD • • • o A o A o C • o A o B • o
9. Dubu ue Street Corridor • • o o B o A o C o B o C o C o o B
10. Gilbert-Linn Street HD-NR • • • o B o A o A o A o B •o A o B • o o C
11. Goosetown • • o o A o A o A o B o B •o A o A • o
12. Governor-Lucas St. CD • • • o A o A o C • o A o A o
13. Jefferson Street HD-NR • • • o B o A o A o C o B •o A o C o oA
14. Longfellow HD • • • • o A o A o C o B • o A o B • o
15. Muscatine Avenue Moffitt
Cotta es HD (in Longfellow)
•
•
•
•
16. Oak Grove -Kirkwood
Avenue Corridor
o
o
B
o
o
C
o B
o B
o C
o B
o C
o
17. Lucas Farms -Ginter,
Friendly, Highland,
Pickard, & Yewell Streets
o
o
B
o
o
C
o B
o B
o C
o B
o B
o B
o
18. Mornin side-Cit Hi h o o C o o D o C o B o C o B o C o B o
19. Rochester Avenue o o C o C o B o C o B o C o C o
20. Summit Street HD • • • • o A o A o C o B • o A o C o
21. Woodlawn HD • • • • o A o A o C o B o A o C o
North Plannin District:
22. North Dubuque Street/
Mont omer -Butler House
o
o
A
o B
23. Tank Town • o D o B o B o B o B o C o B o
24. Dubu ue Road • o D o C o C o D o B o D o D o
Northwest Plannin District:
25. Manville Heights o o A o o B o B o A o C o B o B o C o o B
Southwest Plannin District:
26. Melrose HD-NR • • • o A o A o A o B o B • o A o B • o o A
Other Plannin Districts
0 o D o C o C o D oD o D
108
Vl. Model for Evaluating Economic lmpacts of Historic
Preservation
As part of the update of the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan, Iowa City has requested information
on methodologies to examine the economic benefits of historic preservation. While the cultural,
social, and aesthetic benefits of historic preservation are well known, the economic benefits
have been less well documented and publicized. In recent years, a growing body of studies has
also addressed the economic impacts of preservation. Through this work, researchers have
documented widespread economic activity generated by historic preservation -activity that is
often triggered with modest public investments and incentives.
This growing body of scholarship is making the case for preservation as a vital and cost-effective
economic development tool. In the past, some have considered preservation activities to be
luxuries, undertaken only in a thriving economy -and cut when leaner times forced difficult
budget choices. Yet these new studies demonstrate that preservation can be a powerful economic
engine. Public preservation incentives, such as federal and state tax credit programs, as well
as local incentives such as those described in Appendix K and recommended under Goal 3,
Objective 2 above, can be used to leverage significant amounts of private capital, create local jobs,
and stimulate a wide range of economic activity.
A recent study published by the Brookings Institution reviewed more than 300 studies that have
evaluated some aspect of the economic impacts of preservation. While the study acknowledges
that methodologies vary and that improvements are needed to better gauge these impacts, overall,
the results of the various studies are consistent in their findings:
Historic preservation is typically judged to be a sound investment. By most accounts, it is more efficient and
profitable to preserve a historic building than to construct a new one. Designating a landmark or district
as historical typically maintains if not boosts the value of the property, and as an economic development
tool, historic preservation has proved its worth. Nearly any way the effects are measured, be they direct or
indirect, historic preservation tends to yield significant benefits to the economy. '$
Comments during our Iowa City interviews regularly suggested that, while those involved in the
field of preservation were aware of these positive economic impacts, the message was not reaching
the general public. In addition, there were concerns that, even if positive economic benefits
could be shown in other locations, they may not be valid in Iowa City. Therefore, a study of the
economic impacts of preservation in Iowa City could be extremely valuable and is recommended
as an important first step under Goal 3, Objective 1.
The discussion below outlines a methodology for measuring the economic impact of preservation
in three key areas: rehabilitation, property values, and heritage tourism. In each case, the
methodology is based on successful previous studies. In each case, the methodology proposed
is conservative in that it focuses on only a few, selected economic activities, generally those
that are most easily tracked through established preservation programs. Less accessible, yet still
'$Randall Mason, "Economics and Historic Preservation: A Guide and Review of the Literature;' (Brookings
Institution Metropolitan Policy Program), September 2005.
109
economically significant, data collection areas (such as lodging taxes in historic hotels, or historic
rehabilitations that have not utilized the main public incentives) would yield additional valuable
insights, but would be more difficult and costly to complete. Also, by focusing solely on dollars
generated, we have not addressed preservation activity that cannot be easily quantified, such as
the work of the dedicated volunteers in the community.
A. Rehabilitation
Money spent on the acquisition and rehabilitation of historic properties is the most obvious
economic impact of preservation activities. Studies of this impact generally focus on projects that
take advantage of federal or state tax credits or other funding mechanisms, as these programs
require documentation of expenses in a manner that is difficult to obtain for other similar
projects. In Iowa City, this could include an analysis of projects taking advantage of federal tax
credits, state tax credits, and any grant programs available.
Any economic activity, such as the rehabilitation of historic properties, generates an original, or
"direct" impact, which consists of the actual purchases of labor and materials for the project. In
addition to these direct impacts, any economic activity creates "indirect" impacts. The indirect
impact is the purchase of goods and services by the various industries that produce the items
for the original direct activity. For example, a contractor may purchase paint for a rehabilitation
project. The contractor may also use some of his earnings to buy groceries at a local store. The
purchase of the paint is a direct impact, but the purchase made by the paint factory to produce the
paint, and the purchase of groceries, are the indirect impacts. Economic multipliers can be used
to calculate these indirect impacts.
The combined direct and indirect costs associated with these projects can also 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.
A general methodology for the analysis of Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) projects follows:
1. Data Gathering
For ITC projects, administration responsibility is shared between the NPS and the Iowa State
Historic Preservation Office. Thus, there are essentially two sets of records-NPS and SHPO
-that track the same projects. Records for all ITC projects in Iowa City should be obtained for
as long a period as possible, preferably in electronic format. It is likely that only hard copy data
is available for at least some years. This date should be compiled into a computerized database,
and cross-checked against one another for accuracy. As an additional data source, we suggest
examining the NPS-compiled annual statistical report and analysis of the federal tax credit, which
provides an annual total dollar amount and the number of approved projects dating back to 1988
should also be consulted. It is likely that some discrepancies will occur between these various data
sources. Resolving these inconsistencies will demand judgments about the reliability and accuracy
of the various sources.
iio
Once date is finalized, the total direct value of rehabilitation efforts should be calculated both
annually and cumulatively.
2. Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts typically are calculated using the RIMS II multipliers. RIMS II multipliers
estimate the amount of household economic activities among employees either directly or
indirectly involved with the economic impact. Household economic activities generally reflect
local consumer purchases and general household expenditures. Employees are counted by
job-years -full time employment for one person for one year -and many individuals may fill
a job year. For example, the worker in the lumber factory who produced the porch beams is
represented here, along with the medical services purchased by the contractor who oversaw the
installation of the beams. Of course, the beams maybe only one small component of the total
rehabilitation project; the multipliers are intended to approximate the total impact of the entire
rehabilitation project.
RIMS II multipliers are available for a variety of industries and at a variety of regions. The
primary multiplier that should be considered in a study of this type is "other maintenance and
repair" (industry number 12.0300). Additional multipliers are available to compare rehabilitation
with new residential and commercial construction (11.0101, 11.0102, and 11.0800).
RIMS II multipliers have been shown to be statistically similar to survey-based input-output
tables and are updated regularly to include the most recent information on area wage and salary
and personal income data. RIMS II data is also readily available and considered a standard tool
in economic impact studies of all kinds. An important note: These multipliers should not be used
at scales different than those for which they were originally developed. For example, a statewide
multiplier should only be used on statewide data, not on data particular to a county or city. A
specific multiplier may need to developed (based on the statewide RIMS II methodology) if the
city wishes to examine Iowa City data in isolation from other statewide data. Also, multipliers
represent an average and are not indicative of the specific dollar impact of a particular firm or
project. RIMS II multipliers are calculated by historical economic relationships based on national
industry data from 1992 and 1997. Because there have been some changes in these relationships
over time, there is bound to be some slight error in the RIMS II multipliers, but generally not
greater than 10 percent, and probably less than that.19
'~"Regional Multipliers from the Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS II): A Brief Description;'
US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis; available online at www.bea.doc.gov/bea/ regional/
rims/brfdesc.html; accessed 9/21/06.
111
B. Property Values
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. ~.- ~ .p -~
-_ r~nr^,~ ,: r I s
Critics of preservation often claim that r , ~ 1, .~~ =~' ` ' '
the regulatory requirements associated
with designated historic properties have a ~~~,~.y rT ' ~ ~--
negative impact on property values. Studies - - - ---
nationwide have repeatedly demonstrated, Federal tax credits aided the restoration of Union Brewery at
however, that property values in designated Linn and Market Streets.
areas generally increase at the same level or
faster than for similar properties that are not designated. This conclusion is similar for residential
and commercial areas nationwide.
The property values debate - "What effect does local historic district designation truly have
on property values?" - is a complex issue that involves multiple variables that change widely
depending on each area studied. Analysis of the impacts of historic designation on property
values in Iowa City should ideally look at four indications that express several different aspects of
value over time: rate of appreciation, value comparison, rate of value change, and sale price.
Total Appreciation Since Designation, or, how have properties in locally designated districts
increased in value compared to the surrounding area?
Value Comparison and Rate of Value Change, or how much "house" do you get for your
money in a local historic district versus the surrounding area?
Median Sales Price, or how do homes sales in the historic district relate to sales in the
nearby area?
In addition, because of the prominent role that conservation districts play in Iowa City's
preservation program, looking at these same questions separately for conservation districts, and
making comparisons between historic districts and conservation districts where possible, would
add additional value to the study.
Key challenges in performing this type of analysis include: identifying appropriate and reliable
data sources; selecting case study neighborhoods for comparisons; and, isolating the impacts of
historic designation from other factors that influence property values.
112
C. Heritage Tourism
Another key 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.
The term "heritage tourists" refers to both travelers who incorporate at least one visit to a historic
site or landmark among other activities during their visit, and also to the smaller subset of visitors
whose primary reason for traveling is to visit historic places. There has been considerable research
conducted throughout the country on the particular characteristics of "heritage tourists" versus
other pleasure tourists. As documented in studies in both North Carolina and Texas among many
other states, heritage tourists tend to spend more money and stay longer on their trips than do
other travelers.20
Just as with historic rehabilitation projects, the economic impacts of heritage tourism go far
beyond the direct expenditures. Indirect impacts "ripple" through the local economy, as direct
expenses at hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments circulate in the economy.
Data on heritage tourists is generally collected by surveys. A detailed survey of the characteristics
of visitors to Iowa City would be invaluable in establishing the role of this industry in the
community, as well as the impact of those visitors qualifying as heritage tourists. Key issues to be
considered in such a survey include:
Attributes of Iowa City that Attracted Tourism (e.g., natural features, shopping, events,
museums, etc.)
How Money was Spent During Visits (e.g., lodging, transportation, entertainment,
etc.)
Characteristics of Heritage Tourists:
- Length of Visit
- Type of Lodging
- Sightseeing Activities
- Entertainment Activities
- Sports and Recreation Activities
- Household Income
- Age
- Residence Location
This survey information should be supplemented with data from local historic
sites, including regional sites such as the Amana colonies that would likely provide
economic activity in Iowa City.
20Donavan Rypkema, The Impact of Historic Preservation on the North Carolina Economy, (Raleigh: Pres-
ervation North Carolina), 1997; and The Center for Urban Policy Research. Historic Preservation Work for the Texas
Economy. (Austin: Texas Historical Commission), 1999.
113
D. Selected City and Community Level Economic Impact Reports
Other communities have completed similar economic impact studies. A bibliography of some of
these studies that may provide additional assistance in establishing an economic impact study for
Iowa City follows:
Athens-Clarke County Planning Department. Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation in
Georgia, A Study of Three Communities: Athens, Rome and Tifton. Atlanta: Historic Preservation
Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 1996.
Avault, John, with the assistance of Jane Van Buren. Economic and Fiscal Aspects of Historic
Preservation Development in Boston. Boston: Boston Redevelopment Authority, 1985.
Center for Business and Economic Studies, University of Georgia. Economic Benefits from
the Rehabilitation of Certified Historic Buildings in Georgia: Case Studies. Atlanta: Georgia
Department of Natural Resources; Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division; Historic
Preservation Section, 1987.
Clarion Associates. The Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation in Colorado. Denver: Colorado
Historical Foundation. 2005.
Chen, Kim. The Importance of Historic Preservation in Downtown Richmond. Richmond: Historic
Richmond Foundation, 1990.
Gale, Dennis. The Impacts of Historic District Designation in Washington, D. C. Washington:
Center for Washington Area Studies, 1991.
Hammer, Siler, George Associates. Economic Impact of Historic District Designation: Lower
Downtown, Denver. Denver: Office of Planning and Community Development, City and County
of Denver, 1990.
Pearson, Roy L., Ph.D., and Donald J. Messmer, Ph.D. (Mid-Atlantic Research, Inc.,
Williamsburg, Virginia). The Economic Impact of Colonial Williamsburg (Executive Summary
only). Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1989.
Rypkema, Donovan and Katherine M. Wiehagen. The Economic Benefits of Preserving
Philadelphia's Past. Philadelphia: Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, 2000.
Youngblood, Col. George L., et. al. The Economic Impact of Tourism, Generated by the Gettysburg
National Military Park, on the Economy of Gettysburg. N.P. 1987.
114
IOWA CITY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN 2007
Appendices
Appendix A: Chronological Overview of the Historic Preservation Movement in Iowa City,
Iowa: 1957-2006
Appendix B: National Register of Historic Places Iowa City Listings
Appendix C: Public Meeting Comment Summaries (North Side/Goosetown, Longfellow, West
Side, and Downtown meetings)
Appendix D: Interview Questions; Summary of Responses; and Individuals Interviewed
Appendix E: Outline for Update of "Iowa City Historic Resources" Multiple Property
Documentation Form including Bibliography
Appendix F: Clarion Associates Recommendation Memorandum
Appendix G: Historic Preservation Commissioners, 1983-2006
Appendix H: Projects Receiving Design Review, 1985-2006
Appendix I: Historic Preservation Award Winners, 1983-2005
Appendix J: Related Historic Preservation Websites
Appendix K: Tax Incentives for Historic Buildings
Appendix L: Maps of Completed and Proposed Historical and Architectural Survey Areas
Appendix M: Map of Iowa City Subdivisions Recorded, 1924-1965
Appendix N: FHP History
115
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Appendices
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the City of Iowa City
and
the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
February 2008
IOWA CITY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN 2007
Appendices
Appendix A: Chronological Overview of the Historic Preservation Movement in Iowa
City, Iowa: 1957-2006
Appendix B: National Register of Historic Places Iowa City Listings
Appendix C: Public Meeting Comment Summaries (North Side/Goosetown, Longfellow,
West Side, and Downtown meetings)
Appendix D: Interview Questions; Summary of Responses; and Individuals Interviewed
Appendix E: Outline for Update of "Iowa City Historic Resources" Multiple Property
Documentation Form including Bibliography
Appendix F: Clarion Associates Recommendation Memorandum
Appendix G: Historic Preservation Commissioners, 1983-2006
Appendix H: Projects Receiving Design Review, 1985-2006
Appendix I: Historic Preservation Award Winners, 1983-2005
Appendix 7: Related Historic Preservation Websites
Appendix K: Tax Incentives for Historic Buildings
Appendix L: Maps of Completed and Proposed Historical and Architectural Survey Areas
Appendix M: Map of Iowa City Subdivisions Recorded, 1924-1965
Appendix N: FHP History
Appendix A: Chronological Overview of the Historic Preservation
Movement in Iowa City, Iowa: 1957-2006
Appendix A: Chronological Overview of the Historic Preservation Movement in Iowa City, Iowa:
1957-2006
Abbreviation Key
CLG-Certified Local Government
FHP-Friends of Historic Preservation
HAWS-Historic American Building Survey
HPC-Historic Preservation Commission
HRDP-Historic Resource Development Program
HUD-Housing and Urban Development
ITC-Investment Tax Credit
JCCOG-Johnson County Council of Government
NRHP-National Register of Historic Places
P&Z-Planning and Zoning
Project: GREEN Project: Grow to Reach Environmental
Excellence Now
SHPO-State Historic Preservation Office
UI-University of Iowa
1957-Old Brick and Old Capitol documented through Historic American Building Survey program (HAWS).
1959-Grant Wood House, 1142 E. Court Street, documented throughHABS.
1960-Robert Wheeler's University of Iowa (UI) Thesis on redevelopment potential in the downtown.
1962-Older neighborhoods rezoned to R3A to allow for apartment building near the University and satisfy growing
housing needs of the student population.
1963-Urban Renewal first proposed.
1964-Plum Grove documented through HAWS program.
1964-Urban Renewal planning began.
1964-Congregation of First Presbyterian Church began considering building a new structure to replace "Old Brick."
November 1964-National Association of Real Estate Boards completes a `Build America Better" study of Iowa City in
coordination with the `Build Iowa City Better Committee" of the Iowa City Board of Realtors. Study recommended
19 actions in the areas of housing and building code improvements, inspections, neighborhood conservation, a
division of urban renewal efforts into smaller projects to be undertaken in one area at a time, a sign ordinance, zoning
changes to encourage industrial development, establishment of a professionally staffed downtown development
organization, adoption of a UI master plan and definition of land boundaries, and expansion of necessary City staff.
1966-Program for federally financed urban renewal presented to the public. Plan called for condemnation, razing and sale
of vacant property to redevelopers. Also, construction of a parking ramp and pedestrian mall and making land
available to UL City approved required ordinance for condemnation to begin.
1966-Sycamore Mall opened and Sears moves out of downtown.
1967-Old Capitol documented through HAB S program a second time.
a- i
1967-Margaret Keyes Nineteenth Century Home Architecture in Iowa City published by University of Iowa Press.
1967-Law suit against the City alleging conflict of interest of City Council members (property interests in the renewal area)
voting on the renewal plan. Injunction granted by Johnson County District Court.
1967-Beautification Committee established through Citizens for a Better Iowa City. Project GREEN (Grow to Reach
Environmental Excellence Now) formed as a volunteer beautification group growing out of the Beautification
Committee the same year. Founders included Nancy Seiberling, Gretchen Harshbarger and Jim Maynard.
1968-Injunction decision appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court.
1968-"Architectural Heritage Committee" formed within Project: GREEN with Bob Alexander presenting a public
program on local architectural heritage.
October 1968-In Project Green, Betsy Farr agrees to be first Architectural Heritage Committee chair. Members included:
Sarajane Boyd, Ruth Hudson, Sherry Pugh, Mary Neuhauser, Myrtle Markhan, Lois Jensen, Margaret Keyes, Jim
Harris, Margaret Trott, Marian Baird, Sally Baldus and Joan Liffring Zug.
1969-Project GREEN beautification award to restoration of the IXL, building.
March 1969-Iowa Supreme Court upheld the injunction.
April 1969-Iowa General Assembly passed legislation reversing the Supreme Court decision and allowing.
September 1969-City Council approves 19 separate resolutions approving past urban renewal actions, including
condemnations.
November 1969-Project: GREEN's architectural survey underway with the assistance of Bob Alexander and the
Architectural Heritage Committee; city was divided into quadrants and volunteers canvassed the neighborhoods to
identify architecturally important residences; work underway in the downtown in November.
1969-Urban renewal plan submitted to federal government for approval.
1970-Old Brick put up for sale but no offers received.
September 1970-Civic Center Plaza project proposed by Project GREEN.
September 1970-Project GREEN's Architectural Heritage Committee is unsure how to proceed noting the "urban renewal
area presents problems" and that architectural expertise is needed. Group decides to focus on doing a tour guide and
other public information efforts.
Early 1970s-Downtown Association formed in affiliation with the Chamber of Commerce consisting of downtown
merchants (not necessarily property owners) in support of urban renewal.
Early 1971-Old Brick listed for sale with a local realtor.
1971-Project GREEN begins publishing architectural heritage placemat series. By 1976, more than a half million
placemats were sold and used by local restaurants and businesses. Series featured landmark buildings including those
threatened with demolition (Old Brick and Trinity Episcopal Church) and popular tourist spots (Old Capitol and Plum
Grove).
October 1971-Board of Regents endorsed restoration of Old Capitol with fund raising to be conducted by UI Foundation
and UI Alumni Association. $250,000 "seed money" received from Roy and Lucille Carver for project.
a-2
1972-Old Capitol listed in the NRHP. Ferry and Henderson, architects, Springfield, Illinois selected for first phase (later
for balance of project). Interior removal of alterations begins. Grant for maintaining open spaces around the Capitol
received from HUD ($313,660) and funds for restoration ($54,498) from the National Park Service.
1972-Project GREEN beautification effort included planting of 10,000 trees in Iowa City.
1972-Plum Grove nominated to the NRHP. (Plum Grove owned by the State Conservation Commission beginning 1941,
opened to the public in 1946 with restoration donated by the National Society of Colonial Dames.)
April 1972-Larry Lafore becomes new chair of Project: GREEN's Architectural Heritage Committee. Year's activities
include supporting conservation of historic Iowa City areas such as Summit Street; studying the possibility of listing
important buildings on the NRHP; and collecting materials for a photo guide of Iowa City.
July 1972-Summit Street neighbors submit rezoning petition for their neighborhood (R3A to R3 or R2) City staff and
P&Z want to study the rezoning in the content of a larger area. Study to be completed by December 1972.
August 1972-Farmers Market opens in Civic Plaza area; only one farmer shows up with produce.
October-November 1972-Summit Street neighbors effort to rezone their neighborhood to not allow apartments failed at
City Council level.
February 1973-A. W. Pratt House, 503 Melrose Ave., listed on NRHP.
March 1973-HUD threatens to pull out of urban renewal unless progress is made quickly. Local investors sought to
support the concept of urban renewal-key individuals included Richard Summer ill (Iowa State Bank and Trust),
Jay Oehler (lawyer) and Freda Hieronymus (property owner).
April 1973-Single developer found for urban renewal project, Old Capitol Associates, which was formed as joint venture of
Link Programs, Inc. out of Chicago and nine local partners who formed Old Capitol Business Center Company (Jay
Oehler and Wilfreda Hieronymus, general partners). A total of 10 percent of the joint venture was held locally.
May 1973-Plum Grove, 1030 Carroll Ave, listed on NRHP.
June 1973-Congregational Church, 30 N. Clinton, listed on NRHP.
July, 1973-College Block, 127 E. College St., listed on NRHP; demolition for urban renewal halted by the City.
August 1973-Old Brick placed on the NRHP.
August 1973-Draft EIS for urban renewal project made public.
August 1973-East Hall Annex demolished. Originally a City Park, then given to the UI for construction of East Hall.
During the 1930s suit was brought by citizens to block expansion of the building on the grounds that it had been
illegal for the City to give the ground away for non-park purposes originally. Law suit failed because plaintiffs were
not allowed to sue the University at that time.
September 1973-Purchase of the Lasansky House (at Summit and Court sts.) by "Preservation Society Inc." to prevent it
from being razed and an apt. house built. Members include nine Summit Street neighboring families, most with UI
connections (Trotts, Aydelottes, Sgontzs, Albrechts, Lafore, Leggetts, McDowells, Roses, and Ehrhardts). 18-month
battle followed to down zone the area. Restrictive covenant planned for the house before resale.
October 1973-Summit Street Historic District listed on NRHP after two-year effort by neighbors.
A-3
October 1973-City receives bids for single developer of downtown. Old Capitol Associates is only bidder.
December 1973-City accepts bid from Old Capitol Associates and contract negotiations begin.
Late 1973-UI makes offer on Old Brick to keep property adjoining the campus from being turned to commercial use.
Agreed price was $140,000 and building must be razed before acquisition.
January 1974-Old Brick contract signed between congregation and UL Some stained glass and the Old Brick cornerstone
removed a short time later.
1974-Design Review Committee formed to conduct design review of urban renewal construction projects (outgrowth of
Project GREEN's advocacy).
1974-Old Capitol receives $330,000 from State of Iowa for newly discovered structural problems. Restoration formerly
begins on $1,598,000 restoration. Viggo M. Jensen Company of Iowa City selected contractor.
1974-Laitner lawsuit brought by Iowa State Public Interest Research Group (ISPIRG) against the City challenging the
findings of the downtown urban renewal EIS. Federal court found in favor of the City.
1974-Katzenmeyer case brought against the City regarding the contract with Old Brick Associates dismissed by agreement
between parties.
1974-Public debate about constructing low income elderly housing on Chauncy Square Plaza, recently completed Project
GREEN and City beautification project site.
January 1974-Board of Regents agree to buy Old Brick property if building is razed by January 1976.
March 1974-Old Capitol Associates signed a contract with the City to serve as single developer of the urban renewal
parcels.
March 1974-Negative vote on City referendum to use general obligation bonds for urban renewal expenditures.
July 1974-Close Mansion listed on NRHP. Nominated by Project GREEN's Architectural Heritage Committee. (Johnson
County, owner)
September 1974-Samuel J. Kirkwood House, 1102 Kirkwood St., listed on NRHP.
August 1974-Jacob Wentz House, 219 Gilbert, listed on NRHP.
December 1974-Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College St., listed on NRHP.
1975-Public art secured by Project GREEN for Civic Center and Physics Building using NEA grant and private
contributions.
January 1975-Project GREEN proposes redesign of College Hill Park as College Green Park as a Bicentennial project.
Controversy ensues over the merit of changing what was perceived by some as an already successfully functioning
park.
March 1975-Johnson County Courthouse listed in National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
April 1975-Henry C. Nicking House, 410 E. Market, listed NRHP.
A-4
July 1975-19th Century Architecture, Inc., anon-profit group, formed by James Juilfs to buy, restore, and sell historic
houses in Iowa City.
September 1975-Friends of Old Brick Presbyterian Church, Inc. formed by Emil Trott. First board of directors also
included Thomas Baldridge, Jeffrey Schabilion, Corinne Sutter and Dorothy Wipple.
October 1975-Friends of Old Brick receive estimate of rehabilitation costs ($150,000) and structural condition report from
Wehner, Nowysz, Pattschull and Pfiffner.
October 1975-Restoration of Old Capitol completed.
1975-Unsuccessful attempt to secure zoning changes restricting apartment construction in near North Side.
1975-Old Capitol Associates continued to negotiate with City with construction to begin on Plaza Centre One.
Mid-1975-Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministry approached the Board of Regents about purchase of Old Brick and negotiations
breakdown. January 1, 1976 deadline given to Lutheran Church in America to decide on purchase.
1976-Eastham case brought against the City found that the City's urban renewal redevelopment contract with Old Capitol
Associates was invalidated due to faulty bidding procedures (once bids were received from a single developer, the
City had negotiated terms other than those advertised).
1976-New City Manager and City hires Zuchelli, Hunter and Associates to assist with urban renewal process.
March 1976-Hummer Mill/Katzenmeyer Feed and Seed Store converted to law offices for Honohan, Epley and Lyon; total
of 2,00 sq. ft. on each of three floors.
April 1976-Project GREEN produces Summit Street heritage placemat series in cooperation with Chamber of Commerce.
July 19, 1976-Demolition of Old Brick windows begun and a temporary restraining order petition filed.
July 26, 1976-Temporary injunction received in the petition John Knox et al. v. State oflowa et al.
August 1976-UI purchased two urban renewal parcels for $264,460-land for Lindquist Center addition and open space for
Main Library south entrance.
August 1976-Old Brick Defense League officially formed with Robert Dykstra, President; James Van Allen, Elizabeth
Bunge and Andrea Hauer as its board of directors in order to take the Old Brick case into district court. The League
requests Preservation Services Fund grant to defray legal expenses of Attorney John Nolan from the National Trust for
Historic Preservation. IRS non-profit status received October 1976.
September 16, 1976-Old Brick hearing on temporary injunction resumed.
September 21, 1976-Adrian Andersen submits plan to make Old Brick headquarters for the Division of Historic
Preservation, Iowa State Historical Department.
October 5, 1976-Regents turn down Old Brick adaptive reuse plan.
Mid-October 1976-Old Brick Associates formed as a limited partnership to raise private funds to purchase Old Brick and
carry out Andersen's plan.
October 1976-$109,332 grant from HUD received by City of Iowa City and UI Department of Urban and Regional
Planning to study near North Side neighborhood. Study will a) develop a set of ordinances and/or regulations to
A-5
control development and land use, b) stimulate resident investments and protect them from side effects of nearby
activities, c) integrate commercial and mixed residential land uses, d) incorporate historic preservation as an element
of the justification and enforcement of neighborhood protection policies, and e) encourage more efficient use of urban
land by emphasizing performance standards in evaluating the compatibility of higher intensity uses in existing
neighborhoods.
October 1976-McCollister-Showers farmstead, Sand Road, (Linda and William Norton, owners) listed on NRHP.
November 1976-Czecho-Slovakian Association Hall, 524 N. Johnson St., listed on NRHP. Doris and William Preucil,
owners; reused as Preucil School of Music.
1977-City rebid urban renewal parcels for redevelopment by multiple developers. Some parcels continue to be bid until
interest surfaced and bid prices grew in 1979 (hotel site).
Early 1977-First National Bank approved loan to Old Brick Associates for purchase of Old Brick.
January 1977-Apartment Building, 902 N. Dodge, subject of voluntary construction moratorium to comply with large-scale
residential development ordinance.
February 1977-Modified urban renewal plan accepted by City Council. Prepared by Zuchelli, Hunter and Associates.
Calls for scaled down development, less parking in ramps, land for a Library, sale of property in clusters of parcels
rather than total of 11 acres to one developer, competition on parcel price, sale of some properties as individual
properties.
March 1977-Work begun on forming Johnson County Heritage Trust (principally an environmental group).
April 15, 1977-Sale of Old Brick to Old Brick Associates completed after several months of financial negotiations between
Church, bank, SHPO and Regents.
April 1977-Old Jet controversy begins after Project: GREEN undertakes beautification project at Iowa City Airport
involving the removal of Korean War era F86 jet. City Council and veterans groups protest and controversy ensues.
Media dubbed the issue "Old Jet" following the "Old Brick" debate.
May 1977-Johnson County Court House received $5,000 federal grant for rehabilitation project.
June 1977-Division of Historic Preservation move into temporary space in the modern addition to Old Brick while
rehabilitation of basement is completed.
August 1977-Lindsay Mansion, 935 College Street, listed on NRHP; recently remodeled and converted into apartments by
owner, Cora Griffin.
August 1977-Old Brick receives permission to operate as office space despite lack of necessary parking (2 places short).
September 1977-Windrem House, 604 Iowa Ave. (Edwin B. Green, owner) and Cavanaugh House, 704 Reno St. (Gary
Gaines, owner) listed on NRHP.
October 1977-First products of HUD-UI study completed; recommendations made for capital improvements for the North
Side and possible historic district designation.
October 1977- P&Z supports City Council moratorium on building permits in north side, approx. 50 sq. blocks. City
Council approves November 1st.
November 1977-Bids received for the City's urban renewal parcels including College Block building.
a-6
1978-Old Capitol Limited Partnership formed to raise additional equity for Old Capitol Associates and the shopping center
project.
January 1978-$35,000 federal grant received for acquisition of Old Brick; also, $20,000 for Close Mansion rehabilitation
and $4,500 for rehabilitation of the Czechoslovakian Association Hall, 524 North Johnson St.
January 1978-Building moratorium in north side amended to allow remodeling but not expansion of buildings. Conflict
between aggressive housing inspection efforts by the City and building moratorium for planning and zoning purposes.
April 1978-Oakes-Wood House, 1142 E. College, listed on NRHP.
April 1978-Second $35,000 federal grant received for acquisition of Old Brick. College Block, 127 E. College, received
$5,000 federal grant for rehabilitation of the building.
April 1978-Pentacrest listed on NRHP. City objected to the listing of the sidewalks as a part of the nomination.
April 1978-Old Jet controversy resolved after Project: GREEN and City cooperate to restore and reinstall the Korean War
F86 jet at the Iowa City Airport. Veterans groups assume maintenance responsibility. Total cost to Project: GREEN
was $8,500.
July 1978-Vogt House, 800 N. Van Buren St., listed on NRHP.
September 1978-Bushnell's Turtle reopens in College Block Building.
November 1978-Opera House Block, 212 S. Clinton St., listed on NRHP.
December 1978-Berkeley Apartments (former Park House Hotel), 130 E. Jefferson, listed on NRHP.
March 1979-Rehabilitation of 402 Iowa Avenue by State Historical Society completed for use as offices.
March 1979-Woodlawn Historic District listed on NRHP.
April/May 1979-Charles H. Berryhill House, 414 Brown, and F.X. Rittenmeyer House, 630 E. Fairchild, listed on NRHP.
February 1980-St. Mary's Catholic Church, 220 E. Jefferson St. listed on NRHP.
March 1980-Close Mansion, 538 S. Gilbert, sold by County at auction to Charles A. Skaugstad for conversion to interior
design studio and shop, offices and apartment. $20,000 grant to be used towards the purchase price.
October 1980-Friends of Old Brick sponsorAdaptive Use and Preservation of ourArchitectural Heritage a Symposium at
Old Brick.
November 1980-Building at 218 E. Washington rehabilitated privately by Benjamin Chait with shops on first floor and
offices and apartments on second and third floors.
April 1981-City Council reviews report on "Housing and Historic Preservation" which recommends that a municipal
historic preservation ordinance be drafted and acted upon by the City Council.
August 1981-A draft historic preservation ordinance is completed by City staff.
a-~
September 1981-North Side Residential District and North Side Commercial District nominated to the NRHP following
survey work in three neighborhoods (North Side, Goosetown and College Hill) during summer 1981 by a planning
intern, James Jacobsen, working for City of Iowa City.
September 1981-City Council created seven member Historic Preservation Task Force including three citizen volunteers
(George R McCormick, John G. Kolp, & Margaret Nowysz) and one member of the Committee on Community
Needs (Margaret Bonney), the Planning and Zoning Commission (Loren Horton), the Design Review Committee
(Laurence Lafore) and the Housing Commission (Kathleen Graf). Objective was to review a draft preservation
ordinance and make recommendations to the City Council by March 1982.
November 1981-Old Brick Associates acquires new local investors as costs rise on the shopping center.
March 1982-Historic Preservation Task Force Report completed and submitted to City Council recommending the adoption
of an ordinance and that designation should be sought for Summit Street, Woodlawn and the North Side.
March 1982-The City's Design Review Committee sponsors traveling exhibit titled New Business: Old Buildings, which
features photo displays of eight successful downtown rehabilitation projects completed during urban renewal period:
First National Bank, College Block, Hayek Law Office, IXL, Building, Gringos, the Fieldhouse, Maxwell's and the
Koza Building. The exhibit was displayed in all downtown banks and Old Capitol Center.
April 1982-Letovskey-Rohert House, 515 E. Davenport, listed on NRHP.
April 1982-Historic Preservation Ordinance reviewed by City Legal staff, Housing and Inspection Services. HP Task
Force meetings with City Council.
May 19820 day moratorium on building permits in the College Hill area approved by City Council while plans for
rezoning area are considered (R3A to R3). Council response came within one week of submission of rezoning
petition by College Hill Park Neighbors group.
June 1982-Last meeting of Task Force.
September 1982-Thomas Carson House, 902 E. College, listed on NRHP.
November 1982-Jackson-Swisher House, 120 Fairchild, listed on NRHP.
December 1982-Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific RR Depot, 115 Wright St., listed on NRHP.
December 13 (21?), 1982-HP ordinance (#82-3098) adopted creating HPC and power to designate ordinances covered by
design review.
January 1983-Boerner-Fry Company, 322 E. Washington; George Van Patten House, 9 S. Linn; and Billingsley-Hills
House, 629 Melrose Ave., listed on NRHP.
Apri127, 1983-First meeting of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Members included Margaret
Nowysz, Chairperson, Howard Jones, Vice-Chairperson, Greg Duffey, James Hayes, Chuck Skaugstad, Jr., Steven
Vanderwoude, and Larry Baker (P&Z representative).
April 1983-A.W. Pratt House, 503 Melrose Ave (Ronald Van Orden and Myles Braverman, owners); Van Patten House, 9
So. Linn St. (Emil Trott home and law offices); and Boerner-Fry Company, 322 Washington St. (Washington Park
Inc., owner) listed in the NRHP.
May 1983-HPC requests funding to acquire and rehab a deteriorated property with Jobs Bill funds and develop an
educational component of the project.
a-s
June 1983-UI President's Mansion rehabilitation completed for $300,000.
September 1983-Summit Apartment Building listed on NRHP.
December 1983-First Annual Awards Program with awards to Shimek School, 928 N. Dodge St., (Rosalie and James
Seeks); Close House, 538 S. Gilbert (Charles Skaugstad family); and Iowa City Senior Center/Old U.S. Post Office,
28 S. Linn St.
1983-FY 83, HPC's first year accomplishments included preparation of by-laws, development of an awards program,
nomination of Woodlawn and Summit Street historic districts, as local districts, and discussion of future district
boundaries in the North Side, Goosetown and College Hill areas. Focus of early discussions on education
1984-HPC published the first edition of The Who to Book, a guide to skilled historic rehabilitation and restoration
craftsman, consultants, and contractors; new edition updated and reprinted in 1991 by Friends of Historic
Preservation.
Early 1984-$2.08 million Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) approved for downtown hotel project.
April 1984-Settlement reached between owner of College Block building and Hotel developer regarding damage to the
College Block due to hotel construction.
May 1984-HPC endorsed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance allowing waiver of requirements in the development of
historic structures in the RM-12 zone.
May 1984-North Side Residential District and North Side Commercial District recommended for approval as local historic
districts by HPC and forwarded to the P&Z Commission and from there to City Council.
May 1984-Emmanuel House, 925 Kirkwood, used as a retreat center.
May 1984-Ten years of archeological excavations at Plum Grove (1974, 1978, 1979, 1980) concluded with displays open
to the public. Funding from Iowa Humanities Board, UPs anthropology department, Iowa Conservation Commission
and Project Green.
May 1984-Fred Kent, former UI photographer, was first recipient of Preservation Week Award. Hosted other Preservation
Week education activities.
June 1984-Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Depot converted to law offices for Neuzil and Sanderson using
historic rehabilitation tax credits.
June 1984-HPC secures Certified Local Government Grant (CLG) grant to establish a historic preservation resource center,
secure CLG status for Iowa City, and research funding sources and public relations opportunities.
July 1984-Close Flaxseed Warehouse, 521 S. Gilbert, listed on NRHP.
1984-HPC members included Margaret Nowysz, Chairperson, Howard Jones, Vice-Chairperson, James Hayes, Steven
Vanderwoude, and Rod Percy (P&Z), Connie Champion (Summit St.), Barbara Wagner (Woodlawn).
September 1984-Preservation ordinance amended (84-3204) to include provisions for streamlining procedures including
establishing a Certificate of No Material Effect and modification of procedures for designating historic districts.
Late 1984-North Side neighborhood meetings and HPC discussion continues on the North Side local district nomination.
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January 1985-Second Annual Historic Preservation Awards Program recipients included Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific
Depot, 119 Wright St. (Ralph Zeuzil and Dale Sanderson); Rocky Rococo Pizza, 118 S. Dubuque (Richard Kruse);
West Terrace, Old Capitol (Margaret Keyes); and the Verna Goodner House, 230 S. Dodge St. (Steve Schneberger).
February 1985-School District considers Sabin School preservation.
April 1985-North Side resident opinion questionnaire discussed.
May 1985-Irving Weber received the Preservation Week Award.
June 1985-Economy Advertising buildings sold to Towncrest Investment Associates for rehabilitation as offices and shops.
Transfer of ownership takes place March 1986. Project dubbed `Brewery Square." Lepic-Kroeger (Kevin Hanick)
are leasing agents and Gary Nagle is architect.
FY 1985-Education efforts included work with local chapter of AIA on good architectural and preservation design;
organized series of building and home preservation workshops with Kirkwood Community College; received funding
for Iowa Community Cultural Grant to produce a preservation film.
August 1985-CLG grant received to prepare Goosetown NRHP application.
Late 1985-Discussion continues on North Side local district nomination.
December 1985-HP ordinance amended (#85-3268) to allow HPC to review nominations of local properties to the NRHP.
January 1986-Third Annual Awards Program recipients included 403 Melrose Ave. (Mace Braverman); Eskin House, 1047
Woodlawn (Sandy Eskin); Foster-Milman House, 417 Brown St.; and Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health
Center, 505 E. College St.
March 1986-Public hearing on proposed North Side District.
April 1986-Second hearing on proposed North Side District.
April 1986-Arthur Hillyer Ford House, 228 Brown St.; Economy Advertising and Union Brewery, 119 & 127 n. Linn St.;
Franklin Printing, 115 S. Gilbert; and Paul-Helen Building, 207 E. Washington, listed on NRHP.
May 1986-Preservation Week Awards to Joseph and Tillie Baker, James Harris, Emil and Margaret Trott and Dorothy and
Charles Whipple for Old Brick efforts.
FY 1986-Preservation Ordinance amended to allow HPC to review NRHP nominations; completed local preservation film.
September 1986-Paul Helen Building, owned by Hawkeye-Bay States investors, was in the midst of a 2 year renovation
using historic rehabilitation tax credits. Bill Nowysz, architect.
September 1986-Friends of Old Brick file lawsuit against Old Brick Associates.
September 1986-Request to HPC to support rezoning of 19 Evans St. due to fact that the building would be rehabilitated.
December 1986-HPC and staff seek historic district signage designation. Signs installed July 1987.
March 1987-Iowa City secures status as CLG.
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March 1987-Preservation Awards given to owners of Arthur Hillyer Ford House, 228 Brown St. (Jacqueline Peterson);
Dwight Hunter Duplex,1011 E. Washington (Beverly Whiting); Brewery Square, 117 N. Linn St.; Marvin Dawson
House, 922 E. Bowery St.; Ewers Men's Store, 28 S. Clinton St.; and Commerce Center, 325 E. Washington St.
April 1987-Joint meeting of HPC with P&Z re: North Side District.
May 1987-HPC receives denial of CLG funding for Downtown Facade Renovation Program.
May 1987-Preservation Week activities included Preservation Week award to Margaret Keyes, an in-service art teachers
training session and neighborhood walking tour for school children.
May 1987-Joint meeting of HPC with P&Z re: North Side District nomination.
May 1987-July, 1987-St. Mary's School buildings demolished for construction of a new center for UI students, faculty
and staff.
June 1987-HPC reviews proposed new construction guidelines and procedural rules for review of building permits within
historic districts.
July 1987-HPC votes to have penalty for illegal demolitions raised to $1,000. (no action taken by Council)
FY 1987-HPC included Russell, Vanderwoude, Sue Licht,
September 1987-Joint meeting of HPC with P&Z re: North Side District nomination. Boundaries of district revised.
October 1987-Joint meeting of HPC with P&Z re: North Side District nomination and public hearing on district.
November and December 1987-HPC reviews revised drafts of Procedures for Historic Preservation Review and Guidelines
for New Construction.
January 1988-HPC resubmits CLG grant request for Downtown Survey and Facade Renovation Plan.
May 1988-Historic Preservation Week activities included annual awards to owners of Barnes-Crowley House, 614 N.
Johnson St. (Mr. and Mrs. Roger Anderson); Paul Helen Building, 209 E. Washington St.; 340 E. Burlington St., (Jim
Glasgow); and Iowa Avenue Bridge Reconstruction (Shive-Hattery Engineers and Architects); 405 S. Summit St.(Mr.
and Mrs. David Jepsen); Fairall House, 412 S. Summit (Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Pieper); Davis Hotel, 332 E.
Washington (Bruce Glasgow); and Breneman Seed Building (401 S. Gilbert (Benjamin Chart). Annual Margaret
Nowysz Award established and presented to members of her family.
