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IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, February 8, 2018
City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street
Emma Harvat Hall
5:30 p.m.
A) Call to Order
B) Roll Call
C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda
D) Review draft CLG Annual Report
E) Discussion of Historic Preservation Plan priorities and annual work program
F) Consideration of Minutes for January 11, 2018
G) Commission Information and Discussion
1. CLG Grant for a Preservation Plan for the Summit Street Monument
2. CLG Grant for the National Register Nomination for the Clinton Street and Railroad Historic
District
3. CLG Grant for an Intensive Level Survey of 2040 Waterfront Drive, Cyrus Sanders House
H) Adjournment
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jessica
Bristow, Historic Preservation, at 319-356-5243 or at Jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly
encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Iowa City
- Historic Preservation Commission
m • City Hall, 410 E Washington St eet, Iowa City. IA. 52240
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 1, 2018
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner
Re: Iowa Certified Local Government 2017 Annual Report Draft
A draft of the annual report, due at the State Historic Preservation Office on February 28, 2018,
is attached for Commission Review. To save paper, the attachments are not included. They
would have been included in Commission agendas during the 2017 meeting calendar.
If Commissioners have corrections or information to add to the report, staff requests that the
information is provided at the February 8 Commission meeting or through email to staff by
Monday February 12 for inclusion in the report.
[For SHPO use only]
Received
Minimum no. of meetings?
yes no
Required training?
yes no
Fully appointed commission?
yes no
Has the commission been active?
yes no
Has the commission accomplished
at least one project?
yes no
Comments:
Approved/CLG in good standing
yes no
More information requested
Entered into database /
IOWA CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT
2017 ANNUAL REPORT (January 2017-December 2017)
NAME OF THE CITY, COUNTY, OR LAND USE DISTRICT: IowA CITY
Section I.
Locating Historic Properties
Identification, Evaluation, and Registration Activity
CLG Standards found in CLG Agreement and National Historic Preservation Act
♦ The CLG shall maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic and
prehistoric properties in a manner consistent with and approved by the STATE.
♦ The CLG will review National Register nominations on any property that lies in the
jurisdiction of the local historic preservation commission.
1. Please provide complete reports and site inventory forms from historic
identification/survey, evaluation, and/or registration/nomination projects that your
commission completed in 2017. Do not include projects that were funded with a CLG
grant or mandated by the Section 106 review and compliance process as we already
have these in our files.
National Register Nomination for 102 S. Clinton, Johnson County Savings Bank
(reviewed only by HPC after notification from SHPO)
2. How many National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) properties in your City,
County, or LUD were altered, moved, or demolished in 2017? Please identify the
property (historic name and address) and the action.
CLG Annual Report 2017
See list below. 28 NRHP properties are known to have been altered in 2016, based on
project approval by Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission and/or staff. Most of
these properties are located within National Register Historic Districts. The list does not
include repair projects that were issued a Certificate of No Material Effect; list does not
include interior alterations. The list does not include driveway or garage alterations,
demolitions or new construction, even when the garage is historic.
728 Grant Street: front stoop and stair reconstruction*, altered window replacement
818 North Linn Street: rear deck addition*
629 Oakland Avenue: synthetic siding removal and replacement with new siding*
1050 Woodlawn Avenue: railing revision to 2015 project**
804 Ronalds Street: rear addition reconfiguration, removal of intrusive alterations
719 Ronaids Street: exterior railing replacement*
610 Jefferson Street: rear deck addition *
8 Bella Vista Drive: rear addition and alterations and replacement of garage
1016 East College Street: dormer addition
812 South Summit Street: addition of stair tower on side of commercial building
619 North Johnson Street: non -historic rear door, window, and deck removal
603 Grant Street: deck demolition and deck addition*
721 Brown Street: foundation alteration and stoop reconstruction*
1029 Court Street: rear deck alterations*
503 Melrose Avenue: foundation alteration and basement window removal
104 East Jefferson Street: signage installation**
125 North Gilbert Street: porch reconstruction*
314 South Summit Street: porch reconstruction, dormer addition, rear addition
reconstruction, rear window reconfiguration
330 North Gilbert Street: basement egress window addition
409 Grant Street: siding replacement*
613 Grant Street: front step reconstruction, synthetic siding removal, deck addition
223 South Dodge Street: window replacement*
318 Church Street: front porch rehabilitation*
603 Brown Street: window replacement
314 Church Street: door replacement*
325 South Summit: asbestos siding removal*
1201 Seymour Avenue: rear addition
608 Rundell Street: siding replacement*
*denotes Minor Review
**denotes Intermediate Review
3. In 2017, how many additional properties did your city place on its list of locally
designated historic landmarks and/or historic districts?
CLG Annual Report 2017
10 South Gilbert Street- ordinance and Commission proceeding attached.
If you have questions about whether you have a locally designation program or not,
please contact Paula Mohr before you complete this section.
(As a reminder, before your elected officials approve or change local districts or
ordinances, you must send a copy to the State Historic Preservation Office for review and
comment.) Please attach a copy of the final designation nomination(s) and ordinance(s).
Date the ordinance(s) reviewed and commented by SHPO
letter sent to SHPO August 14, 2017
4. In 2017, what were the actions to revise, amend, change, or de -list a locally
designated property? Please attach documentation of the review and appeal process
and decisions made by the historic preservation commission, planning and zone
commission, city Council, District Court or other governmental agency or official
involved with the process. (use additional pages if needed)
None
Section II
Managing, Protecting, and Preserving Historic Properties
♦ The CLG will enforce all appropriate state and local ordinances for designating and
protecting historic properties
♦ The CLG shall provide for adequate public participation in the local historic
preservation programs
4. Did your city, county, LUD or its historic preservation commission undertake any
of the following activities in 2017? Please think broadly about this question and
include any activity (small or large) that facilitated historic preservation in your
community. This is your opportunity to boast about your accomplishments and
get credit for the great work you do! (use additional pages if needed)
a. Historic preservation planning. Examples include the development or revision of
a preservation plan, development of a work plan for your commission, etc. (use
additional pages if needed)
The Commission developed a 2017 Work Plan, it is attached.
b. Provided technical assistance on historic preservation issues or projects.
Examples include working with individual property owners, business owners,
institutions to identify appropriate treatments and find appropriate materials,
research advice, etc. Please be specific (use additional pages if needed)
CLG Annual Report 2017
• July 1, 2017 staff implemented a new Preservation Fund that provides
$5,000 matching grants or loans to property owners for eligible exterior
work on historic properties in Historic or Conservation Districts or Local
Landmarks.
• March 9, 2017 the Commission reviewed and commented on plans for
the Davenport Street Brick Construction, an area adjacent to and partially
within the NRHP Gilbert -Linn Street Historic District
• The Commission staff provides technical and design assistance to
applicants for Historic Review. The applicants are encouraged to meet
with the staff well ahead of time in the project planning process, prior to
submitting applications, to discuss their projects. In 2017 we processed
92 applications for review that resulted in a Certificate of
Appropriateness or a Certificate of No Material Effect.
• Commissioners and staff attended public information meetings about the
landscape, signage, and lighting changes for the pedestrian mall in our
Central Business District.
• As requested by the Board of Adjustment, the Chair of the Commission
and Staff reviewed the exterior improvements of the NRHP eligible Phi
Epsilon Pi Fraternity House at 332 Ellis Avenue.
