HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-07 Ordinance Item Number: 9.a.
CITY OF OF IOWA CITY
� fil COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 7, 2024
Ordinance rezoning property located at 302-316 E. Bloomington Street from Central Business
Service (CB-2) zone to CB-2 with a Historic District Overlay (OHD/CB-2) zone. (REZ24-0001)
(Second Consideration)
Staff Recommendation: No recommendation
Attachments: Memo from Senior Planner to City Manager: 302-316 E. Bloomington St.
Landmark Rezoning; Summary on Previous Landmarking Attempts (REZ23-
0001)
REZ24-0001 - Staff Report Final w Attachments
Late Correspondence.pdf
PZ 2.21 .24 minutes.pdf
Ordinance
City Council correspondence
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MEMORANDUM
Date: May 2, 2024
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner, Neighborhood & Development Services
Re: 302-316 E. Bloomington St. Landmark Rezoning; Summary on Previous Landmarking
Attempts (REZ23-0001)
The City Council is currently considering a rezoning of the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building located
at 302-316 E. Bloomington St. from CB-2 to CB-2 with a Historic District Overlay to designate the
property as an Iowa City Landmark. There have been several questions from Council members
regarding past attempts to locally designate this building.
Here's a timeline of relevant historic preservation related dates, including attempts to locally
designate properties and districts in the Northside:
1982—Adoption of the City's historic preservation ordinance (Ordinance#82-3098), which
also created the Historic Preservation Commission.
1984 —Adoption of the City's first two local historic districts; South Summit Street District
and Woodlawn Historic District.
1984 — Attempt to locally designate a Northside District, which included both commercial
and residential properties. In a memo to the City Council from the Historic Preservation
Commission dated June 20, 1984 the HPC requests that the City Council not consider the
Northside Commercial District. The memo also states that the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended against the designation. The subject property was likely
included in this attempt to create a local historic district.
1996 —Amendment to the City's historic preservation ordinance, which gives the HPC
the authority to recommend designation of Local Historic Landmarks. The City Council
designates the first group of local landmarks in 1996. This first group includes many of
the properties that were previously listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Thirty-six properties are locally designated.
2005—Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
This district is a residential district and does not include the property at 302-316 E.
Bloomington Street.
2009—Adoption of the Northside Historic District, which is a locally designated district that
aligns with the National Register-listed Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. The subject
property is not included in this district because it is a residential district.
2015 — Starting in 2015, the HPC researches and evaluates properties, which results in
the creation of a list of properties to consider for future local landmark designation. The
property at 302-316 E. Bloomington St. is on this list. It is one of twenty-nine properties on
the list.
2018 — The HPC moves forward with pursuing local landmark designation for six of the
properties on their prioritized list from 2015. All six properties are residential, brick
buildings. Furthermore, they are buildings studied by historians that prepared written
April 26, 2024
Page 2
reports of their historic significance. Documentation which is necessary to move a local
landmark designation forward. The subject property is not included in the six buildings that
move forward for Council's consideration because it is a commercial building.
In summary, the attempt in the 1980s to create a local historic commercial district in the Northside
likely included the subject property. This attempt was not successful. Although the Historic
Preservation Commission recommended approval of the district it was not supported by the
Planning and Zoning Commission, and it was never ultimately considered by the City Council,
likely because it was a large district encompassing most of the north side.
Most recently, in 2015, the subject property was identified on a prioritized list of properties that
the HPC thought should be considered for local landmark designation. Ultimately, the HPC moved
forward six properties, which did not include the property at 302-316 E. Bloomington Street.
The property at 302-316 E. Bloomington St. remains a historically significant building within Iowa
City. The Historic Preservation Commission's 2024 work plan includes a Commission priority to
focus on designation of local landmarks and districts. Their recent application to designate the
subject property as a local historic landmark demonstrates not only their commitment, but also
that their work is ongoing and takes time.
STAFF REPORT
To: Planning and Zoning Commission Prepared by: Melanie Comer, Planning
Item: REZ24-0001 302-316 E. Bloomington St. Intern and Madison Conley, Associate
Planner
Date: February 21, 2024
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Applicant: City of Iowa City Historic Preservation
Commission
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)-356-5230
Owner: Gary Skarda
312 N Linn St
Iowa City, IA 52245
garyskarda@yahoo.com
Contact Person: City of Iowa City
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)-356-5230
Requested Action: Rezone from Central Business Service (CB-
2) zone to CB-2 with a Historic District
Overlay (OHD/CB-2) zone.
Purpose: To designate the property as a Local Historic
Landmark.
Location: 302-316 E. Bloomington Street
Location Map:
4 �
AWL 1F
Size: 0.45 acres
Existing Land Use and Zoning: Central Business Service (CB-2)
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning: North: Neighborhood Stabilization
Residential (RNS-12)with a
2
Historic District Overlay (OHD)
South: Central Business Service (CB-2)
East: Central Business Service (CB-2)
West: Neighborhood Stabilization
Residential (RNS-12)
Comprehensive Plan: Mixed Use
District Plan: Central
Neighborhood Open Space District: C1
Public Meeting Notification: Properties within 500' of the subject property
received notification of the Planning and
Zoning Commission public meeting. A
Landmark Designation sign was posted on
the site.
File Date: January 17, 2024
45 Day Limitation Period: March 1, 2024
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On October 9, 2023, the City of Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission recommended
moving forward with an application to designate the property at 302-316 E. Bloomington Street,
formally known as the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building, as a Local Historic Landmark. Designation
of a Local Historic Landmark is a rezoning process that requires rezoning the property to apply
the Historic District Overlay (OHD) zone.
After the Historic Preservation Commission stated its intent to move forward with a landmark
designation, staff reached out to the property owner. Staff, along with the Historic Preservation
Commission's Chair, met with the owner of the property to discuss the significance of the
building, the landmarking process, and requirements related to historic review if landmarked.
On February 8, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission considered the landmark rezoning
and recommended approval by a vote of 8-0. See Attachment 3 for the staff report, which
includes the architectural and historical evaluation of the property as an attachment. The HPC
found that the property is significant for its role in the ethnic and commercial history of Iowa City's
Northside neighborhood and as a well-preserved example of Italianate architecture and
additionally met the following criteria for Local Landmark designation:
• Significant to American and/or Iowa City history, architecture, archaeology and culture;
• Possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, and workmanship;
• Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our
history; and
• Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; or
represents the work of a master;or possesses high artistic values; or represents a significant
and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
At the Historic Preservation Commission's meeting the property owner, Gary Skarda, stated that
he did not support the rezoning. Several members of the public expressed their support of the
rezoning at the meeting. Additional correspondence regarding the rezoning is included in
Attachment 4.
3
ANALYSIS:
Current Zoning: The property is currently zoned Central Business Service (CB-2) zone. The
purpose of the CB-2 zone is primarily to serve as a transition between intense land uses in the
Central Business Service district and adjoining areas.
Proposed Zoning: The purpose of the Historic District Overlay Zone is to designate Local
Historic Landmarks and Local Historic Districts. The property is not currently located within a
Local Historic District. In order to designate the property as a Local Historic Landmark, the
rezoning process is required. If designated, any exterior modifications to the building that require a
regulated permit will need to go through the historic review process. In addition, the property is
eligible for special exceptions (Section 14-2B-8 of the zoning code) that would allow the Board
of Adjustment to waive or modify certain zoning requirements to help support the continued use
of historic buildings. The property will also be eligible for financial incentives such as tax credits
and the Iowa City Historic Preservation Fund.
Planning and Zoning Commission Review: Designation of a Local Historic Landmark is a
rezoning process; and therefore, requires a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning
Commission to the City Council. Per 14-8E-1 E the Commission's role is to review the proposed
designation based on its relation to the Comprehensive Plan, as well as proposed public
improvements and plans for renewal of the area involved.
The IC2030 Plan includes principles, goals, and strategies that are in support of the Local
Landmark Rezoning. The neighborhood design principles of the comprehensive plan include
Preserve Historic Resources and Reinvest in Established Neighborhoods (pg. 20). The intent of
this principle is to ensure the stability and livability of the city's historic neighborhoods to
preserve the culture, history, and identify of Iowa City.
The Land Use section includes a goal to Continue to protect the community's historical,
environmental, and aesthetic assets. Associated with that goal are the strategies to encourage
the protection of natural areas and historic features and to continue support for the Iowa City
Historic Preservation Plan. This section of the plan also notes that historic preservation policies
have helped to save Iowa City's most historic buildings and have preserved the distinctive
architecture of entire neighborhoods (pg. 26).
The Housing section includes a goal to Preserve the integrity of existing neighborhoods and the
historic nature of older neighborhoods. This goal is supported by the strategy that aims to
support the Historic Preservation Commission's efforts to meet its goals (pg. 29).
302-316 E. Bloomington Street is in the Central Planning District. The Central District Plan
encourages preservation of historic homes, resources, and neighborhoods, especially in areas
close to the University. The introduction of the plan notes that the City has also been successful
in protecting historic resources in the Central District through the adoption of historic district and
conservation district overlay zones, and by bestowing historic landmark status on the area's
most significant buildings and properties (pg. 9). The Northside Marketplace is included in this
plan and is defined as the historic commercial neighborhood bounded by Bloomington and
Jefferson Streets and North Gilbert and Dubuque Streets. The subject property is located at the
northern end of this area. Although this area is close to downtown, the plan notes that it
maintains a distinct identity and scale. The plan explains that some redevelopment within the
Northside Marketplace is likely. However, there is a strong desire to maintain the historic
mainstreet character (pg. 15, 16). Many community members also indicated that the historic
character of the Northside Marketplace is one of its greatest assets (pg. 55, 56).
4
Furthermore, the Northside Marketplace section contains goals and objectives that relate to the
importance of the historic character of the neighborhood. This section includes Goal 1: Preserve
and promote the unique aspects of the Northside Marketplace. The objectives that support this
goal including establishing policies and regulations that will preserve the existing scale and
mainstreet commercial character of the Northside Marketplace and protecting historic buildings
as an integral part of the Northside Marketplace (pg. 57). The designation of the subject
property as a Local Historic Landmark will achieve the objective related to protecting historic
buildings.
The Historic Preservation Plan includes several goals and objectives to achieve its overall
Mission Statement: 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 (pg. 16).
In the plan, Goal 1: Identify historic resources to Iowa City's Past, is relevant to the designation
of 302-316 E. Bloomington Street as a Local Historical Landmark due to the objectives that the
Historic Preservation Commission is expected to carry out. The first objective is to continue to
research and evaluate historic resources through the systematic and prioritized completion of
neighborhood and thematic-based historical and architectural surveys. The third objective under
this goal calls for the Historic Preservation Commission to set designation priorities for historic
districts and landmarks that emphasize the most important or threatened resources first. The
fifth objective further encourages local landmark designations by the Historic Preservation
Commission by continuing to nominate individual properties and historic districts to the National
Register of Historic Places and when appropriate, pursue local designation as landmarks and
historic districts for National Register properties (pg. 31-33).
The plan also includes a section which discusses the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. This
historic district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The locally designated district
is referred to as the Northside Historic District. Although the subject property is not located in
either of these districts, because they are residential districts, this section of the plan discusses
the importance of various properties both in and outside of these districts. Objective 6 for the
Gilbert-Linn Street neighborhood is to Incorporate historic preservation efforts in planning for the
Northside Market Place retail district (intersecting blocks at Market, Linn, Gilbert and
Bloomington streets). Within this objective the importance of the subject property is discussed.
Specifically, this objective discusses promoting the preservation of architectural elements such
as the Slezak Building-National Hall (pg. 83).
CORRESPONDENCE:
Staff has received 43 letters of public correspondence (Attachment 4)from the community in
support of the proposed Local Historic Landmark rezoning. Based on testimony at the Historic
Preservation Commission's public hearing, the property owner does not support the proposed
Local Historic Landmark rezoning.
SUMMARY:
In summary, staff finds that the Local Historic Landmark rezoning of 302-316 E. Bloomington
Street, from Central Business Service (CB-2) zone to CB-2 with a Historic District Overlay
(OHD/CB-2) zone is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan, including
the Central District Plan and the Historic Preservation Plan, encourages pursuing local landmark
designations when appropriate to provide protection for important historic resources. In the case
of 302-316 E. Bloomington Street, the property has been identified as an anchor in the
community with significant cultural and historic values. The history behind this property
5
highlights the generational success and perseverance of immigrants in Iowa City.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the rezoning will be
considered for approval by the City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of REZ24-0001, an application to rezone 302-316 E. Bloomington
Street from Central Business Service (CB-2) zone to CB-2 with a Historic District Overlay
(OHD/CB-2) zone in order to designate it as a Local Historic Landmark.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location Map
2. Zoning Map
3. Staff Report to the Historic Preservation Commission; January 31, 2024
4. Correspondence �^
Approved by: _ t� • J+P—r
Danielle Sitzman, AICP, Development Services Coordinator
Department of Neighborhood and Development Services
ATTACHMENT 1
Location Map
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ATTACHMENT 3
Staff Report to the Historic Preservation
Commission; January 31 , 2024
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Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall,410 E Waslvngton Street,Iowa City.IA.52240
Memorandum
Date: January 31, 2024
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner
Re: 302-316 East Bloomington Street, Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building
Background
The Historic Preservation component of the Comprehensive Plan encourages the identification and
preservation of properties and neighborhoods that are significant to Iowa City's architecture and culture.
Towards achieving this goal, the Commission designated the first group of local landmarks in 1996.
This first group included many of the properties that were previously listed in the National Register of
Historic Places. Even while this group of local designations was still in process, the Commission began
a list of properties for their next group of local landmarks, including properties that were eligible for
listing in the National Register. In 2015, as part of the Commission's work plan, they created another list
of properties that were prioritized for local landmark designation because they were not located in local
districts. The Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building, at 302-316 East Bloomington Street, appears on both lists
of significant Iowa City properties.
This building has been owned by the same family since it was built from 1875 to 1880. Even without
designation as a local landmark, the building has been cared for as a preservationist would recommend
with exterior elements being repaired instead of replaced for almost 150 years.
On October 9, 2023, the Commission discussed moving forward an application to designate the
property at 302-316 E. Bloomington Street as a Local Historic Landmark. Designation of the property as
an Iowa City Historic Landmark will require Commission approval of any significant changes to the
exterior of the building. Landmark status will also make the property eligible for special exceptions that
would allow the Board of Adjustment to waive or modify certain zoning requirements and for State Tax
Credit funding of rehabilitation work. The property would also be eligible for the City's Historic
Preservation Fund to help with exterior repair work.
Since the HPC's October 91" meeting, staff, the Commission Chair, and the property owner met to
discuss the landmark designation. At this meeting staff explained what it means to own a property that
is designated as a Local Historic Landmark. Staff also discussed the process by which the landmark
status is evaluated. After this initial meeting with the property owner, Friends of Historic Preservation
hired local historian, Jennifer Price, to complete the site inventory form that documents the history,
integrity, and significance of the property (see attachment).
The first part of the local landmark designation process is the public hearing before the Commission,
which is scheduled for February 8, 2024.
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Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall,410 E Washington Street,Iowa City.IA.52240
Analysis
The site inventory form for the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building evaluates the property according to the
National Register criteria as required by the state. For National Register listing, all properties must be
significant and exhibit appropriate historic integrity. These two conditions are equivalent to criteria A
and B of the local landmark process listed below. National Register listings must be significant in at
least one of four applicable criteria which are equivalent with criteria C through F as shown below.
In the review of Local Historic Landmarks, it is the role of the Commission to determine whether the
property meets criterion A and B and also whether it meets at least one of the criteria C, D, E, or F:
a. Significant to American and/or Iowa City history, architecture, archaeology and culture;
b. Possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship;
c. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our
history;
d. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
e. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; or
represents the work of a master; or possesses high artistic values; or represents a significant
and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction;
f. Has yielded or may likely yield information important in prehistory or history.
As Jennifer Price determined that the building has both the significance and integrity required for
National Register listing, staff finds that the building is significant to Iowa City architecture and culture
and exhibits recognizable integrity (Local Criteria A and B). The Site Inventory Form summarizes the
cultural importance of the building to the Iowa City community because it is "associated with both the
ethnic and commercial history of Iowa City's Northside neighborhood." As Price continues, "the
complex of brick Italianate style commercial buildings at the corner of East Bloomington and North Linn
Streets was a one-stop shopping, dining, lodging, entertainment, and cultural center for the over-
growing Bohemian-American community in Iowa City and northern Johnson County." The National Hall
on the second floor "was home to Iowa City's many Bohemian fraternal and community organizations
that used the hall for their meetings and housed a comprehensive cultural library." Even by 1900 the
building was considered "one of the landmarks of this city."
The building was built and operated by Joseph Slezak for 25 years and then it was run by his son-in-
law Joseph Holub. As originally built, the building consisted of the two-story portion on the corner that
included two stores on the first floor with a saloon and dining hall accessed around the corner from Linn
Street. The second floor was the fraternal hall with dance floor, stage, and a balcony. The three-story
building behind was a boarding house. Along the alley a carriage house had laundry and sleeping
rooms on the upper floors. Adjacent to the carriage house on the east was the stable and feed barn. By
1920, the boarding house was running as a hotel and the stable was converted to a garage. Later,
about 1930, Holub remodeled the hotel and hall into apartments, creating a large storage attic in the
vaulted space above the former National Hall. The former stable/garage became a Laundromat in 1958
and Pizza Palace/Pagliai's Pizza moved into the grocery space in 1969. Based on the information in the
®® t��= Zn Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall,410 E Washington Street,Iowa City.IA.52240
Site Inventory Form, staff finds that the building is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of our history (Local Criterion C).
As stated in the Site Inventory Form the Slezak/Holub Building is a remarkably well-preserved example
of commercial Italianate architecture. It features a two-bay storefront that was remodeled 55 years ago
for the Pizza Palace (with the tile base likely introduced in the 1930s). Above the sign board that covers
the storefront transom area, there is a mid-level bracketed cornice with dentils below narrow round-
arched windows with brick hoodmolds. The upper portion of these windows was closed with beadboard
at the time of the 1930s remodel. The building is topped by a heavy bracketed cornice and a Baroque
pediment that is similar to architectural details found in 191" century Central European architecture
familiar to Bohemian immigrants, such as Slezak. The saloon entrance off Linn Street was bricked in at
some point and a single window was also bricked in. The three-story Holub Apartments has a
projecting entrance (likely from the 1930s remodel), more decorative, cast hoodmolds over the windows
and a more elaborate cornice with triglyphs and metopes between brackets. The carriage house is a
simple brick building with synthetic siding on the south wall and mid-century 2-over-2 horizontal lite
window sashes. The laundromat is a brick building with large gable and sliding stable door evident on
the alley side and large Baroque pediment on the street-fagade. Because of its Baroque pediments,
unique in Iowa City, and the Italianate commercial style, that has not been altered in many years, staff
finds that the building also embodies the distinctive characteristics of its type and is also eligible for
local landmark designation for its architecture (Local Criterion E).
Based on the information provided in the Site Inventory Form, staff finds that the property meets criteria
A, B, C, and E and therefore qualifies as a Local Historic Landmark.
Next Steps
Following the recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission, the rezoning application
establishing the Historic District Overlay zone will be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning
Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposal for compliance with the
Comprehensive Plan and make a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will then hold a
public hearing and consider the recommendations of the Historic Preservation Commission and the
Planning and Zoning Commission before deciding whether to establish the historic overlay zone,
creating the Local Landmark Designation.
Recommended Motion:
Move to approve the designation of 302-316 East Bloomington Street, the Slezak-Holub-Skarda
Building, as a Local Historic Landmark based on the following criteria for local designation: criteria A, B,
C, and E.
Attachments: Property Location map
Iowa Site Inventory Form 52-00602 Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building
Letter of support from Marty Boller
Letter of support from Marybeth Slonneger
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Property location ma1 for the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building, 1 districts, 1 nearby
landmarks
ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORICAL EVALUATION OF
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building
302-316 E. Bloomington Street
Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa
Iowa Site Inventory Form No. 52-00602
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10
Prepared for
Friends of Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 2001
Iowa City, IA 52244
Prepared by
Jennifer A. Price, PhD
Price Preservation Research
P.O. Box 5201
Coralville, Iowa 52241-0201
January 2024
Iowa Site Inventory Form State Inventory Number: 52-00602 ❑ New M Supplemental
State Historic Preservation Office 9-Digit SHPO Review&Compliance (R&C) Number:
(July 2014) ❑ Non-extant Year:
Read the Iowa Site Inventory Form Instructions carefully, to ensure accuracy and completeness before
completing this form. The instructions are available on our website:htto://www.iowahistorv.oro/historic-
preservation/statewide-inventory-and-collections/iowa-site-inventory-form.html
• Property Name
A) Historic name: Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building
B) Other names: Narodni Sin: National Hall: Slezak Hotel: Holub & Son Grocerv: Holub Apartments: Pagliai's Pizza
• Location
A) Street address: 302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts
B) City or town:lowa Ci tv (❑ Vicinity) County:Johnson
C) Legal description:
Rural: Township Name:_Township No.: Range No.: Section:_Otr: of Qtr:
Urban:Subdivision: Original Town Plat Block(s): 57 Lot(s): 5 and part of 6
• Classification
A) Property category: check onlyone B) Number of resources (within property):
M Building(s) If eligible property, enter number of., If non-eligible property,
❑ District Contributing Nonc ntributinq enter number of.,
❑ Site 1 Buildings _ _ Buildings
❑ Structure _ Sites _ _ Sites
❑ Object _ Structures _ _ Structures
Ob'ects Ob'ects
1 Total Total
C) For properties listed in the National Register:
National Register status: ❑ Listed ❑ De-listed ❑ NHL ❑ NPS DOE
D) For properties within a historic district:
❑ Property contributes to a National Register or local certified historic district.
❑ Property contributes to a potential historic district, based on professional historic/architectural survey and evaluation.
❑ Property does not contribute to the historic district in which it is located.
Historic district name: Historic district site inventory number:
E) Name of related project report or multiple property study, if applicable:
MPD title Historical Architectural Data Base#
• Function or Use Enter categories(codes and terms) from the Iowa Site Inventory Form Instructions
A) Historic functions B)Current functions
02E11 COMMERCE/specials store/grocery 02G COMMERCE/restaurant
01 D01 DOMESTIC/transitory housing/hotel 02A08 COMMERCE/business/laundry
03A04 SOCIAL/meeting hall/hall of patriotic organization 011302 DOMESTIC/multiple dwelling/apartment building
• Description Enter categories(codes and terms)from the Iowa Site Inventory Form Instructions
A)Architectural classification B) Materials
05B LATE VICTORIAN/Italianate Foundation (visible exterior): 04 STONE
09F03 OTHER/Commercial/Arcaded Block Walls (visible exterior): 03 BRICK
Roof: 05 METAL
Other:
C) Narrative description M SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED
Site Number: 52-00602 Address: 302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts City:Iowa City County;Johnson
• Statement of Significance
A)Applicable National Register Criteria: Mark your opinion of eligibility after applying relevant National Register criteria
Criterion A: Property is associated with significant events. N Yes ❑ No ❑ More research recommended
Criterion B: Property is associated with the lives of significant persons. ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ More research recommended
Criterion C: Property has distinctive architectural characteristics. N Yes ❑ No ❑ More research recommended
Criterion D: Property yields significant information in archaeology/history. ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ More research recommended
B) Special criteria considerations: Mark any special considerations;leave blank if none
❑ A: Owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes. ❑ E:A reconstructed building, object, or structure.
❑ B: Removed from its original location. ❑ F:A commemorative property.
❑ C:A birthplace or grave. ❑ G: Property less than 50 years of page or
❑ D:A cemetery achieved significance within the past 50 years.
C)Areas of significance D) Period(s) of significance
Enter categories from instructions
02 ARCHITECTURE 1875-1969
05 COMMERCE
E) Significant dates F) Significant person
Construction date Complete if Criterion B is marked above
1875 ❑ check if circa or estimated date
Other dates, including renovations
c.1930 (apts): 1938 (storefront): 1969 (store interior)
G) Cultural affiliation H)Architect/Builder
Complete if Criterion D is marked above Architect
Builder/contractor
1) Narrative statement of significance N SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED
• Bibliography N See continuation sheets for the list research sources used in preparing this form
• Geographic Data Optional UTM references❑ See continuation sheet for additional UTM or comments
Zone Easting Northing NAD Zone Easting Northing NAD
1 2
• Form Preparation
Name and Title: Jennifer A. Price/Consultant Date:January 2024
Organization/firm: Price Preservation Research E-mail:price preservationresearchQ)gmai1.corn
Street address: P.O. Box 5201 Telephone:319.594.9513
City or Town: Coralville State: IA Zip code:52241-0201
• ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION Submit the following items with the completed form
A) For all properties, attach the following, as specified in the Iowa Site Inventory Form Instructions:
1. Map of property's location within the community.
2. Glossy color 4x6 photos labeled on back with property/building name, address, date taken, view shown, and
unique photo number.
3. Photo key showing each photo number on a map and/or floor plan, using arrows next top each photo
number to indicate the location and directional view of each photograph.
4. Site plan of buildings/structures on site, identifying boundaries, public roads, and building/structure footprints.
B) For State Historic Tax Credit Part 1 Applications, historic districts and farmsteads, and barns:
See lists of special requirements and attachments in the Iowa Site Inventory Form Instructions.
State Historic Preservation Office(SHPO) Use Only Below This Line
The SHPO has reviewed the Site Inventory and concurs with above survey opinion on National Register eligibility:
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ More research recommended
❑ This is a locally designated property or part of a locally designated district.
Comments:
SHPO authorized signature: Date:
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 1
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION
The Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building is located at the northeast corner of N. Linn Street and E. Bloomington Street
on the north side of Iowa City, seat of Johnson County in eastern Iowa. The property is bordered on the west and
north sides by the southern boundary lines of the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, a National Register-listed
residential historic district containing a large neighborhood of late nineteenth and early twentieth century houses.
Although it is outside the boundaries of the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building is
visually part of the district both architecturally and historically and is a familiar landmark in the overall Northside
neighborhood of Iowa City.Along the west side of the property, N. Linn Street retains its original brick paving.Across
Bloomington Street to the south is a large, paved lot that provides overflow parking for Pagliai's Pizza — the
commercial tenant in the main level store unit since 1969 —and other nearby businesses, including Hamburg Inn
No. 2 just south of the parking lot. The surroundings to the southeast, south, and southwest feature a mix of late-
nineteenth to mid-twentieth-century commercial buildings, historic residential buildings repurposed for commercial
use, and a modern condominium building at the southwest corner of N. Linn and E. Bloomington streets.
The subject property is a complex of four adjoining brick buildings built from 1875 to the 1880s that together form
an L-shape around a central courtyard and parking lot with access to E. Bloomington Street. The entire Slezak
Block complex is comprised of the main two-story brick block(40 by 80 feet) built on the northeast corner of N. Linn
and E. Bloomington streets; a three-story brick Italianate style hotel addition (38 by 42 feet) built adjoining the rear
of the main building with entrance on N. Linn Street; a two-story hotel addition (22 by 72 feet) adjoined to rear of
the hotel addition and extending east along the north property line that originally held a carriage house, laundry,
and sleeping rooms; and the laundromat (34 by 80 feet)—originally the stables and later a garage—built adjoining
the east end of the carriage house and extending south to face E. Bloomington Street.
The main building, 302 E. Bloomington Street, was built by Joseph Slezak in 1875 in the commercial Italianate
style. The building has brick exterior walls, a front gabled roof clad in metal with three ventilators spaced evenly
along the ridgeline. The front-gabled roof is hidden on the south side fagade by"a wooden pediment with Baroque
curves. Below this is a heavy, projecting, wooden cornice with single, widely-spaced windows with three sashes,
the upper section of which is boarded up. Around the semi-circular window tops the raised brick molding forms a
rectangular panel. At the top of the first story is a less extended cornice' (Alexander 1970). The storefront was
remodeled in 1938, creating a single central recessed tiled entry with wood and glass entry door, black tiled
bulkheads, and plate glass windows. In 1969, the store interior was remodeled to house the pizza parlor that is still
located there nearly 55 years later. "The second-story cornice extends along the east and west sides with upper-
story windows repeating those of the south fagade. On the west side was a second entrance, leading to apartments,
using cast iron elements and large glass windows. This has been bricked up and the present entrance is to the
north" (Alexander 1970).
The three-story northern addition (308-312 N. Linn Street)was built as a hotel and is five bays wide with a central
entrance. It is also built of brick with a front-gabled roof. "The fagade is topped by a high cornice with a version of
triglyph and metope ornament, and single, widely spaced brackets. All openings are topped by very plastic pressed
tin arches with delicate inset floral ornament of an Eastlake character,the kind of tool used in the 1880s. The cornice
continues around the building. Windows on the sides and back are topped by a segmental arch with a separate
molding formed by protruding brick" (Alexander 1970).
The adjoining two-story rear addition (former carriage house) has a flat roof and an entrance on the narrow west
side, with the addresses 310-314 N. Linn Street. The segmental arch windows have newer 1/1 double hung sash
windows. The south fagade, clad in vinyl siding, overlooks the small courtyard and parking lot. A central entry door
and overhead garage door near the east endwall are features of the fagade.
The easternmost addition (316 E. Bloomington Street) is also built of brick with a front-gabled roof hidden by a
curved Baroque pediment that complements the one on the main building. "The curving features of the Baroque
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 2
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
pediment is executed in brick (rather than wood like the main building) and outlined in wood" (Alexander 1970). It
served originally as a barn with stables for the horses of hotel guests. The building was converted by 1920 to a
heated garage. In 1953, it housed a linen service, and in 1958, it was remodeled into a coin-operated laundromat.
The brick fagade and the brick portion of the Baroque pediment appear to have been stuccoed and painted white.
The recessed central entrance is flanked by two square fixed store windows. This storefront configuration (and
perhaps the stucco as well) likely dates to 1958, when it was remodeled into the coin-operated laundromat that it
remains today.
Statement of Integrity
In 1996,consultants Molly Myers Naumann and Brian Schultes—in their Survey and Evaluation of the Dubuque/Linn
Corridor, Iowa City, Iowa — determined the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building one of 10 sites that "appear to be
individually significant"and likely"eligible for the NRHP and/or local landmark designation' (Naumann and Schultes
1996:10).Although the fifth-generation owner chose not to pursue National Register listing or local landmark status
at the time of the survey, he has continued to maintain the historic building complex to a high degree. The building,
therefore, remains deserving of local landmark designation and meets the seven aspects of integrity (location,
setting, design, workmanship, materials, feeling, and
association) that make it individually eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places.
The Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building complex is in its original
location at the northeast corner of E. Bloomington and N. Linn
Streets. Although the immediate surroundings to the east
�I I south and southwest have changed in the past 50 years (see
Site Plan in Additional Documentation), the Slezak-Holub-
Skarda Building is a landmark that anchors the south
boundaries of the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, a well-
preserved National Register-listed residential district of houses
R dating to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries (see
Site Plan in Additional Documentation).
1� p
View looking north at the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building, home
ONE
_ of Pagliai's Pizza since 1969. Photo by Price Preservation Research,
December 2023
The original footprint and design of this Italianate style building
complex is intact, and the workmanship and materials of the
original builders is visible on all sides. Extant original character-defining features — including the face brick,
fenestration pattern, hood molds, brackets and cornices, and Baroque pediments—have been preserved throughout
periods of remodeling and repurposing.
The Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building conveys a feeling of time and place of a late-nineteenth-century Italianate
commercial block—even with its modern commercial tenants —that the building's original owners and customers
would instantly recognize. The building is now thoroughly associated with Pagliai's Pizza, which has been located
here since 1969, and yet the entire complex has been remarkably preserved so that its modern uses do not
overwhelm the building's character-defining features or its historic association with the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic
District and Northside neighborhood of Iowa City.
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 3
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building is locally significant and individually eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places under Criteria A and C. Under Criterion A, the building is a landmark associated with both the ethnic
and commercial history of Iowa City's northside neighborhood. Begun by Joseph Slezak in 1875 and completed in
the 1880s, the complex of brick Italianate style commercial buildings at the corner of E. Bloomington and N. Linn
streets was a one-stop shopping, dining, lodging, entertainment, and cultural center for the ever-growing Bohemian-
American community in Iowa City and northern Johnson County. Even the curved Baroque pediment recalled the
Central European architecture that would have been familiar to Slezak and his fellow immigrants. His second-floor
hall, known as Narodni Sin, or National Hall, was home to Iowa City's many Bohemian fraternal and community
organizations that used the hall for their meetings, and housed a comprehensive cultural library. The hall also
included a dance floor, a stage, and balcony, and was the venue for numerous dances, parties, sporting events,
and staged entertainments over its four decades of existence. Slezak himself operated his commercial and cultural
complex (hotel, hall, saloon, and grocery/dry goods store) for 25 years, specifically serving Solon, Swisher,
Shueyville, and rural Johnson County farmers,who came to town for market day or to visit the nearby hospitals. By
1900,just before Joseph Slezak turned over the businesses of the grocery, hall, and hotel to his son-in-law, Joseph
F. Holub, the Slezak Block with its popular National Hall was already considered, as the Iowa City Daily Republican
stated, "one of the landmarks of this city." Holub took over the property in 1909, continuing the hall, rooming house,
and grocery store into the late 1920s and early 1930s. Holub remodeled the hall and rooming house into modern
apartments around 1930, essentially creating the commercial property that it remains today. The additions of the
laundromat in the former stable/garage in 1958 and Pagliai's Pizza in the former grocery store in 1969 have added
more recent layers to the historical significance of this beloved 149-year-old property that has passed through five
generations of the same family and continues to be a landmark in Iowa City.
Under Criterion C, the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building is a remarkably well-preserved example of commercial
Italianate architecture. As Molly Myers Naumann wrote in her Survey and Evaluation of the Dubuque/Linn Street
Corridor in 1996: "This two story brick commercial building from 1875 (with three story addition...) is individually
eligible as a fine example of Italianate commercial design. It features tall slender round arched windows on the
second floor with simple brick hoodmolds, while on the first floor the windows are segmental arched with brick
hoods. The three story addition has more elaborate cast hoodmolds. A bracketed wooden cornice surrounds both
sections. Relatively few alterations have been made over the years, but these include: bricking in an entrance on
the secondary(west)facade and putting in two small modern windows, bricking in a doorway on the west elevation,
installation of smaller windows at the second floor level, creating a new brick foyer or vestibule entry to the rear
wing, and new plate glass windows and entry door on the storefront." Although changes to the building over the
past nine decades "sound extensive," according to Naumann, the building's overall integrity remains very high.
