HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 10 2024 HPC Agenda packet
Thursday
October 10, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall
City Hall
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, October 10, 2024
City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street
Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30 p.m.
Agenda
A) Call to Order
B) Roll Call
C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda
D) Certificates of Appropriateness
HPC24-0079: 841 South 7th Avenue – Dearborn Street Conservation District (complete
rehabilitation including removal of window opening)
E) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff
Certificate of No Material Effect –Chair and Staff review
1. HPC24-0075: 325 North Gilbert Street – Northside Historic District (porch repair of column
base, flooring and soffit)
2. HPC24-0081: 8 Bella Vista Place – Brown Street Historic District (deteriorated soffit
replacement)
Minor Review –Staff review
1. HPC24-0086: 730 N Linn Street – Brown Street Historic District (roof shingle replacement)
2. HPC24-0089: 713 East Jefferson Street – Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District
(replacement stairs to the second floor)
3. HPC24-0092: 629 Oakland Avenue – Longfellow Historic District (porch repair and front step
handrail construction)
4. HPC24-0091: 1220 East Burlington Street – College Hill Conservation District (damaged
window replacement and partial foundation reconstruction)
Intermediate Review –Chair and Staff review
1. HPC24-0061: 26 East Market, Old Brick – Local Historic Landmark (door and transom
replacement)
2. HPC24-0078: 726 Ronalds Street – Brown Street Historic District (minor change to prior COA-
adding egress windows and one window well)
3. HPC24-0080: 804 East Davenport Street – Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District
(porch alterations and repair, radon installation, siding repair, soffit and fascia repair)
4. HPC24-0085: 515 Rundell Street – Longfellow Historic District (rear basement window
removal)
5. HPC24-0087: 430 South Summit Street – Summit Street Historic District (minor change to
prior COA – revised porch to be screened with paneled balustrade and square columns)
6. HPC24-0089: 529 East College Street – College Green Historic District (mini-split installation)
F) Consideration of Minutes for September 12, 2024
G) Commission Information
H) Adjournment
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jessica
Bristow, Urban Planning, at 319-356-5243 or at jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly
encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Staff Report October 3, 2024
Historic Review for HPC24-0079: 841 South 7th Avenue
General Information:
Applicant/Owner: Ascend Property, LLC
Contact person: Audrey Lester, audreyglester@gmail.com
District: Dearborn Street Conservation District
Classification: Non-Historic
Project Scope: Full rehabilitation project including new windows, deck demolition,
modern passage door opening removal, demolition of screens at
front porch, demolition of ramp, new front steps, siding and trim
repair, and removal of south-facing window in breezeway.
Applicable Regulations and Guidelines:
4.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Alterations
4.13 Windows
7.0 Guidelines for Demolition
7.1 Demolition of Whole Structures or Significant Features
Property History:
This Minimal Traditional cottage was built ca. 1945. It is a single-story side-gabled
house with a front projection under a roof with a curved slope. The entry door is located
in the south side of the front projection. The house has a picture window flanked by two
double-hung windows in the front projection, similar to early ranch houses. The other
windows are double-hung sash, except for a sliding windows in the rear addition. All
have been replaced with vinyl windows. The first rear addition (now breezeway) was
added in 1959. The second addition was completed in 1995. The screened front porch
was added in 1996. Aluminum siding was installed in 1978. The deck was added at an
unknown date. The gables have a shingled siding detail that has been covered with
synthetic siding.
Detailed Project Description:
This project is a full rehabilitation of the house which, according to the owner, has some
extensive termite damage and has been stripped down to the structural framing on the
interior. All windows will be replaced with vinyl windows. The front windows will be
replaced with a fixed sash window with double-hung windows on either side to match
the “historic” photo of the house. The windows in the rear addition will change from
sliding windows to double-hung windows. Modern elements such and the deck, south-
facing door to the deck, screening on the modern front porch, and front ramp will be
removed. Holes in the fascia and soffit at the breezeway will be repaired and new metal
will be installed to match the rest of the house. The applicant also proposes to remove
the south-facing window in the breezeway and to patch the opening with matching
siding. The house will also have a new roof, gutters and downspouts, and a new coat of
paint, none of which require review.