• As part of a Section 106 Review for a fagade improvement fund recipient,
Staff reviewed exterior changes to 24-26 Clinton Street in our Central
Business District.
• Commission staff provided guidance on 5 tax credit applications
c. Sponsored public educational programming in historic preservation. Examples
include training sessions offered to the public, walking tours, open houses,
lectures, Preservation Month activities, etc. (use additional pages if needed)
• January 2017 Historic Preservation Awards: home owners, contractors,
craftspersons, consultations, as well as community organizations were
honored for their historically appropriate work on sixteen historic
properties in the 34th annual event celebrating historic preservation
• As part of our update of the 2001 Survey and Evaluation of the Iowa City
Central Business District, the Commission sponsored a public kick-off
meeting led by Consultant Alex McDowell at the NR listed Englert Theatre
on September 12, 2017 informing the public on the survey process. On
November 30, 2017 we held a property and business owner/ public
meeting discussing NRHP eligibility, contributing status, and the
difference between NR and local districts.
• In August staff created a booklet (see attached) as part of the
Commission's African American Civil Rights Grant from the National Park
Service. The booklet is one piece of the larger educational element of the
CLG Annual Report 2017
grant and talks about two homes for African American students in Iowa
City during segregated housing.
• Historic Preservation Commission Facebook Page: Staff maintains a
Facebook page for Community education and outreach.
5. If the city or county amended its historic preservation ordinance or resolution or
passed additional ordinances or resolutions that impact historic properties,
please attach copies of the amendments and new ordinances or resolutions.
None in 2017
(As a reminder, be ore your elected officials approve local districts or ordinances,
you must send a copy to the State Historic Preservation Office for comment.)
7. If new or revised design standards and/or guidelines were developed and adopted
during 2017, please attach a copy. None in 2017
8. Are there any particular issues, challenges, and/or successes your preservation
commission has encountered or accomplished this year? (use additional pages if
needed)
• The City Manager -directed implementation of the Preservation Fund (a
grant and no interest loan program) has allowed and will continue to
allow property owner's to take the extra step they might not otherwise
take when rehabilitating the exterior of their properties.
• Staff position changed from half time temporary to half time permanent
• The City Council funded, with a small National Trust Grant, a project to
review the 2001 Survey of the Central Business District. This project
began in 2017 and will finish in 2018.
• The National Park Service provided a Civil Rights Grant to list two African -
American student homes on the national register as well as provide
education and public outreach.
• The City Park Cabin Rehabilitation is underway and an HRDP grant is
funding the roof portion of the project.
• Staff successfully submitted three CLG grant applications that will be
implemented in 2018.
• The Commission and Chair began the owner meetings for a small local
historic district and 7 local landmarks. The public hearing for the local
landmarks was held in December and will continue through the landmark
process in 2018.
• The Chair of the Commission has been working on plans to save the
Sanxay-Gilmore House at 109 Market Street from demolition for a
University project.
CLG Annual Report 2017
9. Does your commission have a website and if so, what is the address?
https://icgov.org/city-government/boards/historic-preservation-commission
https://www.facebook.com/Iowa-City-H istoric-Preservation-1147873091895644/
Section III
Historic Preservation Program Administration
• The CLG will organize and maintain a historic preservation commission, which must
meet at least three (3) times per year.
• The commission will be composed of community members with a demonstrated
positive interest in historic preservation, or closely related fields, to the extent
available in the community.
• The commission will comply with Iowa Code Chapter 21 (open meetings) in its
operations.
• Commission members will participate in state -sponsored or state -approved historic
preservation training activities.
10. List dates of meetings held (please note these are meetings actually held with a
quorum, not just those that were scheduled).
• January 12, 2017
• February 9, 2017
• March 9, 2017
• April 13, 2017
• May 5, 2017
• June 15, 2017
• July 31, 2017
• August 10, 2017
• September 14, 2017
• October 12, 2017
• November 9, 2017
• December 14, 2017
11. We recommend that each commission have a budget with a minimum of $750 to
pay for training and other commission expenses. In 2017, what was the dollar amount
for the historic preservation commission's annual budget? $42,000 for staff salary and
benefits, $1,000 for education and training, and $40,000 for the new Preservation
Fund Program.
12. Where are your official CLG files located?
Neighborhood Development Services Department of City Hall
CLG Annual Report 2017
12. Please update the attached CLG Personnel Information Table (this must be
completed).
13. Please attach biographical sketches for commissioners who were newly appointed in
2017 or 2018. Please be sure newly appointed commissioners sign and date their
statement.
14. Please complete the 2017 Commission Training Table.
PLEASE SIGN and DATE
Signature of person who completed this report Date
Signature of Mayor or Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Date
Please retain a copy for your official CLG file and send a PDF of the signed document to
paula.mohr@iowa.sov. OR you can mail a hard copy with original signatures to the
address below. The deadline is February 28, 2018.
Paula A. Mohr
State Historical Society of Iowa
600 East Locust St,
Des Moines IA 50319-0290
Pau I a.mohr(a7 iowa.eov
If you have questions, please contact me at: (515) 281-6826.
Thank you for your timely response!
CLG Annual Report 2017
2017 Historic Preservation Training Table
An important requirement of the Certified Local Government program is annual state -
sponsored or state -approved training undertaken by at least one member of the
historic preservation commission and/or staff liaison. In this table, provide
information about the commissioners' involvement in historic preservation training,
listing the name of the conference, workshop or meeting (including on-line training
opportunities); the sponsoring organization; the location and date when the training
occurred. Be sure to provide the names of commissioners, staff, and elected officials
who attended.
Name of Training Session: 2017 Preserve Iowa Summit
Sponsoring organization: SHPO/Davenport Historic Preservation Commission
Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Date: June 2017
Names of commission members, staff and elected officials who attended the Preserve
Iowa Summit Jessica Bristow, HPCstaff,, Bob Miklo, Urban Planner
Name of Training Session: "Seven Keys to Successful & Enthusiastic Volunteer
Involvement"
Sponsoring organization: Charity How To
Location: Webinar
Date: January 25, 2017
Names of historic preservation commissioners, staff and elected officials who attended:
Jessica Bristow, HPC Staff
Name of Training Session: Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program
workshop
Sponsoring organization: Iowa Economic Development Authority
Location: State Theatre, Washington, IA
Date: November 9, 2017
Names of historic preservation commissioners, staff and elected officials who attended:
Jessica Bristow, HPC Staff, Wendy Ford, City Economic Development Staff
Name of Training Session:
Sponsoring organization:
Location:
Date:
Names of historic preservation commissioners, staff and elected officials who attended:
CLG Annual Report 2017
CLG Personnel Table
A. Please list the names of the Historic Preservation Commissioners who served during
calendar year 2017:
Thomas Agran
Esther Baker
Kevin Boyd
Zach Builta
Gosia Clore
Sharon DeGraw
G.T. Karr
Cecile Kuenzli
Andy Litton
Pam Michaud
Ginalie Swaim
Frank Wagner
B. CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIAL 2018 (note this is beginning January 2018)
Name of Mayor, Chairman of Board of Supervisors, or President of LUD Trustees:
First Name: James
Last Name: Throgmorton
Mailing Address: 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone Number: ( 319 ) 621-9391
Email Address: jim-throgmorton@iowa-city.org
C. STAFF PERSON FOR THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION (required)
First Name: Jessica
Last Name: Bristow
Job Title: Historic Preservation Planner
Mailing Address: 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone Number: ( 319 ) 356-5243
Email Address: jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org
CLG Annual Report 2017 10
2Tif HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION: Please note that this is for 2018
Please complete the following and provide information about your new 2018
commission.
