HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-12 Public hearing NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will
be held by the City Council of iowa City, Iowa, at
7:00 p.m. on the 17th day of April, 2001, in the
Civic Center Council Chambers, 410 E.
Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said
meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the
City Council thereafter as posted by the City Cierk;
rvmhich hearing the Council will consider:
An ordinance to change the zoning designation
General Industrial (I-1) to Intensive Commercial
(CI-I) for approximately 12.09 acres located on the
south side of Highway 1, West.
2.) A resolution approving an amendment to the '~ t
Comprehensive Plan to include the Nodh District
Plan.
Copies of the proposed ordinance and resolution /'
are on file for public examination in the office of /
the City Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. ~)'
Persons wishing to make their views known for
Council consideration are encouraged to appear
at the above-mentioned time and place.
MARlAN K. KARR, CiTY CLERK
glossary/nph.dcc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 10, 2001 (for May 17, 2001 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting)
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: John Yapp, Associate Planner
Re: REZ01-0002 Proposed rezoning from I-1, General Industrial, to C1-1, Intensive
Commercial, for 12.09 acres of property located on the south side of Highway 1,
west of Westport Plaza.
At the public hearing for the proposed rezoning of the 12.09 acre Ruppert property, Tom
Hobart, the attorney for the potential buyer of the property, Ken Williamson, asked the
City Council to consider three changes to the conditions of the proposed rezoning.
Council asked staff to bring these proposed changes to your attention for your review
and recommendation. Staff will re-draft the Conditional Zoning Agreement based on
what the Commission determines to be appropriate conditions for the proposed
rezoning, and will forward it back to the City Council.
The three changes Mr. Hobart is asking the Commission to consider are:
1. The location of the access easement. When this property was subdivided a number
of years ago, a fifty-foot wide access easement was created to allow traffic to
circulate between the Menards property and the Westport Plaza property. This
access easement is important to allow traffic to circulate through this commercial
area, and was designed to serve as a rear access to potential commercial lots that
would front on Highway 1.
Mr, Hobart is asking that the Conditional Zoning Agreement state that the access
easement be permitted to be reduced to 30-feet in width, and be permitted to be
shifted west and north to be adjacent to the landscaped buffer parallel to Highway 1.
The agreement would also state that if the property were redeveloped such that
multiple lots are platted along Highway 1, the easement shall be required to be
relocated to serve as a rear access to said lots. Staff feels this change is
reasonable.
2. The use of architectural metals on the buildinq wall. There was some discussion at
the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the desire to not have a blank wall
facing Highway 1, due to concerns about the appearance of this entranceway and
thoroughfare into Iowa City. Mr. Hobart has asked that the 'blank wall' language be
amended slightly to allow for the use of architectural metals. Staff does not feel this
is a significant change. The language in the Conditional Zoning Agreement would
read:
In order to minimize the potential for a blank wall facing Highway 1, any walls
facing Highway 1 will be constructed of masonry, including brick, stone, dressed
concrete block and/or stucco like material when used in combination with a
masonry finish or of architectural metal exterior wall materials. Alternatively, a
minimum of 30% of the building wall will be windows spaced at least every 50
feet along the wall. Other changes in the pattern of the wall surface may be
approved, provided the majority of the wall is masonry or architectural metal, if
approved by the Director of Planning and Community Development.
3. Two freestandinq siqns. Mr. Hobart has asked that two freestanding signs be
permitted instead of being limited to one. The reason staff had initially
recommended the development be limited to one sign was out of concern for
entranceway aesthetics, multiple signs associated with large retail developments,
and to be consistent with previous rezonings along Highway 1. The Menards
development has been limited to one freestanding sign, however the larger tract it
was a part of when it was annexed and rezoned was permitted two freestanding
signs. The Westport Plaza development was also limited to two freestanding signs.
A recent rezoning of small triangular piece of property to between the Menards and
Ruppert tracts restricted the property to one freestanding sign. If there were no
limitations placed on the number of freestanding signs other than the Zoning Code,
the Menards, Westpod Plaza, and Ruppert properties have enough frontage for
three freestanding signs each. Staff feels the proposed change is acceptable.
Approved by: '
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner,
Department of Planning and
Community Development
SITE LOCATION: Hwy. 1 between Menards and WalmartREZ01-00002
Prepare y: John Yapp, Assoc. Planner, 410 E. Washington St., iowa City, IA 52240 (99) 356-5247
spouse, Robert L. ouse, Katherine C. Hogan and spouse, F. Ruppe~ and spouse,
Herman G. Ruppe~ and spouse, Dean C. Cooper as Executor of the Rosamond V. Cooper
(hereina~er "Owners") and the Cil Iowa, a municipal corpor hereina~er "City"); and
WHEREAS, Owners have requested the Cil approximatel, acres located on the south side
of Highway 1 and west of Westport Plaza from General to C1-1, Intensive Commercial; and
WHEREAS, the proposed rezoning is compatible to the north and south,
and with the commercial character of the Highway I and
WHEREAS, Iowa Code 414.5 (1999) provides tha the Cil Iowa City may impose reasonable
conditions on granting an applicant's rezoning req st, over and ve existing regulations. in order to
r z
t i han ~nces to the city; and
WHEREAS H~ghway I ~s the pnm ~ty from the southwest
WHEREAS, the approximate 1,,2.09 acre property is in close proximity to the Iowa City cipal Airport,
and therefore, there are cert/ain restrictions on the development of the property; and
WHEREAS, Owner§acknowledge that certain conditions and restrictions are reasonable to
appropriate development, to help ensure development does not detract from the appearance of the
Highway I Corridor, and to ensure development is in compliance with laws and regulations governing the
property due to its close proximity to the Iowa City Municipal Airport; and
WHEREAS, Owners and City acknowledge that similar conditions have been placed on other properties
Within the Highway I Corridor; and
Charles W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
Page 2
WHEREAS, Owners agree to use this property in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
Conditional Zoning Agreement to ensure appropriate development of this property.