June 1988-HPC has further discussion of North Side District turns to street by street nominations focusing on southern
portion which is under developer attack.
July 1988-HPC approves policy to allow staff screening of projecting applications before forwarding to HPC.
FY 1988-Other HPC activities included establishment of a historic preservation fund to receive donations and to be used by
the HPC for educational activities; creation of a Preservation Corner Column as a regular feature in the newspaper
August 1988-Rezoning request for 528 Iowa Avenue, 530 Iowa Ave and 15 N. Johnson (iJI Community Credit Union)
reviewed by HPC.
November 1988-HPC considers development of historical map/tour guide. HPCers included: Russell, Vanderwoude,
Bonnie Sierk (Summit St.), John Scott (Woodlawn), Kern, Licht and Kyran Cook (P&Z).
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December 11, 1988-Friends of Old Brick reorganized as Friends of Historic Preservation.
1989 Iowa City: An Illustrated History written by Gerald Mansheim and co-sponsored by Friends of Historic Preservation,
Hawkeye Medical Supply, Iowa State Bank and Trnst, Hills Bank and Trnst, City of Iowa City, and First National
Bank to commemorate Iowa City's Sesquicentennial-1839-1989.
1989-Iowa City HPC publishes A Guide to Historic Iowa City, an historical guide map of Iowa City; printing supported by
Iowa City realtors.
1989-Friends of Historic Preservation launched newsletter entitled Past, Present and Future.
April 1989-Plans announced to raze St. Patrick's School.
May 1989-Sixth Annual Awards Program recipients included Kirkwood School, 650 Kirkwood Ave. (Keith Achepohl);
Unitarian Church, 10 S. Gilbert; Johnson County Courthouse, 417 S. Clinton; Hutchinson-Kuhl House, 119 Park
Road (iJI Press); 410 Iowa Avenue(LTnited Action for Youth); 1024 E. Jefferson and 225 N. Governor (Ron Johnson);
and 1123 E. College St. (Frank Gersh and Martha Gordon).
August 1989-New historic district sub-committee to focus on Bella Vista and College Green Park areas.
September 1989-Johnson County Board of Supervisors approves preservation of Johnson County Asylum.
October 1989-College Green Park landscaping plan announced and fundraising begins by Project GREEN.
October/November 1989-work begins on Summit Street Plan at direction of HPC.
FY 1989-HPC activity for year included the following: adoption of an official logo for the HPC; establishment of
streamlined procedure for rehabilitation projects allowing staff to make initial determination of eligibility and approve
projects where buildings are determined not-eligible; preparation of a negative recommendation on rezoning request
by UI Credit Union; receipt of a CLG grant for producing "Guide to Historic Iowa City;" and co-sponsorship of 430
S. Summit St. as a part of Iowa city's Sesquicentennial Celebration House Tour.
January 1990-HPC discussed and approved design guidelines.
March 1990-City Council approved $25,000 for brick street paving.
April 1990- Nauman Reconnaissance Survey funded by Community Development BLock Grant (CDBG) completed and
submitted to HPC for area bounded by Gilbert, RR tracks, Governor and Burlington Streets.
May 1990-National Historic Preservation Week activities included awards program with recipients as follows: Sandy
Eskin, Margaret Nowysz Preservation Person of the Year Award; 322 E. Bloomington St. (Howard Carroll), 430 S.
Lucas (Carolyn Dyer), 830 E. College St. (Mary Jane Griswold), 1016 Bloomington (Mark and Deborah Kummer),
Courthouse Courtroom (Johnson County Board of Supervisors), First United Methodist Church, 214 E. Jefferson, and
524 N. Johnson (Preucil School of Music).
September 1990-Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG) produced the Summit Street Traffic Study to analyze
the current traffic conditions, develop forecasts and analyze alternatives for traffic management and improvements in
the future.
September 1990-Neighborhood Services activity discussed with HPC.
October 1990-Iowa Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP) grant ($25,000) to HPC for preparation of a historic
preservation plan approved.
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December 1990-Summit Street Preservation Plan produced by HPC and City staff.
January 1991-CLG grant for Moffit Cottage nomination submitted, Daum Residence Hall demolition debated and Brown
Street district nomination proceeds.
March 1991-Evans Street Bridge design reviewed and rejected by HPC; Alternatives suggested to Gloria Dei Lutheran
Church's parking lot development involving demolition of three houses.
March 9, 1991-Friends of Historic Preservation presents workshop "Bring Preservation Home: Maintaining and Restoring
the Wooden House" and Preservation Fair with 21 exhibitors; 200 people attend; project underwritten by Historic
Resource Development (HRDP) Grant a video-tape of the workshop and fair were produced and distributed through
the State Historical Society's Congress of Historical Organizations.
1991-Friends of Historic Preservation update and reprint the organization's popular 1984 Who To Book and publish a new
booklet Iowa City Neighborhood Design Book in conjunction with the Iowa City HPC.
May 1991-Architectural salvage grant requested through HRDP program by City rehab staff.
1992-Demolition of two houses at southwest corner of Dubuque and Church streets in order to build apartment buildings.
1992-Iowa City HPC completed 10-month strategic planning process to develop a comprehensive historic preservation plan
for community; Svendsen Tyler, Inc. of Davenport retained as planning consultant City Council unanimously adopted
Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan in October 1992.
1992-Friends of Historic Preservation completed the move, rehabilitation and resale of a threatened house; moved from 703
Bowery Street to 451 Rundell Street.
1993-After attempts were made to save Bluffwood Cottage along Rochester Road in situ, local groups sought to have it
moved to Hickory Hill Park and serve as a nature center or incorporated into redevelopment plans; efforts failed and
cottage was razed.
1993-Salvage Barn reopens as a Friends of Historic Preservation operation after two years as a City rehab staff undertaking
May 5, 1993-"The Small Homes of Howard F. Moffitt in Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa, 1924-1943" Multiple Property
Documentation Form listed on NRHP; "Muscatine Avenue Moffitt Cottage Historic District" listed on NRHP; both
nominations prepared by Tallgrass Historians of Iowa City.
1994-Friends of Historic Preservation offers small restoration grant program to historic building owners for completion of
ea'terror work consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards; program funded by sales from Salvage Barn;
by 1999, 50 grants awarded in this popular program.
May 1994-Friends of Historic Preservation and Iowa City HPC begin co-sponsorship of Preservation Awards. Historic
Preservation Awards given to 12 projects under two categories: painting and exterior finishes and rehabilitation.
Margaret Nowysz Historic Preservation Person of the Year Award to Jan Nash, Iowa City historic preservation
consultant.
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PainUExterior Rehabilitation Additions/New Residential Total Commercial Commercial Total
Year Finishes Construction Stewardshi Residential Rehabilitation Stewardshi Commercial
1994 7 5 0 0 12 0 0 0
1995 9 7 0 0 16 0 0 0
1996 7 4 0 0 11 4 0 4
1997 8 7 0 0 15 4 0 4
1998 7 7 4 0 18 0 0 0
July 1994-Historical and architectural survey of College Hill neighborhood completed by Tallgrass Historians.
September 23, 1994-"Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa" Multiple Property Documentation Form listed on NRHP;
Brown Street Historic District listed on NRHP; both prepared by Svendsen Tyler, Inc. in 1992.
May 1995-HPC and Friends of Historic Preservation give out 16 Historic Preservation Awards under two categories:
painting and exterior finishes and rehabilitation. Margaret Nowysz Historic Preservation Person of the Year Award
not presented.
1995-Friends of Historic Preservation completes rehabilitation and resale of 412 Church Street during summer with
volunteers and contracted services; Friends supports efforts to down-zone Church Street area.
1995-County-wide tour of historic sites sponsored by Friends of Historic Preservation and Johnson County Historical
Society including Plum Grove.
1995-Conservation district overlay designation added to the Iowa City Zoning Ordinance.
May 1996-Historic Preservation Awards presented by HPC and Friends of Historic Preservation to 15 projects in three
categories: painting and exterior finishes, residential rehabilitation, and commercial rehabilitation. The Margaret
Nowysz Historic Preservation Person of the Year Award was presented to Ginny Blair, preservation volunteer and
activist.
1996-Survey of the Dubuque/Linn Street Corridor completed by consultant Molly Myers Nauman.
1996-Survey of Longfellow Neighborhood (Phase I) begun by consultant Molly Myers Nauman.
1996-Iowa City revises its historic preservation ordinance to allow individual landmark designation; 361oca1 landmarks
designated in Downtown, Dubuque/Linn Street corridor, North Side neighborhood, Goosetown neighborhood,
College Hill neighborhood, Longfellow neighborhood, Kirkwood neighborhood, Melrose neighborhood, near
Southside neighborhood, and outlying areas; Friends of Historic Preservation place commemorative plaques at the
landmark sites.
1997-Survey of a portion of the North Side-Original Town Plat of Iowa City-Phase I~ompleted by Tallgrass
Historians; "Historic Folk Housing of Iowa City, 1839-ca.1910" Multiple Property Documentation Form prepared for
survey report but not submitted to NRHP.
May 1997-Historic Preservation Awards presented by HPC and Friends of Historic Preservation to 19 projects in three
categories: painting and exterior finishes, residential rehabilitation, and commercial rehabilitation. The Margaret
Nowysz Historic Preservation Person of the Year Award was presented to two form HPC members, Douglas Russell
and Susan Licht.
July 9, 1997-"College Green Historic District" and "East College Street Historic District" are listed on NRHP; both
prepared by Arborgast & Eckhardt of Iowa City.
May 1998-HPC and Friends of Historic Preservation give out 18 Historic Preservation Awards under three categories:
painting and exterior finishes, residential rehabilitation, and additions/new construction. Margaret Nowysz Historic
Preservation Person of the Year Award not presented
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July 1998-Survey of Longfellow Neighborhood (Phase II) completed by Molly Myers Nauman.
October 1998-Mercy Hospital razed historic houses at 230 N. Gilbert St. and 411 Bloomington Street for hospital parking
lot.
1999-Iowa City HPC began review of by-laws, procedures and ordinance to identify inconsistencies.
1999-Iowa City HPC began work to adopt new historic district guidelines.
October 1999-Iowa City HPC conducted "Old House Seminar"
1999-Iowa City Airport Commission and Iowa City HPC coordinate review of Airport Terminal renovations to ensure
work handled in an historically appropriate manner.
1999-Iowa City HPC worked with Department of Housing and Inspection Services to amend the Building Code to require a
building permit for siding and window replacement for designated historic properties.
May 12, 1999-Iowa City HPC co-sponsored National Historic Preservation Week celebration with awards program. Co-
sponsors were Friends of Historic Preservation, Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission, and Johnson
County Historical Society. Historic Preservation Awards given to 20 projects under four categories: painting and
exterior finishes, new additions/construction, rehabilitation, and stewardship. Margaret Nowysz Historic Preservation
Person of the Year Award to Betty Kelly, former HPC member.
June 1999-Survey of a portion of the North Side-Original Town Plat Phase II Survey completed by Svendsen Tyler, Inc.
1999-Iowa City HPC provided design review for 14 projects located in six historic districts and 9 housing rehabilitation
projects for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act during FY 1999.
1999-Friends of Historic Preservation completes strategic plan to guide its future efforts as a community-based
preservation organization.
2000-Debate over Harmon Building, East Lawn, and Cottage Bakery demolition along Iowa Avenue in downtown to allow
construction of new City parking ramp; demolition of buildings completed in 2000.
2000-$9,500 CLG grant received by Iowa City HPC to complete a survey of a final portion of the North Side-Original
Town Plat Phase III (Goosetown) Historical and Architectural Survey; survey completed by Svendsen Tyler, Inc.
Apri12000-Friends of Historic Preservation retain apart-time executive director to expand efforts of organization.
May 2000-"Architectural and Historical Resources of Original Town Plat Neighborhood -Phase II, 1845-1945" Multiple
Property Documentation form listed on NRHP 5/11/2000.
May 11, 2000-Emma J. Harvatt and Mary E. Stach House listed on NRHP; nomination completed by Eckhardt Research of
Iowa City; project funded by Friends of Historic Preservation and PIN grant to Northside Neighborhood Association.
May 17, 2000-Iowa City HPC co-sponsored National Historic Preservation Week celebration with awards program. Co-
sponsors were Friends of Historic Preservation, Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission, and Johnson
County Historical Society. Historic Preservation Awards given to 20 projects in three categories: painting and
exterior finishes, new additions/construction, and rehabilitation. Margaret Nowysz Historic Preservation Person of the
Year Award to Marybeth Slonneger, Goosetown preservationist and author.
June 20, 2000-Revised design guidelines adopted by City Council for certificates of appropriateness processed by Iowa
City HPC; guidelines covered historic districts, conservation districts and landmarks; publication of Iowa City Historic
Preservation Handbook by Iowa City HPC.
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August 2000-Complete reconnaissance survey of Governor/LucasBowery Street neighborhood;
September 2000-Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church nomination listed on NRHP.
2000-Original Town Plat Phase III (Goosetown) Survey completed by Svendsen Tyler, Inc. in eastern blocks of the North
Side.
2000-North District Reconnaissance Survey completed by Svendsen Tyler, Inc. in conjunction with development of the
North District Plan.
2000-Iowa City HPC provided design review for 18 projects located in seven historic districts and 11 housing rehabilitation
projects for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act during FY 2000.
September 22, 2000-25t1i anniversary of Friends of Old Brick-forerunner of Friends of Historic Preservation-observed;
Iowa City's Friends of Historic Preservation, Their First 25 Year by Barb Shubinski published to record the history of
the organization.
2000-Sections of Dodge and Governor streets down-zoned in the Longfellow neighborhood.
2000-Friends of Historic Preservation establish a website to disseminate information about local preservation efforts.
January 2001-Ned Ashton House, 820 Park Road designated a local landmark
August 2001-Englert Theatre, 221 East College St. designated a local landmark
July 2001-Carnegie Library, 307 East College Street designated a local landmark
Apri12001-Downtown Historical and Architectural Survey completed by Svendsen Tyler, Inc; funded by City of Iowa
City.
May 2001-Englert Theater listed on NRHP; historic rehabilitation of theater underway by "Save the Englert Committee."
May 16, 2001-Iowa City HPC co-sponsored National Historic Preservation Week celebration with awards program. Co-
sponsors were Friends of Historic Preservation, Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission, and Johnson
County Historical Society. Historic Preservation Awards given to 17 projects under four categories: painting and
exterior finishes, new additions/construction, rehabilitation, and stewardship. Margaret Nowysz Historic Preservation
Person of the Year Award to Englert Theater Civic Group for its efforts to preserve the theater.
July 2001-Carnegie Library designated as a local landmark-, building rehabilitation completed.
September 2001-Montgomery-Butler House Feasibility Study Report completed by Svendsen Tyler, Inc.
November 2001- Governor-Lucas Conservation District locally designated; first such district in Iowa City and in Iowa.
September 12, 2001-"Architectural and Historic Resources of the Longfellow Neighborhood Area, ca. 1860-ca. 1946"
Multiple Property Documentation Form and Longfellow Historic District listed on NRHP; based on survey work
completed in 1996 and 1998 (Phase I and Phase II) by Molly Myers Nauman.
2001-Local designation completed for Longfellow Historic District, Clark Street Conservation District, and Dearborn
Street Conservation District new design guidelines prepared for these districts and incorporating Governor-Lucas
Conservation District and Summit Street Historic District.
2001-Historic preservation planning staff position increased to half-time person.
2001-College Hill down zoning completed.
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2001-Iowa City HPC provided design review for 9 projects located in seven historic districts and 10 housing rehabilitation
projects for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act during FY 2000.
February 2002-Iowa City HPC held annual planning session and established 2002 Work Plan.
May 15, 2002-Iowa City HPC sponsored National Historic Preservation Week celebration with awards program. Co-
sponsors were Friends of Historic Preservation, Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission, and Johnson
County Historical Society. Historic Preservation Awards given to 17 residential and commercial projects under four
categories: painting and exterior finishes, new additions/construction, rehabilitation, and stewardship. Margaret
Nowysz Historic Preservation Person of the Year Award not given.
August 2002-Cyrns Rank House, 747 West Benton Street designated a local landmark
January 2003-Iowa City HPC completes reconnaissance survey of Iowa Avenue in the College Hill neighborhood to
determine eligibility for conservation district.
May 6, 2003-Iowa City HPC sponsored National Historic Preservation Week celebration with awards program. Co-
sponsors were Friends of Historic Preservation, Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission, and Johnson
County Historical Society. Historic Preservation Awards given to 18 residential and commercial projects under four
categories: paint and exterior finishes, new additions/construction, rehabilitation, and stewardship.
May 2003-College Hill Conservation District designated by Iowa City City Council.
2003-Iowa City HPC updates by-laws.
2003-Individual landmark designations approved for Crum-Overholt House, "Crag Haddock House, and Stevenson-Baker
House, all in College Hill neighborhood.
2003-Local Longfellow Historic District and Moffitt Cottage Historic District combined into single historic district.
2003-Certified Local Government grant received for preparation of North Side historic district NRHP nominations.
2003-Iowa City HPC notified contractors about locations of districts and historic preservation regulations through a
mailing, thereafter an annual event.
2003-Iowa City HPC provided design review approval for 35 projects located in conservation and historic districts during
FY 2003.
February 3, 2004-Revised Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook adopted by City Council.
2004-Website is developed for the Iowa City HPC and historic preservation "publications" includinglowa City Historic
Preservation Handbook.
2004-Iowa City HPC completed Certified Local Government Grant project to nominate three North Side historic districts;
completed by Svendsen Tyler, Inc.; Jefferson Street Historic District and Brown Street Historic District Boundary
Increase; both listed on NRHP on 9/29/2004.
2004-Melrose Neighborhood Association completes historical and architectural survey and the "Melrose Historic
District" nomination for a portion of the Melrose neighborhood; project completed by Svendsen Tyler, Inc. and
neighborhood volunteers; district listed on NRHP 12/6/2004.
2004-Iowa City HPC holds neighborhood meeting to discuss Goosetown conservation district following mixed feelings
expressed for concept district not pursued by Iowa City HPC.
May 5, 2004-Iowa City HPC sponsored National Historic Preservation Week celebration with awards program. Co-
sponsors were Friends of Historic Preservation, Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission, and Johnson
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County Historical Society. Historic Preservation Awards given to 21 projects under four categories: paint and exterior
finishes, new additions/construction, rehabilitation, and stewardship.
May 2004-Friends of Historic Preservation sponsor lecture by preservationist Bob Yapp at Englert Theater.
2004-Friends of Historic Preservation restore the historic Englert Theater second and third floor windows and
flooring.
2004-Iowa City HPC provided design review approval for 35 projects located in conservation and historic districts during
FY 2004.
2004-2005-Longfellow Public Art Grant received to complete historic markers in area served by Longfellow
Neighborhood Association.
2005-Record number of Certificates of Appropriateness reviewed by HPC totaled 105.
2005-Friends of Historic Preservation advocate for the review of the Central District Plan of Iowa City.
2005-A third North Side historic district, Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, listed on NRHP 4/21/2005 after adjustment
of boundary to eliminate properties on southeast blocks.
2005-Friends of Historic Preservation completes rehabilitation of 925 Washington St.
August 3, 2005-During Irving Weber Days, Iowa City HPC sponsors Historic Preservation Awards program. Co-sponsors
were Friends of Historic Preservation, Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission, and Johnson County
Historical Society. Historic Preservation Awards given to 19 residential and commercial projects under four
categories: paint and exterior finishes, new additions/construction, rehabilitation, and stewardship.
December 2005-Friends of Historic Preservation establish an endowment for historic preservation in Iowa City
with the Community Foundation of Johnson County with a donation of $5,000.
January 2006-Friends of Historic Preservation receive grant from the Community Foundation of Johnson County for the
Building Recycling Project to build awareness and allow the Salvage Barn to increase hours.
January 2006-Iowa City HPC begins year-long update of Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan; Svendsen Tyler, Inc. of
Samna, Wisconsin and Clarion Associates of Denver are retained to complete the update.
March 2006-Friends of Historic Preservation begin weekly schedule for Salvage Barn.
Apri12006-Tornado strikes swath through older residential neighborhoods and downtown causing extensive damage to
College Green and East College Street historic districts and College Hill Conservation District. Iowa City HPC
responds with post-tornado workshop for property owners and successfully advocates for special grant appropriation
through State Historical Society of Iowa's Historic Resource Development Program. Friends of Historic Preservation
sponsor emergency help-line, free technical architectural and engineering assistance to damaged properties, Salvage
Barn help & free grant-writing assistance.
April and June 2006-IC Historic Preservation Plan Update neighborhood meetings held in North Side, Longfellow,
Downtown and West Side neighborhoods to evaluate current plan's effectiveness and new issues, problems and
opportunities for historic preservation efforts.
May 2006-University oflowa 2006 Campus Master Plan developed by Sasaki Associates, Inc. of Watertown,
Massachusetts under guidance of Campus Planning Committee and UI Facilities Management announced to the
public.
October 2006-Longfellow Neighborhood Association and Friends of Historic Preservation jointly sponsor window
restoration workshop at Craft Guild of Iowa City; sponsored by PIN grant.
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November 2006-A special Achievement Award for Hard-Won Victories for Iowa City's tornado response was presented by
the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association to the City of Iowa City, the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission, and Friends of Historic Preservation.
November 2006-Friends of Historic Preservation sponsor lecture `Banking on History" by Glenda Castleberry of
Siouxland Development Corporation.
December 2006-Friends of Historic Preservation make a donation of $5,000 to the "Friends of Historic Preservation
Endowment" held by the Community Foundation of Johnson County.
December 6, 2006-Friends of Historic Preservation held the annual Historic Preservation Awards program after a seven
month delay due to the Apri12006 tornado. Awards were given to 13 residential and commercial projects under four
categories: paint and exterior finishes, additions, rehabilitation, and stewardship. Presentation on tornado recovery
effort made.
December 2006-the Iowa City HPC reviewed a record number of 120 design review applications including many post-
tornado projects.
2006-North Side and Goosetown neighborhood associations complete historic street signage markers to designate the
neighborhoods.
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Appendix B: National Register of Historic Places Iowa City Listings
Appendix B: National Register of Historic Places Iowa City Listings
Property Name Iowa City Address Listing
Date
1 Old Ca itol Universit of Iowa Main Cam us 5/31/1972
2 Plum Grove 1030 Carroll Ave. 5/7/1973
3 Con re ational Church of Iowa Cit 30 N. Clinton St. 6/18/1973
4 College Block Building 125 E. College St. 7/23/1973
5 North Presb Brian Church 26 E. Market St. 8/28/1973
6 South Summit Street District 301-818 S. Summit St. 10/9/1973
7 Close House 538 S. Gilbert St. 5/31/1974
8 Wentz, Jacob, House 219 N. Gilbert St. 8/27/1974
9 Kirkwood House 1101 Kirkwood 9/17/1974
10 Trini E isco al Church 320 E. Colle e St. 12/31/1974
11 Johnson Coun Courthouse S. Clinton St. 3/27/1975
12 Nicking House 410 E. Market St. 4/21/1975
13 McCollister, James, Farmstead SE of ~ct. of U.S. 6 and U.S. 218 10/8/1976
14 Czecho Slovakian Association Hall 524 N. Johnson St. 11/7/1976
15 Lindsa House 935 E. Colle e 8/2/1977
16 Windrem House 604 Iowa Ave. 9/13/1977
17 Cavanaugh-Zetek House 704 Reno St. 9/16/1977
18 Pentacrest Bounded by Clinton, Madison, Jefferson,
and Washington Sts. 3/29/1978
19 Oakes-Wood House 1142 E. Court St. 4/14/1978
20 Vogt House 800 N. Van Buren St. 7/24/1978
21 First Johnson Coun As lum W of Iowa Cit 8/31/1978
Opera House Block 210-212 S. Clinton St. 11/29/1978
Delisted 2006
22 Park House Hotel 130 E. Jefferson St. 12/11/1978
23 Woodlawn Historic District Irre ular attern alon Woodlawn Ave. 3/26/1979
24 Old Post Office 28 S. Linn St. 4/17/1979
25 Be hill, Charles, House 414 Brown St. 5/31/1979
26 Rittenme er, F. X., House 630 E. Fairchild St. 5/31/1979
27 St. Ma 's Church and Recto 220 E. Jefferson St. 2/8/1980
28 Letovsk -Rohret House 515 E. Daven ort St. 4/12/1982
29 Carson, Thomas C., House 906 E. College St. 9/9/1982
30 Jackson-Swisher House and Carriage
House 120 E. Fairchild St. 11/10/1982
31 Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific
Railroad Passenger Station 115 Wright St. 12/10/1982
32 Billin sle -Hills House 629 Melrose Ave. 1/21/1983
33 Boerner-Fry Company/Davis Hotel 322 E. Washington St. 1/27/1983
34 Van Patten House 9 S. Linn St. 1/27/1983
35 Pratt, A. W., House 503 Melrose Ave. 2/3/1983
36 Summit A artment Buildin 228 S. Summit St. 9/29/1983
37 Ford, Arthur Hill er, House 228 Brown St. 4/10/1986
38 Franklin Printing House 115 S. Dubuque 4/10/1986
39 Paul-Helen Buildin 207-215 E. Washin ton 4/10/1986
B-1
Property Name Iowa City Address Listing
Date
40 Union Brewery 127-131 N. Linn and 221-227 E. Market 4/10/1986
41 Economy Advertising Company 119-123 N. Linn 4/28/1986
42 Johnson, Sylvanus, House 2155 Prairie du Chien Rd. 12/6/1990
43 Shimek, Bohumil, House 529 Brown St. 12/23/1991
44 Rose Hill 1415 E. Daven ort St. 4/28/1992
45 Muscatine Avenue Moffitt Cottage
Historic District 1322-1330 Muscatine Ave. 5/4/1993
46 Schindhelm-brews House 410 N. Lucas St. 1/28/1994
47 Brown Street Historic District Roughly, Brown St. from W of Linn St. to
Governor St. and adjacent parts of
intersecting streets 9/23/1994
48 Cannon, Wilbur D. and Hattie, House 320 Melrose Ave. 10/7/1994
49 St. Ma 's Recto 610 E. Jefferson St. 7/7/1995
50 Bostick, William, House 115 N. Gilbert St. 3/28/1996
51 Clark House 829 Kirkwood Ave. 5/16/1996
52 College Green Historic District Roughly bounded by Burlington, Summit,
Washington, and Van Buren Sts. 7/9/1997
53 East College Street Historic District Roughly bounded by Muscatine Ave.,
Summit, Washington, and Burlington Sts. 7/9/1997
54 Harvat, Emma J., & Mary E. Stach
House 332 E. Davenport St. 5/11/2000
55 Bethel AME Church 411 S. Governor St. 9/27/2000
56 Ashton, Ned, House 820 Park Rd. 1/26/2001
57 Englert Theatre 221 E. Washington St. 8/30/2001
58 Longfellow Historic District Roughly bounded by Court, Rundell,
Sheridan, and west boundary of Longfellow
School 9/12/2002
Brown Street Historic District
(Boundary Increase) 500-800 blks. of E. Ronalds St. 9/29/2004
60 Jefferson Street Historic District Portions of 100-400 blks of E. Jefferson St. 9/29/2004
61 Melrose Historic District Portions of Melrose Ave., Melrose Ct.,
Melrose Circle, Brookland Park Dr.,
Brookland Place and Myrtle Ave. 12/6/2004
62 Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District Portions of 300-600 blks of N. Gilbert and
N. Linn Sts. 4/21/2005
Lists of locally designated historic districts, conservation districts, and landmarks as well as
maps are available in the Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook, Chapters 12 and 13,
available online at: http://www.icgov.org/pcd/urbanplanning/historicpreservation/
handb ook/architecturalp2. pdf.
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Appendix C: Public Meeting Comment Summaries
Appendix C: Public Meeting Comment Summaries
North Side/Goosetown Meeting, April 18, 2006
Meeting attended by approximately 25 individuals from the neighborhood.
Marlys Svendsen, planning consultant with Svendsen Tyler, Inc., provided overview of 1992
Historic Preservation Plan, process, goals and objectives, and accomplishments since then.
Comments received re: goals, objectives, problems and merits of historic preservation for the
neighborhood:
• Should seek to stabilize property values
• Should encourage character retention in the neighborhood and regular upkeep of
properties
• Effort should be made to provide incentives to encourage conversion of rental properties
to owner-occupied properties.
• Alternate opinion-balance should be maintained between rental and owner-occupied
housing in neighborhood
• Institutional involvement in preservation of neighborhood should be encouraged; for
example, University should be encouraged to participate in the community matters
• Renters should be encouraged to be involved in the community and neighborhood
• Property owners' responsibility (landlords) for upkeep should be stressed
• Effort should be made to market the neighborhood while maintaining its character and
inviting new residents
• Stress need to have planning process encourage a mixed, communitywide participation
• Need to develop non-regulative ways to encourage preservation
• Need to develop a model approach for increasing homeownership in neighborhood by
converting rentals into owner-occupied units.
• Need to streamline design review process for applicants
• Affirm need for continuing to establish parking strategy to deal with congested on-street
parking in North Side
• Affirm need for maintaining responsiveness of housing officials to complaints about
zoning violations regarding apartment unit and boarding house density issues
• Affirm need for additional historic district and conservation districts in the North Side
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• Develop awareness program for insurance companies regarding preservation issues
• Develop preservation incentives-financial programs, flexibility in design guidelines,
establishing a tool lending library for do-it-yourself projects
• Need to clarify differences between conservation and historic districts; improve
terminology
• Encourage neighbors to pass on their knowledge about the neighborhood to one another
• Find ways to encourage student involvement in the neighborhoods
• Improve the capacity and decision making of the Historic Preservation Commission by
improving their training
• Maintain character of the Goosetown neighborhood-attractive yards, quiet streets,
historic character
• Integrate historic preservation into Central Planning District plan process
• Organize community events for the North Side and Goosetown neighborhoods
• Adopt a "direct approach" to address historic preservation issues
Longfellow/College Green/Kirkwood Meeting, April 20, 2006
Meeting attended by approximately 35 individuals from the neighborhood.
Svendsen provided overview of 1992 Historic Preservation Plan, process, goals and objectives,
and accomplishments since then.
Comments received re: goals, objectives, problems, and merits of historic preservation for the
neighborhood:
• Need to clarify differences between conservation and historic districts; consider
additional conservation district along and south of Kirkwood Avenue
• Should have more trees on public right-of--ways in the neighborhood including areas
along Burlington Street and tornado damaged blocks of Iowa Avenue.
• Maintain the concept of "neighborhood"
• Develop measures to rebuild/restore the storm-damaged areas
• Encourage efforts to increase single-family/owner-occupied units in areas of
neighborhood now mainly apartment houses
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• Consider zoning that would allow mixed-use in neighborhood for combining residential
and home businesses in the same building; establish a "Village Zone"-like the Peninsula
area
• Develop measures to address erosion problems:
- Reduce paved surfaces and related runoff that causes basement flooding, etc.
- Consider reduction in number of parking spaces to reduce size ofhard-surface
lots
- Reduce occupancy levels for multi-family units to reduce size ofhard-surface
lots
• Increase quality and level of landscaping in the neighborhoods
• Establish improved parking strategy to deal with congested on-street parking in targeted
areas
• Develop efforts to work with absentee landlords to improve their property maintenance
and management of tenant issues
• Develop efforts to work with student occupants and behavior problems
• Develop better communication between the City and the residents, and within the City at
the inter-departmental level
• Affirm the idea of a historic preservation survey to solicit opinions and expectations from
residents and property owners
• Develop an Iowa Avenue redevelopment plan for storm-damaged blocks
• Provide incentives to landlords and owners for landscaping
• Prove tax incentives to assist storm-damaged properties
• Develop an historic street lighting plan for portions of the neighborhood
• Encourage use of federal and state rehabilitation tax incentives
• Develop user-friendly City-based tax incentives
• Develop incentives to convert non-conforming properties in the neighborhood
• Explore possibilities to redevelop the storm-damaged area
• Encourage use of neighborhood watch programs in the neighborhood
• Encourage neighbors to invest in concept of "our neighborhood"
• Create/encourage alternative housing opportunities such as small co-ops for renter
occupied houses
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• Explore funding assistance for landscaping in both private and public areas
• Develop measures to stabilize property values in the neighborhood
Downtown Meeting, June 28, 2006
Meeting attended by approximately 15 individuals from City and Downtown
Marlys Svendsen, planning consultant with Svendsen Tyler, Inc., provided overview of 1992
Historic Preservation Plan, process, goals and objectives, and accomplishments since then.
Bohdy Hedgecock with Clarion Associates presented overview of downtown planning and
preservation work with examples from around the country.
Comments received re: goals, objectives, problems, and merits of historic preservation for the
Downtown:
• Absentee ownership continues to be a reoccurring problem.
• Establishment of the SSMID was a major effort that did not succeed; exhausted efforts
for other issues like a Main Street approach
• The "active participant" pool for Downtown promoters and activists is getting smaller
• Establishment of the Cultural District web site seen as a positive effort that could be built
on for preservation efforts
• Downtown walking tour could be established using the new promotional brochure
• A wireless downtown walking tour suggested.
• Tours of the downtown and other neighborhoods suggested for inclusion on the HPC web
site.
• Need to encourage promotional opportunities for "Old Capitol Cultural District"
including guides, building markers, etc.
• Establish downtown-wide gift registers to promote retail opportunities.
• Number of individual web sites for downtown businesses is growing
• Major problem is the perception that historic preservation regulations are too complicated
and owners or businesses don't see benefits.
• Need to have a "Downtown District Plan" to get everyone on the same page
• Downtown needs paid leadership/staff to lead downtown efforts
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• Need to identify opportunity to coordinate efforts of Johnson County Historical Society
with the Downtown
West Side Meeting, June 29, 2006
Meeting attended by approximately 40 individuals from Melrose neighborhood and Manville
Heights neighborhood.
Marlys Svendsen, planning consultant with Svendsen Tyler, Inc., provided overview of 1992
Historic Preservation Plan, process, goals and objectives, and accomplishments since then.
Comments received re: goals, objectives, problems, and merits of historic preservation, mostly
relating to Manville Heights area:
• Questions posed by those attending included "What is `historic'? Is my house
considered a historic resource?"
• Those present asked what the first step would be if residents in the Manville
Heights neighborhood wanted to consider historic district designation?
• Considerable discussion focused on how to conduct a survey, when it could be
done, what the advantages of a survey would be, how is it funded and how do
neighborhood volunteers get involved.
• Residents asked for identification of differences between a National Register
historic district, a local ordinance historic district, and a conservation district as it
would relate to Manville Heights.
• Questions arose about a local historic district designation process and the steps
involved. Residents were told that the HPC responds to interest generated in the
neighborhood to begin the process.
• Concern expressed about expanding fraternity/sorority houses in the
neighborhood; especially scale and design compatibility
• Inquiries about what type of construction is allowed for a house if it the
neighborhood is designated a historic district; for example, can additions be built?
• Considerable discussion about the construction of accessory units above garages
or in house additions; concern expressed about making those available to renters.
Discussion about whether historic district designation would have an effect on
this type of development. Residents told that the HPC reviews design
compatibility not use, which is governed by other parts of the Zoning Ordinance.
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• Straw poll taken of those present in response to a resident's comment that a
neighborhood survey should be done to decide whether a district designation is
possible. A show of hands indicated a nearly unanimous affirmative opinion by
the 35 plus residents present for proceeding with a survey.
• Question posed as to whether or not something could be done to discourage
property acquisitions by the University and apartment developers.
• Observation made that there should be some type of control over the University
development activity
• The steps involved in completion of the neighborhood-sponsored survey of the
Melrose Neighborhood were shared, including how funding was secured, use of
volunteers, and use of a consultant to complete a National Register nomination.
• Enthusiastic opinions expressed for proceeding with a study of Manville Heights'
history while older residents are available to help identify history.
• Use of volunteers considered a good possibility
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Appendix D: Interview Questions; Summary of Responses; and
Individuals Interviewed
Appendix D: Interview Questions; Summary of Responses; and Individuals
Interviewed
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Questions Related to th a Preservation Ordinance and Guide&nes
1. Does the public understand what is required to obtain different forms of approval under the
current preservation ordinance? If not, what don't they understand?
2. Are certain procedures particularly troublesome (e.g., demolitions, district designations)? Are
design reviews actually conducted as they are described in the ordinance, or does actual
practice differ from the text of the ordinance and the Historic Preservation Handbook?
3. Do members of the Commission fully understand the differences between historic districts
and conservations districts for designation and design review purposes? Do members of the
public and officials?
4. Is input received in a timely fashion from interested parties? Are changes needed in notice
requirements or time allocated for reviews?
5. Are there steps in the process that could be consolidated? Eliminated? Is the review process
viewed as being too slow? Too fast? How can the process be made more effective as well as
efficient (i.e., speed vs. quality of reviews)?
6. How are administration and enforcement working? Is it clear what individual or group is to
make each type of decision? Are enforcement tools adequate?
7. Should decision-making responsibility be shifted to a lower level? Higher?
8. Does the staff receive adequate information from applicants upon which to base project
reviews?
9. Are standards and definitions in the ordinance sufficiently clear and specific? Is it clear to a
reader of the ordinance what criteria are supposed to govern the approval or denial of different
types of applications? If not, which types of approvals do not have adequate approval criteria?
10. Are substantive standards too rigid? Is more flexibility needed?
11. Are substantive requirements coordinated with substantive requirements of other city
codes/regulations (e.g., zoning standards)? Are there conflicts between zoning standards (e.g.,
height, setback, allowed uses) and preservation standards?
12. Are there specific types of construction work/building changes that could be reviewed and
granted approval by staff?
13. Does the Commission carry-out sufficient public education efforts for property owners
regarding the historic and conservation district requirements? Before and after designation?
Questions Related to Financial Incentives for Preservation
1. Are the current financial incentives offered to support preservation sufficient?
2. Do you have recommendations for additional types of incentives that you think would be
valuable?
3. Are the existing incentives taken advantage of? If not, why not?
4. Are there other types of incentives (beyond financial) that should be considered (e.g.,
design/technical assistance, awards and recognition, education programs)?
5. What types of financial incentives would encourage most historic building owners to preserve
their buildings? Rehabilitation grants? Low interest loans? Property tax relief? State income
tax credit?
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Questions Related to the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
Questions Related to the Economic Impact of Preservation
1. What are the key questions related to the economic impacts of preservation that you would
like answered? What information would be most effective in explaining that impact to local
homeowners? Landlords? Business owners? Real estate community? Public officials?
2. What information resources are available that you think would be helpful in answering these
questions?
Questions Related to the Sensitive Areas Ordinance
1. Generally, how has the Sensitive Areas Ordinance been working? Is it producing the desired
results?
2. Is the process for reviewing projects under the ordinance effective? Efficient?
3. Are there adequate resources on staff and in the community to effectively administer the
ordinance?
4. Is the ordinance well-integrated with other preservation programs?
Formafting/Llsability of Zoning Ordinance:
1. Do you have trouble finding applicable provisions? Does staff hear complaints from the
public about the ordinances?
2. Do you have specific formatting suggestions for the new Zoning Ordinance (specific graphics,
flow charts, etc.)?
Miscellaneous Issues: Does the current ordinance have other specific problems that have not been
addressed above?
Staff Support: Do the Historic Preservation Commission and the historic preservation ordinance activities
receive sufficient staff support? Are there staff skills or training needed to better carry out these activities?
Generally: What is the single biggest criticism you have about the existing ordinance?
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SUMMARY OF RESPONSES
1. Operation, Staffing, Efficiency, and Effectiveness of Historic Preservation Commission
From the onset of the Historic Preservation Plan update project, it was understood that considerable effort
should be spent on evaluating the work of the Historic Preservation Commission and means for improving
it. As a result, many of the questions in the interviews conducted by the consultants focused on the HPC's
general operation, its staffing, its efficiency, and its effectiveness. In terms of general operation, many
individuals identified lengthy meetings as a basic but important problem for the HPC. Described as
"painfully long and tedious" by one person, the length of the meetings has, according to others, tended to
discourage participation of existing members, made new appointments more difficult, frustrated members
of the public with business before the HPC, and discouraged certain types of work by the HPC because
there was insufficient time available due to lengthy meetings. In turn, low attendance of HPC members has
created quorum problems in the past that resulted in the tabling of design review cases and created bad will
among applicants and their contractors. One interviewee encouraged the HPC to operate its meetings more
"professionally" with casual discussion replaced by on-task debate. It should be noted that in reviewing
records of HPC meetings in recent years, quorum problems were relatively rare. However, it is obvious that
just a handful of such meetings have tended to color the public image of the HPC's operations; this type of
negative image is difficult to dispel. With shorter, more focused meetings, many of the irritating and
troublesome problems associated with the HPC's general operation would diminish.
As part of general operations, frequent comments were offered about the need to "streamline" the agenda
and, more specifically, the manner in which design review cases are handled. Both the HPC and staff were
encouraged to think of the design review process as a "service" to applicants and that HPC members
regularly needed to remind themselves that "if the HPC is going to regulate, it should also provide a
service." It was noted that the number of historic districts and conservation districts has been steadily
increasing with significantly more applications being reviewed. Streamlining the design review process-
both inside and outside of HPC meetings-needs to be addressed to deal with this growth. Further
comments about the design review process appear below.
In terms of effectiveness, the importance of sufficient, skilled staffing was identified as key to the HPC's
work. One person summarized the staffing issue by suggesting that the HPC needed to have a strong,
experienced planner in order to establish "continuity of skill overtime." The growing work load resulting
from the increasing number of regulated buildings had many people interviewed asking the consultants
when the City planned to have afull-time preservation planner. Others simply assumed the City already
did. A number of persons identified various aspects of the design review process as areas where more
discretion should be given to staff in order to streamline the design review process for applicants, provide
good technical assistance, and reduce the number of cases coming before the HPC.
A number of observations were made by interviewees about the level of communication between the HPC
and the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission, between the HPC and the Housing and Inspection
Services (HIS) Department, and between the HPC and the City Council. Several members of the HPC
observed that minimal contact with the P&Z Commission has resulted in the HPC not feeling adequately
informed about certain zoning issues and, therefore, less effective in providing input. Although re-
establishment of an ex-officio position for a member of the P&Z on the HPC was suggested as a solution,
others felt that such an effort would not be particularly beneficial. It was also noted that there are currently
no joint meetings held between the P&Z and HPC, and as a result, there is little opportunity to discuss
shared concerns.
Several HPC members expressed the desire to have a stronger connection between their design review
process and its implementation through the HIS Department. Several members presented isolated
examples of HPC design review decisions that they felt were not fully carried out. The need to make
changes in certificates of appropriateness based on information revealed during construction also was
expressed as a concern. The lack of regular follow-up of design review cases by the HPC and its staff
appears to have encouraged concern. During the course of the planning update process, it was not possible
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to make a full and systematic evaluation of this issue in order to determine whether it involves only a few
cases or represents a larger problem.
A substantial number of interview subjects expressed the desire to see better communication between the
HPC and the City Council. Poor communication was identified as contributing to less effectiveness for the
HPC when problematic design review cases were appealed to the City Council. The most frequently cited
instance involved a "roof and gutter case" in the Longfellow Historic District. This case was brought up by
both preservation proponents and opponents in interviews as an example of how design review should not
be done. It was also given as an example of how the credibility of the HPC can suffer before the City
Council as well as the general public when a decision is perceived as "off-base." Good, clear
communication of design review matters and other issues in the future will be key in improving the
effectiveness of the HPC.
A number of comments received during interviews related to the overall makeup of the HPC. Several
individuals familiar with the HPC's operation over a number of years stressed the importance of attracting
commissioners with good "people skills" so that they could communicate effectively at meetings with
applicants as well as each other. Others felt that commissioners were needed with greater "political savvy"
to help the HPC deal with controversial design review cases. Still others thought the HPC needed to have
members with more demonstrated first hand skills in construction or design review. Another person felt
that it would be good to have commissions whose "built-in credibility" from their role in the community
could be translated to their position on the HPC. In 2008, the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
will celebrate 25 years as a city commission. One interviewee noted that this anniversary should be used as
an opportunity to celebrate.