Moreover, each of its remodels (c.1930, 1936, 1958, and 1969) are now over 50 years of age and thus part of the
historic fabric. These changes are unobtrusive and do not diminish the building's overall architectural integrity or its
original character-defining features, which include the unique curved Baroque pediment, the complementary
pediment on the former stable/laundromat, arched fenestration, hood molds, and bracketed cornices. The entire
building complex remains individually eligible for the National Register and would be a contributing resource, as
Naumann wrote in 1996, "in any historic district that includes Linn Street."
The preliminary period of significance for the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building is 1875 to at least 1969, from the year
the main building was completed and put into service to the year the store unit remodel was completed and Pagliai's
"Pizza Palace" opened for business.
History of the Siezak-Holub-Skarda Building, 1875-1975
By 1850, new residents to Iowa City included many immigrants from Bohemia (the area of Central Europe known
today as the Czech Republic). They mainly settled in Cedar Rapids and Linn County, Johnson County north of Iowa
City, and in the eastern part of Iowa City's Northside neighborhood, which came to be known as Goosetown
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Pace 4
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
(Naumann 1996;E-6). "Arriving in Linn County, Iowa, around 1855, Johann (John/Jan) and Anna Sichrova
Slezak came from P"rivrat, Bohemia,a village in the Usti Nad Orlici District in the Pardubice Region of today's Czech
Republic" (Boller 2023). By 1870, the Slezaks were living in Monroe Township in Johnson County and in 1872 —
fours year before his death — Johann (John) Slezak purchased Lots 5 & 6 in Block 57 of the Original Plat of Iowa
City. This property, located at the corner of N. Linn and E. Bloomington streets, had been home to the State "Blind
Asylum,"which was in 1872 "an old stone building" built in 1853 that had been sitting unused since that institution
was moved to Vinton in 1862. In March 1874, the Slezaks deeded the property to their oldest son Joseph ("Joe")
(1847-1912) (Iowa Anti Monopolist, March 27, 1874). Two months later, Joe Slezak had moved into the "old Blind
Asylum"and opened a grocery store and National Hall, or"Narodni Sin' in Czech (Iowa State Press, May 19, 1875;
History of Johnson County Iowa 1883;75-76).
The complete Slezak building complex as shown on the 1888
II Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Iowa City. Source: Library of
57
3IoL Congress website
I - -
t� ;: 3B Whentheold BlinclAsylumwasbadlydamagedbyfireayear
Ali • ; i later in May 1875, Joe Slezak tore it down and began
a construction of his own building to house his grocery and
National Hall. The result was an Italianate style two-story
�I brick block with an unusual Baroque pediment (Iowa Anti
Z Monopolist, May 1, 1874; Iowa State Press, May 19, 1875).
M `'a
Z I� i � - - When it opened in November 1875, the main building
featured two store units, a dining room, and saloon on the
J I w '•Y<' se 4
Z11mainfloor, while the second floor served as a large meeting
v
• �I Q V ,/. �� NNwM - and dance hall and likely hotel rooms in the rear. Upstairs,
Z II h v __ the National Hall, or Narodni Sin, included a dance floor, a
II o s, m� s>`=;�" p --J stage, and balcony, and would be the venue for numerous
y 7 meetings, dances, parties, sporting events, and staged
d entertainments over the next four decades.
11 � BLOOM I N
Slezak's Hotel, or"Farmer's Home,"was officially opened on
November 1, 1875, and his National Hall (or "Narodni Sin')
was opened on November 15, 1875. Slezak advertised both grand openings in the local Bohemian language
newspaper, Slovan Americky (Slovan Americky, October 28, 1875; Boller 2023; Jacobsen [19811:12). Slezak
sought especially to cater to farmers living in rural Johnson County, who regularly traveled by horse and wagon into
Iowa City on market days to trade their farm products and purchase goods on Iowa Avenue, the city's main
marketplace and just blocks from Slezak Hall. Because these trips to town often included an overnight stay,
entrepreneurs like Joe Slezak"opened farmers hotels,' offering inexpensive overnight boarding that also included
a hearty meal and a stable where farmers could safely park their horses&wagons' (Boller 2023).
After the grand openings, Iowa City's other newspapers praised Slezak and his new brick block:
The "National," the new Bohemian hotel built on the site formerly occupied by the old Blind Asylum, was
completed last week. The splendid hall on the second story was dedicated on Monday night by a grand ball,
participated in by over 400 persons. The structure cost$8,000, and is the property of [Joseph] Slezack [sic]
(Iowa City Republican, November 17, 1875).
Mr.Slezack[sic] has built,on the site of the old Blind Asylum,a most creditable brick structure, in which is the
finest and best proportioned public hall in town. This new building will be the home of the Ochotnik and other
Bohemian societies and there will be their library, one of the largest selections of Sclavic[sic] literature in the
United States(Iowa City Daily Press, November 29, 1875).
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 5
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
Slezak opened his grocery/general store and saloon at the same time, but no advertisements have been found yet
announcing those features.
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,.enkovola pao pi,tehy vnA,i...d p64YSeym.enF Velnpal.poo so .t®.
konirny. A ave[imte Y&wky k hqO eivetivii a yvY tally¢e1r0 rkcly n6 pSmbae,k,K d i
dlhuio rychb.•fidupY obalYhn. 9�y.i,k hoe nt4erk.
51k1) SGetou Jewf8lezAk. (511i9i ST., Jeeet Hledfc.
The first advertisements for Josef"Joe"Slezak's new building appeared in the local Bohemian language newspaper,
Sloven Americky. On the left, Slezak gives details of the grand opening of his new"Farmers' Home"with dining room
and stables on November 1, 1875, and on the right of the grand opening of The National Hall(Narodni Sin)with a
dance ball on November 15, 1875. The "Farmer's Home"was located in the original building,and the stables were
nearby. The extant brick hotel, carriage house, and stables were complete by 1888.
Source: Slovan Americky,October 28, 1875
Slezak added more buildings until the entire Slezak complex was complete by 1888 (see 1888 Sanborn Map). To
his main brick block on the northeast corner of N. Linn and E. Bloomington streets, he added a three-story brick
Italianate style hotel addition (38 by 42 feet) on the north side with entrance on N. Linn Street; an adjoining hotel
addition (22 by 72 feet) to the north and extending east that originally housed a carriage house, laundry, and
sleeping rooms; and a large barn with stables (34 by 80 feet) adjoined to the east end of the carriage house and
extending and facing south. Altogether, the buildings formed an L-shape.
Slezak intended his corner building complex to be a one-stop shopping, dining, lodging, entertainment, and cultural
center for the Bohemian-American community in Iowa City and Johnson County environs. Even the building's
curved Baroque pediment recalled the Central European architecture that would have been familiar to Slezak and
his fellow immigrants. From 1875 to the 1910s, "Slezak's National Hotel and Hall" was home to the following
Bohemian fraternal and community organizations using the hall for their meetings: Trasti (c. 1892), Zastit (1901-
15), Slovanska Lipa (1892), Forum Palacky (1904-9), and Iowa City Lodge #180 of ZCBJ (1914)" (Boller 2023;
Jacobsen 1981). Slezak operated his commercial and cultural complex (hotel, restaurant, hall, saloon, and
grocery/dry goods)for 25 years, specifically serving Solon, Swisher, and Shueyville and northern Johnson County
farmers, many of them Bohemian immigrants, who came to town for market day or to visit the nearby hospitals and
needed overnight accommodations (Jacobsen 1981; Boller 2023).
In 1886, a notice in the Iowa State Press told readers Joe Slezak had turned over operation of the grocery/dry
goods store "to his former clerk, Joseph F. Holub, who will continue the business at the old stand, National Hall
building." Eva Slezak, Joe's wife, continued to be in charge of"the boarding house as heretofore," while Slezak
continued as proprietor of the National Hall. Holub (1867-1934) eventually married the Slezaks' daughter, Anna
(1872-1963), in 1892 and apparently left the Slezak store to work elsewhere until 1901 (Iowa State Press,
September 29, 1886; Boller 2023). City directories show the grocery was run by Joe's son, Frank Slezak, in 1899,
and again by Joe Slezak in 1901.A saloon operated by Joseph Slezak was listed in 1878, by Frank Slezak in 1899,
and again by Joseph Slezak in 1901 (Jacobsen 1981).
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 6
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
By 1892, Joseph Slezak was praised by the Iowa City Weekly Republican as "Prominent among the Bohemians,"
"a natural leader among men," and "a man of indomitable energy."
Commencing in a small way he has built up in Iowa City an extensive property occupying the site of the old
blind asylum, his National Hall, a place of public meetings and social gatherings. Beneath it are two
commodious store rooms devoted to groceries, dry goods and general merchandise. In the same building he
conducts a well appointed hotel. Mr. Slezak has in every way deserved his success (Iowa City Weekly
Republican, December 20th, 1892).
In 1901, Joseph F. Holub took over the grocery store, and "all the other business ventures centered in the Slezak
block:"
Joseph Holub. . .will succeed his father-in-law,Joseph Slezak,as proprietor of the National hall,the
Farmers' home,the grocery store and all the other business ventures centered in the Slezak block.
Mr. Slezak, as a hard-working, popular pioneer, has built up a great business there, and his son-in-
law certainly starts an independent commercial career with a fine outlook for prosperity and fortune.As to Mr.
Holub himself, everybody knows him. His connection with Gramling's, Denecke & Yetter's and Yetter's has
made him acquainted with thousands of householders in Johnson county[sic]. He is a diligent,courteous and
always good natured salesman, and as "his own boss" will doubtless do exceedingly well (Daily Iowa State
Press, September 25, 1901).
In 1909, Slezak sold the entire property to Holub:
An important transfer of property has taken place through the purchase from J.J. Slezak of the
property owned by the former at the corner of Linn and Bloomington streets. Mr. Holub has for some time
been in active charge of the business conducted there, and is therefore familiar with the proposition which he
has undertaken.
The building on the site is one of the land marks [sic] of Iowa City and well built many years ago. It
was a structure of fine construction and is therefore well preserved. The upper story is devoted to Dancehall
and hotel purposes while on the ground floor are the grocery and saloon and the restaurant.No announcement
of the consideration is made but the property is one generally valued at about $40,000. Mr. Holub will have
the wish of his many friends for success in his continued business activities in his own property (Iowa City
Press-Citizen, September 6, 1909).
In 1919, Joseph Holub brought his son, William, into the business with him, styling themselves Holub and Son until
1933, when the name changed to Holub's Grocery (Iowa City Press-Citizen, February 24, 1933; Iowa City Press-
Citizen, March 31, 1934; Iowa City Press-Citizen, May 16, 1935). Joseph Holub also continued the National Hall,
which became known as Holub's Hall, until c.1926-1928, when he embarked on his long-held plans to remodel the
hall and rooming house into modern apartments (Iowa City Press-Citizen, November 26, 1924). Eventually the
carriage house would be remodeled into apartments, as well. He had already converted the barn and stables into
a heated garage by 1920 (see 1920 Sanborn map). In 1953, the former stable/garage became the home of the
Iowa City Home Linen Service (Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 23, 1953). In 1958, the building was remodeled into a
coin-operated laundromat that continues today(Iowa City Press-Citizen, September 3 and 4, 1958).
In 1936, I.C. Nichols and his Self Serve Grocery replaced Holub's Grocery (Iowa City Press-Citizen, April 16, 1938).
In 1938, William J. Holub (1892-1975),the third generation property owner, remodeled the storefront, likely creating
the single central recessed entrance that is mostly extant (Iowa City Press-Citizen, February 25, 1938). The same
year, Nichols remodeled the grocery store interior (Iowa City Press-Citizen, February 25, 1938). In 1953, Raymond
Tweedy purchased the business and opened Tweedy's Self Serve Grocery Store (Iowa City Press Citizen,
December 30, 1953). In 1960, Val and Marilyn (Holub) Skarda, the fourth generation of the Slezak/Holub family
took over. The couple moved into William Holub's former home in the building, and Val Skarda became, as his
obituary in 2019 stated, "the patriarch of the Holub Apartments, an Iowa City landmark" (Iowa City Press-Citizen,
June 6, 1960; Iowa City Press-Citizen, May 15, 2019).
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 7
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
Tweedy's went out of business in 1968 (Iowa City Press-Citizen, November 29, 1969). One year later, Val Skarda
remodeled the store unit into a "pizza house," and Armond Pagliai moved his Pizza Palace from 127 S. Clinton
Street to 302 E. Bloomington. Around 1975, the name changed to Pagliai's Pizza, and it has been located there
ever since.
Gift Certificates or By 1981, as this advertisement shows, Pagliai's Pizza had become the
Ngtia ,T-shirts available familiar face of the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building. Today, the restaurant is
$5.00 part of Its historic significance. source:Iowa City Press-Citizen,December 5,1981
-- Already considered a landmark by 1900, the history of the Slezak-Holub-Skarda
Building was periodically the subject of the recurring feature, "A Fact A Day About
FT ,77-11 Iowa City" in the Press-Citizen. Its "Narodni Sin' was an especially popular topic,
�.� used as a way to talk about Iowa City's Bohemian cultural past or the "old Blind
Asylum," or to reminisce generally about Iowa City's Northside neighborhood and
the "good old days." During his first year writing for the Press-Citizen, Iowa City
historian Irving Weber made Slezak Hall a focus of his recurring series, "How's
Pagliai's Pizza Your Building 10," in which he implored his readers to "Look Up!" at the upper
302 E.Bloomington stories of the city's historic buildings. The popular history of the building appeared
Phone ooming3 again in Weber's book, Historical Stories About Iowa City – Volume
Manda,Saturdar,a v.m.-t a.m. 1 (1976). Weber revisited the subject again in 1981 and in 1990 to discuss historic
metal roofs (Iowa City Press-Citizen, March 15, 1973; Iowa City Press-Citizen,
April 18, 1981; Iowa City Press-Citizen, October 20, 1990). These remembrances
of the building's history have bolstered its significance as a beloved Iowa City landmark. The additions of the Holub
apartments in the former National Hall in c.1930, the Laundromat in the former stables/garage in 1958, and Pagliai's
Pizza (an the Iowa City institution)in the former grocery store in 1969 have added more recent layers to the historical
significance of this 149-year-old property. The building has passed through the ownership of five generations of the
same family and continues to be individually eligible for the National Register and a landmark in the Northside
Neighborhood of Iowa City.
MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
Ad for Basket Ball and Dance, Iowa City Press-Citizen, January 20, 1925.
Ad for Home Linen Service, Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 23, 1953.
Ad for Holub's Grocery, Iowa City Press-Citizen, May 16, 1935.
Ad for Iowa City Home Linen Service, Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 23, 1953.
Ad for Going out of business sale for Tweedy's Self Serve Grocery, Iowa City Press Citizen, November 29, 1968.
Ad for New Location-Store No. 2 Self Serve Stores, Iowa City Press-Citizen, April 16, 1936.
Ad for Newly Remodeled Self Serve Store, Iowa City Press-Citizen, March 31, 1938.
Ad for Pagliai's Pizza, Iowa City Press-Citizen, December 5, 1981.
"A Fact A Day About Iowa City: `Narodni Sin,"' Iowa City Press-Citizen, September 24, 1947.
Alexander, Robert. 302 &316 East Bloomington &308-314 N. Linn." Historic American Building Survey Inventory,
Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., January 20, 1970. On file at State Historic Preservation Office,
Des Moines, Iowa.
Aurner, Clarence Ray. Leading Events in Johnson County Iowa History. Vol. 2. Cedar Rapids, IA: Western
Historical Press, 1913.
Baxter, Elaine. Northside Neighborhood Preservation Study., Historic Structures Inventory. Report prepared by the
Department of Community Development, City of Iowa City, and Institute of Urban & Regional Research,
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 1977.
"Big Property Was Sold, Jos. Holub Buys Slezak Hall, Also Gets the Hotel, Grocery and Saloon Business," Iowa
City Press-Citizen, September 6, 1909.
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 8
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
Boller, Marty. "Saving Iowa City's Slezak National Hall," Our Iowa Heritage, 2023. Accessed at
https://ouriowaheritage.com/siezak-national-hall/- 12/2023.
"City Issues 33 Permits for Building," Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 10, 1969.
"Fire Causes Much Damage," Iowa City Press-Citizen, February 9, 1940.
"Give Surprise Party for William Holubs," Iowa City Press-Citizen, June 6, 1960.
Grand opening ads for Self Serve Laundromat, Iowa City Press-Citizen, September 3 and 4, 1958.
Help-Wanted Ad for Pizza Palace, Iowa City Press-Citizen, August 21, 1969.
History of Johnson County, Iowa. Iowa City, IA: [?], 1883.
Iowa City Daily Press, January 18, 1876.
Iowa City Daily Press, November 29, 1875.
Iowa City Daily Republican, December 4th, 1900.
Iowa City Republican, November 17, 1875.
Jacobson, James E. North Side Neighborhood Preservation Study. Prepared for Division of Historic Preservation,
Iowa City, Iowa, [1981?].
"Joe Holub Climbs," Daily Iowa State Press, September 25, 1901.
"National Hall (Slezak Hall)," Iowa Site Inventory Form No. 52-00602. On file at State Historic Preservation Office,
Des Moines, Iowa.
Naumann, Molly Myers, and Brian Schultes. Surveyand Evaluation of the Dubuque/Linn Corridor, Iowa City,
Iowa. Prepared for the City of Iowa City, the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, and the Iowa
City Planning and Community Development Department, Iowa City, Iowa, 1996.
Naumann, Molly Myers. Architectural&Historical Resources of the Dubuque/Linn Street Corridor, Iowa City,
Iowa, 1839-c.1940. Multiple Property Document, National Register of Historic Places, National Park
Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., 1996.
"New Store Front to Be Erected by Holub," Iowa City Press-Citizen, February 25, 1938.
"Placemat Features Historic Homes, Businesses Here," Iowa City Press-Citizen, December 23, 1971.
"Planning New Apartments," Iowa City Press-Citizen, November 26, 1924.
"Raymond Tweedy Buys Self Serve Grocery from Ralph Westcott, Iowa City Press Citizen, December 30, 1953.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Iowa City, Iowa, 1883, 1888, 1892, 1899, 1906, 1920, 1926. Obtained from
Library of Congress website at https://www.loc.ciov/collections/sanborn-
maps/?a=Iowa+City.+Johnson+County— 12/2023.
Svendsen, Marlys A. Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District National Register Nomination. National Register of
Historic Places, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., 2004.
Weber, Irving E., "How's Your Building IO," Iowa City Press-Citizen, March 15, 1973.
"'Narodni Sin' Remembered," Iowa City Press-Citizen, April 18, 1981.
"To Top It Off: Metal Roofs," Iowa City Press-Citizen, October 20, 1990.
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 9
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
Latitude: 41.664918 Longitude: -91.531348
d
Sletak-Holub-Skarda
Building
I d F a
: g
S 3
o !
W lNn W E.ue[ R df
0.
WAnmB E A
WIw�M tl R mM S E
S i lN.ubS.nN
y P M 1� • 11 Rn[wnvxgmgl Ehie &I+ 1
I {E
66b a � A
R p ww•wr
302-316 E. Bloomington Street, Iowa City o 0,97 al. j
Location of Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building in Iowa City
Base Map:Johnson County GIS12023 Imagery
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 10
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
I
id
4
residencer
residencer �-
Holub residencefl
o
Apts
Holub ervice
Apts Holub tatio
plex Pagliai's Skarda
aw—
Pagliai's parking
Pizza
E Blooming[an St E Bloeminglon 31
N
N Y
doctor's
residence
office
F302-316 E.Bloomington Street, Iowa City a o Ohl
� I +
Site Plan
Base Map:Johnson County GIS12023 Imagery
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 11
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
E.
RONALDS ST
CHURCH ST
FAIRCHILD ST
F
VI
W
to
7 � r
m � m
� J
O � �
DAVENPORT ST
HTFIFR
BLOOMINGTON ST N
Location of Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building (star) abutting the south boundary lines of the
National Register-listed Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District
Source: Marlys A.Svendsen,Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District National Register Nomination,2004
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 12
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
CURRENT PHOTOGRAPHS (Photos by Price Preservation Research,December 12,2023)
_ I
' r
` A
■
x
A
General view looking northwest
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 13
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
EO
�o
General view lookin northeast
L
in, Zze 10
Facade, looking north
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 14
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
1 i
i
IIS
i
Looking east-northeast
1 r
_ _ t
jj
r
J_
1 /
y v
E
its ��1--
E - 1
Looking east at Holub Apartments
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 15
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
Looking southeast
Ni ,
Looking north-northwest
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 16
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION
The L ationatl.'' the ncn� Bohemian
hotNl bnllt ol+ thl site formerly orrQu- fir-Sleztc1 has built, on the site of
the old Blind Asylum, a moat credita-
pied by the old Blind ,, ASy1tu11, wus ble brick structure. in which Is the
e6inpletecl 1644 Ise elt. Tho splendid finest and best proportioned public halt
hall'on the5drond story ivacdedictt ed in town This new building will be
the home of the Ochotnik and other
on hlondiiy"tii ght' l.iy' .ti gi:tI t bt3ll, llohemi.ln societies and there will be
partielpated iii=by over 400 'ii'etsons. their library, one of the largest selec-
rhe structurecost„$8,U00, -and is the
tion of Sclacic literature in the united
property of ,Toliu Slozack. bbtt
Praise fo the grand opening of Slezak's "new Bohemian hotel” and "splendid hall," 1875
Sources:(left)Iowa City Republican,November 17,1875;(right)Iowa City Daily Press, November 29, 1875
NATVIRI ;IONAL HILL III� 0S 110111EIs
Corner Linn and Bloomington Ste., GOOD STAIMISO,GOOD BOARDISo AND
IOWA CITY, IOWA.
One Bl
Pltlagl completeLODGIIG
and all ,
JOSEPH SLEZAH, Iowa City, Iowa. Joseph Slezak.
Fablbd—
Ads for Joseph Slezak's National Hall with "One flight of Stairs, large Audience Room,ample Stage and Scenery,"
and Slezak's "Farmer's Home," 1876,offering "good stabling"and "good boarding and lodging." Sources:(left)Iowa
State Press,March 2,1876 and(right)Iowa City Daily Press,April 12, 1876
our Bohemian fellOW-citizens PYL' a
theatrical entertainment and bull at
Slezak's new baht last night for the
beuefit of the 11erzegoVilli:ta rebels.
3 fine crowd Was out and the sunt
raised gill be of value to the suffering
Christians of the Danube.
Bohemian theatrical entertainment at Slezak's new hall, "for the benefit of the Herzegovinian rebels,"
1876. Source:Iowa City Daily Press,January 18,1876
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 17
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
1'
e 57
L 1 Z i
Car�irr9e hf�
1 I
19ceart//i�9 I
to O 1
t �
O' EE
Io NFL /57.
Ori�iAy
X T X
c�Ty wy��R•
I 5 SMAtc "71ror vvr tw-
At3TENERY �iV HNc[. �—1
i V Ke o
G o.
ol
The Slezak property as shown on the 1892 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Iowa City. Note the saloon is
gone, replaced by a new dining room and parlor.
Source: Library of Congress website
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 18
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
° 57
u Carriv e /to cb
H 3.
I r Z A
do
II «,
p I° Fe of
c
a
X ,OI Oini��i `jam _
q CJI �p �I i�
21
The Slezak property as shown on the 1899 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Iowa City. Carriage house and
livery are still in use. Note the two dining rooms and saloon in the east store unit.
Source: Library of Congress website
Joe Slezak, who for many years hae
conducted a grocery and saloon busi-
nesa at the corner of Bloomington and
Linn streets, fa going to dispose of all
his property interests on account of his
ill health. For a number of years the
National hall, which occupies the sec-
ond floor of the Slezak buildlog, has
been one of the landmarks of thla city,
Joe Slezak was thinking of selling the Slezak Hall property in 1900, but instead he put his son-in-law
Joseph Holub in charge of the businesses the following year. Note the Slezak building is referred to as
"one of the landmarks of this city." Source:Iowa City Daily Republican,December 4th, 1900
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 19
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
p
11
IL
:XiL0,j
' 57
c
O
j711 �2
� Ga��idy!Vo
O
o+ZStoreAk,,/ I favi 1/ 0
no awr
p NO 1
A � _11 ;-
q Qj @ { Is_� o
ht 30Z 304 3/8
a
fl ,_
The Slezak-Holub property as shown on the 1906 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Iowa City. Joseph Holub
had been proprietor since 1901. source: Library of Congress website
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 20
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
bis BIG PROPIRTY WAS SOLD
i ftVater Young f I"st rn Goes
I into Hnsiaas fsi Himself. JOS. IIOLU13 BUYS SLFZAK HALL
I --
i Joseph Holub bas severed his comnec.
- tion with Vetter's, the big store, ams Also GeN the Hotel, Grocery and
f has gone into business for himself. Saloon Bu%Jne�ti
' He will succeed his fatherAta-low, Jo-
I seph Slezak, u proprietor of the Nation-
I of ball, the Farmers' home, the grocery An Important tlanster Cf prop-
store and s11 the other business ventures erty has taken plate through tht
reentered is the Shmik,asalar -lock. llrchabe from J J Slezak by Jos
Mr,Slezak,as a herd-working,popular p
pioneer, has built up a great business Holub of the propel t� owned b� tire
there,and his son-in-law certainly starts former at the corner of Linn and
. an independent commercial career with a Bloomington streets �]r Holub has,
outlook for prosperity and fortune.
As to m:r. Holub himself, everybody for some time been In active chargE
knows him. Hh connection with crew- of the business conducted there and
lfng's, DeneckeSYetter,sand Vetter's is therefore familiar with th propo-
hu'made him acquaiuted with thou-
sandsofhouseholdersin Johnson county. Sttion which he has undertaken.
He is a diligent, courteous and always The building on tb(` Site is ent,
good natured salesman, and as "his own of the land marks of lona Clty an,l
bass".; will doubtless do exceedingly while built man) 3 eat s ago it was a
In Mr. Holub's stead, at s'etter's, structure of fine eonsti uct on and I--
comes Arthur Birelosr' an eeperieneed therefore well preset t ed The upper
carpet salesman,from the emporium of ,torr is detoted to dance hall and
Orchard& Wilhelm,at omoba. He is a
thorough master otevery detail of the hotel purposes while on the ground
carpet business, and Petter'sare tobe floor ale the grocery and saloon and
congratulated on securing his services. the restaurant XO announcement
Carpet buyers in of Tows City, in turn,
will not fail to appreciate the presence in of the consideration I., made but the
thebig store of such a capable judge of property is one generally valued at
carpets, about $ 10,000. Air Holub will ha-,e
DIr. and Kira. Bigelow will occupy the
Miller cottage on Iowa avenue. They - the wish of his many friends for
will be cordially welcomed to Iowa City. ,ucce%� in his continued bubiness ac-
ro Mr. and Mrs. Holub,in their new ti V hes In his own propert)
field,friends wish the best of"luck."
In 1901, Joseph Holub, son-in-law to Joe Slezak,took over the proprietorship of all the businesses
located in the Slezak Block. In 1909, he purchased the property from father-in-law,which at the time was
generally valued at$40,000 and still considered "one of the land marks of Iowa City."
Sources: (left)Daily Iowa State Press,September 25,1901;(right)Iowa City Press-Citizen,September 6,1909
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 21
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
�p
i
Fk `.
THE HOLUB HOTEL A-D STORE
Looking northeast at Slezak-Holub Building, 1913, with signage on the pediment reading: J.F. Holub/
Narodni Sin/ National Hall. Holub had purchased the property in 1909. J.F. Holub Grocery was in the
storefront and the Holub Hotel was at the rear. The popular National Hall (or Narodni Sin)was above the
grocery store, and came to be known as Holub's Hall. source:Aurner 1913:690
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 22
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
�o� 57 0
1pN O
k. c9RQ /HGE HD I x
E hL
G
1 � L�FNFATf
1 /lorEt it5 Q ? �
IruDMs IS n
�,Q a
I �
O' qLL /`�-rUNt O
1 2Y
�12
' ORE AM/f�
1
L
i60144
� �
"J 0 --
r
The Slezak/Holub property as shown on the 1920 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Iowa City. Note the livery
stable has been remodeled into a heated 12-car garage, but the carriage house remains, reflecting the
transition from horse-drawn to motor transportation just after of World War I.
Source: Library of Congress website
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 23
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
�j
Holub and Son Grocery, The National Hall, and Rooming House, looking northeast, 1920s. Note the
original double storefront configuration and the tall upper-story 414 double-hung sash round-arch
windows. Source: Kent Photograph Collection,V3-45,State Historical Society of Iowa,Iowa City
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 24
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
57
E
3 a 6R RAG E
12 capatxws-
NO NEAT '
Z B _ n I U6ms!rac i
z rc
O
o
WR L ; er
i
r �
NRc 2"`
1 2 rz r
is
i �i S•
� r I
h
11
_ n
302 Bloomington Street as shown on the 1926 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Iowa City. Note the hotel is
now a "rooming house," soon to be apartments, and the carriage house (marked D for "dwelling") has
been remodeled into an extension of the rooming house. source: Library of Congress website
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 25
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
PAUNNIN,G NEW} - APATMENTS '
Joseph Holub Males Plans;
For Building at Corner Of
Linn and Bloomington c
1
Long In the distance, but deft- t
nitely anticipated, is a fine apart 1
merit house of modern type, to oc-
cupy part of the Intersection of !+
Bloomington and Linn streets. t
This would be built by Mr. Toe
eph Holub, who holds a lease with
zeeral Years to Tuft, on the block.
This wa3 founded and built Includ-
ing the grocery store, the rooming
quarters, and the oldtlme Naso6
,ni Sin ("National Hall") by the
late Joseph Slezak, Mr. Holub's -
father-in-law.
It is 11Tr. Holub's idea to convert
the hall, itself, Into the mala por
tion of the modern apartments he
plana to erect. Hfl hopes to do
this, at large expense to himself.
but to his ultimate good, and to
the Immediate benefit of the com-
munity, after the construction, In
a few Sears.
i l
In 1924, Joseph Holub made public his plans to convert the old National Hall and rooming house into
modern apartments. The plans were realized before 1930. source:Iowa city Press-citizen,November 26,1924
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 26
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
Basket Ball and Dance
Williamsburg
vs.
Iowa National Guard
BOLUB'S HALL ON LINN STREET
Thursday, Jan. 22nd ,
Admission 75c 7:45 O'Clock
One of the last events that took place in Holub's Hall was a basketball game and dance between
Williamsburg and the Iowa National Guard in January 1925.
Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen,January 20,1925
Holub's Grocery
Dial 5612 302 E. Bloomington
"SHREDDED WHEAT"
The King of Cereals
"RITZ"
The King of Crackers
Featuring Both With ;
"STRAWBERRIES"
Call Holub's for
FRESH FRUITS
�SMPEOOE� -_
VEGETABLES
° COLD MEATS
rrvtivhv
One of the last ads for Holub's Grocery, 1935. Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen, May 16,1935
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 27
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
PACE ELFIVEN
D Q D
I
r : e 302 E. 111romingtnn St.
rhoor 9143
At
i
NEW LOCATION— STORE NO. 2
We wish to announce that Store No. 2 has been moved to 302
East Bloomington Street, formerly HOLUB'S GROCERY. FREE
SOUVENIR TO EVERYONE MAKING A PURCHASE AT STOKE
NO. 2 SATURDAY.
In 1936, after Holub's Grocery closed for good, the Self Serve Grocery, owned by I.C. Nichols, opened a
second store location at 302 E. Bloomington Street.
Source:Iowa City Press-Citizen,April 16,1936
New Store Front to
Be Erected by Holub
City Inspector Harold J. Monk
xaid today that Willi= Holub has
received a permit for installing s
new store front for the building at
302 Fast Bloomington street. Coat
of the improvement. It was said,
will amount to several thousand
dollars.
In 1938,William Holub, son of Joseph Holub and third-generation owner of the building, remodeled the
storefront. This remodel is likely the extant storefront today, complete with tiled bulkheads, central
recessed tiled entry, and wood and glass entry door with sidelights and transom.
Source:Iowa City Press-Citizen,February 25,1938
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 28
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
T9rl k<nAY,MAR,11.IA lv '
(dWA CIYY.IOWA,pAEAgCiT1PRN lane xtsa
I �ts�l
Combined With the Opening of Our Newly Remodeled No. 2$lore at$02 Fast Bloomington Street!
Too 116 SELSINa nENJS INCNH Yan n".6ed pnfrannqu uue Nrtl 5 Ween we lava been i•I•w•
ele,Mane Iq.aet pl<•,enx n. Dur onto wnye d,..,:q u ay:retlaffaa lJa tc v:1.a qhs _
eMe quelilY tead�,ge,mf[v,andHuednnry nFo.efIN.-
Ter lea Sine AY NT en nn e[ce[Iw IIW Mb,
ago. Igl.dserena glue ynu,vmNM1lnq me . a .1 en,,a.lbeJMadnrlow. Iden en alwap
Prices Goal In All 35Sell 5Sme Stores---Friday andSaturday Only! No
JELL-O u 4 ° Parking
Problem
Salmon aY� 2 25� sew.,
Matches117c�N
,gym
r plat Wry YepkWaNWaen ens Fne,Y.l Fu1q NA`Y aLsnwau{..y,
ee.amµv Nn3nMa F'MaW WuWleMersWr nn{p.
Peaches : 2 33`
n,a!mM n�n..iwlMk YtlA W�W mar
In 1938, Self Serve Stores completed an interior remodel of their No. 2 store at 302 East Bloomington
Street. Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen,March 31, 1938
FIRE CAUSES
MUCH DAMAGE
I Smoke, Water Damage
' Estimated at SUN
To Buildings
Fire which bloke oat In a bp-
4leum sere op mVd by T.J.Did.
amt end located M Of HOW
a a trnrnt building at Jbd North
r Gnn ,ileal, rauepd damage aero
g mated kotwern 33.w .rd U w
enn or"t.ls uta tmay.