NOW, :ORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the Parties agree as
follows:
...
1. Charles W, Ru ~rt and spouse, Richard H. Ruppert and spouse, and spouse,
Katherine C. and spouse, Cleldon F. Ruppert and spouse, G. Ruppert and
spouse, and ooper as Executor of the Estate of Cooper are the owners
and legal title holders of ~perty located on the south side of ' 1, west of Westport Plaza,
and northwest of the Municipal Airport, more ;scribed as follows:
Outlot A, Westport Dart Two, Iowa City, according to the plat thereof
recorded in Book 38, Page Plat Records of, County, Iowa. Said tract of
land contains 12.09 acres, or less, and ect to easements and restrictions
of record.
2. The parties acknowledge that Iowa City ha,, policy, as stated in the Comprehensive Plan, to
preserve and enhance entrances to Iowa ners agree and acknowledge that this policy is
reasonable, proper and appropriate und,
,/
Owners acknowledge that the ' ~z's policy concernin governs this rezoning request
and, therefore, agree to ce nditions over and abow regulations in order to lessen the
impact of the developmen, t,,6n the surrounding area.
4. In order to provid~/fOr attractive development at the southwest e tranceway to Iowa City, to
ensure the coorainated development of the above-described land as to minimize traffic
conflicts and Congestion in the area, and to ensure that development on he prope~y complies
r
conform to the following conditions:
a. Any proposed development on the property shall not have direct vehicular access onto
Highway 1. Access to the property shall be through the existing access drives from
adjacent properties. The access easement through the property to allow vehicular access
between properties to the north and south shall be preserved. This access easement shall
Charles W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
Page 3
be shown on all site plans for proposed future development and may be located in
conjunction with aisles through parking areas.
b. outdoor storage of merchandise or material, except for th associated with auto
vehi sales, plant nurseries and florists shops, shall occur with' 100 feet of the Highway
I right way. Storage areas beyond 100 feet of the High ay 1 right of way shall be
screened m view with a solid wall at least six feet in h 'ght, and a landscape bed at
least 15 feet i depth shall be located adjacent to any su wall between the wall and the
y.
c. Loading docks shall be located on any buildin wall or other wall facing Highway 1.
Loading docks shall or located red from vision from
Highway 1. ,/
/
d. All parking rows, including for ca)t/ or truck sales, shall be terminated with a
landscaped bed nine feet in de !,(andscaped bed shall be planted with parking lot
trees which may count toward lot trees otherwise required by the City.
Ornamental trees may be used if the Jre height of large trees are found to potentially
,
penetrate the minimum obstruction cleara height for the Iowa City Municipal Airport.
e. No more than one free-standing sign shall be on the property. If signs are to be
illuminated, they shall only be internally illuminatel
f. There shall be a 30~foot setback from Highway 1 whic~kshall be landscaped with ground
cover. No parking'Or paving other than sidewalks shall be rmitted in this 30-foot setback.
Any and alEdevelopment shall comply with all local state and ederal laws and governing
g' A~rpott ' .i . ,
the deyelopment of the property due to ~ts close proximity to he Iowa City Municipal
h. 'In order to minimize the potential for a blank wall to face Highway 1, the"building wall or
walls facing Highway 1 shall be constructed of masonry, including brick, stone, dressed
concrete block, and/or stucco or like material when used in combination with a masonry
finish. Alternatively, a minimum of 30% of the building wall shall be window openings or
windows spaced at least every 50 feet along the wall, or other changes in the pattern of
the wall su~ace may be approved, provided the majority of the wall is masonry or like
Charles W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
Page 4
material, with approval of a site plan by the Director of Planning and Community
Development.
5. The agree that every development proposed on the subject property, must submit a
develo ,ncept plan to the Department of Planning and Communit, prior to
development. Director of Planning and Community Development shall and approve
the concept plan on the criteria listed above. The director may al a concept plan
containing minor modifi to the criteria listed above, provided the satisfy the
intent of the criteria. ~s of the Director may be appealed to ' Council after review
and a report by the Planninc Zoning Commission.
6. The Owners acknowledge that contained her are reasonable conditions to
impose on the land under (1999), and conditions satisfy public needs
which are directly caused by the requested; ring change.
7. The Owners acknowledge that in the event subject property is transferred, sold,
redeveloped. or subdivided, all redevelopment ~nform with the terms of this conditional
zoning agreement.
8. The parties acknowledge that this cone ~nal zoning shall be deemed to be a
covenant running with the land and w the title to the land, shall remain in full force and
effect as a covenant running with the, land unless leased of record by the City.
/
The parties further acknowledge..t~at this agreement shall inure benefit of and bind all
successors, representatives and' assigns of the parties.
9. Owners acknowledge that nothing in this conditional zoning agreement be construed to
relieve the owner from complying with all applicable local, state and federal
10. The parties agree that this conditional zoning agreement shall be incorporated by reference into
the ordinance rezoning the subject property; and that upon adoption and publication of the
ordinance, this agreement shall be recorded in the Johnson County Recorder's Office at City
expense.
Dated this day of ,2001.
Charles W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
Page 5
_ES W. RUPPERT CITY OF IOWA CITY
By By
Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor
Attest: Attest:
Marian K. Karr, City
Approved by:
City Attorney's Office
STATE OF IOWA )
)
JOHNSON COUNTY )
On this day of , A.D. 2001 me, the undersigned, a Notary
Public in and for the State of Iowa, Ruppert, to me personally known,
who, being by me duly sworn, did say that is the of said
corporation executing the within and foregoing .ment to this is attached, that (no seal has
been procured by the said) corporation; that said signed (and sealed) on behalf of (the
seal affixed thereto is the seal of said) said cor ' of its Board of Directors; and that the
said as such the execution of said instrument to be the
voluntary act and deed of said corporation, by it and b~ ~luntarily executed.