If the commissioner represents a locally designated district, provide the name of the
district (Representative, Name of Historic District). Specify the month, day, and year
that the commissioner's term will end (Term Ends). If a commission member serves
as contact with the State Historic Preservation Office for the Commission, please
circle yes. Electronic and mailed communication will be sent to the staff person
for the commission and the contact.
CHAIRPERSON/COMMISSIONER
First Name Ginalie
Last Name: Swaim
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code)
1024 Woodlawn Avenue. Iowa Citv. IA 52240
Home Phone Number: ( 319 ) 337-9828
Work Phone Number: ( 319 ) 330-5135
Email Address: ginalieswaim@me.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: Woodlawn Historic District
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year zo18
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
VICE CHAIRPERSON/COMMISSIONER
First Name Esther
Last Name: Baker
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code): _
1022 E. College Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Home Phone Number: ( 319 ) 359-8067
Email Address: bakere340hotmail.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: East College Historic District
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year 2018
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
SECRETARY/COMMISSIONER
Name None
CLG Annual Report 2017 11
COMMISSIONER
First Name Thomas
Last Name: Aeran
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code):
512 North Van Buren Street, Iowa City, IA 52245
Home Phone Number:( 319 ) 541-4554
Email Address: thomasaeran@email.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: Northside Historic District
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year 2020
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
COMMISSIONER
First Name Kevin
Last Name: Boyd
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code): _
622 North Van Buren Street, Iowa City, IA 52245
Home Phone Number: ( 329 ) 400-2051
Email Address: kevinmbovd@email.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: At -large
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year2020
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
COMMISSIONER
First Name zachariah
Last Name: Builta
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code):
415 Woodside Drive, Ant. 7, Iowa City, IA 52246
Home Phone Number: ( 319 ) 432-4172
Email Address: zac-builtaC@uiowa.edu
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: At -large
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year 2019
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Hist Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
LLG Annual Report 2017 12
COMMISSIONER
First Name Gosia
Last Name: Clore
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code):
1133 East Court Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Home Phone Number: ( 973 ) 342-5599
Email Address: gosia.clore@gmail.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: Longfellow Historic District
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year 2020
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
COMMISSIONER
First Name Sharon
Last Name: DeGraw
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code):
519 Brown Street, Iowa City, IA 52245
Home Phone Number: ( 319 ) 936-0021
Email Address: sharondegraw vahoo.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: Brown street Historic District
Term Ends: Month lulu Day 01 Year 2019
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
COMMISSIONER
First Name G.T.
Last Name: Karr
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code):
#2 Ashwood Drive, Iowa City, IA 52245
Home Phone Number:( 319 ) 631-4342
Email Address: gtkarr41fi7gmall.corn
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: At -Large
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year 2020
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
CLG Annual Report 2017 13
COMMISSIONER
First Name Cecile
Last Name: Kuenzli
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code):
705 South Summit Street, Iowa City, IA 52245
Home Phone Number: ( 319 ) 338-7362
Email Address: cecile.kuenzli@gmail.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: summit street Historic District
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year 2019
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes IS
COMMISSIONER
First Name Pam
Last Name: Michaud
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code):
109 South Johnson Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Home Phone Number: ( 319 ) 530-7445
Email Address: iowastav gmail.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: College Green Historic District
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year 2018
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
COMMISSIONER
First Name Frank
Last Name: Wagner
Mailing Address (please provide full mailing address including city and zip code):
519 South V Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52245
Home Phone Number: ( 319_) 321-7920
Email Address: frankfwagnerphd@vahoo.com
Representative, Name of Local Historic District: At -Large
Term Ends: Month July Day 01 Year 2018
Please indicate if this person serves as the Contact with the State Historic Preservation
Office for the Commission. Circle Yes No
CLG Annual Report 2017 14
z
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
• City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 4w o V
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 1, 2018
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner
Re: 2018-19 Historic Preservation Commission Work Plan
At the February 8 meeting, we will discuss the Commission's work plan for 2018-19. The
Commission's 2017 work plan is included. Staff will report on the progress of these issues.
You may also want to refer to the Executive Summary of the Historic Preservation Plan or the
complete preservation plan for details regarding the goals and objectives. Commissioners
should use the preservation plan to formulate a work plan for the year.
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Annual Planning Session Report
Priority Issues for 2017
The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission held its annual planning session on Thursday March, 9
2017, as part of its regular monthly meeting, at 5:30 p.m. in Emma Harvat Hall. At this time, the
Commission discussed and prioritized its activities and projects for the 2017 calendar year. Each year the
Commission holds a planning session to review its progress in implementing the goals and objectives of
the Historic Preservation Plan, and to set objectives for the upcoming year. This report details the results
of that planning session, and is intended to serve as a guide for the Commission's activities for the
upcoming calendar year.
Priority Issues for 2017
Key Projects:
The Commission felt it was important to focus its efforts on current active projects for the upcoming year.
These key projects include elements of many of the Goals outlined in Iowa City's Historic Preservation
Plan.
Local Landmark Designations: Originally added to the work plan during the 2015 calendar year, the
Commission determined that the proactive effort to identify and nominate potential landmark properties is
a critical project for continuation. Properties have been identified and researched by staff and a
Commission Sub -committee. The next step, which will also utilize Commissioners, is meeting with
individual property owners to discuss the designation process.
Civil Rights Grant Implementation: In late 2016, the City was successful in a grant request for the
National Register Nomination, signage, and educational materials for the Tate Arms and Iowa Federation
Home on Iowa Avenue. The Commission will work with individuals in both the Preservation and African
American communities to draft educational materials for those properties. The Office of the State
Archeologist will prepare the National Register Nomination.
HRDP Cabin Grant Implementation: In June 2016, the City was successful in a grant request to
rehabilitate the roof structures of the City Park Cabins. Staff will continue to work with the Parks and
Recreation Department as they implement the grant.
Historic Preservation Fund rollout: Staff and the Commission are preparing to rollout the new Historic
Preservation Fund. Informational brochure, application, and review process are currently in development
Other Current Issues:
Downtown District Survey Implementation: At the request of City Council, an updated downtown
survey will be completed in the current year. The Commission will work with a qualified historian to review
and update the survey to identify properties and or areas of downtown that are eligible for listing in the
National Register of Historic Places. Upon receipt of the results and recommendations generated from
this survey, the Commission will have to re-evaluate its work plan to see how downtown preservation
initiatives should be prioritized.
Digital Library: The City has valuable resources and information on historic properties in several different
formats. Currently the ability for the public to access this information is dependent upon the format of the
information. Digitizing hardcopy information and combining it in with existing digital information in a
searchable online database would make this information about city history more available for property
owners and researchers.
Other Issues for Future Consideration beyond 2017:
Education/Outreach: This includes efforts to organize special events and assist in the planning for the
annual awards program in January. Many of the maps, brochures and other publications produced by the
Commission in the past are in need of an update for web -based distribution.