It to behaved. Fire Chief J. J.
r Clark AMIM,that oily raga=auma
r Zea fim which aterind annul OM
o'nlaok Thur•d.y ri hl.
Flrrmnn inp "W to the mill,
and,because a the great .meant
0 moxa end location of the maze,
1 the fire rhlrr ordeml Inc second
00,'oft duly at IAe lime, to ra
Port.l the reeve.
Moet of the dmnage uas numd
L by al.nMe end water and wu not
enly emtfined Io inn enc-room Im-
I .team elate but elm le Or .part.
I mfnt budding end an ndj..nt
•.popery olore.
FiremeU RmAWM nt tnc a
far nearly Iwo noun.the firs chlrf
said.
This story about a fire in the Holub Apartments reveals a linoleum store located in the building at 304 N.
Linn Street. This was probably located in the space behind the grocery store originally occupied by the
saloon and dining room. Source:Iowa City Press-Citizen,February 9,1940
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Pace 29
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
A Fad A Day About Iowa City
`Narodni Sin'
One bundred years ago, to far off Bohemia, on February
19,1847,the second of Mr.and Mrs.John Slezak's 10 children
was horn. The parenta christened him Joseph,and after 1870
r when the family heeame residents of Johnson county, the
child, then approaching his 21st year,was known as"Joe" to
many hundreds of Iowa City and Johnson county people.
1 Jox•ph S]eaek was the sumer of
h the big structure at the Interaec- 1955, the very year that the elder
Ilan of Linn and Bloomington 9leuke and their family arrived
jour—street., long known by Its Bohem- in America,after a long,hard
hen tole, "Narodni Sin", and like- ney across the Atlantic. The fun-
: wIY, Its English name, "NatloMl ily located In LM county, when
Hall". It likewise bare at time& Joseph was about eight years of
i the patronypde of Its owner, being age, John 8lezeek,a farmer In his
styled the "Slesak Hall" and "Sle- European Urlhtand, farmed in
Bak Hotel", Interchangeably. The Linn county for years before he
uldlime"Iowa School for the Deaf" removed to Johnsen county,where
--as Its modern successor Is known be paced away at 64.
—was located oh the corner tract Joseph Slesak wed Was Eva Ti.
1 occupied by the Slesak property. also a native of Bohemia, The
The lnantutlon In queetiort bore ceremony was performed In 1970,
a leas euphontoua, or, at least, lase sad later that year, the couple or-
euphemistic name in those long. moved to Iowa City.
_ gone days. It was than called the Even as the parents of the young
s Deaf and Much Asylum," Iowa CBlon gave him nine broth-
Subsequently, the state elected en and staters, Be, too. the son
c Council Bluffs ea the site of the In- and daughter-in-law followed the
r situtlon,snd there it has been ever prabrlc standard of t1i elders,
since. The Council Bluffs school aria, follaving the acrlptural in.
was destroyed by fire In 1002• and Junction to"bring forth after their
f a fireproof building rone from the own kind'-, became the parents of
i ashen, it cares for 300 pupae, An even dozen song And daughtera
- Iowa City'* '•sayfurs", of course, One of the beet-known was
had far fewer students,
i Anna, who became the wife of t"
t Jo-
The school waa founded hero to seph Holub, who, for years after
r
Ur. Slezak died,conducted the big
esplred. It Is a question whether block, which has housed a"ferm-
congress will put tacit aueh Can, en' home", dance hall, meeting
trots. Also it is a question whether place for literary, dramatic, and
A would be wine for the govern-
other organizations,
ment to raise prices again, ust to yalnm. Madera flats, _
get the farmers to market food aria a grocery
nupplus now held nn farms Tragedy Invaded the Joseph Sle- ,
The value of the publicity cam- ask home years ago, when Ube
peign In 1946 was to explain the Ban, Witham, IV" fatally shot in ,
Shortages to the public. Psyche- a cruel accident.
logically. It helped make people In old Lueas township and else-
satisfied with the smaller supplies whole- Joseph Slerak accumulated
of meet and cereals available. But valuable propertleu, as the years
this appeal to the great heart or brough him prosperity and wealth.
the American people wasn't the In the fraternal world, he was
I only thing which brought out the Identified with the Odd Fellows,the
I extra food that prevented the war- A.O.0-W., end with two big Bo-
torn world from atarving. hemian - American brotherhoods, :
Practical food men, who beve Ne Slovanaka Lipa and C.&Iali. ,
been all through this battle of food In politics, be was a leading 1
production.price control,returning member of, and worker In, the 1
and postwar relief, am in Ii Democratic party. In that organ-
agreement that voluntary food a. ization,be was a Third ward pow.
tinning wouldn't do any more now, er for many years. —J. E- R.
1
A history of Joseph Slezak and his famous hall was the subject of the popular column "A Fact A Day
About Iowa City" In the Press-Citizen In 1947. Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen,September 24,1947
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 30
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
Raymond 'l�veedy Buys E
Self Serve Grocery
From Ralph Westcott_s
Raymond Tweedy bm purchas- SELF SERVE GROCERY 'oA.°l- r'.°M°
the Self Serve grocery, 302 S
li IS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!
ffieat Bloomington street, from
Ralph westcottr it is IELnaunced ' WE ARE CLOSING OUR DOORS FOR GOOD
t,odaya ON DECEMBER 4, DISCOUNTS UP TO
Mr.the Sel has been associated
for 1 20% OFF
with the Self Serve grocery for 1
the last three years. He said today THIS INCLUDES:
that after January 1 the store 2—o.tl,noo nl..t s.kA 1—IkxA m ck
oo .,
Truuld"be operated oft a each and r 1—Toledo Tendcrlur,mode10250-0-001 2. .fn rpen
cSrry basis but that delivery aero- z—M.ae& 1—R.4on.1 C..N]ke141r
lee will be continued. t_49.Wl rrrlkc sNNt
1—M..e Conkr,la'sN',w'¢h mile°». 1—&n.11 de.k
Mr. Weateott has been in the 1--otow ei tm,,r 1—enrM,ughA Adding ld c lm
2-10'Mill Mat di.pl.y sun» 1-10 t".ft 0. t.p Gae.ee—.Ilding door
grocery business for the last 30 2—T.F.M.rm.. 1—ls ft.Tykr twky CA"ll fl.n.esml
yeah in Iowa City. He purchased 1-0.,tc fna,.r,NO.1 1-11 n.0."p,edd ,.x
I the Self Serve grocery 11 years MVJSM r.AMkOVa:All.?ar.of AWkin 9..1111teA MM,MCkN elr.
ago from I. d that his UtuM SELF SERVE GROCERY
Weat-
Cott said today that his fMLure �
plane are indefinite I thio tlml. CO1101F6 or MMOMl\Grox A IANN NT. TIIOYF W I I I I
Raymond Tweedy purchased the Self Serve Grocery in 1953, styling the business Tweedy's Self Serve
Grocery. He operated it until he went out of business in 1968. Sources: (left)Iowa City Press Citizen, December 30,
1953 and(right)Iowa City Press Citizen,November 29, 1968
— - Whors NEW
lE Tw wtBl OLORi'n
HOME LINEN
SERVICE
j •TAHLL W'L 4i�'sm u�n�r
Orr S.M..Nw .m
CLEAN �
-_1 CONVENIENT Iv l°rroe'nl'eea
II atLIAILEDIAL nu
ECONOMICAL
a IOWA CITY NOME LINEN
I
r rL SERVICE
Pm,.W.gll,yyeEeM _
SKIRTS
Ad for the Iowa City Home Linen Service in the remodeled former horse stablelauto garage at
316E. Bloomington Street, 1953. Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen,July 23,1953
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 31
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
®� . . .To Attend the Big `
GRAND OPENING
Of Iowa City's First
eax.oP<uelh seep serve
LAUNDROMAT
I m Fen Ileewln9,en
tCONTRACTORS
/ Y and FRIDAY
"' Pn,.,el.r.IY vIeMwn4n en.nrulle.yrvabmcell..,ensen Co.TRACTORSPpnnLINe
Grand opening ads for "Iowa City's First Coin-Operated Self Serve Laundromat," 316 East Bloomington,
1958. The claim of being "the first" may or may not be true. Sources:(above)Iowa City Press-Citizen,September 3,
1958; (below)Iowa City Press-Citizen,September 4,1958
NOW OPEN!
Iowa City's Fin[Coin-Operolel
LAUNDROMAT
it Aew 4�sdrl�lloasc „„ralt -
w.t n N
Your lan4p—
yea Coal
AMIi N WMA
Y Ma"!
GRAND OPENING
CONTINUES TNRU TOMORROW!
oa Au Yaps ww am FREE!
Bring year levndry helwern 11.M.and 9 P.M.Gel allp
laundry Parr in Ixl Ihun an per—al a.ehege.
LOOK AT THESE EVERY DRY LOM PRICES!
WASH 20c DRY�IOc
m �SELFSERVE u�
LAUNDROMAT -
;R c Mann....sf.
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 32
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
Commercial alterations ur
additions (3 permits)—Protein
Blenders Inc. , llighway 2188
South , $1,0284, Meyers Barbar '
{
Shop, complete remodeling, ?3 ;
South Dubuque Street , X20,000 :
V. F. Skarda, remodel store into
pizza house, 30? Fast Blooming- l
tan Street, $10,000.
In July 1969, Val Skarda,fourth-generation owner, received a permit to remodel the grocery store at 302
East Bloomington Street into a "pizza house," at a cost of$10,000. Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen,July 10,1969
WAITRESS
PIZZA MAKERS
i DELIVERY MEN
Apply in person.
PIZZA PALACE
302 E. Bloomington
One of the first help-wanted ads for the new "Pizza Palace" location, 302 E. Bloomington, 1969.
Source:Iowa City Press-Citizen,August 21,1969
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Pace 33
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
Slezak Hotel (Pizza Palau) (1872.1873)
302 East Bloomington St.
Tall upper windows mark the large Czech
social hall, now apartments. The curving
baroque pediment recalls Slezak's
early years In central Europe
l
,1 '1
1
1
r
1�
t
Valli -
Illustration of Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building right after the 1969 store remodel was completed and Pizza
Palace moved in, and before the restaurant changed its name to Pagliai's Pizza around 1975. By 1973, the
signboard covering up the store transom lights was installed. The black tiled bulkheads and the central
recessed entry with wood entrance doors and tiled entry, likely from the 1938 storefront remodel, are
extant, but an outer glass entry door with sidelights and transom was added by 1981, creating an entry
vestibule. Note also the N. Linn Street side entrance doors (probably providing entry to the original
saloon, dining room)were still there; these have since been bricked in and converted to two small
windows. Source:Iowa City Press-Citizen,December 23, 1971
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 34
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
-t
i
r
How's Your
Building 90?
n,8Rq}II N. Nriela, a�.al lert,xoul,l s�.
- mmnb' IM m
elumus relrte AAYb¢liewa meAe.lart^r"'
i ieAn v PRmc.,unlq a PueeY, ,
nWa�lfi nr� '.rm,�nwaeeb
a adelWlllle m iiul�
Ieluw aAxT ev<Ilael. Cn:ee arae. 1.-
f111 aY[- ari.hMW.aMinB rIna
Nlne Kell M,T kn ntaM
leb iprtmenli
I M' II.oxnea:✓ay of lk entwal
. ihiii br lw 5kuk.'ee'r
la io lM lmlk ytQlitbn'
'.LMMtMIP krcrta3rcU In d Ve Wild
III W i M!
;ex aa,or lamny m Im, a.r am mna ItT gtlay�m uai
z ate.
nm�
. . �
toaele Imn peam.
i m[el,a elnmtnfe.nr ii .puerp
atem_aaea m Glmnp
a weon aw a maev. LMn I
>.ranaa fT lam,vie,',aa" .
paw%soseAtaa tarts vase,
IN wa s vrx.aaanrr..m xvs feun•M q' Ilemn I
66�,aa..;a arc. em menta slewi'
asu:mtere.tM MYI1Ym NquP
n.Re
n,1. upxp xif,al�',f[n m J xM flpl]Iref
M.
"dnda I. plTilY In]w'a`H IiakmlllaM lwx'
nems.mc'len.ane xepans. va uml Ynlae strum,ren
� mw.a um""il.m�eal,eiNlnaiynn we'.
xiw Ll,iae a.ra mm v
rcll xa,a Mmmq m"m�rrer steer erta „lee aam
`.:hatl. tlrcludC 1am91n'reeun<im�4 mmellan8 d
x�lm poems ei nNnz nrylml a menu.
:,itl la IH Lmrt�N Hafpltll. 1!.HiYeri„al}IMII§M:}yea�l
rMeM1 a11Ea1 li dlxl wlll',1%I [n IH0.Iln 0ixe
di
IQfI ns IKeIM Mwren!e[L nxpoanemLn IM'i llry nl:
n SL ntl imra.I,wce.xl.I Ur lo.:e\'almal GIIaN 1>k.
Un FRn. IY:mF•e :IdrtsM1, eaPLeie.IMr.
A.}Rani emMg at tD<wwa,mabrl n,e nau na argaelssrt
Neese ahi svmeWWe IYJWI'e eM1atx Ih•o bwn
rmm frt TL nl lh Maf Ya litM1i�PRI IINe�{�IMT.
nu&saxaml:aaili}YM tnni aR,en Ceirta ea CIO 6Mg:
My li mnla aN IPeINeG a.11 Fae N'asMoktoi Aleel.
lrte hn
9 IlM1K ldN axfdln8lo lw.i' A\M[:R:
a1y 100n CYen—Rlneaner Rani
Rmw"u nimeei a r+llh„��e� diin nmen
—dra fmnln¢mnn z.r.r a.
In 1973, not long after the Pizza Palace (later Pagliai's Pizza) opened at 302 E. Bloomington Street, Iowa
City historian Irving Weber called attention to the history of the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building during his
first year as a columnist for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Note the Pizza Palace sign affixed to the upper
story facade before the familiar "Pagliai's Pizza" sign replaced it. source:Iowa City Press-Citizen,March 15, 1973
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 35
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
t�
View looking north at the former carriage house—part of Holub Apartments—taken in 1981 during the
Northside Neighborhood survey. Source:Jacobsen 1981
W
�gUN0f7OMAT
' - I s.
� _. air►
k
View of the Bloomington Street Laundromat, taken in 1981 during the Northside Neighborhood survey.
Source:Jacobsen 1981
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 36
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
6%`8meoaesl�wugµ ;
OF, �4L
I�rns!_ilb•:: M1'en
View of the now familiar Pagliai's Pizza in the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building, 1981, from an Irving Weber
column. Note the signboard and neon lettering and extant original bracketed cornice covering the store
transom, as well as the exterior glass entry door and sidelights. The Bloomington Street Laundromat is
visible in the background at lower right, looking very much as it does today.
Source:Iowa City Press-Citizen,April 18,1981
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 37
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
With corrected speiling
'Narodni Sin ' remembered
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Renl,nsP>4 GIJni•6 XtL WIPmer YIWIMMMIU lN.xr.p[..Md Wemae9� xxarr.a.v
{Wylxwn wlYE EY IOea Orye JW14w4. InlYrttls[n iM pmn[rL etlrve.mtM GIJdLy xTvnLe Su"w.�fv In
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IJ�Yo ml+�h.0 mW W IIY xma 'HI.
Slezak Hall and the Narodni Sin was a beloved piece of Iowa City history that Irving Weber returned to in
1981 and again In 1990. Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen,April 18,1981
Iowa Site Inventory Form Site Number: 52-00602
State Historic Preservation Office Related District Number:
Continuation Sheet
Page 38
Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Johnson
Name of Property County
302-316 E. Bloomington and N. Linn Sts Iowa City
Address City
•y -
_ I
T'•
` CC
1
f
I
I
!Il
The Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building had been the location of Pagliai's Pizza for 20 years when this photo
was taken for Irving Weber's story about Iowa City's historic metal roofs. Photo by Rodney White for
Irving Weber's column, October 20, 1990. Source:Weber Collection,Iowa City Photograph Collection,State Historical
Society of Iowa,Iowa City
Jessica Bristow
From: Marty Boller <mjbhawkeye@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2023 1:18 PM
To: Jessica Bristow; Marty Boller
Subject: followup on Slezak Hall recommendations
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
FYI - I wanted to share my webpage in support of the committee's decision to recommend "Landmark" status. THANKS!
https://ouriowaheritage.com/siezak-nationa1-hali/
please keep me posted on how the process is moving forward. THANKS! mb
Marty Boller-MJBHawkeye
Check out our websites:
www.ouriowaheritage.com/
www.iohnsonco untyremembrancepark.org/
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Marybeth Slonneger <mbslonn@mchsi.com>
Sent: Monday, October 16,2023 9:38 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: National Hall
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
I'm writing in support of designating the National Hall as a local Landmark. It's distinctive baroque-style parapet has
made it a familiar,eye-catching building on the Northside.
Years ago, when I was researching material for my book, Small But Ours, I talked with the late Marge Hayek,wife
of William Hayek,and she showed me dance souvenirs from dances held at the Hall and spoke of the pleasure
people took in meeting there for dances and other events. It was a genuine social meeting place for the Bohemian
community.
And it's just fun to look at and a very contributing building to our visual landscape.
Marybeth Slonneger
1
ATTACHMENT 4
Correspondence
Jessica Bristow
From: mbslonn@mchsi.com
Sent: Saturday, February 3,2024 1:49 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Fwd: A CALL TO ACTION —SAVE THE SLEZAK!
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. ** Hi Jessica,
At the behest of Friends of Historic Preservation last October, I wrote to Mayor Teague and, I think, Council encouraging
all to
protect Holub Hall; Mayor Teague sent back a very nice reply.
Am not sure you follow Marty Boller's Our Iowa Heritage blog, but thought you might be interested in his call for
attendance at
the meeting.Will look forward to seeing you.
Marybeth
----- Forwarded Message-----
From: "Our Iowa Heritage" <comment-reply@wordpress.com>
To: "mbslonn" <mbslonn@mchsi.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 3,20241:06:32 PM
Subject:A CALL TO ACTION—SAVE THE SLEZAK!
Post:A CALL TO ACTION – SAVE THE SLEZAK!
URL: http://ouriowaheritage.com/2024/02/03/a-call-to-action-save-the-slezak/
Posted : February 3,2024 at 7:05 pm
Author: Our Iowa Heritage
Categories: Did You Know?
Thursday, February 8th -5:30 pm -Speak Up to Protect this 1870s Iowa City Icon!
https:Hbol le rfam i ly.fi les.word press.com/2024/02/iowacityicon.i pg
Saving Iowa City's Slezak National Hall- 302-316 Bloomington Street- Iowa City.As was reported earlier,the iconic
building that houses Pagliai's Pizza is for sale.The property is advertised as "PERFECT FOR REDEVELOPMENT." Can you
imagine a new structure occupying this block?
The first official step to protect this building is a PUBLIC HEARING on Thursday, February 8 by the Historic Preservation
Commission.The hearing starts at:
5:30 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall-410 E Washington Street- Iowa City
1
The commission will vote whether to designate 302-316 Bloomington Street in Iowa City as a local historic landmark.
Read more about this historic building here. ( https://ouriowaheritage.com/slezak-national-hall/)The commission
needs to hear from you:
Speak up!The hearing is open to the public and the commission wants to hear from Iowa Citians. If you care about the
building, step up and say so. Comments should be brief.
Show up! We need many people sitting in the audience.Just your presence shows you care. Hope to see you at 5:30 PM!
Put it in writing! Send your message to the Historic Preservation Commission in care of Jessica Bristow at
jbristow@iowa-city.org ( mailto:jbristow@iowa-city.org) . Plan to send it no later than Thursday, February 8 at noon to
have your message reach the commissioners.
Review the Commission Packet for February 8 to Learn More:(Pagliai's building description starts on page
3):https://www.iowa-city.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=2190301&dbid=0&repo=CitvoflowaCity (
https://salvagebarn.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=lee5435ef6548681345b8ec77&id=56ec48e420&e=df6aa85cle )
Thank you for adding momentum and showing you care about protecting this neighborhood anchor and important piece
of Iowa City history.
PLEASE PASS THE WORD! Let's SAVE THE SLEZAK!
Add a comment to this post: http://ouriowaheritage.com/2024/02/03/a-call-to-action-save-the-slezak/#respond
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2
Jessica Bristow
From: Richard Hakes <hakes@southslope.net>
Sent: Saturday, February 3,2024 1:50 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Please designate Pagliai building as historic....
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Dear Ms. Bristow,
Count me among those who would hate to see another IC historic site lost—The Pagliai's Pizza building.
Richard Hakes
North Liberty
Sent from Mail for Windows
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Frank Gersh <fsgersh@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 3,2024 1:54 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Pagliai building
A
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **As a long time resident(50 years)of Iowa City,former member of the Historic Preservation Commission
and someone who lives in a historic district, I would urge you and the other Commissioners to vote in favor of making
the building that houses Pagliai's Pizza a local historic landmark.
Sincerely yours,
Frank Gersh
1041 Woodlawn Ave, Iowa City, IA 52245
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Lisa Lisa <Ird5353@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 3, 2024 4:14 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Paglias building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
We must preserve the paglias building! Also I'll be mad if anything comes between me and my Paglias pizza lol. We have
already lost so much of what made Iowa City Iowa City. Soon all we will have is sterile buildings and less affordable
housing because of rich people's greed
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Amy Woodward <amywoodward8@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 3, 2024 6:05 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302 East Bloomington
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Please designate 302 East Bloomington Street a local historic landmark.
I care about the building and its importance to the community. Let's preserve this wonderful treasure for Iowa City.
Thank you!
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Pamela <iowahawk3@aol.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 3,2024 11:16 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302 a bloomington
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello.
Please designate this building as a local historic landmark.This building,as well as Pagliai's, are icons to the downtown
area. We don't need another parking lot or high rise. Some things are better left alone. Newer is not always better!
Thank you from a long-time Iowa City resident,
Pamela Miller-DeKeyser
Sent from AOL on Android
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Kathy Volz <kathy.volz@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 4, 2024 7:51 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Re: 302 E. Burlington St.
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
To whom it may concern:
If in fact this building is sold and there is a chance it could be demolished, it must be named a historical landmark.
Period.
Please preserve the beautiful and historic architecture in Iowa City.
-Kathy Buxton Volz
Sent from Gmail Mobile
1
Jessica Bristow
From: gmlauer@gmail.com
Sent: Sunday, February 4, 2024 3:37 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302 E Bloomington / Paglia's buildng.
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Dear Jessica Bristow,
I am writing to you and your capacity of historic preservation planner for the city of Iowa city regarding the status of 302
East Bloomington St. in Iowa city also referred to at times as the Paglia's building.
Please accept these comments for the record as the historic reservation commission meets to consider the status of this
nearly 150-year-old Iowa city landmark.
The Iowa city northside neighborhood is a gem in the landscape of our community with many older buildings,and
establish businesses creating a zone, unlike any other in the city.As such it Serves as an economic anchor, as well as a
social anchor in many many ways from the weekly musical events in the areas between oasis and brick, the venerable
hamburg inn, nearby,Johns grocery and other classic Iowa city landmarks.
Certainly the business business that's located at 302 East Burlington has its own iconic history. However, businesses do
come and go and buildings can remain with support.
I urge the placement of 302 E. Burlington on the landmark registry, and for consideration for a degree of preservation
status. I would also be hopeful that the buildings owners might access some degree of city supports for the upkeep
maintenance and or rehabilitation of the structure whether it be through city budget,funding, or through grant funding,
supported and guided by your offices.
Thank you for receiving these comments and forwarding them to the historic preservation commission.
I am a lifelong resident of this community and would be deeply saddened to see this building, raised for new
construction.
Sincerely,
Geoffery Lauer
1601 Center Ave.
Iowa city, IA 52240
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Devin Redmond <devinredmond@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 4, 2024 7:11 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Pagliais bldg
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello,as a 20+year home owner in the northside neighborhood, I hope the Pagliais building will be registered as a
historical landmark. I do not want to lose this building in our community.
Thank you.
Devin Redmond
Sent from a mobile phone : please excuse brevity/typos.
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Diana H. <cwcrrr@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 4, 2024 8:41 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Pagliai building complex
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
I support the effort to make the Pagliai building complex a historic landmark. Iowa City, and particularly the older
neighborhoods in town, has losttoo many historic buildings. Saving such buildings will help keep the character of the
neighborhood as much as possible.
Thank you.
Diana Harris
523 Brown Street
IC
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Peter Speltz <peterspeltz@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 4, 2024 9:21 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Save Pagliai's Pizza —officially known as the Slezak
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hi Jessica. Please designate the beautiful Slezak building historic. If any house or building on the north side is,this one
should be. I would buy it if I could. We are out of town for the hearing February 8. Please know you have our support
and let is know if we can do anything to help preserve this building.
Thank you,
Peter and Ida 615-585-2715
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Peter Speltz <peterspeltz@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 4, 2024 9:23 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Re: Save Pagliai's Pizza —officially known as the Slezak
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
One more thing,we live at 317 Fairchild St.
Save Pagliai's!
Peter
>On Feb 4,2024,at 8:21 PM, Peter Speltz<peterspeltz@gmail.com>wrote:
> Hi Jessica. Please designate the beautiful Slezak building historic. If any house or building on the north side is,this
one should be. I would buy it if I could. We are out of town for the hearing February 8. Please know you have our
support and let is know if we can do anything to help preserve this building.
>Thank you,
> Peter and Ida 615-585-2715
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Farrin, Laurel A <laurel-farrin@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Monday, February 5, 2024 7:41 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Slezak-Holub-Skarda building
ftfxS#4.
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Dear Historic Preservation Commission,
I support the Friends of Historic Preservation to designate the Slezak-Holub-Skarda building as a
local historic landmark. I have lived on the Northside for over 25 years and have come to cherish,
with the rest of the Iowa City community, the charm, calm and welcoming nature of the historic
buildings on the North Side. I remember being new to Iowa City and walking home from work on
cold, snowy winter evenings and seeing the warm red brick and lights of Pagliai's Pizza. Seeing the
pizza makers in their white paper hats throwing dough in those front windows helped me feel at
home in a new place. We are all sorry to loose Pagliai's but we must preserve the building. There
have already been enough new commercial developments in the location. Please vote to support
the preservation of this beautiful building and neighborhood. I would be present at the meeting for
this vote but am unfortunately working, so please except my letter of support.
Sincerely,
Laurel Farrin
Laurel Farrin
Professor, painting/drawing
School of Art and Art History
University of Iowa
laurel-farrin@uiowa.edu
t
Jessica Bristow
From: Susan Shullaw <smshullaw@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 5, 2024 9:33 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Pagliai Building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Jessica, I am writing to urge you and the Historic Preservation Commission, when you meet on
Feb. 8, to designate the Pagliai's building complex on Bloomington Street as a local historic
landmark.
While I concur with many of my neighbors and friends that these structures should be
preserved due to their historic architecture, I also want to make a more personal appeal. By
preserving the Pagliai's building, you also will be preserving many decades of deeply held
family memories. It's been the site of countess birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, first
dates, alumni reunions — and plenty of ordinary but treasured pizza nights with parents,
grandparents, and kids. Allowing this building to be demolished won't destroy the memories,
of course. But it will destroy the opportunity to relive and renew those memories in the same
cherished spot, year after year.
The Pagliai's building is already a landmark in thousands of hearts in Iowa City and beyond. On
Thursday, I hope you will vote to give the building the official historic landmark status it
deserves.
Thank you.
Susan Shullaw
718 N Johnson St
Iowa City
t
Jessica Bristow
From: Timothy Daly <timothy.locnar@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 5, 2024 11:17 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302 East Bloomington Street
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello,
As an Iowa City resident, I am in favor of preserving this building as a part of the heritage of Iowa City.
Thank you,
Timothy Daly
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Karl Schulz <kamaschulz@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 5, 2024 11:22 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Save the Slezak Building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello,
I am a former Iowa City resident who grew up in Iowa City and am very familiar with the Slezak building. I hope that you
give this building the proper protected historic status that it deserves. It is an icon of the northside, and of Iowa City in
general.
Thank you,
Karl Schulz
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Bonnie Hays <bonnie.bradley11@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 5, 2024 11:58 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: The Slovac Building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Myself and 50 of my friends on Facebook are definitely for the historical designation of this building. It would be foolish
to tear it down.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Bonnie Hays
607 Pepper Drive
Iowa City, IA 42240
Mr. Harley M Hays
607 Pepper Drive
Iowa City, IA 52240
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Amy Weismann <alwiowa@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 5, 2024 1:03 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Designate 302 E Bloomington a local historic landmark
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
I write today as a long time resident of Iowa city to urge the Historic Preservation Commission to designate 302 East
Bloomington Street a local historic landmark!This building is an integral part of our city and an iconic part of the
historic Northside.
Thank you,
Amy Weismann
112 S. Lowell St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Willow Yoruk <willowyoruk@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 7:55 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302 East Bloomington Street
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Historic Preservation Commission in care of Jessica Bristow:
Please designate 302 East Bloomington Street as a local historic landmark.
This building has a long running history with many memories to many people and is a landmark
in Iowa city. The unique architecture and beauty of the brick building should remain intact.
Willow Yoruk
t
Jessica Bristow
From: Becky Smith <rebeccaliedersmith@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 9:07 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Pagliai Building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
I heartily support designating the Pagliai's complex at 302-316 Bloomington Street as a local historic
landmark. Pagliai's is an iconic Iowa City pizza restaurant, known and loved throughout the state. The
building itself is historic and significant: Tennessee Williams actually lived in an apartment above Pagliai's
when he was in Iowa City. I strongly believe the building should be preserved and not allowed to be
redeveloped. Thank you.
Becky Smith
431 North Van Buren Street
Iowa City, IA 562245
319-594-2947
t
Jessica Bristow
From: Richard Blazek <rbzeke.2448@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 10:27 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Saving the Pagliai's building
Attachments: We sent you safe versions of your files; Keepers.pdf
A
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Mimecast Attachment Protection has deemed this file to be safe, but always exercise caution when opening files.
Jessica,
I have lived on the north side for over 40 years when I started attending the University. I was attracted to its historic
architecture and cultural amenities and proximity to the downtown and the University. I feel that preserving that history
and character should be a priority for the North Side. "Development" rarely implies that history will be preserved and
protected;very often it means that history will be erased and replaced.
I sincerely hope that the City Council will approve a historic designation to preserve the Pagliai Building and not succumb
to "development."As a friend of mine once said, "Money talks and big money swears!" Let's hope there's no swearing
when all this is settled.
I've attached an essay entitled "Keepers,"that has always inspired me to respect and preserve what's most meaningful.
Americans find it all too easy to throw things away,sometimes very thoughtlessly.
Sincerely,
Richard Blazek
1
Thoughts about"Keepers"
My grandmother even ironed Christmas ribbons they were rayon then. I grew
up in the Forties and Fifties with a practical parent.
My grandmother, God love her, who ironed Christmas wrapping paper and
reused it and who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it.
She was the original recylce queen, before they had a name for it. And for my
mother, it was the time for fixing things—a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, a
screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress.Things we keep.
It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing,
reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence.
Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more. But then my
Mother died. and I sat in my kitchen that Sunday afternoon reading her old
handmade cookbook in a binder. I was struck with the pain of feeling all alone,
learning that sometimes there isn't any "more."
Sometimes what we car about most gets all used up and goes away . . .
never to return. So . . . while we have it . . . It's best we love it . . . and care for it
. . .And fix it when it's broken . . . and heal it when it's sick. This is true . . . For
marriage . . . And old cars . . . And children with bad report cards . . And dogs
with bad hips . . . And aging parents . . . And grandparents.
We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some
things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away Or A classmate we grew up
with. There are just some things that make life important. Like people we know
who are special . . .
And so, we keep them close!
Jessica Bristow
From: Toni Potter <trpotter760@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 1:21 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: I have heard from classmates that the building at 302 E Bloomington Street may be bought,sold and
possible taken down.This building is apart of our story of Iowa City. Built before any of us where
born or thought about. My father was a former busines...
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
town history. My history goes back to the mid 50's when my father, Raymond Tweedy, bought the grocery business
from Ralph Westcott. I was young but so proud of dad. I love to go there after school and hang out till my mother,who
worked there also,went home in the late afternoon. I got to see and meet students from all over the world as they
came into the store. My dad worked long hours there. He was open seven days a week, He delivered to frat houses
and sororities. Let some run up bills, times could be tough for some. When Chistmas came Dad always sold Christmas
trees. The pretty ones went fast... we got the last one so you can imagine what it looked like! By the mid 60's I was old
enough to work at the store. Then in the early 70's Dad sold the business and relocated to Daytona Beach." Semi
retiring." Please save this building so we can show our children and their children and so on, our past. Show them what
and who we were and how we lived so they can be who they are and know why. We can't keep vanishing the past
because that's what holds us together as a people. Otherwise we are like Iowa fall leaves blowing in the wind scattered
everywhere.
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Toni Potter <trpotter760@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 2:04 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Save 302 E. Bloomington
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
I have been told that 302 East Bloomington may be sold and at worst be vanished from this location. This old building is
part of our history and my past. It was built before any of us were born or even thought about. My father was a former
business owner of this property, Raymond Tweedy. He purchased the business from Ralph Westcott back in the mid
50's. I was so proud of Dad. I loved to go there after school and hang out till my mother,who worked there also,went
home in the late afternoon. I met students from all over the world as they came into the store to shop. My Dad
worked long hours there. He was open seven days a week. He delivered to frat houses and sororities. He let some run
up tabs,times could be tough for some. When Christmas came Dad always sold trees. The pretty ones went fast.....we
got the last one! You can imagine what it looked like! By the mid 60' 1 was old enough to work there. Dad sold in the
early 70's and retired to Florida. Please save this building so we can show our children and their children who and what
we were. If we keep getting rid of our History what is going to keep us together? We will be like Iowa fall leaves
scattering in the wind with nothing to hold us together...this is US! This building,the Hamburg Inn,the Old Capitol
Building,the Congregational Church.