~blic in >r said County and State
STATE OF IOWA )
JOHNSON COUNTY )
On this day of 2001, me,
Public in and for the State of personally appeared
Ernest W. Lehman and Marian K.' to me personally known, and, who, bein me duly sworn, did
say that they are the Mayor Clerk, respectively, of the City of Iowa that the seal
affixed to the foregoing instrU corporate seal of the corporation, and instrument was
signed and sealed on beh of the corporation, by authority of its City Council, contained in
(Ordinance) (Resolution) passed by the City Council, on the day of
~o?~ 2001, and that Ernest W. Lehman and Madan K. Karr the
execution of the ~nstr ent to be their voluntary act and deed and the voluntary act and of the
corporation, by it executed. '
Notary Public in and for the State of Iowa
My commission expires:
Prepared by: John Yapp, Assoc. Planner, 410 E. Washington St.. Iowa City. IA 52240 (319) 356-5247
CONDITIONAL ZONING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between Charles W. Ruppert and Marie Ruppert, husband and wife;
Richard H. Ruppert, a single person; Robert L. Ruppert and Maxine Ruppert, husband and wife;
Katherine C. Hogan and Eugene Hogan, wife and husband; Cleldon F. Ruppert and Betty C. Ruppert,
husband and wife; Herman G. Ruppert and Betty Lou Ruppert, husband and wife; and Dean C. Cooper
as Executor of the Estate of Rosamond V. Cooper (hereinafter "Owners") and the City of Iowa City, Iowa,
a municipal corporation (hereinafter "City"); and
WHEREAS, Owners have requested the City rezone approximately 12.09 acres located on the south side
of Highway 1 and west of Westport Plaza from I-1, General Industrial, to C1-1, Intensive Commercial; and
WHEREAS, the proposed rezoning is compatible with adjacent commercial zoning to the north and south,
and with the commercial character of the Highway 1 Corridor; and
WHEREAS, Iowa Code 414.5 (1999) provides that the City of Iowa City may impose reasonable
conditions on granting an applicant's rezoning request, over and above existing regulations, in order to
satisfy public needs related to the requested zoning change; and
WHEREAS. the City of Iowa City has a policy to preserve and enhance the entrances to the city; and
WHEREAS, Highway 1 is the primary entrance to Iowa City from the southwest; and
WHEREAS, the approximate 12.09 acre property is in close proximity to the Iowa City Municipal Airport,
and therefore, there are certain restrictions on the development of the property; and
WHEREAS, Owners acknowledge that certain conditions and restrictions are reasonable to ensure
appropriate development, to help ensure development does not detract from the appearance of the
Highway 1 Corridor, and to ensure development is in compliance with laws and regulations governing the
property due to its close proximity to the Iowa City Municipal Airport; and
. Cha~:lCs W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
page 2
WHEREAS, Owners and City acknowledge that similar conditions have been placed on other properties
within the Highway 1 Corridor; and
WHEREAS, Owners agree to use this property in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
Conditional Zoning Agreement to ensure appropriate development of this property.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the Parties agree as
follows:
1. Charles W. Ruppert and Marie Ruppert, husband and wife; Richard H. Ruppert, a single person;
Robert L. Ruppert and Maxine Ruppert, husband and wife; Katherine C. Hogan and Eugene
Hogan, wife and husband; Cleldon F. Ruppert and Betty C. Ruppert, husband and wife; Herman
G. Ruppert and Betty Lou Ruppert, husband and wife; and Dean C. Cooper as Executor of the
Estate of Rosamond V. Cooper are the owners and legal title holders of property located on the
south side of Highway 1, west of Westport Plaza, and northwest of the Iowa City Municipal Airport,
more particularly described as follows:
Outlot A, Westport Plaza-Part Two, Iowa City, Iowa, according to the plat thereof
recorded in Book 38, Page 257, Plat Records of Johnson County, Iowa. Said tract of
land contains 12.09 acres, more or less, and is subject to easements and restrictions
of record.
2. The parties acknowledge that Iowa City has a policy, as stated in the Comprehensive Plan, to
preserve and enhance entrances to Iowa City. Owners agree and acknowledge that this policy is
reasonable, proper and appropriate under the circumstances.
3. Owners acknowledge that the City's policy concerning entrances governs this rezoning request
and, therefore, agree to certain conditions over and above City regulations may be imposed in
order to lessen the impact of the development on the surrounding area.
4. In order to provide for attractive development at the southwest entranceway to Iowa City, to
ensure the coordinated development of the above-described land so as to minimize traffic
conflicts and congestion in the area, and to ensure that development on the property complies
with laws and regulations governing development of the property due to its close proximity to the
Iowa City Municipal Airport, Owners agree that the development of the subject property will
conform to the following conditions:
Charles W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
Page 3
a. Any proposed development on the property shall not have direct vehicular access onto
Highway 1. Access to the property shall be through the existing access ddves from
adjacent properties. The access easement through the property to allow vehicular access
between properties to the north and south shall be preserved. This access easement shall
be shown on all site plans for proposed future development and may be located in
conjunction with aisles through parking areas. The City agrees to cooperate with Owners
to relocate this easement, if necessary. The access easement, however, need not be
located as shown on the plat for Outlot A, Westport Plaza Part Two. Specifically, the
easement may be moved west and north as long as it does not encroach upon the 30-foot
setback specified in paragraph 5F. Said easement may be reduced to a width of 30 feet,
however, the access easement must remain open to allow traffic to circulate through the
property, and may not be used for storage or display of vehicles. In the event the subject
real estate is redeveloped in such a manner that lots are platted at the front of said real
estate nearest Highway 1, Owners shall be required to relocate the easement to a point
approximately 210 feet from the Highway 1 right-of-way to allow lots to be subdivided
between Highway 1 and the access easement.
b. No outdoor storage of merchandise or material, except for that associated with auto
vehicle sales, plant nurseries and florists shops, shall occur within 100 feet of the Highway
1 right of way. Storage areas beyond 100 feet of the Highway I right of way shall be
screened from view with a solid wall at least six feet in height, and a landscape bed at
least 15 feet in depth shall be located adjacent to any such wall between the wall and the
Highway 1 right of way.
c. Loading docks shall not be located on any building wall or other wall facing Highway 1.