2. The relationship between the City Council and the Historic Preservation Commission
Maintaining a good working relationship between elected and appointed officials is frequently identified as
a goal for good government. The example cited above involving a design review case in the Longfellow
Historic District was given as a worst case scenario for communication in the midst of a public preservation
controversy. Another point made by interviewees was the fact that the City Council rarely hears about
preservation success stories or the smooth processing of a growing number of design review applications.
Instead a rare problem case gets a disproportionate level of publicity. Others observations were that City
Councilors do not understand how design guidelines work, the ways that they vary between conservation
and historic districts, and the discretion that the HPC has or does not have in applying them. As a result, the
historic preservation ordinance and its implementers-staff and the HPC-were described as overly rigid.
Several good suggestions were offered to help the HPC establish a better working relationship with the City
Council. One suggestion was the development of a good communication piece that would provide
information about preservation activities. One person said that if such a piece were provided to the Council
on a regular basis-an annual or semi-annual report-it should be both "visual and statistical." The
consultants offered the idea of having a regular report contain illustrative before and after images of both
major and minor projects thus putting a positive spotlight on the role of regulation. A report could also
contain a summary of relevant statistics such as the number of design review applications in each of the
historic and conservation districts, length of time for processing applications, number of approvals versus
denials, estimated value of rehabilitation work being completed, etc. Then in instances that a design review
case makes its way through the appeal process, the City Council would have a means for judging the
relative rarity of such cases and the overall merit of the design review process.
As the consultants discussed the idea of an annual or semi-annual report with those interviewed, other
suggestions were made for its distribution. One suggestion was that it be shared with the Neighborhood
Council and that its statistics be published in neighborhood newsletters. The results could also be shared
with the public as a whole eachyear during the Annual Historic Preservation Awards hosted by the Friends
of Historic Preservation. The consultants believe that an annual or semi-annual report should also be used
as an ongoing accountability measure for the HPC as it reviews its own work load, evaluates the need for
staffing and measures the overall success of the historic preservation ordinance.
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3. Historic District and Conservation District Issues
The interview process was an important tool used to solicit opinions about the operation of historic districts
and conservation districts and their success as a means of protecting Iowa City's historic resources. Among
the most common opinions expressed was confusion about the difference between historic districts and
conservation districts in terms of the types of neighborhoods designated as each and in the way design
review differed between the two. Many people felt that aspects of "neighborhood character" being
protected in conservation districts needed to be more specifically delineated from "historic character."
Alternative opinions expressed by others interviewed saw merit in the amorphous nature of conservation
districts. Those who appreciated this quality of conservation districts tended to see merit in having areas
serve as "buffer zones" around historic districts or as "historic districts in waiting." Others were
uncomfortable with what the way they saw conservation districts operating-as "stealth historic districts."
In the larger Iowa City community, one person offered the view that historic districts are sometimes viewed
as a strong means to fight student housing and apartment house conversion while conservation districts are
viewed as more "user friendly," less stringent, buffer zones designed to "protect and preserve" an area but
not change its character in a major way. One person characterized the problem succinctly. the general
public perceives the purpose of designating a conservation district as "keeping what is there" or
establishing a "holding pattern" while the preservation community-including the HPC-sees a
conservation district as an opportunity to "make what is there better according to preservation standards."
The result according to both proponents and critics of the duo district approach is that a system has evolved
where there maybe identifiable differences in the two districts at the point they are designated but virtually
no difference in operation. The fact that historic district or conservation district designations have nothing
to do with zoning designations covering use or density was clearly understood by some individuals
interviewed but not by several others, especially those in attendance at public meetings.
In recent years, the confusion of the duo district approach has coupled with the need to defend the
traditional concept of design review in historic districts. An example was the unsuccessful designation of
the Gilbert-Linn Street district as a local historic district in 2005. According to several people interviewed
familiar with this effort, there were several lessons learned from the failure that should be considered if a
historic district is attempted in the future. The consultants were repeatedly told of the need to stress
education up front about what district designation means in order to counterbalance misinformation efforts
by district opponents. Veterans of the designation process indicated that an education campaign should
include examples of case studies for rehabilitation projects carried out in other neighborhoods operating
under design review and confirm the overall record of cases reviewed, approved, denied, and appealed. In
addition, information should be included for the types of financial incentives available to encourage
rehabilitation and the economic impact of district designation on stabilizing enhancing, or diminishing real
estate values in districts. Part of the education process should stress the "good news" post-tornado
experience in historic districts affected rather than letting small problems dominate the discussion.
Identifying potential problem areas of design review such as window replacement and siding should be
handled forthrightly and if there are areas that are negotiable these should be identified as well. A final
recommendation was that boundaries for a larger or smaller historic district should be carefully considered
in order to avoid divisive positions held due to land-use.
Other interview comments about the duo-district system ranged broadly. One person suggested that the
HPC needed to have a means for dealing with the changing status of buildings in both types of districts
from noncontributing to contributing due to aging of building stock and improvement of their physical
appearance. Another person suggested that design options for multi-family buildings needed to be
established for conservation districts and that illustrated guidelines for common design features such as
porch railings, roof details, garages, etc. should be established. Others noted that communication by the
HPC with current and prospective owners of buildings in historic and conservation districts should come as
early as possible to avoid design review problems. The consultants were urged to identify possible methods
for disseminating information and answering FAQs.
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4. Improving the Design Review Process.
Viewpoints regarding the success of the design review process since it was established nearly 20 years ago
in Iowa City depended on a number of factors including whether a person owns a property within a
regulated district and has direct experience with the review process. In 2006, there are more than 1,100
properties for which certain constrnction work is regulated. Design review cases comprise a substantial
share of the work load for the HPC and the half-time City staff person responsible for handling inquiries for
certificates of appropriateness, formal applications, HPC agendas, and compliance issues.
As was noted above, there have been a few isolated design review cases during the past few years that have
drawn a disproportionate amount of negative attention and given members of the general public as well as
preservation-minded citizens concern about the level of regulation being conducted and the manner in
which is carried out. Some of those criticisms appear to be without merit while other criticism is at least
partially justified.
Concern was expressed by people familiar with the design review process that the HPC receives little or no
design review training either individually for new members as they join the commission or as an ongoing,
regular training session for the entire HPC. According to some individuals interviewed, problems arise
during the design review process as a result. These problems relate to the manner in which design review
occurs as well as the substance of decisions made. A frequent observation was that HPC reviews are
inappropriately focused on minutia, especially in conservation districts. Concern was expressed that there is
too much "negotiating" between staff or HPC with the applicant during meetings. Some observed that there
had been problems with City staff doing too much design work in the past while others complained that too
little design assistance is/was provided.
Several people interviewed indicated a need for a more "user-friendly" update of the Historic Preservation
Guidelines that would eliminate inconsistencies and add a more extensive set of definitions. Compilation of
a "design handbook" was suggested; it could contain more graphics and specific examples of district
residents completing projects. A handbook could also incorporate a series of separate handouts for common
repair items such as door replacements/repairs, garage door design, porch repairs, deck additions, and new
garage designs. Though a design handbook can play a valuable role, one person noted that greater effort
should be placed on helping applicants understand that a building's individual style has a relationship to
sound design solutions.
A series of design review issues identified in interviews relate to contractors. Several interviewees noted
that problems arise as a result of few members of the HPC being well-versed on the contractor's role in
rehabilitation projects. In turn, it was observed that contractors are not well informed as to requirements in
historic and conservation districts and give owners incomplete information as a result. Currently no training
is provided to contractors by the HPC. When asked if such an effort might be helpful, several people
interviewed who had constrnction experience felt that offering a training session(s) for contractors
organized through the local Remodeling Contractors Association might have merit.
Other design review comments ranged broadly. Some felt that design review standards for moved historic
buildings were currently too stringent for buildings that were being preserved "as a last resort." Design for
replacement garages was identified as an ongoing problem. It was noted that in most districts that the HPC
regulates, garages are too small to be useful, poorly built, and poorly maintained making it difficult for the
HPC to require that they be retained/preserved. For some who viewed the design review process as overly
strict in conservation districts, further investigation of the use of substitute materials was recommended.
The design review process does not end with the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness by the HPC,
however. Sometimes it's necessary to revise a project during construction and currently substantive
changes must be reauthorized by the HPC. Alternatively, it was recommended by several HPC members
that HPC staff be given this responsibility. To do so, it was acknowledged that staff would need to be
skilled and serve as an advocate for the approach expressed in the original HPC Certificate of
Appropriateness for a project. The most frequent enforcers of design review, however, are the Housing and
Inspection Services inspectors. One person noted it was the responsibility of the HPC and its staff to have a
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Certificate of Appropriateness provide the level of detail necessary to allow proper enforcement by HIS
inspectors as well as full understanding for the owner and his or her contractor(s).
During several interviews it was noted that appeals of design review cases have been taken to the City
Council in historic districts in only a handful of instances over the past 15 years. In most cases, these
appeals arose in part from the fact that an applicant did not know that the design review process was
mandated in his or her neighborhood. The importance of ongoing education and communication with
property owners through proactive communication can notbe overstated.
5. Downtown Preservation and Improvement
Opinions about Iowa City's central business district were sought from all individuals interviewed
regardless of whether or not they were downtown stakeholders. Good insight was provided by a wide range
of people interviewed. Several people felt that the best strategy for encouraging preservation of downtown
buildings was to begin with a handful of key leaders who controlled a significant property or properties and
had the capacity to shape the opinions of others. The key leaders need to be persuaded of preservation's
merit first, then approach the next tier of owners. Other people felt that a preservation strategy would be a
difficult sell in the downtown where property owners-especially absentee owners-resist "big brother"
telling them what to do. Establishing a conservation district or local historic district would be very difficult.
Creation of a National Register historic district might be supported if the economic benefits could be
clearly spelled out.
One person experienced with downtown issues suggested that changes in downtown demographics need to
be considered in future preservation strategies. These factors include fewer volunteers involved with the
Downtown Association's efforts, more bar operators and fewer traditional retailers, a concentration of real
estate in fewer hands, etc. Several individuals felt that there was merit in considering a Main Street
approach in the downtown, especially if a second successful attempt were made to establish aSelf-
Supporting Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). Everyone interviewed felt that strong leadership for
a SSMID needed to come from representatives of the downtown and not from City government or City
staff. Establishment of a facade improvement program, revolving loan program, and full-time staffing for a
downtown group were seen as positive outcomes that could be possible with a SSMID. One individual
noted that the best overall strategy should be to identify preservation as a proven approach in other
communities and that "good design pays."
6. Historic Preservation Incentives
As historic preservation efforts have become more sophisticated in recent years, the concept of
incentives has grown to include not only traditional financial programs but also regulatory incentives.
Comments received during the Iowa City interview process included suggestions for both financial
incentives originating in the private and non-profit sector and regulatory incentives from local government
The practice of having incentives go hand-in-hand with regulation was seen as an important strategy.
In residential neighborhoods, several individuals expressed concern about the perception that historic
district or conservation district designation makes home ownership less affordable, that maintenance or
rehabilitation projects completed within the design review process are more expensive. It was felt that
creating incentives for these cases would help allay affordability fears. This was specifically identified as
important issue in areas such as Goosetown that had been previously identified as a potential conservation
district. Previous programs offered by Friends of Historic Preservation were identified by several
individuals interviewed as having been good efforts though they lacked sufficient focus or number to have
a significant impact. Two groups recommended for enlisting in the development of private financial
incentives were the Iowa City real estate community and the local banking community.
There were several non-financial regulatory incentives suggested. One person saw value in allowing
expanded options for land use for historic landmarks in order to get property owners to agree to have their
improvements regulated by the HPC design review process. Another non-economic incentive proposed was
D-7
determining a set of development requirements that could be lessened for historic landmarks or in historic
districts. It was noted that the City's zoning provision already provide some regulatory incentives.
7. Historic Preservation and the University of Iowa
Most of the comments received regarding preservation and the University related to issues on the edges of
the campus or the University's impact in the community as a whole. Few were received about the need for
preservation of on-campus buildings by the University. Several people commented on the traditional roles
played by historic neighborhoods adjacent to the University campus-student apartments, rooming houses,
and faculty or staff housing. The housing market in these neighborhoods for student rentals has been
robust. As a result, several individuals interviewed felt that an effort should be made to develop a forum for
discussing problems and opportunities resulting from the use of nearby historic neighborhoods as student
housing areas. It was suggested that the University should be encouraged to help promote neighborhood
identities in its recruitment and retention efforts for both students and faculty. Though a number of issues
related to student housing were not specifically historic preservation concerns, it was noted that having
strong, stable neighborhoods with historic character near the campus is good for the University.
One of the most creative ideas suggested during the interview process identified a housing subsidy program
available at several other American universities used to recruit and retain faculty. These programs provide
interest rate buy-downs for faculty and staff who buy properties near their respective university. The
consultants were encouraged to investigate how such a program could be used to attract faculty to housing
in nearby historic and conservation districts. Such a program would not only encourage owner-occupied
real estate sales in nearby neighborhoods but also provide an incentive for these neighborhoods to be
designated as a historic or conservation district.
8. Historic Preservation Advocacy and Education
Throughout the interview process, many people volunteered general observations about attitudes in the
community towards historic preservation and its proponents. The overall success of historic preservation in
the community was acknowledged by most people interviewed. In several interviews, however, historic
preservationists were described as having a narrow base in the community. Friends of Historic
Preservation, the community's principal organized advocate onbehalf of historic preservation, was cited as
a positive influence though not a particularly strong voice. Others suggested that controversies arise, the
opponents of preservation seem to have the ability to align a prominent, vocal group. Proponents were
described as not having has much political capital in the community. The perception of preservation
opponents is that they are pro-property rights advocates, landlords, and major institutional property owners.
Suggestions made for improving historic preservation advocacy in the community included strengthening
the capacity of Friends of Historic Preservation. The work done by Friends during the post-tornado period
was cited as an important example of the type of visibility the group needed. It was suggested that future
efforts should include efforts by Friends to build bridges with other organizations in the community and the
City Council.
A number of people interviewed suggested that a successful strategy for historic preservation in the future
will be to identify it as a means to strengthen older neighborhoods that in Iowa City also represent positive
aspects of diversity-mixed age groups, student and nonstudent households, mixed ethnicity, etc. One
individual said that the emphasis should be put on telling the success stories of preservation on a building
by building and neighborhood by neighborhood basis. One person said that the preservation emphasis
should be put on neighbors working with neighbors not just against landlords.
A frequently cited example of the successful integration of historic preservation into neighborhood
organizing and promotion was the Longfellow Neighborhood. Its strengths are high owner occupancy,
strong leadership, and the ability to put a focus on preservation and neighborhood history in newsletters and
other projects. As one person stated, the Longfellow Neighborhood does a good job of demonstrating how
preservation can be marketable to the larger community.
D-8
'College and university towns have a range of historic neighborhoods that thrive near their
respective campuses. Examples can be found at the College Town Life web site available online at
http://www.collegetownlife.com/ct traditional_college_town neighborhoods.htm; accessed 1/07.
D-9
INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW RESPONSES
A. Operation, Staffing, Efficiency, and Effectiveness of Historic Preservation Commission
1. 2007 will be the 25~' anniversary of the HPC~elebration is in order
2. HPC meetings are too long; discourage member participation and new appointments.
3. Meetings of HPC described as "painfully long and tedious"
4. Need to streamline meeting agendas and the design review process; need to focus meetings
5. HPC & staff should be encouraged to think of the Design Review Process as a "service" to
applicants; "if we're going to regulate we need to provide a service"
6. HPC members do not believe it is their responsibility to educate owners
7. HPC not sufficiently informed about Plan and Zoning issues
8. Should consider having an ex-officio member of P&Z on the HPC
9. Currently only minimal communication between Housing Inspection Services and HPC &
staff
10. Need to have a strong, experienced planner staffing the HPC- "continuity of skill" overtime
11. No joint meetings currently between P&Z and HPC
12. Number of districts increasing means significantly more applications to be reviewed-need to
address this growth
13. Too much time is spent by the Commission on informal discussion for design review and
other agenda items; not sufficiently directed to the tasks at hand
14. HPC receives little or no design review training individually for new members or as a group;
little training is done on the HPC's own design review standards
15. HPC is not well versed on the contractor's role in rehabilitation projects
16. A few isolated design reviews where HPC appears to be "off base" have set back the public
image of the Commission; "gutter" case very difficult to explain to the public and also
difficult for preservation-minded citizens to understand
17. Problems with having a quorum at some meetings resulting in COAs not being acted on
18. HPC should operate more "professionally"
19. Identify areas for more discretion being given to staff to streamline application and review
process
20. Emphasis should be put on attracting HPC members with good "people skills;" Essential to
have HPC members who can communicate effectively at meetings with applicants as well as
each other
21. Occasions where HPC and its guidelines need to consider politically astute decision making;
examples -the gutter case in Longfellow neighborhood and an instance where severely
deteriorated windows in a rear addition were required to be replaced with wood sash.
22. Also, should rtS' to have the HPC think in a more visionary fashion sometime during eachyear
23. HPC should take steps to improve its public image by: a) becoming more politically savvy, b)
getting more skilled commissioners; and getting commissioners with community profiles to
establish "built-incredibility" for the HPC
B. City Council and the Historic Preservation Commission
1. Problem: Public Officials don't understand guidelines and are resistant to working with them.
2. Only problem properties or cases come before public officials, never smooth processing or
success stories.
3. Need for a good communication piece with City Council; an annual report of what's going on
in historic preservation; should be "visual with good statistics
4. Forward the annual report to the Neighborhood Council and to housing inspectors
5. Add a "Mayor's award" for H.P. Awards program
6. Consider conveying the preservation annual report to City Council during H.P. Week
7. Major problem with the existing ordinance is its perceived rigidity
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C. Conservation District and Historic District Issues
1. Need to have better distinction between a historic district and a conservation district residents
confused about what is being conserved-"neighborhood character" or "historic character"
2. Conservation districts and historic districts are too similar in designation and design review;
need to clarify the distinctions between the two to HPC members, applicants, HIS staff, City
Council members, public, etc.-all levels
3. Some feeling that if "conservation districts aren't broken, don't fix them" by trying to
redefine what they are
4. Conservation districts operate like "stealth historic districts"
5. Need to come up with clear, understandable explanations for "contributing" and
"noncontributing" definitions
6. Historic district is more instinctively understood at present; what is "conservation"?
7. Need a means for dealing with changing status of buildings in both types of districts from
Noncontributing to Contributing due to aging of building stock and improvements.
8. Problem with public perception that preservation is "keeping what is there" or a "holding
pattern" while preservation community sees it as "making what is there better according to
preservation standards"
9. Need to showcase improvement in conservation districts
10. Need to develop multi-family design options for conservation districts.
11. Provide illustrated guidelines for certain design elements such as porch railings, roof details,
garages, etc.
12. Conservation districts should be viewed as buffer areas surrounding historic districts
13. Virtually no difference between a conservation district and an historic district
14. Economic hardship option not used
15. Education for prospective/new owners of buildings in historic and conservation districts
should come as early as possible to keep property owners informed
16. Education for current owners regarding what construction work needs to be reviewed by the
HPC should be improved
17. Consider holding an "Annual District Meeting" for local districts to include education,
recognition, answers to FAQs, etc. sponsored by the HPC
18. In community, Historic districts are sometimes viewed as a strong means to fight student
housing and apartment house conversion while Conservation districts are viewed as more
"user friendly", less stringent buffer zones designed to "protect and preserve" an area but not
change its character in a major way.
19. Consider establishing a means for having a Conservation district be the first step towards
becoming an "incentivized Historic district."
20. Lessons learned from the failure to designate the Gilbert Linn Street Historic District: a)
stress education about what district designation means up front, b) stress good case studies of
rehabilitation projects in other neighborhoods, c) develop more options for design review
issues that are problems-windows and siding, what's not negotiable? d) study real estate and
economic impact of district designation e) confirm record of design review cases that have
been problems, f) stress good news about Tornado stories upfront rather letting small
problems dominate the discussion, and g) rethink the boundaries for a larger or smaller
historic district
D. Improving the Design Review Process
L In 2006, there are 1100 properties regulated; need afull-time staff person
2. Establishing better enforcement of HPC decisions using Building Inspectors
3. Problem of allowing rebuilding "as is condition" after a major loss such as storm, fire, etc.
4. Concern that standards for moved historic buildings are too stringent develop more flexibility
for this "last resort" to be used
5. Problem with City Staff doing too much design work
6. Problem with City Staff not doing enough design work
D-11
7. Need a "Design Handbool~' with more graphics and examples for district residents
completing projects
8. Establish a more "user friendly" update of the Historic Preservation Guidelines and eliminate
inconsistencies in the current guidelines
9. Prepare handouts for common repair items such as door replacements/repairs; garage door
design; porch repairs; deck additions
10. Seek approval for alternatives to paving backyards-advocate permeable paving such as
Grasscrete to be allowed by Housing Inspection Services
11. Building Department staff gives wrong information on occasion regarding need for a
Certificate of Appropriateness
12. Contractors are not well informed as to requirements in historic and conservation districts and
give owners incomplete information as a result
13. Currently, no training is provided to contractors
14. Consider offering a lunchtime training session(s) for contractors tied to a local lumber yard
(free lunch); organize through the Remodeling Contractors Association
15. Offer a lunchtime training session for contractors that includes a walking tour (and free lunch)
of a rehabilitation project hosted by an experienced contractor like Don Robinson
16. Problems arise during the design review process as a result of "negotiating" between staff or
HPC with the applicant
17. Garages present ongoing problem-most are too small, poorly built, poorly maintained-
therefore, difficult for HPC to require that they be retained/preserved
18. Coming up with alternative designs should be HPC's responsibility
19. To provide assistance to applicants, more staff time is required
20. More effort should be made to allow substitute materials as replacements during rehabilitation
projects
21. Over time (since the 1990s), design reviews have become more substantive due to the greater
body of knowledge and experience
22. Greater effort should be made to help applicants understand that a building's style has a
relationship to solving a design problem.
23. Sometimes its necessary to revise a project during construction; this should be allowed but it
requires that the staff be skilled and an advocate for the approach expressed in the original
HPC Certificate of Appropriateness for a project
24. In order to get the Housing Inspection Services inspectors to enforce, the Certificate of
Appropriateness must call out the details of a project at the time of approval
25. Should have provision for "certificate of no material change" to allow switch between
synthetic sidings such as aluminum and vinyl
26. Need to update definitions in the Historic Preservation Guidelines
27. Basis for most appeals to City Council (approximately two or three per year) are that the
applicant didn't know about the Design Review/Certificate of Appropriateness process
28. During appeals, City Council finds it difficult to determine if the position taken by HPC is
arbitrary and capricious because it is difficult to understand the "reasonableness" of the design
standards.
29. Good design review should have regulations similar to ADA-philosophy of "reasonable
accommodation" and "essential function" in ADA should be incorporated into design review
process
30. During a design review, HPC members should have the mind set that they are "recruiting" the
applicants for a job or trying to get them to want to do the right thing rather than "regulating"
their actions.
31. Need to evaluate whether or not the strong maintenance standards in residential areas have
pushed landlords towards siding versus painting
32. Number of districts increasing means significantly more applications to be reviewed-need to
address this growth
33. Too much time is spent by the Commission on informal discussion for design review and
other agenda items; not sufficiently directed to the tasks at hand
34. HPC receives little or no design review training individually for new members or as a group;
little training is done on the HPC's own design review standards
35. HPC is not well versed on the contractor's role in rehabilitation projects
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E. Downtown Preservation and Improvement
1. Need a facade improvement program; revolving loan program.
2. Important to consider a Main Street approach
3. Important to reconsider the SSMID in order to develop a cohesive marketing plan
4. Alow-interest Revolving Loan Program for the Downtown
5. Promote preservation as part of a proven approach-"Good Design Pays"
6. Conservation district will be difficult to sell to absentee owners
7. Primary leaders must be persuaded of preservation's merit first, then next tier of owners
8. Downtown owners resist "big brother" telling them what to do
F. Historic Preservation Incentives
1. Establish expanded options for uses in historic landmarks to encourage
designation/regulation.
2. Concern about affordability issues for owners in historic and conservation districts completing
rehabilitation projects
3. Need to expand non-regulatory incentives, "entrepreneurial based" incentives
4. Friends of Historic Preservation role as a funding source is good but not focused on specific
goals
5. Consider tapping the real estate community and banking community
6. Consider developing an incentive that is not "economic" such as easing up on development
requirements for historic buildings such as parking
7. Encourage neighborhoods to apply for PIN grants to complete survey work and other historic
preservation projects
8. Develop incentives to make historic preservation undertaking not an "island amidst students";
important to keep mix of students and non-students in older neighborhoods
9. Good to see more incentives go hand-in-hand with regulation in districts
10. Landlords need to be encouraged to market their apartments using historic preservation to
improve the quality of tenants and secure stable/increasing rents over time
G. Historic Preservation Issues related to the University of Iowa
1. Aggressive purchasing of buildings by the University of Iowa for use as guest housing
undermines private market for such use
2. Bring student/neighborprobtems to attention of the University
3. Enlist the University to help promote neighborhood identities
4. Have University understand the value in stable neighborhoods surrounding the campus as a
means for reducing crime
5. University relies on housing in the community and nearby neighborhoods; should develop a
forum for discussing problems resulting from this reliance
6. University should consider providing an interest rate buy-down for faculty and staff who buy
nearby the University-good for faculty recruitment and retention
7. To stabilize the campus, it is in the University's self-interest to educate students regarding
neighborhood responsibility
H. Historic Preservation Education and Advocacy
1. Historic Preservation should be viewed as a promotional opportunity; effort should be put on
educating neighbors and property owners in various ways
2. Emphasis should be put on telling the success stories of preservation on a building by
building and neighborhood by neighborhood basis
3. Preservation emphasis should be put on neighbors working with neighbors not just against
landlords
4. Integration of historic preservation into neighborhood organizing; best example is Longfellow
Neighborhood where owner occupancy is high, leadership is strong; focus on preservation and
neighborhood history in newsletters
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5. Opportunity to have HPC develop a "history corner" to appear in each neighborhood based
newsletters
6. Consider putting info re: conservation and historic districts in each newsletter
7. Consider using Q & A format for communicating design review information; for example,
"How do I do a deck?" "Can I repair my front porch?"
8. Longfellow Neighborhood does best job of demonstrating how preservation can be
marketable to the larger community
9. Practical, helpful information is needed for property owners in districts
10. The range of preservation tools should be laid out more clearly for property owners
11. Realtors as a group need to be cultivated as potential historic preservation proponents
12. Ideas for reaching out to realtors include: a) developing a "guide to architectural styles" that
realtors could use with buyers, b) developing a "know your neighborhood" guide using the
history of various areas for realtors to use with buyers
13. Apartment Owners Association should be approached with positive information about historic
districts, conservation districts, neighborhood character, etc. as well as regulatory obligations
of design review
14. Important to develop a guide to neighborhoods for individuals moving to the community; in
some communities this is accessed through the University web site
15. Important to develop a guide to schools in older neighborhoods for people moving to the
community
16. Consider hosting a "progressive dinner" for realtors to get acquainted in a neighborhood
17. Preservation is regarded as the interest of a narrow "wonkish," "marginal" group
18. Opponents of preservation have a prominent, vocal group; proponents do not
19. HPC and preservation proponents viewed as not having political capital in the community;
therefore, preservation is not regarded as sufficiently important by City Council
20. Friends of Historic Preservation not viewed as a strong, politically prominent organization; as
a result, no strong voice for preservation
21. Opposition includes landlords, pro-property rights advocates, major institutional property
owners including Mercy Hospital and the University
22. Friends of Historic Preservation capacity needs to be strengthened
23. Executive director of Friends needs to build bridges with other organizations, City Council,
etc.
24. Develop means to strengthen older neighborhoods using historic preservation; include
neighborhood diversity, mix of age, population make-up, mix of students and non-students
D-14
INDIVIDUALS INTERVIEWED
Atkins, Steve City Manager
Bailey, Regina City Council member, Mayor Pro-tem
Behr, Mitch Legal Department
Bennett, Astrid Downtown Association Board Member,
Iowa Artisans Shop
Brooks, Bob Chairperson, Planning and Zoning
Commission
Burford, Helen Executive Director, Friends of Historic
Preservation
Buss, Sara North Side Neighborhood
Dikes, Eleanor City Attorney, Legal Department
Elliot, Bob City Council member
Ford, Wendy Economic Development Coordinator
Franklin, Karin Director, Planning & Community
Development Department
Gholson, Tim Past President, Downtown Association,
Wells Fargo Bank
Hanick, Kevin Realtor, former Historic Preservation
Commission member
Havercamp, Mike President, Friends of Historic Preservation
Klingaman, Marcia Neighborhood Services, Planning &
Community Development Department
McCafferty, Shelley Architectural designer, former staff to
Historic Preservation Commission
Michaud, Pam Historic Preservation Commission member,
College Hill
Miklo, Robert Senior Planner, Urban Planning, Planning
& Community Development Department
Moen, Mark Downtown developer
Osborne, Liz Program Assistant, Housing Rehabilitation,
Planning & Community Development
Department
Ponto, Jim Historic Preservation Commission member,
Brown Street
Ream, Jann Building Inspections, Housing and
Inspections Services
Swaim, Ginalie Historic Preservation Commission member,
Woodlawn
Swan, Clara Realtor
Teldakar, Sunil Associate Planner, current staff to Historic
Preservation Commission
Vander Woude, Steve Contractor, Developer and former Historic
Preservation Commission member
Walker, Jean Melrose Neighborhood Association
Weitzel, Tim Chairperson, Historic Preservation
Commission and Longfellow Neighborhood
Association
Wilson, Larry Associate Director & Campus Planner,
University of Iowa
D-15
Appendix E: Outline for Update of "Historic Resources of Iowa City,
Iowa" Multiple Property Documentation Form, National
Register of Historic Places
Appendix E: Outline for Update of "Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa"
Multiple Property Documentation Form, National Register of
Historic Places
When the 1992 Historic Preservation Plan was completed, a National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP) form titled "Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa" was prepared
covering the years 1839 to 1940. This form was prepared in the Multiple Property
Documentation (MPD) format and was formally listed in the National Register in 1994 in
conjunction with nomination of the Brown Street Historic District. Whenever
neighborhood based survey work was completed in Iowa City since that time, new MPDs
were prepared and new historic contexts developed to serve as the final reports. These
MPDS were known as "cover documents." In order for an MPD to be evaluated for
listing on the National Register, however, an accompanying individual or district
nomination must accompany its submittal. This was done in several cases resulting in
National Register listing of several MPDs. In most cases, however, the MPDs were not
formally listed because specific properties were not being nominated. In other cases,
districts were nominated to the National Register based on the historic contexts in the
original cover document"Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa" that was approved in
1994.
One of the recommendations of the 2006 Historic Preservation Plan Update is that the
"Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa" listed in the National Register in 1994 be
updated to include historic contexts developed in survey work completed since then. A
second recommendation is that the 1994 cover document be extended to include a time
frame for resources through roughly 1960. An outline for a revised "Historic Resources
of Iowa City, Iowa" MPD appears below. In this outline, bold type identifies National
Register of Historic Places (NRHI') cover documents (MPDs), historic contexts and
related historic districts that are already listed. Historic contexts and MPDs that have
been prepared during surveys completed between 1994 and 2006, but not formally
nominated or listed in the NRHP, are underlined in the outline. Entirely new study areas
or historic contexts proposed for completion and any related historic districts or
individual nominations are shown in italic. Specific recommendations for handling the
existing historic contexts, non-listed MPDs, and new historic contexts appear throughout
the outline in regular type.
The 15-year horizon for the 2007 plan is put at 2022. This might suggest that the updated
MPD include resources through roughly 1970 or 50 years back from the 2022 horizon.
Instead, the recommendations given here extend through ca. 1960. However, it is
understood that as time passes, it may be necessary to extend context study periods into
the 1960s to keep up with a shifting 50-year time frame. Dealing with subdivisions and
housing styles from the late 1940s and 1950s will be a challenging enough task during
the life of the 2007 Plan without adding the complexities of shopping center and strip
mall development, early urban renewal efforts, the local apartment house boom of the
1960s and 1970s, the social justice and anti-war movements of the 1960s and early
1970s, and a range of other social history subjects. A reflective period of time of 50 years
will be minimally necessary for evaluating these complex topics. As a result 1960 was
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selected as a general end date for historic context development and neighborhood studies
in this MPD outline.
L Original Multiple Property Documentation Form: "Historic Resources of Iowa
City, Iowa"
A. Overall update recommendations
• Prepare an amended MPD with an expanded time frame-1839-ca.1960
• Modify time frames covered for existing historic contexts as noted below.
• Add new historic context sections and neighborhoods as noted below.
B. "Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa"-Territorial and Early Statehood Historic Context
1839-1857 (Svendsen Tyler, 1992)-NRHP, listed 9/23/1994
• Add an expanded section relating to the story of the Old Military Road.
C. "Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa"-Railroad Era Historic Context 185f~1898
(Svendsen Tyler, 1992)-NRHP, listed 9/23/1994
• No changes recommended.
D. "Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa"-Town and Gown Era Historic Context 1899-1940
(Svendsen Tyler, 1992)-NRHP, listed 9/23/1994
• No changes recommended.
E. "Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa"-University of Iowa Historic Context 1855-1940
(Svendsen Tyler, 1992)-NRHP, listed 9/23/1994
• Period covered should be extended to cover the years "1855-ca. 1960" including two decades
of the presidential term of Virgil M. Hancher (1940-1964).
• Add discussion and evaluation of impact of military programs on campus during World War II
including two largest programs-Navy Pre-Flight School (1942-1945) that trained 21,014 men
and the Army Specialized Training Programs that trained 2,562 men.
• Identify war related programs such as torpedo design for the U.S. Navy, gas dispersion studies
for the Chemical Warfare Service, the War Art Workshop for the Office of War Information,
and the training program for ward nurses in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army reserve corps.
• Evaluate impact of post-World War II enrollment boom on Iowa City including campus
buildings and on-campus and off-campus housing.
• Develop a separate "University oflowa Greek Community: Sorority and Fraternity Houses,
186~rca. 1960" historic context. (see below)
• Develop a separate "University oflowa Sports, 1890ca. 1960" historic context. (see below)
• Incorporate the story of the University's medical school and hospitals in Iowa City Hospitals,
ca. 1872ca. 1960" historic context. (see below)
• Develop a separate "University oflowa Hydraulics Laboratory/Iowa Institute of Hydraulic
Research, 1920ca. 1960" historic context. (see below)
F. "Historic Resources of Iowa City, Iowa"-Town and Country Neighborhoods Historic
Context 1850-1940 (Svendsen Tyler, 1992)-NRHP, listed 9/23/1994
• First historic district nominated under this historic context: Brown Street Historic District
(Svendsen Tyler, 1994)-NRHP, listed 9/23/1994
E-2
• Brown Street Historic District -Boundary Increase (Svendsen Tyler, 2004)-NRHP listed
9/29/2004
• Further recommendations for additional neighborhoods below under ???????.
II. Subsequent Multiple Property Documentation Forms & Historic Districts-Listed
and Not-Listed in NRHP
A. "The Small Homes of Howard F. Moffitt in Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa,1924-1943 MPD"
(Tallgrass Historians, 1992)-NRHP, listed 5/4/1993
• "Muscatine Avenue Moffitt Cottage Historic District" (Tallgrass Historians, 1992)-NRHP,
listed 5/4/1993).
• Evaluate Moffitt houses located south of Kirkwood Avenue along intersecting blocks of Yewell
Street, Pickard Street, and Friendly Avenue for individual NRHP listing and/or historic district
designation. (see below under Lucas Farms Neighborhood discussion)
B. "Historic and Architectural Resources in College Hill, 1839-1944 MPD" (Tallgrass Historians,
1994)
• College Hill Historic District (Arborgast & Eckhardt, 1996)-NRHP, listed 7/9/1997
• East College Street Historic District (Arborgast & Eckhardt, 1996)-NRHP, listed
7/9/ 1997
• College Hill Conservation District-Reconnaissance survey completed of Iowa Avenue
blocks (Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, 1/2003)-local conservation
district listed 5/2003.
• Evaluate national level significance for Grant Wood House (Oakes-Wood House, 1142
E. Court Street) and prepare National Historic Landmark nomination if eligible.
C. "Architectural and Historical Resources of the Dubuque/Linn Street Corridor, 1839-ca.1940
MPD" (Nauman, 1996)
The survey evaluated resources along North Clinton, North Dubuque, and North Linn
streets between Jefferson Street on the south and Park Road and Ronalds Street on the
north.
Subsequent survey work completed in Phase II and Phase III of the Original Town Plat
surveys recommended nomination of historic districts that included resources in this
neighborhood or spanning sections of this neighborhood and an adjacent area.
MPD not recommended for submittal to National Register at this time.
Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District (Svendsen Tyler, 2004)-NRHP listed 4/21/2005
- Portions of district identified in Nauman's Dubuque-Linn Street Corridor Survey, Original
Town Plat of Iowa City-Phase I (Tallgrass Historians, 1997) and Original Town Plat
Neighborhood-Phase II (Svendsen Tyler, 1999).
- Historic district nomination prepared after review of three surveys identified district
boundary crossing three survey areas.
• North Clinton Street Historic District
1. Area originally investigated in Nauman's Dubuque-Linn Street Corridor Survey.
E-3
2. Recommend historic district nomination for linear neighborhood along the east side of
North Clinton Street from Market Street on the south to north of Church Street on the
north.
3. North Clinton Street includes examples of architecturally significant large-scale
residences associated with some of Iowa City's most prominent business and
professional leaders from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
4. North Clinton Street also contains a representative group ofwell-designed fraternity
and sorority houses.
D. "Historic Folk Housing of Iowa City, 1839-ca.1910 MPD," (Tallgrass Historians, 1997)
- A survey of a portion of the "Original Town Plat of Iowa City-Phase I" was completed
for the blocks between Brown, Davenport, Linn and Governor Streets.
- Subsequent survey work completed in Phase II and Phase III of the Original Town Plat
surveys recommended nomination of historic districts that included resources in this
neighborhood or spanning sections of this neighborhood and an adjacent area.
- MPD prepared as part of Phase I focused on "folk housing" within the neighborhood.
- MPD not recommended for submittal to National Register at this time due to limited
geographic area covered.
E. "Architectural and Historic Resources of the Longfellow Neighborhood Area, ca. 1860-
ca. 1946 MPD" (Nauman, Phase I-1996 & Phase II-1998)-NRHP listed 9/12/2002
• Longfellow Historic District (Nauman, 2001)-NRHP listed 9/12/2002
- District identified in Nauman's Phase I and Phase II Longfellow Neighborhood surveys.
- Clark Street Conservation District and Dearborn Street Conservation District local
conservation districts listed in 2001.
- Add an addendum to MPD based on addition information regarding related industries,
creek channeling, and development of factory lots, worker housing, and the suburban ideal.
F. "Architectural and Historical Resources of Original Town Plat Neighborhood-Phase
II, 1845-1945 MPD" (Svendsen Tyler, 1999)-NRHP listed 5/11/2000
- A survey of a portion of the "Original Town Plat of Iowa City-Phase II" was completed for
the blocks between Davenport, Jefferson, Linn and Governor Streets.
- Related survey work was completed earlier in the Dubuque/Linn Street Corridor and Phase I of
the Original Town Plat.
- The Emma Harvat House Nomination (Eckhart, 2000) was submitted for NRHP designation
along with the Phase II MPD.
- Several NRHP residential historic districts listed from this neighborhood (see ????? below)
G. "Architectural and Historical Resources of Goosetown Neighborhood-Phase III, 1855
1945 MPD" (Svendsen Tyler, 2000)
1. Prepare a separate historic context for "Iowa City's Bohemian History, 1855-1945" for
scattered resources found throughout the North Side and Goosetown in the Phase I, Phase
II and Phase III survey areas of the Original Town Plat and traditional Goosetown blocks
to the east. This recommendation for this approach is found in the Goosetown MPD and
remains valid for dealing with Bohemian resources.
2. Most of the content for the significance statement for this historic context is contained in
the MPD prepared for the Goosetown-Phase III survey.
3. Resources related to this historic context include commercial establishments owned and
operated by Bohemians, schools attended principally by Bohemian children or that hosted
Bohemian language classes, well-preserved private residences built and occupied by
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merchant or working-class Bohemian families for one or more generations, well-
preserved private residences occupied by prominent leaders of the local Bohemian-
American community, churches attended primarily by Bohemian families, and buildings
that demonstrate the cultural practices or values of Iowa City's Bohemian settlers.
4. Individual resources are located throughout the Phase I, Phase II and Phase III survey
areas of the Original Town Plat and Goosetown.
H. North District Reconnaissance Survey (Svendsen Tyler, 2000)
- This reconnaissance survey was completed for use in developing the "North District
Plan" prepared by the Planning and Community Development Department staff in 2000-
2001.
- Recommendations for further study are contained under ????? below.
L "Architectural and Historical Resources of Iowa Citv Central Business District, 1855-ca. 1960
MPD" (Svendsen Tyler, 2001)
- A survey of the Central Business District was completed for the blocks between Clinton,
Gilbert, Iowa, and Burlington streets.
• Downtown Iowa City Historic District
- The survey recommended preparation of a NRHP nomination for amulti-block area
of the downtown between Iowa Avenue, Clinton Street, Linn Street and Washington
Street.
- Alternatively, if a larger area is to be recognized locally using a conservation district
designation, the blocks along College Street would be included.
- This approach for dealing with downtown resources is still recommended.
J. West Side-Melrose Neighborhood Survey (Svendsen Tyler, 2004)
Melrose Historic District (Svendsen Tyler, 2004)
- Area originally identified in "Town and Country Neighborhoods Historic Context 1850-
1940."
- Neighborhood-sponsored survey of area roughly bounded by Melrose Avenue, Myrtle
Street, Melrose Court, and Byington Road (extended).
- Period of significance for neighborhood extended to ca. 1960.
- No MPD for survey area prepared.
- NRHP historic district nomination prepared and listed 12/6/2004; no further survey
recommended.
K. North Side Historic Districts
- North Side neighborhood originally identified in "Town and Country Neighborhoods 1850-
1940."
- Additional surveys completed for the Dubuque/Linn Street Corridor (Nauman, 1996), the
Original Town Plat-Phase I (Tallgrass, 1997), and the Original Town Plat-Phase II
(Svendsen Tyler, 2000).
- Three North Side areas have been nominated and listed:
• Jefferson Street Historic District (Svendsen Tyler, 2004)-NRHP listed 9/29/2004
• Brown Street Historic District -Boundary Increase (Svendsen Tyler, 2004)-NRHP listed
9/29/2004
• Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District (Svendsen Tyler, 2004-NRHP listed 4/21/2005
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III. Proposed Future Historical and Architectural Surveys, Historic Contexts,
MPDs and Historic Districts
A. Residential development and related historic contexts previously identified under "Historic
Resources of Iowa City, Iowa"-Town and Country Neighborhoods Historic Context 1850-
1940."
• South Side Neighborhood
1. The "Town and Country Neighborhoods Historic Context 1850-1940" identified
the Gilbert Street Maiden Lane Industrial Corridor as a neighborhood for further
evaluation in 1994. This area should be expanded to include a reconnaissance level
survey of the entire South Side Neighborhood, an area that is roughly bounded by
Burlington Street on the north, Gilbert Street on the east, the Iowa Interstate
Railway right-of--way on the south, and Madison Street on the west.
2. Early industrial corridor established along Ralston Creek, South Gilbert Street and
Maiden Lane from South Market (site of Robert A. Lee Community Recreation
Center) to the former Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern RR/Rock Island RR
yards several blocks to the south.
3. Corridor had flour mill, foundry and machine shop, linseed oil works, glass works,
cooperage operation, a gas works and a planing mill beginning in the 1860s and
1870s.