Guidelines:
Section 4.13 Window recommends:
• If a window is to be relocated, it should not detract from the overall fenestration
pattern.
• If an opening is to be closed . . . on a framed structure, appropriate siding that
matches the existing should be used with its members begin placed across and
randomly extended beyond the opening.
Section 7.1 Demolition of Whole Structures or Significant Features recommends:
• Removing additions or alterations that are not historic and that significantly
detract from the building’s historic character or that are structurally unsound are a
safety hazard.
Analysis:
Much of this project can be approved by staff or staff and Chair without Commission
approval, including:
• Removal of the modern deck and door on the south side
• Removal of the screening and ramp at the modern front porch
• Removal of the modern shutters
• Construction of new front steps
• Repair of soffit and fascia, including new metal cladding at breezeway
• Replacement of existing vinyl windows with new vinyl through an exception to the
guidelines for non-historic properties. Product information has been submitted for
staff review.
The removal of the south-facing window in the breezeway is the portion of the project
requiring Commission review. The breezeway was added in 1959 as a bedroom
addition that was accessed through an existing bedroom in the house. The addition had
a window on the south face but no window on the north face. It likely had a window
facing west but the 1995 addition was located against this wall.
The applicant plans to remove the south-facing window opening in the breezeway and
patch the siding over the opening. On the inside, two bathrooms will be located in this
area, preventing the installation of a single, centered window because of a new dividing
wall that will be installed there. Each bathroom will have a shower against the exterior
wall so that it will not be practical to install a new window opening in either bathroom.
The spaces are too small to move the shower to another wall. The applicant has also
stated that it is not possible to move the bathrooms to the north wall which is already
windowless because of some elements of the plan that already exist and are not in the
budget to change. Application materials include plan drawings which are attached and
an applicant statement to the Commission on the proposed change.
The house has been vacant and in disrepair since a long-term owner vacated the
property in recent years. Much of the project involves the removal of modern intrusive
elements, improving the exterior integrity of the property. For instance, the modern
sliding windows in the 1995 addition will be replaced with double-hung windows and the
screened panels will be removed from the modern front porch. However, the guidelines
recommend that changes to window openings do not detract from the overall
fenestration pattern, which included a south-facing window in the 1959 addition.
Removing the window from the breezeway will impact the fenestration pattern on the
house, creating a windowless wall which is typically something not found on a historic
house and therefore typically avoided.
In Staff’s opinion, the overall rehabilitation project will have a positive impact on the
house and the neighborhood. Many intrusive elements will be removed, and the house
will be repaired and able to be occupied again. While the window is street-facing to the
south, it is also on the side of the building and while the proposal may not comply with
the guidelines, staff finds that this may be an appropriate project for the Commission to
apply an exception to the guidelines. Currently, there is no documented exception in the
section 4.13 that applies to this portion of the project.
Section 3.2, Exceptions to the Iowa City Guidelines, provides criteria by which non-
historic structures can be evaluated. In order to qualify for an exception, the proposed
change to the exterior of a non-historic property must comply with the following criteria:
• The project will not further detract from the historic character of the district.
• The project will not create a false historic character.
• Alterations….will be compatible with the style and character of the non-historic
structure.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 841 South
7th Avenue as presented in the application through an exception to the guidelines for
non-historic properties.
841 South Seventh Avenue – East-facing façade and portion of north elevation from NE
corner (July 16, 2024)
841 South Seventh Avenue – South elevation of historic portion of house (July 16,
2024)
841 South Seventh Avenue – South elevation of breezeway (1959) and rear addition
(1995) (July 16, 2024)
841 South Seventh Avenue – West elevation and portion of north elevation from NW
corner (July 16, 2024)
841 South Seventh Avenue – West elevation and portion of north elevation from NW
corner (photo from site inventory form)
To: Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
Subject: Request for Approval to Remove Window in Non-Historic Home at 841 S 7th
Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Members of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission,
I am writing to respectfully request approval for the removal of a window in the extension of
a non-historic home located in the Dearborn Street Conservation District. As part of a
restoration and improvement project, we are rehabilitating a property that has
unfortunately fallen into severe disrepair. Our intention is to not only restore the home to a
livable condition but to also enhance its long-term value and contribution to the
neighborhood. However, we face a design challenge with the current location of a window
in the newly added wing, which I would like to outline below.