Loading docks shall be screened or located so they are obscured from vision from
Highway 1.
d. All parking rows, including those for car or truck sales, shall be terminated with a
landscaped bed nine feet in depth. The landscaped bed shall be planted with parking lot
trees which may count toward the parking lot trees otherwise required by the City.
Ornamental trees may be used if the mature height of large trees are found to potentially
penetrate the minimum obstruction clearance height for the Iowa City Municipal Airport.
Charles W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
Page 4
e. No more than two free-standing signs shall be permitted on the property. If signs am to be
illuminated, they shall only be internally illuminated.
f. There shall be a 30-foot setback from Highway I which shall be landscaped with ground
cover. No parking or display of memhandise or paving other than sidewalks shall be
permitted in this 30-foot setback.
g. Any and all development shall comply with all local, state and federal laws and governing
the development of the property due to its close proximity to the Iowa City Municipal
Airport. Nothing in this Conditional Zoning Agreement, however, shall be construed as a
waiver of any "taking claim" by Owners in the event any governmental agency or body
prohibits development on the properly. Owners reserve the right to maintain any claim,
including but not limited to inverse condemnation, taking, temporary taking, Section 1983
claim or other claim, based on the inability to develop the property due to airport
regulations.
h. In order to minimize the potential for a blank wall to face Highway 1, the building wall or
walls facing Highway 1 shall be constructed of masonry, including brick, stone, dressed
concrete block, and/or stucco or like material when used in combination with a masonry
finish, or of architectural metal exterior wall materials in combination with a masonry finish.
Alternatively, a minimum of 30% of the building wall shall be window openings or windows
spaced at least every 50 feet along the wall, or other changes in the pattern of the wall
surface may be appreved, provided the majority of the wall is masonry or like material, or
architectural metal in combination with masonry, with approval of a site plan by the
Director of Planning and Community Development.
5. The Owners agree that every development proposed on the subject property must submit a
development concept plan to the Department of Planning and Community Development prior to
development. The Director of Planning and Community Development shall review and approve
the concept plan based on the criteria listed herein. The director may approve a concept plan
containing minor modifications to the criteria listed above, provided the modifications satisfy the
intent of the criteria. Decisions of the Director may be appealed to the City Council after review
and a repod by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Charles W. Ruppert Conditionat Zoning Agreement
Page 5
6. The Owners acknowledge that the conditions contained herein are reasonable conditions to
impose on the land under Iowa Code 414.5 (1999), and that said conditions satisfy public needs
which are directly caused by the requested zoning change.
7. In the event that the subject property is transferred, sold, redeveloped, or subdivided, all
redevelopment will conform with the terms of this conditional zoning agreement.
8. This conditional zoning agreement shall be deemed to be a covenant running with the land and
with the title to the land, and shall remain in full force and effect as a covenant running with the
title to the land unless or until released of record by the City. The parties further acknowledge that
this agreement shall inure to the benefit of and bind all successors, representatives and assigns of
the parties.
9. Owners acknowledge that nothing in this conditional zoning agreement shall be construed to
relieve the owner from complying with all applicable local, state and federal regulations,
10. The parties agree that this conditional zoning agreement shall be incorporated by reference into
the ordinance rezoning the subject properly; and that upon adoption and publication of the
ordinance, this agreement shall be recorded in the Johnson County Recorder's Office at City
expense.
Dated this day of ,2001.
ChaFI.es W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
Page 6
ppERA./,/ CITY OF IOWA CITY
" By
C Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor
Attest:
Ruppe~, Katherine C. Hogan, Eugene Hogan, ~ce
Ruppe~
ESTATE OF ROSAMOND V. COOPER
By: ~,¢ ,'~
Dean C. Coo~r
STATE OF IOWA )
COUNTY OF JOHNSON )
On this J~-h day of ~"fyO--~r~ 2001, before me, a Notary Public in and for the
State of Io"'~a, ~'~rsonally appeared C les W. Rupp;~, to me known to be the person who executed the
foregoing instrument and acknowledged that he executed the same as his voluntaW act and deed.
STATE OF IOWA )
) SS:
COUNTY OF JOHNSON )
On this ~ day of ~.' . 2001, before me, a Nota~ Public in and for the
State of Iowa, personally appeared ~arles W. Ruppe~, to me known to be the person who executed the
foregoing instrument on behalf of Marie Rupped, Richard H. Ruppe~, Robe~ L. Ruppe~ and Maxthe
Ruppe~; Katherine C. Hogan and Eugene Hogan; Cleldon F. Ruppe~ and BeVy C. Rupped; and Herman
G. Ruppe~ and Betty Lou Ruppe~, and acknowledged that he executed the same as the volunta~ act
and deed of said Marie Ruppe~, Richard H. Ruppe~, Robe~ L. Ruppe~ and Maxine Ruppe~; Katherine
C. Hogan and Eugene Hogan; Cleldon F. Ruppe~ and BeVy C. Rupped; and Herman G. Ruppe~ and
Betty Lou Ruppe~.
C~a.;l,es W. Ruppert Conditional Zoning Agreement
Page 7
STATE OF FLORIDA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF CHARLO'I'I'E )
On this ~ day of ea~red~D ,2001, before me, a Notary Public in and for the
State of Iowa, personally app an C. Cooper, to me known to be the identical person named in
and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that such person, as such fiduciary,
executed the same as the voluntary act and deed of such person of such fiduciary.