4. Several factory owners built residences in or near the corridor.
5. After 1900, factories took on new commercial uses with some continuing to
provide manufacturing jobs and others serving warehousing functions or disuse.
6. Redevelopment for housing beginning in the 1980s on larger tracts of land abutting
Ralston Creek immediately south of Burlington Street and south of Bowery Street
has diminished the industrial nature of the corridor.
7. Scattered single-family and multi-family dwellings were developed from the 1860s
through the 1920s in the South Side. These properties should be evaluated for
individual National Register eligibility.
8. Review major transportation routes or corridors through area and any impact they
had on settlement patterns or building types constructed/surviving.
9. Identify and evaluate significant open space in the neighborhood (squares, parks,
cemeteries, farmsteads, estates, etc.) and its impact on development.
10. No historic districts are anticipated in the South Side.
"Lucas Farms Neighborhood" Kirkwood Avenue and South of Kirkwood Avenue
1. The "Town and Country Neighborhoods Historic Context 1850-1940" identified
the Kirkwood Avenue Neighborhood as a neighborhood for further evaluation in
1994. Since then this area has become known as the "Lucas Farms
Neighborhood. "
2. This area is roughly bounded by the Iowa Interstate Railway right-of--way on the
north, Van Buren Street or Webster Street on the west, Lower Muscatine Road on
the east, and Highland Avenue and De Forest avenues on the south.
3. Kirkwood Avenue originally laid out as "Wyoming Road" renamed for Governor
Kirkwood by World War I; contains nearby residences of Governor Lucas and
Governor Kirkwood.
4. A reconnaissance level survey of the Lucas Farms Neighborhood should be
completed to focus intensive level survey work on scattered individually eligible
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National Register properties and on multi-block areas identified as containing a
potential National Register eligible historic district or locally eligible conservation
district.
Individual properties located along Kirkwood Avenue east and west of South
Summit Street have associations with prominent persons. They include:
- Plum Grove (NRHP, 1030 Carroll Street) built in 1844 by Iowa Territorial
Governor Robert Lucas and his wife Friendly. It should be evaluated for
designation as a National Historic Landmark and designated as an Iowa City
landmark.
- Governor Samuel Kirkwood House (1101 Kirkwood Avenue) built in 1860s.
- These prestigious residences attracted other country homes during the 1870s
for Florence Clark (829 Kirkwood Avenue) in 1874, the Lovelace family (820
Kirkwood Avenue) in the 1870s, and the Gotch family (1110 Kirkwood
Avenue) in c. 1880.
6. Subdivisions in the Lucas Farms Neighborhood prior to 1890 include the Page
Addition, Borland Place Addition, and Block 2 of the Summit Hill Addition north
of Kirkwood Avenue and the Lucas Addition south of Kirkwood Avenue.
7. Between 1890 and World War I, the Wilson and Lantz Addition was added north
of Kirkwood Avenue and the Switzer Subdivision, E.W. Lucas's Addition and
Sunnyside Addition were added south of Kirkwood Avenue.
8. Large undeveloped parcels still held individually along Kirkwood Avenue through
Great Depression years by C.R. Regan family, E.W. and Mary Lucas family, and
M.R. Pritchard family.
9. In 1924 and 1925, the S.J. Kirkwood Homestead Addition and Kirkwood Place
Addition were platted, the latter by Bert Manville. After World War II, additions
were platted along Kirkwood Avenue on undeveloped farmland. Additions
between 1935 and 1955 include Kirkwood Circle (1939), C.R. Regan Addition
(1950), Highland Addition Part 3 (1955), and Plum Grove Part 3 (1955).
10. Review major transportation routes or corridors through area (Wyoming
Road/Kirkwood Avenue, for example) and any impact they had on settlement
patterns or building types constructed/surviving.
1 L Identify work of major developers/builders such as Howard F. Moffitt and Bert
Manville in the Lucas Farms Neighborhood additions. Identify any business or
personal relationships between Moffitt and Manville.
12. Identify and evaluate significant open space in the neighborhood (squares, parks,
cemeteries, farmsteads, estates, etc.) and its impact on development.
13. Oak Grove Park established on old Rock Island Railroad grounds after 1955.
14. Two potential NRHP historic districts are located in the Lucas Farms
Neighborhood. They are:
a. Kirkwood Avenue
- Oldest area in Lucas Farms Neighborhood is along Kirkwood Avenue between
Diana Street on the west and Roosevelt Street on the east.
- The neighborhood includes excellent examples of large scale, late 19th century
masonry and frame residences.
- The area is distinguished from Summit Avenue's houses by the larger lot sizes
and deep set back of primary structures befitting a "country road" setting.
- Later houses represent infill completed at or after the turn of the 20th century.
- This potential district was referenced in "Town and Country Neighborhoods
Historic Context 1850-1940" discussed above.
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b. Ginter; Friendly, Highland, Pickard, and Yewell streets
- 1920s-1930s neighborhood includes the intersecting blocks of Ginter,
Friendly, Highland, Pickard, and Yewell streets.
- This potential historic district also relates to two other MPDS-the proposed
" 20th Century Neighborhoods and Suburban Development, 1900-ca. 1960
MPD"described below.
- The multi-block area along Ginter, Friendly, Highland, Pickard, and Yewell
streets contains a dozen or more Moffat stone cottages, most of which could
also be nominated to the NRHP individually under "The Small Homes of
Howard F. Moffitt in Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa, 1924-1943" MPD
listed on the NRHP in 1993.
- Most of the Moffat stone cottages could also be eligible for local landmark
designation.
• North District Neighborhood
1. The North District Reconnaissance Survev (Svendsen Tyler, 2000) was
completed for the "North District Plan" in 2001.
2. The area is bounded roughly by the Old Military Road (Iowa Highway 1) on the
east, the Ball Highway (former U.S. Highway 218) on the west, Interstate
Highway 80 on the north, and an irregular boundary on the south that includes
Dodge Street and Kimball Road.
3. The North District Plan neighborhood's earliest development followed the old
Military Road corridor and North Dubuque Street corridor.
4. Residential additions associated with Bohemian settlement patterns in
"Tanktown" were established north of Goosetown along and east of Dodge Street
after Civil War.
5. Scattered properties associated with Bohemian settlers should be incorporated
into `Iowa City's Bohemian History, 18551945" under ???? above.
6. The North District Reconnaissance Survev identified two historic contexts to be
more fully researched and an area thought to be a potential historic district when
the reconnaissance survey was completed in 2000:
a. The "Old Military Road (1839ca. 1860) Historic Context" should be
developed with special attention to the section of North Dubuque Road-the
only non-urbanized section of the Military Road remaining in Iowa City. The
corridor should be surveyed for historic archeological resources associated
with the right-of--way alignment of the road itself and early building remains
from the Territorial and Early Statehood Historic Context 1839-1857.
b. The "Dubuque Road Dairying Industry (ca. 1900ca. 1960) Historic
Context" should be developed to tell the story of dairying in the farmsteads
located along Dubuque Road north of Highway 1 after the turn of the 20tH
century. Resources related to this historic context would include individual
dwellings, barns, outbuildings or entire farmsteads built by farm families that
kept dairy herds along this stretch of the former Military Road. Because of
modernization, most of the remnants of the former Swaner Farms Dairy-
now the Roberts Dairy located along Iowa Highway 1-are not likely to be
considered historically significant.
c. Dubuque Road Historic District
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- The one-mile stretch of Dubuque Road that extends west of Iowa
Highway 1 should be evaluated to determine its eligibility as a historic
district.
- This area is significant based on its association with both the history of
the Old Military Road and Dubuque Road Dairying Industry historic
contexts.
- Since the North District Reconnaissance Survey was completed in 2000,
however, considerable new residential development has occurred.
- Although the historic contexts identified above remain valid, it is less
likely that the Dubuque Road Historic District is an eligible NRHP
district. Division of large parcels for new home building and the nature
of the designs of the new buildings has lessened the historic character of
the area.
B. "20th Century Neighborhoods and Suburban Development Historic Context 1900ca. 1960"
1. Anew historic context should be developed to deal with residential neighborhoods in the
northwest, southeast, northeast, south, and east central sections of the city developed
principally in the years leading up to World War I through the post-World War II
building boom.
2. The post World War II boom period is demonstrated by house building statistics: pre-
1940 houses numbered 6,325; 1940-1949 numbered 1,360; 1950-1954 numbered 613;
and 1955-early 1960 numbered 1,425.
3. To be comprehensive, the period covered should begin at the turn of the 20th century and
extend through ca. 1960.
4. To determine neighborhoods for study, an identification of platted subdivisions made
during the years 1935 to 1965 was completed by the Iowa City Planning and Community
Development Department and Engineering Department staff. A list of subdivisions and
location maps appear at the end of the outline section of Appendix M. Then a windshield
survey of the identified areas was completed. Finally, a bibliography of relevant primary
and secondary resources dealing with Iowa City's development during these years was
prepared. It appears at the end Appendix M as well.
5. Once these neighborhood surveys are completed for the 20th Century Neighborhoods,
MPDs should be prepared with historic contexts developed that explain the history of
neighborhood development, identify the types of historic resources present, evaluate their
integrity and significance, identify potential historic district and conservation district
boundaries, and determine which resources are individually significant for the NRHP and
are contributing or noncontributing resources in potential districts.
6. 20th Century Neighborhoods recommended for completion of reconnaissance and/or
intensive level historical and historical surveys are listed below:
a. Melrose Neighborhood
- Incorporate story of suburban-style development of the Melrose neighborhood
into 20th Century Neighborhoods and Suburban Development Historic Context.
- Include such features as street layout, park development, modern sub-division
design, small house forms, and garage design.
Incorporate information about architects and builders identified in the Melrose
Historic District.
b. Manville Heights Neighborhood
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- Neighborhood bounded on the east by Riverside Drive, on the south by the right-
of-way of the CRANDIC Railway and U.S. Highway 6, and on the north and west
by Park Road.
- Area developed initially on farm operated by Frank Hutchinson located about a
quarter-mile south of an oxbow in the Iowa River beginning in the 1840s. Area was
known as "Hutchinson's Grove."
- National Guard encampments held at Hutchinson's Grove shortly after 1900.
- Electric interurban between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City completed through area in
1904-Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway (CRANDIC); electricity available to
area as a result.
- Hutchinson's Grove served as Chautauqua Grounds during summers of 1906, 1907
and 1908.
- City Park property purchased by Iowa City in 1906 and construction of the City
Park bridge over the Iowa River completed in 1908.
- Manville Heights Addition platted in 1910 by Bert E. Manville after purchase of
80 acres from Hutchinson family; house construction begun same year.
- Manville streetcar line extended to City Park and Heights by 1915 establishing
the neighborhood as a true streetcar suburb.
- Layout of Manville Heights plat resisted grid system neighborhoods of East Side
neighborhoods. Instead adopted concept of landscaped, park-like suburbs identified
as "Garden Suburbs" or "Garden City" neighborhoods. They included some
meandering streets, irregular lots, naturalistic settings, and views of a major natural
feature such as park, lake or river.
- Other subdivisions in place by 1917 included Manville Addition, Chautauqua
Heights, Black Springs, and Black's Second with the Folsome farm north of U.S.
Highway 6 added as the Capital View Subdivision in 1938. The Manville
Addition included multi-acre, block-size lots, which were later divided into the
irregular parcels found between Woolf and Magawan avenues.
- Early Manville Heights homebuyers were affiliated with the University of Iowa-
professors, University of Iowa Hospital physicians and employees. Others
included local merchants and professionals and the B.E. Manville family.
- Manville Heights Club established as social club for neighborhood.
- Manville Heights' growth associated with doubling of Iowa City during the Town
and Gown Era from 7,987 in 1900 to 10,091 in 1910 to 11, 267 in 1920 to 15,340
in 1930.
- University enrollment grew by one third from 1,542 to 2,090 from 1900 to 1910.
- Manville Heights was a neighborhood in the right place at the right time for
growth.
- Manville Heights reflects the forms and styles of housing popular from World War
I through the 1950s including the Georgian Revival, Mission Style, Craftsman,
Tudor Revival, and simplified Prairie School styles and vernacular forms such as
American-Four Squares, Bungalows, and Period Cottages.
- Other development factors impacting homebuilding trends included paving of
River Drive in 1920, announcement of relocation of the University Hospital and
Medical School to the West Campus in 1924, completion of the Hospital in 1928,
and the economic downtown resulting from the Great Depression years, the post-
World War II boom years, and the completion of the Veterans Administration
Hospital in 1952.
- By 1950s, multi-lot parcels saw sale of separate lots and construction of Ranch
homes, Cape Cod cottages, and Neo-Colonial residences. Manville Heights'
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growth was part of increase in property values in Iowa City from $28.8 million in
1950 to $50 million in 1960.
Rochester Avenue Neighborhood
- Neighborhood includes blocks fronting on Rochester Avenue and blocks to the
south from roughly Elizabeth Street on the west to Parsons Avenue or Ralston
Creek on the east and from Bloomington Street on the north to Jefferson
StreeUGlendale Avenue on the south.
- The Rochester Avenue neighborhood would include the Apri12006 tornado
damaged-area along Hotz Street and Clapp Street.
- The neighborhood contains several additions platted from end of World War I
through the 1950s.
- Subdivisions included Rose Hill Addition, J.W. Clark's Addition, Raphael Placer
Addition, Memler's Addition (1951), Highland Addition Pt. 2 (1954), Wildwood
Addition (1956), Streb's 1st Addition (1958), and Mark Twain Addition (1959).
- Meandering course of North Branch of Ralston Creek and Glendale Park
included.
- Early farmsteads and acreages owned by Ruth Irish and O.S. Barnes on north
side of Rochester Road and J.P. Memler, Peter Zach and O.S. Barnes on south
side of Rochester Road.
- Housing stock includes one and two-story frame and masonry residences, mix of
vernacular house forms such as American Four-Square, Front-Gable and Wing,
and Suburban Cottage; also, pre and post-World War I domestic architectural
styles including several Craftsman and Bungalow style variations.
d. Morningside-City High Neighborhood
- Neighborhood includes blocks between Muscatine Avenue and City High School
campus. Court Street forms south boundary and rear property line of houses facing
the south side of Glendale Road forms the north boundary.
- Development extends from 1920s through post-World War II period and 1950s.
- Neighborhood is north of East Iowa City platted in 1898 as a subdivision for
manufacturing sites and worker housing.
- Neighborhood includes blocks east of former route of Burlington, Cedar Rapids
& Northern RR (Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific RR), now William White
Boulevard.
- Blocks at west edge of City High School campus were part of former Johnson
County Fair Grounds.
- First residential area to develop was west of future City High School in the
Morningside Addition platted in 1924 on the former fairgrounds site.
- City High School built in 1938-1939 as a joint project of the Iowa City School
District and the federal Public Works Administration.
- World War II deterred development of new subdivisions until end of war.
- After war, subdivisions in neighborhood included College Court Place (1948),
Wildman's 1st Addition (1949), Adrian's Addition (1950), West Bel Air Pt. 1
(1956), and Lafferty Subdivision (1960).
- 1950s development in the area symbolized by installation of a miniature Statue of
Liberty at entrance in 1950. This was part of a national campaign sponsored by
the Boy Scouts of America to erect statues across the U. S.
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- Herbert Hoover Elementary School added south of high school in 1954
prompting additional wave of residential development.
C. "World War II and Post-War Boom Historic Context 1940ca. 1960"
1. Anew historic context should be developed to deal with city-wide growth and
development during World War II and the Post-War Boom in terms of population
growth, university expansion, and industrial growth in Iowa City.
2. The boom period demonstrated by house building statistics: pre-1940 houses numbered
6,325; 1940-1949 numbered 1,360; 1950-1954 numbered 613; and 1955-early 1960
numbered 1,425.
3. New manufacturers established since 1940 included Owens Brush (toothbrushes), Proctor
& Gamble (toiletries), Sheller Manufacturing (urethane foam), and Moore Business
Forms (printing)
4. General population figures show increases that parallels growth in university enrollment
during and after the war.
5. Growth and expansion of downtown businesses.
D. `Iowa City Architects, Builders, and Developers Historic Context 1840ca. 1960"
1. Anew historic context should be developed to deal with the story of architects and
builders who left an impact on the appearance of the evolving community during the 19tH
and 20th centuries.
2. 19th century architects and builders to be evaluated include John Francis Rague, architect
of Old Capitol, Robert S. Finkbine, Henry L. Fisk, Chauncey F. Lovelace, and James M.
Sheets.
3. Architects and builders from the turn of the 20th century decades and the early 20tH
century include Orville H. Carpenter, Frank X. Freyder, B.A. Wickham, the various
Hunzinger companies - J.H. Hunzinger & Co., Hunzinger-Wagner Co., Frank E.
Hunzinger, and W.H. Wagner, Jeremiah McLaughlin, Howard F. Moffat and Ray
Blakesleyt, G.L. Lockart, Lester Palmer, Frank and Warren Burger, J. Bradley Rust,
Wayne Paulson of West Branch and Neal F. Miller.
4. Developers of note for the 20th century include the Rundell Land and Improvement
Company; Bert E. Manville; and George and Lee Koser with Koser and Sidwell Realty
and Koser Brothers Realty.
5. Design work should be evaluated based on domestic and commercial building groups,
urban and suburban groups, and single-family and multi-family buildings.
E. "University oflowa Greek Community: Sorority and Fraternity Houses Historic Context,
186~rca. 1960 "
1. The Alpha Beta chapter of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity was the first fraternity established on
campus in 1866 and the first sorority was founded in 1881.
2. First traditionally African-American fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, established in 1914 and
first sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, in 1919.
3. Role and importance of fraternities and sororities in student social life.
4. Role and importance of fraternities and sororities in providing housing for growing
student enrollment.
5. Parallels of UI Greek Community with national trends.
6. Primary building period for sorority and fraternity houses was between ca. 1910 and ca.
1935.
7. Adaptation of Early 20th Century Revival styles to fraternity and sorority house forms.
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Shared features of fraternity and sorority houses with other multi-unit building in Iowa
City during UI housing boom.
Primary areas where buildings were erected:
a. North Side group including buildings in blocks along North Dubuque Street south of
Park Drive and North Clinton including intersecting streets such as Fairchild,
Bloomington and Market streets; primary group in 600-800 blocks of N. Dubuque
and 300-400 blocks N. Clinton
b. East College Street
c. East Burlington Street
d. Riverside Drive and Ellis Street
E "University oflowa Writers' Workshop Historic Context, 193~rca. 1960"
- Creative writing program established in the School of Letters at the University of Iowa in
1936
- Wilbur Schramm, first director
- Paul Engle, director from 1941-1966
- Gathering of poets and fiction writers with distinguished guest writers and lecturers
- Writers' Workshop became a significant force in American letters under Paul Engle
- Pulitzer Prize winners from the program include writers of fiction, journalism, & poetry
and are summarized below:
1. Fiction writers:
a. Robert Penn Warren, 1947 Pulitzer for All the King's Men, former faculty member.
b. Wallace Stegner, 1972 Pulitzer for Angle of Repose, MA, 1932; PhD, English, 1935.
c. James Alan McPherson, 1977 Pulitzer for Elbow Room, MFA, 1969; current faculty
member.
d. John Cheever, 1979 Pulitzer for The Stories of.Iohn Cheever, former faculty member.
e. Jane Smiley, 1992 Pulitzer for A Thousand Acres, MA, 1975; MFA, English, 1976;
PhD, English, 1978.
f. Philip Roth, 1998 Pulitzer forAmerican Pastoral, former faculty member.
g. Michael Cunningham, 1999 Pulitzer for The Hours, MFA, English, 1980.
h. Marilynne Robinson, 2005 Pulitzer for Gilead, faculty member.
2. Journalists:
Tracy Kidder, 1982 Pulitzer in general nonfiction for The Soul of a New Machine, MFA,
1974.
3. Poets
a. Robert Lowell, 1947 Pulitzer for Lord Weary's Castle, 1974 Pulitzer for The Dolphin,
former faculty member.
b. Robert Penn Warren, 1958 Pulitzer for Poems 1954-56, Now and Then, 1980 Pulitzer
for Poems 1976-78, former faculty member.
c. W.D. Snodgrass, 1960 Pulitzer for Heart's Needle, BA, 1949; MA, 1951; MFA,
1953.
d. John Berryman, 1965 Pulitzer for 77 Dream Songs, former faculty member.
e. Donald Justice, 1980 Pulitzer for Selected Poems, former faculty member.
f. Carolyn Kizer, 1985 Pulitzer for Yin, former faculty member.
E-13
g. Rita Dove, 1987 Pulitzer for Thomas and Beulah, MFA, 1977.
h. Mona Van Duyn, 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Near Changes, MA, English, 1943.
i. James Tate, 1992 Pulitzer for Selected Poems, MFA, 1967.
j. Louise Gluck, 1993 Pulitzer for The Wild Iris, former faculty member.
k Philip Levine, 1995 Pulitzer for The Simple Truth, MFA, 1957; former faculty
member.
1. Jorie Graham, 1996 Pulitzer for The Dream of the Unified Field, MFA, English,
1978; former faculty member.
m. Charles Wright, 1998 Pulitzer for Black Zodiac, MFA, 1963.
n. Mark Strand, 1999 Pulitzer for Blizzard of One, MA, 1962; former faculty member.
G. "University oflowa Sports Historic Context, 1890ca. 1960"
1. Evaluate the tradition of "sport" at the University of Iowa
2. Study major sport fields including:
a. Baseball
b. Basketball-men's and women's
c. Track and field-men's and women's
d. Football
e. Golf-men's and women's
£ Gymnastics-men's and women's
g. Rowing
h. Softball
i. Swimming and Diving
j. Tennis-men's and women's
k. Wrestling
3. Identify standout players and teams at UI and nationally
4. Identify nationally important coaches
5. Identify major sports facilities-i.e. Iowa Stadium/Kinnick Stadium (1929) and Finkbine
Golf Course
H. Iowa City Hospitals Historic Context, ca. 1872ca. 1960
1. Tradition of medical care in Iowa City
2. Private hospitals
a. Mercy Hospital
b. Osteopathic Hospital
3. Tradition of hospitals and medical schools at the University of Iowa
a. University of Iowa Hospital and Medical School-East Side (1897)
b. University of Iowa Hospital and Medical School-West Side (1928)
c. State of Iowa medical care legislation and related facilities
d. University of Iowa Children's Hospital (1919)
e. University of Iowa Psychopathic Hospital (1921)
£ University of Iowa Isolation Hospital (1916) and Oakdale State Tuberculosis
Sanitorium (1908, 1926)
g. University of Iowa Dentistry College, Pharmacy School, and Nursing School
4. Veterans' Administration Hospital (1954)
L .lames Van Allen (191 X2006), Physicist and Astronomer" individual NRHP nomination
L Identify historic resource(s) associated with James Van Allen.
E-14
2. Develop an individual NRHP nomination for the resource(s) based on Van Allen's
national and international level significance; evaluate for National Historic Landmark
status.
3. Van Allen's roots extend to his birthplace in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
4. Undergraduate education-BA Iowa Wesleyan College (1935)-second Byrd
Expedition.
5. Graduate education-master's and doctorate from the University of Iowa (1936 and
1939).
6. Research at the Carnegie Institution of Washington and at the Applied Physics
Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University on radio proximity fuzes-detonators to increase
the effectiveness ofanti-aircraft fire to defend ships (1940-1942); sponsor-the National
Defense Research Council.
7. 1943-1945, U.S. Navy.
8. 1946-1951, Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, high-altitude
experimental work.
9. 1951, Guggenheim research fellowship at the Brookhaven National Laboratory.
10. 1951-1985, professor and head of the University of Iowa Department of Physics and
Astronomy.
11. Research in 1950s at UI included use of UI football practice field to launch rockets and
"rockoons"-rockets carried aloft by balloons-to conduct cosmic ray experiments above
the atmosphere.
12. Research and development of UI-built instruments carried aboard the first successful U.S.
satellite, Explorer 1, in 1958; discovery marked the birth of the research field of
magnetospheric physics.
13. Discovery of bands of intense radiation surrounding the Earth, later named the "Van
Allen radiation belts."
14. First survey of the radiation belts of Jupiter using the Pioneer 10 spacecraft in 1973.
15. Discovery and survey of Saturn's radiation belts using data from the Pioneer 11
spacecraft in 1979.
16. Retired from active teaching in 1985.
17. Continued research on data from Pioneer 10, 1972-2003.
18. Interdisciplinary scientist for the Galileo spacecraft, which reached Jupiter in 1995.
19. Critic of manned space flight in favor ofremote-controlled, unmanned spacecraft.
20. Recipient of national and international awards including:
a. Daniel and Florence Guggenheim International Astronautical Award (1962)
presented by the International Academy of Astronautics for noteworthy contributions
to astronautics;
b. National Medal of Science (1987), the nation's highest honor for scientific
achievement, presented by President Reagan;
c. Crafoord Prize (1989), awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
presented by the King of Sweden, highest award for research in a number of
scientific fields and, for space exploration, is the equivalent of the Nobel Prize;
d. Gerard P. Kuiper Prize from the Division of Planetary Sciences of the American
Astronomical Society (1994); and
e. 2006 Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Trophy for lifetime achievement
"University oflowa Hydraulics Laboratory/Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research Historic
Context, 1919ca. 1960 "
1. Nationally important fluids and early research and engineering laboratories
2. Floyd Nagler, founding director of SUI Hydraulics Laboratory, 1920-1933
E-15
3. Hydraulic modeling efforts were instrumental in development of the 9-foot
navigation channel of the Upper Mississippi River in the 1930s
4. Hunter Rouse, director (1933-1965)
5. Research efforts to support World War II including development of nozzles for
fighting fires at sea, methods to disperse fog over British landing fields, and first
studies in ship hydrodynamics
6. John Fisher Kennedy, director (1966-1991)
7. Enzo O. Macagno and his wife Matilde, international experts on Leonardo da
Vinci and his studies of flow mechanics; extensively published authors.
K `Prehistory oflowa City Historic Context"'
Review pre-historic and historic archeological investigations in Iowa City area.
- Include pre-1920 studies by Davis (1883), Clement Webster (1887), Charles A.
White (n.d.), and Duran J.H. Ward (1904, 1905)
- Include 1921-1950 studies by Charles R. Keyes and the Iowa Archeological
Survey
- Include Smithsonian Institution's River Basin Survey program for Coralville
Reservoir by Warren Caldwell (1961) and Richard P. Wheeler (1949); later studies
by Adrian Anderson (1971) and David F. Overstreet (1986)
- Include 1838-era Napoleon townsite survey by Randall Withrow (1998) and
archaeological surveys along Highway 1 by John G. Hedden et al. (2000), Mary
Whalen and Jeffrey Anderson (2001).
- Include Thomas Charlton, Cynthia Otis Charlton, Stephen Lensink, and James A.
Sartain (1988) and others for Plum Grove archaeology.
- Include Richard Fishel for studies of historic city dumps along Ralston Creek
within Iowa City; survey along Camp Cardinal Road.
- Include Timothy Weitzel for study of Foster Road Extension and 1St Avenue
extension.
- Include Cynthia Peterson for studies of Sand Road Heritage Corridor and John
Gilbert's Trade Cabin at Napoleon (1997).
Review other studies and private collections relating to pre-historic and historic
archaeological findings.
- Include Roger Anderson's collection and investigations for the Hickory Hill area.
- Include information for abandoned brickworks sites such as the Ferdinand Goss
Brickworks on Outlot 13 between Lucas and Governor Streets in Happy Hollow
Park and the Oakes Brickworks on the Longfellow School grounds.
- Include Michael Perry's investigations of upland sites in the Northeast Planning
District.
- Include Mark Anderson's investigations in the South Central Planning District.
- Include Iowa River quarry sites such as Hutchinson's Quarry, the Old Capitol
Quarry and others.
'Outline for the archaeology historic context is based on three sources: 1) "A Brief Culture History
of Iowa," by Shirley J. Schermer, William Green, and James M Collins with the Office of the State
Archeologist, University of Iowa; available online at
http://www.uiowa.edu/~osa/learn/prehistoric/overview.htm; 2) Discussions with Tim Weitzel,
archaeologist and chairperson of the Iowa City HPC, November 2006; and 3) "Prehistoric and Historic
Resources of Johnson County, Iowa, Multiple Property Documentation Form" prepared by Louis Burger
Group, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, undated; on file, State Historic Preservation Office, Des Moines, Iowa.
E-16
- Include Woodland mounds along the Iowa River Valley.
- Include studies of the Montgomery-Butler House site.
- Include studies of Iowa City's abandoned railroad grades.
3. Prehistoric Archaeology Overview
a. Paleoindian Tradition (9,500-7,500 B.C.)
- Deglaciated landscape
- Clovis complex defined by fluted point projectile point/knives
b. Archaic Tradition (7,500-500 B.C.)
1) Early Archaic (7,500-5,500 B.C.)
- transitional stage at end of the glacial period and the onset of warmer and
drier climatic conditions
- transition from big game to forager
2) Middle Archaic (5,500-2,500 B.C.)
- Practiced a mobile foraging economy
- Shift in subsistence orientation toward the exploitation of circumscribed
forest and river resources
3) Late Archaic (ca. 2,500-500 B.C.)
- Characterized by increased population levels, increased territoriality,
intensive foraging, and development of exchange networks
c. Woodland Tradition (500 B.C.-1400 A.D.)
- Characterized by improved technologies (ceramic production, horticulture,
and bow and arrow); socioeconomic changes
- Increase in settlement size
- Intensive exploitation of local plant and animal species
- Increased reliance on plant cultigens
- Construction of earthen burial mounds; multiple series of conical mound
groups built in Iowa City by one or more Woodland Period groups( 500
B.C. to A.D. 1400)
1) Early Woodland Stage (500-100 B.C.)
- Characterized by small, seasonal settlements; subsistence hunting; large
burial mounds; and interaction with other Midwest groups
2) Middle Woodland Stage (100 B.C.-300 A.D.)
- Characterized by refined artworks, complex mortuary program, and
extensive trade networks
3) Late Woodland Stage (300 A.D.-1400 A.D.)
- Aggregated population into large, planned villages; crop horticulture and
diversified hunting and gathering; and less complex mound building
- Mississippian Culture in florescence in American Bottom; outlying posts
established throughout Upper Midwest and eastern Plains. No evidence
for direct settlement by Mississippian peoples in Iowa.
Late Prehistoric or Mississippian Tradition (1000-1650 A.D.)-Middle and
Upper Mississippian
- Characterized by intensive agriculture-corn, beans, and squash; nucleated
settlements with prominent platform temple mounds and plazas; complex
social organization; and occupational specialization.
- Mississippian Culture in florescence in American Bottom; outlying posts
established throughout Upper Midwest and eastern Plains. However, no
evidence for direct settlement by Mississippian peoples in Iowa.
e. Oneota Culture (1000 A.D.-1650 A.D.)
E-17
- Oneota is the most recent prehistoric cultural group in Iowa; predominant in
Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and eastern edge of Great Plains
- Later phases of the Oneota culture likely related to Siouan speakers;
descendents known as Ioway, Oto (Otoe), Missouria, Winnebago (including
the Ho-Chunk of Wisconsin and Winnebago of Nebraska), Kansa, Omaha-
Ponca, and Dakota and some Algonquian speakers, such as the Illinois and
Miami.
- Oneota sites occur where floodplain, upland forest, and prairie meet
- Oneota had a diverse subsistence economy based on hunting, seasonal wild
plant harvesting, and intensive
- Decorative motifs and shell tempering distinguish pottery
- Later phases of Oneota peoples lived in villages located on sand or gravel
river terraces and consisting of clusters of large, multi-family longhouses
- Oneota tools made from flaked stone and worked bone
4. Historic Indians and Euro-American Overview -Historic Archaeology Timeline
- First Euro-American contact-"protohistoric period" (1640-1700 A.D.)
- Period after 1650 characterized by European competition for tribal alliances
and trade; European diseases; tribal population decline
- French arrival in Mississippi Valley (1673)
- Radisson and des Grosielles explore upper Mississippi Valley west of Lake
Superior, likely including Iowa (1654-56).
- Radisson reported meeting a group by the name Maingoinis, or Moingoina
who are known to have been living near the mouth of the Des Moines River
at this time.
- Meskwaki on the Wolf River, Wisconsin (1669-1680)
- About this time, Meskwaki cheated by two unidentified Frenchmen in area of
La Pointe, WI coloring their perceptions of the French from this point
forward
- Marquette and Joliet explore Mississippi Valley; meet Moigwena tribe of the
Illinois Indians whose village was on the southwest or Missouri side of the
Des Moines River (1673).
- Ioway Indians visit Louis Andre's Jesuit mission at De Pere, Wisconsin on
Green Bay (1676)
- Michel Accault, the first European to contact Ioway at their villages (late
1670s)
- Meskwaki pursued into Iowa by French soldiers and taken prisoner near Des
Moines, Iowa (1732)
- Meskwaki return to Wisconsin (1765)
- Carver visits Meskwak in Wisconsin (1766)
- Meskwaki establish themselves along west bank of Mississippi River; begin
mining lead (1773), previously known to French explores in area from
Galena, IL north to Pendarvis, WI, and probably including the Dubuque area
as well.
- Dubuque receives a permit from Meskwaki to mine lead in Dubuque area
(1788)
- Mesquakie (Fox) villages established along Iowa River (1750-1800)
- Louisiana Purchase (1803)
- 1804 William Henry Harrison deceives Meskwaki and convinces them to
sign away land rights; 1804 treaty joined the Meskwaki to the Sauk (Sac) for
administrative purposes, without the consent of their tribal councils
E-18
- Ioway continually pushed west by the Sauk and Meskwaki, and back east by
the Oto and Missouria tribes (1812-1837)
- As a result of the Black Hawk War, Meskwaki (Fox) villages established
along Iowa-Cedar river basin sometime between 1832-1834, outside of
Scott's Purchase or the First Black Hawk Purchase
- Army patrols, including Lt. Jefferson Davis, patrol Iowa frontier for
Squatters under command of Captain Zachary Taylor (1830-1833)
- Albert Lea's Company of Dragoons note Poweshiek's village Located in the
vicinity of Conesville on Cedar River (1834)
- Poweshiek's village in southern Johnson County (1836)
- Tototonoc, a Sauk chief, leaves Keokuk's territory in protest of his rise to
authority and in deference to Black Hawk: Many of his people join either
Poweshiek or Wapashahiek's villages while Tototonoc himself joins the
Winnebago (Ho-Chunk).
- John Gilbert arrives in Johnson County, then wilderness with no territorial
jurisdiction (ca.1826). Establishes trading house on Snyder's Creek, Pleasant
Valley Twp. (1830)
- P. Clark, E. Myers, and S.C. Trowbridge arrive (1836).
- Iowa Map indicates previous location of two Ioway Villages near Iowa City.
Despite written support of Superintendent William Clark, Ioway lose title to
their Iowa land claims (1837)
- Two Mesquakie bands located in and around Iowa City area; Poweshiek's
band located near future town of Napoleon at Napoleon Park, and
Wapashashiek band located on the Iowa River terrace about one mile south
of Napoleon Park
- Some reports indicate villages were within the town borders-generously
platted at about two square miles (1837); in 1837, Gilbert used his influence
with the Native Americans to secure preemptive land claims near
Poweshiek's Village and Napoleon Park.
- John Gilbert quits the American Fur Company; starts own trading house
located on road to Bloomington (Muscatine) in 1837. Wheaton Chase, with
over sight by Phelps, starts a new American Fur Company house to the south
of that location. The 1883 county history shows Wapashiek's village as
directly adjacent to the future Napoleon townsite; Poweshiek's village is
directly in line with the road to Muscatine.
- Meskwaki pay cash to Trowbridge and others to construct a palisade to
protect them from the Dakota (Sioux) (1837)
- Pressured by white settlement west of the Mississippi River in Iowa,
Mesquakie villages moved upstream along Iowa River in early 1800s.
- Land cession treaties in Iowa 1804, 1832, 1836, 1837, and 1842
- Portions of Johnson County included in 1832 (Black Hawk Purchase), 1836,
and 1837 cessions with most of Johnson County opened to Euro-American
settlement in October 1837, following treaty negotiations with the Sauk and
Meskwaki tribes
- In 1838, the town of Napoleon, in East Lucas Township, was platted, and
became the fist county seat.
- Organization of Iowa in pre-statehood era:
- After Missouri became a state, Iowa was in "unorganized federal
territory" (1821)
- Iowa made part of Michigan Territory (1834)
- Iowa included in Wisconsin Territory (1836)
E-19
- Formation of Iowa Territory (July 4, 1838)
- Gilbert moves trading house adjacent to Wapashiek's village; makes plans
for the town of Napoleon (1838)
- Napoleon and Johnson County jurisdictions established within Iowa
Territory, first court house built at Napoleon (1838)
- First Post Office established; John Gilbert dies from illness (1839)
- Territorial Capitol commission (Swan, Ronalds, and Ralston) meets at
Napoleon (1838)
- Capitol ground and original Iowa City town plat surveyed (Cox, Frierson,
Judson). Meskwaki reported by Shambaugh to have watched (1839)
- Poweshiek's village moved to West edge of Monroe Township; stopping to
visit white friend Patrick Smith in Napoleon on the way; farewell speech
recorded by A.D. Stephens (1839)
- Meskwaki become ill with smallpox, cholera, or ague. During that episode,
the youngest daughter of Poweshiek made a feather cape, now in Iowa Hall.
It was given to Dr. Henry Murray of Iowa City in 1844 as payment for his
medical services shortly before Poweshiek moved his band further up the
Iowa River
- Ten Eyck Cabin (nonextant), southwest corner Iowa Ave and Dubuque St
(1839)
- Lean Back Hall (1839, nonextant)
- Post Office and County Seat moved to Iowa City from Napoleon (1839)
- Joseph N. Nicollet conducted a systematic hydrographic river basin survey to
document water resources and transportation routes; Military Road
designated from Iowa City to Dubuque (1839)
- Butler's Hotel and Temporary Capitol (1841-1892)
- Poweshiek's village moved to 5 miles downstream of Marengo, likely at
South Amana (1844)
- Historic resources from pre-territorial period include Fox village sites, early
Euro-American town sites, homesteads, farmsteads, and commercial
properties such as fur trading posts, mills and quarries
- Establishment of State of Iowa (1846)
- Iowa City Township established February 10, 1846 with boundary changes in
1859, 1873, and 1910; became corporate limits of Iowa City in 1873.
- Plum Grove Farm Site (1844) established as Governor Lucas farmstead
- Montgomery-Butler House Site established 1853 as farm and ferry site
- Other 1840s and 1850s-era properties in developed portions of Iowa City
with limited disturbance of original sites.
E-20
Iowa City Subdivision List-1924-19652
Number Year Subdivision
1 1924 Mornin side Addition # 1
2 1927 Bail and Beck
3 1938 Capital View Addition
4 1939 Kirkwood Circle
5 1948 College Court Place
6 1948 Ball's 1st Addition
7 1949 Wildman's 1st
8 1950 Adrian's
9 1950 Wildman's
10 1950 C.R. Regan
11 1950 Giblin's Subdivison #2
12 1951 Memler's Addition
13 1952 Oak Park Court
14 1953 Giblin's Subdivison #1
15 1953 Highland Addition Pt. 1
16 1954 I.O.O.F. Subdivision
17 1954 Highland Addition Pt. 2
18 1954 Plum Grove Pt. 1
19 1955 Highland Addition Pt. 3
20 1955 Plum Grove Pt. 2
21 1955 Plum Grove Pt. 3
22 1955 Whiting Addition Pt. 1
23 1955 Wise Addition
24 1956 Towncrest Pt. 1
25 1956 Bel Air Pt. 1
26 1956 West Bel Air Pt. 1
27 1956 Whiting Addition Pt. 2
28 1956 Wildwood Addition
29 1956 Tower Addition
30 1957 Court Hill Pt. 1
31 1957 Larson Subdivision
32 1957 West Bel Air Pt. 2
33 1957 Plum Grove Pt. 4
34 1957 Whiting Addition Pt. 3
35 1957 Terrace Hill Pt. 2
36 1958 Court Hill Pt. 2
37 1958 West Bel Air Pt. 3
38 1958 Streb's 1st Addition
39 1958 Streb's 2nd Addition
40 1958 School Commissioner's Sub.
41 1958 S e 's Resub. Of Reid's Add.
42 1959 Court Hill Pt. 3
43 1959 Dunlap's 1 st Addition
44 1959 North Bel Air Addition
45 1959 Mark Twain Addition
46 1959 Plum Grove Pt. 5
47 1959 Whiting Addition Pt. 4
48 1959 Whiting Addition Pt. 5
49 1959 Giblin's Addition
50 1959 Ba11's 2nd Addition
51 1959 North Hills Subdivision
52 1960 Court Hill Pt. 4
ZNumbered maps showing subdivisions appear in
Appendix M.
53 1960 Bel Air Pt. 2
54 1960 Laffe Subdivision
55 1960 Parkview Terrace Addition
56 1961 Rochester Addition
57 1961 Rochester First Addition
58 1961 Sherwood Forest
59 1961 Terrace Hill Pt. 3
60 1962 Court Hill Pt. 5
61 1962 Towncrest Pt. 2
62 1962 Mt. Shrader
63 1962 Mt. Shrader Pt. 1
64 1962 Whitin Addition Pt. 6
65 1962 Terrace Hill Pt. 1
66 1962 Bryn Mawr Pt. 1
67 1963 Court Hill Pt. 6
68 1963 Court Hill Pt. 7
69 1963 Towncrest Pt. 3
70 1963 Mt. Shrader Pt. 2
71 1963 Tudor Park
72 1963 Miller Addition
73 1963 Whiting Addition Pt. 7
74 1963 B n Mawr Pt. 2
75 1964 Court Hill Pt. 8
76 1964 Court Hill Pt. 9
77 1964 Court Hill Pt. 10
78 1964 Irish Tract
79 1964 Linden Park
80 1964 Mt. Shrader Pt. 3
81 1964 Hollywood Manor Pt. 1
82 1964 Hollywood Manor Pt. 2
83 1964 Mark Twain Addition South
84 1964 Black's Park Addition
85 1964 Cartwright's Addition
86 1965 Mt. Shrader Pt. 4
87 1965 Washington Park
88 1965 Windsor Hei hts Pt. 1-4
89 1965 Holl wood Manor Pt. 3
90 1965 Yakish Estates
91 1965 Court Hill Pt. 12
92 1967 Walden's Subdivision of Irish Tract
E-21
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E-22
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"Anti-Liquor Legislation." November 19, 1940.
"Bridges and Ferries." March 2, 1939.
"Buildings Fade with Urban Renewal." June 28, 1980.
"Change Sweeps Through Downtown Iowa City." August 2, 1980.
"City's First Apartment Building Built in 1914." July 2, 1983.
"Clinton Street Famous for Many Clothing Stores." July 26, 1980.
"Downtown Iowa City gets a'Booming' Face Lift." June 21, 1980.
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E-24
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E-25
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Cone, Carl B. "Growing Up in Iowa City: Recollections of an Historian." The Palimpsest, Vol. 64, No. 1 (January,
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Ebert, Sylvanus J. "Radio History at Iowa." Iowa Transit. Vol. 42, No. 5 (February 1938), 3-6, 12.
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Ferron, Albert L. "The Nature and Scope of Community Planning Activities in Iowa City." Unpublished MA.
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Leonard, L. O. "The Kirkwood Home of Iowa City," The RocklslandMagazine, Vo124, No. 7, July 1929, 13-14.
Leonard, L. O. "The Robert Lucas Home at Iowa City," The Rock Island Magazine, Vol 25, No. 2, February 1930,
13-14.
May, George S. "The Good Roads Movement in Iowa." The Palimpsest, Vol. 36, No. 1 (January, 1955), 64.
Petersen, William John. "Iowa City-Then and Now." The Palimpsest, Vol. 48, No. 2 (February, 1967), 81.
Pittman, Von V., Jr. "Station WSUI and the Early Days of Instructional Radio." The Palimpsest, Vol 67, No. 2
(March/ April, 1986), 38-52.