Design Guideline Update: The current Historic Preservation Handbook, adopted in September 2010 and
revised from the original adoption in June 2000, will need to be revised to include the current updated
maps of all districts, revised lists of local and National Register landmarks, and updated guidelines. While
it does not appear that major changes will be necessary, the update will ensure consistency.
Additional Survey and Evaluation Work: Additional survey areas for the Commission to consider in
future years include Kirkwood Avenue and the Lucas Farms Neighborhood.
Other Items:
• Continue annual reminder letter to Historic and Conservation District and Landmark property
owners.
• Continue to update the Iowa City Historic Preservation Facebook Page.
• Continue to work with other Iowa City and Johnson County preservation organizations.
• Manville Heights residents asked the Commission to hold an informational meeting about the
possibility of a Historic District Designation in the neighborhood.
April 2017
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. Lk. 52240
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 2, 2018
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner
Re: Certified Local Government Grants
Introduction: During the fall Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant cycle we applied for three
grants. On December 14, 2017, the Commission was notified that the HPC has been awarded
all three grants.
The project and grant funding breakdown is as follows:
Preservation Plan for Summit St Monument: Grant amount $3,500; Cash match request: $2,000
National Register Nomination for Clinton St & RR District:
Grant amount: $6,000; Cash match request: $3,000
Intensive survey for Cyrus Sanders House: Grant amount: $3,000; Cash match request: $1,000
History/Background:
All three grant -funded projects developed from elements of the City Preservation Plan and a
desire by the Historic Preservation Commission to be proactive in the preservation of local
resources.
• Preservation Plan for the Summit Street Monument
The Summit Street Monument is a six-foot tall limestone obelisk that acted as a survey marker
for the original 1839 town plat of Iowa City. The monument is located within a street right-of-way
and is owned by the City. The obelisk is one of the most significant historic resources in the
Summit Street Historic District. This monument has deteriorated significantly over the many
years that it has been exposed to the elements. This grant would provide funding to hire a
consultant who could assess the condition of the monument and make recommendations for its
preservation and to ensure that it remains a historic resource in Iowa City.
• National Register Nomination for the Clinton Street and Railroad Historic District
The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission is proposing to nominate one historic district in
Iowa City's Riverfront Crossings Neighborhood for listing in the National Register of Historic
Places. Grant funds will be used to hire a preservation consultant to prepare the National
Registration nomination forms, perform public meetings, and guide the Nomination through the
State and Federal process. National Register listing will provide the incentives of tax
abatements and grant funds for certified rehabilitations. The owner meeting in the local Historic
District process was held November 16, 2017.
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 B Washington Strcet, Iowa City. IA. 52240
MEMORANDUM
• Intensive survey of 2040 Waterfront Drive, Cyrus Sanders House
The property at 2040 Waterfront Drive is most likely the original farmhouse for the Cyrus
Sanders Farm. Cyrus Sanders was the first County surveyor elected in 1838 serving until 1857.
The house has the potential to be one of the oldest surviving properties in the Iowa City area
and related to one of the earliest prominent citizens. The CLG grant would fund the further
research needed to verify this possibility. As the only working, food -producing farm within city
limits it may also be found to be one of the older local farms in continuous use. Local landmark
status and National Register Listing could become the next goal for the farm.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
JANUARY 11, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Esther Baker, Kevin Boyd, Zach Builta, Sharon
DeGraw, G. T. Karr, Cecile Kuenzli, Pam Michaud, Ginalie Swaim
MEMBERS ABSENT: Gosia Clore, Frank Wagner
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: Karen Fischer
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Bristow said that the State sent posters for the upcoming summit in Des Moines this summer
and asked that people get the word out by posting them in an appropriate place. She asked for
suggestions for placement.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
1201 Seymour Avenue.
Bristow said this property is across from Longfellow School in the Longfellow Historic District.
She said the applicant proposes to put an addition on the back of the house.
Bristow stated that the house itself is a small cottage with a lot of Tudor references, including
the projecting gable in the front and how the door also has its own projecting gable. She said
the house is covered in shingled siding. Bristow said that on the back there is a full width
dormer across the rear.
Bristow showed the site plan. She said there is a very small addition proposed, and it will be
enclosed, as well as a new screened porch, and a small landing and stair.
Bristow showed the current, existing rear elevation. She said the deck will be removed, as will
the pergola. Bristow showed where the new addition basically covers the door and window area
and showed the window that will remain.
Bristow said that one of the things that was worked through is how exactly to connect a new
addition. She said there is the side of a gable roof coming down, a dormer, and putting in
another gable that projects out at the viewer, which impacts the dormer and everything else
would not work. Bristow said that therefore the new addition, which is only about five feet deep,
will be a shed roof addition. She stated that it is not going to be the same angle as the gable,
because it would get too low, but it will be able to tie in.
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Bristow showed the point under the windows where it will tie in. She said that generally, when
one sees a dormer, it should be three feet set in from the side. Bristow said this is another
instance in which the house is pretty small. She said that the current dormer is grandfathered
in, so it is already just one foot from the side. Bristow said that when one wants to put an
addition on here, one wants to set it in from the side of the house so that the side of all of the
house does not just become one long elevation. She said that one does not really want to set it
in farther than the dormer, so a compromise is reached so that it is set in six inches.
Bristow said that there will basically be a definition between the new addition and the back wall
of the house. She said that the addition will be able to overlap the side of dormer, which will
help both fit in.
Bristow showed the new addition, with a shed roof sloping up. She said the owners propose to
put a skylight in the back to allow some light in. Bristow said staff finds that a skylight,
especially when its on the back of the property and won't be visible from any street elevation, is
completely acceptable.
Bristow showed the main gable coming down, the new roof hitting in at this point, and the
dormer. She showed how those align.
Bristow said the windows will match the divided light configuration of the original windows that
are all on the first floor of the house. She stated that the second floor windows have all been
replaced, so they don't have the same divided light pattern.
Bristow said that the screened porch, because it is removed from the main house, is able to
have a gable that ties into the main structure. She said staff really felt that was a good way to
terminate that portion of the addition and give it a better presence.
Bristow showed a side view of the house and the area where it will be tying in. She showed the
main gable, the different slope to the new addition roof, and the dormer up above. Bristow
showed where the skylight would be and where the gable for the screened porch would tie in at
an appropriate place in that new area.
Bristow said the new addition, that which is not a screened porch, will be shingled to match the
main house. She said the railing will match the guidelines.
Bristow said one can see all along the gable on the main house where there is a piece of crown
molding. She said the owners propose to use a synthetic product, which she passed around to
the Commission. Bristow said staff finds this to be acceptable for this kind of use. She said it
can be painted, and the owners can probably get a good match on the crown that they have
there. Bristow stated that the other instance where the owners would like to use a more
synthetic material is at the sill for the new windows. She said there is also a sample of that
material, a Versatex product. Bristow said staff finds that to be acceptable, but it is not a
preapproved product, so the Commission would need to decide whether it would be appropriate
here.
Bristow said that otherwise, everything will be cedar. She said there will be cedar flooring, and
the new windows will be Jeld-Wenn metal -clad, double hung windows. Bristow said there will
be a French door between the mudroom and the screened porch, but it won't be visible except
for through the screened porch. Bristow showed the other view, saying there will be a small
window in the side of the mudroom.