, !'~"""~'~ e~EX~R~p~.Z6,~u;,~.. Not lic in and f~r the State of Florida
STATE OF IOWA )
) ss:
COUNTY OF JOHNSON )
On this day of , 2001, before me,
, a Notary Public in and for the State of Iowa, personally appeared
Ernest W. Lehman and Madan K. Karr, to me personally known, and, who, being by me duly sworn, did
say that they are the Mayor and City Clerk, respectively, of the City of Iowa City, Iowa; that the seal
affixed to the foregoing instrument is the corporate seal of the corporation, and that the instrument was
signed and sealed on behalf of the corporation, by authority of its City Council, as contained in
(Ordinance) (Resolution) No. passed by the City Council, on the day of
, 2001, and that Ernest W. Lehman and Marian K. Karr acknowledged the
execution of the instrument to be their voluntary act and deed and the voluntary act and deed of the
corporation, by it voluntarily executed.
Notary Public in and for the State of Iowa
My commission expires:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will
be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at
7:00 p.m. on the 12th day of June, 2001, in the
Civic Center Council Chambers, 410 E.
Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said
meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the
City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk;
at which hearing the Council will consider:
1. An ordinance designating the Carnegie
Library Building (Old Public Library) located at
the southeast corner of College and Linn
streets as an Iowa City Landmark.
· An ordinance changing the zoning code by
~'2amending the Planned Development Housing
Overlay, OPDH-8, plan for Arbor Hill, an 8.2
acre 17-unit residential development located
north of Washington Street on Arbor Hill
Circle.
3. An ordinance vacating Hemingway Lane west
of Russell Drive.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file for
public examination in the office of the City Clerk,
Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to
make their views known for Council consideration
are encouraged to appear at the above-
mentioned time and place.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
06-t2-01
Prepared by: Robert Miklo, PCD, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5240 (REZ01-00006)
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CODE BY AMENDING THE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT HOUSING OVERLAY, OPDH-8, PLAN FOR LOT 236, WASHINGTON PARK
ADDITION PART tl, (ARBOR HILL) AN 8.2 ACRE 17-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
LOCATED NORTH OF WASHINGTON STREET ON ARBOR HILL CIRCLE.
WHEREAS, the property owner, Arbor Hills, L.LC., has requested an amendment of the
OPDH plan for the Arbor Hill Development located on Lot 236, Washington Park Addition Part 11;
and
WHEREAS, the amended OPDH plan would allow the construction of 17 condominium units;
and
WHEREAS, the Departments of Planning and Community Development and Public Works
have reviewed the amended OPDH plan and have recommended approval; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the amended OPDH plan
and has recommended approval; and
WHEREAS, the amended OPDH plan is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA that:
SECTION I. The amended OPDH plan for Lot 236, Washington Park Addition Part 11 (Arbor
Hill) is hereby approved.
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 final passage,
approval, and publication of this ordinance as provided by law.
SECTION III. REPEALER. All ordinances and pads of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION IV. 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 unconsti-
tutional.
SECTION V. 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 ,20
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
ppdadm/ord/arborhill.doc
STAFF REPOF~T
To: Planning &Zoning Commission Prepared by: Bob Miklo.
Item: REZ01-00006 & SUB01-00005, Lot 236, Date: April 19, 2001
Washington Park Addition Part 11 (Arbor Hill)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Applicant: Arbor Hills L.L.C.
905 Bluffwood Drive
Iowa City, IA 52245
Contact Person: Kirsten Frey
Phone: 351-8181
Requested Action: Amended OPDH Plan and preliminary
subdivision
Purpose: To allow the development of 17 condo-
miniurn units
Location: North of Washington Street on Arbor
Circle.
Size: 8.02 acres
Existing Land Use and Zoning: OPDH-8 Multi-Family Residential &
Vacant
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning: North: RS-5, Residential
South: RS-5, Residential
East: RS-5, Residential
West: PDH-8, Multi-Family Residential;
RS-5, Residential; and P-Public,
Pheasant Hill Park
Comprehensive Plan: 2 to 8 dwelling units per acre
File Date: March 24, 2001
45 Day Limitation Period: May 17, 2001
SPECIAL INFORMATION:
Public Utilities: City water service/sewer services are
available.
2
Public Services: The City will provide police and fire
protection. Refuse refuse and recycling
service will be provided by a pdvate
contractor.
Transpodation: The Rochester transit route is located ap-
proximately ¼ mile to the north.
Physical Characteristics: Topography of. this site is characterized
by rolling terrain.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Arbor Hill Development began in the 1970s as a condominium and multi-family development.
The original development consisted of two lots and would have allowed up 90 units clustered in
buildings containing 4 to eight units each. Thirty four units have been built in the first two phases
and the remainder of the land has been vacant for a number of years. Lot 1 contains 18 existing
units in three buildings. A portion of the property was recently subdivided and rezoned to allow the
development of lots 229 to 234 as single-family lots within RS-5 zone. The applicant is now pro-
posing to add 16 units to Lot 2 and an additional unit on the existing 6-plex building on Lot 1.
ANALYSIS:
This property is within the Pheasant Hill neighborhood of the Northeast District. The Northeast
District Plan anticipated potential infill development of this area of a nature consistent with the ex-
isting cluster development. The proposed units have a density of approximately 3.5 units per acre.
This is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan underlying OPDH-8 zoning.
The new buildings would be smaller than the existing multi-family buildings in phases I and 2.
Each building would contain two units. The size and scale of the buildings would appear to be
compatible with the adjacent single-family development.
Vehicular access to the new units would be provided by an extension of Arbor Hill Circle, an ex-
isting private street. The street design includes a loop and three areas of visitor parking. A side-
walk is proposed on one side of the street.
Open Space: This property is near Pheasant Hill Park and does not appear to have suitable land
for neighborhood open space. Therefore staff suggest that fees be paid in lieu of open space. The
Parks and Recreation Commission will review this proposal to determine whether open space
should be provided or a fee should be paid in lieu of.
Storm water management: With the recent subdivision of the single-family lots, easements were
platted to provide for a storm water route to the existing basin on this property. These easements
will be relocated to allow this development. The Public Works Department is reviewing the pre-
liminary storm water calculations.
Fees: The water main extension fee of $395 per acre will be required for this development. No
sanitary sewer tap-on fees apply in this area.