1
Jessica Bristow
From: dennis kowalski <mayflyd@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 4:11 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: paglias
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Please help save the Paglias building, as it has architectural character and historic significance.
Thank you,
Dennis Kowalski
1932 Hafor Dr
Iowa City IA 52246
t
Jessica Bristow
From: kbefeler <kbefeler@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 6:44 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Save 302 East Bloomington Street
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Jessica,
Please pass along our wishes to save 302 East Bloomington Street and to designate it as a local historic landmark.
This iconic building represents the beauty and history of Iowa City. It absolutely needs to remain here just as it is.
Kasey& Dennis Befeler
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Blake <iowa.blake@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 8:25 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302 East Bloomington
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hi Jessica,
Please consider designating this building as a historic landmark.
-Blake Hendrickson
20 years as an Iowa City resident
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Risa Dotson Eicke <risamde@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 10:55 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302-316 Bloomington
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
I support designating 302-316 Bloomington as a local historic landmark.
Thank you,
Risa Dotson Eicke
Iowa City
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Nathan Morton <nathan.e.morton@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 11:38 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: In Support of Historic Preservation
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello,
I am writing in support of historic preservation/Iandmarking of downtown Iowa City buildings,generally and in support
of Iandmarking 302-316 Bloomington, specifically. I can't imagine more over-priced apartment buildings with empty
ground level retail space will make Iowa City any more interesting or friendlier to economic growth.
thank you,
Nathan Morton
Iowa City, Iowa
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Helen Burford <hsburford@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 3:17 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302-16 East Bloomington St., Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
It would be unimaginable if the Slezak-Holub-Skarda building was not recognized as a landmark in
Iowa City. In fact, as the site analysis details, all four of the structures on the site are part of the
"historic fabric" of this community center. For the life of these structures, all three families have
preserved and adapted the buildings keeping them a vibrant part of Iowa City history.
We need to follow in the footsteps of these families and support the rezoning application to establish an
Historic District Overlay zone for them, and make them a local Historic Landmark
Thank you,
Helen Burford
t
Jessica Bristow
From: Rebecca Conard <rebeccaconard@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 4:18 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Slezak Building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Dear Ms. Bristow:
I fully support designating the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building as a Local Historic Landmark.Jennifer Price's architectural
and historical evaluation presents a well-researched and reasoned analysis of the building's historic significance at the
local level.
Rebecca Conard, Consulting Historian
522 Larch Lane
Iowa City 52245
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Susan Bryant <leaderservices@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 5:47 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Please save Pagliai's
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. ** Dear Jessica,
It may not look like much, but the old Pagliai's building is an icon for thousands of students and residents from all over
Iowa City. We are already losing many historic buildings around the core of downtown. Please help save the character of
our old neighborhoods.
Thank you,
Sue Bryant
831 Clark Street
Iowa City IA
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Carol&Bob Wally Wise <cbwwise@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 9:05 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Historical Landmark 302 E Bloomington
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Ms, Bristow,
I petition "The Historical Preservation Commission" to designate the building at 302 East
Bloomington a Historical Landmark.
The building sits within the Dubuque Linn Corridor as described in the March 28'h 2000 National
registry of Historical Places while it physically sits within the block and next to properties in the
"the Original Plot of Iowa City".
The building at 302 E Bloomington was constructed in 1878 and is the only building left in the area
with its architectural design. Since it's construction, 302 E Bloomington served as a Hotel & Grocery
store. No other building within the "Original Plot of Iowa City Area" has the same architectural
features depicting that Era. 302 is as unique in design and architecture as the brewmaster Conrad
Graf's home across the Street (constructed 6 years earlier in 1872), the Union Brewery Building on
Linn and Market & John's Grocery on Market and Gilbert.
Pagliai's Pizza has occupied 302 E Bloomington since 1957. Thus, both the building and the business
are viewed by Generations of Students, Alumni, Professional's & families (both local & visiting) as an
Iowa City Landmark.
302 East Bloomington is also believed to be connected to Iowa City History as part of the system of
tunnels which were connected to the 3 Breweries in the Original Iowa City Plot. Sitting in the NE
corner of Linn & Bloomington it may very well be connected to and a part of "The Iowa City Beer
Riots of 1884 & A tale of the Iowa City Beer Mafia" depicted in S.C. Sherman's Book BEER MONEY
published March 26'h, 2013. These tunnels are still under investigation and are believed to exist
under the property at 302 E. Bloomington adding to the building's Historical connection to Iowa City.
Without the designation of Historical Landmark 302 E Bloomington is left open to demolition which
would be a grave historical mistake to the Iowa City area & "The Original Plot of Iowa City".
It would be a shame to see 302 E Bloomington go the way of other historical buildings in Iowa City
becoming yet another piece of lost history. The Historic City Hall & original Fire Station sat till 1965
when urban renewal arrived at the corner of Linn & Washington Streets. Now rather than a Pristine
Building of History depicting a piece of the cities by gone years we have a Vacant lot.
I polled 7 of my peers, only 1 knew of the "Original Plot of Iowa City". I only found out about The OPIC
because of this meeting. How many others have no clue of its existence?
I
Please, strongly conclude and designate the building at 302 E Bloomington as the Historical
Landmark it is.
Respectfully,
Robert M Wise
3059 Oakridge Road NE
North Liberty, Iowa
320-293-0417
P.S. I hope to be able to attend the 5:30 pm meeting at City Hall Iowa City 2/8/24
z
Jessica Bristow
From: Kay Irelan <kirelan52@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 9:10 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Preserving Slezak Hall
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
When I first came to Iowa City as a UI student in the 1970s, Pagliai's Pizza was a popular restaurant that I
frequented. When I lived on the north side of Iowa City, I often walked by the building that houses Pagliai's and
appreciated its architectural integrity. It felt to me like an important anchor in an historic neighborhood. I learned
that in the 19th century, it had been a grocery store and tavern, with a meeting hall on the second floor for the
Bohemian community on the north side of Iowa City. I learned that later in that century, a hotel was added in the
back, where farmers would stay when they came to town to sell their products.The presence of that lovely brick
building encouraged me to imagine what life in Iowa City was like in an earlier time. I think it's important to
preserve this building, because it's a symbol of our community's heritage. If our town didn't preserve any of our
historic buildings, would future generations be as aware of our history? I strongly support designating this building
as a local historic landmark.
Sincerely,
Kay Irelan
t
Jessica Bristow
From: Alison Guernsey <alisonguernsey@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 10:27 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Cc: alisonguernsey@gmail.com
Subject: Historic Designation for 302-316 Bloomington
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Ms. Bristow —
I'm writing to express my sincere hope that the Commission will designate as local historic sites the buildings at 302-316
Bloomington. Over the past 15 years, I have seen Iowa City change in ways that appear to value commerce over culture
and modernity over memory. Each,of course, has its place, but the importance that these buildings have in helping tell
both Iowa City's immigrant and literary history make them uniquely important to preserve.
Sincerely,
Alison K.Guernsey
Iowa City, Iowa
1
Jessica Bristow
From: B.E. Dearborn Huston <bedearborn@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 11:03 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Pagliai's Building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello!
I'm a Northside resident writing in support of designating the Pagliai's building as a historical landmark. What a loss it
would be if put into the wrong hands! I cherish these older buildings that remind us of who lived here before us. Caring
for their beautiful places is caring for the dream they had for our city.
Thank you for your time.
-Brooke Dearborn Huston
429 N Governor St
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Nathaniel Gavronsky <nathaniel.gavronsky@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 11:43 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302 East Bloomington Street
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Dear Jessica Bristow,
Can you imagine losing this iconic Iowa City building? Iowa City had for 150 years a very classic and original north end
mom and pop comercial and food vibe. From 1970 to 2016 the city had hundreds of iconic Iowa City locations all over
town.The park where Farmer Markets let you know summer was in the air on Gilbert and Washington, and
establishments (Dubuque and Burlingtin)that were seen as part of the city itself are now almost all gone.
Has any of these changes improved the lives of the people in this great city? No.We took down the only true
independant book store (the book shelf)for more over priced apartments. Every single change has made our excentric
town into just another corporate blank face.There are enough newer buildings (built in last 25 years)that can be
redeveloped. Riverside Drive, South Gilbert along the Bowery, are all lost to redevelopment.
In 1869 the City of Boston lost John Hancock's house to a developer(who never actualy developed anything) Nashville
TN lost President Polk's house (and had to relocate his and his wifes graves in the process) in the name of progress.
Again nothing was actually developed and it laid vancant for decades until the land was put to use.The actual taven
where Reigley NC was founded stood until 1969 now its a parking lot for a Marriott. Noone wanted it demolished, but
busy lives prevented people from being made aware to save it.That Hotel was not the reason for it to be knocked down.
A developer had big plans.
Iowa city need not repeat the follies of other cities. Iowa city needs to stop trying to reinvent itself. Who and what Iowa
City is with its historical locations is fine how it is. Go build some overpriced luxury apartment in Coralville, North Liberty,
or University Hights.
Oh and by the way I dont have any idea of who or what is threatning to tear down this building, but how close am I
about a developer?
Its time to take Iowa Ave from Clinton to Van Buren up to Brown street(plus other areas of Gas light district)and
dedicate the whole area.
Nathaniel Gavronsky
3196210364
636 South Dodge
#8
Iowa City, IA
52542
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Mary and Tom Curtis <maryallenehcurtis@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 8:10 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302-316 Bloomington Street
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
What a wonderful building; if it could speak it would
tell you all the wonderful people and events that have
taken place here. Maybe a first date with the woman
or man you ended up spending the rest of your life with.
Please save it, let it remain unmolested; grant it every
possible consideration so other fond memories can take
place.
Do your duty, Commioniers,vote to save this wonderful building.
Tom Curtis
University of Iowa
Class of 1966
And longtime resident of Iowa City
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Ceil Miller-Bouchet <ceilmillerbouchet@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 8:39 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: yes for Paglia's building as a local historic landmark
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello Jessica,
Please let's designate 302 East Bloomington Street--a place that has such wonderful memories for all of us (through
many generations)here in Iowa City-- as a historic landmark.
Thanks,
Ceil
Ceil Miller Bouchet
Linkedln
ceilmil lerbouchet.com
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Jackie Biger <jackiemhbiger@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 9:00 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Saving the Sezlak-Holub-Skarda Building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
I am writing to state my support in adding the Sezlak-Holub-Skarda building to historic preservation. It is shocking to me
it isn't already listed as a protected property!This, alongside the Laundromat, are such important pieces of Iowa City's
history and a perfect example of how build environment impacts how a neighborhood feels.
I hope the Preservation is passed this evening.
Best,
Jackie Biger
519 N.Johnson st.
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Tim Weitzel <tweitzel.email@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 9:53 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302 East Bloomington Street local landmark consideration
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Jessica,
This letter is in support of the designation of 302 East Bloomington Street as a local landmark.
Tim
I recommend that 302 East Bloomington Street, known variously as Sleazak Hall, Hollub Hall and Apartments, and
Pagliais' Pizza be made a local landmark. It has been recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
The building is not included in a historic district.The building is significant for its associations with the Czech community
in Iowa City and for Architecture. It retains a high degree of historic integrity on the exterior and is fairly unique in its
design relative to other buildings from the same time period.The building holds a place in the Northside Neighborhood
as a tangible link to the period of European Immigration to Iowa City in the late 19th century and featured prominently
in the lives of the members of the northside Czech community.The building clearly meets the criteria to be considered
for a local landmark. It is fortunate that the current owner has maintained the building with a high degree of fidelity to
the original design and materials.Only a local historic designation and historic preservation overlay zoning would require
review of any future modifications or demolition of the building.
Sincerely,
Tim Weitzel, MA
Historic Preservation Consultant
1
Jessica Bristow
From: goodphilla@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 10:24 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: Protect Slezak Hall
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello,
I plan on attending the Historic Preservation Commission meeting today at 5:30 to support its
proposal to give Slezak Hall local historic landmark status. It's a beautiful building that's been a
landmark in the Northside neighborhood for almost a century and a half. It anchors that
neighborhood on its northern side, and to tear it down would diminish the beauty and historic
character of the whole block. Its architectural style perfectly matches the strip of buildings on the east
side of Linn St. in particular. In addition, its past use as a gathering place for the Czech community in
Iowa City makes it an important monument to the diverse ethnic history of our city. The fact that for
the past 67 years it's housed one of Iowa City's most popular and iconic restaurants, Pagliai's,
ensures that Slezak Hall is important not simply for its age but because it continues to serve as a vital
part of the business and cultural life of Iowa City. It must be preserved. I enthusiastically support
designating it a local historic landmark.
Thank you,
Phil Beck
613 E. College St.
t
Jessica Bristow
From: Dawn Frary <kittycatbandit@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 10:35 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: 302-316 Bloomington St.
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Ms. Bristow,
I am writing to voice my strong belief that 302-316 Bloomington St. in Iowa City, aka the Pagliai's
building, be designated as a historic landmark.
As Iowa City continues to lose icons like The Mill, it also loses its personality and the essence that
has drawn folks to this city for decades. Pagliai's is an institution in this city and to lose yet another
important part of Iowa City history is, in my opinion, something we cannot afford to do as
development and (wasteful! unattractive!) new construction begins to dominate our cityscape.
Please consider designating this building as a historic landmark. It deserves this status and warrants
protection from yet another greedy landlord developer. It is part of the spirit of this city, more than a
restaurant or even a physical structure, but an archetype, a legend, a part of our culture.
Sincerely,
Dawn Frary
Iowa City resident
Dawn Frary
she/her/hers
dawnfrarv.coin
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Jacqueline Briggs <jackiebriggs@earthlink.net>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 11:46 AM
To: Jessica Bristow
Cc: Eric
Subject: Encourage pursuing Landmark for Slezak Buidling
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
This letter is to encourage the pursuit of landmark designation for the Slezak(Pagliai's) Building in Iowa City.
As it is one of the historic cornerstones of the Northside neighborhood, its landmark status is integral to maintaining the
integrity and
character that is so rooted to Iowa City's history. It is one the few buildings still standing that makes a direct link to both
the agricultural history of this Iowa City as well as its deep Bohemian pioneers.There are many
people who are eager to see this local building continue to anchor the neighborhood and town.
Landmark the Slezak Building.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Briggs
328 Brown Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Sharon DeGraw <sharondegraw@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 12:29 PM
To: Jessica Bristow
Subject: re: local landmark designation for Slezak building
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Dear Historic Preservation Commissioners,
Please go forward in pursing a local landmark designation for the Slezak Hall building at the corner of East Bloomington
and North Linn Streets. It is an important step in protecting a building that has been a business and cultural anchor to the
Northside Neighborhood for149 years.The families that have owned the building, including the current Skarda family,
have been particularly careful stewards of the three-story brick building. In the early 2000s, I was a Holub Apartment
resident for four years— it was a wonderful building to live in. At the time, many of the building's residents had an
affiliation with the University of Iowa's writing programs. I enjoyed meeting and collaborating with Writers'Workshop
faculty member Cole Swensen on book projects, and meeting visiting faculty member Joy Harjo who lived in the building
one summer. There were also numerous graduate students enrolled in the same writing program. Since it was a popular
place for writers to live,the building was a small cultural hub acting as an aid in the formation of life-long friendships.
There are few apartment buildings in Iowa City as large and with historic character similar to this one. I hope it can receive
the historic protection it deserves.
Sincerely,
Sharon DeGraw
519 Brown Street
Iowa City
1
Jessica Bristow
From: Daniel Kinney <danieljustin.kinney@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2024 2:48 PM
To: Jessica Bristow,jsellergren@gmail.com
Subject: Permission to read this letter at 2/8/24 special meeting to designate 312 North Linn as an historic
landmark
RISK
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to urge the Iowa City Historic Preservation Committee to move to designate the Holub building at 312 North
Linn Street in Iowa City as a protected Historic Landmark.As a lifelong resident of the historic neighborhoods of Iowa
City, I and many others in the community stand in support of the effort to save this building from demolition for
irreparable modification.
Regretfully, I am unable to attend the public meeting this evening.
Sincerely,
Daniel Kinney
Teacher,Tate High School
530 Ronalds Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
1
Anne Russett
From: Rachel Garms <rgarms@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 16,2024 4:26 PM
To: Anne Russett
Subject: Slezak building
" This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. ** I am writing to you in support of designating the slezak building as a historic landmark. I think it's
important to preserve some of the last few remaining historical buildings left in Iowa city.
Thank you,
Rachel Garms
Johnson county resident
Sent from my iPhone
1
Anne Russett
From: Brian Johannesen <bjjohannesen@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 17,2024 1:01 PM
To: Anne Russett
Subject: The Slezak Building as a Local Historic Landmark
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello!
I am writing with enthusiastic support for naming the Slezak Building a Local Historic Landmark!
As someone who works downtown and spends a lot of time on the north side, I know that changes are coming
to Iowa City- with the most significant changes slated for downtown with the old US Bank parking lot about to
be developed and with the demolishing of The Mill. The north side has retained its charm and keeping these
beautiful, historic buildings in tact will be crucial to ensuring our town remains charming and fully rooted in its
history. Let Coralville have the glass steel and concrete monstrosities, let's keep Iowa City the town we all
know and love.
Thanks!
Brian
Brian Johannesen
(630)698-0538
brianlohannesen.com
1
Anne Russett
From: goodphilla@aol.com
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2024 7:19 PM
To: Anne Russett
Subject: Slezak Building Needs to Become a Local Historic Landmark
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Hello,
I strongly support the proposal to give Slezak Hall local historic landmark status. It's a beautiful
building that's been a landmark in the Northside neighborhood for almost a century and a half. It
anchors that neighborhood on its northern side, and to tear it down would diminish the beauty and
historic character of the whole block. Its architectural style matches very well the strip of buildings on
Linn St., the east side of the street in particular.
In addition, its past use as a gathering place for the Bohemian and Czech community in Iowa City
makes it an important monument to the diverse ethnic history of our city. As someone with Czech
heritage in his family, that means a lot to me.
The fact that for the past 60 or more years it's housed one of Iowa City's most popular and iconic
restaurants, Pagliai's, ensures that Slezak Hall is important not simply for its age or architecture but
because it continues to serve as a vital part of the business and cultural life of Iowa City. It must be
preserved. I enthusiastically support designating it a local historic landmark.
Thank you,
Phil Beck
613 E. College St.
t
From: Kevin Boyd
To: Anne Russett
Subject: For P&Z-Please landmark Slezak Hall
Date: Tuesday,February 20,2024 10:43:18 AM
RISK'
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system.Please take extra care opening
any links or attachments. **
Anne, please share with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission,
I want to encourage you to preserve the Slezak Hall. While many recent residents think of it as
the Pagliai's building, generations of Iowa Citians before it had their own memories and
stories attached to the building. These heritage buildings connect us with our past. By
preserving it, it connect us with our future too.
This building deserves to be a local landmark.
While generations of Iowa Citians have their own connections to the building, here's one of
mine. My family story is closely tied with the building. My grandfather Paul Boyd was hired
as the manager for the newly opened Self-Serve Grocery in 1938. He, my grandmother Mary,
and their young children lived in the duplex across the street at 228 E Bloomington. I'm
sharing these photos with you, now nearly 90 years old,that tell one of thousands of stories of
the building.
Photo 1: Promotional photo from 1938 in front of the Self-Serve Grocery with Paul H Boyd,
manager, where you can see the square black tiles that are still on the front of the building.
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Photo 2: Promotional hoto of the inside of the Self-Serve Grocery from 1938
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Photo 3: One of family photos from a post-baptism gathering in 1937 behind 228 E
Bloomington where you can see part of the Slezak building in the background.
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Thank you,
Kevin Boyd
Sixth Generation Iowa Citian
622 N Van Buren St., Iowa City
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Anne Russett
From: Marty Boller <mjbhawkeye@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 12:58 PM
To: Anne Russett; Marty Boller
Subject: Saving Slezak Hall - 302-316 Bloomington Street
A
" This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
TO: Iowa City Planning&Zoning Commission
c/o Anne Russett
Just a quick note to offer my support of your positive decision to designate 302-316 Bloomington Street in Iowa City
(Slezak Hall and the adjoining buildings)as a local historic landmark.
I appreciate the work you,the P&Z commission, must do in determining what's best for our community. From the very
beginning(1839), Iowa City has been masterfully planned by those who thoughtfully considered each decision before
action was taken. It's my hope that this tradition will continue with you as you make this major decision on Wed.
February 21.
Sadly, over the years, we have lost a good number of the iconic buildings that were once the pride and joy of past
generations. Slezak Hall and the adjoining buildings have such a rich history&heritage here in Iowa City, and, in my
view, it would be an unspeakable loss if these buildings were ever torn down, remodeled, and/or replaced with newer
facilities.
I invite you to review my short report of the historic value of Slezak(National) Hall.
https:Houriowaheritage.com/slezak-national-ha II/
And, I encourage you in your vote to recommend that this property be designated as a historic landmark for Iowa City.
As I see it,future generations will always be thankful to you for your positive decision to SAVE THE SLEZAK.
Sincerely,
Marty Boller-MJBHawkeye
Check out our websites:
www.ouriowaheritage.com/
www.iohnsonco untyrem em brancep ark.ora/
0 --
1
Anne Russett
From: leigh lentz <leighlentz@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 9:55 AM
To: Anne Russett
Subject: Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building Landmark Status
A
** This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Dear Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commissioners,
Please designate the Pagliafs building,more formally known as the Slezak-Holub-Skarda building,as a Local Historic Landmark.
Like many residents of Iowa City I moved here as a young student to attend the University of Iowa. As my college friends and I
explored our new city back in 1988 we were charmed by many of the local attractions which made the town so unique: the old
fashioned soda fountain at Pearson's,the perfume bottles in the windows of Mott's Drugstore,the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round at
City Park,the breath-takingly beautiful Victorian interior of BushnelPs Turtle,the quaint popcorn wagon on the ped mall,the all-you-
can-eat spaghetti as you listened to a band at the Mill,the cozy interior of Great Midwestern Ice Cream(which boasted the"best ice
cream in the country"),the fortune-telling witch at Things&Things,and especially the sight of the white-capped and white-shirted
young men making pizza in the window beneath the warm,orange glow of the Pagliai's Pizza sign. Of the list of things just
mentioned,Pagliai's Pizza is the only one still remaining. Please ensure it does not get relegated to the list of"used to be's." The
building is already a historic landmark in the eyes of many Iowa Citians;please give it the official designation you have the power to
grant.
Sincerely,
Leigh Lentz,
Iowa City Resident
1
Anne Russett
From: Louis Tassinary <Itassinary@mac.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 11:23 AM
To: Anne Russett
Subject: Landmark designation for the Slezak Building
Importance: High
A
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
2/21/24
Re: Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Date-Public Comment-Agenda Item#6
Dear Planning and Zoning Commissioners Michael Hensch,Susan Craig,Maria Padron,Scott Quelhorst,Maggie Elliot,Chad Wade&Billie
Townsend
It has been documented repeatedly that renovated historic buildings serve valuable functions in the community. As clearly shown by the many
letters to the City,and the staff report from the Historic Preservation Commission,the Slezak building is a tangible symbol of the enduring
contribution of Iowa City's first immigrants.
What has not been emphasized, however,is that historic properties offer unique opportunities to contribute significantly to the City's
sustainability goals by preserving the energy already embodied in the existing building and eliminating the expenditure of additional energy for
new construction. Reliable sources estimate that even a new green energy efficient building that uses a large percentage of recycled materials
would take over 50 years to recover the energy lost in demolishing a comparable existing building.
The adaptive reuse of iconic older buildings simultaneously honors heritage, reduces the need for new construction with its concomitant
consumption of dwindling material and limited financial resources,and creates the opportunity for creative architectural design and the support
of local craftsmanship.
It is forthese reasons that I urge the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously agree with the recommendations of the Historic
Preservation Commission to recommend that the City Council grant the Slezak building landmark status.
Sincerely,
Louis G. Tassinary JD PhD
1645 Teg Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
Ph: 979.220.4755 1 Ita ss i n a ry(a)ma c.co m
t
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 4 of 14
time one drives by it's gone. Entler stated yes usually they have a pile that's somewhat localized,
they recycle that material, and then they move on to the next project.
Hensch closed the public hearing.
Elliott moved to recommend approval of CREZ24-0002, an application for a County
conditional use permit for a temporary asphalt and concrete recycling use.
Craig seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
CASE NO. REZ24-0001
Location: 302-316 E. Bloomington St
An application initiated by the Historic Preservation Commission for a rezoning of approximately
0.45 acres of land from Central Business Service (CB-2) zone to CB-2 with a Historic District
Overlay (OHD/CB-2) zone to designate the property as an Iowa City Historic Landmark.
Conley began the staff report showing an aerial map of the property for the proposed rezoning.
The property is located north of East Bloomington Street and to the east of North Linn Street.
She next shared the zoning map which shows to the west there's the RNS-12 zone, to the east is
CB-2 and to the south is CB-2 as well.
For some background for the property in question, Conley stated on the date October 9, 2023,
the Historic Preservation Commission recommended moving forward with the local landmark
designation. Then on October 30, 2023, a letter was sent to the property owner that explained
the Historic Preservation Commission's interest in landmarking the property as well as requested
a meeting. On December 4, 2023, staff and the Historic Preservation Commission Chair met
with the property owner and then on February 8, 2024, the Historic Preservation Commission
recommended approval of the local landmark designation. The Historic Preservation
Commission found that this property is significant for its role in the ethnic and commercial history
of Iowa City's Northside Neighborhood. They found that the building is a well-preserved example
of Italianate architecture and found that the property met the following local landmark criteria. (A)
it is significant to American and/or Iowa City history, architecture, archaeology and culture. (B) it
possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship. (C) it is associated
with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Iowa City history.
And lastly, (E) it embodies the distinctive characteristics of a tight period or method of
construction or represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic values or represents a
significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
Currently the property is zoned CB-2 and the purpose of this zone is to serve as a transition
between intense land uses in the Central Business Service District and adjoining areas. The
proposed zoning is to the OHD/CB-2 zone and the purpose of the OHD zone is to designate
local historic landmarks and historic districts. The OHD zone requires exterior building
modifications, ones that require regulated permit, to go through the historic review process, and it
supports the continued use of historic buildings through regulatory and financial incentives.
These incentives include special exception eligibility in which it would allow the Board of
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 5 of 14
Adjustment to waive or modify certain zoning requirements. Additionally, the property would be
eligible for the Iowa City Historic Preservation Fund and additional tax credits.
Conley next showed some photos of the 302-316 East Bloomington Street property.
Conley then reviewed the rezoning criteria and how the proposed development fits in with the
policy vision of the City. The landmark designation is a zoning overlay and therefore requires
recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to the City Council. It's the
Commission's role to review the proposed designation based on its relation to the
Comprehensive Plan and the proposed public improvements and plans for the renewal of the
area involved. In this case, they would need to analyze the IC 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the
Central District Plan and the Historic Preservation Plan, which are all relevant to the proposed
rezoning. To start the IC 2030 Plan includes principal goals and strategies that are in support of
the local landmark rezoning. There's a neighborhood design principle which states to preserve
historic resources and reinvest in established neighborhoods. The intent of this principle is to
ensure the stability and livability of the City's historic neighborhoods to preserve culture, history
and the identity of the City. The land use section of the Plan includes the following "will continue
to protect our community's historical, environmental, and aesthetic assets" and the strategy that
supports this goal includes "developing strategies to encourage the protection of natural areas
and historic features and support the enhancement of areas to continue support for the Iowa City
Historic Preservation Plan". The plan also mentions how Historic Preservation policies have
helped to save Iowa City's most historic buildings and have preserved the distinctive architecture
of entire neighborhoods. The housing section of the Plan includes the following goal "preserve
the integrity of existing neighborhoods and the historic nature of older neighborhoods". Included
as a strategy is "aim to support the Historic Preservation Commission's efforts to meet its goals".
Conley next reviewed the Central District Plan which includes goals and objectives that are also
in support of the local landmark rezoning and emphasize the historic character of the
neighborhood. The Central District Plan notes that the City has been successful in protecting
historic resources in the Central District through the adoption of historic district and conservation
district overlay zones and by bestowing historic landmark status on the area's most significant
buildings and properties. The Plan also states that although some redevelopment of the area is
likely there's a strong desire to maintain the historic main street character and the property that
helps maintain the distinct identity and scale of the area. Additionally, many community members
indicated that the historic character of the Northside Marketplace is one of its greatest assets.
The Central District Plan includes the goal "preserve and promote the unique aspects of the
Northside Marketplace" and that is followed by the supporting objectives. First, established
policies and regulations that will preserve the existing scale and main street commercial
character of the Northside Marketplace and second, protect historic buildings as an integral part
of the Northside Marketplace. Overall, the designation of the property as a local historic landmark
will achieve the objective related to protecting historic buildings.
Lastly, the Historic Preservation Plan contains a mission statement that states "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". This Plan
includes the following goal "identify historic resources to Iowa City's past" and this goal is here to
help promote the mission statement. This goal is supported through the following objectives,
continuing to research and evaluate historic resources through the systematic and prioritize
completion of neighborhood and thematic based historical and architectural surveys, have the
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 6 of 14
Historic Preservation Commission set designation priorities for historic districts, have landmarks
that emphasize the most important or threatened resources first, and encourage the local
landmark designations by the Historic Preservation Commission by continuing to nominate
individual properties in historic districts to the National Register of Historic Places, and when
appropriate pursue local designation as landmarks in historic districts for the National Register
properties. The Historic Preservation Plan also includes the Gilbert/Linn Street Historic District
and this section is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The locally designated
District is referred to as the Northside Historic District and although the subject property is not
located in either of these districts since they are residential, this section of the Plan discusses the
importance of various properties both in and outside of these Districts. The Gilbert/Linn Street
Historic District includes the following objective, to incorporate historic preservation efforts in
planning for the Northside Marketplace retail district, which is intersecting blocks at Market, Linn,
Gilbert and Bloomington Streets. The importance of the subject property is discussed within this
objective because it's specifically discussed as promoting the preservation of architectural
elements such as this Slezak Building National Hall.
Staff has also received correspondence which has been forwarded to the Commission and hard
copies have been provided at the meeting. Staff received 43 letters in support of the proposed
rezoning which was included in the agenda packet and seven additional pieces of
correspondence were received in support of the rezoning after packet publication. Conley noted
the property only owner, Gary Skarda, stated he did not support the proposed rezoning at the
Historic Preservation Commission meeting.
Staff recommends approval of REZ24- 0001, an application to rezone 302-316 East Bloomington
Street from Central Business Service (CB-2) zone to CB-2 with a Historic District Overlay
(OHD/CB-2) zone in order to designate it as a Local Historic Landmark.
Next steps, since the landmark designation was voted unanimously by the Historic Preservation
Commission, upon P&Z recommendation City Council will set the date of the public hearing for
the property for 302-316 East Bloomington Street.
Hensch asked if for a rezoning it's not necessary for the property owner to consent to the
rezoning. Conley confirmed that was correct.
Quellhorst asked if staff took into account that property owner's objections to rezoning at all and
the cost that might be imposed by the imposition of that historic overlay. Russett replied their
role was to review the rezoning in the context of the policies in the Comprehensive Plan. There
are specific criteria in the zoning code that speak to the criteria that are supposed to be
considered as part of this rezoning and cost is not part of the consideration. Quellhorst asked if it
is considered anywhere in the process and Russett stated City Council could consider it.
Craig asked generally speaking with this designation what can and can't the property owner do
to this property. Russett replied the biggest thing is that the property could not be demolished.
The other things that would be regulated by the historic review process are any exterior
modifications that require a building permit or mechanical permit, so things like changing the
roofing or siding or any masonry work, windows, doors, and those types of things, anything on
the exterior would be regulated.
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 7 of 14
Elliott asked why the owner did not want to agree with this and Russett replied they can't speak
for the owner.
Hekteon noted if the owner files a petition at the City Council level that would trigger a
supermajority vote for the City Council and that's how the owners voice is factored in.
Elliott asked if it was just the Pagliai's building or also the laundromat. Russett replied it is all of
the buildings on the property which includes the laundromat and the original structure at the
southwest corner of the property and the additions.
Wade noted looking at Des Moines code, it looks like the Des Moines code has a trigger that if
somebody searches for a demolition permit it automatically looks at the age of the building and
goes through a Historic Preservation Commission type process and does Iowa City have a
similar process in place. Russett replied Iowa City does not, if it's within a local historic district,
local conservation district or a local landmark district, then the demolition needs to go through the
historic review process but if it's outside of those areas it is just reviewed by the building
inspection staff.
Padron asked if something new could be built in that area of the parking lot. Russett replied she
supposes that's a possibility. They had a recent landmark designation within the Ped Mall on
East College Street where the historic structures were landmarked and there was a new building
that was built behind it that was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. So new
structures are something that would be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Padron just wants to be clear that none of these buildings would be able to be demolished
without going through the Historic Preservation Commission and then if they build something
new that would also have to go through historic review. Russett confirmed that was correct.
Wade asked what's the line in the sand as far as the age of the building. For example, the front
of the building was remodeled in the 1960s so it wouldn't fit to the original model of the building
and if they're going to redo windows or something what age or part of the building is the deciding
factor. Russett replied that's more of a historic review question, but they would have to just
review any proposals on a case-by-case basis and any changes to the exterior would have to be
reviewed to the guidelines. It could potentially be approved by staff, but for more major
alterations they have to go to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Hensch opened the public hearing.
Jordan Sellergren (Chair, Historic Preservation Commission) stated the Historic Preservation
Commission's role is to determine whether the property meets the criteria for designation and
they did find that the Slezak/Holub/Skarda building represents the broad patterns of the history in
Iowa City. It tells the story of the immigrants who helped build the City, as well as clearly meeting
historic architectural criteria. The Commission voted unanimously in favor of the designation.