"Prehistoric and Historic Resources of Johnson County, Iowa, Multiple Property Documentation Form" prepared
by Louis Burger Group, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, undated; on file, State Historic Preservation Office,
Des Moines, Iowa.
Rogers, Earl M., "A Bibliography of the History of the University of Iowa, 1847 - 1978." Preliminary Edition,
University of Iowa Libraries, 1979.
Shirley J. Schermer, William Green, and James M. Collins, "A Brief Culture History of Iowa," (Iowa City, Iowa:
Office of the State Archeologist, University of Iowa; available online at http://www.uiowa.edu/
~osa/learn/prehistoric/overview.htm; accessed 12/1/06.
Schroder, Alan M "Former Homes of the State Historical Society, 1857-1960." The Palimpsest, Vol. 63, No. 3
(May/June, 1982), 83-85.
E-26
Shendle, Irene Blanche. "A History of the Iowa City Press-Citizen, 1841-1931." Unpublished MA. Thesis,
University of Iowa, 1931.
"State University of Iowa Building Situation. (Iowa City, Iowa: University of Iowa, 1923.)
Thornton, Harrison John. "Locating the State University of Iowa." Iowa Journal of History, Vol. 47, No. 1 (January,
1949), 60-62.
The University of Iowa Fact Book. (Iowa City, Iowa: Office of University Relations, 1979; updated November,
1987.)
Wheeler, Robert J. "A Proposal for Renewal of the Iowa City Central Business District and Adjacent Areas., Iowa
City, Iowa." Unpublished PhD. Dissertation, University of Iowa, 1960.
E-27
Appendix F: Clarion Associates Recommendations Memorandum
Clarion Associates LLC
1700 Broadway
Suite 400
Denver, Colorado 80290
303.830.2890
303.860.1809 Fax
Planning and Zoning
Growth Management
Market Analysis
Real Estate Consulting
Appraisal
C L A R I O N
Date: September 18, 2006
I. Introduction ......................................................................................................F-2
II. Review of the Preservation Ordinance ............................................................F-3
A. Evolution of the Iowa City Preservation Ordinance .......................................F-3
B. Clarifying the Role of Historic Districts and Conservation Districts ..............F-4
C. Potential Changes to the Historic Preservation Commission Membership ..F-b
D. Consideration of Economic Effect of Designation or Review of Action....... F-7
E. Enforcement ........................................................................................................... F-8
F. Definitions .............................................................................................................F-13
III. Preservation Procedures and Guidelines .......................................................F-14
A. Procedures for Certificates of Appropriateness ...........................................F-14
B. Drafting Appropriate Review Standards ......................................................F-16
IV. Financial lncentives ........................................................................................F-20
A. Tax Incentives ......................................................................................................F-20
B. Local lncentives ....................................................................................................F-22
C. Design Assistance &Education .........................................................................F-23
D. Regulatory Relief ................................................................................................F-23
V. Sensitive Areas Ordinance .............................................................................F-24
VI. Evaluating Economic Impacts .........................................................................F-26
A. Rehabilitation ......................................................................................................F-27
B. Property Values ..................................................................................................F-28
C. Heritage Tourism .................................................................................................F-29
D. Selected City and Community Level Economic Impact Reports ..................F-30
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-1
I. INTRODUCTION
Iowa City currently is updating its Historic Preservation Plan, a component of the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan. Clarion Associates is working with Svendsen Tyler, Inc., to complete
this project. This report includes Clarion's analysis and recommendations related to five
aspects of the scope of work, as described below:
A. Review the Iowa City Historic Preservation Ordinance
This section provides a discussion of potential future updates to the ordinance,
based on our review of the ordinance and comments received from the Iowa City
community, as well as comparisons with ordinances from comparable cities and our
knowledge of national best practices.
B. Review Historic Preservation Commission procedures and guidelines
This section provides a review of the current procedures, guidelines, and other
official materials, such as the Preservation Handbook, used in support of the Iowa
City preservation program.
C. Identify potential local financial incentives for historic preservation
This section provides a summary of potential local financial incentives that could be
used to encourage preservation activities in Iowa City, along with implementation
strategies for each.
D. Develop a methodology for future evaluations of the economic impact of
historic preservation in Iowa City
This section includes a discussion of a methodology to evaluate three key aspects
of the economic impacts of preservation in Iowa City. The methodology focuses on
three key issues: rehabilitation, property values, and heritage tourism. It is based
on our experience with similar studies and focused on key issues and concerns in
Iowa City.
E. Review the effectiveness of Iowa City's Sensitive Areas Ordinance and provide
recommendations for future revisions
This section reviews the content and application of the ordinance as it applies to
historic, prehistoric, and archaeological sites and provides recommendations for
potential improvements.
This report is intended to assist Iowa City in improving the historic preservation program.
All communities have different goals for their preservation programs, based on widely
varying factors such as the types of historical resources they want to protect, the degree
of protection they want to offer through an ordinance, and local development pressures.
While this report includes discussions and suggestions based on approaches used in other
communities, the intent is not to suggest that wholesale changes are needed. In fact, Iowa
City deserves credit for developing a successful preservation program that has admirably
identified and protected key historic resources. Key issues are identified in order to allow
Iowa City to consider changes that allow for continued improvements and successes.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-2
II. REVIEW OF THE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
Iowa City adopted its first preservation ordinance in 1982. Since that time, the ordinance
has changed considerably as the preservation program has grown and matured to
address new concerns. Following an introduction to the ordinance and its evolution since
the last Preservation Plan was completed, this section includes a discussion of several key
themes that emerged from our interviews.
It should be noted that Iowa City's preservation ordinance is actually a collection of
several sections of the Iowa City Zoning Code, Title 14 of the City Code. The term
"preservation ordinance" is used throughout this document to refer to the combination of
those sections addressing historic preservation. Many communities adopt their
preservation-related regulations as a stand-alone ordinance that includes all procedures,
standards, definitions, criteria, etc. Iowa City, as part of the recent Zoning Code revisions,
elected to integrate these preservation materials within the larger Code document. Given
this recent work, we are not providing comments on the overall organization of the Code,
assuming that the recently adopted Code is consistent with the City's preferred approach.
A. Evolution of the Iowa City Preservation Ordinance
While preservation ordinances across the country vary considerably in order to
reflect the unique needs of the individual community, successful ordinances typically
include several key elements:
Purpose Statements
Establishment of a Historic Preservation Commission
Procedures and Criteria for Designation of Historical Resources
Procedures and Criteria for Reviewable Actions
Consideration of Economic Effect of Designation or Review of Action
Appeals
Enforcement
Definitions
Iowa City's preservation ordinance includes each of these basic components,
evidencing the maturity of the preservation program. The ordinance is generally
well-written and organized and has benefited from recent efforts to update the
Zoning Code. Several of the key areas above were largely uncommented upon
during our interviews, suggesting that those aspects of the ordinance are meeting
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-3
the needs and expectations of the community. For example, we heard minimal
concern with the designation process for new districts.'
The 1992 Iowa City Preservation Plan included a discussion of first-, second-, and
third-generation preservation ordinances that is helpful to review. First-generation
ordinances are generally quite simple documents that provide only limited
protection to historic resources. Typically they are focused on the review of
demolitions (not alterations) and only provide for a delay of demolition, rather
than an ability to deny demolition. They depend primarily on public education to
save historic buildings.
Second-generation ordinances are stronger. Demolition is reviewed and in many
cases there is absolute authority for the preservation commission and city council to
deny the issuance of a demolition permit application. Proposed alteration is
typically reviewed, and there may be standards established in the ordinance for
alteration work. They are typically lengthier than first-generation ordinances,
including some procedural provisions. Despite these improvements, there are
typically "holes" in the ordinance -procedural and substantive -that demand
updates and amendments.
Third-generation preservation ordinances are complex documents that include
definitions of key terms, design guidelines for alteration reviews, and detailed
procedural requirements. Third-generation ordinances also typically address the
issue of economic hardship.
In 1992, Iowa City's ordinance was described as a cross between afirst- and
second-generation ordinance. Today, it has clearly evolved into a third-
generation ordinance. Nonetheless, discussions with staff, officials, and community
members suggest that amendments may be necessary to better address some
evolving issues.
B. Clarifying the Role of Historic Districts and Conservation Districts
Understanding local preservation goals is a crucial first step in developing a local
preservation program. From a legal perspective, if a local government can
demonstrate that it has made preservation part of its overall effort to foster and
promote the general welfare and well-being of the community as a whole, the
local preservation ordinance stands a better chance of surviving judicial scrutiny.
Therefore, clear purpose statements are an important element of any preservation
ordinance.
The Iowa City ordinance provides separate but similar purpose statements for both
the Historic District Overlay Zone (14-3B-1.A.) and the Conservation District
Overlay Zone (14-3B-2.A.). This brings up a significant issue that emerged as a
theme in our conversations: There is confusion about the appropriate role for each
type of district in Iowa City.
~ NOTE: The lack of commentary on the designation process is distinct from concerns raised regarding the
recent effort to designate a new historic district. We heard considerable commentary regarding that
application and the merits of it, but not specifically about flaws or needed improvements in the designation
process, per se.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-4
While the use of historic districts is well-established nationwide, conservation
districts are a relatively new tool to address issues of neighborhood character and
to supplement historic district regulations. Geared to preserving the character of
existing neighborhoods, conservation districts are being considered or have been
adopted in a growing number of jurisdictions across the United States as
alternatives to more stringent historic district regulations. Cities as varied as
Dallas, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and Cambridge, Massachusetts have all
adopted some form of conservation districts. Iowa City is the first and only city in
Iowa to do so to date.
Many conservation districts have been implemented for areas that fall short of
meeting the criteria for a local, state, or national historic designation, but
nevertheless have important cultural, visual, or other significance. In Iowa City,
conservation districts are specifically defined as an area with less than 60%
contributing structures, clearly distinguishing them from historic districts.2
In some cities the conservation districts are intended as step-down, buffer, or
transition areas immediately surrounding a protected historic district. Others are
directed at preserving the residential character of a neighborhood, maintaining a
unique community center, or emphasizing an important cultural element of a
community. Often times the focus is on basic issues of mass and scale of new
construction and additions, with less attention on minor alterations. The
conservation districts in Iowa City seem to be playing both of these roles. In
addition, there appears to be some interest in using conservation districts as a tool
to eventually regain a level of historic integrity that allows for the area to
transition to historic district status. More discussion and community input may be
needed to further clarify the appropriate role. Revisions to the purpose statements
in the Conservation District Overlay Zone may be necessary to more accurately
reflect these goals.
Conservation districts in Iowa City are distinguished from historic districts in two
important ways: the procedures for reviewing applications for certificates of
appropriateness, and the criteria under which those applications are reviewed.
This is consistent with approaches in most communities that have adopted both
historic districts and conservation districts. In general, the review is handled
largely administratively - by staff -rather than before a board or commission. In
addition, alterations in conservation districts are held to a less stringent standard
than in historic districts.
Iowa City has adopted a tiered evaluation process for historic reviews. Alterations
to properties located within conservation districts may be permitted through the
"Minor Review" or "Intermediate Review" procedures, while alterations to
properties located in historic districts are required to follow the "Major Review"
procedures. Exceptions to alteration criteria have also been established in the
Preservation Handbook that allow for more flexibility in the alteration of structures
in conservation districts. While these policies and criteria allow for more flexibility
in conservation districts in theory, we heard repeatedly that, in practice, there is
s NOTE: There was some discussion that the definition of "conservation district" and the 60% figure were
based on the state enabling legislation; however, the statute is silent on the issue of conservation districts.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-5
little distinction in how properties in the two types of districts are being treated.
This situation creates tension both within the HPC and in the general public.
A clearer understanding of the goals of conservation districts and how they differ
from historic districts will go a long way towards resolving these tensions. We
recommend reinforcing the distinction between these two types of districts, with a
focus on issues related to mass, scale, and general compatibility in reviews of
conservation district properties. Historically appropriate rehabilitations in these
areas should be encouraged through education and other incentives, but not
required as they are in historic districts. A re-survey of conservation districts may
be appropriate, also, to determine if some of these areas may have improved to
the point that historic designation may be appropriate. Revised procedures for
reviews and a more focused approach to review criteria, as discussed in Section D
below, are needed to implement these goals.
C. Potential Changes to the Historic Preservation Commission Membership
Iowa City's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is established by Section 14-
7A-3 of the Zoning Code. It requires a minimum of seven members, with at least
one representative from each designated historic district.
Issues related to the Commission that need to be considered for potential changes
are focused around the membership of the HPC. Iowa is somewhat unusual in that
the state enabling legislation largely controls the make-up of the local
preservation commission. Subsection 330.34.3 requires the commission to include a
minimum of three members, with at least one resident of each designated historic
district represented on the commission. There are no requirements for particular
skills or background, though the statute does state that members shall be
appointed with
"due regard fo proper represenfafafion of residents and property owners
... and their relevant fields of knowledge including but not limited fo
history, urban planning, architecture, archaeology, law, and sociology."
Concerns related to the composition of the HPC were raised by a variety of
community members. While the system required by the state legislation may work
well in smaller communities with fewer districts, for a mature program like Iowa
City's, with a growing number of districts, the requirement to include a member
from each district presents problems. In particular, it can be difficult to recruit and
retain commission members, especially from the smaller districts, such as
Woodlawn. The increasing size of the commission can also lead to an unwieldy
number of members. Addressing this issue would require a change in state
legislation.
A related issue that should be considered is whether or not to add some sort of
requirement for professional qualifications for some members of the Commission.
This issue could be addressed without requiring statewide legislative action.
Communities across the country vary in their approach to this issue. For example,
some require that a few members be trained in history, architecture, construction,
archaeology, or a related field, in order to ensure that preservation decisions
benefit from professional expertise. Others require no such qualifications and
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-6
simply ask that members express an interest in preservation in order to serve. A
much smaller number require all members to have some relevant background.
There are merits to each approach. Requiring professional qualifications ensures
that members have the necessary technical expertise to adequately review matters
before the preservation commission. Requiring professional qualifications for at
least some members is also consistent with the national requirements for cities
participating in the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, such as Iowa City,
which provides a source of grant money for preservation programs in participating
communities. We heard from several design and development professionals in
Iowa City who are supportive of the mission of the Commission but frustrated by
what they perceive as ill-informed efforts to redesign projects in a way that is
either inconsistent with historic standards or impractical.
Unfortunately, requiring technical skills as a qualification for membership can be a
difficult undertaking in small communities that simply do not have a large cadre of
professionals with relevant experience. There may be only one or two architects in
the area, and they may be hesitant to serve if volunteering means foregoing
preservation or restoration projects that might come before the commission. The
solution is not an easy one. In some communities, outside experts are permitted to
serve on the HPC; however, this typically necessitates a change from normal
standards that require Commission members to be City residents. It also may be
appropriate to allow construction professionals-builders, craftsmen, developers-
to serve in this role when architects are not available.
On the other hand, some communities believe that requiring qualifications may
deprive the review body of valuable common-sense perspectives from citizens not
professionally involved in preservation-related fields, and also might prevent
service by individuals who are well-qualified though not professionally trained. To
some, "qualifications" equal bias, and thus decisions made by commissioners with
qualifications may carry less weight with the legislative body, because they are
perceived to be less representative of the whole community.
In an attempt to reach a middle ground between these two philosophies, many
communities have adopted a balanced system made up of both professionally
qualified members and also citizens-at-large who bring a broader perspective of
community affairs. In such jurisdictions, only some (e.g., four out of seven)
commission members are required to meet professional qualifications standards.
This approach would seem to strike an appropriate balance for a community like
Iowa City that values both technical expertise and acommon-sense perspective.
An additional related issue that was mentioned in several interviews is an
apparent disconnect between the HPC and the larger efforts related to community
planning. Several HPC members told us they weren't sure where they "fit" in the
scheme of planning for Iowa City. One way to help address this issue would be to
appoint an ex-officio member of the Planning Board to attend the HPC meetings.
An annual joint meeting between the Planning Board and the HPC should also be
considered.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-7
D. Consideration of Economic Effect of Designation or Review of Action
To ensure compliance with federal and state constitutional requirements, the
ordinance should include a procedure allowing a property owner to make the case
that, in some situations, enforcement of the ordinance will cause unusual and
extreme economic hardship. This is analogous to the variance provisions of a
standard zoning ordinance, which provide a "safety valve" in unusual cases where
regulation of development and use of a property may potentially rise to the level
of an unconstitutional "taking." From a policy perspective, it may also be
desirable to allow for some degree of flexibility within a preservation ordinance
in order to encourage rehabilitation and economic use of the property, to avoid
making "mothballing" of regulated properties the result of historic preservation
efforts.
Iowa City's ordinance includes a section (14-3B-4) allowing for an applicant that
has been denied a certificate of appropriateness to apply for a Certificate of
Economic Hardship. Generally, preservation commissions will need flexibility in
dealing with two situations: first, when an owner faces economic hardship because
there is no reasonable economic use for the historical resource; and, second, when
there is an economic use, yet legal restrictions, such as zoning regulations or
building codes, preclude necessary renovations. If the owner can satisfy the
reviewing body that applicable preservation restrictions are causing a unique and
serious economic hardship, that body might grant relief (in the form of a permit to
allow an alteration or new construction). The city must determine when and what
types of such relief might be appropriate.
While it is easy to sympathize with an owner who is having a difficult time making
ends meet because of high taxes, energy costs, and the like, the simple fact that a
property is located in a historic district should never be, in and of itself, a reason
to allow a variance from local preservation and land-use controls or to grant a
demolition permit. Nor is the owner's desire to increase the property's economic
return adequate ground for relief. Such claims were rejected in a seminal case
from New Orleans, in which the owner wanted to construct, in violation of the local
ordinance, another building on a lot on which a historical resource was situated:
... in the absence of a showing that approval of ...non-violative
construction could not have been obtained from the Vieux Carre
Commission, we cannot hold appellant suffered financial loss in being
denied an opportunity to obtain an increased return from its property.
Even if financial loss had been shown, such loss is only a factor to be
considered in determining hardship and will not, standing alone, constitute
a hardship sufficient to justify a variance. And here the hardship referred
to, the requirement of conformity to two separate and sometimes conflicting
standards of construction, is neither "unusual" nor "particular" to [the
plaintiff]. It is common to all property owners in the zoning district in which
[the plaintiff's] lot is located and therefore is not a hardship which justifies
the granting of a variance. To hold otherwise would have the effect of
destroying the zoning district.3
s Phillips v. Board of Zoning Adjustments of City of New Orleans, 197 So.2d 916, 916-20 (La. 1967).
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-8
The administrative procedure used to accept and review economic hardship
information need not be complicated. While Iowa City's provision has not been
used to date, it is consistent with similar provisions in other communities.
E. Enforcement
A preservation ordinance will only be as effective as the power and willingness of
the community to enforce it. Ignoring the details of enforcement when drafting a
local ordinance may have unfortunate consequences. In Chicago, for example,
Rincker House, the second oldest structure in the city and a designated historical
resource, was torn down without official approval by a developer who apparently
found that the prospective profits from redeveloping the site far outweighed the
puny penalties contained in the local preservation ordinance. In other
municipalities, preservation commissions find that the enforcement of local controls,
particularly in large districts, cause some serious administrative headaches-it is
simply too expensive and time-consuming to keep an eye on designated historical
resources to make sure the local law is being observed by owners.
We heard from a variety of community members that enforcement of the
preservation ordinance in Iowa City is falling short in several ways. While some of
the issues are beyond the scope of the ordinance itself, we recommend considering
changes in the following areas: remedies for noncompliance, maintenance and
demolition by neglect standards, and administration.
1. Remedies for Noncompliance
The challenge in drafting effective enforcement provisions is to craft remedies
strong enough to deter violations and induce compliance, but not so draconian that
cities (and courts) shy away from imposing them. The experience with building and
housing codes regulations is instructive. If monetary fines are set at a low level (as
fines for ignoring preservation laws often are), owners conclude that, even if they
are caught violating a building code provision, the economic consequences are
insignificant or can be treated as just another cost of doing business. On the other
hand, experience also demonstrates that heavy reliance on criminal penalties is
less than optimal. For example, judges in most jurisdictions simply do not put
people into jail for zoning code violations.
The middle-ground options outlined below are likely to be most effective,
particularly when used in combination with one another. They are recommended
for consideration in Iowa City.
(A) Fines
Money fines are the most widely used method of enforcing local codes,
and are authorized by the current Iowa City Code. Like in most
jurisdictions, the City has statutory authority to issue a notice of violation
(not unlike a traffic ticket) and then proceed to court and collect a fine if it
can prove its case. While some communities have adopted significant fines,
the major problem with fines in a preservation context is that they are
generally not high enough to deter violations. A fine of $500 for an
illegal demolition is simply inadequate to deter anyone, especially
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-9
commercial developers who stand to gain much by clearing a site for new
construction.
In order for fines to serve as effective deterrents, they must be based on
the degree of the offense. Iowa City uses a sliding scale currently,
increasing the amount of the fine based on whether the violation is a first,
second, or subsequent occurrence. Some communities have established a
sliding scale based on the type of violation: a nominal fine for a first
offender who out of ignorance fails to, for example, secure a necessary
alteration permit and who agrees to rectify the error; a larger fine,
perhaps $500, plus a further fine of several hundred dollars for each day
the violation continues, for second offenders or where a violator is
recalcitrant; and a significant fine, measured by the amount of the
pecuniary gain derived from the offense, for a persistent offender or one
who acted willfully to demolish a building. When used in tandem with
other remedies, such as injunctive relief, fines can be an effective method
of deterring future violations and also depriving landowners from ill-gotten
economic gains.
(B) Injunctive Relief and Compliance Orders
The primary goal of an enforcement provision should be to secure
compliance with the local preservation law and to protect historical
resources, not to punish offenders. Thus, while fines may be necessary to
deter future violations, the preservation ordinance should vest the local
government with power to seek injunctive relief to, for example, put an
immediate stop to an illegal demolition. In more minor, everyday cases
(e.g., when an owner has altered a historical resource without permission)
administrative compliance orders issued by the preservation commission
may be useful in securing voluntary compliance, as well as establishing a
firm ground for court action if necessary.
(C) Forcing Reconstruction
There will be times when reconstruction is considered the only adequate
remedy in a case when a historical resource (or at least part of it) has been
destroyed. While it may be useful to include such a provision in the local
ordinance as an option in egregious cases, experience in analogous zoning
cases indicates that courts can be expected to enforce such a penalty only
under the most exceptional circumstances. In zoning cases, the analogous
situation is in reverse: an owner builds a structure in violation of the zoning
ordinance, and the court forces it to be demolished. Such a remedy is
granted in only the rarest of cases. Most likely, the application of a forced
reconstruction provision will be cases of partial demolition, where the
building can be repaired to its original state without starting from scratch.
The local government may want to also consider including provisions for the
removal (or modification) of new construction within historic districts where
such new construction would adversely impact the historic character of
adjacent properties or the district as a whole. Recent cases in other
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-10
jurisdictions have upheld the authority of local governments to apply such
enforcement measures to new construction in historic districts.4
(D) Loss of Further Entitlement
Especially in cases of demolition, a court may find forced reconstruction of
the entire regulated structure to be an impractical remedy; however, a
court will have little difficulty imposing a penalty that prohibits
redevelopment of a previously regulated property in a way that is
detrimental to its historic characteristics or in a way that provides unjust
enrichment to the violator. This can be a particularly important tool in
areas with very high property values, where there may be a strong
financial incentive to develop a property at a much more intense level than
the historic character would allow. For example, the Palo Alto, California,
ordinance restricts future building and development entitlements on a
property where a preservation violation has taken place:
Alteration or demolition of a historic structure in violation of this chapter
shall eliminate the eligibility of the structure`s lot for any transfer of
development rights, pursuant to the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, and
such lot, if it is the site of an unlawfully demolished historic structure from
which development rights have been transferred, shall not be developed in
excess of the floor area ratio of the demolished structure for a period of
twenty years from the unlawful demolition.5
2. Maintenance and Upkeep of Historic Properties
Many communities impose affirmative maintenance requirements on historic
properties to ensure these properties are occupied, looked after, and repaired in
a manner that will protect the historic integrity of both the structure and the
surrounding area. Iowa City's ordinance includes similar provisions. Courts have
been very supportive of ordinances that require general maintenance and upkeep
of historic properties. Nevertheless, there are four primary issues to be considered
in this area:
^ First, communities should be sensitive to the possibility that complex and
time-consuming procedures associated with preservation controls may
persuade some owners to forego needed repairs simply to avoid the
bureaucratic hassle. Iowa City's ordinance largely avoids this problem by
limiting historic review only to those alterations that require another type of
city approval, such as a building permit.
^ Second, maintenance requirements should be accounted for in the local
ordinance and may then be used to set a standard for improvement to
historic properties. This approach is well-supported by case law. It is
included in the current Iowa City ordinance
^ Third, there may be situations that call for the imposition of affirmative
maintenance requirements where, through neglect, historical resources are
eroding to a state of being beyond repair-so-called "demolition by
a See, City of Dayton v. Carroll, 515 S.E.2d 144 (Ga. 1999).
s Section 16.49.090(a)(4)
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-1 1
neglect." Iowa City includes provisions to address this concern. We
understand that these provisions have not been used to date.
^ Finally, most local building and health codes allow historical resources to
be torn down despite opposition from the local preservation review body,
based on the specific finding that the buildings have fallen into such
disrepair that they are a threat to public safety. At the same time, the
International Building Code allows the City to modify some standards in
order to accommodate preservation concerns when there is not a health or
safety risk. Staff in both the planning and housing and inspection services
departments should be made aware of this opportunity to allow for
flexibility in meeting building code provisions for historic properties.
3. Administration
Elaborate controls on alterations, strong affirmative maintenance requirements,
and tough enforcement provisions may look good on paper but be unworkable in
practice if the local government lacks adequate staff to enforce the law. In
addition, there needs to be good communication between the HPC, preservation
staff, and enforcement staff.
From a practical aspect, the HPC should work with Housing and Inspection Services
and the City Attorney's Office to establish procedures that ensure uniform and
efficient enforcement of the preservation law. The City should consider all options
to reduce the administrative burden of monitoring demolition and alterations as
well as the affirmative maintenance of hundreds of historical resources. A
portfolio of photographs of existing (pre-modification) conditions for each
historical resource can often be a useful tool toward this end. If an owner illegally
alters a structure, the change will usually show up clearly in photographs. Photos
also are very useful evidence in court enforcement proceedings. Basic information
such as property ownership records and details of previous violations and
enforcement activities should also be catalogued.
All this information will be crucial if a case goes to court. Whether a case is lost or
won may depend on whether the preservation commission and enforcement staff
has put together a good factual case. The property file can supply essential
evidence, particularly photographs and inspection records. A chronology
summarizing the case for the attorney-notices of violation, attempts at voluntary
compliance, and the like-will also be very helpful.
In addition to these basic record-keeping steps, additional enforcement resources
may also be needed. Some communities have established dedicated personnel to
handle preservation enforcement issues. This approach typically involves training
one or more building inspectors in preservation issues. The preservation inspector
is assigned to all projects involving historic properties in order to ensure that
alterations are carried out in conformance with the HPC approval.
Other communities have established contractor-licensing requirements specifically
for working on historic properties. Similar to other licensing standards, the
preservation licensing typically requires an applicant to complete a test certifying
knowledge of basic preservation techniques and principles. The licensing program
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-12
can be largely self-funding through license fees. The program serves two
purposes: first, it provides an opportunity to educate contractors and others who
work on historic properties; second, it provides another enforcement tool, as a
license can be suspended or even revoked in the case of serious violations. The
downside of the licensing approach can be a perception of increased
bureaucracy. In a small community, with a limited number of qualified
tradespeople, this type of requirement may also be overly restrictive, leading to a
shortage of qualified contractors and, ultimately, increased frustration with the
preservation program.
F. Definitions
A concise set of definitions helps to clearly establish the scope of regulation,
particularly the type of structures and other features subject to designation and
review and the specific actions that trigger review. One of the significant
improvements in the Iowa City preservation ordinance since the last Preservation
Plan was completed is the addition of a number of well-crafted definitions. These
definitions are now located within Article B of Chapter 9 of the Zoning Code,
along with other general definitions.
Nationally, court cases have shown that it is not sufficient to rely on common sense
where terms may be subject to judicial challenge. A District of Columbia court, for
example, found that a proposal to completely gut an historical hotel, leaving only
the facade standing, was not subject to the preservation ordinance because the
D.C. ordinance at the time applied only to "alterations." The court found that the
proposal was a "demolition" and therefore specifically exempted from
preservation regulations. According to an Ohio case, signs in an historic district
were not subject to the rules of a local preservation ordinance because the
ordinance applied to only "buildings" and "structures." In both these cases the
authority of a local preservation ordinance was diminished without adequate
definitions to clarify its intent.
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III. PRESERVATION PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES
Iowa City's historic preservation ordinance is supplemented with a procedural handbook,
guidelines, and other materials that implement the city's preservation goals. This section
outlines key issues based on our interviews related to these aspects of the preservation
program.
A. Procedures for Certificates of Appropriateness
The task of alteration reviews is often the most conspicuous and controversial
aspect of a historic preservation program. The challenge in these cases is to
encourage upgrading and continued maintenance of existing historical resources
and to guide the process of change so that it is sympathetic to the existing
character of the historic area.
This section discusses key issues surrounding the review of applications for
development that affect historical resources.
1. Determining the Appropriate Level and Amount of Review
In order to ensure efficient use of time by both staff and the preservation
commission, some cities adopt "tiered" review systems that graduate the level of
review and regulatory control according to the significance of the resource. A
higher level of review and control can be assigned over more significant
properties, while correspondingly less review and control can be assigned to less
significant properties. A tiered system can improve efficiency and add
predictability to the review process. This is the approach currently suggested by
Iowa City's "Major," "Intermediate," and "Minor" review processes. As discussed
above, however, this system could benefit from more clearly defining what types
of alterations fall within each category and by holding "Minor" and "Intermediate"
reviews in conservation districts to standards more tailored on the key issues
related to those districts rather than the more detailed standards of historic
districts.
A more significant change that should be considered is adopting a similar tiered
system for reviewing alterations in historic districts. Many other communities
nationwide -though none that we are aware of in Iowa -have similar systems,
allowing staff or a subcommittee of the preservation commission to approve minor
and intermediate alterations in historic districts. Again, this allows for simple and
customary procedures to be processed quickly, while more substantial applications
continue to be reviewed with the benefit of public hearings.
Iowa City has experimented in the past by appointing a subcommittee to make
recommendations on simple applications with final action then occurring at the
monthly HPC meeting. However, because these applications were still presented
to the full HPC there was often continuing discussion and a hesitancy to accept the
subcommittee's recommendations. In the end, minimal gains were made in terms of
increasing the efficiency of the process for property owners, staff, or the
commission. As an alternative, the City should consider the question of whether
Iowa's enabling legislation would allow for a subcommittee or staff member to
grant approvals, without requiring a hearing before the full HPC. While the
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statutory language states that certificates of appropriateness must be approved
by the Commission, it is unclear whether there is enough flexibility in the language
to allow the Commission the ability to designate decisions to a subcommittee or
staff member. We would not recommend giving a subcommittee or staff the
ability to deny a COA outright; instead, an application that could not be
approved by one of these lower bodies could either be modified by the applicant
for resubmission, or forwarded to the full HPC for a public hearing and decision.
2. Procedures for Reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness
From a legal standpoint, the procedural considerations in reviewing applications
for certificates of appropriateness are quite similar to those for designating
historical resources. Basically, the historical resource owner must be given an
opportunity to be heard, to present his or her case, and to rebut the opposing
case. Commissions can help ensure fair, orderly hearings by making clear
beforehand the rules that will govern their deliberations. Again, it is particularly
important that the reviewing body gives reasons (or "findings of fact") for its
decision on applications for a certificate of appropriateness.b
A key issue for Iowa City, as suggested above, is the hierarchy of reviews and the
role that staff should play in administering alteration applications. Nationwide, it is
extremely common for preservation commissions to delegate authority for minor
decisions to professional staff. This often is done to streamline the review process
and liberate the preservation commission's time to work on more long-range
and/or controversial issues. For example, staff might be given the authority to
approve certificates of appropriateness for minor alterations to designated
buildings (e.g., window replacement or fences). This goes beyond the current
allowance in the Iowa City ordinance to approve only certificates of no material
effect. The current distinctions between "minor" and "intermediate" reviews for
properties in conservation districts could, potentially, be carried forward to historic
properties, as well.
Many other communities have adopted such an approach. For example, the City
of Danville, California, delegates to the city staff a relatively large amount of
authority for administering design reviews on regulated historic properties. This
ordinance reflects an approach consistent with the notion that review by the
commission is most effectively focused on controversial or questionable projects:
(A) The Chief of Planning, or his or her designee, shall review the
completed application within ten (10) working days after receipt. If the
proposed work meets the minimum design standards in subsection 32-
72.15, the Chief of Planning shall approve the application and notify the
Heritage Resource Commission of such action.
e Two cases that demonstrate the important role that is assigned to a complete set of findings and
supporting evidence are Figarsky v. Historic District of the City of Norwich, 368 A.2d 1 63 (Conn. 1 976)
(successful appeal on the basis of extensive fact-finding in record of local review) and Historic Green
Springs, Inc. v. Berland, 497 F.Supp. 839 (E.D.Va. 1 980) (court critical of Secretary of Interior for lack of
reasoned decision-making in record for designation).
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(B) If, in the judgment of the Chief of Planning, the proposed work does not
meet the standards, the Chief of Planning shall forward the application to
the Heritage Resource Commission for its review and determination. The
Heritage Resource Commission shall make its decision within sixty (60) days
after receipt of the application.
The general rule for delegating authority from the preservation commission to staff
is that responsibilities should not be delegated at random, but rather should be
guided by detailed provisions included either in the ordinance or in formally
adopted rules and regulations that are referenced in the ordinance.
In addition to delegating authority for minor project reviews to staff, many
jurisdictions increasingly are choosing to delegate to staff the ability to grant
minor modifications to certain standards, a process akin to a zoning variance, in
order to streamline ordinance administration. This allows the staff, in reviewing
development applications, to deal flexibly with unusual issues that may be
addressed simply with minor modifications to existing standards. An administrative
modification process can make the development review process more efficient and
less time-consuming. Jurisdictions typically allow minor modifications if the
deviation from ordinance requirements advances the goals and purposes of the
ordinance requirements, is more or equally as effective in achieving the relevant
standards from which the modification is granted, or relieves practical difficulties in
developing a site for reasonable economic use. Iowa City's Zoning Code already
includes a similar provision for such modifications to be approved; however, it is
unclear what role the historic preservation planner has in recommending or
approving such modifications. Amore specific authorization for modifications
based on historic status would be appropriate.
Decisions to grant or deny modifications and other actions under a preservation
ordinance, like other staff decisions, should typically be subject to appeal to a
review board (e.g., a preservation commission or a Board of Zoning Appeals).
B. Drafting Appropriate Review Standards
The review of certificates of appropriateness is governed by standards set forth in
the preservation ordinance and supplemented by design guidelines located in the
Iowa City preservation handbook. The HPC uses these criteria in deciding whether
to approve the certificate. The process of setting standards is crucial not only from
a legal standpoint, but also as a way for preservationists to evaluate where the
preservation program is leading. What kind of development do they really want
in the Iowa City historic and conservation districts? How do they intend to evaluate
proposed changes? What should be the relationship of the local standards to
other historical resource regulations, such as the Secretary of the Interior's
standards? Do certain areas or districts demand different standards than others?
As preservation ordinances demand more from landowners and become broader
in scope, they are increasingly likely to be challenged in court on the validity of
these review standards. Challengers may argue that the standards violate due
process because they are vague and unclear. While court decisions in most areas
~ Danville, California, Code of Ordinances, § 32-72.1 6 (Review and determination).
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F- 16
of land-use law have been very favorable in upholding relatively broad review
standards, fairness and regulatory efficiency dictate that local ordinances contain
clear standards that result in predictable decisions by staff and review
commissions and limit administrative discretion.
Many jurisdictions have adopted generalized standards for review of certificate
of appropriateness applications, consisting of a section about historic sites, another
section about historic districts, and occasionally a third category devoted to other
special classifications of historical resources such as archaeological resources.
These general standards state that alterations must not have a negative impact on
the historical character or features of the site or area. For example, Boulder,
Colorado's ordinance includes the following general criteria for a landmark
alteration certificate (a.k.a., certificate of appropriateness):
(b) Neither the landmarks board nor the city council shall approve a landmark
alteration certificate unless it meets the following conditions:
(1) The proposed work preserves, enhances, or restores and does not damage
or destroy the exterior architectural features of the landmark or the subject
property within an historic district;
(2) The proposed work does not adversely affect the special character or
special historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the landmark and
its site or the district;
(3) The architectural style, arrangement, texture, color, arrangement of color,
and materials used on existing and proposed structures are compatible with the
character of the existing landmark and its site or the historic district; and
(4) With respect to a proposal to demolish a building in an historic district, the
proposed new construction to replace the building meets the requirements of
paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) of this section.$
These general criteria are then further explained through the use of design
guidelines, historical resource surveys, and other materials that further define
appropriate and inappropriate alterations. The preservation commission is
authorized by the ordinance to adopt such administrative regulations as are
necessary to implement the purposes of the ordinance.
Another approach to review standards is to reference another authority, such as
the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines. San Diego makes use of
such a reference in its ordinance, where compliance with the Standards and
Guidelines may exempt a minor alteration proposal from other review.9
(However, because the Standards and Guidelines are somewhat vague and
imprecise, they should be used by the local community as a starting point for more
tailored and precise standards.) Still another approach is to provide a blanket
reference to the eligibility criteria of the state and national register programs.
$ Boulder Revised Code, 10-13-23.
9 San Diego, California, Municipal Code, § 143.0220(a).
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In Iowa City, the ordinance specifically references that properties located in a
historic district must meet the Secretary of Inferior's Standards for Rehabilitation, the
Iowa City Guidelines for Historic Preservation, and any adopted district-specific
guidelines. Properties in conservation districts must meet the locally-adopted
guidelines, which include exceptions for properties in conservation districts in some
instances. Unlike the example above, however, there are no other general criteria
in the ordinance.
This approach occasionally creates difficulties for staff, commission members, and
the public, because the guidelines lack specificity. The Secretary's standards and
most local design guidelines are purposely written to allow for some flexibility in
interpreting them, acknowledging that unique circumstances sometimes require
unique solutions that cannot be anticipated by even the most thorough guidelines.
Iowa City's guidelines are further complicated by an unorthodox approach to
distinguishing between Recommended, Not Recommended, and Disallowed
treatments. While the first two terms allow for flexibility in determining when they
should or shouldn't be applied, the term Disallowed suggests that such a treatment
is never appropriate. The HPC has recently struggled with situations in which it
believed a Disallowed treatment was appropriate in a particularly setting, but
could not approve that approach because it would, by definition, be inconsistent
with the guidelines. This situation could be resolved by either revising the
guidelines to remove the distinction between Disallowed and Not Recommended
approaches, or by refining the exceptions criteria in Section 3.2 of the design
guidelines to better define when the HPC may allow more flexibility in applying
the guidelines.
In addition to these more general issues, we heard several comments on the need
to update or revise the current guidelines to better address a number of key
issues, including:
^ New construction;
^ Garages and outbuildings, including garage doors;
^ Determining when materials are too deteriorated to repair;
^ Synthetic (vinyl and~or aluminum) siding
^ Windows (repair vs. replacement)
^ Paving of backyards for parking, and the use of impervious materials
In addition, we heard substantial interest from both staff and HPC members in
augmenting the design guidelines with a "pattern book" or design manual that
includes illustrations of appropriate designs for common building elements such as
stair railings or fences. Alterations consistent with those pre-approved designs
would potentially be eligible for administrative approval.
Regardless of whether a new "pattern book" can be developed, the existing
guidelines should be supplemented with graphics to help illustrate concepts.
Examples of similar illustrations are widely available in historic guidelines from
other communities.
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Finally, a number of instances of inconsistency between the recent revisions to the
ordinance, completed as part of the Zoning Code update, and the historic
preservation handbook were noted. It is essential that these documents be
updated for consistency, so that there is minimal confusion as to what standards
apply. For example, the handbook does not reflect recent changes regarding
multi-family design standards and review procedures; the trigger for when a
certificate of appropriateness is required is described differently in the ordinance
and the handbook; and the handbook does not accurately describe setback
averaging as defined by the Zoning Code.
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Clarion Associates Page F-19
IV. FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Financial incentives have been developed at the federal, state, and local levels to assist
with historic preservation activities. In general, these programs are designed to
encourage the retention and appropriate rehabilitation of older buildings, and to
acknowledge and partially offset the costs associated with such efforts. This section
describes a variety of incentive programs that are either currently available or may be
developed to assist Iowa City property owners in their efforts to appropriately
rehabilitate historic properties. Special attention is focused on incentives that could be
made available for properties in downtown Iowa City.
A. Tax Incentives
1. Property Tax Abatements
Property tax abatements reduce the amount of property tax owed for a set
period of time. The program can be based on designation of a resource or
qualifying rehabilitations. For example, Arizona's State Historic Property Tax
(SPT) program reduces the property taxes between 35-45%. As a condition of the
reduced tax rate, the owner enters into a 15-year agreement with the state,
consenting to maintain their property according to federal and Arizona State
Parks Board standards and limited to property used for non-income producing
activities. No rehabilitation is required to receive the abatement, but all
rehabilitation must meet set standards. California offers a similar program, known
as the Mills Act. Participants may realize property tax savings of 40% to 60%
each year, in exchange for a pledge to rehabilitate and maintain the historical
and architectural character of their properties for at least aten-year period.
2. Property Tax Freezes
These incentive programs freeze the annual property tax for a property for a set
period of time. In some cases, the freeze is used to encourage qualifying
rehabilitations. In other cases, the freeze is used to encourage historic designation,
by providing the benefit to all qualifying properties located within a designated
historic district.
The State of Iowa currently authorizes counties to allow for a temporary property
tax exemption for a period of four years (with a 25% increase in valuation over
the next four years until the new assessed value is reached) for qualifying
rehabilitations. Properties must be listed on or eligible for listing on the National
Register of Historic Places, contributing to National Register Historic Districts or
local historic districts, or designated by a county or municipal landmark ordinance.
The property must also be eligible based on the specific county's priority list for
that tax year. While all counties are required to offer this exemption, not all
counties have set priorities for the program. The County Board of Supervisors will
establish priorities for which an exemption may be granted and will annually
designate real property in the county for a historic property tax exemption. A
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Clarion Associates Page F-20
public meeting must be held, with notice given, at which the proposed priority list
will be presented.10
Other communities have taken a more aggressive approach to using the property
tax freeze. For example, both South Dakota and Illinois allow for an eight year
freeze on the assessed valuation of the historic property. The valuation then is
brought back to market level over a period of four years. In Denver, Colorado,
property taxes for buildings included in the Downtown Denver Historic District were
capped at the 1999 level for 20 years as a way to directly lower the costs of
owning a historic building and removing some of the development pressure on
these resources. The tax freeze was a key element in gaining support for the
district designation.
3. Federal Tax Credits"
Jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Internal Revenue Service in
partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices, the Historic Preservation Tax
Incentives program rewards private investment in rehabilitating historic buildings.
The program includes two levels of tax credits - 20% and 10%. The credits lower
the amount of tax owed (as opposed to a tax deduction that lowers the amount of
taxable income). In general, a dollar of tax credit reduces the amount of income
tax owed by one dollar.
The 20% rehabilitation tax credit is available for certified rehabilitations (i.e.,
consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's standards) of a certified historic
structure (e.g, those listed individually on the National Register, as contributing
buildings in National Register Historic Districts, and many structures listed on the
State Register or locally designated). The 20% credit is available for income-
producing properties (including rental housing), but it is not available for
properties used exclusively as the owner's private residence. The rehabilitation
must exceed the greater of $5,000 or the adjusted basis of the building and its
structural components. The adjusted basis is generally the purchase price, minus the
cost of land, plus improvements already made, minus depreciation already taken.