3
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the rezoning to amend the Planned Development Housing Overlay
(OPDH-8) plan and preliminary plat of the resubdivision of Lot 236, Washington Park Addition,
Pad II, a 2-lot residential subdivision and 17 unit OPDH plan be approved.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location map.
2. Preliminary plat/OPDH plan
Approved by:
Jeff Davidson, Asst. Director
Dept. of Planning and Community Development
CITY OF IO H:A CITY
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SITE LOCATION: Arbor Hill CondominiumsREZ01-00006/SUB01-00005
ARBOR HILL REQUIREMENTS
1. Build and Maintain Roof Drain tile line to retention basin.
(Size of Pipe - ?) Maintenance by Homeowners Association.
2. Require all homeowners to run all down spouts from front and back
of roof into roof drain tile line.
3. Individual residential lots must be initially graded and
thereafter maintained by the lot owners so that all portions of the
lot from the front corners of the residential buildings to the street
directs surface water to the street.
4. Arbor Rill Circle must be initially graded and thereafter
maintained at such elevation necessary to turn all water from the
circle portion of the roadway down ????(street running to west of
Arbor Hill Circle) into storm water basin intakes.
5. Final land grading plan must be approved by City engineer.
6. All trees immediately adjacent to or on east boundary line of
property must remain unless marked for removal in final plat.
EROSION
1. Must build and maintain silt fence lines shown on plat and any
additional ones required by City Engineer.
2. Each contractor during construction of any building must build,
inspect and maintain a silt fence to the side of the building and
behind the building to prevent erosion, in the same manner as required
for erosion control on the subdivision site grading and erosion
control plan.
EXHIBIT D
SCALE: 1"= 40'
6/12/01
LLS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will
be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, at
7:00 p.m. on the 12th day of June, 2001, in the
Civic Center Council Chambers, 410 E.
Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said
meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the
City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk;
at which hearing the Council will consider:
An ordinance designating the Carnegie
Library Building (Old Public Library) located at
the southeast corner of College and Linn
streets as an Iowa City Landmark.
2. An ordinance changing the zoning code by
amending the Planned Development Housing
Overlay, OPDH-8, plan for Arbor Hill, an 8.2
acre 17-unit residential development located
north of Washington Street on Arbor Hill
Circle.
3. An ordinance vacating Hemingway Lane west
of Russell Drive.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file for
public examination in the office of the City Clerk,
Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to
make their views known for Council consideration
are encouraged to appear at the above-
mentioned time and place.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
Shared/pcd/publichear~ng
Prepared by: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City. IA 52240; 319-356-5240
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CHAPTER BY DESIGNATING 307 E. COLLEGE STREET (OLD
CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY) AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF COLLEGE & LINN STREETS AS
AN IOWA CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK.
WHEREAS, the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission has nominated 307 E. College Street (Old
Carnegie Public Library) for designation as an Iowa City Histodc Landmark; and
WHEREAS, this property has been determined to be historically and architecturally significant; and
WHEREAS, Iowa City's Historic Preservation Plan encourages the identification and designation of
individually significant buildings as Iowa City Historic Landmarks to preserve these resources impodant to
Iowa City's past; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to preserve historically and/or architecturally significant properties;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the State Historical Society of Iowa have
reviewed said nomination and have recommended approval of the proposed designation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. The following described property is hereby rezoned to OHP, Historic
Preservation Overlay Zone, and designated as an Iowa City Historic Landmark, pursuant to Title 14, Chapter
6, "Zoning," Article J, "Overlay Zones," and Section 3, "Historic Preservation eveday Zone":
Lots 3 & 4 of Block 63 of the Original Town Plat except the east 25 feet of Lot 3.
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 as provided by law.
SECTION III. CERTIFICATION AND RECORDING. The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to
certify a copy of this Ordinance for recordation in the Office of the Recorder, Johnson County, Iowa, upon
passage and approval of this ordinance.
SECTION IV. REPEALER. AJI 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 ,20
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Shelley McCafferty, Associate Planner
DATE: May 11,2001
RE: REZ01-0009: Proposed Historic Landmark Nomination for 307 E.
College Street (Iowa City Carnegie Library)
The Historic Preservation Commission has nominated the building located at 307 E.
College Street for designation as an Iowa City Historic Landmark. The building, now
known as the Old Iowa City Carnegie Library, was built in 1903 and was funded by a
grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. At its May 10 meeting the Historic
Preservation Commission recommended approval of the nomination. The Historic
Preservation Ordinance requires a review and recommendation from both the Historic
Preservation, and Planning and Zoning Commissions before the City Council can act on
the proposed designation. If designated, the property would be rezoned from Central
Business (CB-10) zone to Historic Preservation Overlay/Central Business (OHP/CB-10)
ZONe,
The Historic Preservation Ordinance specified that the Planning and Zoning Commission
should review the proposed nomination "with respect to the relation of
such...designation to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, proposed public
improvements and other plans for the renewal of the area involved," and provide a
recommendation to the City Council. Staff has reviewed the nomination and is of the
opinion that it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and does not conflict with the
purpose or requirements of the zoning chapter or any improvement plans for the area.
The Comprehensive Plan incorporates the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan, which
encourages the retention and protection of buildings that are historically significant.
Specifically, the Preservation Plan recognizes the potential to market Downtown as a
historic destination and shopping district. The plan states as an objective for the
Downtown Neighborhood, "Emphasize the improvement of key buildings of historical or
architectural significance in the Downtown, including buildings such as...the former
Public Library (southeast corner of Linn and College)." Architectural historian Marlys
Svendsen identified the Iowa City Carnegie Library as a contributing property to a
downtown historic district in the "Survey and Evaluation of the Central Business District"
which she prepared for the Commission. Currently, there are no other improvement
plans in downtown with which the landmark designation would conflict. However, staff
feels that the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings within the downtown will
complement the City's efforts to improve the downtown streetscape and should be
encouraged.