Planning and Zoning staff, as they just heard, did recommend that the landmark rezoning of 302
- 316 East Bloomington is consistent with Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan, which includes the
Central District Plan and the Historic Preservation Plan, and encourages pursuing local landmark
designations when appropriate to provide protection for important historic resources. The Central
District Plan specifically calls out this property as an important historic building that should be
preserved. The building size and uses are consistent with the main street character that is the
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 8 of 14
vision of the Comprehensive Plan for North Linn and Bloomington Streets. Additionally, the City's
climate policies encourage sustainable practices also support the retention of the valuable
resources of the building, rather than sending them to the landfill. Iowa City Zoning Code states
that the Planning and Zoning Commission's role is to determine whether a local landmark
designation meets the Comprehensive Plan and in this case it very much does. So once this
Commission votes, it becomes City Council's role to consider the politics and weigh the
recommendations of the Commission's as well as the property owner's concerns. Sellergren
thanked the Commission for hearing the remarks tonight.
Wade noted listening to the Historic Preservation Commission meeting it sounds like they have
somebody that goes in the building or takes a look at the building so as part of that do they also
evaluate the mechanicals and all the details of the building in the interior. Sellergren stated they
are primarily focused on exterior updates.
Ginalie Swaim (Friends of Historic Preservation) stated they strongly support the designation of
this important building. As they have all heard the Comprehensive Plan speaks to the historic
character of the Northside Marketplace and this is one of the key buildings in this marketplace.
Swaim wanted to share how this sprawling building speaks to more aspects of the local history
than any other single building in Iowa City. It holds a one story of American immigration, in this
case Bohemian immigrants, today they probably would have been known as Czechs, but they
could substitute other ethnic groups with similar trajectories in their move to America and
engagement with American society. In the 1850s Bohemians were starting to arrive in Iowa
having fled Europe because of revolutions and economic depressions. By the 1870s Bohemians
had put down roots in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City and in the farming villages and on the farms
in-between. The Slezak's building connects with immigrants history as first the building
reinforced an ethnic identity. Bohumil Shimek, whose name they will recognize because of his
role in Iowa City history, and himself of Bohemian ethnicity, knew of"the dangers that confronted
a stranger in a strange land" and Joseph Slezak's hotel quickly became "the recognized
headquarters of this nationality", ethnic social and aid societies for Bohemians met there and
these ethnic aid societies were a phenomenon of American culture during the great immigration
periods. Because of this being a stranger in a strange land, they would offer newcomers
assistance. If someone became ill or died that aid society would step in and try to be helpful,
basically, on how to navigate the new culture, but also how to keep their native culture alive. For
example, the Slezak National Hall at one time had a benefit, a play and a dance, to benefit the
Herzegovinian rebels, which was a Serb uprising against the Ottoman Empire. So even though
people were living in Iowa City, putting their roots down, beginning businesses, having jobs, they
still had a yearning to support their fellow people back in the old country. Second, the Slezak
Building, like some parts of Iowa City, long resonated with the Bohemian language. In the 1880s
there were four newspapers to choose from and one was in Bohemian. Just east of the Slezak
Building was the residents of Goosetown which was largely a Bohemian neighborhood and
spoke their native language for three generations. In 1912 when Joseph Slezak died the grave
marker at Old St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery was carved all in Bohemian language and on the
top of the building sign, the Bohemian words Narodni sin appeared and below that was
translated to National Hall. In 1981 local historian Irving Weber wrote about this building and
when he wrote about it using the words Narodni sin apparently he made a spelling error because
readers contacted him. So even in 1981 there is still a resonance for the Bohemian language in
this community and even today the Czech and Bohemian ethnicity is still loud and strong in this
community. Another reason this building was part of the social fabric is the upstairs hall was the
site for plays and parties and dances in this "spacious and elegant hall in which to trip the light
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 9 of 14
fantastic toe". Perhaps the eight-member union band played there, each musician was Bohemian
and well into the 20th century a group called the Jolly Club played their routine there. This club
comprised of German and Bohemian families far from the immigrant experience but still hanging
on to their ethnic roots. Fifth, the building was part of local commerce there was a reason Joseph
Slezak advertised it as "the popular farmers stopping place". Farmers coming into town stayed
overnight at the hotel and stabled their horses in the attached livery. The building housed several
endeavors, including the National Hall, the farmers hotel, the grocery store, and "all the other
business ventures centered there". The proprietor had "a fine outlook for prosperity and fortune,
well a part of the local commerce". And finally, the Slezak building's long history shows
transitions into mainstream American society, from a livery stable for horses to a garage for
automobiles, from hotel rooms for Bohemian farmers, to apartments for college students and
downtown workers. More signs of this transition are that the hall was once the site of ethnic
meetings also hosted in 1925 a dance and basketball game between Williamsburg and the
National Guard. Then in the 1930s its grocery stores advertising the all-American product of Jello
and the garage becomes a current coin operated laundromat and in the late 1960s the building
reaches perhaps the epitome of American society as the Pizza Palace that also sold T shirts.
Many other businesses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries met Iowa City's needs and
wants, there were dozens in that period of saloons, groceries, hotels, stables, social halls, even
other ethnic social halls, and other buildings symbolizing commercial success. What's unique
and significant about this sprawling building is this one building served all of those needs. So
landmarking this one building honors and preserves one story of American immigration in Iowa
City.
Deanna Thomann (Member, Historic Preservation Commission) represents the Northside
Neighborhood on the Historic Preservation Commission but tonight is speaking as a citizen from
the northside. Several meetings ago she introduced herself to this Planning and Zoning
Commission but to remind them she and her sister live at 208 Fairchild Street in a house that
once belonged to her great great grandparents and then to her great grandparents. Her great
great grandmother's parents, the Louis's, immigrated to Iowa City from Germany and her great
great grandfather CK Lake ran a lumberyard on this very site where the City offices are today. So
in experiencing the northside and the downtown she often tries to see places through her
ancestors eyes, and sometimes it takes a lot of imagination, but there is no imagining with this
Slezak/Holub/Skarda building. Construction on that monumental complex started just one year
before her ancestor's house on Fairchild Street was built. The Slezak/Holub/Skarda building was
part of her ancestor's everyday experience, either on foot or by horse. Great, great grandpa
would have passed the building on his way to work at the lumberyard and maybe on his way
home from work he occasionally stopped in the building saloon for a beer. That's something she
likes to imagine. Thomann does know that her Aunt Linda would stay at the house on 208
Fairchild Street and attend summer bible camp and she remembers shopping with grandma at
Tweedie's grocery store, she said it was a really big grocery store for that time. Today Pagliai's is
in that space and she eats at Pagliai's and many of her out of town relatives traveled to eat at
Pagliai's too. These relatives, though they live on farms, when she sees them at family reunions
they ask about her house in town and they ask where it is again, when she answers on Fairchild
Street they don't know what that means or where that is but if she says it's just a couple blocks
from Pagliai's they all know where that is. They acknowledge that's the best restaurant in Iowa
City. So in some ways this building is still bringing farmers to it like it was with the farmer's hotel
back in the day. This Slezak/Holub/Skarda building is a landmark to her and her family, it was a
landmark to her ancestors and it's part of the community's history and cultural heritage. Thomann
asks that the Commission take the next steps to make this Slezak/Holub/Skarda building a
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 10 of 14
formal landmark.
Kevin Boyd noted he sent an email because there were some visuals he wanted to share but he
also wishes to speak. Boyd stated local landmarks are designed to preserve buildings, physical
structures, that help tell the unique history. They help connect us both with the past by honoring
what the civic ancestors built, the city they created, but it also connects them to the future and
says they value this history and they want future Iowa Citians to be able to experience this
heritage site. Boyd shared some family photos of this building with the Commission in advance.
His grandfather, Paul Boyd, came to Iowa City when he was just 18, immediately after he
graduated from high school in the early part of the Depression. His parents and siblings had
already moved here because the family farm had been taken from the bank due to the
Depression. Paul got a part time job at Mercy Hospital as an elevator operator hand cranking it
and that is where he met Boyd's grandmother, a nursing student from West Liberty. By 1938 they
had gotten married and adopted an orphan nephew and had their first child together. They
rented half of the duplex across the street at 228 Bloomington Street. A few years ago Boyd
acquired an old disorganized family photo album with nearly 90 year old photos and news
clippings of his great grandfather becoming the manager of the newly remodeled self-serve
grocery store in Slezak Hall where they took the two commercial units and put them into one
pristine and organized one. To Boyd that was an important moment in his grandparents history, it
was a moment their economic fortunes began to turn. Paul was hired to manage the newly
remodeled self-serve grocery store in the Slezak Building. A generation later in the 1970s after a
pizza date, Boyd's parents accidentally unplugged the change machine in the laundromat and it
triggered an alarm and the police arrived. This story was told by his parents nearly every time
they were waiting to pick up Pagliai's, which was a lot growing up. When Boyd's partner Kelly
first came to visit Iowa City, a city he'd heard Boyd rave about for months, they went to Pagliai's
and he was as impressed with the building as he was with the pizza. Boyd shares these personal
stories because generations of Iowa Citians have their own. Some that have been forgotten to
others that can be remembered. The stories of this building, from the parties upstairs, Narodni
sin, the meeting spot for first generation immigrants, the corner grocery store being the first self-
serve then Tweedie's, police getting called to a laundromat after a pizza date, preserving this
building honors those stories and the shared history and it celebrates the history of the
community. This building is a heritage building. The rezoning aligns with the Comprehensive
Plan, and it deserves local landmarking and Boyd encourages them to pass it as it honors both
the past and it honors the future.
Tomas Agran lives in the Northside Neighborhood and served as its Historic Preservation
Commission representative for seven years. So he can speak from that perspective but now with
extra candor since he's not on the Commission anymore, including that controversially he
doesn't like Pagliai's Pizza. Agran noted there's a property that recently came on the market, an
amazing development opportunity for a cool $5 million and being well more than 50 years old the
building is definitely about qualifying vintage for historic designation, but it would be controversial
and political to try to do that, especially if the owner bulked. He isn't talking about the Pagliai's
building he is referring to City Electric building on Prentiss Street. He does agree it is a
development opportunity and also agrees it's probably not ultimately a strong case for historic
designation. But they aren't talking about that building, or speculating on Tracy Barkalow's
intentions, they aren't talking about landmarking a property as a stretch of the imagination.
They're talking about a core property in Iowa City's past, present and future inextricable from the
story of Iowa City and the north end as they've heard tonight. Iowa City's always lamenting the
loss of so much historic building inventory during those urban renewal days of yore, but as far as
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 11 of 14
he can tell, since moving here in 2009, urban renewal is alive and well as developers and
accountants pencil Iowa City's history, texture and unique flavor out of existence in favor of
cheap builds, and balance sheets. When they leave the meeting tonight, he urges them to look
east at the memorable and evocative three over one across from the co-op. Or choose to avert
their gaze looking west where a giant hole in the ground stands as a monument to one Iowa City
family's bank account. Or maybe they parked just to the north where the historic U Church was
leveraged and now sits abandoned and overwhelmed to line the silky pockets of another private
developer. Don't forget the increasingly dilapidated historic 410 North Clinton held hostage for
development handouts from the City to try to tear down and over build the neighboring
properties, or the charming piles of civil war era bricks they woke up to on Christmas morning
after a spirited visit from a bulldozer on South Dubuque Street, and inevitability they should not
forget tacitly and patiently awaits the vast majority of the still unprotected downtown. When a
property owner disagrees with the historic designation of a building, it feels like a fraught process
and it feels political, and it is awkward but as fate would have it anticipation at these exact
circumstances had the City come up with systems and protocols. The City has a Comprehensive
Plan, they have standards that historic properties must meet and have a process of community
representatives at three levels, Planning & Zoning being one of them, who makes sure that those
guiding documents and standards are applied apolitically so that when the community's history
comes under threat, there is an established and agreed way as a democratic community to
protect those irreplaceable and to further prevent our historic assets being emotionally leveraged
against us for private gain. Agran noted it's not difficult to imagine this property being used as a
sacrificial pawn in the development game for all the neighboring losses around it. This
Commission is tasked with putting process over politics and as a result have a very simple non-
emotional decision in front of them tonight and he trusts they will fulfill their duties and do what's
right for Iowa City that belongs not to one but to all of us.
Bob Wise noted what's interesting about this that nobody has pointed out is if they go back and
dig through the maps from around the 1870s the two lots that the building sits on was not part of
the original plot of Iowa City. The original Iowa City plot was going from Franklin Street down to
Jefferson and going from Linn to maybe past Van Buren. All that is left in the 18 and a half block
area of the original site of Iowa City area is the Slezak building, the Union Brewery building and
John's grocery. An example is the Pearson Drugstore corner, Pearson's Drug was really great, it
had a drive-thru, but watching the old building that was taken down from there and looking at the
structure which had been put in that place if the same thing happens to this, then the original plot
of Iowa City, the original town, shrinks, and shrinks, and eventually will disappear and they lose
a tremendous amount of history with that. He has watched it happen in other communities
where he's lived. Iowa City used to have a beautiful fire station that he went to in first grade that
sat on Linn Street and Washington that was torn down in 1965 to make room for this City Hall
building and the fire station that now sits here. That was a beautiful building that was lost to
urban renewal along with many others. Wise encourages the Commission to strongly consider
making this historic landmark for Iowa City and the preservation of the original part of Iowa City,
as it was established back in the 1870s. The Graph house was built in 1872 and the Slezak
building, Pagliai's building, was built about six years later. This was the dance hall in the hotel
and there was a restaurant that was in that building. There were obviously rooms which are
maybe now part of the 16 apartments upstairs. At the back of the small building where there's an
archway, that was probably a hayloft to take care of what was the carriage house and what was
the livery. A livery may have been where the horses were kept to draw the beer wagons to run
around the town and deliver beer, even the fire department had their own horses back in that
period of time.
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 12 of 14
Sharon DeGraw stated she lives in the Northside Neighborhood and is on the steering committee
for the Northside Neighborhood Association. She looked at the packet and the task looks pretty
straightforward. The IC 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes the goal to preserve historic
resources and invest in the established neighborhoods. She thinks that's how they're supposed
to be thinking about this and the land use section includes a goal to protect the community's
historical environment and aesthetic assets. Therefore, the Planning and Zoning commissioners
would be answering the question of is this building suitable according to those goals and she
hopes they think yes. DeGraw noticed that it's one of the oldest buildings, from 1875, it's
relatively tall, three stories, for that point in time and it also had an incredible number of functions
which they've heard about, a hotel, a saloon, dance hall, grocery store, a meeting hall for the
Czech and Bohemian immigrant community, and a stable which she thinks is incredible that the
the Bloomington laundry mat was once a stable and it's still standing. So after contemplating this
DeGraw hopes that the Commission will agree that it's the right time to vote in favor of a historic
preservation overlay for that parcel.
Missy Moreton stated she is representing as a person who lives in the Northside Neighborhood.
As a disclosure she was on the Iowa City Friends of Historic Preservation Board for probably 10
years but it's been a while. Her personal thoughts on this is she has lived in the Northside
Neighborhood since 1996. Personally, she loves the aesthetic of the close-in historic area and
the way the Pagliai's building serves as a transition between the residential and business areas,
she really feels that it contributes to the quality of life in the neighborhood. She appreciates the
owner's position, from what she's read the owner was not just a good landlord, but a great
steward of the property. This proposal brings to mind two buildings that were eventually
preserved by the new owners after the public brought to the attention their historic significance.
First, the Carnegie Library, which had served as the Iowa City Public Library, and the Tate Arms,
which was the first rooming house built for black students owned by black landlords. Moreton
realizes that there are buyers that can purchase this location and don't have the same feelings
about history and architecture and community that she does so she would like to be more
proactive about taking an inventory of the remaining buildings that fit the local landmark
designation and acting on them before they are up for sale. She hopes that it's not too late for
this building.
Hensch closed the public hearing.
Craig moved to recommend approval of REZ24-0001, an application to rezone 302-316 E.
Bloomington Street from Central Business Service (CB-2) zone to CB-2 with a Historic
District Overlay OHD/CB-2) zone in order to designate it as a Local Historic Landmark.
Quellhorst seconded the motion.
Craig noted she was very pleased that the Historic Preservation Commission was willing to do
the work and bring this forward, she had concerns when the property went up for sale. She has
lived in Iowa City close to 50 years and always had a very special feeling about this particular
piece of property and it felt like old Iowa City and the more she's learned about the history of it is
100% why these things were put in the Comprehensive Plan and she is 100% behind it.
Quellhorst stated he agrees with that, he thinks this is a wonderful building with a rich history and
meets the criteria for a landmark designation. He appreciates that cost isn't one of the rezoning
considerations but does think it's important and would recommend that City Council consider the
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 21, 2024
Page 13 of 14
costs that the application could impose on the property owner in making its decision.
Hensch noted their first obligation is does it meet the criteria and consistently with the
Comprehensive Plan and he thinks it clearly does. Also on an emotional level when he also saw
it was for sale his very first thought was please don't tear that building down. It's just pretty
dramatic standing there, the three-story building for that age and it's been so well kept. Kudos to
the owners of that building, it is a rare gem that they cannot let go away so he supports this.
Elliott supports this and thinks it's clear that it meets that criteria. She does have concerns about
the owner not wanting to landmark the property but that's not for them to decide.
Townsend just want to say she wasn't born and raised in Iowa but everyone that she's talked to
that came to school here or that has been here always talks about Pagliai's. This is the first time
she's heard about the history of that area so in her opinion it is something that should be
preserved.
Wade stated this one is a little bit more challenging for him, there is a lot of history with the
Pagliai's building, or the Slezak/Holub/Skarda building but this is the first time that he's been
through the experience without an owner's consent. He's looking at this rezoning similar to an
involuntary annex so this one's a little bit problematic from not getting the owner's buy-in to get
the overlay or historic landmark nomination. Wade noted regardless of his decision, he knows
he's in the minority, but this one, just from a private ownership standpoint they need the buy-in.
Wade agreed he would love to see the building maintained or continued on, it's been in the
family for 125 years but now they're looking at making a change without the family consent.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-1 (Wade dissenting).
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: FEBRUARY 7, 2024:
Padron moved to approve the meeting minutes from February 7, 2024. Craig seconded the
motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Townsend moved to adjourn, Quellhorst seconded and the motion passed 7-0.
' r i
Orpia
wirgoI� City Council Supplemental Meeting Packet
CITY OF IOWA CITY May 7, 2024
Information submitted between distribution of packet on Thursday and 4:00pm on Monday.
Late Ha out(s):
9.a. Rezoning - 302-316 E Bloomington Street - Local Historic Landmark - See
correspondence from Ben Huntley.
IP. Memorandum from Budget Management Analyst: Quarterly Financial
Summary for Period Ending March 31, 2024.
May 7,2024 City of Iowa City
Item Number: 9.a.
CITY OF OF IOWA CITY
� fil COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 7, 2024
Rezoning - 302-316 E Bloomington Street - Local Historic Landmark - See correspondence
from Ben Huntley.
Attachments: City Council correspondence - Ben Huntley
q, 0-11
Kellie Grace
From: Ben Huntley <benjamin.huntley@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2024 9:34 AM Late Handouts Distributed
To: *City Council
Subject: Re:Yes for landmark status
;� — G — a4
(Date)
RISH
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments.**
Dear council...just a friendly reminder: people around the country are still watching the evolution of the Pagliai's
landmark designation vote. Not exactly sure why this is such a contentious issue when there is overwhelmingly clear
public support. Please let this email remind you that this issue is being observed by a community of Iowa Citians much
larger than a zip code,a county, or the Eastern half of a state.
Ben Huntley
Boulder, CO
On Tue,Apr 16, 2024 at 3:02 PM Ben Huntley<benjamin.huntley@gmail.com>wrote:
Dear council,
I just wanted to let you know that we are paying attention to the landmark status vote for Pagliai's. I understand that
you will be re-examining this issue today and hope to see council support for preserving this piece of our history.
Best,
Ben Huntley
Boulder, CO
Sent from my iPhone-pardon any brevity or errors
>On Mar 27,2024, at 08:56, Ben Huntley<beniamin.huntley@gmail.com>wrote:
> Dear council,
> Pagliai's pizza is fundamental to giving Iowa City its charm. It is part of the reason people come... and keep coming
back. Please know that people around the country are watching your vote. I strongly encourage you to support the
movement for landmark status.
>Sincerely,
> Ben Huntley
> Boulder, Colorado
>
>Sent from my iPhone-pardon any brevity or errors
t
Prepared by: Madison Conley,Associate Planner;410 E.Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240;(REZ24-0001)
Ordinance No.
Ordinance rezoning property located at 302-316 E. Bloomington Street
from Central Business Service (CB-2) zone to CB-2 with a Historic District
Overlay (OHD/CB-2) zone. (REZ24-0001)
Whereas, the City of Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission requested a rezoning of
property located at 302-316 E. Bloomington Street from Central Business Service (CB-2) zone to
CB-2 with a Historic District Overlay (OHD/CB-2) zone to designate the property as an Iowa City
Historic Landmark; and
Whereas, this structure was originally constructed in 1875 and is significant for its role in the
ethnic and commercial history of Iowa City's Northside neighborhood and as a well-preserved
example of Italianate architecture; and
Whereas, the Comprehensive Plan encourages the preservation of historic buildings through
a Neighborhood Design Principle that aims to preserve historic resources and reinvest in
established neighborhoods; through a Land Use goal that aims to continue and protect the
community's historical, environmental, and aesthetic assets with a strategy to encourage
protection of natural areas and historic features; and through a Housing goal that aims to preserve
the integrity of existing neighborhoods and the historic nature of older neighborhoods with a
strategy that supports the Historic Preservation Commission's efforts to meet its goals; and
Whereas, the Central District Plan encourages preservation of historic homes, resources and
neighborhoods, especially in areas close to the University by bestowing historic landmark status
on the area's most significant buildings and properties; and
Whereas, the Central District Plan identifies the Northside Marketplace as a historic
commercial neighborhood where there is a strong communal desire to maintain the historic
mainstreet character and includes a goal that aims to preserve and promote the unique aspects
of the Northside Marketplace; and
Whereas, Goal 1 of the Historic Preservation component of the Comprehensive Plan calls
for identification of resources significant to Iowa City's past with the objective of designating
individual buildings as landmarks; and
Whereas, the Historic Preservation Plan includes a section on the Gilbert-Linn Street
Historic District, which discusses the importance of various buildings including the Slezak
Building-National Hall; and
Whereas the Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the proposed Historic Landmark
designation, has found that it meets the criteria for landmark designation in its significance to Iowa
City history, integrity of location and design, association with events that have a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of history, and embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period, or method of construction; and
Whereas, the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the proposed Historic
Landmark designation rezoning and has found that it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
goals of preserving historic resources.
Ordinance No.
Page 2
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa:
Section I. Historic Landmark Approval. Property described below is hereby reclassified to
Central Business Service with a Historic District Overlay(OHD/CB-2)zone:
Lot 5 and the West 50 feet of Lot 6 all in Block 57 in Iowa City, Iowa, according to the
recorded plat thereof.
Section II. Zoning Map. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to change the
zoning map of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, to conform to this amendment upon the final passage,
approval and publication of this ordinance by law.
Section III. Certification And Recording. Upon passage and approval of the Ordinance, the
City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this ordinance and to record the
same, at the office of the County Recorder of Johnson County, Iowa, at the owner's expense, all
as provided by law.
Section IV. Repealer. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of
this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section V. Severability. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to
be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a
whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
Section VI. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage, approval
and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this day of , 2024.
Mayor
Approved by:
•
Attest: G
City Clerk City Attor y's Office
(Sara Hektoen—03/27/2024)
Ordinance No.
Page 3
It was moved by and seconded by that
the Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
Alter
Bergus
Dunn
Harmsen
Moe
Salih
Teague
First Consideration 04/16/2024
Vote forpassage: AYES: Alter, Bergus, Dunn, Harmsen, Moe, Salih, Teague
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Second Consideration 05/07/2024
Vote for passage: AYES: Alter, Bergus, Dunn, Harmsen, Moe, Salih
NAYS: Teague
ABSENT: None
Date published
Kellie Grace
From: Ben Huntley <benjamin.huntley@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday,April 16, 2024 2:58 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Re:Yes for landmark status
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links
or attachments. **Dear council,
I just wanted to let you know that we are paying attention to the landmark status vote for Pagliai's.I
understand that you will be re-examining this issue today and hope to see council support for preserving this
piece of our history.
Best,
Ben Huntley
Boulder, CO
Sent from my iPhone-pardon any brevity or errors
> On Mar 27, 2024, at o8:56, Ben Huntley <benjamin.huntley@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Dear council,
> Pagliai's pizza is fundamental to giving Iowa City its charm. It is part of the reason people come... and keep
coming back. Please know that people around the country are watching your vote.I strongly encourage you to
support the movement for landmark status.
>
> Sincerely,
> Ben Huntley
> Boulder, Colorado
>
> Sent from my iPhone-pardon any brevity or errors
i
Kellie Grace
From: Lisa Martincik <yamainu@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday,April 16, 2024 7:39 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Pagliai's building
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links
or attachments. **Whatever happens,please keep in mind that tearing down an old building to build a new
one and the same spot is environmentally harmful. Designate,sell,whatever,please don't allow
environmentally detrimental practices.
Thanks
--Lisa Martincik
i
Kellie Grace
From: Susan Frye <susanjanefrye@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday,April 16, 2424 7:48 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Please don't demolish the Pagliai building and Laundromat.
R SK
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Susan 3 Frye RN Esq
small frye farm Maysville Iowa 319.936.1216
Susanja nefrye@amail.com
1
Kellie Grace
From: Lisa Martincik <yamainu@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday,April 16, 2024 8:13 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Affordable housing
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links
or attachments. **Please use proposed police money to purchase the Skarda building, refurb it, and except for
the restaurant space turn it into affordable housing.
Thanks
--Lisa Martincik
t
Kellie Grace
From: Marty Boller <mjbhawkeye@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday,April 16, 2024 9:57 PM
To: *City Council
Cc: Marty Boller; Robert Miklo; Friends of Historic Preservation
Subject: Followup on your April 16th Council Decision on 302-316 Bloomington...
Attachments: We sent you safe versions of your files; Slezak Commercial Center.docx
R SK
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Mimecast Attachment Protection has deemed this file to be safe, but always exercise caution when opening files.
To Iowa City-City Council.
As a strong supporter of the "YES" decision to Landmark the historic property located at 302-316 Bloomington Street,
thank you for your 7-Oyes'vote tonite,which keeps the decision on the table going forward.
It appears-from your conversations tonite-that both Mayor Teague and Pro Tem Salih still have uncertainties about
why the entire property needs to be given the Landmark status. Councilor Moe did a great job trying to explain the
historical reasons for NOT splitting the property up, and if you might allow me here, I'd like to give you a bit of the
historic reasoning why the WHOLE property is worth saving and not just a portion of it.
You see,while the property has been tagged (and centered around)the Pagliai building, it would be a grave error to
make a decision on that one building alone.To do so,would ignore the fact that historically,the four buildings on the
property all have significance when it comes to telling the full story. In truth,we should be calling the property-The
Slezak Commercial Center!
I've attached a page that gives you a quick overview of the four buildings from a historic perspective, and yes, while
visually, it's hard to see any history in the present-day laundromat-to tear it down would mean Iowa City would lose its
last remaining commercial horse stable!
You see, we have to think of it this way...
If someone said, "Yes,we must save Old Capitol, but that grassy area on the west lawn could be sold off," -we'd say you
are crazy.
If someone said in West Branch, "yeah, let's keep Herbert Hoover's home, but that blacksmith shop behind the house
that belonged to his dad we can sell-we'd, once again say, NO
I ask you, PLEASE,take into full consideration the historic nature of the entire property-not just the one or two
buildings that "look historic"... Future generations are counting on you to get this one right!
Thanks for your time in looking through my handout. If you have more questions, please let me know...
Marty Boller-MIBNawkeye
Check out our websites:
t
www.ouriowaheritage.com/
www.lohnsoncountyremembrancepark.org
z
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According to historical records, in 1872-fours year before his death-Johann (John)
Stezak purchased Lots 5&6 in Block 57(shown above from the 1875 Map of Iowa City
published byA.T.Andreas). By 1875, Johann's oldest son-Josef(Joseph) Stezak-had
completed the first building, located on the corner of Bloomington & Linn.
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Pie original Czech National Hall—302 F.Bloomington—was built by.ioseph Stezak in j87,5.
The building—known as Stezak Hatt or National Hall—still stands today, serving as the
long-time home of Pagliai's Pizza. As you can see from the pics above,the original building
is a two-story brick facility—measuring 40'x 80'—and when it opened in 1875,the first floor
became a dry goods (grocery) store and tavern,while the second floor served as a large
meeting hall for the growing Bohemian community on the north side of the city.
57
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1886 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map stowing 302{316) East Bbominglar
Over the next decade, three additional facilities were added on Lots 5 &6—making the
SLezak property into a true, commercial center that included a farmers hotel, a dance hall
with a stage and balcony, a grocery(dry goods) store, a saloon & Bohemian restaurant
(noted for its 25-cent meal that included a free beer!), and even a horse stable to parkyour
wagon and/or buggy!
ti
#2
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302 East Bloomington Street-Carriage Kouse. Apartments, and Hall (left to right)-west facade from
NW corner - Googie 2022
#1-Slezak Hall(1875), #2-three-story brick addition for hotel sleeping rooms and a
Bohemian restaurant(built soon after original building), #3-carriage house(built in the late
1880's)contained a laundryroom, a hoist, and added sleeping space, #4-stable for
feeding horses &storing wagons& carriages (built in the 1880's).
f
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302 East Bloomington Street- Siezak Halt to left, Apartments(3-story) center. Camage house(while
2-story)center, and stable to right.
1 So - What's A
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Farmers Hotel?
i
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M1
h.In the 1880's, as Iowa City grew in size,Johnson County farmers would regularly travel by
horse and wagon into town to sell their farm products and buy much-needed supplies.
Much of that trade occurred on Iowa Avenue—just blocks from Slezak Halt. Often,these
"day trips"would include an overnight stay in town, so, between the 1880's and 1920's,
business entrepreneurs—like the Slezaks—opened "farmers hotels"—offering
inexpensive overnight boarding that also included a hearty meal and a stable where
farmers could safely park their horses &wagons.
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Besides Slezak Hatt(#1 above), other farmers hotels in downtown Iowa City included John
Oreutich's Farmers Home on Iowa Avenue(#2 above left), and John Grady's Grady
Hotel(#3 above right) on Burlington & Madison Streets.
Kellie Grace
From: Marty Boller <mjbhawkeye@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday,April 17, 2024 6:31 AM
To: *City Council
Cc: Robert Miklo; Friends of Historic Preservation
Subject: Re: Followup on your April 16th Council Decision an 302-316 Bloomington...
RISK
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system.Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
PS. I neglected in my letter to the Council to list my address.
Marty Boller
2616 Catskill Ct.
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
mibhawkeve@smail.com
319-361-5256
My letter(and attachment)is also posted here: https://ouriowaheritage.com/open-letter/
THANK YOU.
On Tue,Apr 16, 2024 at 9:56 PM Marty Boller<m'bhawke a ma!I.com>wrote:
To Iowa City-City Council.
As a strong supporter of the "YES" decision to Landmark the historic property located at 302-316 Bloomington Street,
thank you for your 7-0'yes'vote tonite,which keeps the decision on the table going forward.
It appears-from your conversations tonite-that both Mayor Teague and Pro Tem Salih still have uncertainties about
why the entire property needs to be given the Landmark status. Councilor Moe did a great job trying to explain the
historical reasons for NOT splitting the property up,and if you might allow me here, I'd like to give you a bit of the
historic reasoning why the WHOLE property is worth saving and not just a portion of it.
You see, while the property has been tagged (and centered around)the Pagliai building, it would be a grave error to
make a decision on that one building alone.To do so,would ignore the fact that historically,the four buildings on the
property all have significance when it comes to telling the full story. In truth, we should be calling the property-The
Slezak Commercial Center!
I've attached a page that gives you a quick overview of the four buildings from a historic perspective, and yes,while
visually, it's hard to see any history in the present-day laundromat-to tear it down would mean Iowa City would lose
its last remaining commercial horse stable!
You see,we have to think of it this way...
If someone said, "Yes, we must save Old Capitol, but that grassy area on the west lawn could be sold off," -we'd say
you are crazy.
1
If someone said in West Branch, "yeah, let's keep Herbert Hoover's home, but that blacksmith shop behind the house
that belonged to his dad we can sell-we'd,once again say, No
I ask you, PLEASE,take into full consideration the historic nature of the entire property- not just the one or two
buildings that"look historic"... Future generations are counting on you to get this one right!
Thanks for your time in looking through my handout. If you have more questions, please let me know...
Marty Boller-MJBHawkeye
Check out our websites:
www.ouriowaheritage.com/
www.iohnsoncoun t yremembranceaark.ora/
Marty Boller-MJBHawkeye
Check out our websites:
www.ouriowaheri toae.com/
www.iohnsoncoun tyremembrancepark.ora/
Q ---__
2
Kellie Grace
From: Mary and Tom Curtis <maryallenehcurtis@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday,April 18, 2024 3:05 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: 302 E Bloomington Street-Historic Building
A
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments.**
Thank you for all the effort,deliberation,and transparency;truly democracy
at work.
Tom Curtis
1
Kellie Grace
From: Jen K. <knightswhowrites@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2024 1:51 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Please vote "yes" to historic landmark designation for the Slezak-Holub-Skarda building
RISK
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments.**
Esteemed Councilors:
I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of historic landmark designation for the Slezak-Holub-
Skarda buitdingthat houses Pagliai's Pizza.
As a Northside resident and longtime loverof Iowa City's historic structures, I support the designation
and sincerely hope the councilors will vote to protect this iconic and truly unique Northside landmark
from potential demolition.
It's important to preserve the distinct character of the neighborhood, and to protect a building that is
unlike any other in Iowa City. Not every building deserves to be protected from demolition and
development... but this one absolutely does. In addition to its history and unique architecture, one
factor that makes this building so special is that, against all odds and without having protections yet, the
entire properryis intact.There is nothing else like this in Iowa City: an historic example of a storefront,
living quarters, carriage house and the original livery stable, all dating back to 1875-1880.This property is
historically significant—not just the most prominent building that houses a beloved pizza joint, but the
full set.