Project Context and Challenge
The portion of the house where the window is currently located is an addition to the original
structure, not part of the historic fabric of the home. As part of the restoration process, we
are adding two bathrooms in this section. Due to the layout of the bathrooms, the
placement of showers on the wall with the window creates a significant issue, as shower
walls are not suited for window openings. For structural, privacy, and functional reasons,
removing the window is necessary.
While we understand that the Commission's position is that a window may have been
historically located in this area had the addition been part of the original home, the current
configuration and condition of the property pose practical difficulties that we cannot
ignore.
Structural and Financial Constraints
We have explored alternative solutions, including relocating the bathrooms to another wall
without a window. However, this change would require moving multiple load-bearing walls,
significantly complicating the design and increasing costs beyond what our project budget
for this project allows. Given that this property has been uninhabited for some time, and
we are working to restore it from a state of near-total neglect—rotting structural
components on the exterior and interior, termite damage throughout, mold, foundation
bracing—we are already facing substantial renovation costs.
Preservation and Improvement Intentions
Our goal is not just to flip this property but to ensure its future as a valuable and attractive
home that enhances the conservation district. The proposed work will dramatically
improve the exterior's appearance and repair severe structural issues that have left the
home unlivable for years. By removing this non-original window, we can preserve the
overall integrity of the structure while adhering to current building standards and budgetary
realities. We are committed to preserving the historic charm of the neighborhood, and I
assure the Commission that this modification will not detract from the aesthetic or
historical value of the area. The removal is a necessary step to ensure the home's
functionality and livability.
Conclusion
We respectfully ask for your understanding of our practical constraints and approval to
remove this window. Doing so will allow us to complete this much-needed renovation,
bringing new life to a dilapidated property in the Dearborn Street Conservation District
while maintaining the neighborhood's historic character.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Audrey Lester
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 – 5:30 PM – FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Beck, Carl Brown, Kevin Burford, Andrew Lewis, Ryan Russell,
Jordan Sellergren, Deanna Thomann, Nicole Villanueva, Christina Welu-
Reynolds
MEMBERS ABSENT: Frank Wagner
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT:
CALL TO ORDER:
Sellergren called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
Review of Roof Material Replacement Certificate of Appropriateness
Bristow explained they have some projects that are staff reviewable as a minor review because the
Commission has created a Certificate of Appropriateness with certain conditions by which staff can
approve them.It's usually because it came to the Commission a quite a few times and was always
approved the same way. Therefore, this was a way to not have some of the projects come to the
Commission.
The first publication of the current guidelines was in 2010 with a list of items like decks and porches that
were staff-approvable, then in 2018 several other types of projects were added and one of them was
roof replacements. Bristow noted even during the conversation of the Commission in 2018 they
thought this one might need revisiting and at the last meeting Sellergren suggested revisiting it. In
January 2018 the Commission members who were present voted to approve staff having the ability to
approve changes in roof material if the following conditions are met. First is that all the details of the
fascia, trim and gutter that might be associated with the roof remain as existing. If there were any
changes needed in fascia, trim or gutter then that would come to the Commission instead. Second,
there were two types of review that this included, one was a roof that had flat asphalt shingles or 3-tab
shingles and the new roof will be architectural asphalt shingles mimicking wood shake shingles and
then that a roof currently that has a flat panel standing seam metal roof that is deteriorated beyond
repair and the new roof will be replaced with architectural asphalt shingles mimicking wood shake
shingles.
In Bristow’s opinion the first two points are fine and have been working well it's the metal roof that
they've been questioning and the way it reads currently is if a flat panel standing seam metal roof is
also deteriorated beyond repair then the new roof would be architectural asphalt shingles mimicking
wood shake shingles and not replacing it with a metal roof with a metal roof. She noted part of the
reason why that could be approved generally is because in 95% of the cases the metal roof is the
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
September 12, 2024
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second roof and it is over wood shingles so it's basically going back to what would have been the
original but not using wood and instead using asphalt shingles. The Certificate of Appropriateness then
also contains just some basic language about pre-approved items may be approved by minor review by
staff if the conditions are met, it also talks about meeting code but not reviewing for building permit
codes.