Once the substantial rehabilitation test is met, all qualified expenditures, including
those incurred outside of the measuring period, qualify for the credit.
The 10% rehabilitation tax credit is available for the rehabilitation of non-historic
buildings placed in service before 1936. The rehabilitation must be substantial,
exceeding either $5,000 or the adjusted basis of the property, whichever is
greater. The 1 0% credit applies only to buildings rehabilitated for non-residential
uses. Rental housing and owner-occupied housing does not qualify.
10 NOTE: More information on the Iowa temporary property tax exemption is available from the State
Historical Society of Iowa's website at: www.iowahistory.org~preservation~financial_assistance~
state_property_tax_exemption~property_tax_exempt.html
~ ~ NOTE: Information in this section is based on the National Park Service's webpage at:
http:~~www.cr.nps.gov~hps~TPS~tax~
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4. State Tax Credits's
Iowa is one of 20 states with its own state tax credit to encourage the
rehabilitation of historic properties. The Iowa State Historic Preservation Tax
Incentive Program for Statewide Projects provides fora 25% credit for certain
rehabilitation projects against the owner(s) state income taxes. Properties do not
need to be income-producing. There are limited credits available each year and
the SHPO cannot reserve credits for more than five years into the future. For a
residential property or barn constructed before 1937 before rehabilitation, the
cost of a qualified rehabilitation project must exceed either $25,000 or 25% of
the fair market value (less the land value) -whichever is less. For commercial
properties, the rehabilitation project must exceed 50% of the fair market value of
the property (less the land value) before rehabilitation. Rehabilitation work must
meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines
for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Unfortunately, resources for this program are
entirely committed through at least 2010, leaving little opportunity for property
owners to take advantage of the program.
A similar, but separately funded program, provides tax credits for projects
located within a Cultural and Entertainment District. This program uses the same
description, eligibility requirements, and regulations as the statewide program
above although the funding is from a separate allocation. As of July 1, 2005, new
state legislation provided an additional $4 million of tax credits for each of the
next ten state fiscal years beginning July 1, 2005 (SFY2006) and ending June 30,
2016 for projects located within Cultural and Entertainment Districts (CED) certified
pursuant to section 303.36. SHPO cannot reserve credits for more than five years
into the future. Iowa City's downtown is located in a CED, making properties in
that area eligible for these credits.
5. Local Sales Tax Credits
A number of cities across the country have established local tax incentives to
encourage preservation and appropriate rehabilitation of historic properties. In
some cases this may be in the form of credits or freezes of local property taxes.
More often, the credit comes in the form of a waiver of sales tax for rehabilitation
projects. Property owners are able to submit receipts accumulated for authorized
rehabilitation projects and receive a rebate of some or all of the sales tax
collected for those materials.
B. Local Economic Incentives
1. Grant & Loan Programs
Low-interest loans and grant programs have been developed in a wide variety of
communities nationally to help offset the costs of rehabilitating designated historic
structures. In Ft. Collins, Colorado, for example, zero-interest loans of up to
$5,000 are offered to owners of designated buildings to fund exterior
rehabilitation. Cedar Rapids has established a popular and well-regarded Paint
Rebate program. The program provides exterior paint rebates for consumable
painting materials up to a maximum of $400 if the homeowner paints his or her
home. This program will provide rebates up to 50% of labor costs or $1,200,
's NOTE: Information in this section is based on materials from the State Historical Society of Iowa's
webpage at: http:~~www.state.ia.us~iowahistory~preservation~financial_assistance~overview.html
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-22
whichever is less, for a homeowner to hire a paint contractor, if one is hired. Other
communities provide grants to property owners to hire a preservation architect or
other professional to assist in preparing rehabilitation plans. A related form on
incentive provides low- or no-interest loans to property owners to assist with
project costs. All of these programs aim to encourage property owners to perform
appropriate rehabilitations and to help offset the costs of maintaining historic
properties.
2. Discounted/Waived Fees
Recognizing that the review process for a historic property can require additional
time and expense, this type of incentive helps to offset those additional
requirements with discounted charges for building permits or other regulated
permits.
C. Design Assistance & Education
There was considerable discussion during our interviews about the need to focus
more resources on educating the public, local officials, and owners of historic
properties about the benefits of the Iowa City preservation program. While
finding the time and money to make education and outreach a priority can be a
struggle in all communities, the long-term benefit of taking a more proactive
approach to these issues can be significant. Support for preservation from the
public and local decision-makers is an essential element for successful programs.
Suggestions included: annual or bi-annual reports to City Council, annual joint
meetings between the Planning Board and the HPC, training sessions for local
contractors and realtors, and better coordination with Friends of Historic
Preservation, Iowa City's non-profit advocacy organization.
The day-to-day administration of the preservation program should be recognized
as an opportunity for education and outreach. Rather than a burden to
development, it is possible to frame the review process as an added benefit for
homeowners. In this sense, the design review component of the program can be
promoted as an incentive to property owners. There was considerable discussion
about the appropriate role for staff to play in this situation in Iowa City. Many of
our interviewees felt that staff should be more pro-active in providing design
recommendations to property owners to help them meet the City's design
guidelines. While this approach needs to be monitored to ensure that staff or the
HPC are not dictating specific design solutions, providing suggestions and
examples of successful approaches to similar design problems is appropriate.
In addition, educational efforts like plaques, street markers, and other tools to
identify designated structures and historic districts can also be a way of educating
the community about their local historic resources. Annual award ceremonies,
sponsored by the HPC or Friends can be another tool to recognize new landmarks
and outstanding preservation projects.
D. Regulatory Relief
Many communities allow designated historic buildings to qualify for exemptions or
variances from building code and zoning standards such as parking requirements
and setbacks. While Iowa City has taken advantage of this approach to some
extent, a more formal role for considering historic preservation concerns should be
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-23
included when variances and other regulatory relief is considered. For example,
some communities specifically allow for variances to be approved when
development in conformance with zoning standards would have a negative impact
on the character of a designated historic property. This acts as an incentive and
can even be used as an encouragement for designation in some situations.
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V. SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
Iowa City's Sensitive Areas Ordinance is intended to implement the environmental policies
of the City's Comprehensive Plan. It includes a requirements to consider impacts of
development on a variety of environmental and cultural resources, including wetlands,
floodways, drainageways, steep slopes, woodland areas, hydric soils, prairie remnants,
and archaeological sites.
This section of the report provides a brief discussion of the requirements of the ordinance
for the review and protection of archaeological resources as they relate to the purpose
and goals of the historic preservation program.
The Sensitive Areas Ordinance requires special approval for any development activity
that impacts identified sensitive areas or resources. In the case of archaeological
resources, development applications located within quarter sections previously identified
as including significant archaeological sites are forwarded to the State for review and
comment. The State may inspect the site, including performing excavations, when deemed
necessary. The applicant may also hire aState-approved archaeologist to perform the
necessary evaluation in order to expedite the review. Development may continue in areas
outside of those identified as containing archaeological materials. In areas that contain
significant resources, the Ordinance states that "an attempt should be made to design the
site plan, planned development or subdivision plan to allow retention of the site as private
or public open space." Additional standards apply when a site contains a human burial
ground, including potentially requiring that area along with a defined buffer area as
private or public open space.
The Sensitive Areas Ordinance attention to archaeological sites is noteworthy, as no other
Iowa community has specifically addressed these resources. Similarly, only a limited
number of communities nationwide have integrated the protection of archaeological
resources into their preservation programs. Two key issues should be considered for future
improvements to the Iowa City ordinance:
Language in paragraph Section 14-51-12(F)(2) (page 327) regarding development in
significant archaeological sites regarding an "attempt" to design a development so as to
avoid impacting the resources suggests that the City does not have authority to require such
an approach. Like all land use regulations, care must be taken to avoid any "takings"
claims. Barring that requirement, however, it is certainly within the power of the City to
deny an application that impacts such resources. This standard should be stated more
clearly and affirmatively.
2. Paragraph 14-51-12(G) (also page 327) establishes the ability of the City to limit
development in the area of burial sites and to require designation as public or private open
space. This is an appropriate standard and, as discussed above, could be extended to
address additional types of archaeological resources. However, care must be taken when
dealing with some types of burial sites, particularly those falling under the standards of the
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, to avoid identifying the area as
such. Instead of prescribing a specific buffer size, it may be more appropriate to include a
more general standard for site design that requires integrating the burial area and buffer
into the overall site plan.
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VI. EVALUATING ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Iowa City has requested information on possible methodologies to examine the economic
benefits of historic preservation in Iowa City. While the cultural, social and aesthetic
benefits of historic preservation are well known, the economic benefits have been less well
documented and publicized. In recent years, a growing body of studies has also
addressed the economic impacts of preservation. Through this work, researchers have
documented widespread economic activity generated by historic preservation -activity
that is often triggered with modest public investments and incentives.
This growing body of scholarship is making the case for preservation as a vital and cost-
effective economic development tool. In the past, some policymakers have considered
preservation activities to be luxuries, undertaken only in a thriving economy -and cut
when leaner times force difficult budget choices. Yet these new studies demonstrate that
preservation can be a powerful economic engine. Public preservation incentives, such as
federal and state tax credit programs, as well as local incentives, can be used to
leverage significant amounts of private capital, create local jobs, and stimulate a wide
range of economic activity.
A recent study published by the Brookings Institution reviewed more than 300 studies that
have evaluated some aspect of the economic impacts of preservation. While the study
acknowledges that methodologies vary and that improvements are needed to better
gauge these impacts, overall the results of the various studies are consistent in their
findings:
Historic preservation is typically judged to be a sound investment. By most accounts, it is
more efficient and profitable to preserve a historic building than to construct a new one.
Designating a landmark or district as historical typically maintains if not boosts the value
of the property, and as an economic development tool, historic preservation has proved its
worth. Nearly any way the effects are measured, be they direct or indirect, historic
preservation tends to yield significant benefits to the economy.13
Comments during our Iowa City interviews regularly suggested that, while those involved
in the field of preservation were aware of these positive economic impacts, the message
was not reaching the general public. In addition, there were concerns that, even if positive
economic benefits could be shown in other locations, they may not be valid in Iowa City.
Therefore, a study of the economic impacts of preservation in Iowa City could be
extremely valuable.
The discussion below outlines a methodology for measuring the economic impact of
preservation in three key areas: rehabilitation, property values, and heritage tourism. In
each case, the methodology is based on successful previous studies. In each case, the
methodology proposed is conservative in that it focuses on only a few, selected economic
activities, generally those that are most easily tracked through established preservation
programs. Less accessible, yet still economically significant, data collection areas (such as
lodging taxes in historic hotels, or historic rehabilitations that have not utilized the main
public incentives) would yield additional valuable insights, but would be more difficult and
's "Economics and Historic Preservation: A Guide and Review of the Literature," by Randall Mason;
Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, September 2005.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-26
costly to complete. Also, by focusing solely on dollars generated, we have not addressed
preservation activity that cannot be easily quantified, such as the work of the dedicated
volunteers in the community.
A. Rehabilitation
Money spent on the acquisition and rehabilitation of historic properties is the most
obvious economic impact of preservation activities. Studies of this impact
generally focus on projects that take advantage of federal or state tax credits or
other funding mechanisms, as these programs require documentation of expenses
in a manner that is difficult to obtain for other similar projects. In Iowa City, this
could include an analysis of projects taking advantage of federal tax credits, state
tax credits, and any grant programs available.
Any economic activity, such as the rehabilitation of historic properties, generates
an original, or "direct" impact, which consists of the actual purchases of labor and
materials for the project. In addition to these direct impacts, any economic activity
creates "indirect" impacts. The indirect impact is the purchase of goods and
services by the various industries that produce the items for the original, direct
activity. For example, a contractor may purchase paint fora rehabilitation
project. The contractor may also use some of his earnings to buy groceries at a
local store. The purchase of the paint is a direct impact, but the purchase made by
the paint factory to produce the paint, and the purchase of groceries, are the
indirect impacts. Economic multipliers can be used to calculate these indirect
impacts.
The combined direct and indirect costs associated with these projects can also 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.
A general methodology for the analysis of Federal Tax Credit projects follows:
1. Data Gathering
For ITC projects, administration responsibility is shared between the NPS and the
Iowa State Historic Preservation Office. Thus, there are essentially two sets of
records -- NPS and SHPO -- that track the same projects. Records for all ITC
projects in Iowa City should be obtained for as long a period as possible,
preferably in electronic format. It is likely that only hard copy data is available
for at least some years. This date should be compiled into a computerized
database, and cross-checked against one another for accuracy. As an additional
data source, we suggest examining the NPS-compiled annual statistical report and
analysis of the federal tax credit, which provides an annual total dollar amount
and the number of approved projects dating back to 1988 should also be
consulted. It is likely that some discrepancies will occur between these various data
sources. Resolving these inconsistencies will demand judgments about the reliability
and accuracy of the various sources.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-27
Once date is finalized, the total direct value of rehabilitation efforts should be
calculated both annually and cumulatively.
2. Indirect Impacts
Indirect impacts typically are calculated using the RIMS II multipliers. RIMS II
multipliers estimate the amount of household economic activities among employees
either directly or indirectly involved with the economic impact. Household economic
activities generally reflect local consumer purchases and general household
expenditures. Employees are counted by job-years -full time employment for
one person for one year -and many individuals may fill a job year. For example,
the worker in the lumber factory who produced the porch beams is represented
here, along with the medical services purchased by the contractor who oversaw the
installation of the beams. Of course, the beams may be only one small component
of the total rehabilitation project; the multipliers are intended to approximate the
total impact of the entire rehabilitation project.
RIMS II multipliers are available for a variety of industries and at a variety of
regions. The primary multiplier that should be considered in a study of this type is
"other maintenance and repair" (industry number 12.0300). Additional multipliers
are available to compare rehabilitation with new residential and commercial
construction (1 1.0101, 1 1.0102, and 1 1.0800).
RIMS II multipliers have been shown to be statistically similar to survey-based
input-output tables and are updated regularly to include the most recent
information on area wage and salary and personal income data. RIMS II data is
also readily available and considered a standard tool in economic impact studies
of all kinds. An important note: These multipliers should not be used at scales
different than those for which they were originally developed. For example, a
statewide multiplier should only be used on statewide data, not on data particular
to a county or city. A specific multiplier may need to developed (based on the
statewide RIMS II methodology) if the city wishes to examine Iowa City data in
isolation from other statewide data. Also, multipliers represent an average and
are not indicative of the specific dollar impact of a particular firm or project.
RIMS II multipliers are calculated by historical economic relationships based on
national industry data from 1992 and 1997. Because there have been some
changes in these relationships over time, there is bound to be some slight error in
the RIMS II multipliers, but generally not greater than 10 percent, and probably
less than that.14
B. Property Values
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.
'a From US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Multipliers from the Regional
Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS II): A Brief Description.
www.bea.doc.gov~bea~regional~rims~brfdesc.htm.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-28
Critics of preservation efforts often claim that the regulatory requirements
associated with designated historic properties have a negative impact on property
values. Studies nationwide have repeatedly demonstrated, however, that
property values in designated areas generally increase at the same level or faster
than for similar properties that are not designated. This conclusion is similar for
residential and commercial areas nationwide.
The property values debate - "What effect does local historic district designation
truly have on property values?" - is a complex issue that involves multiple
variables that change widely depending on each area studied. Analysis of the
impacts of historic designation on property values in Iowa City should ideally look
at four indications that express several different aspects of value over time: rate
of appreciation, value comparison, rate of value change, and sale price.
• Total Appreciation Since Designation, or, how have properties in locally
designated districts increased in value compared to the surrounding area?
• Value Comparison and Rate of Value Change, or how much "house" do you
get for your money in a local historic district versus the surrounding area?
• Median Sales Price, or how do homes sales in the historic district relate to sales
in the nearby area?
In addition, because of the prominent role that conservation districts play in Iowa
City's preservation program, looking at these same questions separately for
conservation districts, and making comparisons between historic districts and
conservation districts where possible, would add additional value to the study.
Key challenges in performing this type of analysis include: identifying appropriate
and reliable data sources; selecting case study neighborhoods for comparisons;
and, isolating the impacts of historic designation from other factors that influence
property values.
C. Heritage Tourism
Another key 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.
The term "heritage tourists" refers to both travelers who incorporate at least one
visit to a historic site or landmark among other activities during their visit, and also
to the smaller subset of visitors whose primary reason for traveling to visit historic
places. There has been considerable research conducted throughout the country on
the particular characteristics of "heritage tourists" versus other pleasure tourists. As
documented in studies in both North Carolina and Texas among many other states,
heritage tourists tend to spend more money and stay longer on their trips than do
other travelers.15
's Rypkema, Donoval. The Impact of Historic Preservation on the North Carolina Economy. Raleigh:
Preservation North Carolina, 1 997; and, The Center for Urban Policy Research. Historic Preservation Work
for the Texas Economy. Austin: Texas Historical Commission, 1 999.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-29
Just as with historic rehabilitation projects, the economic impacts of heritage tourism
go far beyond the direct expenditures. Indirect impacts "ripple" through the local
economy, as direct expenses at hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments
circulate in the economy.
Data on heritage tourists is generally collected by surveys. A detailed survey of
the characteristics of visitors to Iowa City would be invaluable in establishing the
role of this industry in the community, as well as the impact of those visitors
qualifying as heritage tourists. Key issues to be considered in such a survey
include:
• Attributes of Iowa City that Attracted Tourism (e.g., natural features, shopping,
events, museums, etc.)
• How Money was Spent During Visits (e.g., lodging, transportation, entertainment,
etc.)
• Characteristics of Heritage Tourists:
o Length of Visit
o Type of Lodging
o Sightseeing Activities
o Entertainment Activities
o Sports and Recreation Activities
o Household Income
o Age
o Residence Location
This survey information should be supplemented with data from local historic sites,
including regional sites such as the Amana colonies that would likely provide
economic activity in Iowa City.
D. Selected City and Community Level Economic Impact Reports
Other communities have completed similar economic impact studies. A bibliography of
some of these studies that may provide additional assistance in establishing an economic
impact study for Iowa City follows below:
Athens-Clarke County Planning Department. Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation
in Georgia, A Study of Three Communities: Athens, Rome and Tifton. Atlanta: Historic
Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 1996.
Avault, John, with the assistance of Jane Van Buren. Economic and Fiscal Aspects of
Historic Preservation Development in Boston. Boston: Boston Redevelopment Authority,
1985.
Center for Business and Economic Studies, University of Georgia. Economic Benefits
from the Rehabilitation of Certified Historic Buildings in Georgia: Case Studies. Atlanta:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites
Division; Historic Preservation Section, 1987.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-30
Clarion Associates. The Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation in Colorado. Denver:
Colorado Historical Foundation. 2005.
Chen, Kim. The Importance of Historic Preservation in Downtown Richmond. Richmond:
Historic Richmond Foundation, 1990.
Gale, Dennis. The Impacts of Historic District Designation in Washington, D.C.
Washington: Center for Washington Area Studies, 1991.
Hammer, Siler, George Associates. Economic Impact of Historic District Designation:
Lower Downtown, Denver. Denver: Office of Planning and Community Development,
City and County of Denver, 1990.
Pearson, Roy L., Ph.D., and Donald J. Messmer, Ph.D. (Mid-Atlantic Research, Inc.,
Williamsburg, Virginia). The Economic Impact of Colonial Williamsburg (Executive
Summary only). Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1989.
Rypkema, Donovan and Katherine M. Wiehagen. The Economic Benefits of Preserving
Philadelphia's Past. Philadelphia: Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia,
2000.
Youngblood, Col. George L., et. al. The Economic Impact of Tourism, Generated by the
Gettysburg National Military Park, on the Economy of Gettysburg. N.P. 1987.
Iowa City Preservation Plan Update September 2006
Clarion Associates Page F-31
Appendix G: Historic Preservation Commission Member List,
1983-2006
Appendix G: Historic Preservation Commission Member List, 1983-2006
Name Term Begins Term Expires District Representative
1983
Margaret Nowysz 3/29/1983 3/29/1987 At-Large (Chairperson)
Howard R. Jones 3/29/1983 3/29/1986 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Larry Baker 3/29/1983 3/29/1986 At-Large
Greg Duffey 3/29/1983 3/29/1985 At-Large
James Hayes 3/29/1983 3/29/1986 At-Large
Charles Skaugstand Jr. 3/29/1983 3/29/1985 At-Large
Steven Vanderwoude 3/29/1984 3/29/1987 At-Large
1984
Margaret Nowysz 3/29/1983 3/29/1987 At-Large (Chairperson)
Howard R. Jones 3/29/1983 3/29/1986 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Jackie Blank 1/1/1984 3/29/1986 P&Z Member
Greg Duffey 3/29/1983 3/29/1985 At-Large
James Hayes 3/29/1983 3/29/1986 At-Large
Charles Skaugstand Jr. 3/29/1983 3/29/1985 At-Large
Steven Vanderwoude 3/29/1984 3/29/1987 At-Large
1985
Margaret Nowysz 3/29/1983 3/29/1987 At-Large (Chairperson)
Howard R. Jones 3/29/1983 3/29/1986 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
x-Jackie Blank 1/1/1984 1/16/1985 P&Z Member
#-Rodney B. Perry 1/17/1985 3/29/1986 P&Z Member
Connie Champion 3/19/1985 3/29/1988 At-Large
James Hayes 3/29/1983 3/29/1986 At-Large
Steven Vanderwoude 3/29/1984 3/29/1987 At-Large
Barbara Wagner 3/29/1985 3/29/1998 At-Large
1986
Margaret Nowysz 3/29/1983 3/29/1987 At-Large (Chairperson)
Barbara Wagner 3/29/1985 3/29/1988 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Ken Cooper 1/1/1986 12/31/1986 P&Z Member
Connie Champion 3/29/1985 3/29/1988 At-Large
Alexander C. Kern 3/29/1986 3/29/1989 At-Large
Bonnie Sierk 3/29/1986 3/29/1989 At-Large
Steven Vanderwoude 3/29/1984 3/29/1987 At-Large
KEY
* = re-appointed G-1
x =resigned mid-term
# =appointed mid-term
Name Term Begins Term Expires District Representative
1987
Margaret Nowysz* 1/27/1987 3/29/1990 At-Large (Chairperson)
Barbara Wagner 3/29/1985 3/29/1988 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Susan Horowitz 1/11/1987 12/31/1987 P&Z Member
x-Connie Champion 3/29/1985 1/25/1988 At-Large
#-Douglas Russell 1/26/1988 3/29/1991 At-Large
Alexander C. Kern 3/29/1986 3/29/1989 At-Large
Bonnie Sierk 3/29/1986 3/29/1989 At-Large
Steven VanderWoude* 3/29/1987 3/29/1990 At-Large
1988
x-Margaret Nowysz 1/27/1987 4/19/1988 At-Large (Chairperson)
#-Sue Licht 4/19/1988 3/29/1990 At-Large
Steven VanderWoude 3/29/1987 3/29/1990 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Casey J. Cook 2/18/1988 8/18/1988 P&Z Member
Bonnie Sierk 3/29/1986 3/29/1989 Summit St.
John Belton Scott 3/29/1988 3/29/1991 Woodlawn
Alexander C. Kern 3/29/1986 3/29/1989 At-Large
Douglas Russell 1/26/1988 3/29/1991 At-Large
1989
Douglas Russell 1/26/1988 3/29/1991 At-Large (Chairperson)
Steven VanderWoude 3/29/1987 3/29/1990 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Casey J. Cook 2/18/1988 ? P&Z Member
David Jepsen 3/29/1989 3/29/1992 Summit St.
x-John Belton Scott 3/29/1988 3/7/1989 Woodlawn
#-Elizabeth Kahler 3/7/1989 3/29/1991 Woodlawn
Sue Licht 4/19/1988 3/29/1990 At-Large
Kevin Hanick 3/29/1989 3/29/1992 At-Large
1990
Douglas Russell 1/26/1988 3/29/1991 At-Large (Chairperson)
David Jepsen 3/29/1989 3/29/1992 Summit St.
Joyce Barrett 3/29/1989 3/29/1991 Woodlawn
Kevin Hanick 3/29/1989 3/29/1992 At-Large
Sue Licht* 3/29/1990 3/29/1993 At-Large
James Ochs 5/29/1990 5/29/1993 At-Large
Eleanor L. Steele 3/29/1990 3/29/1993 At-Large
1991
Douglas Russell* 1/26/1991 3/29/1994 At-Large (Chairperson)
x-David Jepsen 3/29/1989 11/12/1991 Summit St.
Jay Semel 11/12/1991 3/29/1992 Summit St.
Joyce Barrett* 3/29/1991 3/29/1994 Woodlawn
Kevin Hanick 3/29/1989 3/29/1992 At-Large
Sue Licht 3/29/1990 3/29/1993 At-Large
x-James Ochs 5/29/1990 N/A At-Large
#-Betty Kelly N/A 5/29/1993 At-Large
Eleanor L. Steele 3/29/1990 3/29/1993 At-Large
KEY
* = re-appointed G-2
x =resigned mid-term
# =appointed mid-term
Name Term Begins Term Expires District Representative
1992
Douglas S. Russell 3/29/1991 3/29/1994 At-Large (Chairperson)
Sue Licht 3/29/1990 3/29/1993 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Eleanor Steele 3/29/1990 3/29/1993 Brown St.
Jay Semel* 3/29/1992 3/29/1995 Summit St.
Joyce W. Barrett 3/29/1991 3/29/1994 Woodlawn
Kevin Hanick* 3/29/1992 3/29/1995 At-Large
Betty Kelly 5/29/1990 5/29/1993 At-Large
1993
Douglas S. Russell 3/29/1991 3/29/1994 At-Large (Chairperson)
Sue Licht* 3/29/1993 3/29/1996 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Kay Irelan 3/29/1993 3/29/1996 Brown St.
Jay Semel 3/29/1992 3/29/1995 Summit St.
Ginalie Swaim 3/29/1994 3/29/1997 Woodlawn
Kevin Hanick 3/29/1992 3/29/1995 At-Large
Betty Kelly* 5/29/1993 5/29/1996 At-Large
1994
Douglas S. Russell* 3/29/1994 3/29/1997 At-Large (Chairperson)
Sue Licht 3/29/1993 3/29/1996 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Kay Irelan 3/29/1993 3/29/1996 Brown St.
John F. Shaw 3/29/1995 3/29/1998 Summit St.
Ginalie Swaim 3/29/1994 3/29/1997 Woodlawn
Betty Kelly 5/29/1993 5/29/1996 At-Large
Michael Pugh 3/29/1995 3/29/1998 At-Large
1995
Douglas S. Russell 3/29/1994 3/29/1997 At-Large (Chairperson)
Sue Licht 3/29/1993 3/29/1996 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
John F. Shaw 3/29/1995 3/29/1998 Brown St.
Doris Malkmus 1/30/1996 3/29/1999 Moffitt Cottage
Ruedi Kuenzli 9/26/1995 3/29/1998 Summit St.
Ginalie Swaim 3/29/1994 3/29/1997 Woodlawn
Betty Kelly 5/29/1993 5/29/1996 At-Large
Michael Pugh 3/29/1995 3/29/1998 At-Large
1996
Douglas S. Russell 3/29/1994 3/29/1997 At-Large (Chairperson)
Sue Licht 3/29/1993 3/29/1996 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Ruedi Kuenzli 9/26/1995 3/29/1998 Brown St.
John F. Shaw 3/29/1995 3/29/1998 Moffitt Cottage
Michael Pugh 3/29/1995 3/29/1998 Summit St.
Betty Kelly* 3/29/1996 3/29/1999 Woodlawn
Doris Malkmus 1/30/1996 3/29/1999 At-Large
Ginalie Swaim 3/29/1994 3/29/1997 At-Large
KEY
* = re-appointed G-3
x =resigned mid-term
# =appointed mid-term
Name Term Begins Term Expires District Representative
1997
John F. Shaw 3/29/1995 3/29/1998 Brown St. (Chairperson)
Michael Pugh 3/29/1995 3/29/1998 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Frank S. Gersh 3/29/1997 3/29/2000 E. College St.
Pamela Michaud 6/3/1997 3/29/2000 College Green
Doris Malkmus 1/30/1996 3/29/1999 Moffitt Cottage
Ruedi Kuenzli 9/26/1995 3/29/1998 Summit St.
Ann M. Cairns 3/29/1997 3/29/2000 Woodlawn
Michaelanne Widnes 3/29/1997 3/29/2000 At-Large
Betty Kelly 3/29/1996 3/29/1999 At-Large
Lars Anderson 3/29/1997 3/29/1999 At-Large
1998
Doris Malkmus 1/30/1996 3/29/1999 Moffitt Cottage (Chairperson)
Betty Kelly 3/29/1996 3/29/1999 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Marc Mills 8/25/1998 3/29/1999 Brown St.
Frank S. Gersh 3/29/1997 3/29/2000 E. College St.
Pamela Michaud 6/3/1997 3/29/2000 College Green
Michael Gunn 3/29/1998 3/29/2001 Summit St.
Ann M. Cairns 3/29/1997 3/29/2000 Woodlawn
Lars Anderson 3/29/1997 3/29/1999 At-Large
Trudy Day 3/29/1998 3/29/2001 At-Large
Michaelanne Widnes 3/29/1997 3/29/2000 At-Large
1999
Lars Anderson* 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 At-Large (Chairperson)
Susan Licht 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Marc Mills 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 Brown St.
Frank Gersh 3/29/1997 3/29/2000 E. College St.
Pamela Michaud 6/3/1997 3/29/2000 College Green
Doris Malkmus 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 Moffitt Cottage
Michael Gunn 3/29/1998 3/29/2001 Summit St.
Linda Shope 9/9/1998 3/29/2000 Woodlawn
Richard Carlson 4/6/1999 3/29/2001 At-Large
Michaelanne Widnes 3/29/1997 3/29/2000 At-Large
2000
x-Lars Anderson 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 At-Large (Chairperson)
#-Anne Freerks N/A N/A
Susan Licht 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
Marc Mills 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 Brown St.
James Enloe 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 E. College St.
Pamela Michaud* 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 College Green
Doris Malkmus 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 Moffitt Cottage
Michael Gunn 3/29/1998 3/29/2001 Summit St.
Peter Jochimsen 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 Woodlawn
Richard Carlson 4/6/1999 3/29/2001 At-Large
Michaelanne Widness* 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 At-Large
KEY
* = re-appointed G-4
x =resigned mid-term
# =appointed mid-term
Name Term Begins Term Expires District Representative
2001
Michael Gunn* 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 Summit St. (Chairperson)
Susan Licht 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
x-Marc Mills 3/29/1999 3/29/2001 Brown St.
#-James Ponto 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 Brown St.
James Enloe 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 E. College St.
Vacant x x College Green
Doris Malkmus 3/29/1999 3/29/2002 Moffitt Cottage
Peter Jochimsen 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 Woodlawn
Richard Carlson* 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 At-Large
Anne Freerks N/A N/A At-Large
Michaelanne Widnes 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 At-Large
2002
Michael Gunn 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 Summit St. (Chairperson)
Richard Carlson 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
James Ponto 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 Brown St.
James Enloe 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 E. College St.
x-Loret Mast 3/29/2002 N/A College Green
#-Mark McCallum N/A 3/29/2003 College Green
Tim Weitzel 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 Longfellow
Peter Jochimsen 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 Woodlawn
Michael Maharry 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 At-Large
Amy Marie Smothers 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 At-Large
Michaelanne Widnes 3/29/2000 3/29/2003 At-Large
2003
Michael Gunn 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 Summit St. (Chairperson)
Richard Carlson 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
James Ponto 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 Brown St.
James Enloe* 3/29/2003 3/29/2006 E. College St.
Mark McCallum* 3/29/2003 3/29/2006 College Green
Tim Weitzel 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 Longfellow
Jan Weissmiller N/A 3/29/2006 Woodlawn
Michael Maharry 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 At-Large
Amy Marie Smothers 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 At-Large
Paul Sueppel 3/29/2003 3/29/2006 At-Large
KEY
* = re-appointed G-5
x =resigned mid-term
# =appointed mid-term
Name Term Begins Term Expires District Representative
2004
Michael Maharry 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 At-Large (Chairperson)
Tim Weitzel 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 Longfellow (Vice Chairperson)
James Ponto* 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 Brown St.
James Enloe 3/29/2003 3/29/2006 E. College St.
Mark McCallum 3/29/2003 3/29/2006 College Green
Michael Gunn* 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 Summit St.
Jan Weissmiller N/A 3/29/2006 Woodlawn
x-Amy Marie Smothers 3/29/2002 3/29/2005 At-Large
#-Michael Brennan 3/29/2004 3/29/2008 At-Large
x-Paul Sueppel 3/29/2003 12/9/2004 At-Large
#Justin Pardekooper 12/9/2004 3/29/2007 At-Large
x-Justine Zimmer 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 At-Large
Richard Carlson 3/29/2001 3/29/2004 At-Large
2005
Tim Weitzel* 3/29/2005 3/29/2008 Longfellow (Vice Chairperson, Chairperson 5/OS)
#-Richard Carlson 2/2005 3/29/2007 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
James Ponto 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 Brown St.
James Enloe 3/29/2003 3/29/2006 E. College St.
Mark McCallum 3/29/2003 3/29/2006 College Green
Michael Gunn 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 Summit St.
Jan Weissmiller N/A 3/29/2006 Woodlawn
Michael Brennan N/A 3/29/2008 At-Large
x-Michael Maharry* 3/29/2005 3/29/2006 At-Large (Chairperson thru 4/05)
#-Timothy Toomey 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 At-Large
x-Justin Pardekooper 12/9/2004 3/29/2007 At-Large
#John McCormally 8/2006 3/29/2008 At Large
2006
Tim Weitzel 3/29/2005 3/29/2008 Longfellow (Chairperson)
Richard Carlson 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
James Ponto 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 Brown St.
Esther Baker 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 E. College St.
Pam Michaud 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 College Green
Michael Gunn 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 Summit St.
Ginalie Swaim 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 Woodlawn
Michael Brennan 3/29/2005 3/29/2008 At-Large
x-Michael Maharry 3/29/2005 6/2006 At-Large
#-John McCormally 8/2006 3/29/2008 At-Large
Timothy Toomey 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 At-Large
2007
Tim Weitzel 3/29/2005 3/29/2008 Longfellow (Chairperson)
Richard Carlson 3/29/2004 3/29/2007 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
James Ponto* 3/29/2004 3/29/2010 Brown St.
Esther Baker 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 E. College St.
Pam Michaud 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 College Green
KEY
* = re-appointed G-6
x =resigned mid-term
# =appointed mid-term
Vacant Summit St.