I encourage you to vote in favor of the historic designation, and also to seriously consider avenues by
which the City of Iowa City can assist property owners in maintaining, rehabbing, and protecting the
historic buildings they own, instead of viewing historic landmark status as a detriment.
I own a historic 1928 craftsman home,which my husband have been lovingly renovating and rehabbing
since 2015—and for which we earned a Historic Preservation Award from Iowa City in 2016.
Honestly, we never could have done it without thoughtful—and strategic—support from the City of Iowa
City:
1. We purchased our home through the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership, a city program
that helped long-term residents with moderate income be able to afford single-family homes in
neighborhoods that needed stabilization.
2. That program also gave us a grant to help cover the expenses of the interior renovation,
converting the long-duplexed rental house back to a single-family, owner-occupied home.
3. We received assistance from the city's Housing Rehab Programs to restore the original
wood siding and trim on the home's exterior.
i
4. We also improved drainage—and made our property more environmentally friendly—by
installing pervious pavers instead of a concrete patio.We did that with support from Iowa City's
Best Management Practice(BMP) Program, which provides financial assistance for property
owners who want to help improve the quality of stormwater runoff and reduce the amount of
pollutants entering the City's storm sewer system and Iowa City's waterways.
We have been motivated and empowered to be conscientious homeowners and to improve our home
and neighborhood aesthetically, culturally, and environmentally, in part because the City of Iowa City
has supported us financially in doing so.
According to recent remarks in Council meetings and the press by members of the Historic Preservation
Commission, in past years the HPG has proposed ideas for how the city might incentivize and support
property owners in maintaining historic buildings for the benefit of all, not just to line their own pockets
and fetch higher rents. I encourage the council to revisit those proposals and engage thoughtfully with
HPC to consider further, proactive solutions to engage owners as partners in historic preservation rather
than adversaries.
Mr. Skarda,the owner of the building, claims that historic landmark designation will make the property
too hard to sell. I would argue that a beloved, historically significant property with support to keep it that
way—and with a stable, long-term commercial tenant—at a reasonable asking price (not 300%of its
assessed value, which is the current asking price)would still be attractive to local investors.
Thank you for yourthoughtful consideration. Please vote to "Save Pagliai's"!
Sincerely,
Jen Knights
Northside resident
2
Kellie Grace
From: Matt Drabek <matt.drabek@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday,April 20, 2024 12:59 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Historic Preservation and the Northside
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links
or attachments. ** Dear City Council,
As you're considering whether and how to create a historical landmark at 302-316 E. Bloomington St., I wanted
to add my support for the landmarking.
A big part of the issue concerns how to balance preservation with leaving the door open to potential future
development at the site.The core of the issue seems to be whether,in the estimation of Councilor Moe , other
councilors, and certain well-qualified experts,you should landmark the entirety of the site, or, as I think Mayor
Teague prefers,you should leave a door open to development between, around, and/or behind the main
storefront.
The issue looks as complicated as that last sentence,and obviously you have well-qualified city staff who can
lay out your options more effectively than I can. But it looks like you'd have to go into excruciating regulatory
detail in order to leave open the door to non-offensive development. If that's true, then I think you'd do best to
pass the landmarking as written and as already approved by Historic Preservation, Planning and Zoning,and
city staff.
I sympathize, at least in part, with Mayor Teague's view that it's possible to develop parts of the site while
preserving the main building. The site has a lot of open space, and it probably has room for a modest
development between the main building and the carriage house.In theory, even one that wouldn't offend
aesthetics or good sense.
However, I'm far more skeptical that a "save the storefront and put junk in the back or on the side'approach
would work as well on the Northside as it has on the Ped Mall.The landscape of the Ped Mall helped that
approach along, in the sense that it allowed for more effective hiding of junk in the back. Sandwiching a
development between the buildings on Burlington St. and on the Ped Mall worked well enough.
But I'm afraid there's no hiding on the Northside.Your junk is open for all to see.
As you surely know, developers aren't inclined toward tasteful development. For evidence of that,look at the
southwest corner of the very same Bloomington and Linn intersection. Or at any of dozens of 3-story student
housing developments on the Northside. So long as we train, say our prayers, and eat our vitamins--as Hulk
Hogan once told us to do--we may all live to see the day those buildings are torn down.Nor are developers
inclined to the sort of careful historic preservation work needed to respect historic value. They're not going to
do it on their own.
You'd have to make them do it.
I think you should begin from a place of skepticism, both about your regulatory abilities to make developers do
things they don't want to do,and about the endless hours you'd waste on their objections and legal
maneuverings.Absent regulatory miracles from city staff,then, it seems to me your best move is to approve the
landmarking.
Best,
Matt Drabek
1
Kellie Grace
From: kayaaa@aol.com
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2024 12:59 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Slezak Bldg
R SK
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Please make certain this property is not torn down and replaced with new construction. I lived in the
further north side of the bldg in an apartment when my single parent mother had to find another place
to live with her only child in the early BO's. I knew it was an old bldg but didn't realize the Czech hall
connection until just a few years ago. We lived there for about 2 years and it was not that far from
where I lived previously so the neighborhood was familiar. I think my mother knew The Holubs. I
knew it for several years with Self-Serve Grocery on first floor and Ralph Wescott's meat dept. I love
the neighborhood and would not like to see a change! When in Iowa City I often visit the area.
Kandy Maharas
Lakewood, CO
i
Kellie Grace
From: Penny, Dianna L <dianna-penny@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 3:04 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: JUST A BRIEF NOTE REGARDING THE SLEZAK BUILDING
I
itiSK
'*This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
To Iowa City Councilors:
This is just a brief note from a passionate history buff who would like to see the Slezak Building (Pagliai's
Pizza) preserved as a historical landmark in Iowa City's historic north side or placed on the National Register of
Historic Places. I've eaten delicious pizza at this establishment and have greatly enjoyed the ambience and
warmth of this beautiful setting.
Dianna Penny
805 S. Summit St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-541-0649
z
Kellie Grace
From: William Doyle <bdoyle@heritageworksdbq.com>
Sent: Wednesday,April 24, 2024 3:51 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Pagliai Building Landmark Status
Attachments: We sent you safe versions of your files; Pagliai Opinion.pdf
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Dear Iowa City council,
I have been asked to render my professional opinion to your council as a neighboring community member and an
advocate for historic preservation and economic development.
See the attached letter and please feel encouraged to reach out to me if you have any questions.
William Doyle
Pres,,rvatien & Program Director
489 West Fourth Street I Dubuque, Iowa 52001
563.564.4080(0) 1720.271.2737(m)
•�, Historic
Heritage
Works Activation
1
1AM6, Historic
Heritage Activati®n
1Norks
To the Members of the Iowa City Council,
Subject: Landmark Status Application of the Pagliai's Building
Dear Council Members,
My name is Bill Doyle,and I am a Dubuque,based historic preservationist specializing in economic
development.I am writing to express my support for the landmark status application for the
Pagliai's Building.
Historic preservation is not merely about maintaining the aesthetic integrity of our cities;it is also
about fostering economic vitality.The Municipal Historic Preservation Ordinances,established in
1931,have proven to be a boon for cities like Charleston,SC,where theywere established and have
helped preserve continually thriving historic resources.These ordinances are designed to protect
the heritage while ensuring that property owners retain reasonable economic use of their
properties.
In the case of the Pagliai's Building,granting landmark status aligns with the common good and
does not impose an undue economic burden on the owner. On the contrary,such a designation can
enhance the building's economic potential.Should the building require rehabilitation,its landmark
status would qualify it for the Iowa Historic Tax Credit program and the Federal Historic Tax Credit
program.These incentives are invaluable to potential buyers and developers,often being a decisive
factor in their investment decisions.
The availability of historic tax credits can significantly increase a property's marketability.These
buildings become focal points of community pride,contributing to tourism,enhancing the sense of
place,and stimulating economic growth.Moreover,the historic tax credit program accommodates
necessary modernization,dispelling the myth that landmarked buildings must remain unchanged.
I urge the Council to consider the long-term benefits of landmarking the Pagliai's Building.It is an
opportunity to preserve our shared heritage alongside promoting economic development.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Bill Doyle
bdoyle@heritageworksdbq.com 720-271-2737
489 W. 4t"Street I Dubuque, IA 52001 1 563.564.4080
www.heritageworksdbq.com
Kellie Grace
From: Heather Blatt ahblatt@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday,April 24, 2024 6:39 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building
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Dear City Council members,
I write to thank you for your recent vote supporting the historic landmark designation of the Slezak-Holub-Skarda
Building. I also write to encourage your continued support of that designation as the process moves forward.
I moved to Iowa City to a house on the corner of Bloomington and North Governor Streets in 2021, and the Slezak-
Holub-Skarda Building quickly became one of the first places I recognized as I learned my way around my new
neighborhood and city. Its visual distinctiveness compliments its neighborhood and invites passers-by to want to learn
more about it and its history.
I'm also a professor of medieval studies, and one of my topics of specialization is architectural texts: works that were
painted on the walls of medieval buildings, most of which are now gone. As such, I'm keenly aware of what is lost when
a building is destroyed. While visual and written records can tell us much, nothing replaces the physical presence of a
building in its community. The history that the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building relates about the role of immigrants in
developing Iowa City would be sadly diminished were we to possess only the records of this building. The building also
testifies through its subsequent changes of use the ongoing history of our city,one worth preserving through the fabric
of the building itself.
Please maintain your support of granting landmark status to the Slezak-Holub-Skarda Building.
Respectfully,
Heather Blatt
t
Kellie Grace
From: Betsy Potter <betsy@downtowniowacity.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2024 8:18 PM
To: Bruce Teague; *City Council
Subject: ICDD Historic Preservation Advocacy
Attachments: We sent you safe versions of your files; ICDD Letter to Council- Historic Designation.pdf
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Mayor Teague and Council,
Please accept the Iowa City Downtown District's advocacy letter in regards to historic preservation efforts.
Thankyou
1
DocuSign Envelope ID:585CBF40-34FA-4EE1-A7A2-A09EBB7851FB
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Mayor Teague and City Council Members
City of Iowa City
410.E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Mayor Teague and Council,
As the Council continues to deliberate the Historic Landmark designation for 302-316 E.
Bloomington St, on behalf of the Iowa City Downtown District (TCDD) board of directors we
would like to express our steadfast support for historic preservation efforts in our city. Please
consider suggestions for the preservation process and incentives for downtown Iowa City as
outlined in our recent advocacy statement.
The ICDD applauds the City's initiative in commissioning the Downtown Historic Survey in 2017,
which played a pivotal role in documenting the rich history of our downtown area. We were
particularly pleased to witness the City's listing of Downtown Iowa City as a National Register of
Historic Places in 2021, a significant milestone recognizing the importance of preserving our
downtown's unique character.
We acknowledge that further steps are needed to bolster historic preservation efforts, especially
for property owners. The ICDD's advocacy statement underscores the imperative of
collaboration between stakeholders to establish a clear and supportive process for historic
preservation downtown. Engaging property owners in this dialogue is essential, given their
invaluable insights and perspectives that can enrich our preservation efforts.
In line with this objective, the TCDD advocates for the implementation of incentives to encourage
property owners to actively participate in historic preservation initiatives.A survey of property
owners in April 2021 revealed strong support for additional opt-in incentives as part of
downtown preservation efforts. We believe that providing such incentives, alongside clear
guidelines developed in collaboration with the Historic Preservation Commission and Downtown
District, will foster a supportive environment for property owners to engage in preservation
activities.
Furthermore, we propose the establishment of a third-party review process for commercial
landmark buildings, similar to the process used for Tax Increment Financing projects. This would
streamline the review process, provide consistency, and address concerns that may deter
property owners from seeking historic designation.
Iowa City Downtown District 103 E.College Street,Suite 200,Iowa City,IA 52240 319-354-0863
oncuoignEnvelope ID: l+\7A2-Ao9saa7851r8
Additionally, we endorse the recommendations for opt-in incentives, including professional
support for tax credit applications, establishment of a revolving loan for approved tax credit
projects, and freezing property tax levels on newly listed historic properties. These incentives
demonstrate the City's commitment to supporting property owners in their preservation efforts
and ensure the equitable sharing of the costs of historic preservation across the community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to working collaboratively with
the City Council toadvance historic preservation efforts inour city.
Sincerely,
o.umoo^our m*"ow=^*r
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Wendy Zimmermann Betsy Potter
Board President Executive Director
Iowa City Downtown District Iowa City Downtown District
Kellie Grace
From: Jennifer Price <jenniferprice1311 @icloud.com>
Sent: Friday,April 26, 2024 5:20 PM
To: Bruce Teague
Cc: Mazahir Salih; *City Council
Subject: Proposed Historic Landmark Designation of the Skarda Building
Attachments: Historic Landmark Designation of 302-316 E Bloomington St.pdf;ATT00001.htm;We
sent you safe versions of your files
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Dear Mayor Teague,
I am the historian who authored the evaluation of the Skarda Building at 302-316 E. Bloomington Street and determined
it to be historically and architecturally significant.
I have been following the council's discussions of the proposed Historic Landmark Designation of this building,and I
have attached a letter addressing a few of the concerns about the historic nature of the entire building you voiced at the
last City Council meeting on April 16, 2024.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Jennifer A.Price, PhD
PRICE PRESERVATION RESEARCH
P.O. BOX 5201
Coralville, IA 52241-0201
(319)594-9513
jenniferpricel3ll@icioud.com
1
PRICE PRESERVATION RESEARCH
r history & architectural history
April 26, 2024
The Honorable Bruce Teague
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
RE:Proposed Historic Landmark Designation of the Skarda Building,302-316 E. Bloomington Street
Dear Mayor Teague,
I have been following the City Council discussions regarding the proposed Historic Landmark Designation of the
Skarda Building at 302-316 E. Bloomington Street. As the historian who authored the evaluation of the building
and determined it to be historically and architecturally significant, I would like to address specifically three
concerns you voiced regarding the historic nature of the entire building during the last City Council meeting on
April 16, 2024.
1)Is the entire building historically significant and eligible for historic designation?YES.
• Although it appears at first glance to be four separate buildings, the Skarda Building is — for historic
preservation purposes—one building. You can think of it as one building with three connected "wings,"
accordingto the National Register of Historic Places,upon which the local landmark designation ordinance
is based. As one building eligible for the National Register and local landmark designation, the Skarda
Building's significance "must include all of its basic structural elements." "Parts of buildings, such as
interiors, facades, or wings, are not eligible independent of the rest of the existing building" (National
Register Bulletin 15:4).Because the whole building exists,all of its"parts" must be included in the historic
designation.
• The whole building — the two-story restaurant/hall, three-story hotel/apartments, and its connected
"wings" (carriage house/apartments and stable/laundry)—reflects the full history and significance of this
property.The whole building,therefore, must be considered significant.
• The State Historic Preservation Office this past week reviewed the evaluation of the Skarda Building and
confirmed the entire building is locally significant for commercial history and Bohemian ethnic heritage.
Therefore, keeping the building whole is important because all four parts of the building together reflect
these two areas of history.
• The Skarda Building as a whole is, in fact, a rare,intact historic gem that Iowa City has a chance to save.
P.O. Box 5201,Coralville,Iowa 52241-0201 /Phone:319.594.9513/Email:jenniferprice 1311 @icioud.com
Proposed Local Historic Landmark Designation of the Skarda Building April 26,2024
2)Are the former stableJlaundromat and former carriage house/apartments historically significant too?YES.
• These one-story wings are significant because they are part of the whole building.The stableJlaundromat
side of the building complements the two-story side of the Skarda Building as both feature the Baroque
pediment atop their respective facades.These pediments recall the Central European architecture that
would have been familiar to the original builder,Josef Slezak, and his fellow Bohemian immigrants.This
shared character-defining feature displays the historical connection between one side of the building and
the other.
• Although the carriage house wing is currently clad in vinyl siding, making it appear less important to the
whole building, the siding could be removed to reveal an original or at least historic exterior material
underneath that would better reflect its original and historic function and significance. This restoration
work could be funded under the landmark designation zoning.
• Even with its modern commercial tenants,the entire Skarda Building conveys a feeling of time and place
of a late-nineteenth-century Italianate commercial block, with adjoining hotel and supporting wings that
the building's original owners and customers would instantly recognize.
3)Are we somehow blinded by our collective love of Pagliai's Pizza in wanting to save this building?NO,
• Although the building is now thoroughly associated with Pagliai's Pizza and the Laundromat, the entire
building has been remarkably preserved so that its current uses do not overwhelm its character-defining
features or its historic association with its Bohemian heritage and the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District
and Northside neighborhood of Iowa City.
• The Pagliai's Pizza connection is actually historic!The additions of Pagliai's Pizza in the former grocery store
space in 1969 and the Laundromat in the former stable/garage in 1958 have added more recent layers to
the history of the Skarda Building. Both businesses have been located here for more than 50 years (the
National Register standard on historical significance) and should be considered part of the historic
commercial significance this building.
My professional opinion is to approve landmark designation of the entire building now,or risk negatively affecting
—or even losing—the integrity and significance of the building as a whole.Trying to surgically remove one side of
this historic building from landmark designation is antithetical to the city's historic zoning ordinance as well as
standard practices of historic preservation.Concentrate on saving the whole building now while you can and have
overwhelming public approval on your side.
Sincerely yours,
Jennifer A. Price, Ph.D.
Historic Preservation Consultant
Price Preservation Research
P.O.Box 5201,Coralville, Iowa 52241-0201 /Phone:314.594.4513 i Email:jenniferpricel3l I @icloud.com
Kellie Grace
From: Jordan Sellergren <jsellergren@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2024 8:58 AM
To: *City Council
Subject: Historic Property Financial Resources
Attachments: We sent you safe versions of your files; Historic Property Financial Resources - Google
Docs.pdf
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Good morning, Councilors! I've attached a doc of historic property financial resources which I hope will alleviate
concerns that owning a historic property creates a financial burden on the owner. In fact, plenty of opportunities can
open up through a historic designation. Last week I spoke with at least a dozen historic property owners around Iowa
who were able to use tax credits, incentives and grants successfully and turn a profit.
I'm happy to discuss ahead of May 7 or answer questions at the meeting.
Thank you!
Jordan
Jordan Sellergren,shelher
Art Director,Little Village Magazine
Chair,Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
1
Iowa properties comparable to 302-316 Bloomington that have been awarded historic tax
credits
• Hotel Manning, Keosaqua
• French Way Cleaners, Des Moines
• Brooklyn Opera House, Brooklyn
• Bradley House, Dubuque
• Taubman Block, Maquoketa
• The Whitney, Atlantic
• General Machine and Supply Company Building, Waterloo
• Fire Station No. 2, Waterloo
• CSPS, Cedar Rapids
• Lion Bridge Brewing, Cedar Rapids
• Amana Woolen Mill Complex, Amana
• Mid West One Bank building, Iowa City
• Paul-Helen Building, Iowa City
• Economy Advertising Company building, Iowa City
175 projects in Iowa that have been awarded Historic Preservation Tax Credits since
2017: httos llwww businessrecord.comliowas-historic-tax-credit-preservation-pmaram!
Properties Iowa and Illinois that have used HTC and Affordable Housing tax credits
• Commonwealth Apartments, Cedar Rapids
• Todd Elementary School / Fox Valley Apartments, Aurora, IL
https://www,cbsnews.com/chicago/news/aurora-schools-affordable-housi na!
Additionai Historic Property rehabilitation tax credit, grant and financing options
• $50K Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant (American Express and the National
Trust for Historic Preservation):
https:llsavingplaces.orglhistoricrestaurants?u(m medium=email&utm source=general&
utm cam ai n=backin historicrestaurants
• Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant
- $100,000 grant available to get your project started
• Enhance Iowa Grant
• DNR Derelict Building Program
- Asbestos mitigation
• Bridge Loans (Hills Bank)
- Hills Bank has provided bridge loans to customers that have used Historic Tax
Credits, often times equivalent to the amount of the tax credit and is typically paid
off once the tax credits are received. The term of the bridge loan is typically the
amount of time it would take for improvements to be completed plus an additional
6 months until the credits are received.
• New Markets Tax Credit:
htlos:llwww.Qdfifund.govlprog rams-tra iningLprogramsln,ew-markets-tax-credit
• Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credits offer 24% construction costs up to 1.5 Million.
Credits can be used toward projects where even the perception of contaminates such as
asbestos is present.
• Grayfield Redevelopment Tax Credits can be used for properties that have been vacant
for over a year and offer 12% rehabilitation credits up to 1.5 Million
• Workforce Housing Tax Credits offer reimbursement up to$15,000 per unit, capped at
$1,000,000
- Offer reimbursement of sales tax during construction
- Restriction applies on how much you can spend building out units (so not
applicable toward luxury units)
Consultants and architectural firms who will do the gagerwork for you
• Emily Meyer, New Leaf Redevelopment Consulting
• Rebecca McCarley, SPARK Consulting
• Bill Doyle, Heritage Works Historic Activation, Dubuque
• Andrea Kathol, Field Day Development, Omaha
• Jim & BJ Hobart, Hobart Historic Restoration, Cedar Rapids
• Steve Emerson, Aspect Architecture, Cedar Rapids
• Mark Seabold, Shiva Hattery, Iowa City
• Jennifer James, Architectural Historian and Historic Preservation Consultant, Des
Moines
• Emily&Andrew McCready, 563 Designs, Dubuque
Iowa City Code items relating to 302-316 Bloomington
Section 14-2C-11: SPECIAL PROVISIONS: Historic Preservation Exception:The Board of
Adjustment may grant a special exception to waive or modify any dimensional or site
development standards that would prevent use or occupancy of a property located in a Historic
District Overlay including landmarks.
14-2C-8: Central Business Site Development Standards: Subsection Q: Bonus Provisions
provides for 3 square feet of bonus floor area for every 1 square foot of adaptive reuse of a
historic building.
The Historic Preservation Commisson will work with property owners on creative ways to use
Special f Bonus provisions.
Kellie Grace
From: Jordan Sellergren <jsellergren@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2024 8:59 AM
To: *City Council
Subject: Previous attempts to designate 302-316 Bloomington
Attachments: We sent you safe versions of your files;302-316 Bloomington landmark designation.pdf
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Good morning,
I've attached information to address Mayor Teague's questions regarding the HPC's previous attempts to landmark and
include 302-316 Bloomington in a historic district. Please feel free to reach out by email or phone with any questions.
Thank you 1
Jordan
Jordan Sellergren,shelher
Art Director,Little Village Magazine
Chair,Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
OUR
1
Thursday,May 2,2024
Dear Mayor Teague and Iowa City Councilors,
The Mayor requested information about previous attempts to include 302-316 Bloomington Street in a historic
district or designate it as a landmark.Iowa City's first Historic Preservation Plan adopted in 1992 recounts the
early attempts to create a Northside Commercial National Register Historic District,and an Iowa City Historic
Overly Zoning District.Both attempts failed.(Pages 20-27 of the 1992 Preservation Plan are attached).
The first attempt was in 1984 when the Historic Preservation Commission proposed two Northside Historic
Districts.One district covered the residential parts of the neighborhood while the other covered commercial.
On June 7,1984 The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-2 against the proposed Northside
Commercial Historic Overly Zoning District.The Commissioners who voted against the historic district gave
the following reasons:
Jordan:Objection of property owners,lack of notice,inclusion of private residences(in commercial
district)requirement for City review of permits.
Perry:Reiterated Jordan's objections and felt could discourage commercial development in a commercial
atmosphere.
Courtney:Felt the conditions of the properties had deteriorated too far and that rehabilitation would not
be successful.
Jacobsen:Concerned that the proposed district was too large and included too many contributing
structures.
Scott.-Stated he had opposed the establishment of the Historic Preservation Commission and Historic
Preservation Ordinance.As far as he could see there was very little public support.He objected to some
non-historic buildings being included in the district.He stated that the proposed district was too large and
included too many properties.
The Commissioners who voted for the district gave the followed reasons:
Horowitz:Historic designation would support property values and foster civic pride in history.She cited
the success of historic districts in other communities in the United States.She said her decision was based
on the aesthetics of Iowa City,and the value to both commercial and residential buildings.
Blank:Felt that the concerns about the district were exaggerated.She was in favor of protecting the special
features and flavor of the Northside Commercial District.
The minutes of the June 7,1984 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting are attached.
It was not until 2005 that the Northside(also referred to as the Gilbert-Linn Street District)was approved
as a National Register District.This was followed by a local Historic Overlay Zoning District in 2009.All
commercial properties were removed from these districts.
In 2015 the Historic Preservation Commission identified 302-316 Bloomington Street as a priority for Historic
Landmark zoning designation.As described in the attached letter from Ginalie Swaim,the Commission was
not allowed to proceed with that nomination.
Sinc (WV
Jo n Sellergren
Chair,Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
1992 Preservation Plan
Meanwhilc survey work in the North Side and several other areas north and east of the
downtown,was underway by James Jacobsen under the direction of Douglas Hillstrom. New
areas to be surveyed included the historic Bohemian area known locally as"Goosetown"and
the College Hill blocks surrounding College Green Park (see Appendix D: Map of Surveyed
Areas). Lorna Larson served as the project photographer. The Iowa Division of Historic
Preservation paid film costs and provided the forms for the survey project.
In addition to the types of data contained in Clevaland'e survey south of Burlington,
Jacobsen's North Side survey included material relating to the history and architectural
significance of structures. Questionnaires were distributed door-to-door to more than 80o
residences considered to be mom than SO pears of age in the North Side area bounded by
Dubuque, Brown, Reno and Jefferson atrests. An 18% response rate provided comsiderable
data regarding age,builders, use and building changes.
ail. National Register Dish*t NoWnations for the North Side
Jacabsen's work was coordinated with Icwell Spike, historian, and Ralph Christian,
architectural historian,both with the Iowa Division of Historic Preservation. The area which
had been previously surveyed in Betts s work in 1977-78 was evaluated in further detail,
and boundaries were drawn far two contiguous districts•the North Side Residential District
and the North Side Commercial District. A public meeting on the concept of the proposed
National Register districts was first held by the Planning and Zoning Commission in
Septamber, 1981.
The two;Iatioaal Register nominations prepared by Jacobsen were submitted by the City to
the lows Division of Historic Preservation the neat month. The focus of both nominations
was architectural rather than historical_ In February, 1952 the districts were brought before
the State National Register Committee(SNR% A number of North Side property owners
communicated their objections to the proposed National Register district designation.
Among those Objecting was the University of Iowa. City staff met with University officials
in January and agreed to communicate the concerns of the University of Iowa regarding the
implication of designation for several University properties -the Presideurs,House(102 E.
Church St.), the Dep House (607 N. Clinton)and the Shambaugh House (219 N. Clinton).
The City requested that these three properties be withheld for consideration pending
completion of an inventory of historic University properties.
The number of owner objections (less than. 10% of property owners) was insufficient to
prevent consideration by the SNRC, After deliberation,both nominations were passed.
In March, 1982 within a few weeks of the state level approval of the North Side nominations,
a report by Iowa City"s historic Preservation Task Force was issued. It recommended that
the City Council adopt a historic preservation ordinance for the community. The report also
recommended that the first districts to be designated for local design control should include
the North Side along with South Summit Street and Woodlawn. Debate on the ordinance
was heated. At the request of the City,the approved National Register nominations were not
forwarded to the National Register o$lce in Washington,D.C.pending satisfactory resolution
of the ordinance debate and a reduction in the heated sentiment manifested during the
nomination process.
20
1992 Preservation Plan
Discussion of alocalhistoric preservation ordinance continued until December,1982 at which
time the City's fust ordinance was passed. A historic preservation commission was appointed
in April, 1983 and within a few months,the discussion of the North Side districts resumed.
The status of the approved National Register nominations for the North Side Commercial and
Residential Districts remained in limbo.
One year later, in April, 1984,following public hearings on the proposed local designation of
the North Side districts, the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
recommended designation of both North Side districts with the boundaries as originally
proposed. '.Ilse local historic district reports were forwarded to the State for review, and the
State staff concurred that the districts met the necessary eligibility requirements for historic
districts and communicated this to the City staff.
During the summer of 1984 while heated debate continued at the local level, Steven Boss,
an intern for the State,worked on redrafting and updating the previously approved National
Register district applications in anticipation that local designation would be resolved and the
nominations could move forward again. However, local discussions continued to be
contentious, and the redrafted nominations were never resubmitted to the SNRC.
.After nearly two years, formal public hearings were held by the HPC in Marsh and April,
1986 on the subject of North Side districts. They concluded with the IM recommending
approval of the North Side Residential District with its original boundaries. Subsequently,
the Planning and Zoning Commission held four additional meetings for public discussion
during the summer and fall. In December, 1386 the Planning and Zoning Commission
approved designation ofallorth Side Residential District with modified boundaries to include
some structures previously included in the North Side Commercial District. The balance of
the North Side Commercial District was not recommended by either cam.mission_
The HPC adopted a position supporting the new boundaries. A report was communicated to
the Office of Historic Preservation requesting their concurrence. In January,the State staff
indicated that the new district and boundaries were satisfactory for purposes of local
designation but did not meet the criteria necessary for National Register nomination, After
more than five years, the National Register process for North Side historic districts came to
a conclusion without resolution.. Whether the State staff had the authority to Act forward
the two historic districts approved by the SNRC is unclear. The North Side local designation
debate is discussed hutber as part of a review of the work of the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission.
uifi. Planning a Historic Preservation Ordinance
The formal prods for establishing a historic preservation ordinance began in October, 1980
when the City Council directed the planning staff to review the material assembled in the
"North Side Neighborhood Preservation Study"in order to identify initiatives worth pursuing.
Two neighborhood meetings were held in early 1981 including a meeting on the subject of
housing and historic preservation. Members of the public indicated an interest in having the
North Side designated as a National Register historic district at the February 18, 1981
meeting.
21
1992 Preservation Plan
Plarning staff pursued funding ideas for such a project and in April recommended that a
historical survey be conducted the following summer to aid in nominating the North Side to
the National Register_ The same information would be used to provide protection for the area
through designations as a local historic district through the establishment of a historic
district ordinance. In a report presented to the City Council in April, 1981, such legislation
was identified as a potential incentive for preserving and upgrading older neighborhoods such
as the North Side. The City Council reviewed the report, and the staff was directed to
prepare a draft ordinance for Council consideration.
During the summer,the City staffreviewed many historic preservation ordinances from other
communities and by August,a first draft was finished. The following month,the City Council
created a seven member 111a toric Preservation Task Farm to review the draft and bring back
recommendations to the Council in six months.
ix.HWVL-Preservation Task Force
The Historic Preservation Task Force included three citizen volunteers (George R.
McCormick,John G.Kelp and Margaret Nowysz)and one member each of the Committee on
Community Needs(Margaret Bonney),the Planning and Zoning Commission(Loren Dorton),
the Design Review Committee(Lawrence LaFore), and the Housing Commission(Kathleen
Graf). The Task Force met throughout the fall and in March, 1982 recommended the
adoption of an ordinance and that designation should be sought initially for three historic
districts- Summit Street, Woodlawn, and the North Side.
The Task Force met with the City Council the following month and the revised ordinance was
reviewed by the City Legal Department and Housing and Inspections staff. In May,1882 the
ordinance was forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission and additional
recommendations were presented to the City Council. Discussion continued at the Council
level and at an.August meeting, concern was expressed over the size and flexibility of the
boundaries that would be proposed for potential districts.
x.Adapting a Historic Preservation Ordinance
On December 13,1982,Ordinance#82,91198, Iowa City's first historic preservation ordinance,
was adopted by unanimous vote of the City Council. The purpose and intent of the ordinance
was as follows:
(ad Promote the educational, cultural, economic and general umghre of the public
through the protection,enhancement, and perpetuation of districts and historic
and cultural signftcance located In the city,
(b) Safeguard the city s histarie, aesthetic, and cultural heritage by preserving
districts of historical. architectural, and cultural significance,
(c) Stabilize and improve property values by conservation of historic properfles,
(d) Faster civic pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements of the past,
W Protect and enhance the city's attractions to tourists and visitors and Out
support and stimulus to business thereby provided,
(f} Strengthen the economy of the city, and
22
1992 Preservation Plan
(R) Promote the use of dfatriets of htataric and cultural s4Mirkonce as sitas for the
s&c+adors,pleasure and welfare of the people of the city.rx
Iowa City's historic preservation ordinance conformed with state enabling legislation
including language which outlined specific procedures for coordinating the designation of
historic districts with the state standards and procedures. In fairly standard language, it
called for the creation of a seven member Historic Preservation Commissiaa with
representatives from each designated historic district, a representative of the Planning and
Zoning Commission, and four members appointed at large. Commissioners were to have
expertise in history,urban planning,architecture,archeology,law,sociology or related fields
or have a demonstrated interest in historic preservation.
Once established,the Commission was empowered to identify and recommend the designation
of historic districts, referred to as historic preservation overlay zones (OHP) in the City's
zoning crdinastce. The ordinance provided for a review by the Planning and Zoning
Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office with ultimate designation powers
resting with the City Council.
After a local historic district was designated,the Historic Preservation Commission had the
Anther power to regulate changes to the exterior appearance of buildings or sites within
districts. A"certificate of appropriateness"granted by the Commission would allow changes
to proceed. The standards used to guide Commission review of proposed changes were the
Secretary of the!interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. An appeal process was established
which allowed aggrieved applicants to seek a reversal of a Commission's decision denying a
certificate of appropriateness from the City Council or the Johnson County district court..
Further provisions of the ordinance outlined procedures for cases involving dangerous
conditions, compatibility with existing zoning regulations, enforcement, violations and
penalties,
On September 25, 1984 Ordinance#84.3204 amended the historic preservation ordinance by
providing for the issuance of'certificates afro material effect'if changes to a building or site
would have no effect on significant architectural features of the individual building or district.
On December 17, 1985 Ordinance #85-5268 further amended the historic preservation
ordinance by enabling the HPC to serve in a review and recommendation capacity for
nominations of local properties to the National Register of Historic Places. This change was
dictated by the City's participation in the Certified vocal Government program administered
through the State Historic Preservation Office. This advisory role demonstrated the
partnership between local,state and federal government created by the CLG program.