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Bristow stated that the owners are not proposing to use the typical lattice skirting, either the
diamond or the vertical, around the screened porch. She said the owners would like to use
cedar one-bys that will horizontally ring underneath the porch. This was something done on
another house in the Longfellow District reviewed by the Commission. Bristow said she thinks
this is another instance where that would be an appropriate installation on the back of the
property.
Kuenzli asked if the degree of pitch on the new addition replicates the existing pitch on the
existing shed dormer. Bristow said the drawing shows that the dormer has a two and twelve
pitch, and the new addition would have a three and twelve pitch.
MOTION: Agran moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness the project at 1201
Seymour Avenue as presented in the application with the acknowledgement and
approval of the Versatex material. Baker seconded the motion. The motion carried on a
vote of 8-0 (Builta. Clore. and Waaner absentl.
516 Fairchild Street
Bristow said this property is in the Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District, and the
Commission has looked at this property before. She said this is a University Partnership house.
Bristow said the previous project approved the removal of the corrugated, metal awnings and
removal of the chimneys. She added that that work has already been done.
Bristow said that the current project is multi -faceted. She said that much of the work proposed
as part of this project could be approved through staff review or staff and chair review. Bristow
said that there are a couple of things that bring this before the Commission for review, so the
whole project will be reviewed.
Bristow said the first thing is a combination of different types of roof materials on this house.
She said there is standing seam metal, which has rusted, been recoated, and is now rusting and
the coating is coming off again. Bristow said that in a breezeway, flat area, it has a deteriorated
rubber membrane roofing. She said that the garage and maybe a couple of other locations
have a really flat shingle roof material.
Bristow said that the owners propose to remove all of them. She said that flat area would be
redone in a black rubber, and the garage and the house would be done with an asphalt shingle.
Bristow said the owners are not proposing to put in a new standing seam, and they do not
believe the roof could be rehabbed by recoating it.
Bristow showed images of the roof. She said that a lot of what is seen is the coating that was
once put on coming off and the rust coming through. Bristow said she would guess that if one
removed all of the coating and worked to clean up the rust to recoat this, one would find quite a
few holes coming through. She said the roof is not in good condition. Bristow said she did not
take photographs of the garage roof, because it is not the kind of roof the Commission would
approve anyway.
Bristow said this house originally had a crawl space, and the owners dug it out and made a
basement. She said they then added a cellar door that, at the time they bought the house, was
operable by pulleys and was hooked to the metal awning system. Bristow said the owners
propose to remove this cellar door. She said it is not historic. Bristow showed an interior
photograph of the stairs and stated that these are modern concrete stairs that are not
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
January 11, 2018
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deteriorated to the point where one would think they are historic, and the walls beside them are
not historic. She said staff really feels that removing these stairs and the cellar door cover
would be acceptable.
Bristow said the garage door is not an overhead door, so it is not operable. She said that on the
inside, it is walled over, so one does not know what the condition of the back of this door is.
Bristow said the owners propose to remove it and put in just a plain, flat panel door, with no
dents or panels to it but just a smooth and flat surface. Given the fact that the condition is kind
of undetermined and that to make this door operable as an overhead door it would have to be
cut up, Bristow said staff finds this to be an acceptable replacement
Bristow said the front door on the house will be replaced; the fan light is not historic. She said it
will be a half light with two vertical panels below, which is something the applicants have been
using on their properties. Bristow said staff did get the applicants to move from steel doors to
fiberglass doors.
Bristow said the windows in the house will be replaced. She said they do have original sashes,
but she did not know how they were ever operable, as there are no pockets to put weights, no
little holes to put the tape version and no pins. Bristow said the windows do not look like they
have been altered. She said that because of that and because of the fact that staff is really not
sure they could be made operable, staff feels it would be acceptable to replace them.
Bristow said the house has lost so much of its original integrity for other reasons that just getting
good operable windows that all match and have the same divided light pattern would probably
be a really good thing. She said staff has talked to the applicant about using black sashes
instead of white sashes. Bristow stated that one can see that the sashes that are still there
were black.
Bristow showed the kitchen window. She said the applicants would like to raise the sill on this
window about ten inches so that they can have a kitchen counter pass under this window.
Bristow said this window is in an old addition to the house. She said the addition could be
historic, but staff feels that would be appropriate alteration. Bristow said that likewise, in the
breezeway, there is a pair of wide double hung windows on the west wall, and the applicant will
replace those to have good proportions.
Bristow said staff does not yet have window product information, which is typical for a University
Partnership property, because they bid things out. She said staff also does not have front door
product information. Bristow said staff would recommend that the motion include approval of
the product by staff and chair or just by staff.
Kuenzli asked about the front door. She said that places where she has seen that kind of little
roof like that is on the side entrance, and this is the primary entrance and the main feature of the
house. Kuenzli asked if there was any chance to get the applicants to make it look a little more
appealing.
Bristow said at this point that would probably not be likely. She said she assumes that the
entrance canopy is not original. Bristow said this is an interesting house that is kind of like a hall
and parlor but also an I house, so it might not have had anything over the front door. She said
didn't know if it ever had a porch.
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Bristow stated that originally the applicants were going to remove the asbestos siding on this
house. She said they no longer have the budget for that so will paint the siding instead. Bristow
said she assumes that the new owner will eventually remove the asbestos siding. She said that
at this point, the applicants probably could not be convinced to do a project that they don't need
to do.
Agran said there is a house about a block away from this that has a similar front awning that is
historic to the house. He said it is not totally unusual in this part of town. Agran said he is fine
with replacing all the windows.
Swaim asked if the front railing will be removed. Bristow said it will remain unless it needs to be
replaced for some reason.
Michaud asked about the back overhang over the two doors or three doors and if it would
remain. Bristow showed a photograph with the awnings and an awning that went along here
that was removed. She said the one that can be seen is more like a porch roof and said she
would imagine that it will remain, if it is not gone now.
Michaud asked if the door being proposed for the garage replacement would just be a
pedestrian door. Bristow said no, that the door would be a typical overhead door for a car.
DeGraw said she understands that the roof is in a bad state, but it's too bad that has to go
because it is one of the main characteristics that gives one a tip that this is an historic house.
She stated that once that is taken away, so much of what this house was is replaced by new
materials, and the historic character is basically lost for her. DeGraw asked if any comparison
has been done as to the cost difference between repairing it versus putting on asphalt siding.
Bristow said she did not know if the applicants have looked into that. She said they look at the
prep that would be needed as too substantial to consider. Agran said he is sure that when they
strip off the metal roof there will be wood shingles underneath.
Swaim said she agrees with DeGraw that there are so many houses with metal roofs on the
North Side especially that it has become a defining characteristic.
MOTION: Agran moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 516
Fairchild as presented in the application and staff report with the following conditions:
window product information to be approved by staff and front door product information
to be approved by staff. Boyd seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0
(Clore and Waaner absentl.
REQUEST FOR COMMENT ON REPLACEMENT LIGHT POLES TO ACCOMMODATE
CELLULAR EQUIPMENT.
Bristow said that there is a general cellular tower installation throughout a lot of the North Side
of Iowa City. She stated that it is a Section 106 Review, because this will have State or federal
funding; therefore the Commission has been asked to comment.