The property is zoned CB-10, Central Business District, which allows a wide range of retail,
service, office, entertainment and residential uses. The only dimensional requirement is a
May 11, 2001
Page 2
floor area ratio of 10.0. Given the flexibility provided for in the CB-10 zone, it would appear
that if the building is designated as a historic landmark, adaptive reuse of the building for
one or more of the variety of uses permitted would be possible.
During its discussion of this property the Historic Preservation Commission has indicated
that removal of the non-historic 1963 addition and its replacement with an appropriately
designed addition to the original building would be supported by the Commission. This
would further aid in the adaptive reuse of the building.
The Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the nomination and finds that the
building meets the requirements for designation as an Iowa City Historic Landmark
based on its architectural and historical significance. Staff can see no conflicts between
the proposed designation and the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance or public
improvement plans for the area.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends that REZ01: 0009,the proposed designation of the property located at
307 E. College Street as an Iowa City Historic Landmark, be approved.
Attachments:
1. Iowa City Historic Landmark nomination
2. State Historic Society of Iowa recommendation
3. National Trust for Historic Preservation recommendation
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Department of Planning and
Community Development
HISTORIC LANDMARK
NOMINATION FORM
Property Address: 307 E. College Street Date of Preparation: May 4, 2001
Historic/Common Name: Iowa City Carnegie Library Prepared by: Richard Carlson
Property Owner: South Linn Partners Address: 309 Finkbine Lane #10
Address: 414 Market Street Iowa City, IA 52246
Iowa City, IA 52245 Phone: H ( 319 ) 354-6489
Phone: H ( ) W ( 319 ) 384-0727
W( )
Date of Construction: 1903
(Attach documentation or list source)
Original use of building/object/site: Public Library
Current use of building/object/site: Offices
Legal description of property: Lots 3 & 4 of Block 63 of the original town plat except for the east 25 feet of Lot 3
BUILDING INFORMATION: If the proposed landmark is a building or structure, please answer the
following:
Building Height: 2 stories
Materials: Foundation gray limestone Walls gray limestone Roof metal/membrane
Builder (if known):
Architect (if known): Liebbe, Nourse, & Rasmussen
Significant alterations or additions (explanation & date): 1963 renovation and addition to the rear of the
building; front entrance and basement entrance were sealed up with block; front steps removed and re-
placed with concrete planter. (over)
2
Required attachments:
1) A narrative providing information indicating the proposed landmark meets one or more of the following
criteria:
A. The landmark is significant to American history, architecture, archaeology and culture or Iowa City
history, architecture, archaeology and culture; or
B. The landmark possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workership; or
C. The landmark is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of our history; or
D. The landmark is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
E. The landmark embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, method of construction;
represents the work of a master; possesses high artistic values; represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
F. The landmark has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.
2) Photographs showing all elevations of the building/object/site, and of any ornamental or structural details
of historical importance.
3) Plat map indicating the location of the proposed landmark.
4) Any additional information that may help to justify the historic importance of the nominated property.
Please submit this completed form and all required attachments to the IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION, CIVIC CENTER, 410 E. WASHINGTON STREET, IOWA CITY, IA 52240.
ppdadmin~carnegielibmom.doc
Iowa City Historic Landmark Nomination for the
Iowa City Carnegie Library
by Richard Carlson
Member, Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
May 3, 2001
Description
The Iowa City Camegie Library, located at the southeast comer of Linn Street and College Street,
is a notable example of Beaux Arts classical revival architecture in Iowa City, and perhaps the finest
example of this style in the city outside the University of Iowa campus. Although a large addition was
constructed on the rear of the building in 1963, the original Carnegie library remains largely unchanged
on the exterior.
The original building is constructed of gray limestone, and is divided into two principal sections.
The larger section is a rectangular block measuring approximately 90 feet along Linn Street, the main
facade, and 40 feet along College Street. Extending east from the rear of the main block is a smaller
setback wing. Much of the rear facade of the setback wing bows out in a curve, a legacy of the Iibrary's
original radial stacks.
The front facade, which faces west, exhibits a tripartite design consisting of a central pedimented
temple-front section flanked on each side by a lower wing. The temple-front section is taller than the two
flanking wings, and also projects forward beyond the wall place of the wings on the front facade. Several
features are common to all sides of the principal rectangular block. These features include smooth-faced
limestone ashlar construction; a beltcourse between the basement and the main floor; decorative imitation
quoins on every comer, including those formed by the projection of the temple front from the wall plane;
similar decorative stones used around the windows; and an elaborate cornice that features dentils,
modillions, and a frieze band. Four limestone chinmeys rise from the roof of the main block, one each on
the north and south ends, and two along the east wall.
The principal windows on the upper story of the main block are large, multi-light windows on the
noah, west, and south facades. Each of these windows is located directly above a pair of unornamented
basement windows. The sash and glass in the main windows was replaced during the 1963 renovation,
but historical photographs of the library indicate that the present sash configuration is very similar to the
original (Savage and Ver Ploeg 1962; Eggers 1997:118).
The temple-front entrance on the west facade features a row of four Ionic columns that span the
entrance into a recessed porch. The words "PUBLIC LIBRARY" are carved into the stone above the
entrance. The temple-front section is capped by a pedimented gable, which contains the date "1903"
within a garland wreath in the tympanum. Between the pedimented gable and the principal cornice below
is a field of alternating pilasters and decorative panels. The front entrance is flanked by two tall narrow
windows. Above the door is a projecting cornice supported visually by large scrolled brackets.
The original front steps were removed and replaced by a concrete planter in 1963, but the two
basement entrances beneath the stairs remain. These entrances have round-topped openings. The north
entrance has been filled in with concrete blocks, but the south entrance retains its original metal gate.
Original light fixtures survive over the main entrance and the south basement entrance, but the one over
the north basement entrance has been removed.