Bristow next showed some example projects that were done via staff approval. First was one in a
conservation district and the Commission doesn’t review roofs in conservation districts only in a historic
district or on a Landmark property and the Code changed to allow staff to review those in 2015. But
this is an example of a metal roof that was changed to asphalt shingles that was approve because it
was part of a larger project and this house is non-contributing. The next example was a house that has
been approved since the 2018 Certificate of Appropriateness was written and was approved by staff. It
is a key property in the Brown Street Historic District and the metal roof was deteriorated and it has
been replaced with architectural asphalt shingles. Next is an example of a property where they applied
to remove it and the staff member cautioned them that because it is a key property, and this roof is
significant, they'd have to take it to the Commission and the owner did not proceed. Next is a house
that is a key property in the Jefferson Street Historic District that would have also needed to go to the
Commission, so the owner just decided to replace it with another standing seam metal roof and
therefore became a certificate of no material effect. Next is Old Brick and their roof was having some
leaking and there was conversation about changing the roof however it is a monumental roof that has
internal gutters that were integrated within the roof system. Staff therefore suggested that they look at
whether or not the leak was from the internal gutters instead and it was, so they moved forward with
repairing the gutter system and there was no change on the roof. But again, it was one where staff
could have just approved replacing it with something else. The next example was an interesting case,
the Newman Center, which is an addition to an historic building so the entire property is considered
non-historic in the Jefferson Street Historic District. When they approached staff about replacing the
roofs, which are all copper, Bristow suggested to them that replacing the roof on the historic part of the
building with a different material would likely not be appropriate and should probably be taken to the
Commission. The new portion, the Newman Center was designed in the 1980s and the roof on the
building is architecturally significant and not historic in the District so staff could have approved
replacing it but no one wanted to imagine what this building would look like if it was covered in asphalt
shingles so she suggested because it was architecturally significant they replace the roof to match.
They did so but it's no longer copper but a steel that's colored like copper. The final example is one
that happened just last month and it's a contributing property in a historic district and staff approved
replacing it with asphalt shingles and it's been completed.
Bristow stated she is recommending a revision to the conditions for the Certificate of Appropriateness.
It is her recommendation to leave the first bullet point because that retains some details that they want
for anything that was approved. She also recommends leaving the first part about switching a flat
asphalt shingle with the more appropriate architectural asphalt shingle so they have options. She
stated the next part is an important thing to include because they do have some buildings where they
might have an overall roof that is anything, wood, metal or asphalt shingles and they might have a
remnant like a small one-story addition that's still metal or they might have a porch that has the flat
seam metal so the added bullet point would state that if the roof has a porch or a small rear addition
roof that currently has a metal roof with standing seams or flat seams that will be replaced with roofing
membrane that would be typical for a one-story low slope roof and that would allow staff to approve the
replacement of a metal roof that's not the feature roof, it’s just on the rear or maybe a porch because it
is very standard to replace those roofs with membrane. Bristow would also suggest adding a bullet
point that the property is non-historic or non-contributing to a historic district if they want to approve
replacing the metal with architectural shingles. So the first bullet point relates to everything and then
there are three options, one of which has the two bullet points because it's connected by and that would
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
September 12, 2024
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still allow staff to approve replacing a metal roof with architectural shingles if it is non-historic or non-
contributing. That would allow then the example like the Newman Center which could still be replaced
with shingles however it does allow for those buildings where they're just not contributing or not
significant still be replaced. The alternative would be to make it so the only thing that this Certificate of
Appropriateness approves is shingle to shingle or the roof of the porch and small addition
replacements. Bristow’s recommendation is to still allow some of them to be approved by staff and she
reminded the Commission that in a conservation district they don't review any roofs, whether it's a key
property or not, they can still replace it. So, if the Commission would rather have all the metal roofs in
districts come before them they could delete the two points regarding that.