Ginalie Swaim 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 Woodlawn
Michael Brennan 3/29/2005 3/29/2008 At-Large (Vice Chairperson)
John McCormally 3/29/2005 3/29/2008 At-Large
Timothy Toomey 3/29/2006 3/29/2009 At-Large
Alicia Trimble 3/29/2007 3/29/2010 At-Large
KEY
* = re-appointed G-7
x =resigned mid-term
# =appointed mid-term
Appendix H: Historic District Landmark, Historic District, CD
District & Federal Program Projects Receiving Design
Review, 1985-2006
Appendix H: Historic District Landmark, Historic District, CD District & Federal
Program Projects Receiving Design Review
1982006
Chronological List of Design Review Cases*
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
07/11/85 511 3rd Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
07/11/85 420 N. Gilbert Street Rental Rehab Section 106
07/11/85 226 S. Johnson Street Rental Rehab Section 106
07/25/85 714-16 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
11/07/85 515 Oakland Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
11/07/85 409 7th Ave. Weatherization loan Section 106
11/25/85 722 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
12/19/85 602 Clark Street CDBG Section 106
12/19/85 718 Rundell Street CDBG Section 106
12/19/85 725 E. Daven ort Street Housin Rehab Section 106
12/19/85 1015 Muscatine Rental Rehab Section 106
01/07/86 918 E. Bloomin ton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
01/08/86 942 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
02/24/86 930 E. Colle e Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
02/26/86 1011 E. Washin ton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/15/86 808 6th Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
04/15/86 424 E. Jefferson Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/16/86 1168 E. Court Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/28/86 1010-1010''/2 E. Fairchild
Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/16/86 609 1st Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
06/16/86 602 S. Dubu ue Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/16/86 712 E. Fairchild Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/16/86 403 S. Lucas Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/19/86 119-121 N. Lucas Street Rental Rehab Section 106
07/15/86 640 S. Lucas Street Rental Rehab Section 106
09/08/86 721-31 E. Washin ton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
10/10/86 226 Orchard Ct. Housin Rehab Section 106
10/10/86 1502 Yewell Street Housin Rehab Section 106
10/15/86 712 Iowa Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
12/15/86 924 E. Bloomin ton Street CDBG Section 106
12/22/86 314 S. Governor Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
02/02/87 1813 G Street Housin Rehab Section 106
* COA-Certificate of Appropriateness
CNME-Certificate of No Material Effect
Section 106-Federal Section 106 Review & Compliance
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), Rental Rehab, Housing Rehab, Comprehensive Rehab,
Paint/Siding Program, & Weatherization Loan Program-Federally funded programs administered by the
City of Iowa City
H-1
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
03/20/87 614 N. Johnson Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/27/87 619 Dearbom Housin Rehab Section 106
04/27/87 1908 F Street Housin Rehab Section 106
06/09/87 19 Evans Street CDBG Section 106
06/09/87 524 E. Ronalds Street CDBG Section 106
06/11/87 712 Dearbom Housin Rehab Section 106
06/16/87 533 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
06/29/87 412 N. Dubu ue Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/29/87 715 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
07/10/87 1326 Muscatine Housin Rehab Section 106
08/13/87 117 N. Lucas Street Comprehensive Rehab Section 106
08/26/87 708 Iowa Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
08/26/87 1117 E. Colle e Street Rental Rehab Section 106
10/20/87 914 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
12/14/87 631 E. Daven ort Street Rental Rehab Section 106
03/17/88 120 N. Governor Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/12/88 212.5 S. Clinton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
05/23/88 210.5 S. Clinton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
07/06/88 723 Oakland Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
07/06/88 617 Keokuk Ct. Housin Rehab Section 106
07/06/88 431 Oakland Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
07/06/88 819 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
08/02/88 830 E. Colle e Street Rental Rehab Section 106
08/19/88 813 3rd Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
08/19/88 1900-02 Muscatine Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
08/25/88 501 Oakland Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
09/15/88 739 Kirkwood Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/15/88 724 E. Ronalds Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/15/88 847 Rundell Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/26/88 430 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
09/28/88 728 E. Bowe Street CDBG Section 106
09/28/88 714 N. Linn Street Rental Rehab Section 106
12/13/88 718 N. Gilbert Street Rental Rehab Section 106
12/22/88 602 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
02/14/89 809 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
03/08/89 730 E. Burlin on Street CDBG Section 106
03/08/89 841 7th Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
03/08/89 915 2nd Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
03/08/89 820 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
03/09/89 509 S. Linn Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/12/89 717 E. Bloomin ton Street CDBG Section 106
04/18/89 815 Iowa Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
04/18/89 817 Iowa Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
04/18/89 431 N. Lucas Street Comprehensive Rehab Section 106
04/18/89 2118 F Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/05/89 28-28.5 N. Gilbert Street Rental Rehab Section 106
10/31/89 1011 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD COA
H-2
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
06/03/90 821 E. Church Street CDBG Section 106
06/03/90 821 E. Church Street CDBG Section 106
06/06/90 1303 1st Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
06/12/90 512 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
07/06/90 711 E. Bloomin ton Street CDBG Section 106
07/27/90 944 Miller Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
08/31/90 631 N. Dod e Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/19/90 619 N. Johnson Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/24/90 919 N. Gilbert Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/24/90 916 N. Govemor Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
10/22/90 435-437 S. Summit Street Rental Rehab Section 106
11/08/90 529 E. Brown Street Rental Rehab Section 106
12/21/90 400 N. Clinton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
12/26/90 824 E. Colle e Street CDBG Section 106
03/20/91 229 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
05/06/91 626 Oakland Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
05/06/91 229 S. Summit Street Rental Rehab Section 106
05/13/91 416 S. Dod e Street CDBG Section 106
05/13/91 1900 Rochester Ct. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
05/13/91 2128 Friendshi PainUSidin Pro ram Section 106
06/14/91 524 N. Governor Street Emer enc Re air Section 106
04/3/92 1010 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
05/04/92 406 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
05/04/92 412 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
05/28/92 1011 Sheridan Avenue CDBG Section 106
7/26/93 331 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
11/1/93 725 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
5/10/94 1041 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
6/14/94 725 N Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
6/14/94 1041 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
7/29/94 315 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/29/94 430 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
9/13/94 412 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
3/14/95 325 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/9/95 1025 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
5/30/95
1328 Muscatine Ave Longfellow HD (Moffat
Cotta e HD)
COA
6/13/95 314 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
6/13/95 1041 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
7/11/95 314 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/8/95 715 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
9/12/95 827 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
9/12/95 519 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
9/19/95 519 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/10/95 821 Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
10/19/95 1033 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
11/14/95 715 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
H-3
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
11/14/95 8 Belle Vista Place Brown Street HD COA
12/12/95 632 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/12/96 512 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/11/96 404 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
4/11/96 1 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
4/11/96 602 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/11/96 802 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/22/96 632 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
4/22/96 602 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
5/14/96 1025 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD COA
6/11/96 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
6/11/96 809-811 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/9/96 404 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/20/96 824 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
10/23/96 1050 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD COA
11/12/96 632 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
11/14/96 715 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
11/14/96 8 Belle Vista Place Brown Street HD COA
3/11/97 705 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/28/97 603 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/13/97 430 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/13/97 1113 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
6/10/97 200 S. Summit Street East Colle e Street HD COA
8/12/97 2 Bella Vista Place Brown Street HD COA
8/12/97 209 E Washin ton Historic Landmark CNME
9/9/97 530 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
9/9/97 604 Iowa Avenue Historic Landmark COA
10/14/97 725 N Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
10/14/97 520 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/14/97 200 S Summit Street Colle e Hill CD COA
10/14/97 1113 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD CNME
10/14/97 1113 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD CNME
10/14/97 200 S Summit Street East Colle e Street HD COA
10/14/97 115 Wri ht Street Historic Landmark CNME
10/14/97 416 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
10/23/97 725 N Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
11/4/97 2 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
12/9/97 825 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
1/30/98 130 E Jefferson Street Historic Landmark COA
2/10/98 220 E Jefferson Street Historic Landmark COA
3/10/98 401 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
4/9/98 406 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/11/98 130 E Jefferson Street Historic Landmark COA
6/22/98 621 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/9/98 509 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/9/98 223 S. Dod e Street Colle e Green HD COA
7/9/98 730 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
H-4
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
8/13/98 414 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/13/98 803 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
9/2/98 715 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD CNME
9/10/98 127 E Colle e St Colle e Green HD COA
9/13/98 414 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/1/98 632 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/1/98 127 E. Colle e Street Historic Landmark COA
10/1/98 536 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
12/12/98 803 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
3/23/99 509 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
4/15/99 1117 E. College Street East College Street HD COA
4/15/99 1041 Woodlawn Ave. Woodlawn HD COA
5/5/99 935 E. Colle e Street Historic Landmark CNME
6/8/99 524 N. Johnson Street Historic Landmark CNME
6/10/99 824 N. Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
7/1/99 821 N. Johnson Street Brown Street HD CNME
8/2/99 325 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/12/99 810 N. Johnson Street Brown Street HD COA
8/31/99 730 N. Van Buren Brown Street HD COA
9/9/99 715 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
10/4/99 325 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/14/99 1106 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
12/9/99 328 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
12/9/99 112 S. Dod e Street Colle e Green HD COA
12/9/99 117 N. Linn Street Historic Landmark COA
1/13/00 430 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
4/13/00 9 S. Linn Street Historic Landmark COA
5/11/00 720 N. Van Buren Street Brown Street HD COA
5/11/00 1034 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
5/11/00 715 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
5/11/00 228 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/1/00 1107 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD CNME
6/23/00 219 N. Gilbert Street Historic Landmark CNME
8/10/00 8 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
9/14/00 6 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
9/14/00 1122 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
11/15/00 827 Brown Street Brown Street HD CNME
12/14/00 520 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
2/8/01 801 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
2/8/01 526 Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
3/6/01 10 Bella Vista Brown Street HD CNME
5/10/O1 715 N. Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
5/24/01 6 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
5/31/01 329 S. Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
6/18/01 8 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
6/18/01 416 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
8/9/01 710 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
H-5
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
9/13/01 426 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
9/13/01 307 E. Colle e Street Historic Landmark COA
10/11/O1 935 E. Colle e Street Colle e Hill CD COA
11/27/01 8 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
11/27/01 709 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
3/28/02 531 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
4/25/02 1178 Court Street Lon fellow HD COA
5/23/02 815 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/23/02 315 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/23/02 1133 Ma le Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/13/02 623 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD COA
6/13/02 614 Oakland Ave. Lon fellow HD COA
6/13/02 430 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD CNME
6/13/02 709 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/13/02 509 Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
7/31/02 530 Brown Street Brown Street HD CNME
8/21/02 528 Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
9/26/02 900 N. Johnson Street Brown Street HD COA
9/26/02 725 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
10/8/02 220 S. Johnston Street Colle e Green HD COA
10/27/02 347 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
10/27/02 718 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
11/14/02 656 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
1/23/03 656 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
2/13/03 1016 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
4/10/03 825 Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
4/10/03 14 N. Dod e Street Colle e Hill CD COA
4/10/03 503 Melrose Ave. Historic Landmark COA
4/10/03 1121 Se mour Ave. Lon fellow HD COA
4/24/03 826 Rundell Street Dearborn Street CD COA
4/24/03 19 Evans Street Woodlawn HD COA
5/5/03 1120 E. Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
5/8/03 1030 E. Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
5/22/03 732 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/5/03 1030 E. Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
6/5/03 748 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/11/03 1107 E. Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
6/26/03 801 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
6/26/03 528 Colle e Street Colle e Green HD CNME
6/26/03 528 Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
6/26/03 906 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
6/26/03 722 Oakland Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/26/03 718 Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/27/03 903 E. College Street College Green HD COA
7/10/03 443 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
7/10/03 347 & 341 S. Governor
Street
Governor-Lucas CD
COA
H-6
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
7/24/03 528 Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
7/24/03 1005 Muscatine Ave. Colle e Hill CD COA
7/28/03 815 N. Linn Street Brown Street HD CNME
8/14/03 222 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/14/03 511 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/21/03 6 S. Johnson Street Colle e Hill CD COA
8/28/03 721 Brown Street Brown Street HD CNME
8/28/03 528 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
8/28/03 842 Rundell Street Dearborn Street CD COA
8/28/03 1229 E. Burlin ton Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
9/2/03 518 S. Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
9/23/03 1026 Washin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
10/3/03 511 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
10/3/03 1129-1129 1/2 E. Colle e St East Colle e Street HD CNME
10/3/03 1316 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
12/3/03 410 S. Lucas Governor-Lucas CD CNME
12/3/03 1501 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
1/27/04 1220 Sheridan Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
2/23/04 1037 Washin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
3/5/04 223 S. Dod e Street Colle e Green HD COA
3/8/04 431 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/22/04 738 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD COA
3/26/04 633 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
3/31/04 617 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/04 614 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
4/7/04 528 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD CNME
4/7/04 304 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD CNME
4/8/04 621 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/13/04 1223 Se mour Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
4/13/04 725 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/19/04 1027 E. Court Street Lon fellow HD CNME
5/4/04 717 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
5/7/04 529 Brown Street Brown Street HD CNME
5/10/04 1102 East Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD CNME
5/13/04 1011 Sheridan Ave Lon fellow HD COA
5/13/04 410 Iowa Ave Unknown Section 106
5/19/04 1152 Court Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/9/04 1025 East Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
6/9/04 728 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD COA
6/9/04 713 South 7th Street Dearborn Street CD COA
6/14/94 725 N. Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
6/16/04 325 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/21/04 831 & 833 Ma and Street Clark Street CD COA
6/28/04 1130 Seymour Avenue Longfellow HD COA
6/28/04 512 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/6/04
1002 E. Washin ton Street
Colle e Hill CD Dangerous
Buildin
H-7
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
7/7/04 513 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD CNME
7/9/04 314 S. Governor Governor-Lucas CD COA
7/15/04 723 Oakland Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
7/15/04 428 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD CNME
7/16/04 1130 Se mour Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
7/21/04 1424 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD CNME
7/29/04 718 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD CNME
8/2/04 724 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/3/04 431 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
8/5/04 676 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
8/12/04 721 Rundell Street Longfellow HD COA
8/17/04 404 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/17/04 542 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/17/04 106 S. Dod e Street Colle e Green HD CNME
8/17/04 1632 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
8/18/04 718 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
9/19/04 525 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD COA
9/23/04 721 N Van Buren Brown Street HD COA
10/5/04 522 S Lucas Governor-Lucas CD COA
10/12/04 1503 Sheridan Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
11/1/04 1120 E Burlin ton Colle e Hill CD CNME
11/8/04 721 N Van Buren Brown Street HD COA
11/11/04 8 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
11/17/04 741 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD COA
12/9/04 701 Oakland Ave Lon fellow HD COA
1/9/05 604 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
1/20/05 807 E. Washin ton East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 924 E. Washin ton East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 932 E. Washin ton East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 807 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 917 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 923 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 927 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
1/26/05 814 Ronalds Street Brown Street HD COA
1/27/05 13 S. Linn Street Historic Landmark COA
1/27/05 1227 Sheridan Ave Lon fellow HD COA
1/27/05 416 S. Summit St Summit Street HD COA
1/28/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
1/28/05 604 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
1/31/05 618-622 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD COA
2/2/05 815 Roosevelt St Lon fellow HD COA
2/3/05 741 Grant St Lon fellow HD CNME
2/7/05 629 Oakland Ave Lon fellow HD COA
2/10/05 409 S. Summit St Summit Street HD COA
2/14/05 611 Oakland Ave Lon fellow HD COA
2/15/05 308 S. Governor St Governor-Lucas CD COA
2/25/05 528 E. Colle e St Colle e Green HD COA
H-8
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
3/2/05 529 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/10/05 732 Dearborn St Dearborn Street CD COA
3/14/05 1157 E. Court St Lon fellow HD CNME
3/15/05 416 S. Summit St Summit Street HD CNME
3/17/05 706 Clark St Clark Street CD COA
3/17/05 531 Clark St Clark Street CD COA
3/18/05 1133 E. Court St Lon fellow HD COA
3/24/05 330 S. Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
3/25/05 415 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/25/05 720 E Washin ton St Colle e Hill CD COA
3/25/05 1223 Seymour Ave Longfellow HD COA
3/29/05 622 Dearborn Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
3/30/05 426 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
3/30/05 921 Bowe Street Summit Street HD CNME
3/31/05 1121 Se mour Ave Lon fellow HD COA
4/4/05 730 Bowe Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
4/5/05 730 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/6/05 818 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/13/05 505 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
4/18/05 1501 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
4/19/05 715 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/20/05 2460 Gilbert Street Historic Landmark COA
4/20/05 1111 Sheridan Ave Lon fellow HD COA
5/2/05 930 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD COA
5/3/05 520 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/4/05 4 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
5/4/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
5/9/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
5/19/05 717 E Washin ton Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/19/05 732 Dearborn St Dearborn Street CD. COA
5/19/05 416 S. Summit St Summit Street HD COA
5/27/05 934 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD COA
6/6/05 619 N. Johnson St Brown Street HD COA
6/13/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
6/14/05 946 Iowa Ave Colle e Hill CD COA
6/14/05 14 N Johnson St Colle e Hill CD COA
6/14/05 718 Dearborn St Dearborn Street CD COA
6/16/05 422 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
6/16/05 328 Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
6/21/05 1527 Muscatine Ave Dearborn Street CD CNME
6/24/05 906 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
6/24/05 1050 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD COA
6/26/05 603 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
7/1/05 1036 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD CNME
7/5/05 426 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
7/11/05 420 S. Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
7/13/05 922 E Colle e Street Colle e Hill CD COA
H-9
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
7/18/05 800 N. Van Buren Historic Landmark CNME
7/20/05 422 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/20/05 533 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/25/05 404 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
8/1/05 435 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
8/8/05 801 Bowe Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
8/9/05 520 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/11/05 415 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/16/05 1016 E Colle e St East Colle e Street HD COA
8/17/05 1039 E. Colle e St East Colle e Street HD COA
8/24/05 1022 E College Street East College Street HD COA
8/29/05 1143 Ma le Street Lon fellow HD COA
8/30/05 1027 E. Colle e St Colle e Hill CD COA
8/31/05 14 N Johnson St Colle e Hill CD COA
8/31/05 328 Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
8/31/05 228 S. Summit St#A-2 Historic Landmark COA
9/2/05 517 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
9/9/05 730 N. Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
9/14/05 415 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
9/16/05 528 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
9/16/05 1015 1/2 Muscatine Colle e Hill CD CNME
9/26/05 923 Dearborn Dearborn Street CD COA
9/26/05 732 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
10/4/05 827 Ma and Street Clark Street CD CNME
10/21/05 528 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
10/31/05 229 S Johnson St Colle e Green HD COA
11/2/05 821 S. 7th Ave Dearborn Street CD COA
11/3/05 315 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
11/9/05 511 Ronalds Street Brown Street HD N/A
1/19/06 1201 Se mour Lon fellow HD COA
1/19/06 315 Brown Brown Street HD COA
2/9/06 1201 Se mour Lon fellow HD COA
3/16/06 520 Governor Governor-Lucas CD COA
3/16/06 517 Grant Lon fellow HD COA
4/3/06 502 Grant Lon fellow HD CNME
4/3/06 228 S. Summit Colle e Hill CD CNME
4/13/06 430 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
4/13/06 220 S. Dod e Colle e Green HD COA
4/13/06 519 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
4/13/06 712 Ronalds Brown Street HD COA
4/13/06 900 N. Johnson Brown Street HD COA
4/19/06 946 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
4/19/06 942 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
4/20/06 928-930 Iowa College Hill CD CNME
4/27/06 1112 E. Court Lon fellow HD COA
4/27/06 621 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
4/27/06 520 Grant Lon fellow HD COA
H-10
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
5/2/06 103 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/2/06 1036 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD CNME
5/2/06 1005 Muscatine Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/3/06 115 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/4/06 946 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 929 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 113 S. Johnson Colle e Green HD COA
5/4/06 942 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 923 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 30 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 617 E. College College Green HD COA
5/4/06 715 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
5/4/06 815 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/8/06 19 Evans Woodlawn HD CNME
5/10/06 805 Washin ton Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/11/06 1135 E. Colle e East Colle e HD COA
5/11/06 811'~~ E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
5/11/06 929 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/18/06 815 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
5/25/06 111 S. Lucas Colle e Hill CD COA
5/25/06 1118 E. Colle e East Colle e HD COA
5/25/06 815 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/26/06 928-930 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/26/06 706 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
5/26/06 115 S. Lucas Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/26/06 815 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD CNME
6/6/06 125 S. Lucas Colle e Hill CD COA
6/7/06 721 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
6/8/06 404 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
6/8/06 628 N. Johnson Brown Street HD COA
6/8/06 5 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
6/8/06 409 Oakland Lon fellow HD COA
6/8/06 942 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
6/9/06 226 S. Johnson Colle e Green HD CNME
6/13/06 18 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD COA
6/13/06 828 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
6/16/06 15 S. Johnson Colle e Hill CD COA
6/22/06 730 N. Linn Brown Street HD COA
6/22/06 929 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
6/22/06 1331 Muscatine Lon fellow HD COA
6/22/06 923 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
6/22/06 727 Dearborn Dearborn Street CD COA
6/22/06 734 Oakland Lon fellow HD COA
6/22/06 1 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
6/22/06 817 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
6/23/06 924 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
6/23/06 906 Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
H-11
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
6/29/06 1015'~~ Muscatine Colle e Hill CD CNME
6/29/06 1025 Burlin ton Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/3/06 527 N. Johnson Historic Landmark CNME
7/7/06 725 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
7/17/06 703 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/17/06 116 S. Dod e Colle e Green HD CNME
7/19/06 906 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
7/19/06 617 Brown Brown Street HD CNME
7/27/06 935 E. Colle e Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/31/06 726 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/31/06 802 E. Washington College Hill CD CNME
7/31/06 938 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
8/10/06 714 Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
8/10/06 728 Grant Lon fellow HD COA
8/10/06 636 S. Governor Governor-Lucas CD COA
8/10/06 1016 E. Colle e East Colle e Historic COA
8/10/06 603 Grant Lon fellow HD CNME
8/10/06 112 S. Summit Summit Street HD CNME
8/10/06 819 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
8/31/06 748 Dearborn Dearborn CD CNME
9/2/06 108 S. Dod e Colle e Green HD CNME
9/2/06 106 S. Dod e Colle e Green HD CNME
9/2/06 127 E. Colle e Historic Landmark CNME
9/14/06 904 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
9/14/06 1030 E. Colle e East Colle e HD CNME
9/15/06 821 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
9/28/06 805 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
9/28/06 14 N. Johnson Colle e Hill CD COA
9/29/06 2 N. Governor Colle e Hill CD CNME
10/5/06 824 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
10/12/06 519 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
10/12/06 721 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
10/12/06 934 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
10/12/06 903 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
10/12/06 834 N. Johnson Brown Street HD COA
10/12/06 1141 E. Colle e East Colle e HD CNME
10/23/06 534 Clark Clark Street CD COA
11/21/06 830 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
11/21/06 428 Clark Clark Street CD COA
11/21/06 946 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
11/21/06 112 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
12/8/06 529 Iowa Ave. Colle e Green HD CNME
12/8/06 601 Oakland Ave. Lon fellow HD CNME
12/14/06 411 S. Governor Governor-Lucas CD COA
12/14/06 921 Burlin ton Summit Street HD COA
12/14/06 701 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
12/14/06 922 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
H-12
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
12/14/06 946 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
12/14/06 942 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
12/14/06 911 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
12/14/06 414 Brown Brown Street HD COA
12/14/06 415 Brown Brown Street HD COA
12/14/06 422 Brown Brown Street HD COA
12/14/06 414 and 418 Brown Brown Street HD COA
12/14/06 17 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD COA
H-13
Design Review Cases Sorted by Landmark, District or Program
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
6/11/96 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
8/12/97 209 E Washin ton Historic Landmark CNME
9/9/97 604 Iowa Avenue Historic Landmark COA
10/14/97 115 Wri ht Street Historic Landmark CNME
1/30/98 130 E Jefferson Street Historic Landmark COA
2/10/98 220 E Jefferson Street Historic Landmark COA
6/11/98 130 E Jefferson Street Historic Landmark COA
10/1/98 127 E. Colle e Street Historic Landmark COA
5/5/99 935 E. Colle e Street Historic Landmark CNME
6/8/99 524 N. Johnson Street Historic Landmark CNME
12/9/99 117 N. Linn Street Historic Landmark COA
4/13/00 9 S. Linn Street Historic Landmark COA
6/23/00 219 N. Gilbert Street Historic Landmark CNME
9/13/01 307 E. Colle e Street Historic Landmark COA
4/10/03 503 Melrose Ave. Historic Landmark COA
1/27/05 13 S. Linn Street Historic Landmark COA
1/28/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
4/20/05 2460 Gilbert Street Historic Landmark COA
5/4/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
5/9/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
6/13/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark COA
7/18/05 800 N. Van Buren Historic Landmark CNME
8/31/05 228 S. Summit St#A-2 Historic Landmark COA
7/3/06 527 N. Johnson Historic Landmark CNME
9/2/06 127 E. Colle e Historic Landmark CNME
6/14/94 725 N. Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
7/29/94 315 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/14/95 325 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
6/13/95 314 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/11/95 314 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/8/95 715 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
9/12/95 827 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
9/12/95 519 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
9/19/95 519 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/10/95 821 Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
11/14/95 715 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
11/14/95 8 Belle Vista Place Brown Street HD COA
12/12/95 632 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
4/11/96 404 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
4/11/96 1 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
4/22/96 632 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/9/96 404 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/20/96 824 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
11/12/96 632 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
H-14
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
11/14/96 715 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
11/14/96 8 Belle Vista Place Brown Street HD COA
4/28/97 603 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/13/97 430 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/12/97 2 Bella Vista Place Brown Street HD COA
9/9/97 530 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/14/97 725 N Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
10/14/97 520 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/23/97 725 N Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
11/4/97 2 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
12/9/97 825 N Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
3/10/98 401 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/9/98 509 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/13/98 414 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
9/13/98 414 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
10/1/98 632 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/23/99 509 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
6/10/99 824 N. Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
7/1/99 821 N. Johnson Street Brown Street HD CNME
8/2/99 325 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/12/99 810 N. Johnson Street Brown Street HD COA
8/31/99 730 N. Van Buren Brown Street HD COA
10/4/99 325 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
12/9/99 328 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
1/13/00 430 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/11/00 720 N. Van Buren Street Brown Street HD COA
8/10/00 8 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
9/14/00 6 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
11/15/00 827 Brown Street Brown Street HD CNME
12/14/00 520 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
2/8/01 801 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/6/01 10 Bella Vista Brown Street HD CNME
5/10/O1 715 N. Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
5/24/01 6 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
6/18/01 8 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
11/27/01 8 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
5/23/02 815 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/23/02 315 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/31/02 530 Brown Street Brown Street HD CNME
9/26/02 900 N. Johnson Street Brown Street HD COA
4/10/03 825 Gilbert Street Brown Street HD COA
6/26/03 801 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/28/03 815 N. Linn Street Brown Street HD CNME
8/14/03 222 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
8/28/03 721 Brown Street Brown Street HD CNME
3/8/04 431 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/31/04 617 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
H-15
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
5/7/04 529 Brown Street Brown Street HD CNME
8/17/04 404 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
9/23/04 721 N Van Buren Brown Street HD COA
11/8/04 721 N Van Buren Brown Street HD COA
11/11/04 8 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
1/26/05 814 Ronalds Street Brown Street HD COA
3/2/05 529 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
3/25/05 415 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/3/05 520 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
5/4/05 4 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
6/6/05 619 N. Johnson St Brown Street HD COA
6/16/05 422 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
7/20/05 422 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
9/9/05 730 N. Linn Street Brown Street HD COA
11/3/05 315 Brown Street Brown Street HD COA
11/9/05 511 Ronalds Street Brown Street HD
1/19/06 315 Brown Brown Street HD COA
4/13/06 712 Ronalds Brown Street HD COA
4/13/06 900 N. Johnson Brown Street HD COA
6/8/06 628 N. Johnson Brown Street HD COA
6/8/06 5 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
6/22/06 730 N. Linn Brown Street HD COA
6/22/06 1 Bella Vista Brown Street HD COA
7/19/06 617 Brown Brown Street HD CNME
10/12/06 834 N. Johnson Brown Street HD COA
12/14/06 414 Brown Brown Street HD COA
12/14/06 415 Brown Brown Street HD COA
12/14/06 422 Brown Brown Street HD COA
12/14/06 414 and 418 Brown Brown Street HD COA
3/28/02 531 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
9/26/02 725 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/14/03 511 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
10/3/03 511 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
5/4/04 717 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
6/21/04 831 & 833 Ma and Street Clark Street CD COA
8/2/04 724 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/17/04 542 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
3/17/05 706 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
3/17/05 531 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/9/05 520 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
8/11/05 415 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
9/14/05 415 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
10/4/05 827 Ma and Street Clark Street CD CNME
3/04 614 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
10/23/06 534 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
11/21/06 428 Clark Street Clark Street CD COA
7/9/98 223 S. Dod e Street Colle e Green HD COA
H-16
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
9/2/98 715 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD CNME
9/10/98 127 E Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
12/9/99 112 S. Dod e Street Colle e Green HD COA
10/8/02 220 S. Johnston Street Colle e Green HD COA
6/26/03 528 Colle e Street Colle e Green HD CNME
6/26/03 528 Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
6/26/03 906 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
6/27/03 903 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
7/24/03 528 Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
8/28/03 528 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
3/5/04 223 S. Dodge Street College Green HD COA
4/7/04 528 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD CNME
8/17/04 106 S. Dod e Street Colle e Green HD CNME
2/25/05 528 E. Colle e St Colle e Green HD COA
9/16/05 528 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD COA
10/31/05 229 S Johnson St Colle e Green HD COA
4/13/06 220 S. Dod e Colle e Green HD COA
5/4/06 113 S. Johnson Colle e Green HD COA
5/4/06 617 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
5/4/06 715 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
5/11/06 811'~~ E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
5/26/06 706 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
6/7/06 721 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
6/9/06 226 S. Johnson Colle e Green HD CNME
6/23/06 906 Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
7/7/06 725 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
7/17/06 116 S. Dod e Colle e Green HD CNME
7/19/06 906 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
8/10/06 714 Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
9/2/06 108 S. Dod e Colle e Green HD CNME
9/2/06 106 S. Dod e Colle e Green HD CNME
10/5/06 824 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD CNME
10/12/06 721 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
10/12/06 903 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
11/21/06 830 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
12/8/06 529 Iowa Ave. Colle e Green HD CNME
12/14/06 701 E. Colle e Colle e Green HD COA
10/14/97 200 S Summit Street Colle e Hill CD COA
10/11/O1 935 E. Colle e Street Colle e Hill CD COA
4/10/03 14 N. Dod e Street Colle e Hill CD COA
5/5/03 1120 E. Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
5/8/03 1030 E. Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
6/5/03 1030 E. Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
6/11/03 1107 E. Burlington Street College Hill CD COA
7/24/03 1005 Muscatine Ave. Colle e Hill CD COA
8/21/03 6 S. Johnson Street Colle e Hill CD COA
9/23/03 1026 Washin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
H-17
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
2/23/04 1037 Washin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
6/9/04 1025 East Burlin ton Street Colle e Hill CD COA
7/6/04
1002 E. Washin ton Street
Colle e Hill CD Dangerous
Bld
9/19/04 525 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD COA
11/1/04 1120 E Burlington College Hill CD CNME
1/31/05 618-622 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD COA
3/25/05 720 E Washin ton St Colle e Hill CD COA
5/2/05 930 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD COA
5/19/05 717 E Washin ton Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/27/05 934 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD COA
6/14/05 946 Iowa Ave Colle e Hill CD COA
6/14/05 14 N Johnson St Colle e Hill CD COA
7/13/05 922 E Colle e Street Colle e Hill CD COA
8/30/05 1027 E. Colle e St Colle e Hill CD COA
8/31/05 14 N Johnson St Colle e Hill CD COA
9/16/05 1015 1/2 Muscatine Colle e Hill CD CNME
4/3/06 228 S. Summit Colle e Hill CD CNME
4/19/06 946 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
4/19/06 942 Iowa College Hill CD CNME
4/20/06 928-930 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/2/06 103 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/2/06 1005 Muscatine Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/3/06 115 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/4/06 946 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 929 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 942 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 923 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 30 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD COA
5/4/06 815 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/10/06 805 Washin ton Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/11/06 929 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/18/06 815 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
5/25/06 111 S. Lucas Colle e Hill CD COA
5/25/06 815 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
5/26/06 115 S. Lucas Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/26/06 815 E. Washin on Colle e Hill CD CNME
5/26/06 928-930 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
6/6/06 125 S. Lucas Colle e Hill CD COA
6/8/06 942 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
6/13/06 18 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD COA
6/13/06 828 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
6/16/06 15 S. Johnson Colle e Hill CD COA
6/22/06 929 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
6/22/06 923 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
6/22/06 817 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
6/23/06 924 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
H-18
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
6/29/06 1015'~~ Muscatine Colle e Hill CD CNME
6/29/06 1025 Burlin ton Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/17/06 703 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/27/06 935 E. Colle e Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/31/06 726 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/31/06 802 E. Washin on Colle e Hill CD CNME
7/31/06 938 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
8/10/06 819 Iowa Colle e Hill CD CNME
9/14/06 904 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
9/15/06 821 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
9/28/06 805 E. Washington College Hill CD COA
9/28/06 14 N. Johnson Colle e Hill CD COA
9/29/06 2 N. Governor Colle e Hill CD CNME
10/12/06 934 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
11/21/06 946 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
12/14/06 922 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
12/14/06 946 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
12/14/06 942 Iowa Colle e Hill CD COA
12/14/06 911 E. Washin ton Colle e Hill CD COA
12/14/06 17 S. Governor Colle e Hill CD COA
8/31/06 748 Dearborn Dearborn Street CD CNME
6/13/02 623 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD COA
4/24/03 826 Rundell Street Dearborn Street CD COA
8/28/03 842 Rundell Street Dearborn Street CD COA
3/22/04 738 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD COA
6/9/04 728 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD COA
6/9/04 713 South 7th Street Dearborn Street CD COA
7/29/04 718 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD CNME
11/17/04 741 Dearborn Street Dearborn Street CD COA
3/10/05 732 Dearborn St Dearborn Street CD COA
6/14/05 718 Dearborn St Dearborn Street CD COA
6/21/05 1527 Muscatine Ave Dearborn Street CD CNME
9/26/05 923 Dearborn Dearborn Street CD COA
11/2/05 821 S. 7th Ave Dearborn Street CD COA
5/19/05 732 Dearborn St Dearborn Street CD COA
6/22/06 727 Dearborn Dearborn Street CD COA
5/11/06 1135 E. Colle e East Colle e Street HD COA
5/25/06 1118 E. Colle e East Colle e Street HD COA
8/10/06 1016 E. Colle e East Colle e Street HD COA
9/14/06 1030 E. Colle e East Colle e Street HD CNME
1/20/05 807 E. Washin ton East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 924 E. Washin ton East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 932 E. Washin ton East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 807 E. College Street East College Street HD COA
1/20/05 917 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 923 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
1/20/05 927 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
H-19
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
6/24/05 906 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
5/13/97 1113 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
6/10/97 200 S. Summit Street East Colle e Street HD COA
10/14/97 1113 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD CNME
10/14/97 1113 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD CNME
10/14/97 200 S Summit Street East Colle e Street HD COA
4/15/99 1117 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
10/14/99 1106 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
5/11/00 1034 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
6/1/00 1107 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD CNME
9/14/00 1122 E. College Street East College Street HD COA
2/13/03 1016 E. Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
10/3/03 1129-1129 1/2 E. Colle e St East Colle e Street HD CNME
5/10/04 1102 East Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD CNME
8/16/05 1016 E Colle e St East Colle e Street HD COA
8/17/05 1039 E. Colle e St East Colle e Street HD COA
8/24/05 1022 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
10/21/05 528 E Colle e Street East Colle e Street HD COA
10/12/06 1141 E. Colle e East Colle e Street HD CNME
5/31/01 329 S. Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
9/13/01 426 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
7/13/02 509 Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
8/21/02 528 Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
10/27/02 347 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
11/14/02 656 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
1/23/03 656 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
7/10/03 443 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
7/10/03 347 & 341 S. Governor
Street
Governor-Lucas CD
COA
8/28/03 1229 E. Burlin ton Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
9/2/03 518 S. Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
12/3/03 410 S. Lucas Governor-Lucas CD CNME
3/26/04 633 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
7/9/04 314 S. Governor Governor-Lucas CD COA
8/5/04 676 S. Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
10/5/04 522 S Lucas Governor-Lucas CD COA
2/15/05 308 S. Governor St Governor-Lucas CD COA
3/24/05 330 S. Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
3/29/05 622 Dearborn Street Governor-Lucas CD CNME
4/4/05 730 Bowe Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
6/16/05 328 Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
7/11/05 420 S. Lucas Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
8/8/05 801 Bowe Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
8/31/05 328 Governor Street Governor-Lucas CD COA
3/16/06 520 Governor Governor-Lucas CD COA
8/10/06 636 S. Governor Governor-Lucas CD COA
12/14/06 411 S. Governor Governor-Lucas CD COA
H-20
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
4/25/02 1178 Court Street Lon fellow HD COA
5/23/02 1133 Ma le Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/13/02 614 Oakland Ave. Lon fellow HD COA
4/10/03 1121 Se mour Ave. Lon fellow HD COA
5/22/03 732 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/5/03 748 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/26/03 722 Oakland Street Lon fellow HD COA
10/3/03 1316 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
12/3/03 1501 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
1/27/04 1220 Sheridan Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
4/13/04 1223 Seymour Avenue Longfellow HD COA
4/19/04 1027 E. Court Street Lon fellow HD CNME
5/13/04 1011 Sheridan Ave Lon fellow HD COA
5/19/04 1152 Court Street Lon fellow HD COA
6/28/04 1130 Se mour Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
7/15/04 723 Oakland Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
7/16/04 1130 Se mour Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
7/21/04 1424 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD CNME
8/3/04 431 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
8/12/04 721 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
8/17/04 1632 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
10/12/04 1503 Sheridan Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
12/9/04 701 Oakland Ave Lon fellow HD COA
1/9/05 604 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
1/27/05 1227 Sheridan Ave Lon fellow HD COA
1/28/05 604 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
2/2/05 815 Roosevelt St Lon fellow HD COA
2/3/05 741 Grant St Lon fellow HD CNME
2/7/05 629 Oakland Ave Lon fellow HD COA
2/14/05 611 Oakland Ave Lon fellow HD COA
3/14/05 1157 E. Court St Lon fellow HD CNME
3/18/05 1133 E. Court St Lon fellow HD COA
3/25/05 1223 Se mour Ave Lon fellow HD COA
3/30/05 426 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
3/31/05 1121 Se mour Ave Lon fellow HD COA
4/13/05 505 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
4/18/05 1501 Center Avenue Lon fellow HD COA
4/20/05 1111 Sheridan Ave Lon fellow HD COA
6/26/05 603 Rundell Street Lon fellow HD COA
7/5/05 426 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
8/1/05 435 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
8/29/05 1143 Ma le Street Lon fellow HD COA
9/2/05 517 Grant Street Lon fellow HD COA
9/26/05 732 Grant Street Longfellow HD COA
1/19/06 1201 Se mour Lon fellow HD COA
2/9/06 1201 Se mour Lon fellow HD COA
3/16/06 517 Grant Lon fellow HD COA
H-21
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
4/3/06 502 Grant Lon fellow HD CNME
4/27/06 1112 E. Court Lon fellow HD COA
4/27/06 520 Grant Lon fellow HD COA
6/8/06 409 Oakland Lon fellow HD COA
6/22/06 1331 Muscatine Lon fellow HD COA
6/22/06 734 Oakland Lon fellow HD COA
8/10/06 603 Grant Lon fellow HD CNME
8/10/06 728 Grant Lon fellow HD COA
12/14/06 601 Oakland Ave. Lon fellow HD CNME
5/30/95
1328 Muscatine Ave Longfellow HD (Moffat
Cotta e HD)
COA
06/16/87 533 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
09/26/88 430 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
12/22/88 602 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
06/12/90 512 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
03/20/91 229 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
05/04/92 406 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
05/04/92 412 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/26/93 331 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
11/1/93 725 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/29/94 430 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
9/13/94 412 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
3/12/96 512 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/11/96 602 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/11/96 802 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/22/96 602 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/11/96 809-811 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
3/11/97 705 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
10/14/97 416 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/9/98 406 S Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/22/98 621 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/9/98 730 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
8/13/98 803 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
10/1/98 536 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
12/12/98 803 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
9/9/99 715 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
5/11/00 715 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
5/11/00 228 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
2/8/01 526 Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/18/01 416 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
8/9/01 710 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
11/27/01 709 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/13/02 430 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD CNME
6/13/02 709 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
10/27/02 718 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/26/03 718 Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/7/04 304 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD CNME
H-22
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
4/8/04 621 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/13/04 725 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/16/04 325 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
6/28/04 512 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/7/04 513 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD CNME
7/15/04 428 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD CNME
8/18/04 718 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
1/27/05 416 S. Summit St Summit Street HD COA
2/10/05 409 S. Summit St Summit Street HD COA
3/15/05 416 S. Summit St Summit Street HD CNME
3/30/05 921 Bowery Street Summit Street HD CNME
4/5/05 730 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/6/05 818 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/19/05 715 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
5/19/05 416 S. Summit St Summit Street HD COA
7/20/05 533 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
7/25/05 404 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD COA
4/13/06 430 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
4/13/06 519 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
4/27/06 621 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
6/8/06 404 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
8/10/06 112 S. Summit Summit Street HD CNME
10/12/06 519 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
11/21/06 112 S. Summit Summit Street HD COA
12/14/06 921 Burlin ton Summit Street HD COA
10/31/89 1011 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD COA
04/3/92 1010 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
5/10/94 1041 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
6/14/94 1041 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
5/9/95 1025 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
6/13/95 1041 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
10/19/95 1033 Woodlawn Ave Woodlawn HD COA
5/14/96 1025 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD COA
10/23/96 1050 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD COA
4/15/99 1041 Woodlawn Ave. Woodlawn HD COA
4/24/03 19 Evans Street Woodlawn HD COA
6/24/05 1050 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD COA
7/1/05 1036 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD CNME
5/2/06 1036 Woodlawn Woodlawn HD CNME
5/8/06 19 Evans Woodlawn HD CNME
12/19/85 602 Clark Street CDBG Section 106
12/19/85 718 Rundell Street CDBG Section 106
12/15/86 924 E. Bloomington Street CDBG Section 106
06/09/87 19 Evans Street CDBG Section 106
06/09/87 524 E. Ronalds Street CDBG Section 106
09/28/88 728 E. Bowe Street CDBG Section 106
H-23
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
03/08/89 730 E. Burlin on Street CDBG Section 106
04/12/89 717 E. Bloomin ton Street CDBG Section 106
06/03/90 821 E. Church Street CDBG Section 106
06/03/90 821 E. Church Street CDBG Section 106
07/06/90 711 E. Bloomin ton Street CDBG Section 106
12/26/90 824 E. Colle e Street CDBG Section 106
05/13/91 416 S. Dod e Street CDBG Section 106
05/28/92 1011 Sheridan Avenue CDBG Section 106
02/24/86 930 E. Colle e Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
12/22/86 314 S. Governor Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
08/13/87 117 N. Lucas Street Comprehensive Rehab Section 106
07/06/88 723 Oakland Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
08/19/88 813 3rd Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
08/19/88 1900-02 Muscatine Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/15/88 739 Kirkwood Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/15/88 724 E. Ronalds Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/15/88 847 Rundell Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
04/18/89 815 Iowa Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
04/18/89 817 Iowa Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
04/18/89 431 N. Lucas Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
04/18/89 2118 F Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
06/06/90 1303 1st Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
07/27/90 944 Miller Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
08/31/90 631 N. Dod e Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/19/90 619 N. Johnson Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/24/90 919 N. Gilbert Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
09/24/90 916 N. Govemor Street Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
05/06/91 626 Oakland Ave. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
05/13/91 1900 Rochester Ct. Com rehensive Rehab Section 106
06/14/91 524 N. Governor Street Emer enc Re air Section 106
07/11/85 511 3rd Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
11/07/85 515 Oakland Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
12/19/85 725 E. Daven ort Street Housin Rehab Section 106
04/15/86 808 6th Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
06/16/86 609 1st Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
10/10/86 226 Orchard Ct. Housin Rehab Section 106
10/10/86 1502 Yewell Street Housin Rehab Section 106
10/15/86 712 Iowa Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
02/02/87 1813 G Street Housin Rehab Section 106
04/27/87 619 Dearbom Housin Rehab Section 106
04/27/87 1908 F Street Housin Rehab Section 106
06/11/87 712 Dearbom Housin Rehab Section 106
07/10/87 1326 Muscatine Housin Rehab Section 106
08/26/87 708 Iowa Ave. Housing Rehab Section 106
07/06/88 617 Keokuk Ct. Housin Rehab Section 106
07/06/88 431 Oakland Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
08/25/88 501 Oakland Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
H-24
Date
Address District
Desi nation/Pro ram
Review
03/08/89 841 7th Ave. Housin Rehab Section 106
05/13/91 2128 Friendshi PainUSidin Pro ram Section 106
07/11/85 420 N. Gilbert Street Rental Rehab Section 106
07/11/85 226 S. Johnson Street Rental Rehab Section 106
07/25/85 714-16 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
11/25/85 722 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
12/19/85 1015 Muscatine Rental Rehab Section 106
01/07/86 918 E. Bloomin ton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
01/08/86 942 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
02/26/86 1011 E. Washin ton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/15/86 424 E. Jefferson Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/16/86 1168 E. Court Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/28/86 1010-1010''/2 E. Fairchild
Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/16/86 602 S. Dubu ue Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/16/86 712 E. Fairchild Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/16/86 403 S. Lucas Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/19/86 119-121 N. Lucas Street Rental Rehab Section 106
07/15/86 640 S. Lucas Street Rental Rehab Section 106
09/08/86 721-31 E. Washington
Street Rental Rehab Section 106
03/20/87 614 N. Johnson Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/29/87 412 N. Dubu ue Street Rental Rehab Section 106
06/29/87 715 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
08/26/87 1117 E. Colle e Street Rental Rehab Section 106
10/20/87 914 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
12/14/87 631 E. Daven ort Street Rental Rehab Section 106
03/17/88 120 N. Governor Street Rental Rehab Section 106
04/12/88 212.5 S. Clinton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
05/23/88 210.5 S. Clinton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
07/06/88 819 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
08/02/88 830 E. Colle e Street Rental Rehab Section 106
09/28/88 714 N. Linn Street Rental Rehab Section 106
12/13/88 718 N. Gilbert Street Rental Rehab Section 106
02/14/89 809 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
03/08/89 915 2nd Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
03/08/89 820 Iowa Ave. Rental Rehab Section 106
03/09/89 509 S. Linn Street Rental Rehab Section 106
09/05/89 28-28.5 N. Gilbert Street Rental Rehab Section 106
10/22/90 435-437 S. Summit Street Rental Rehab Section 106
11/08/90 529 E. Brown Street Rental Rehab Section 106
12/21/90 400 N. Clinton Street Rental Rehab Section 106
05/06/91 229 S. Summit Street Rental Rehab Section 106
11/07/85 409 7th Ave. Weatherization loan Section 106
5/13/04 410 Iowa Ave Unknown Section 106
H-25
Chronological List of Design Review Case Denials
Date Address Desi nation Action
4/30/03 520 Grant Street Longfellow HD Denial
5/13/03 815-17 S. Summit Street Summit Street HD Denial
7/11/03 520 Grant Street Lon fellow HD Denial
10/13/03 702 E. Washin ton Street Colle e Hill CD Denial
10/27/03 1129 E. Colle e Street East Colle e HD Denial
10/27/03 702 E. Washin ton Street Colle e Hill CD Denial
1/25/05 604 Grant Street Lon fellow HD Denial
2/11/05 503 Melrose Avenue Historic Landmark Denial
2/11/05 13 S. Linn Street Historic Landmark Denial
4/18/05 426 Grant Street Lon fellow HD Denial
4/18/05 1121 Se mour Street Lon fellow HD Denial
7/8/05 946 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD Denial
9/14/05 517 Grant Street Lon fellow HD Denial
4/25/06 830 Bowe Street Governor-Lucas CD Denial
6/22/06
228 S. Summit Street Historic Landmark/College
Hill CD
Denial
9/29/06 822 Rundell Street Dearborn Street CD Denial
10/11/06 923 Iowa Avenue Colle e Hill CD Denial
10/26/06 830 E. Colle e Street Colle e Green HD Denial
H-26
Appendix I: Historic Preservation Award Winners, 1983-2006
Appendix I: Historic Preservation Award Winners
1983-2006
I. Preservation Person of the Year/Margaret Nowysz Award Recipients: 1984-2006
1984 -Fred Kent-Former University of Iowa photographer
1985 -Irving Weber-Iowa City historian and newspaper columnist
1986 -Individuals who fought to save Old Brick: Emil and Margaret Trott; Jim Harris; Joseph and Tillie Baker; and
Charles and Dorothy Whipple
1987 -Margaret Keyes-Director of the restoration of Old Capitol and author
1988 -Margaret Nowysz-First chairperson of Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
1989 - No award made
1990 -Sandra Eskin-Historic preservation advocate
1991 -Robert J. Burns-Johnson County Supervisor
1992 -Steve van der Woude-President of Friends of Historic Preservation and former Historic Preservation
Commissioner
1993 -Marlys Svendsen, Historic Preservation Consultant
1994 -Jan Nash, Historic Preservation Consultant
1995 - No award made
1996 - Ginny Blair-Preservation Volunteer & Activist
1997 -Douglas Russell and Susan Licht Historic Preservation Commission Members
1998 - No award made
1999 -Betty Kelly-Historic Preservation Commission Member
2000 - Marybeth Slonneger-Goosetown Historian, Author
2001- Englert Theater Civic Group
2002 - No award made
2003 - No award made
2004 - No award made
2005 - No award made
2006 - No award made
I-1
II. Historic Preservation Award Recipients: 1983-2006
December 14, 1983
Shimek School, 928 N. Dodge St.-Rosalie & James Seeks
Close House, 538 S. Gilbert St.-Charles Skaugstad Family
Old U. S. Post Office, 28 S. Linn St.-Iowa City Senior Center
January 9, 1985
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Depot, 119 Wright St.-Ralph Neuzil and Dale Sanderson
Rocky Rococo Pizza, 118 S. Dubuque St.- Richard Kruse, AIA
Verna Goodner House, 230 S. Dodge St.-Steve Schneberger
West Terrace of Old Capitol, University of Iowa Campus-Dr. Margaret Keyes
January 23. 1986
403 Melrose Avenue-Mace Braverman
1047 Woodlawn-Gerald and Sandra Eskin
417 Brown St.-Stephen Foster and Estera Milman
505 E. College St.-Mid-Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center
January 28, 1987
Brewery Square, 117 N. Linn St.-Arthur Koffron, KNV Architects
Commerce Center, 325 E. Washington St.-Southgate Development Co.
Marvin Dawson House, 922 E. Bowery St.-John Loomis
Ewers Men's Store, 28 S. Clinton-Richard H. Kruse, Rust & Kruse, Architects
Arthur Hillyer Ford House, 228 Brown St.-Jacqueline Peterson
1011 E. Washington St.-Beverly Whiting
Mav 11. 1988
Barnes-Crowley House, 614 N. Johnson-Mr. & Mrs. Roger Anderson
405 S. Summit-Mr. & Mrs. David Jepsen
Fairall House, 412 S. Summit Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Pieper
Paul-Helen Building, 209 E. Washington
Old Davis Hotel, 332 E. Washington St.-Bruce Glasgow
Breneman Seed Building, 401 S. Gilbert-Benjamin Chait
340 E. Burlington St.-Jim Glasgow
Iowa Avenue Bridge-Shive-Hattery Engineers & Architects
Mav 17. 1989
Old Kirkwood School, 650 Kirkwood Ave.-Keith Achepohl
Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 S. Gilbert-Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City
Johnson County Courthouse, 417 S. Clinton St.-Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Hutchinson-Kuhl House, 119 Park Road-University of Iowa Press
410 Iowa Ave.-United Action for Youth, Inc.
1024 E. Jefferson St. and 225 N. Governor St.-Ron Johnson
1123 E. College St.-Frank Gersh and Martha Gordon
May 16, 1990
322 E. Bloomington St.-Howard Carrol
Courtroom, Johnson County Courthouse, 417 S. Dubuque-Johnson County Board of Supervisors
830 E. College St.-Mary Griswald (Honorable Mention)
430 S. Lucas St.-Carolyn Steward Dyer (Labor of Love)
I-2
1016 Bloomington St.-Mark & Debra Kummer (Honorable Mention)
Czecho Slovakian Association Hall, 524 N. Johnson-Preucil School of Music (Honorable Mention)
First United Methodist Church, 214 E. Jefferson (Honorable Mention)
Mav 15, 1991
1011 Woodlawn Ave.-Sandra Eskin
Johnson County Asylum, West Melrose Ave.-Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Alpha Phi Sorority House, 906 E. College St.-Alpha Phi House Corporation Board (Honorable Mention)
529 Brown St.-Steve van der Woude (Honorable Mention)
906 S. Lucas St.-Jerome Full (Honorable Mention)
Mav 13. 1992
437 S. Summit St.-Catherine and John Shaw
Larew Law Office-504 E. Bloomington St.-James Larew, Esq.