Bristow said that she will send via e-mail any comments the Commission wants to get back to
the companies involved. She stated that this is a Verizon project, and it is Terracon that is
leading the efforts. Bristow said the Commission is not voting to approve things but is
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
January 11, 2018
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commenting. She said that if, after this, the Commission wants to add more comments, she
could probably make that work.
Bristow said that Terracon googled an installed tower. She said there are drawings in the
packet of what things may look like. Bristow showed the photograph that is somewhat
representative of what Terracon is installing.
Bristow said the poles tend to be either a wood or metal pole that is currently located in town
and will be replaced with usually the same material, usually the same height. She added that
there are a couple of them that are about ten feet taller. Bristow said there are a lot of electric
light poles and other poles around town. She asked if this installation would make enough
difference that the Commission wants to comment.
Bristow showed one of the poles to be replaced. She said that it will remain the same height
and is proposed to be a wooden pole.
Bristow said that probably one of the most visible of all is on the Pentacrest right near the main
entrance. She showed where the pole will be located. Bristow said this is the exact pole, so it
is a light pole. Bristow said this one will not change height; it will be the same height as the
existing one. She read "Existing LED light fixture to be relocated to proposed pole," and added
therefore they do plan to put the little arm with the fixture on the top of this pole.
Bristow said there is more information in the packet, and the Commission could discuss those
individual pages if desired.
Boyd asked if other utility -type companies, when they make changes in historic neighborhoods,
are required to ask the Commission to comment. Bristow responded that if an entity receives
State and federal funds for a project in an historic neighborhood, they have to ask the governing
CLG for comment. She said that if it is a house or something like that, then the Commission
might help a little with the design, and sometimes that happens even if the property is simply
near an historic district, depending on the project and the type of funding
Bristow said that some but not all of these projects were sent as a request in a letter to Swaim
to please provide comment. She said that in the past there was a project to change the cupola
on the top of City High, and that was actually changing the historic material, so the Commission
really had comments about it.
Bristow said that these are really modern things replacing modern things. She said this is not
taking out an historic light fixture or anything like that, none of them will be mounted on
buildings, and they are all in the right-of-way. Bristow said that this is basically the company
checking a box and whether the Commission feels this is the kind of thing it needs to review and
comment on or not.
Karr said that he was involved in this in a former career. He said that if one puts these on the
regular poles that are already there like they are matching in the Pentacrest, he feels that no
one would notice. Karr said that when a huge cell tower like the one on Rochester Avenue is
installed, one would notice that. He said that one would walk by this and not notice, if they are
matched.
Kuenzli stated that some of these are going to be ten feet taller and 25% taller than they are
currently. She said that really does make them noticeable.
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Kuenzli said that a lot of cities around the country have opposed these, because when they are
installed in residential areas, it really does create a sort of industrial note in a residential
neighborhood. She said that one cannot argue against these things, according to the terms of
the 1996 agreement that allowed these things to be built, on health grounds. Kuenzli said they
can be argued against on aesthetic grounds. She said it seems like some of these would be so
much taller than anything around them that it mars the neighborhood and disturbs the area.
Kuenzli said that there are ways of achieving greater coverage by putting mounting units on
existing poles. She said it is called a DAS system, and T-Mobile has used them and admitted
that in residential areas they are preferable.
Boyd said the Commission does not have any governing authority here, just commenting
authority. He said he is happy to encourage the company to find, where possible, smaller poles.
Boyd said it does not hurt to encourage the use of smaller, more frequent poles instead of taller,
more robust poles.
Bristow said a motion is not needed, but comments are passed along. She said she is hearing
that if the company can use a pole that is closer to what the original pole is or is shorter, that
would be preferable. Bristow said if there is general agreement by a few Commission members,
it is worth passing along.
Kuenzli said she doesn't know enough about the type of thing that is proposed for installation.
She asked if the company has looked at a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), which can be
installed on existing poles and emits less power. Bristow said she can ask them about the DAS.
Swaim said this is a good selection of viewpoints. Karr said there needs to be a distinction that
this is not about the huge, huge cell towers. He said this is probably a hybrid, but he has no
problem if they can match the height - that makes a lot of sense. Karr said that generally,
especially when replacing wood poles, it is going taller for a variety of reasons.
Swaim said the Commission members can all probably agree that they don't want anything
modern intruding into the neighborhoods - that modern technology has to be accommodated but
that it be done in the least intrusive way.
Kuenzli said the company did not present a real rationale for why this has to be done,
specifically why it has to be higher.
Swaim asked Bristow to pass along the comments.
REPORTS ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Minor Review - Staff Review.
608 Rundell Street.
Bristow said this Moffitt house is covered in hardboard or masonite siding. She said it is totally
deteriorated.
Bristow said the garage has a beautiful little wood shingle pattern on it. She said staff decided
that the house probably had the same wood siding to match the garage, just like the
neighboring house and other Moffitts have.
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Bristow said this house will be resided in a cement board to match the wood shingle siding. She
said this project is the second project to be partially funded by the Preservation Fund. Bristow
said this is a $17,000 project, and the Preservation Fund is putting up its limit, which is $5,000.
Otherwise it would have been a 50-50 match.
Intermediate Review - Chair and Staff Review
800 Brown Street
Bristow stated that because of bidding, the owners made a few changes to this project. She
said that some of it involves the fact that the structure was going to be made out of a specific
type of wood material.
Bristow said it might have been a glue/Iamb built up, and whether or not the owners use that or
solid pieces, staff thought it would be fine, because the one that was probably more modern had
been approved, and the alternative would be less modern.
Bristow said the owners also had hidden connections back up in the structure where the roof
structure hits columns. She said staff gave them the option to use exposed fasteners. Bristow
said there is a chance that the stone pier surrounds will not be installed and there will be
basically posts that go to the ground. She said the owners think they can come back later and
put those surrounds on with staff labor.
Regarding the roof material, Bristow said that the alternate now is a standing seam metal. She
said they went through a lot of back and forth on this and have finally figured out that the way to
specify the proper standing seam metal is that it has to be a flat plan. Bristow said that takes
out all of the little dimples and even the tiny dimples, so flat panel standing seam is the
appropriate term, and that is an alternative for this project.
AMENDMENTS TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GUIDELINES.
Bristow said that in the review process, there are different levels of review so that some of this is
streamlined and not everything needs to come to the Commission. She said there are certain
types of projects for which staff doesn't know where they fit. Bristow said that sometimes a
project has been classified for intermediate review when it didn't need to be or as a minor
review but it is not preapproved.
Bristow said staff would like to streamline the system when possible. As mentioned in the
memo, the handbook allows for these amendments. She said it is up to the Commission to
decide if the specifications are enough or adequate or whether these should be minor reviews.
Bristow said that a lot of them have examples in recent projects that have come up.
Driveway curb cut as minor review.
Bristow said the overriding issue is that if someone needs to rebuild, slightly widen, or install a
curb cut, it gets engineering approval, which means it comes to staff. She said that doesn't fit in
minor or intermediate, so it really needs to come to the Commission.