Lewis wanted to clarify that the properties shown as examples were ones the Commission would like to
have approved but didn’t because of the way the Certificate of Appropriateness was written. Bristow
explained she showed examples of some that staff approved and some that as a staff member she
thought that this certificate allowed too much leeway and staff should not approve and they should go
to the Commission. If she hadn't stopped them they would be approved. Lewis asked then this
revision is to be more limiting than before and not allow staff quite so much ability to approve
replacements. Bristow confirmed that is correct because the Commission is supposed to be the experts
and the professionals if staff was not trained in preservation, it could be an issue. She also noted this is
probably the most open-ended certificate that's staff approvable and so this is an attempt to limit that
and get more eyes on a project especially if it is a key property or a Landmark property.
Welu-Reynolds noted some members of the Commission in 2018 came up with the current roof
replacement recommendations that are in place right now. Bristow acknowledged that she wrote the
Certificate of Appropriateness but it was presented to the Commission after several potential minor
reviews and they did approve it. Welu-Reynolds asked however since 2018 some situations have
come up where Bristow felt maybe that roof should not be replaced with what they're suggesting and so
that is why it is being questioned. Bristow confirmed that was correct.
Brown noted at present a property owner in theory could actually pressure staff that they are perfectly
allowed to approve it and there is no need to go to the Commission. Bristow stated its first staff's
determination whether or not something is staff reviewable or goes to the Commission, even if
something meets conditions but she still feels odd about it she would probably still bring it before the
Commission but another staff member might not do so.
Thomann acknowledged she would be concerned about a staffing change and if they don't have
somebody who has the expertise like Bristow to look at a project. She likes the idea of limiting things a
little bit for historic districts and contributing properties.
Bristow noted there's not a lot of products people use for roofs when replacing a roof, people would put
on shingled roofs or replace a metal roof with a metal roof, there's not a lot of leeway there, most
people would not use cedar shake because of the expense, so the reason they review roofs is because
there's a wide range of metal roofs and the flat panel standing seam metal roof that are on a lot of
houses are in need some repair or replacement. On Ronald Street specifically there are two houses
that have replaced their metal roofs with new standing seam that is considered appropriate, one of
those roofs was $8,000 in 2018 and the other was $84,000 in 2022. Totally different contractors,
different brand of metal roof, obviously different dates, and different size houses and roofs, but there is
a wide range of options, and it depends on what is used. Some companies make the proper metal
seam roof as a product and then there are contractors who will just take the flat metal and bend their
own seams and it works fine. The roofs they're trying to avoid are the standing seam metal roofs where
there are any ridges or striations between the seams because that's considered an agricultural metal
roof and the National Park Service actually wrote to Iowa City before 2015, before this new rule, to say
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
September 12, 2024
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that if a property was eligible for the National Register and it had a standing steam metal roof that was
replaced with one of these agricultural metal roofs it would no longer be eligible. So staff has stepped
up to try to stop some of those so they don’t become ineligible. For example, there are few houses in
districts where someone wants to do a metal roof with a metal roof replacement, and she has to talk to
that contractor about using a thicker gauge metal because the thicker gauge metal prevents the
striations. She will also suggest if the building is big enough to replace with a metal roof that looks like
wood shingles. There is a sorority across from the Bloom County house to the north on 932 East
College that was replaced with one, the house across from the Preucil School to the west that was
replaced with one, there's one on Clark Street and one on Seventh and Muscatine that is very three-
dimensional compared to an asphalt shingle roof. She acknowledged a metal roof lasts longer and
actually what they end up doing is they create an airspace between the existing shingles and the new
roof which is even better for the roof.
Welu-Reynolds asked if a house with a metal roof would have to put another metal roof on instead of
the shingles if they wanted staff to approve it but if they wanted to they could have come to the
Commission and ask the Commission to allow them to do shingles. Bristow confirmed that was correct,
it wouldn't prevent them it just means it would come to the Commission instead.