330 S. Summit St.-John and Kerstin Van Gilder (Honorable Mention)
225 E. Fairchild St.-George and Wilma Blair (Honorable Mention)
431 Brown St.-Wendy Deutelbaum and Adelaide Morris (Honorable Mention)
Mav 12, 1993
Painting & Exterior Finishes
406 S. Summit-Fredrick Goodman & Kathleen O'Hara
447 S. Summit-James & Mary McCue
705 S. Summit-Rudolf & Cecile Kuenzli
709 S. Summit-John & Mary Blegen
208 Fairchild-Sarah Smith
Residential Rehabilitation/Construction
1041 Woodlawn-Paul Weller & Sara Rynes-Weller
410 N. Lucas-Kenneth & Mary Beth Slonneger
704 Clark-Ginnie Blair, Heidi Lauritzen
1010 Woodlawn-Peter & Grace Jochimsen (Special Merit)
437 Garden-Chris Wasta & Julie Noel (Special Merit)
Commercial Rehabilitation/Construction
538 S. Gilbert-The Mansion-Charles Skaugstad
203 N. Linn-Ordinary Bike Shop-Mike Hodge (Special Merit)
Public
Evans St. Bridge-City of Iowa City Public Works Dept.
Mav 11, 1994
Painting & Exterior Finishes
1131 Davenport Street-Gregory & Jennifer Jones
430 N. Dodge Street Paul Cunliffe & Robert Thompson
943 Iowa Avenue-Marjorie Jones
1036 Woodlawn Avenue-Lee & Linda Shope
923 Washington Street-Margery Stell
14 S. Governor Street Mary & Osha Gray Davidson
806 Kirkwood Avenue-J. Thomas & Debra Lee
Residential Rehabilitation/Construction
1202 Friendly Avenue-Patricia Lohmann & Jim Herd
417 Brown Street-Arline & Make Lewis-Beck (Special Merit)
800 N. Van Buren Street-Gay Rodgers (Special Merit)
I-3
814 Dewey Street Mary & Peter Taft (Special Merit)
915 Blooming Street-Joy Smith & David Rust (Special Merit)
May 17, 1995
Painting & Exterior Finishes
728 Fairchild-Charles A. & Nancy F. Hindes
747 W. Benton-William G. & Barbara M Buss
1128 Seymour Ave.-Margaret G. Lawrenson
530 Ronalds-Matthew A. Lage & Robert Miklo
603 Grant Philip R. Gabe & Patricia A. Edwards
1307 Rochester-Robert J. Deschenes
828 N. Dodge-J. Nicholas Russo & Patricia Gonzalez
20 Evans-Monica, Marc & Michael Moen
319 E. Bloomington-A.W. Insurance Group
Residential Rehabilitation/Construction
420 E. Jefferson-Ronald F. Johnson & Kay Radke-Johnson
725 N. Linn-Barbara A. Schwartz (Special Merit)
826 Roosevelt Stephen B. Dunbar & Sally A. Hartman (Special Merit)
602 Clark-Mary Coldren Home Corp. (Special Merit)
1041 Woodlawn-Paul Weller & Sara L. Rynes-Weller (Special Merit)
629 N. Linn-Steven J. & Barbara J. van der Woude (Special Merit)
109 E. Market Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Iowa City (Special Merit)
May 15, 1996
Painting & Exterior Finishes
428 S. Summit Hank & Mary Anne Madden
521 N. Van Buren Street-Gary & Terri Neuzil
416 Grant Street Barbara Ney & Dan Brock
628 N. Lucas Street J. W. & E.E. Palik
430 Brown Street Mark McCallum
1900 N. Dubuque Street John & Debra Brandt
114 N. Governor Street Frank & Barbara Wagner
Residential Rehabilitation/Construction
1011 Sheridan Avenue-Jody & Michael Gunn
314 Brown Street-Dean & Margaret Corbae (Special Merit)
519 Brown Street Steve van der Woude (Special Merit)
412 S. Summit Street-Steven Bloom & Iris Frost (Special Merit)
Institutional or Commercial Rehabilitation/Construction
320 E. College Street-Trinity Church
102 Church Street University of Iowa (Special Merit)
319 E. Washington Street-Press Citizen Building Limited Partnership (Special Merit)
624 S. Clinton Street-John Roffman (Special Merit)
Special Recognition Award
412 Church Street Friends of Historic Preservation
May 14, 1997
Painting & Exterior Finishes
115 N. Gilbert Street-Steve & Barbara van der Woude
421 S. Lucas Street Margaret Frueholz
2131 D Street Mark Wagner
1017 Bowery Street-Joseph Blair & Robin Ballard Simeonsson
I-4
430 N. Gilbert Street-Victoria Walton
460 Wales Street-Susan Brigham
824 N. Gilbert Street-Paula & Lowell Brandt
510 S. Governor Street-Robert & Lorraine Bowans
Commercial/Institutional
619 N. Linn Street Clarence & Dorothy Haverkamp-Haverkamp Bed & Breakfast
219 N. Clinton Street-University of Iowa-Shambaugh House(Special Merit)
220 E. Jefferson Street St. Mary's Church (Special Merit)
24 N. Van Buren Street-Danette & John Raley-Office/Apartment Complex (Special Merit)
Residential Rehabilitation/Construction
801 S. Summit Street-Roffman Construction & Veronica Vieland
222 N. Governor Street-Steve & Barbara van der Woude
1033 Woodlawn Street Iver H. & Ann M Cairns(Special Merit)
1009 E. College Street Julia Hagstrom & Thomas Wendt (Special Merit)
722 N. Lucas Street Douglas R. Russell (Special Merit)
1813 CStreet-Geoffrey & Amy Lauer (Special Merit)
722 Kirkwood Avenue-Mark & Karen Mannes & Joe Duffy (Special Merit)
May 13, 1998
Painting & Exterior Finishes
1520 Dubuque Road-Todd & Sue Gordon
229 Melrose Court Mark McKinstry
119 Evans Street Aminta Perez & Susan Paul
120 Fairchild Street Elizabeth A. & Duane E. Means
116 S. Dodge Street Heidi & Eric Brodersen
402 S. Linn Street Dan Bray and Lori Klockau
1030 Bowery Street James Majusiak and Marta Heffner
Rehabilitation
1022 E. College Street-Doug & Bev Weismann
603 S. Summit Street-Dennis J. Hutton
901 E. Bloomington Street Charles Larson and Patrick Deming; Steve & Barbara van der Woude
809 E. Bloomington Street-Karen Leigh & Kevin Callahan
1105 Kirkwood Avenue-Joe & Barbara Ziegler
413-15 Ronalds Street Ron & Kay Johnson
507 N. Clinton Street-University of Iowa
Additions/New Construction
705 S. Summit Street Cecile & Ruedi Kuenzli
603 Brown Street-Catherine Cole & Michael Feiss
503 Melrose Avenue-Iowa City Institution of Religion
1142 E. Court Street-James P. Hayes
May 12, 1999
Painting & Exterior Finishes
1110 E. College Street Steve & Melissa Long
922 Bowery Street Klaus Bielefeldt & Susan Zikmund
1132 E. Burlington Street-Joe & Meg Corbin
632 Brown Street Kevin & Kim Glenn
819 E. Market Street Doris Stormoen & Leslie Schwalm
622 N. Van Buren Street-Joyce A. Daniels
730 Kirkwood Avenue-Brian & Laura Wolf
715 N. Johnson Street-Beth & John Rapson
I-5
Rehabilitation
932 E. College Street-Leighton House L.C. (John W. Phipps & Diana K Phipps)
130 E. Jefferson Street Michael & David Hodge
526 N. Linn Street Tim & Ruth Toomey
1016 E. College Street-Hillary Sale & Ned Wood
109 S. Johnson Street-Pamela Michaud
Stewardship
715 E. College Street-James Dixon
Additions/New Construction
1231 E. College Street-Kent & Loretta Angerer
2 Bella Vista-Daissy P. Owen
1217 Rochester Avenue-Larry Baker & Ginger Russell
530 Ronalds Street Robert Miklo & Matthew Lage
419 Beldon Avenue-Kevin Kopelson
216 Magowan Avenue-Ed & Holly Teagle
May 17, 2000
Painting & Exterior Finishes
1113 E. College St.-Brian Mildenstein & Michelle Galvin
419 S. Summit St.-Garrett Stewart & Natasha Durovicova
922 S. Summit St.-Michael & Deborah Benewich
1210 Keokuk St.-Joan VandenBerg & Timothy Kelly
1402 Court St.-Lisabeth Kestel & Mary Morrison
714 N. Johnson St.-Jaqueline Briggs & Eric Gidal
730 Iowa Ave.-Ronald Johnson & Kay Radke-Johnson
1184 Hotz Ave.-Jenean Arnold & Jan Wielert
225 Richards St.-James B. & Sara Jane B. Lindberg
117 Richards St.-Vicky Grube
Rehabilitation
509 Brown St.-Steve & Barbara van der Woude
325 Brown St.-Joni Kinsey
505 E. Washington St.-Lindsley Building Partnership
616 Bloomington St.-Margaret Passeri & C. Anna Most
7 S. Dubuque St.-Rinella Building Partnership
630 N. Van Buren-Ruth & Wayne Osborne
Additions/New Construction
511 Clark St.-Audrey Qualls
Summit Street Bridge-City of Iowa City
650 S. Governor St.-Ginny Blair and Heidi Lauritzen
604 Iowa Ave.-Kim Merker
May 16, 2001
Painting & Exterior Finishes
305 Center St.-Marianne Jones; Goosetown Painting
508 E. Bloomington St.-Darlene Clausen & Alfred J. Marron III; Goosetown Painting
629 Melrose Ave.-Jack & Michaelanne Widnes; Jay Montgomery
718 N. Johnson St.-Susan Shullaw; Steve van der Woude
935 E. College St.-George & Phyllis Lance; Michael Miller, AM. Painting
833 NJohnson-Charles Williams; Charles Williams
808 S. 7th Ave.-Warren Sprouse & Lauri Jennisch; Lammers Construction
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Additions/New Construction in a Historic Setting
112 S. Dodge St.-Jeffrey Lee & Lois Kinchloe Cox; John Loomis
358 Lexington Ave.-John & Virginia Stamler; Thompson Cabinets & Construction
742 S. 7th Ave.-Emily Martin & Nils Varney; Garrett Construction Co.; Cornerstone Restoration
Rehabilitation
523 Grant St.-Timothy Weitzel & Wendy Robertson; Cornerstone Restoration
1109 E. Davenport St.-Kenneth and Marybeth Slonneger; Roger Gwinnup & Son
Porch Rehabilitation
416 Reno St.-Carl & Kate Klaus; Sewell Construction; Hinck/White Construction; Charles Ping &
Ivan Detweiler
Porch Restoration
1029 N. Dodge-Gerald & Mary Ellen Stamp; Cornerstone Restoration
Stewardship
312 E. College St.-Iowa Masonic Temple Association
906 E. College St.-Alpha Phi House Corporation of Iowa City; Steve van der Woude; Knebel Windows
Commercial/Industrial
111 E. College St.-The Field House; Jamie Seydel
May 15, 2002
Johnson County Historic Preservation Award
Fountain Family Cemetary, Pleasant Vallley Township-Joyce Snyder, owner
Paint & Exterior Finishes
328 Jefferson-Steve & Barbara Van der Woude; Steve Van der Woude, Paul Kinney
351 Beldon St.-Marc Abott & Loreen Herwaldt-Abbott; Bokohoven Construction & Patrick Gilpin
413 N. Gilbert-Claire Sponsler & Jeff Porter; Ed Ullrich & Mike Marsh
825 N. Gilbert-Melissa Molleston & Jim Thibodeau; Paul Ruppert & Jay Nelson
Porch Rehabilitation
328 Brown St.-Brian & Dawn Neppel; Chris Tones & Brian & Dawn Neppel
715 N. Gilbert-John Allen & Cinda Tallent Paul Kinney
Remodel
729 Ronalds-Johanna Schoen & Lisa Heineman; Garrett Construction, Tom Lundsen
Rehabilitation
630 Fairchild, RittenmeyerBurger House-Steve & BarbaralVan der Woude; Steve Van der Woude & Paul Kinney
405 Reno, Old Goosetown School-Ken & Marybeth Slonneger; Roger Gwinnup
Addition/New Construction
6 Bella Vista-Herb & Beverly Hovenkamp; Garrett Construction
225 River St.-Sheral & Chris Jensen; Loomis Construction
Commercial: Facade Improvement
126 Washington, One-Twenty-Six Restaurant Lisa & Ken Perez, Dean & Evelyn Oakes; John McHugh, William
Nowyz
Commercial: Rehabilitation
339 N. Riverside, APE House-Cindy Parsons, Jim Peterson; Parsons Properties, John Shaw
Hydraulics Lab-University of Iowa-Larry Wilson, Merit Construction, KJWW Engineering,
Gary Nagle, V.C. Patel
I-7
Old Biology Building-University of Iowa-Larry Wilson, McComas Lacina, Steve Buskman, Jack Lilien, Brooks
Borg Skiles
Commercial: Stewardship
30 N. Clinton St., Congretional Church, United Church of Christ-Rev. Bruce Fisher; Aanestad Construction, James
Barrett
524 N. Johnson St., Pruecil School of Music-Sonja Zeithamel; Conerstone Restoration, Tomlinson-Cannon
May 6, 2003
Stewardship
1110 Kirkwood Street, Gotch-Price House-Richard Wayne
Rehabilitation
512 Church Street-Friends of Historic Preservation; Roger Gwinnup
Porch Rehabilitation
506 Brookland Park Dr.-Paul & Cristina Leonard; Cornerstone Restoration
Paint & Exterior Finishes
10 Bella Vista Place-Vincent Magnotta & Nicole Grosland; Cornerstone Restoration & CPB
Painting and Renovation
1120 Burlington Street-Ronald Bohlken
1136 Burlington Street Kirk Brincks; Classical Painting
1122 E College Street Todd & Carol McCaffferry; Warren Hanlin
1178 Court Street-Ellen Heywood
1040 Court Street Philip & Karen Reisetter
819 Dewey Street-Christopher & Monika Martin; Modern Day Roofing
204 McLean Street Kristen Rummelhart; John Rummelhart, Roy McCoy
510 Ronalds Street Todd Dvorak & Meg Klawiter; Paul Kinney, Straightco Roofing
519 Summit Street David Barker & Sarah Richardson; Classical Painting
Addition/New Construction
419 N. Gilbert-Amelia Baum & Michael Singer; TD Builders
709 Summit Street-Tom Berg; Emerson Andrishok
2155 Prairie du Chien, Sylvanus Johnson House-Natatlie Pearson & Mike Fenneman; D.W. Robinson Construction
Commercial: Stewardship
2 West Jefferson St., Calvin Hall-University of Iowa; Dryspace, Inc.
Commercial: Rehabilitaion
307 E. College, Carnegie Library-James Clark
May 5, 2004
Rehabilitation
1122 E. College Street-Todd & Carol McCafferty
602 Fifth Avenue-Susan Licht; D.W. Robinson Builder
619 Ronalds Street Claude Pujol & Sophie Joly; Steve van der Woude & Paul Kinney
630 N. Van Buren St.-Wayne & Ruth Osborne; Duane Eash, Steve van der Woude
707 Walnut Street Wendiw Schneider & John Monroe; Teagle Construction
Paint & Exterior Finishes
811 Brown Street David & Cecile Goding; CBP Remodeling, Christopher Berg
413 Church Street-Joshua Kaine & Rya Dunnington; Top Shelf Construction, Danforth Johnson
508 Church Street-Bob & Pamela Bulhman; Bob & Alex Bulhman
613 E. College Street-Pamela Smith Michaud; Darryl Bokhoven
1118 Court Street Bonnie & Steve McIntosh; Cornerstone Restoration, Aaron Gwinnup
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1025 Keokuk-Noriko & Russell Ciochon; Busch Construction, Lynch Bros. Painting
818 N. Linn Street Carrie & Timothy Schroeder; Cullen Painting, D& N Fencing
812 S. Summit-Jamie & Jason Powers
424 N. Van Buren St.-LeAnne & Jim Drier; Classical Painting, Wayne Neuzil
1047 Woodlawn-Sandra & Gerald Eskin; Classical Painting
Additions & New Construction
1016 E. College Street-Hilary Sale & Ned Wood; Thompson Cabinets & Construction, Brian
Arnold, John Shaw
623 Dearborn Street Beverly Pennell; Lange Construction
656 S. Governor-Gary Hughes; Matt Tentinger Construction, John Lundh, John Shaw
Commercial: Stewardship
32 S. Clinton Street-Bill & Helen Byington; Cornerstone Restoration, Arron Gwinnup
325 E. Washington, B.P.O.E. Hall-Southgate Development; McComas-Lacina Construction, Rohrbach
Carlson PC
Commercial: Rehabilitation
Old Capitol-University of Iowa, Gary Nagle-Project Manager, Brian Keating-Construction Manager, Wiliam
Wilford-Quality Technician, Jeff Harney-Quality Technician, Ann Smothers-Director, Old Capitol,
Shalla Wilson-Assistant Director, Old Capitol; Knutson Construction, Matt Bulkeley & Amy Boelk, co-
project managers, Jim Mott, Superintendent; OPN Architects, Inc, Bradd Brown, Principle-in-charge, Craig
Novak, project architect, Einhorn-Yaffee-Prescot, David Fixler, Historic Preservation Architect, David Coe,
Historic Preservation Architect
August 3, 2005 (Weber Dais
Rehabilitation
1152 E. Court Street-David Bullwinkle & Rebecca Kowal
1037 E. Washington-Kembrew McLeod & Lynne Nugent
419 N. Van Buren-Aaron & Alesha Packer
925 E. Washington-Friends of Historic Preservation
Paint & Exterior Finishes
714 Brown Street Matt Hayek
725 Summit Street Rixa & Eric Freeze
1106 E. Washington-Jeremy Jackson
109 N. Van Buren St.-Mike & Lisa Haverkamp
1177 E. Court Street-Maracus & Joan Nashelsky
730 S. Summit Street-David & Helene Arkush
Additions & New Construction
227 Ferson-Rudy Colloredo & Franchesca Colloredo-Mansfeld
713 S. 7~' Avenue-Carol Eldeen
514 N. Linn Street W.E. & Patricia Eckhardt
102 Church Street University of Iowa (President's House)
14 N. Dodge Street-Brad & Becky Houser
1303 Ginter-Tim Barrett & Jodie Plumert
Stewardship
806 Kirkwood-Debra Lee
1021 Sheridan-Nick Hotek & Leigh Bradford
Commercial: Rehabilitation
221 E. Washington, Englert Civic Theatre-Beth Bewley-Executive Director
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December 6, 2006
Rehabilitation
416 South Summit St.-Steven G. Bloom & Iris Frost
2 Knollwood Lane-Amy Margolis
Paint & Exterior Finishes
320 Ronalds Street Robert & Rosalie Moninger
1025 Keokuk-Russell and Noriko Ciochon
Additions
210 Richards-Ethan & Barbara Canin
11 Rowland Court-Susan Lawrence & David Manderscheid
815 Roosevelt Michael Wright & Michael Knock
415 Clark St. -Owners: Jan and Bill Dostal
1207 Marcy-Susan & Samuel Mulllins
614 Clark Street-Owners: Mark & Dianna Russo
1006 Friendly-Mark Pitzer & Jodi McBride
Stewardship
Old Capitol Museum, Pentacrest-University of Iowa
800 North Van Buren-Gay Rogers
III. Statistical Summary of Historic Preservation Awards-1983-2006*
Paint/Exterior Rehabilitation Additions/New Residential Total Commercial Commercial Total
Year Finishes Construction Stewardship Residential Rehabilitation Stewardship Commercial
1983 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3
1984 - - - - - - - -
1985 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 3
1986 0 3 0 0 3 1 0 1
1987 0 3 0 0 3 3 0 3
1988 0 3 0 0 3 5 0 5
1989 0 3 0 0 3 5 0 5
1990 0 4 0 0 4 3 0 3
1991 0 3 0 0 3 2 0 2
1992 0 4 0 0 4 1 0 1
1993 5 5 0 0 10 3 0 3
1994 7 5 0 0 12 0 0 0
1995 9 7 0 0 16 0 0 0
1996 7 4 0 0 11 4 0 4
1997 8 7 0 0 15 4 0 4
1998 7 7 4 0 18 0 0 0
1999 8 5 6 1 20 0 0 0
2000 10 6 4 0 20 0 0 0
2001 7 4 3 2 16 1 0 1
2002 4 5 2 0 11 4 2 6
2003 10 2 3 1 16 1 1 2
2004 10 5 3 0 18 1 2 3
2005 6 4 6 2 18 1 0 1
2006 2 2 7 1 12 0 1 1
Totals 100 92 38 7 237 42 6 48
*No awards presented in 1984.
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Appendix J: Related Websites
Appendix J: Related Websites
• Historic and Conservation District Maps -
http://www.ic og v.org/pcd/urban/historicpreservation/maps.asp
Prepared and maintained by Urban Planning Division, Planning and Community
Development Department, City of Iowa City
• Historic Preservation Handbook -
http://www.ic~ov. ors/pcd/urban/hi storicpreservation/handbook. asp
Prepared and maintained by the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission and the
Urban Planning Division, Planning and Community Development Department, City
of Iowa City
• Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission Web Page -
Prepared and maintained by Urban Planning Division, Planning and Community
Development Department, City of Iowa City
http://www.iowa-city.or~/board members.asp?id=16
Title 14: Iowa City Zoning Code -
Including provisions relating to Historic and Conservation District Overlay Zones,
Historic Preservation Commission Approval Procedures, Sensitive Lands and
Features, and Historic Preservation Commission Administration.
Prepared and maintained by Urban Planning Division, Planning and Community
Development Department, City of Iowa City
http://www.ic~ov. ors/pcd/urban/developmentcode.asp
• District Planning for Comprehensive Plan -
Prepared and maintained by Urban Planning Division, Planning and Community
Development Department, City of Iowa City
http://www.ic~ov. ors/pcd/urban/district. asp
• National Register of Historic Places Website -
Maintained by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
http://www.cr.nps. Gov/nr/index.htm
• State Historical Society of Iowa Website -
Statewide Historic Preservation Programs including tax incentive programs, grant
programs, and application forms
http://www. state.ia.us/~overnment/dca/shsi/preservation/index.html
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Appendix K: Tax Incentives for Historic Buildings
Appendix K: Tax Incentives for Historic Buildings
Background:
Over the past several decades, the historic preservation community has experimented and
implemented tax incentives at all levels of government designed to encourage
rehabilitation of historic buildings. There are lessons to be learned in many of these
programs. Designs for the best programs begin with determining what the local
impediments are to historic rehabilitation work and reuse. Tax incentives are aimed at
resolving a range of impediments-both public and privateto development. Although
some issues were identified during the current planning process, others need to be more
fully evaluated. For example, can Iowa City's generally healthy local real estate values
absorb the cost of historic rehabilitation? Can historic rehabilitation projects economically
compete with new construction elsewhere in Iowa City or in adj acent communities? Are
there costs associated with design review that can be off-set by incentives? Is adequate
local capital available for historic rehabilitations or should statewide or national syndication
sources be pursued? Can public tax incentives be developed to give historic rehabilitation
prof ects a competitive advantage? Once answers to these questions are identified, the City
should consider developing a package of tax incentives that benefit from the experience of
other communities and states. i
A. Local Property Tax Abatement
Iowa City currently provides an incentive for rehabilitation of historic buildings through the
City's Urban Revitalization Plan. This program has the potential to abate property tax
increases for rehabilitated buildings in targeted neighborhoods such as the Central
Business District
The programs provide design review protection for historic and architecturally significant
structures by requiring that the Historic Preservation Commission review plans prior to
issuance of a building permit in order for improvements to qualify for tax increment
financing benefits. In addition, new construction that requires the demolition of structures
identified as historic and/or architecturally significant is not eligible for tax abatement or
tax increment financing.
The current City programs provide no greater incentive for historic properties than non-
historic properties. In fact, the measures in place that require design review for historic
resources, though protective, have the potential effect of directing rehabilitation toward
properties without historic buildings that may be less complicated to develop. It is
recommended that this approach to tax abatement within the Urban Renewal Area be
reexamined and an alternative approach be established that couples a) an obligation for
design review with b) a greater financial incentive for rehabilitating historic properties
'Even though some of these measures require action at the state level, they are offered here as
guidance for all of the government agencies involved in their enactment.
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versus non-historic properties in an Urban Renewal Area. Such a measure might include
an extended period of tax abatement for historic buildings or an abatement schedule
similar to that provided under the State's program for "Temporary Property Tax
Exemption for Historic Buildings" (see below).
B. State-wide Tax Abatement
Outside of the Urban Renewal Area, the Code of Iowa provides a state program for
abatement of property taxes for National Register properties that are undergoing
rehabilitation work. Through the "Temporary Historic Property Tax Exemption "program,
the State currently authorizes counties to allow for a temporary property tax exemption for
a period of four years (with a 25% increase in valuation over the next four years until the
new assessed value is reached) for qualifying rehabilitations. Properties must be listed on or
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, contributing to National
Register Historic Districts or local historic districts, or designated by a county or municipal
landmark ordinance. The property must also be eligible based on the specific county's
priority list for that tax year. While all counties are required to offer this exemption, not all
counties have set priorities for the program. The County Board of Supervisors will
establish priorities for which an exemption may be granted and will annually designate real
property in the county for a historic property tax exemption. A public meeting must be
held, with notice given, at which the proposed priority list will be presented.
Through the Temporary Historic Property Tax Exemption program, a local property tax
incentive is limited to the sensitive, "substantial rehabilitation" of historic buildings. The
difficulty of using this program in Iowa City and other urban areas of the state relates to the
high value of real estate. Since a rehabilitation project must be "substantial"an amount
determined by taking the total assessed value of the property less the value of the land or
any depreciation. The relatively high value of all Iowa City real estate makes it rare that
rehabilitations meet the substantial test for non-income generating property such as private
residences. (Don't see how rollback affects value.) Discussion with State Historical Society
staff indicates that the program is used rarely in the state with only a few applications
received annually. It is recommended that Iowa City work with the State staff to identify a
new definition or definitions for "substantial rehabilitation" to make this program more
useful for residential properties. Though such an effort would affect the entire state, it
would be especially important in cities such as Iowa City where real estate values are
higher than in other areas of the state.
C. Tax Abatement Programs in Other States
Alternative approaches for tax abatement seen in other states linked to designation and
other protective measures should be examined in cooperation with the State Historical
Society staff. In these cases tax abatements are not necessarily linked to specific
rehabilitation efforts but instead focus on reducing the amount of property tax owed for
More information on the Iowa "Temporary Historic Property Tax Exemption for Historic
Buildings" program is available from the State Historical Society of Iowa's website at
www. iowahistory. org/preservation/financial_assistance/state~roperty_tax_exemption/property_tax_exem
pt.html; accessed 11/21/06.
K-2
historic properties for a set period of time. Programs in Arizona and California are worth
examining. In these states property tax abatements reduce the amount of property tax owed
for a set period of time. For example, Arizona's State Historic Property Tax program
reduces the property taxes between 35-45%. As a condition of the reduced tax rate, the
owner enters into a 15-year agreement with the state, consenting to maintain their property
according to federal and Arizona State Parks Board standards and limited to property used
for non-income producing activities. No rehabilitation is required to receive the abatement,
but all rehabilitation must meet set standards. California offers a similar program, known as
the Mills Act. Participants may realize property tax savings of 40% to 60% each year, in
exchange for a pledge to rehabilitate and maintain the historical and architectural character
of their properties for at least a ten-year period.
Other states have taken an even more aggressive approach by establishing property tax
freezes for all properties in a designated area rather than tax abatement for individual
properties. For example, both South Dakota and Illinois allow for an eight year freeze on
the assessed valuation of the historic property. The valuation then is brought back to market
level over a period of four years. In Denver, Colorado, property taxes for buildings
included in the Downtown Denver Historic District were capped at the 19991eve1 for 20
years as a way to directly lower the costs of owning a historic building and removing some
of the development pressure on these resources. The tax freeze was linked to local
designation of the Downtown Denver Historic District and was a key element in gaining
support.
D. Federal Tax Credits3
Jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Internal Revenue Service in
partnership with the State Historical Society of Iowa, the federal Historic Preservation
Tax Incentives program rewards private investment in rehabilitating historic buildings.
The program includes two levels of tax credits20% and 10%. The credits lower the
amount of tax owed (as opposed to a tax deduction that lowers the amount of taxable
income). In general, a dollar of tax credit reduces the amount of income tax owed by one
dollar.
The 20% rehabilitation tax credit is available for certified rehabilitations (i.e., consistent
with the Secretary of the Interior's standards) of a certified historic structure (e.g., those
listed individually on the National Register, as contributing buildings in National Register
Historic Districts, and many structures listed on the State Register or locally designated).
The 20% credit is available for income-producing properties (including rental housing), but
it is not available for properties used exclusively as the owner's private residence. The
rehabilitation must exceed the greater of $5,000 or the adjusted basis of the building and its
structural components. The adjusted basis is generally the purchase price, minus the cost of
land, plus improvements already made, minus depreciation already taken. Once the
substantial rehabilitation test is met, all qualified expenditures, including those incurred
outside of the measuring period, qualify for the credit.
3Information in this section is based on the National Park Service's webpage at:
http : //www . c r. np s . gov/hp s /TP S /tam.
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The 10% rehabilitation tax credit is available for the rehabilitation ofnon-historic buildings
placed in service before 1936. The rehabilitation must be substantial, exceeding either
$5,000 or the adjusted basis of the property, whichever is greater. The 10% credit applies
only to buildings rehabilitated for non-residential uses. Rental housing and owner-occupied
housing does not qualify.
Ongoing promotion of both the 20% and 10% rehabilitation tax credits should be
undertaken by the HPC as well as the staff for the City's Economic Development Division,
Friends of Historic Preservation, the Downtown Association, and the Cultural and
Entertainment District.
E. State Tax Credits:4
The Iowa State Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program for Statewide Projects
provides fora 25% credit for certain rehabilitation projects against the owner(s) state
income taxes. There are limited credits available each year and the SHPO cannot reserve
credits for more than five years into the future. For a residential property or barn
constructed before 1937 before rehabilitation, the cost of a qualified rehabilitation project
must exceed either $25,000 or 25% of the fair market value (less the land value)
whichever isles. For commercial properties, the rehabilitation project must exceed 50%
of the fair market value of the property (less the land value) before rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Unfortunately, resources for this
program are entirely committed through at least 2010, leaving little opportunity for
property owners to take advantage of the program.
A similar, but separately funded program provides tax credits for projects located within a
Cultural and Entertainment District. This program uses the same description, eligibility
requirements, and regulations as the statewide program above although the funding is from
a separate allocation. As of July 1, 2005, new state legislation provided an additional $4
million of tax credits for each of the next ten state fiscal years beginning July 1, 2005
(SFY2006) and ending June 30, 2016 for projects located within Cultural and
Entertainment Districts (CED) certified pursuant to section 303.3B. SHPO cannot reserve
credits for more than five years into the future. Iowa City's downtown is located in a CED,
making properties in that area eligible for these credits.
At the time that the 2007 Historic Preservation Plan was being finalized in early 2007,
new provisions were being considered for the Iowa State Historic Preservation Tax
Incentive Program. Both houses of the Iowa General Assembly had passed Senate File
566 that amended the historic preservation and cultural and entertainment
district tax credit. Action on the bill by Governor Culver was pending. On May 21,
2007 Senate File 566 was signed into law as Section 404A.1-9 of the Iowa Code.
4Information in this section is based on materials from the State Historical Society of Iowa's
webpage at http://www.iowahistory.org/preservation/financial_assistance/overview.html; accessed 7/09/07.
K-4
A summary of the State tax credits now in place in Iowa appears below with text
taken from the State Historical Society webpage.s Note that eligible properties must
be listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places:
Statewide Historic Projects [including those in Iowa City outside of the
Downtown]
Description: 25% of qualified rehabilitation costs are available as a credit
against the owner(s) state income taxes. Properties do not need to be
income-producing. The SHPO cannot reserve credits for more than three
years into the future. For a residential property or barn constructed before
1937 before rehabilitation, the cost of a qualified rehabilitation project
must exceed either $25,000 or 25% of the fair market value (less the land
value)whichever is less. For commercial properties, the rehabilitation
project must exceed 50% of the fair market value of the property (less the
land value) before rehabilitation. Rehabilitation work must meet the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
Eligibility Requirements: Properties must be listed on or eligible for
listing on the National Register of Historic Places or be barns constructed
before 1937.
Cultural and Entertainment District Projects [including those in the
Old Capitol Cultural and Entertainment District]
Description: This program uses the same description, eligibility
requirements and regulations as the statewide program described above
although the funding is from a separate allocation for projects located
within Cultural and Entertainment Districts (CED) certified pursuant to
section 303.3B or Great Places agreements pursuant to section 303.3C.
Eligibility Requirements: In addition to the eligibility requirements for
the state wide program above, properties must be located in a CED or
specified in a Great Places agreement.
Small Projects under $500,000
Description: This program uses the same description, eligibility
requirements and regulations as the statewide program described above
although the funding is from a separate allocation reserved for small
projects which have qualified rehabilitation costs less than $500,000.
sEmail from Gordon Hendrickson, State Archivist & Administrator, State Historical Society of
Iowa Public Trust Division to Department of Cultural Affairs staff, Apri124, 2007.
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Eligibility Requirements: In addition to the eligibility requirements for
the state wide program above, properties must have qualified rehabilitation
costs that do not exceed $500,000. The entire rehabilitation project must
meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and
Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
Additional information regarding these programs can be found at:
http://www.iowahi story. org/preservation/financial_assistance/financial assistance. html.
Ongoing promotion of both state rehabilitation tax credits should be undertaken by the
HPC as well as the staff for the City's Economic Development Division, Friends of
Historic Preservation, the Downtown Association, and the Old Capitol Cultural and
Entertainment District.
F. Local Sales Tax Credits
A number of cities across the country have established local tax credits to encourage
historic preservation projects. This is typically done by creating waivers of sales tax for
rehabilitation projects. Property owners are able to submit receipts accumulated for
authorized rehabilitation projects and receive a rebate of some or all of the sales tax
collected for those materials. Though such a program provides modest savings for historic
property owners, it can go a long way toward establishing a positive image for historic
preservation in design review cases in historic and conservation districts. It is
recommended that the City investigate establishment of such a program as part of a
package of incentives established for districts.
K-6
Appendix L: Map of Completed and Proposed Historical &
Architectural Survey Areas
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Appendix M: Iowa City Subdivisions Recorded, 1924-1965
Chronological List of Iowa City Subdivisions: 1924-1965
One method for identification of areas of development in Iowa City involves locating newly platted subdivisions within a
certain time frame. For purposes of evaluating more recent Iowa City residential neighborhoods, subdivision files between
ca. 1924 and 1965 were reviewed. 1 A numbered list of those additions, the years that they were platted, and their names
appear below followed by individual maps depicting the numbered subdivisions.
Number Year Subdivision
1 1924 Morningside Addition # 1
2 1927 Bail and Beck
3 1938 Capital View Addition
4 1939 Kirkwood Circle
5 1948 College Court Place
6 1948 Ball's 1 st Addition
7 1949 Wildman's 1st
8 1950 Adrian's
9 1950 Wildman's
10 1950 C.R. Regan
11 1950 Giblin's Subdivison #2
12 1951 Memler's Addition
13 1952 Oak Park Court
14 1953 Giblin's Subdivison # 1
15 1953 Highland Addition Pt. 1
16 1954 I.O.O.F. Subdivision
17 1954 Hi bland Addition Pt. 2
18 1954 Plum Grove Pt. 1
19 1955 Highland Addition Pt. 3
20 1955 Plum Grove Pt. 2
21 1955 Plum Grove Pt. 3
22 1955 Whitin Addition Pt. 1
23 1955 Wise Addition
24 1956 Towncrest Pt. 1
25 1956 Bel Air Pt. 1
26 1956 West Bel Air Pt. 1
27 1956 Whitin Addition Pt. 2
28 1956 Wildwood Addition
29 1956 Tower Addition
30 1957 Court Hill Pt. 1
31 1957 Larson Subdivision
32 1957 West Bel Air Pt. 2
33 1957 Plum Grove Pt. 4
34 1957 Whiting Addition Pt. 3
35 1957 Terrace Hill Pt. 2
36 1958 Court Hill Pt. 2
37 1958 West Bel Air Pt. 3
38 1958 Streb's 1st Addition
39 1958 Streb's 2nd Addition
40 1958 School Commissioner's Sub.
41 1958 S e 's Resub. Of Reid's Add.
42 1959 Court Hill Pt. 3
43 1959 Dunlap's 1 st Addition
44 1959 North Bel Air Addition
45 1959 Mark Twain Addition
46 1959 Plum Grove Pt. 5
Number Year Subdivision
1 Subdivision research was completed by staff of the Community Development and Planning Department and Engineering
Department, City of Iowa City. Maps were prepared by Kay Irelan, Engineering Department, City of Iowa City.
M-1
47 1959 Whiting Addition Pt. 4
48 1959 Whitin Addition Pt. 5
49 1959 Giblin's Addition
50 1959 Ball's 2nd Addition
51 1959 North Hills Subdivision
52 1960 Court Hill Pt. 4
53 1960 Bel Air Pt. 2
54 1960 Lafferty Subdivision
55 1960 Parkview Terrace Addition
56 1961 Rochester Addition
57 1961 RochesterFirstAddition
58 1961 Sherwood Forest
59 1961 Terrace Hill Pt. 3
60 1962 Court Hill Pt. 5
61 1962 Towncrest Pt. 2
62 1962 Mt. Shrader
63 1962 Mt. Shrader Pt. 1
64 1962 Whiting Addition Pt. 6
65 1962 Terrace Hill Pt. 1
66 1962 Bryn Mawr Pt. 1
67 1963 Court Hill Pt. 6
68 1963 Court Hill Pt. 7
69 1963 Towncrest Pt. 3
70 1963 Mt. Shrader Pt. 2
71 1963 Tudor Park
72 1963 Miller Addition
73 1963 Whitin Addition Pt. 7
74 1963 Bryn Mawr Pt. 2
75 1964 Court Hill Pt. 8
76 1964 Court Hill Pt. 9
77 1964 Court Hill Pt. 10
78 1964 Irish Tract
79 1964 Linden Park
80 1964 Mt. Shrader Pt. 3
81 1964 Hollywood Manor Pt. 1
82 1964 Holl wood Manor Pt. 2
83 1964 Mark Twain Addition South
84 1964 Black's Park Addition
85 1964 Cart~a~right's Addition
86 1965 Mt. Shrader Pt. 4
87 1965 Washin ton Park
88 1965 Windsor Hei hts Pt. 1-4
89 1965 Hollywood Manor Pt. 3
90 1965 Yakish Estates
91 1965 Court Hill Pt. 12
92 1967 Walden's Subdivision of Irish Tract
M-2
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Appendix N: History of Friends of Historic Preservation
Appendix N: History of Friends of Historic Preservation)
Iowa City's citizen group and non-profit, Friends of Historic Preservation, Inc. (FHP) was
organized in 1975 as Friends of Old Brick. The origins of this group center on saving Iowa
City's oldest church, Old Brick, from demolition. This event became the catalyst for community-
based preservation action. Today, FHP plays an active role in the community encouraging
citizens, Iowa City Council, the University of Iowa and other government bodies to enact
policies and guidelines that protect older properties and neighborhoods. FHP supports the efforts
of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission and collaborates with the Commission,
Johnson County Historical Society, the Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission and
other preservation organizations to produce events and educational activities that support historic
preservation.
Throughout the years, as noted in Appendix A: Chronological Overview of the Historic
Preservation Movement in Iowa City-1957 to 2006, FHP has participated in historic
preservation activities. In the 1990s the organization increased its involvement with the
community. It was during this decade that the organization assisted the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission to develop and produce the 1992 Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan.
FHP was the co-sponsor of the first Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook, Iowa City
Neighborhood Design Book. The organization then turned its efforts to saving older homes.
FHP has invested in the community by purchasing threatened historic homes. The first project
moved a 1880s house which was slated for demolition to 451 Rundell Street in the Longfellow
neighborhood. FHP provided a zero interest loan to the City of Iowa City to purchase the
property and move it. Volunteers from FHP restored the home, creating affordable housing for a
low income family. Following the success of this project, FHP then purchased a threatened
property at 412 Church Street in the historic Northside. Through volunteer efforts of the
members and preservation-minded contractors, the house was restored, demonstrating once again
to the community that saving a historic home could be done for a reasonable price. This project
was followed by the restoration of 512 Church Street, 619 Ronalds Street both Northside
locations and 925 East Washington in the College Hill Conservation District. On each of these
homes, FHP placed covenants to ensure that these homes would remain single-family residences,
helping to stabilize older residential neighborhoods that are under pressure to convert to rental
units.
Advocacy efforts have included the support of national register nominations and local historic
districts. FHP played an active role in saving the Carnegie Library from demolition and provided
significant financial and technical support for rebuilding the Englert Civic Theater. In 2006, FHP
collaborated with the City of Iowa City and the Historic Preservation Commission to provide a
comprehensive community response to the April 13th Tornado. This effort, which included
securing $250,000 in State funding and an emergency grant from the National Trust for Historic
Preservation which FHP matched ($5,000) was recognized by the Iowa Chapter of the American
Planning Association and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for encouraging and
supporting restoration and rebuilding of the tornado damaged historic structures.
'Prepared by Helen Burford, Executive Director, Friends of Historic Preservation, July 2007.
N-1
In 1993, FHP opened the Salvage Barn in cooperation with the City of Iowa City to recycle older
building parts from homes slated for demolition. Volunteers from FHP participate in salvages to
create a stock of materials for the Barn. The Barn not only diverts tons of materials from the
landfill but also provides home owners and builders with a resource for hard-to-find architectural
materials. The success of the Salvage Barn spawned a grant program to encourage people to
restore and maintain older structures. Over 50 grants, totaling over $20,000 were awarded. Over
the years, the Salvage Barn has become a community event where people come out to discuss
their projects, browse through the inventory or donate material. Community members are able to
receive preservation, restoration and technical advice from the FHP staff. In 2005, FHP received
a grant from the Johnson County Community Foundation which enabled FHP to open the
Salvage Barn on a weekly basis. This ongoing activity attracts student volunteers as well as
member volunteers.
Word of the Salvage Barn and the salvage activities has spread and FHP now receives requests to
save materials from areas outside of Iowa City at least twice a year. This increase in activity has
created the need for a larger space and in 2010; the City of Iowa City will open the Eastside
Recycling Center and provide a new, larger home for the Salvage Barn.
Annual events produced by FHP in cooperation with the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission include the Historic Preservation Awards, Irving B. Weber Days, National Historic
Preservation Month activities, and the FHP website.
Who are FHP members? As a local organization, the membership of FHP resides primarily in the
Iowa City area within zip codes, 52240, 52245 and 52246. Within these areas are some of Iowa
City's oldest neighborhoods: Northside, College Green, Woodlawn, Goosetown, Melrose
Avenue, Creekside and Longfellow. Here you will find approximately 11,600 single-family
owner-occupied homes or 39% of the total housing units. The population in these older
neighborhoods is predominately white with a median household income (1999 dollars) ranging
from 34,661 to 45,376. Members of Friends represent 1% of this group of single-family owner-
occupied homes.
Members of FHP range from professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and educators to trades
craftsmen. They are a highly educated group (approximately 56% hold bachelor's degrees or
higher based on 1999 census figures.) The audience is passionate about traditions and preserving
the history of the community and through their membership finds a voice to express their
concerns. As traditionalists, this audience sees their "home as their castle, enjoying leisure
activities centered around the home.
In January 2006, FHP established the "Friends of Historic Preservation Endowment" with the
Johnson County Community Foundation to fund historic preservation activity.
N-2