The historic preservation ordinance stood without further amendment until December 13,
1989 when the provision designating a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission as
a member of the HPC was eliminated. The by-laws of the Commission was amended to
make the HPC consist of seven members plus one ex-officio member from the Planning and
Zoning Commission.A copy of the current ordinance is included in Appendix.E.
"An41cEe Y.Higlovsc Fhemxvadam,Bac.376t�"t'agP�aa cad toGent;Irma City Code.£hY[rpiaagemG Ka rs,pp.1658.1N51.
23
1992 Preservation Plan
xi. Desigriation Pfd oa+ot HiisWic Districts
The principal motivation far the enactment of the historic preservatian ordinance was the
desire to protect the building stock in historic areas from changes to their exterior appearance
which would be inconsistent with a building's design and the historic appearance of the
balance of the neighborhood. Towards this end, the HPC moved quickly its first year to
designate two historical areas identified as priorities by the historic Preservation Task Force
the previous year - the South Summit Street Historic District and the Wotl&awa Hiatoric
Distriet. Both were nominated in July, 1983 and approved in March, 1984.
The South Summit Street Ifiskoric District had been previously listed as a National Register
historic district in 1973. Its fifty houses dated&am 1885 to 1910 and represented the variety
of architectural styles of the era. The neighborhood typified a well-to-do, middle-class
residential district in the Midwest at the turn of the century. By 1983 when the local district
designation was sought,residents of the area and the community at large,had come to think
of South Summit Street as an area of historical and architectural significance. Previous
concerns by neighbors for the possible development of new apartment buildings in their
neighborhood stimulated interest in the regulatory function of a historic district designation.
As a result, designation as a local historic district was done largely with the support of the
residents. The leadership of Larry Wore, a resident of Summit Street, was important for
the successful nomination process.
The Woodlawn historic District was a private residential enclave consisting of only 14 houses
situated along Woodlown, a dead-end extension of Iowa Avenue. The District featured
densely foliaged and spacious lots ringing a narrow, unpaved oval lane. Most of the
residences dated from the period 1580 - 1900 and represented local interpretations of
architectural styles popular during the period_ Like Summit Street, the residents of
Woodlawn supported the effort to designate their neighborhood as a historic district.
Woodlawn had been designated a National Register district four years earlier in 1979. As
with Summit Street, the leadership of a resident, in this rase Sandra Estrin, was critical to
the success of this local designation.
The North Side neighborhood was the third area to be considered for local designation. As
noted above, the debate over local designation was complicated by the issue of National
Register nomination, debates over appropriate boundaries, and concerns about individual
property rights. linne South Summit Street or Woodlawn,the North Side was not already
Rated on the National Register when discussion of local designation began Though
nominations for two North Side Districts had bean approved at the state level for listing in
the National Register the previous year,the historic preservation ordinance process and the
contentious nature of the debate had forced the City,to request that further processing of the
nominations be delayed until local designation issues were resolved. As noted previously,
resolution was never achieved.
Unlike either Summit Street or Waadlawn,the proposed North Side Districts included a large
area - approximately 24 blacks with nearly 100 buildings iresidences and commercial
buildings)in the NorthSideCommercial District and more than 230 residences in the North
Side Residential District.
24
1992 Preservation Plan
The earliest buildings in these districts were located immediately north of the central
business district with the balance of the area developed by World War I. Proximity to the
University of Iowa campus made the neighborhood attractive to faculty and administrators
as housing in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Brick paved streets, cut stone curbing,
terraced or sloping house lots, and dense landscaping typified the North Side.
The nature of the debate over the designation of the North Side Commercial andRe6dential
Districts as local historic districts was reminiscent of the heated debates ed' the 1970s
between neighborhood residents and the owners of apartment buildings and roaming houses.
Where should the boundaries bel What would designation mean to individuals interested
in obtaining the highest economic return allowed under the existing multiple dwelling somiag
designation? Should the City tell owners what they could and could not do with their own
Properties? The North Side did not have the visual cohesion of Woodlawn nor the unanimity
of purpose of Summit Street. Rather,it was a neighborhood whose size and diversity(peat
of its significance)made it difficult to unite behind a common cause,
One year later,in April, 1984, following public hearings on the proposed local designation of
the North Side districts,the Iowa City HPC recommended designation of both the North Side
districts.with the boundaries as originally proposed.The locall historic district reports were
forwarded to the State for review, and the State staff concurred that the districts met the
necessary eligibility requirements far historic districts and communicated this to the City
stab: A short time later, the Planning and Zoning Commission informally reje W the
original districts citing their large size and the lack of public involvement in the prods.
No further official action was taken by the HPC until 1986. A public hearing was held on
March 12, 1986 for the North Side Residential District as originally proposed. On April 23,
1986 the HPC recommended that the district be approved During the summer and fall the
Planning and Zoning Commission held four meetings for public discussion on the proposed
district. In meetings held an December 4 and 1S,1986,the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended the approval of a district with revised boundaries. On December 10, 1986,the
HPC concurred with the revised boundaries approved by the Planning and Zoning
Commission-
Consideration of the North Side Residential District was set for January, 1887 before the City
Ceuncil. In compliance with the designation procedures, a historic district report was filed
with the State Office of Historic Preservation for comment. The State"s responded noting
that though the boundaries appeared to be inconsistent with boundaries appropriate for a
National Register District, the district still Wet the enteric for an 'Area of Historical
Significance stated in Section 803.20 of the Code of Iowa regarding historic district
ordinances. The State said in part that:
"Tote North Stile cress contains the most sigttrf cont concentrations of We 19th
and early 26th century archstecturs in donna City. Stylistically, the buildings
hers feature rVresentatise examples of almost every major movement fram the
Greek Reuival of the 18401r to the Bungalows of the 1930'x. Enure more
sign.t,("tcant are the uausuolly large number of remarkably well preserved
vernacular buildings, which borrow freely from the wide range of stylistic
25
1992 Preservation Plan
influences and Beatify to the abilities of the krgely lorgodrn craAsinen who
designed and buift them.."Z8
The content of this letter received differing interpretations at the local level. District
opponents used it to support their contention that the district did not contain historically
significant properties since the state officials had said it was not eligible for the national
Water_ Proponents anted that the letter,in fact,stated the opposite-that the district met
Lha requirements of the Iowa Code for historic districts. The January 27th hearing before
City Council brought out marry speakers an both sides of the issue. The mixed message of
the State's letter and the vocal conomus expressed at the hearing resulted in the (,'ann6We
decision to refer the issue back to the Planning and Z,aasing Commission and the Iistorie
Preservation Commission for boundary revisions.
In subsequent weeks, the opiniaos of North Side residents were sought through the use of
a special mailing which included a brochure explaining the issues and a poet mrd to be
returned indicating positive or negative opinions. Joint meetings were held by the SPC and
the Planning and Zoning Commission in April and May. The large number of post cards were
returned with negative opinions dominated discussion at the meetings. A decision by the
commissions was delayed until the fall.
At the September 23rd joint meeting of the commissions, a series of recommendations for
boundary changes were discussed. The HPC approved the following changes - properties
along the west side of Dubuque Street, the east side of Dubuque Street north of Ilomslds
Street,the properties at the north end of Johnson,and Van Buren Streets,and the fraternity
house at the southeast coiner of Dubuque and ltanalds were excluded from the proposed
district. The concept of neighborhood planning replacing the idea of historic preservation
was discussed for the fust time. The Planning and Zoning Commission.was split on how to
proceed. Commissioner Susan Ho owits summarized the dilemma faring both commissions
and the City Council when she posed the question"How does one reach a compromise which
maintains the integrity of that neighborbood[tire North Side]and also maintain an owner's
property rights?"
On October 14, 1987 the HPC held a new public hearing on the North Side district with
revised boundaries. The HPC noted that this was the 13th meeting held on the subject
Distract proponents were frustrated with the lengthy delays in getting their neighborhood
designated. Opponents cited a lengthy list of concerns - the district was too large,
designation would restrict private property rights, and it would create more red tape for
residents. A lawsuit against the City was threatened if it was approved and commissioners
were reminded of the large the substantial show of negative opinions expressed in returned
post cards.
On October 26, '1967 another joint meeting was held between the Planning and Zoning
Commission and the HPC to review further review written oomments. The North Side issue
had comae to a stalemate with no compromise in sight. By March, 1986. discussion shifted
to the idea of scaling down the North Side district. This debate continued into the summer
with 13PC members offering opinions on the merits of a different strategy-the establishment
"L star to Barry Resale,A+eue"Plaaaaz.City of lawn City Roam DY,r--"O tWd Deputy Ste Matark piarerraaim
0111 r,Jeanary 12,1587.
29
1992 Preservation Plan
of smaller, street by street districts where the threat of change was the greatest, This
approach had been previously suggested by the state for the submission of future National
Register district nominations in the North Side.
The idea of pursuing districts in the southern portion of the North Side area was eventually
rejected, and the Commission's attention shifted to the northern edge of the area -Brown
Street and Bella Vista Drive. In 1990-91 HPC members and neighborhood residents collected
historical data and held discussions with other residents about a potential district,
Photography was completed and site forms prepared. Further work on designation awaits
completion of the historic preservation planning process.
zii. Leadership for the Eivaric Preseroutioui Cauumissfo n
Throughout the 1980a the Historic Preservation Commission felt its way through a range of
administrative rhanges,political hazards,and public relations and education initiatives. The
first chairperson of the HPC was Margaret Nowyez,a well respected preservationist and local
realtor who had served on the Historic Preservation Task Force as a citizen volunteer. For
the neat five years,Nowysz provided strong leadership for the HPC spearheading numerous
public relations and education efforts.
Under Nowyysz's direction, the HPC established the annual Historic Preservation Awards
Program in 1983 for exemplary historic rehabilitation projecta and the Preservation Person
of the Year Award in 198,4 far an individual who made outstanding contributions to the field
of historic preservation. These swards have grown in prestige and become a singularly
successful public relations effort for the local historic preservation movement.
Margaret Nowysa succumbed to a fatal illness in 1988. Nowyse strong identity with
preservation issues and her central role in setting the Comical on'a agenda were massed. In
1988,in memory and honor of Nowysa's dedication and cummitment to historic preservation
in Iowa City,the Preservation Person of the Year award was rammed the-Margaret Nowyaz
Award" and presented to her family. A complete List of award winners is included in
Appendix F:Historic Preservation Awards Recipients.
Nowysz's death and the unsuccessful five year campaign to establish historic districts in the
North Side eame at about the same time. Both represented major setbacks in the local
historic preservation movement. trice-chairperson Barbara Wagner, a resident and gross
roots preservationist from the Woodlawn Historic District,took over as interim leader for the
HPC. She continued in this capacity until April, 1888 when Douglas S. Russell, a local
attorney,was elected Chairperson by the Commission. Russell continues in that position is
1992.
Since its inception, membership on the historic Preservation Commission has rotated with
regularity. Designated representatives of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the
individual historic districts ofSummit Street and Woodlawn have changed periodically. Since
the HPC's inception the only commissioner to serve more than five gears has been Steven
VanderWoude(1983-1989). A complete list of Commission members is provided in Appendix
G:Historic Preservation Commiss onars.
27
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes -June 7,1984
E4�
l4pnirq 1 zedteg cwnigsian
une 7, 1"4
age d
Smtt stated that he felt there were tines vasa policies and quidelfaas
seeded elasticity. Is felt this request nes an of these taxes.
IM motion [arrive unaaioedaty {7w41.
` 3. L4412. glaeussion of on application initiated by Johnson Cavety far the
Victatrq of 22.16 acres Eras a.51p3A to CFltCpa, located we amid moulhaest
of lama City do Highway 1 Wet.
Knight state that this was an applteation filed by JMnlon County for the
rezanlrq a U.: acre lraot fro RS and 8311 to Cpl and M. pleased Cm eer-
cial :ming. The property is located within the beqrstariLof Area S of the
Johnson econLyltawd City Fringe Area Po1fty Agreenmmt. The Area S policy
prrnfdes that 'de,relwalent...wilI ammsiit prlemily of ccfanarcial ane light
Indo trial uses subject to certain standards. Any chnoloprvot A16 my
occas rill he soomistent With the airport orarlay zone,"
sgight stated that span the adoption of tae Johnson Cumntyliam City
Aefpmr't Lanizg WInance, the remrdsted area will be located within the
boundaries of Ilk transit+anal verity tong and Would be subject to the
height llmltattaam of that tone. The Airport ImIng Conlsslan has
rorwardad the Airport Zoolog ordinance to the City Cgmcll W Ward e
Superviacrs for action, and 44pitign of the ordinWcg it tapectod In Me
near fotsre.
Staff finds that the prcpased rezoning to Plamod obrnercial (Cpl and CP2)
Is cansistarit with the Arta 8 policy statement and, taerefore, makneendd
that the City ando:se the appmiai of this propumd remning.
Jokobson gvoatianed whether it was necessary for the Cotdslssion to act on
this sten lkofora the next waatSmJ. tnight reconendod that action be leave
as this request to enable Johnson CcwEty to review the Cpfnlliian'f aettan
AL the time of their haarlap am Monday.
Scott view Lyme he felt this request should be sublect to the adcotion of
the airport overlay zone. Knight replied that se the E2 acre tract a small
area could he IA violation of the altpoet 5vulay tone by we foot in
beight.
Perry mored to racomsend to City Nandi that they recaarend approval of
Z-1412 contingent on the adoption of the Alrpert Overlay tone amdimose by
Johnson County and lova City. _
IN motion nes sacondad by Coertnoy. The motion carried mantamsly
(7'al.
L olscussiao or the past natives wr t Borth S1dn Aasidaotlnl lltstcric
sir e:t bverla7 end S1sa h'71't 5 d! aanapl'F a . t. t _ s xe yet a7.
holo stated that questions had bean railed As to why an area should be
drslgoated an histerit distridt as opposed to deslgrating indlyidual Otis,
the doslgnatien of areas as historic districts enhoacvs proptmty,deslfabil-
icy afA price. to some Instences, the stn*!e presence of a plaque as a
/¢a.2
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes-June 7,1984
plannir➢ 3uniag conrisstan
Jura 7v t➢ea
� 7
structure has influenced the sol ling price of a particular historic
structure. Two Item that affect price in as historic arse are prestige
and protection. In urns of protection, alterations to properties are
ravioaea by a [omission Nsich reviews the cemp6Itl"Ilty of the alterations
to the itructvn. She stated that historic distrltta novo bra thdwn In
studles to foster tastitutlonal financing, to encourage property rehabill-
tation, and to strengthen in area's retail health. DKII)Aatlon Of an
entire area has a posltfve lhfluanra In that a critltal spatial pass is
dovelcpod. She statad the property aware feel protected because every
property
nemalt In the
tl vicinity is affected by the pruviglons to the
e
prepdrtles only aro designated eS historic
often, there mItl to no atsurante that the %rraynding property Masers
mould pravmt adverse things =cutting to surrounding properties, ase
entire area in a district is protettolf and therefore a p`gperty atter reed
not be cincernled about Teves 1t ng sonny and tine in =111tating sine
evens ohne a ariolbaring property nay On developed or regterrd in a
flautist" Plot cmapati to with the aeighooreoee.
She stated that figures frm the slatlaral Trwst lndiatt Leet real estate
values in an historic arse are significantly increased. Is addition, since
1977 there have been aFanse fi billion appeared for rehabilitation For-
poses. Evory dollar silent for rehaailitatton purposes geaarates til in
rainvestdnat to property. Stott qustionM rhefaar the rehabilitation
fonds had to be used for public ttpnvenents mty, Moes respondent affirts-
Nvely. She also pointed out tket historic districts ;rvtact ontSetic,
archltectbaral, and histone features of a aefghbarhood, and they protect
parttcufar properties in that there Is An, ansunt of control over develop-
rrnt In the ores. ➢tstricts craning a certain davelopwnt incentive to n
was and roCospition is gained in the area which prestos l"actaw!nt.
perry questioned if funds typically M to residential or caarercial
districts. MOM emptied that each type of district Is eligible to recgire
the fraads.
041y Ic, predutlag propartles, humor, are eligible for Investeont tax
Credits, Scott q➢estiered If tat isceotlrms veeld aeclunte single fanny
"SI&Otlal prapdety d+nMrt. Melon raftentea that currently met tax
inaatfyae aro For {mane producing progenias cad flies would not to
11 allible for aanar-occupied single f�nily residences. Courtney questioned
if the tae lrcentive would also exclude tax exa4pt m➢oelxeSldm. Adrowlta
stated that tax incentives for tax exleassat organicatims would be worth
leasing into. Mercy, for example, my wish to parchasa soon gldor hams
far dexulltlon in w4v to tacteasq the thin facility at Marcy, if,
how$eer, that' wiehgd to pnrmbasa than for ¢vysimians' nfficesa !lice It
would he reasanmble far teen to apply for assistance in renovating those
hones for doctors' offices.
Main itatied that Is ane of the incentives for retaining structures in tills
area ane that It does nate those structures eligible far tax bengfits and
escalated dvpreciatiol. In pa t2 cular, properties in the proposed North
Sloe Camercial Oistrlet, are MuOd far coweproial pursasas and can ba
adaptivety reused for camaresal uses,
/Oz
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes-June 7,1484
Planninq t zoning tcnaitsicn
Jane T, 1994
Page d
public Oisnssion
Jchn xammtrngyer, 404 E. Slooeingtkrt, stated that to this type of ordi.
nance, 0,e a Wi a Lip difference between residential and eemarclal areal..
He 3t4tad that st had 10d101d aver the CAW26ehsiva plan, the toning
Ordinance, and the Historic Prasorvation Ordinance. He felt that the
property a` ars in this are wars not well notified. 4e had ally becorms
awe of this proposal in the past reek, and all of the property w ; He
Rad spoke with over the lasgqt went were bohllist f9a surprilhd and unaware of
title V`reneaaa}ean
yW n as peftainieg to tither cot !the resllookedl or winter was
idmtiaT arms or thatit
was a eaaliep of gm%aral interest daetrrefng aistarit pMefvatio% He
stated his ;otat opposition t0 this proposal. He was opposed to incladinq
any of the mafth Side Caoatsrcial Arps in an Klstartc Reseevatfan Overlay
tone, and specifscally the one Half black %here its office Is located stitch
is presently toned for coarrciai aeries use. He stated that he is �osad
to 1ecludi.n4 pay of the commercial offices zirsad around Kercy 4=1Gi in
aA historic pretervotion overlay sone. He stated that when the Couprehen-
sire plan was estaWshad, it am decided to establith A Cpsmyaial Office
Zone aroand the Harty Hospital ire to mcaartgv the levelnpwnt of
professional offices in close proatmlty to Homy Hospital, Wtoad of
pronating further office davelapmnt fn optlptnq areas. Under Asa present
[ental code and trap, there are apoemimstely p ono-half blocks zoned
commercial office Around Merq Hospital Iaclooleg kserCy f l;iW's preR-
arty. Only tow of thou one-half blacks we proposed to be placed IA the
Historic prel"ttan grertty. the awlialf Meeks that he and Or. Brawn
have their Offices in, and Us one-half block between Horsy and Gilbert
Street. The specific reason for bit objection to this designation is that
placing any Of this ane in in hlstwfe preservation everlay will hat
encourage office developnont in that area, hat will diseauroge office
devdioprrent, thus going against the Intarst of the Conyrehenslre plan and
the Inning Code. Me stated that soca of the propeetiet In tba orepased
comerciat historic district are resfdnetial properties and reeideatial
homes, If davelopdrmt into offices 9s to Oscar, the owners Read to be able
to M A" asisting structures readily. Rastrlcting easy end ready access
to Wing additions' or reaming Us tuildirry wasld aistInctly hinder
commercial Into corcial or prosessfoaal offices. Secondly, the
destionetion of the ane-calf block his office is in as am historic district.
will Significantly recite the value of his office site sc a camOcial
property. Ha felt that Sf be we %tefeited Se selling his pfgV tern
people wevld be Interested in buy! tie Property as an office but ding
site If there were potential resWctfont on altering ar refprliag the
existing structure and building a new With Wilding. He appaset
Ipcoermont or lapa1 action, Wt mibnt allow individoali, hawaver well
#ntended, to impose or try to logresa their Awn perioral subjective
aesthetic ralaes an beildtngs or districts.
Roger Odrratt Associate Adminls'.r4tor for Mercy kopltal, stated that the
tong tarn goes of Marty Nospitai It to 4ave19p the west 1149 of 0160 43.
In the Stuart run, this area rat proposed for parking Asa. Marcy currently
owns one prmpartyy in that area. Ke ItAted that the hospital is apposed tc
this area betcnieg in historic pfatmatle. earthy zone Oecayse Do only
comrclal historic buildings in WE area ere locatad as Market Street,
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes -June 7,1984
Plsnnine d toning Cagissta0 ..
Sane y, ISde
Fag. B
He acted that the resldantial ase% in the area are Currently zoned fee
ccmercial uaa and are rmn•tmnforsliag, they skeuld not, therofan, be
preserved by sa histertc preserrallae overlay tme.
,WWI to %y %timed Matter me new tot For parking was able to be aspanded
to met future parking needs. Mr, Garrett ragwaded that the lot ,as
pprimarily for visitor p rkthg and would not elieleato the mod far acqutai-
tiah of additta al preperty far porting,
Perry questioned if atarty received notification of the mine. W. Wren
replied that M he$ learned about it last reek,
Cr. Nolan Brom stated that he hes in office near Hercy hospital to the
propmed historic distrfet. Nm aiotantly abutted to his property being
designated di historic. He stated he may see to cake alteritSons to his
property and there is a danger he will not be able to becaute of this
designation. [le Felt that his rusts at a private citizen were being
Infringed upon.
Pot Eckhardt stated that Ile had been, a resident of tie Horth Side to 13
casenrsityluesandstrassad that
es'atftlt al I
an historic district accomplishes this.
She felt that this was a well designed district aad should be left intact.
She did not think it inhibited anyone's freedon.
Bob Aldermen of }le c, Niodnfngton stated that he was a sewcaaer t0 that
part of Iola C14 and that he bas tried to ea%tare his huildtnq to its
ar;girsl dostgn. He stated that be did not want to have an Atstoric
overlay zone In this area, He felt that the normal delays ware restrictive
enough. Although he did not want to destroy the affect of Els building, he
was opposed to an historic overlay cane an this sits.
Harry kolfe, ni t. Iisrket Street, questioned tha schedule df the Historic
Presorvation [arPtsslen to fevlaw prdpesals far these prefetta. He
orlloned how quickly proposals could de rarisaad. Hoon replied that
Only these altaratiwtc which regrire a regulated permit, such as building
or deidt it
permits, would be required to obtain a Certificate of
ARrapriataness or Cartifleeto of Iro lhteriai Effect frm the Historic
Praservatten Chetission. Sha stated that the histarie Pr servatlan
Comissian events ante per nonth but indicated a desire to meat an m
on-call basis for raviveneof applications so as not to hinder ireprave-
dants made to properties. the cauetsslen did one want to is de tagro",
cents rade to histotic structures hat rethor intends to work with the
property owner, AM, cum orated the' dscisiee making often rageires quiet
attics and a oechaaiso dust bo provided for a quick response. Ne also
noted bat since demolishing a building withait a permit would result In e
relatively omall fine, Miert nay be an incentive to dowlish the building
ratter than qo through the review required in an historic dlstritt.
Sandra Eskia stated that the friends pf Old Brick have prepared a booklet
acetified IN kho To [look of Praservatias sltch foclpdes Se ldtal amide,-
and trdfismen retires n e racadstruttion and repair of blatoric
sites. Win painted out that the use of a structure Is unsffectd by in
yt�t�
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes -June 7,1984
flamning t Iosiog Commission
Jure 7, 1$64
Pegs 18
historic 04MIay rano, She felt that the Histaric Preservation Carats•
I
km's purpose was to define awl edocats people, not to kidder persons
interested in nalmWiningy an histartcal site. me felt If they were rat
protected or aekrwaiedged, histarlc sites would to demolished for another
parkiAflqg tot. 1'ery little of local history Is loft. Tharafare, Ike
maintslned, we meet stand ground and roWIre the ttkortant aspects or
local history.
W. 6111 $ywater of 521 Batraac Grin stated that notiw of this meeting
lied on to his address under the adSt of a raletlle Who 614E 14 yW$ ago.
He stated that to danoary of 1988 he raCeived a letter frac the State
Off'40 of Historic preservation stating rim are gemma to Words you that
tba aperty Jou am is in a laurels Side Historic 6lstr ct.' Hoon calling
the City, he was informed khat he was not yet in a district. k felt
that poor cdseaalestien and owfasiam ran a major "Ism to the adaption
of the"dead district. He felt that it would financially hinder him to
be asked to maintain his bdnd4g as an histaric structure. He stated that
M had appralyals of the property that said the lend would be earn rhlUA1q
if it tree ctmard. Further, he painted out that in his a�inion, the
banding Md ne historic signiftcame-1t was just an old budding.
Hkee pointed out that the significance of an historic structure was
oralustad out duty an the architectural features of the stroctcra but an
Its historic features as will.
Pot Pearson stated that no had lived on the north end for 53 yawn. Ha did
not itarh daaut the proposed district and iaday's Public detorsion until
yest"ay. He felt that it was in Ate for historic preservation dis-
trlcts and that there was not much left in the way of historic ttratturos
that vas worth sau,np.
KDen explained that all strrctoees tlaasifled of key structures are
structures elkaitTe for Bating an the grtiaaal killstar of Htstaric
places. ContriguNng structures are stractufet coepatMe, with an area 6vt
don't most the criteria.
bill Eckhardt stated that he had lived in in" City for 15 years and the
rate of change during that time had been Incredible. He felt that historic
slths thduial 6e ;reserved add wms In favor of the With SSde
eCgerafal
itfsecetfc` hacolofanhlythen
with ]Lam. He
strutursaafet* SAfulty aalgaotwo . K4
stated that the Econcay Mrartising tuilding was Interesting to w" ppeapie
than Hr, loater reallsed. Feftrdt tmphositod that arca monothing is tarn
down it is lost forever.
Jake Illy stabil that els was a to-ow»er At il$ M. Silbert, Sha had
purchased the property one year ago. She felt t2mt it why flat necessarily
apprOarlite for the Planning and Inning Comission to take specific
apirtlans inta•consideratian when drawing boundaries for the proposed 3mrth
Side Comoreiel historic 01striet, Anther, the fmnissien should leek at
the me,all good to the aaerm sty.
/4"O.—.
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes-June 7,1984
wduaemdmy i 2aninp Ca,oisslee
es 7 1064
page 1t
W, Dean Shannnda or 122 washingtah stated that be stand property 10 the
proposed north Side Residential Histark District, He dIda't kew until
ane week ago of tke overlay zone proposal. Na did rot feel there were sly
structural la his area that ware bemafscial to preservation. we felt that
this k" lust one uaee layer of gorerment and was apposed to an histaric
preserve.tton averlap Scott stated that the AbsIclaW-al district would to
discussed specifically at a later weetwag,
Linda Robinson of 3I11 E. defforsap stated that she hes lived 1n yawa City
for the past 10 years and has felt a growing sense of alarm and helpless-
ness with the developatat of this city. She felt that the north side was e
n1etlVely u ZOWed area and it was lnportawt to oral" Old IoM City.
She felt that there was a conflict betwaan historic interests am ape hand
and private Interests en the other. She was in fsmr at the historic
preservation orarley and ladtcatsd that the Camission =at recognize the
larger cost to the etreenity of ChWIng a neighborhood beyond rree"goitidm.
et nawystCftlrpersoa of the Historic $hreurration Ccoo ssiud,
stand that "A tormissiah had gives a ;at of consideration to late brodhurs
that was sent eat to the people In ea effort to provide Information diet
eltousd propert99 aweers to make a choice as to "author or rat they were
Interested in nisttrlc diattlats. She felt that they ked provided enough
inferenatton to initiate Iatsrest. IV addition, they had hold two public
hhltajr s She stated Chet she wished the public had taken th8'tiuo-ane-
We to the City offices sod spoken to the staffperson and looked at the
records cabinitted with regard to tits iswe and its imp"" to the
rmmonl:y.
Larry baker of 2149 Tangteweod Vested that to was interested in hlstori.'
ppreservetlon to general. He SOPported the concept of the North Sfde
liistorlc District and polntad out that tha prapased ordinance would effect
Dprape Yaluaw both G7oaitively and negatively and that the pianain dad
Iening isaicp wauld Ned to milder Goth sides. He felt that them
were two ajar wrga ants with regard to the propdtal. One was that greater
effort was ends to hatify property owners of this proposed artfoenca then
Wt made for the aafinp grdfnanca ON that lack of hdttflceOW is oat a
ressae to deny Isis peopgaal, Sneandly, he felt that the inctitwtlon of
an historic preservation pvtl'l.1 zone wee the absolute wiRtiran that could
he done to prOUCt historic s.ructbsrss in lows City. Vie resdnded the
Colncllslen that other 49MMILIRS do have distrlcU and that districts
further educate the Dahl is an historic presefwatian.
roloriaafon 11j"Ussian
HdraWif saved to approve the North Side Coamrclol histar1t 0verisy, The
ration was seconded by Blank.
lO'Mtd Stated that she Badu the nation to anprdfe based so Ere ditcus-
stons this evening eWgt supporting property values, civic pride to
H007, and tease areas in the Lheited States where she has watcW
districts effectfre3y take plata. Slit was making her derision based an the
aesthetics to the City of Ian City and the value to both the cGWrtiai
and residential belidings that are is districts as appealed to spot sites.
Jgkiz.
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes-June 7,1984
Planning f toning taeeieeim
June 7. 1484
Page 12
8lana stated not At felt there had been a ridiculous aaaggsration of
police Powers. She We in favor of the Harth Side Catwuresal 'listerit
eyarlay Ione the to the flavor and special rsatwres o1 the 7brth Side that
need protesting.
Jordan slued that he had ="earns 4M the oh)actions of tee property
ntr
oet, the lack of notification, the fnctuslon V private residences, 4cd
Lis inability to "Ike tepravates is without having to go to the City for
appratal.
Perry reiterated canmrns about insufficient notificatloe to the pealic,
W appasitfan Iran the Mlghharhfxd, and hie feeling that this could dls-
co rage deuetaptent to a cgwecial afassph".
Courtney stated Mat he felt the caMitions of the proporde, my welt buys
deteriorated too for and that rehabilitation would not be sutemful. Nu
felt teat it was sigiificent that 7 of 14 blocks were represehted by
property swears eppal IK tee district.
.kkobaan stated that she sad toted for fwsation of the Historic Preserve-
MCI Cetmis:ioa. Nor cancarn, tohwver, is that this prapdaod pistrict is
i too largo of sa arae and that too nary buildings with a contribu4tog
structure desifsation are iacladgd. ?herefore, she will vete against We
request.
Soatt Stated that when tie Historic Preservation erddnanee, which estah-
lished the Histaric Preservation Covaissiaa was adapted, he was appmed to
the knestim or hath t" srdiaaete AM the Corailsim, he opposed tike
ordinance sed cmission then on the grounds that emeIly "hat he feared
would happen has happened. He stated that this Casetssion has brought
forth a pprepaaaU far two dittritts that as far es he could see, hey" van
very le le public Input ane tittle pall it support. He stated that his
gppoaftto to a district-Ods designation Is that it j-qcjedeS--Us nfw-_
�in•MSWIC ArVeturea, as stated that Planning and taefrwy hau 611 days to
cite a retUevendit1do to City Council, to the past bo dogs Plsnnif>D and
10e1041 n1MtG?9 have discussed arty tinea their wKernu witp msibers of the
Wistaria Praeeswation Ce Issioa and sons public; public input baa been
ditappointing. His DWICtim to the faCIMIN of non-bittarit bwlldinpps in
Nstarie districts has been cpasistant. Re had previously gisstienzd
whoWir thaq could not declare to bistaria district sod apply Nee rules
only to key historic structures. He stated that the Comrshansiva Plan"
sad Zoning grdinanct was adopted last IlKetber, said la that a daclsion Was
astda to zone portions of the area prupesod as a histarfc district ss CC-1.
Maildential structurst in the Cg-1 Ione sty be cdnsgrtnd for office ase,
but if we adopt this district they in all protability nust reatfe stroc-
tarally as Is.
Ra stated that the City Council recently passed a mdificotion to tied F4i12
lone Illicit&%loss the Board of .idJasbtemt, ria a speefel exceptida. to ansa
tuning ragoirtnents For bulldir4s M Ube Rill song uhieh awn oo the
National Register. The ase o:ortlrig ordioance passed in Receaaer gave
specific two and attention to the aider part of fat t% to "Now for Pies
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes -June 7,1984
Planning S Ionto Ondisstan
u5sae T, Ia6a
Pape 13
conversion of oras in elder structures. %is Caenission has 4110 glvda
attaatin to radafiainp and redrawing the boundary linos of the proposed
North Side Coamrtlel 1l4etorle District. To date that has been uniaccass-
W. 'Mainly became of many of tab sane obiectlans ralsed tanlght by bath
tha public bad the Comwilsida. Me stated that be was happy to See the
miner of bmstnetsas, property owners, and affected residents precent at
tonight's nesting.
Ne stated that this particular district inclades too nueh a,", too nsqy
etraetum- and affects too acne Pula and, therefore, be Could wt
support it.
Scott stated that he hoped Cha City Council Wold pay attentlen to tho
discrosioa of the Comission nasbers and the public discrosion prior to
.madding its decision.
Wowita sCated that she hoped not only tha niaute6 of the phoning and
Iming Cmaliciaa meeting, but 4110 any info,vatioa free On National Trust
regardia acmanic iepact both for comwarciai led recidontial historic
arses, that may be of value to Cho City Coandl 14 deciding on this issue
would be forwarded to thaw by staff.
The nonan was defeated (2-9(,
Jordan owed to rencmuno to City Cevneil to daey passage of too Ewth Side
Historic Plrosarvatton gnrlay Ione. The Matta was secohded by Cwtney.
l*e mtlon rerried (9-21.
DTNfR b11SIMRSS; -
Scott reticssted that staff notify Mo> Jam eP the tnfo ami Planning and honing
meeting diene 18, concerning his letter.