Bristow said that if a driveway meets the guidelines, which is an eight to ten -foot driveway, and
it goes to a garage or the back of the house, staff finds that is the kind of thing that could easily
be a pre -approved item. She said that a typical apron, the curved part that goes out to meet the
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
January 11, 2018
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street, is a three-foot diameter on each side. Bristow said that means that a ten -foot driveway
would have a 16-foot curb cut, and an eight -foot driveway would have a 14-foot curb cut.
Bristow said that for that reason, while this does not come up frequently, it is something that can
be pretty basic. She said staff recommends having this become a minor review.
Boyd said the language refers to "leads to a garage behind a house." He asked if the
Commission cares if there is a driveway that just takes someone to the back, with or without a
garage.
Bristow said the Commission may want to add a qualification or change or remove these items.
She stated that there are certain things in the building and zoning code that won't allow one to
have a driveway that goes up to an occupied part of a house. Bristow said the driveway has to
go up to a garage or to nothing, something like that.
Boyd suggested the language be left as it is. He said if there is not a garage the Commission
might want more guidance, but he did not want to hold things up unnecessarily. Male said he
thinks that is part of the balance that the Commission is always trying to find.
Bristow said that these amendments are not to make it so it's easy to approve all of the curb
cuts. She said that only if certain criteria are met would it be a minor review.
Baker said there is a house in her neighborhood that has a paved back yard. She said she
would like the language to continue to say "leading to a garage" and have it come before the
Commission if it is something else.
Agran said he agreed with Baker. Agran said it was his understanding that paving in back yards
would be a reviewed procedure in the future for rental properties. Bristow stated that is part of
the new rental permit procedure. Karr said that did not only apply to rental properties.
The consensus of the Commission was that the language is acceptable.
Front door replacement of certain types as minor review.
Bristow said that if one has a front door that is not historic, some modern door, to be replaced, it
is not a certificate of no material effect, especially if the pattern is different or something, it is
something else.
Bristow said that wood would be the first choice, fiberglass that is painted would be a second
choice, and staff does not want to see steel doors.
Bristow said that a few of these have come up and they have been treated like minor reviews
when they aren't really. She added that another qualification beyond material would be that
there is an appropriate style for the house. Bristow said that since not all of the houses fit into
the categories, there is language regarding a door that matches appropriate historic doors on
the property, in case there is something to look at.
The consensus of the Commission was that the language is acceptable
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Roof shingle replacement of certain types as minor review.
Bristow said there are a lot of roof replacement projects that come up since they were included
in the review beginning in 2015. She said that typically, there will be a roof material like 3-tab
shingles that are really not appropriate, or the agricultural metal roof, or shingles that are
appropriate but the owners want to use the metal roof system that was put on the 932 College
Street house, or things like that.
Bristow said it would be a little more straightforward if this could be a minor review if it is not a
certificate of no material effect. She said she is not talking about replacing standing seam metal
with standing seam metal; she is saying maybe it is appropriate to put shingles on a certain roof
or something along those lines.
Bristow said staff spelled this out in the memo. She said that all of the trim, fascia, everything
needs to remain the same material profile as the existing. Bristow said therefore the roof either
has flat, asphalt shingles, which are not typically approved, or three -tab shingles. She stated
that the new roof will be architectural asphalt shingles mimicking wood shake shingles or a flat,
panel standing seam or the roof currently has flat panel standing seam that is deteriorated
beyond repair and the new roof will be architectural asphalt shingles mimicking wood shake
shingles. Bristow said that again, this is not covering the certificate of no material effect that
would be replacing it with another metal roof.
Bristow said this would be basically allowing for the replacements that have generally been felt
to be appropriate but not a certificate of no material effect.
Swaim said that in the third bullet at the end of the first line, there should be an "and" between
"repair" and "the".
Agran said he thinks the wording is fine. He said the Commission is getting pretty nuanced
about the standing seam roof. Agran said it is saying that one can have a metal roof but only an
exact kind of metal roof.
Agran said it is intriguing to him that there are instances when one cannot put in a vinyl window,
because it is not historic and the material is not historic and it is not expected that those will
have the same longevity. He said yet asphalt shingles that are like the definition of fake, and
are also volatile, are allowed.
Agran said he is of the opinion that all of those shingles all look fake on every house. He said it
stands in opposition to the historic character of the neighborhood that is talked about all the
time. Agran said that actually, these metal roofs that are equally old and much better
investments in terms of maintaining the building stock for a much longer period of time - those
roofs are a lot less volatile.
Agran said he just wonders whether, when all of this is preapproved, it sort of means that one
can do whatever one wants to do, i.e. asphalt shingles. He said it might be that there could be
more encouragement to put a longer and better investment in, since that is something that in all
other respects of what the Commission does, that is really what it's about. Agran said its about
what is the best investment to maintain the integrity of this envelope.
Bristow said that the whole use of asphalt shingles that mimic wood shake shingles is a
direction that has been taken from some of the preservation guidelines from the National Park
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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Service. She said the National Park Service does recognize that as an appropriate replacement
for the wood shake that just cannot be replaced because of various reasons.
Bristow said the second bullet point in the handbook on roofs says, "Consider unoriginal
materials that may have achieved significance, such as metal roofs." She said that is something
that staff would tend to suggest to some degree.
Bristow said that at this point it is still a little cost prohibitive for some people to do that. She
said there are differences in the types, etc. Kuenzli asked if someone proposing this might
qualify for the City's $5,000 grant. Bristow said that is possible.
Bristow said that for a long time, staff thought a lot of the metal roofs were original. She said
that when the tornado came through, a lot of the metal roofs that were removed had wood
shake shingles underneath, showing the metal roof as the second generation roof. Bristow said
for that reason, staff has generally thought that if a roof is deteriorated beyond repair and the
owner cannot afford to put on another metal roof, the asphalt shingle is acceptable, because it
probably had wood shake shingles underneath the metal roof.
Bristow said staff does talk to owners about whether a metal roof can be coated with Acrymax
and if it can be repaired. She said staff does try to have that discussion first.
Agran said he is thinking more about what these kinds of guidelines encourage. He said there
are endless conversations the Commission has with people who come in and claim something
is cost prohibitive, and the Commission tells them it's not about cost.
Agran said he doesn't quite understand why an exception is given to roof material. He said
there is an anomaly here with roof materials. Agran said that with every other item, the
Commission says its not about the cost; it's about the long term future of the building.
Bristow said those are valid points to think about. She said that roofing is an odd thing. Bristow
said it was not regulated until a couple of years ago, so it is new to the Commission and staff.
Bristow said the biggest thing is that if an owner has shingles and they are flat, but he can put
on something that has more definition, that is the way to go. She said it is totally up to the
Commission if it doesn't want to come to an agreement on making this a minor review item at
this point.
Bristow said staff doesn't consider it a certificate of no material effect to replace bad flat shingles
with architectural shingles. She said that is a change that does have a material effect on the
house, so staff would like that kind of thing to be a minor review.
DeGraw asked if, when a person can be cited for letting his house go, for example the paint has
deteriorated, is the paint on a metal roof in the same category. Bristow replied that she did not
know that answer specifically. She said the inspectors have been stepping up inspections, and
she believes that they do also look at the roof as well as the house itself.
Agran said he believes this should proceed as written. He said he does not see any change
here. Agran said that he thinks about asphalt shingles and felt it was the moment to discuss it.