Welu-Reynolds inquired that right now some things just go to City staff but when/if someone is hired by
the City and they don't have the qualifications to understand what should be approved and what should
not approved this could be an issue. She stated her concern is not to have the Commission be a
deterrent for people buying certain houses. She has talked to people who are so worried about buying
a historic house because they feel like there's so many restrictions with historic properties and it's
scaring people away from certain buying certain houses in certain neighborhoods, particularly houses
that need some fixing up. The City has hired appropriate staff to do this job so having the process
come back to the Commission for approval makes her worry. Have there been multiple cases since
2018 and is this is a problem or why did this become a problem resulting in a proposal to change.
Bristow explained the revision came up because there were two or three situations where staff could
have approved asphalt shingles instead of standing seam metal and roofs would be replaced and there
would have been a major loss of historic character.
Brown noted the most egregious example shown earlier wouldn't be stopped by this updated wording
and someone else in this staff position might say it looks fine and approve it. The updated wording
wouldn't change that fact because it's non-historic non-contributing. Bristow noted the Newman Center
is the only standing seam metal roof that's modern that is in a district or even a potential district so that
building is a unique case. Brown feels if this is taking a stricter approach without it being the strictest
approach it tightens things up a little bit which might be a good thing and then if they find five years
from now this clearly was not strict enough they could always come back to it as a Commission.
Bristow stated on the condition that allows the replacement the added statement regarding the property
is non-historic or non-contributing to a historic district allows this to occur to properties that meet this
condition or if they wanted to expand it to contributing properties they could. It may only remove the
ability for staff to approve it when it's a key property or a landmark.
Beck noted the recommended revision isn't stricter than what's currently happening right now, it is just a
process to reduce loopholes in the event that future staff doesn't have training in historic preservation.
Sellergren stated the purpose of this Commission is to maintain historic preservation in Iowa City and it
could be a contributing property or even a Landmark property and if that roof is not significant staff
would still approve replacing it, it would just if staff denies it that it will slow the process down slightly to
allow the Commission to evaluate it.
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Welu-Reynolds stated while it might create a little bit more time for the applicant she likes the idea of
saying that they would do that for contributing or Landmark properties.
Brown noted as written it states that it has to have all details of fascia, trim and gutter remaining
existing and then situations a, b or c could all be true and therefore staff could approve it. Perhaps the
last two bullet points should be combined so there's no way for someone to interpret that the and goes
along with everything up above.
Lewis agreed with Welu-Reynolds in that he doesn’t want to make this feel like they're making people
jump through extra steps and especially if they get in the wrong part of the cycle and suddenly they're
waiting a month if not a little bit longer to get things decided. Most likely it will probably be fine but it
does feel like an extra step but at the same time he does like the closing of the loophole.
Beck acknowledged in the cases presented the homeowners could have chosen to go with an option
that would mean no material effect, homeowners always have that option rather than to go through
review, perhaps the expense is what blocks some homeowners from immediately going for the no
material effect choice.
Sellergren thinks flexibility is important and the Commission is capable of flexibility so she would
personally like to close the loophole so that they don't lose more historic attributes in town. They can
all take a reasonable approach on a case-by-case basis and hopefully things will move through quickly
enough that people won't have to wait.
Lewis clarified with the revision all key contributing and Landmark properties come to the Commission
and everything else can be decided on at the staff level.
Villanueva noted perhaps there could be a medium approach if they say the property is non-historic
non-contributing to Historic District and then staff could approve it and the ones that for sure come to
the Commission would be key and landmark.
Russell stated he lives on a street that has a lot of these metal roofs that look really ugly. He would
think that they're contributing and would not be comfortable necessarily with somebody who doesn't
know what they're talking about to approve that in the office so he would not be in favor of adding that
word here because he thinks it's important to come before least another set of eyes and it could be
really quick to approve.
Bristow noted regarding Lewis’s statement about the time, the worst-case scenario on an application to
the Commission is that someone applies pass the deadline but about five weeks is the longest that
somebody could have to wait if they apply the day after the deadline for the next meeting.
Sellergren noted that seems reasonable to her.