The following letters were received in apposition to the North Side Historic
Brerl9y: lie-y Tbrnetta, RSH, Iterty Nosp/tal. TM following lettere were
received in support of the North Side Nistatric Owleyyr Jean and Wiles C.
MMard of 326 tram street oro Gain Mothnasle, President, Board of Trustees
villawaind School.
dakabsra stated that she had attended the City Camacil asating an Tons�r andthat they had "M in the affirmative an nil the Planning bad Imine bttiaac.
t1hat they had Ware then.
The combine adjourned at hila M.
iM winutes were ked
Approvad. �-d�5-..a,rJ
on coca, rrson
if��
May 1,2024
Mayor Bruce Teague
And City Council
410 E.Washington Street
Iowa City, IA.52240
Dear Mayor and City Council:
I served as the chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission in 2015.
After the three Dubuque Street cottages were demolished,the City Council advised the
Historic Preservation Commission(HPC)to identify historic buildings and seek to zone
them as landmarks before their demolition and redevelopment could take place.
We set about to do exactly that.We formed a committee to identify properties that met the
criteria for historic designation. Near the top of the list was 302-316 Bloomington.
I drafted the attached letter to Vladimir Skarda,who owned the building at the time.When
Bob Miklo,the Historic Preservation Commission's staff person, reported to his
supervisors that the letter was being sent, he was told by the Director of Development
Services that the HPC would not proceed with the landmark process during a City Council
election year.
When I checked on the status of the letter, Bob said that he had explained to his boss that
he had been directed by the Historic Preservation Commission to send the letter. His boss
responded that Bob worked for the City Manager(who was then Tom Marcus), not for the
Historic Preservation Commission.The letter was pulled from the outgoing mail.
I found the letter in my files and have attached a copy for your information.Seeing the
letter again reminds me of my disappointment and frustration.
lncerely, R
Ginalie Swaim
1024 Woodlawn
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall,110 F.Washington Street,Iowa C'iry. IA. 52310
September 2,2015
Dear Vladimir Skarda,
As chair of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission,I am pleased to announce that your
property at 302 E Bloomington has been identified as one of several historically important
buildings in this community. Because of its high level of architectural and/or historical
significance,your property is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It is
our goal to encourage the preservation of landmarks like yours for the enjoyment of current
owners as well as future generations.
We would like to meet with you to share more of the history of 302 E Bloomington and to
discuss tools that can assure its long-term preservation. These include designation as a local Iowa
City Historic Landmark,a zoning classification that provides for Historic Preservation
Commission review of building permits for changes to the exterior of designated historic
properties(changes to the interior are not affected)_
A Historic Landmark designation also offers incentives to encourage the continued use of
historic buildings. These include flexibility in how zoning laws are applied to designated
properties,such as reduction in parking requirements,waiver or modification of setbacks and
height standards,and in some cases, allowed uses of the property. In addition,financial
incentives,such as State and Federal tax credits, are available for properties listed on the
National Register.
We congratulate you as the owner of this distinctive building. If you would like to meet to
discuss how Iowa City Historic Landmark designation may affect your property,please contact
our staff person,Bob Miklo at 356-5230 or bob-miklogiowa-citv.org to schedule a meeting with
me or one of my fellow commissioners.
Sincerely,
Ginalie Swaim,
Chairperson,Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
Kellie Grace
From: Jordan Sellergren <jsellergren@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2024 9:29 AM
To: *City Council
Subject: Letter from Brooklyn Opera House
Attachments: We sent you safe versions of your files; BCD Iowa City Letter.pdf
R SIS
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments. **
Mimecast Attachment Protection has deemed this file to be safe, but always exercise caution when opening files.
Y
BROOKLYN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PO Box 328
Brooklyn, IA 52211
www.brookIVniowa.com
641-522-2424
April 30,2024
To Whom It May Concern:
On behalf of Brooklyn Community Development(BCD), I extend a warm invitation to join us at the
Brooklyn Opera House in Brooklyn, IA,to witness firsthand the transformative impact of our historic
restoration efforts on our community.We are eager to share with you the journey we embarked upon
and the profound effects it has had on our beloved town.
At BCD,our mission is twofold:to preserve Brooklyn's rich history and to foster its continued economic,
cultural,and social advancement.The partnership between Brooklyn Community Development and the
Brooklyn Opera House has been pivotal in driving our community's progress.
The Brooklyn Opera House sits in the central business district of Brooklyn, Iowa,directly neighboring the
highly utilized community center.At time of the initial construction,the opera house was unusable, and
even dangerous to enter.Chunks of the building were falling off the street onto the sidewalk below. At
that time the city owned the structure and did not have the funds to address the blighted property that
was becoming a safety hazard in the downtown. Hundreds of people pass by it as they enter the
community center each week, but the dusty doors and padlocks are anything but inviting.
There were only two options for this historic structure: revitalize it and create a space for entertainment
and educational opportunities or tear it down.The latter option never felt justified to the local
community. It had served as the social center for so many years. If it was torn down the community
would have never been able to create something as historically significant as the Opera House.
So, Brooklyn Community Development convened city leaders, business leaders and others interested in
the projects success to explore all the different financing options that could be used to fund this project.
It required a collective effort of individuals,corporations,economic development groups,and
government organizations to make this project successful.
During the construction phase,the local economy experienced a boost from the engagement of local
contractors and suppliers.Once completed,the Opera House has continued to stimulate economic
growth by attracting residents, employers,and employees alike.This influx contributes to expanded job
opportunities and a fortified tax base, bolstering the prosperity of both the town and the region.
Moreover,the Opera House's prominent presence on Brooklyn's main street ensures its role as a
cornerstone for community engagement and development. Its accessibility and visibility makes it an
appealing destination,further solidifying Brooklyn's appeal to residents and businesses alike.
The renovation of the Opera House was not just a singular project; it serves as a catalyst for broader
revitalization efforts within Brooklyn.
In alignment with Brooklyn's economic development objectives, as articulated by Brooklyn Economic
Development(BED),the Opera House project aligns seamlessly with our community's vision. BED's
proactive approach to fostering employment,economic growth,and quality of life enhancements
resonates strongly with the Opera House's role as a catalyst for positive change.
In summary,the Brooklyn Opera House stands as a testament to our community's commitment to
preserving its heritage while embracing progress.We hope your community realizes this same vision and
passion for historic properties and the significant role they play in preserving the past and envisioning
the future.
Sincerely,
Laura Manatt,Vice President
Brooklyn Community Development
_ , r i
--_ ►� �
wYl®��� City Council Supplemental Meeting Packet
CITY OF IOWA CITY May 7, 2024
Information submitted between distribution of packet on Thursday and 4:00pm on Monday.
Late Ha out(s):
9.a Rezoning - 302-316 E Bloomington Street - Local Historic Landmark- See
correspondence from Ben Huntley.
IP. Memorandum from Budget Management Analyst: Quarterly Financial
Summary for Period Ending March 31, 2024.
May 7,2024 City of Iowa City
Item Number: 9.a.
CITY OF OF IOWA CITY
� fil COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 7, 2024
Rezoning - 302-316 E Bloomington Street - Local Historic Landmark - See correspondence
from Ben Huntley.
Attachments: City Council correspondence - Ben Huntley
q, 0-11
Kellie Grace
From: Ben Huntley <benjamin.huntley@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2024 9:34 AM Late Handouts Distributed
To: *City Council
Subject: Re:Yes for landmark status
;� — G — a4
(Date)
RISH
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments.**
Dear council...just a friendly reminder: people around the country are still watching the evolution of the Pagliai's
landmark designation vote. Not exactly sure why this is such a contentious issue when there is overwhelmingly clear
public support. Please let this email remind you that this issue is being observed by a community of Iowa Citians much
larger than a zip code,a county, or the Eastern half of a state.
Ben Huntley
Boulder, CO
On Tue,Apr 16, 2024 at 3:02 PM Ben Huntley<benjamin.huntley@gmail.com>wrote:
Dear council,
I just wanted to let you know that we are paying attention to the landmark status vote for Pagliai's. I understand that
you will be re-examining this issue today and hope to see council support for preserving this piece of our history.
Best,
Ben Huntley
Boulder, CO
Sent from my iPhone-pardon any brevity or errors
>On Mar 27,2024, at 08:56, Ben Huntley<beniamin.huntley@gmail.com>wrote:
> Dear council,
> Pagliai's pizza is fundamental to giving Iowa City its charm. It is part of the reason people come... and keep coming
back. Please know that people around the country are watching your vote. I strongly encourage you to support the
movement for landmark status.
>Sincerely,
> Ben Huntley
> Boulder, Colorado
>
>Sent from my iPhone-pardon any brevity or errors
t
Item Number: 10.a.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 7, 2024
Ordinance Amending Title 3, Entitled "Finances, Taxation And Fees," Chapter 4, Entitled
"Schedule Of Fees, Rates, Charges, Bonds, Fines, And Penalties". (Second Consideration)
Prepared By: Nicole Davies, Finance Director
Reviewed By: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Fiscal Impact: Water rate adjustments for FY2025 amounting to an
increase of approximately $320,000 per year in revenues
for the Water fund. Wastewater rate adjustments for
FY2025 amounting to an increase of approximately
$628,000 per year in revenues for the Wastewater fund.
Solid Waste Disposal rate adjustments for FY2025
amounting to an increase of approximately $190,000 per
year in revenues for the Refuse fund. Tipping fee rate
adjustments for FY2025 amount to an increase of
approximately $750,000 per year in revenues for the
Landfill fund. Parking rate and fine adjustments for FY2025
amounting to an increase of approximately $3,000,000 per
year in revenues for the Parking fund, $160,000 per year in
revenues for the Transit fund and $150,000 per year in
revenues for the General fund.
Staff Recommendation: Approval
Commission Recommendations: N/A
Attachments: Notice of Public Hearing.docx
Ordinance
Executive Summary:
Following a public hearing, staff asks that Council consider amending Title 3, Chapter 4 of the
City Code.
Title 3, Chapter 4 amendments include a 3% increase in water users charges, a 5% increase
in wastewater user charges, an increase in residential solid waste collection fees for curbside
recycling fees by $1.00 per dwelling unit per month, an increase in the tipping fee charged at
the landfill by $2.50 per ton, an increase in the hourly parking ramp fee by $1.00 per hour in
the Court Street Transportation Center, Tower Place, Capital Street and Dubuque Street
parking ramps, an increase in the hourly parking ramp fee by $1 .25 per hour in the Chauncey
Swan and Harrison Street ramps with the first hour free, an increase in the hourly parking
meters from between $0.75 to $1.50 depending on the location and an increase in the fines
for parking violations by varying amounts per violation in fiscal year 2025.
Background /Analysis:
Title 3, Chapter 4 of the City Code is the "Schedule of Fees. Rates, Charges, Bonds. Fines
and Penalties"
Potable Water Use and Service Rate Adjustments
In the revised fiscal year 2024, the Water fund has a projected ending fund balance of
$14,109,124. With the rate adjustments the projected ending fund balance for fiscal year
2025 would be $14,234,372, a slight 0.9% increase. The City's five-year capital improvement
program projects water funding for capital projects over the next five years to be between
$1,770,000 and $3,100,000 each year for a total of $12,000,000. This figure does not include
the cost of repairing emergency water main breaks. Without a rate increase, the fund balance
would decline.
The Water fund is an enterprise or a business-type fund that is expected to be self-funding.
The primary solution is to review water rates and charges to ensure that the fund is
generating sufficient revenue to cover both its operating and capital expenses. By
implementing a user rate increase of 3% in fiscal year 2025 the anticipated decline in the
water fund's cash balance is greatly reduced. This solution also provides for a much healthier
and sustainable fund over time versus financing the necessary capital improvements through
revenue bonds or other debt.
All fees and charges, within the Water rates, are proposed to be increased 3% in fiscal year
2025, with a few small exceptions. The fee for the direct purchase of water is proposed to
remain at $0.50 per 100 gallons, the deposit for residential tenant accounts is proposed to
remain at $120.00, and the reconnection of discontinued service is proposed to remain at
$45.00. With these changes the minimum monthly charge for households with a 5/8 or 5/8 x
3/4 meter size increases from $8.52 to $8.78 in fiscal year 2025.
The proposed fee increases are expected to generate enough revenue to be able to help
offset the increases in operational costs and in funding for the capital improvement program
and ensuring that the Water fund remains a self-funding enterprise. The expected increase in
revenues is approximately $320,000 each year.
Wastewater Treatment Works User Charges Rate Adjustments
In the revised fiscal year 2024, the Wastewater fund had an ending unassigned fund balance
of$13,456,836. With a rate adjustment the projected ending fund balance for fiscal year 2025
would be $12,867,336, a 4.4% decrease. The City's five-year capital improvement program
projects wastewater funding for capital projects over the next five years to be between
$926,000 and $4,972,000 each year for a total of $12,822,000. Additionally, two revenue
bonds totaling $33,000,000 are planned in fiscal year 2024 for two major capital projects.
The Wastewater fund is an enterprise or a business-type fund that is expected to be self-
funding. The primary solution is to review wastewater rates and charges to ensure that the
fund is generating sufficient revenue to cover both its operating and capital expenses. By
implementing a user rate increase of 5% in fiscal year 2025 the anticipated decline in the
wastewater fund's cash balance is greatly reduced. This solution also provides for a much
healthier and sustainable fund over time versus financing the necessary capital
improvements through additional revenue bonds or other debt.
All fees and charges, within the Wastewater rates, are proposed to be increased 5% in fiscal
year 2025, with one exception. The fee for a deposit for a residential tenant account is
proposed to remain at $120.00. With these changes the minimum monthly charge for
households for up to 100 cubic fee of water used increases from $8.31 to $8.73 in fiscal year
2025.
The proposed fee increases are expected to generate enough revenue to be able to help
offset the increases in funding for the capital improvement program and revenue bond debt
and ensuring that the Wastewater fund remains a self-funding enterprise. The expected
increase in revenues is approximately $628,000 each year.
Solid Waste Disposal Rate Adjustments
In the revised fiscal year 2024, the Refuse Collection fund had an ending unassigned fund
balance of $2,018,613. The estimated fund balance for fiscal year 2025 with the rate
adjustments is $2,186,413, which is an increase of 8.3%. The City's curbside program has
seen consistent increases in trash, recycling and organics usage over the past three years,
while fuel, equipment, and labor costs have increased for all three services. Without the
$1.00 per dwelling unit per month increase for curbside recycling, the fund balance would
continue to decline.
In the revised fiscal year 2024, the Landfill fund had an ending unassigned fund balance of
$2,547,958. The estimated ending fund balance for fiscal year 2024 with the rate adjustments
is $2,739,708, a 7.5% increase. The City's five-year capital improvement program projects
landfill funding for capital projects over the next five years to be between $0 and $4,910,750
each year for a total of $6,322,500. The increase to the tipping fee of $2.50 per ton is needed
to help offset the capital projects costs and is more comparable to what other area landfills
are charging.
The Refuse Collection and Landfill funds are enterprise or business-type funds that are
expected to be self-funding. The primary solution is to review user rates to ensure that the
fund is generating sufficient revenue to cover both operating and capital expenses. By
implementing the solid waste rate increases mentioned previously in fiscal year 2025, the
anticipated declines in the funds' cash balances are greatly reduced. This solution also
provides for much healthier and sustainable funds over time versus financing the necessary
capital improvements through revenue bonds or other debt.
The proposed fee increases are expected to generate enough revenue to support the
increase in operational costs and capital projects and ensures that the Refuse Collection and
Landfill funds remain a self-funding enterprise. The expected increase in revenues for the
Refuse Collection and Landfill funds are approximately $190,000 and $750,000 a year,
respectively.
Parking Rate Adjustments
In the revised fiscal year 2024, the Parking fund had an ending unassigned fund balance of
$1,476,139, which is 22% of revenues and transfers in. We want this number to be at least
50% of revenues and transfers in. The projected ending fund balance for fiscal year 2025 is
estimated to be $3,482,780, a 136% increase, but still only 33% of revenues and transfers in.
With a rate increase, we can start building our unassigned fund balance, implement
enhanced cleaning for our ramps and downtown and help subsidize fare free for Transit.
The Parking fund is an enterprise or a business-type fund that is expected to be self-funding.
The primary solution is to review parking rates to ensure that the fund is generating sufficient
revenue to cover both its operating and capital expenses. By implementing increases for
hourly parking in the ramps, hourly parking meters and for parking violations, the parking
fund's cash balance is anticipated to increase. This solution also provides for a much
healthier and sustainable fund over time versus financing the necessary capital
improvements through revenue bonds or other debt.
With this increase in the hourly parking in the ramps, the hourly fee increases from either
$0.75 or $1.00 to $2.00 an hour, the hourly fee for parking meters increases from $0.75 to
$1.50, $1.00 to $1.50 or $1 .50 to $3.00, depending on location, the fines for parking
violations are increasing varying amounts per violation in fiscal year 2025.
The proposed fee increases are expected to generate enough revenue to support the
increased costs in operations, funding for the capital improvement program and helps to
ensure the Parking fund remains a self-funding enterprise. The expected increase in
revenues is approximately $3,000,000 a year. The hourly ramp increase is also expected to
increase Transit fund revenues by $160,000 for the Court Street Transportation Center ramp.
The increase in parking fine violations is also expected to increase General fund revenues by
$150,000.
Notice of Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will
be held at which the Council will consider:
Ordinance amending Title 3, Entitled
"Finances, Taxation and Fees," Chapter 4,
entitled "Schedule of Fees, Rates, Charges,
Bonds, Fines and Penalties," of the City Code
to increase water system, wastewater
system, solid waste disposal, and parking
charges and fees.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, City Hall, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa
City, Iowa. Copies are available by telephoning
the City Clerk at 319/356-5043 or emailing
kellie-fruehling(cDiowa-city.org.
The public hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. on
April 16, 2024, in the Emma J. Harvat Hall, City
Hall, Iowa City. Persons wishing to make their
views known for Council consideration are
encouraged to participate.
Kellie K. Fruehling, City Clerk
I Dr
Prepared by: Nicole Davies, Finance Director,410 E.Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240;319-356-5085
Ordinance No.
Ordinance Amending Title 3, Entitled "Finances, Taxation And Fees,"
Chapter 4, Entitled "Schedule Of Fees, Rates, Charges, Bonds, Fines, And
Penalties"
Whereas, pursuant to Chapter 384, Code of Iowa (2023), the City of Iowa City is authorized to
establish and provide for the collection of rates to pay for the City's utility systems, including the
City's water supply and treatment system, wastewater treatment system, solid waste disposal
services at the municipal landfill, and parking system; and
Whereas, the City's financial policies dictate that the Water fund shall be self-supporting; and
Whereas, the City's current water rate structure does not provide sufficient revenue to fund the
necessary operations; and
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council intends to provide a water rate and fee structure that makes
the City's water utilities self-sustaining; and
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council proposes to increase water user charges by 3% on July 1,
2024 to recover the City's cost of providing services; and
Whereas, the City's financial policies dictate that the Wastewater fund shall be self-supporting;
and
Whereas, the City's current wastewater rate structure does not provide sufficient revenue to fund
the necessary operations; and
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council intends to provide a wastewater rate and fee structure that
makes the City's wastewater utilities self-sustaining; and
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council proposes to increase wastewater user charges by 5% on
July 1, 2024 to recover the City's cost of providing services; and
Whereas, the City's financial policies dictate that the Refuse and Landfill funds shall be self-
supporting; and
Whereas, the City's current solid waste disposal rate structure does not provide sufficient revenue
to fund the necessary operations; and
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council intends to provide a solid waste disposal rate and fee
structure that makes the City's refuse and landfill utilities self-sustaining; and
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council proposes to increase curbside recycling by $1.00 per
dwelling unit, per month and to increase the landfill tipping fee by $2.50 per ton on July 1, 2024, to
adequately finance the municipal solid waste operational costs; and
Whereas, the City's financial policies dictate that the Parking fund shall be self-supporting; and
Whereas, the City's current parking rate structure does not provide sufficient revenue to fund the
necessary operations; and
Ordinance No.
Page 2
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council intends to provide a parking rate and fee structure that
makes the City's Parking utilities self-sustaining; and
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council proposes to increase the hourly parking ramp fee by $1.00
per hour in the Court Street Transportation Center, Tower Place, Capital Street and Dubuque
Street parking ramps, the hourly parking ramp fee by $1.25 per hour in the Chauncey Swan and
Harrison Street ramps with the first hour free, the hourly parking meters from between $0.75 to
$1.50 depending on the location and the fines for parking violations by varying amounts per
violation on July 1, 2024 to recover the City's cost of providing services.
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa:
Section I. Amendment.
1. Title 3, entitled "City Finances, Taxation, and Fees," Chapter 4, entitled "Schedule of Fees,
Rates, Charges, Bonds, Fines, and Penalties," Section 3, entitled "Potable Water Use and
Service," of the Iowa City Code is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and
replacing it as follows:
3-4-3: Potable Water Use and Service:
Description Of Fee, Charge, Bond, Fine Or Penalty Amount Of Fee, Charge, Bond, Fine Or Penalty
Water service charges(see section 16-3A-4 of this Code): Meter Size Charge
(Inches)
For first 100 cubic feet or less of water used, based on 5/8, 5/8 X 3/4 $ 8.78
meter size 3/4 9.59
1 11.29
11/2 22.51
2 30.27
3 55.95
4 97.57
6 196.34
There will be no minimum monthly charge for a single purpose water meter for the months of November to March if
no water is used.
User charges for water in excess of 100 cubic feet per Monthly Charge Per 100 Cubic Feet
month: Usage
(Cubic Feet)
Dual purpose meters 101 -3,000 $4.09
Over 3,000 2.94
Single purpose meters Over 100 4.09
Other charges and discounts: Charge
Low income discount 60 percent of minimum monthly water charge
Temporary water use (see subsection 16-3A-4 B of this
Code):
During construction for the first 90 days from the date Charge Per Month
of the connection to the water main for a new water
service or a maximum of 90 days for reconstruction:
Single-and two-family residences $20.52
Multi-family residences 20.52
Commercial structures 34.19
Ordinance No.
Page 3
After 90 days for any structure, until the water meter is 136.72
installed
Charge
Direct purchase of water fee, per 100 gallons or fraction $0.50
thereof(see subsection 16-3A-4 C of this Code)
Deposit and delinquency fee for combined City water
and/or sanitary sewer and/or solid waste collection
accounts(see section 16-3A-5 of this Code):
Residential owner account 0.00
Residential tenant account 120.00
Commercial account An amount equal to an average 2 month billing for
commercial service for City water and/or sanitary sewer
service, or$120.00,whichever is greater
10 percent delinquency charge on current billed portion of the outstanding amount on combined water and/or
sanitary sewer and/or solid waste account that is not paid within 22 days of billing date. Can be waived once every
12 months
Delinquency deposit fee for combined water and/or An amount equal to an average 2 month billing for the
sanitary sewer and/or solid waste collection accounts(see delinquent account. Can be waived if the account holder
section 16-3A-5 of this Code) enrolls in SurePay
To connect water main extensions, per acre Charge
$539.42
Service Fees
During Normal After Normal
Working Hours Working Hours'
Reconnection of discontinued service $45 $94.48
Posting fee for shutting off water in collection procedure $0 Not done after normal
working hours
Frozen water meters $40.13, plus cost of meter $94.48, plus cost of
meter
Shut off water service at curb and check for exterior leaks No charge $94.48, plus hourly
overtime rate beyond 2
hours
Broken or damaged hydrant Repair cost $94.48, plus repair cost
Location of City owned water main for other utilities No charge No charge
Location of City owned water main for private enterprise No charge $94.48, plus hourly
overtime rate beyond 2
hours
Check water meter for accuracy at consumer's request $90.94 Not done after normal
working hours
Annual fire hydrant fee for inspection and operation of fire 107.47 Not done after normal
hydrants which are privately owned or owned by other working hours
government agencies
After hours callout fee for any water work done outside of Not applicable $94.48, plus hourly
normal working hours overtime rate beyond 2
hours
2. Title 3, entitled "City Finances, Taxation, and Fees," Chapter 4, entitled "Schedule of Fees, Rates,
Charges, Bonds, Fines, and Penalties," Section 4, entitled "Wastewater Treatment Works User
Charges," of the Iowa City Code is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it as
Ordinance No.
Page 4
follows:
3-4-4:Wastewater Treatment Works User Charges:
Sanitary Sewer Service Charges; Description Of Amount Of Fee, Charge, Bond, City Code
Fee, Charge, Bond, Fine Or Penalty Fine Or Penalty Chapter,Article Or
Section Reference
Minimum monthly charge (includes the first 100 cubic $8.73 16-3A-4
feet of water used)
Monthly charge for each additional 100 cubic feet of 4.27 16-3A-4
water used
Low income discount 60 percent of monthly minimum 16-3A-4
charge
Monthly surcharge:
BOD(per pound)300 or less MPL1 Included in charge for 100 cubic feet 16-3A-4
of water used
BOD (per pound)from 301 MPL to 2,000 MPL1 $0.305 16-3A-4
BOD (per pound)greater than 2,000 MPL1 0.456 16-3A-4
Suspended solids(SS)(per pound) 0.244 16-3A-4
Monthly minimum, unmetered user 35.73 16-3A-4
Manufactured housing park, monthly minimum per lot 35.73 16-3A-4
Holding tank waste-plus landfill fees 0.035 per gallon 16-3A-4
Holding tank waste hauler-annual permit 971.40 per year 16-3A-4
Deposit and delinquency fee for combined City water 16-3A-5, 16-3A-7
and/or sanitary sewer and/or solid waste collection
accounts:
Residential owner account, per combined residential 0.00
service for City water and/or sanitary sewer and/or
solid waste collection service
Residential tenant account, per combined residential 120.00
service for City water and/or sanitary sewer and/or
solid waste collection service
10 percent delinquency charge on current billed 10.0 percent current billed portion.
portion of the outstanding amount on combined Can be waived once every 12
water and/or sanitary sewer and/or solid waste months
account that is not paid within 22 days of billing date
Delinquency deposit fee for combined City water and/or An amount equal to an average 2- 16-3A-5
sanitary sewer and/or solid waste collection accounts month billing for the delinquent
account. Can be waived if the
account holder enrolls in SurePay
3. Title 3, entitled "City Finances, Taxation, and Fees," Chapter 4, entitled "Schedule of Fees, Rates,
Charges,Bonds, Fines, and Penalties," Section 5, entitled "Solid Waste Disposal," of the Iowa City
Code is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it as follows:
3-4-5: Solid Waste Disposal:
Description Of Fee, Charge, Bond, Fine Or Penalty Charge
Yard waste collection fees:
Per dwelling unit, per month $3.50
Ordinance No.
Page 5
Low income discount 75 percent of monthly charge
Untreated wood waste Free
Additional yard waste carts over 1, per month $3.50
Collection of large items fees:
Appliance collection, per item collected $20.00
Bulky solid waste $20.00 per stop and 1 item; $10.00 per
additional items
Tire collection $3.75 per tire; $7.50 tire and rim
Residential solid waste collection fees:
Curbside household refuse:
Per dwelling unit, per month $14.00
Low income discount 75 percent of monthly charge
Per sticker for each additional bag beyond each unit's monthly $2.50 each
allotment
Additional refuse carts over 1, per month $14.00 each
Per 2 rooming units, per month (in addition to the dwelling unit 15.90
fees)
Electronic waste TVs or monitors$21.50 per item
Curbside recycling:
Per dwelling unit, per month $8.50
Low income discount 75 percent of monthly charge
Iowa City community compost $20.00 per ton, $2.00 minimum
Wood chip mulch No charge
Deposit and delinquency fee combined for City water and/or sanitary
sewer and/or solid waste collection accounts:
Residential owner account, per combined residential service for $0.00
City water and/or sanitary sewer and/or solid waste collection
service
Residential tenant account, per combined residential service for 120.00
City water and/or sanitary sewer and/or solid waste collection
service
5 percent delinquency charge on current billed portion of the 5 percent current billed portion. Can be
outstanding amount on combined water and/or sanitary sewer waived once every 12 months
and/or solid waste account that is not paid within 22 days of billing
date
Delinquency deposit for combined water and/or sanitary sewer and/or An amount equal to an average 2-month
solid waste collection service billing for the delinquent account. Can be
waived if the account holder enrolls in
SurePay
Special wastes disposal fees:
Disposal of special wastes(except for asbestos containing material 2 times the landfill use fees in this section
and contaminated soils)
Minimum fee 2 times the landfill use fee for 1 ton
Asbestos containing material (ACM): •
Nonfriable ACM, from Iowa City premises subject to a $100.00/ton
Property Tax and City owned property
Nonfriable ACM,from other locations 105.00/ton
Ordinance No.
Page 6
Friable ACM, from Iowa City premises subject to a Property 100.00/cubic yard
Tax and City owned property
Friable ACM,from other locations 105.00/cubic yard
Minimum fee for any regulated ACM 100.00
Contaminated soil: 50.00/ton
Minimum fee for contaminated soil 150.00
Disposal of large items fees (see also Collection of large items fees
above):
Appliance disposal fees:
Commercial per item disposed 1.00/cubic foot
Residential per item disposed $12.50(at landfill scale house)
Tire disposal fee:
Per pound $0.15
Subject to minimum fee 3.00
Untreated wood waste and yard waste: 24.00/ton
Minimum 2.00
Landfill use fees:
Arriving at the landfill with an unsecured or uncovered load:
First instance in trailing 12 months Warning
Second or subsequent instances in trailing 12 months $50.00
Electronic waste $3.00 per item; TVs or monitors $15.00 per
item
Solid waste from Iowa City premises subject to a Property Tax and
City owned property:
Total landfill fee per ton (includes State fee per ton) $47.50
All other solid waste:
Total landfill fee per ton (includes State fee per ton) $52.50
Minimum fee in lieu of tonnage fees (600 pounds or less):
Solid waste from Iowa City premises subject to a Property Tax $14.00
and City owned property
All other solid waste $15.00
Title 3, entitled "City Finances, Taxation, and Fees," Chapter 4, entitled "Schedule of Fees, Rates,
Charges, Bonds, Fines, and Penalties," Section 6, entitled "Stormwater Utility Fee," of the Iowa
City Code is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it as follows:
3-4-8: Parking:
Description Of Fee, Charge, Fine Or Penalty Amount Of Fee, Charge, Fine Or
Penalty
Parking ramp fees:
Hourly parker(Court Street Transportation Center, Tower Place, First hour= Free
Capital Street, Chauncey Swan, Harrison Street and Dubuque Hours 2+ = $2.00 per hour
Street parking ramps), per hour
Monthly all day permits with advance payment (Court Street 90.00
Transportation Center, Chauncey Swan, Harrison Street, Tower
Ordinance No.
Page 7
Place, Capital Street, and Dubuque Street parking ramps), per
month
Annual all day permits with advance payment(Court Street 1,026.00
Transportation Center, Chauncey Swan, Harrison Street, Tower
Place, Capital Street, and Dubuque Street parking ramps), per
year
Reissue of monthly, quarterly or annual permit, each reissue 25.00
City employee monthly all day permits, per month Half price
City council monthly all day permits, per month No charge
Lost ticket fee $ 30.00
Surface lot fees:
Monthly all day.permits, per month 70.00
Monthly all day permits (annual advance payment), per year 798.00
Monthly off hours permits (after 5:00 P.M., Monday through 63.00
Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday), per month; all city surface
lots
Parking meter fees (except as otherwise marked):
Central business district on street meter, per hour 3.00
Central business district lot meter, per hour 3.00
100 - 300 blocks of East Jefferson Street, per hour 3.00
100 -200 block of North Clinton Street, per hour 1.50
10 block of West Court Street, per hour 1.50
10 - 300 block of East Court Street, per hour 1.50
300 block of South Linn Street, per hour 1.50
300 block of South Dubuque Street, per hour 1.50
300 block of South Clinton Street, per hour _ 1.50
100 -300 blocks of East Market Street, per hour 1.50
100 -200 block of North Linn Street, per hour 1.50
400 block of Iowa Avenue, per hour 1.50
Market Street and Schuman'parking lots, per hour 1.50
Peripheral lot meter(outside central business district), per hour 1.50
Peripheral on street meter(outside central business district), per 1.50
hour
Fee for contractor reservation of space, per day 25.00
Moped/scooter/motorcycle permit(annual permit):
January 1, 2015— December 31, 2023 90.00
January 1, 2024 - 95.00
Fines for parking violations:
Overtime parking 15.00
Commercial loading zone; each period runs from July 1 until
June 30 of subsequent year:
First citation each period 25.00
Second+ citation each period 40.00
Ordinance No.
Page 8
Expired meter; each period runs from July 1 until June 30 of the
subsequent year:
First citation each period Warning
Second citation each period $ 10.00
Third citation each period 15.00
Fourth citation each period 20.00
Fifth citation each period 30.00
Sixth+ citation each period 40.00
Prohibited zone 25.00
Illegal parking; handicapped parking space $200.00, or as specified in Iowa Code
section 321.236(1)(b), as amended, for
violations of Iowa Code section
321L.4(2)
Library patron only parking $20.00
Library outside book drop off only 20.00
Parking in passenger loading zone 25.00
Parking where prohibited or restricted during a snow emergency 50.00
Parking in front of fire hydrant 50.00
Parking in fire lane 40.00
All other illegal parking violations 25.00
Increases:
30 days after issue, all parking violations, if not already paid Original ticket amount plus $10.00
or appealed, shall increase in amount by$10.00, or as
allowed by Iowa Code section 321.236(1)(b), as amended
Section II. Repealer. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this
Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section III. Severability. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to be
invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a
whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
Section IV. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in effect on July 1, 2024.
Passed and approved this day of , 20 .
Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
Approved by
ZZ, d
City Attorney' Office—04/10/2024
Ordinance No.
Page 9
It was moved by and seconded by that
the Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
Alter
Bergus
Dunn
Harmsen
Moe
Salih
Teague
First Consideration 04/16/2024
Voteforpassage: AYES: Alter, Bergus, Dunn, Harmsen, Moe, Salih, Teague
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Second Consideration 05/07/2024
Voteforpassage: AYES: Alter, Bergus, Dunn, Harmsen, Moe, Salih, Teague
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Date published