Baker said that the roofing item could be removed from the list, with these items still coming to
the Commission until the Commission comes up with better language.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
January 11, 2018
Page 12 of 15
Bristow said that if the Commission feels that something needs to be revisited, it can also make
something no longer be a minor review item. Swaim suggested the Commission pay attention
to these as they come up in the staff report and if problems emerge, revisit any of the items.
Synthetic siding removal as minor review.
Bristow said that if the siding is steel or hard board or vinyl or asbestos, and it is being removed,
it is not really a certificate of no material effect, because it usually has a very large effect on the
house. She said that staff basically wants to encourage the removal of these types of materials.
Bristow said the general feeling is that most of these houses show some indication of what the
original siding is underneath. She said that if for some reason an owner doesn't know, it maybe
would be a case to come to the Commission. Bristow said that sometimes an owner doesn't
know until he gets to that point, but then perhaps it is an intermediate review, if it is in a certain
neighborhood or district.
Bristow said they tried to write this by listing some synthetic sidings and felt that it would be
assumed that that was not the original siding. She said the only time there might be an issue
with that might be with mid-century modern. Bristow said in that case, hard board could be the
original siding.
Bristow said the language states that any repairs may be made with materials matching the
original in type, size, and profile. She said she did not include material, because there may be
an instance where cement board could exist with wood or not or maybe an instance where the
siding is cedar and the Commission does not want to require cedar if red wood is appropriate or
something like that.
The consensus of the Commission was that the language is acceptable.
Window and door modifications on the back of a primary structure as minor review.
Bristow said that if a door opening changes size, location, is added, changes from door to
window or window to door, it comes before the Commission whether or not it is on the back of a
house. She said there are times when, if a door is directly on the back in particular, it could be
reviewed by staff instead.
Bristow showed examples of when this might apply to a door on the back of a house.
The consensus of the Commission was that the language is acceptable.
Carriage house -style (two-story) garage as minor review.
Bristow says there are some neighborhoods where a home may have an accessory apartment
above the garage. She said there are some garages where, if the owners want to design
something simple, like the garages in the guidelines, then they don't actually need to come to
the Commission unless they are taking down another garage first.
Bristow said that if an owner is just building a garage in an appropriate location and it fits a
certain design standard, then it is basically a minor review. She said there have been a lot of
carriage houses and they tend to end up looking similar. Bristow said that if the owner wanted
to fit one of those designs, then it could essentially be preapproved also.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
January 11, 2018
Page 13 of 15
Bristow said that if the owner wanted to do something extravagant or widely different, the project
could come before the Commission. She showed some designs and styles that would be
acceptable. Bristow said the general idea is to have something that would match the house or
be appropriate with the house.
Agran asked what tone is set by these things that the Commission says don't need to be
addressed. He said that it is possible that all the form -based code will go through, at least on
the North Side, and he is thinking about this in terms of other things the City is currently doing in
respect to missing middle stuff. Agran said he is excited about the possibility of these
accessory buildings being constructed in historic districts.
Agran said if a homeowner was considering this, he would look at the diagrams and feel that
this looks like a barn and he would not think anyone would want to live there. He said it doesn't
mean that someone who is dreaming of more would understand that this is just the bare
minimum that one can do; it is not the maximum that one can do.
Agran said that when the Commission says that these are ways that this can look, he wonders
what that looks like to someone who thinks that preservation is just bossing homeowners
around and telling them what they can and can't do. He said at the very least, he wondered if
there could be some kind of an example that includes increased window glazing, so that when
these structures are discussed and how they fit into the fabric of the neighborhood, for him it
doesn't have to do with window glazing and that the windows need to be two feet by two feet
squares, because that was what was affordable and what a horse needed 100 years ago.
Agran said that to him it is sort of like, this is going to be a little, tiny house in someone's back
yard, and there are wonderful ways that contributes to the neighborhood. He said he wonders
whether there can be something in there that says that the amount of glazing can be higher.
Agran said what is this actually saying - that these structures have to look like they are still used
for horses, because that is the message these designs send to him. He suggested providing
some examples of what could be possible. Agran said that some people think these things are
a burden, and it would be nice if they could be shown more inspirational examples.
Bristow said that might be a reason that this does not become a minor review. Agran said he
wanted to make clear that he thinks this should be a minor review. He said that if someone
wants to build it like a barn and there are other barns in the neighborhood, that should be a
minor review. Agran said he just questions what the message is, if one is looking through the
guidelines and sees what is pre -approved and if that discourages what would be really lovely
investments in the neighborhood.
Bristow asked if having some of these examples with lap siding instead of board and batten
might help with some of the barn -like look. She said that this could be revisited, and there could
be some with larger windows. Bristow said part of the issue is that one would not want the
building to look too modern with the window patterning. She said the drawings were some that
were drawn up in the past as specific projects.
Agran said that staff has discussed being looser with the back of the house, and he suggested
that the side of the garage that faces in to the property could be looser. He said these would be
really great things to have more of and would stabilize the neighborhoods in really positive
ways.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
January 11, 2018
Page 14 of 15
Swaim said perhaps this should not be in this group, because it may go a lot of different ways.
She said that even the term carriage house says one thing to the public. Swaim said that one
wants people to think creatively and historically appropriately. She said that small outbuildings
in the North Side are kind of characteristic.
Bristow said that for garages, there are some pre -approved designs, but not all of them fit in, so
sometimes they come to the Commission. She said though, that if someone is trying to install a
very small, utilitarian garage on the property, having a pre -approved design for that works.
Bristow said this is something that does have a living space in it, so there are other
qualifications.
Boyd said that having some simple examples for a simple garage is very different than creating
a living space. He said that these are big and have the potential to change the character of a
neighborhood. Boyd said that the Commission wants to be responsive to projects that need
quick answers, but this isn't something that would generally need a quick answer, and he feels
that it is something that should come before the Commission.
Karr said that if one has to get a permit for a window that is not in an historic district, it would be
one page, no documentation, installed in one day. He said that a two-story unit with apartments
is not something that can be streamlined.
The consensus of the Commission was to remove the carriage house -style (two-story) garage
from the items to be amended.
MOTION: Boyd moved to accept the memorandum moving these items to minor review
with two changes: addition of the word "and" in the Roof Shingles Replacement and
removing of the Carriage House -Style Garage from the memorandum. Baker seconded
the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Clore, Kuenzli, and Wagner absent).
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 14, 2017:
MOTION: Boyd moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
December 14, 2017 meeting, as written. Baker seconded the motion. The motion carried on a
vote of 8-0 (Clore, Kuenzli, and Wagner absent).
COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:
2017 HP Awards.
Bristow asked anyone interested in writing text or presenting awards to contact her. Karr
volunteered to place the yard signs at the properties.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017-2018
NAME
TERM
EXP_
6/15
7/31
8/10
9/14
10/12
11/9
12/14
1/11
2/8
3/8
AGRAN, THOMAS
7/1/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BAKER, ESTHER
7/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BOYD, KEVIN
7/1/20
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
BUILTA, ZACH
7/1/19
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
CLORE, GOSIA
7/1/20
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
DEGRAW, SHARON
7/1/19
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
KARR, G. T.
7/1/20
--
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KUENZLI, CECILE
7/1/19
X
O/E
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
MICHAUD, PAM
7/1/18
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
SWAIM, GINALIE
7/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
WAGNER, FRANK
7/1/18
O/E
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member