MOTION: Russell moved to approve the recommend revision of the Certificate of
Appropriateness as follows:
The conditions for roof replacement to be reviewed by staff are as follows:
• All details of fascia, trim and gutter remain as existing
• The roof currently has flat asphalt shingles or 3-tab shingles and the new roof will be
architectural asphalt shingles mimicking wood shake shingles or a flat panel standing
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September 12, 2024
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seam metal roof, or
• The roof is a porch or small rear addition that currently has a metal roof with standing
seams or flat seams that will be replaced with roofing membrane, or
• The property is non-historic or non-contributing to a historic district and the roof
currently has a flat panel standing seam metal roof that is deteriorated beyond repair and
the new roof will be architectural asphalt shingles mimicking wood shake shingles (a
new flat panel standing seam metal roof would qualify as a Certificate of No Material
Effect).
Villanueva seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 9-0.
Request for Comment
West-side Park Naming Proposal
Bristow noted former commissioner Kevin Boyd has been doing some amateur historical research and
he had found Adelaide Joy Rogers in his research and had always thought that she would be a good
person to name a park after and so the Parks and Rec Commission have this new park located at the
southwest corner of West High and Highway 218. Bristow confirmed with Juli Seydell Johnson, the
Parks and Rec Director, that the only part of the park will be improved with paths and playground
equipment is marked on the attached map. Boyd had written up a brief statement about Adelaide Joy
Rogers which was included in the agenda packet. Some of the bullet points are: following the
ratification of the 19th Amendment both Emma J. Harvat and Adelaide Joy Rogers were on that first
ballot. Adelaide Joy Rogers was running to be a parks commissioner and she did not succeed but she
was on that first ballot. Adelaide Joy Rogers attended the State University of Iowa's Normal School
which eventually became the school of education. In 1886 she was one of the charter organizers who
founded the local YWCA and their staff member that they hired became a director of women's athletics.
As they grew and needed more space, they were the ones who had Close Hall built and it was built by
a well-known and prominent brick mason and it was also moved by horses up the hill. Historically it's
just a prominent part of the University's architecture. In 1901 Adelaide Joy Rogers petitioned the all-
male school board to provide equal training opportunities for girls which allowed more scientific
education for girls as well. Adelaide Joy Rogers was a public-school teacher and was married to a
well-known instructor in the dentistry school, they adopted two orphans and at one point in time lived on
Melrose Avenue which is nearby the park. She also lived at 620 Park Road which was demolished a
few years ago but was a colonial revival house. During World War I Adelaide Joy Rogers was active in
the Red Cross, she chaired a committee where they came up with comfort packs that they sent off with
the troops as they departed. In 1919 she saw a need for educating the children who were in The
Children's Hospital so they didn't miss out on education and she helped train volunteers to provide that
education. Seydell Johnson would like this Commission’s opinion about this as a name for a park and
whether or not they felt it might be appropriate.
Beck stated she is strongly in support.
Lewis agreed and thinks it's a really good idea, her background is education based and this park is next
to a school.
Thomann noted the area is off Shannon Drive Park and is there any historical significance with that
name or is it just a random name chosen by the developer for that street. Bristow is unsure if there is
any significance as developers get to name their streets.
Russell ask what the actual name they're going to use, would be Rogers Park or Adelaide Rogers Park
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
September 12, 2024
Page 7 of 9
or Adelaide Joy Rogers Park. Sellergren noted it's such a beautiful name and thinks it would be
important to keep the entire name as the official name for the park because it's a feminine name and it
gives people something easy to Google. Sellergren thanked Boyd for his research and work on this
proposal.
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Minor Review - Staff review
HPC24-0073: 713 Ronalds Street - Brown Street Historic District (garage roof shingle replacement)
Bristow noted this was a simple roof shingle replacement on the garage.
HPC24-0072: 323 Brown Street - Brown Street Historic District (deck railing and flooring replacement)
Bristow stated this house is actually non-contributing in the Brown Street Historic District and it's been
altered. This project was a deck replacement.
HPC24-0071: 621 South Summit Street - Summit Street Historic District (flat roof EPDM replacement)
Bristow explained the flat roofs on each end will be replaced.
HPC24-0068: 614 North Johnson Street - Brown Street Historic District (roof shingle replacement,
deteriorated fascia and soffit replacement)
Bristow stated this is just a roof shingle replacement and since this house has never had a metal roof
on it, it went from wood shingles to asphalt shingles, she did suggest asphalt shingles as replacement.
Intermediate Review -Chair and Staff review
HPC24-0070: 103 South Governor Street - College Hill Conservation District (replacement of rear stoop
and step to second floor unit)
Bristow stated this porch was reconstructed and got a historic preservation award last year. It had a
two-story stoop and step and it needed to be replaced. To meet code now it had to be reconfigured to
run toward the back of the building.
HPC24-0007: 917 Bowery Street - Governor-Lucas Street Conservation District (front bay repair and
rear porch reconstruction)
Bristow stated this is a significant property in a conservation district and they’ve been working with them
on a few projects over time. There is a copper roof on the front bay and they are having some leaking
coming in at the roof edge. Also, the enclosed porch has been deteriorating for a while and will be
reconstructed, it's currently just a screened-in porch and not enclosed and it will be reconstructed pretty
much the same as it is.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR August 8, 2024:
MOTION: Beck moves to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
August 8, 2024 meeting as amended. Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote
of 9-0.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
September 12, 2024
Page 8 of 9
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Work Plan and subcommittees:
Sellergren reported the preservation awards subcommittee met on Tuesday and clarified the dates and
created a good outline of the months to come. Nominations will close on October 21st and then the
subcommittee will meet on November 12th to go through a PowerPoint of all of the nominated
properties, vote on who will take an award this year and then letters will be sent out. The subcommittee
will also take care of assigning most of the writing and presentation but anybody who serves on the
Commission would be more than welcome to contribute to that.
Bristow noted they were thinking of forming other subcommittees and have they formed one to think
about landmarks downtown. As Council starts to talk about their budget, which they do in the fall for
the next year, it would be a good time if they want to try to present something to them to consider. The
Commission should potentially think about having that subcommittee meet sooner than later to decide
whether or not to try to get anything to them this year or not.
Sellergren stated for what it's worth she knows about a downtown business owner who's working on
drafting a letter, or petition, from local downtown business owners who are in favor of protecting the
buildings downtown so that would be a good place to start.
Bristow stated if they want to talk about incentives she suggests that they have a meeting with staff
first. Sellergren stated they could go back over the previously suggested incentive program to get
started. She will get something set up in early October.
COMMISSION INFORMATION:
Bristow stated these are not open for discussion they're just on the agenda for the Commission’s
information. Both were forwarded to members by email.
Correspondence from John Courtney
The letter from Mr. Courtney is the exact kind of information needed for an application for historic
review and an application for historic review has been submitted and it will likely be reviewed and
approved next week.
Correspondence from Christine Denburg
This is about the house that was burned in Woodlawn almost 2 years ago. The letter was addressed to
both the Commission and Friends of Historic Preservation, the Commission does not have a budget or
the ability to buy any property at all nor does the Commission have the budget to rehabilitate or repair
any properties. It is not a priority of the City to purchase properties for this reason either, but the
Friends of Historic Preservation Board will have a conversation about it.
ADJOURNMENT:
Lewis moved to adjourn the meeting. Beck seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:36pm.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD
2023-2024
NAME
TERM
EXP. 10/12 11/9 12/14 1/11 2/8 3/21 4/24 5/22 6/13 7/11 8/8 9/12
BECK,
MARGARET 6/30/24 O/E X X X X X X X X X X X
BROWN,
CARL
6/30/26 X O/E X O/E O/E X X O/E X O/E O/E X
BURFORD,
KEVIN 6/30/27 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- X X X
LEWIS,
ANDREW 6/30/26 X X X X X X X X X X X X
RUSSELL,
RYAN 6/30/27 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- O/E X X
SELLERGREN,
JORDAN 6/30/25 X X X X X X X X X X X X
STORK, NOAH 6/30/24 X X X O/E X X X X X --- --- ---
THOMANN,
DEANNA 6/30/26 X X X X X X X X X X X X
VILLANUEVA,
NICOLE 6/30/25 O/E X X X X X X X X X O/E X
WAGNER,
FRANK 6/30/26 X X X X X X X X X X X O/E
WELU-
REYNOLDS,
CHRISTINA
6/30/25 X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member