The tripartite design of the front facade carries over into the interior. As originally constructed,
the Carnegie library had only two levels: a basement level and a main level. The central section of the
upper story has since been divided into two levels. The entrance portico originally led into a marble-lined
vestibule, which opened into a large lobby beneath a dome and stained-glass skylight (Iowa City Daily
Press 1904:5). This area is now divided into an upper and lower level, with the upper level accessible
from a staircase in what was formerly the south reading room. Bookcases now occupy the lower level of
2
the center section, while the upper level is open. On each side of the original lobby was a large reading
room. Although these spaces have been subdivided by movable partitions to provide office space, they
are otherwise largely unaltered. The four fireplaces have been removed or sealed.
The 1963 addition was designed in the streamlined, unomamented architectural style
characteristic of institutional buildings constructed during the mid4wentieth century. The addition is
faced in a combination of flat limestone panels and dark red bricks, and has a series of tall windows on
the principal facades. The main entrance to the addition is located on the east facade. A sheltered
walkway leads up to the glass wall and glass doors that form the library entrance. A secondary entrance
is located on the west facade, to the south of the south end of the original Carnegie library. Covered
parking spaces are built into the south facade of the addition. The interior is divided into various large
and small rooms, located on multiple levels separated by flights of steps.
The integrity of the Carnegie library on the exterior has been compromised to a certain extent by
the construction of the 1963 addition, designed in an incompatible architectural style, as well as by other
changes made to the older section of the building at around the same time. Other changes to the exterior
include the sealing of the main entrance and one basement entrance by concrete blocks, and the
replacement of the front steps by a concrete planter. These changes are largely reversible, however. The
rear addition required very little alteration to the rear facade, and the original curved rear wall survives
within the new addition. The concrete blocks can also be removed from the two doors. The loss of the
front steps is the most significant irreversible change made to the exterior, although new steps similar to
the originals could be constructed. Moreover, while the 1963 addition is incompatible in architectural
style with the original building, the addition was attached with minimal disturbance to the rear facade of
the older section. The original curved rear wall remains in place inside the 1963 addition.
Many changes were made to the interior of the building as well at the time of the 1963
renovation, but these changes are not relevant to designation as an Iowa City Historic Landmark, which
applies only to the building's exterior. Changes to the interior include the removal of six Corinthian
columns that originally supported the domed roof, the removal of the stained glass skylight in the dome
(now relocated to the lobby of the present library building across the street), the construction of an upper
level in the former lobby, the conversion of the small northeast room into a stairwell, and the construction
of bookshelves in the original lobby.
History
Iowa City's first public library was established in 1897. Previously the only libraries available to
the citizens of Iowa City were short-lived private libraries and the State University of Iowa library
(Eggers 1997:28-40). Many other cities in Iowa had established public libraries before 1897. The reason
for the delay in Iowa City may have been the availability of a university library and private reading clubs,
which satisfied the needs of many of the community leaders who might in other cities have promoted the
establishment of a publicly funded library (Eggers 1997:39-40). When Iowa Citians fhially did begin to
support the idea of a public library, the arguments focused on providing a morally uplifting altemative to
lawless activities for the city's youths, and was sparked in large part by a recent crime (Eggers 1997: 1-8).
The library occupied various rented quarters for the first several years of its existence. In order to
secure a permanent building for the library, the library trustees applied in 1902 for a construction grant
from industrialist Andrew Camegie (Eggers 1997:9-10, 71-73, 89-90). Carnegie had funded the
construction of several libraries in the 1880s and early 1890s, but around 1898 began an organized
philanthropic program that would result in the construction of 1,689 library buildings in the United States,
and another 830 abroad, before the program ended in 1919 (Jones 1997:3, 127-128). By 1935, 133
public libraries had been constructed in Iowa. Of these, 99 had been funded by Andrew Camegie, 31 had
been funded by other private donors, and just three had been funded by tax dollars (Eggers 1997:167).
The impact of Carnegie libraries in Iowa, as in the rest of the nation, was enormous.
By the time Iowa City applied for its Carnegie library grant in 1902, Andrew Carnegie had
already funded or agreed to fund the construction of libraries in thirteen other Iowa communities. The
Camegie library in Fairfield, Iowa, which was granted $30,000 in 1892, was the fourth library in the
United States funded by Carnegie (Eggers 1997:95). Iowa City applied for its Carnegie grant in 1902,
more than four years after the beginning of what Carnegie termed the "wholesale," or large-scale, phase
of his library grant program (Eggers 1997:96).
The amount of the grant awards was based primarily on the population of the community in
which it was located, based on the previous census count. By 1902, the grant amount was approximately
$2 per inhabitant. Iowa City's population in 1900 was 7,987, so the initial grant of $25,000 was generous
by Camegie's standards. However, the library promoters had long set their sites on a building costing
$35,000, and made repeated appeals to Carnegie to increase the amount. Finally, in 1903, the amount was
increased to $35,000 after Iibrary trustee and Congressman-elect Martin J. Wade convinced Iowa's
influential Senator William Boyd Allison to intervene on Iowa City's behalf (Eggers 1997: 103-108).
The Camegie library building was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Liebbe,
Nourse and Rasmussen. The Iowa City library appears to have been this firm's first commission to build
a library. Although the design of purpose-built libraries was relatively new in 1902, and librarians
themselves were still debating several issues of library design, many published descriptions and actual
examples of propose-built libraries would have been available to the architects by 1902. Liebbe had been
the state architect since 1898. Other buildings in Iowa City that had been designed by the firm by 1902
included both the old and new high schools, the English Lutheran church, and at least one residence
(Eggers 1997:108-111). Although James Bertram, Andrew Carnegie's personal secretary and manager of
the library grant program, would later exert much more control over the design of Carnegie-funded
libraries, in 1902 the design was left largely in the hands of the library board, the city, and the
architectural firm (Van Slyck 1995:27-40).
The design of Iowa City's Camegie library was typical of many libraries built around the tum of
the twentieth century, whether or not they were funded by Andrew Carnegie. On the exterior, the
building displayed a monumental temple-front design whose form and details were inspired by classical
Greek and Roman architecture. A compilation of modern library designs published in the Architectural
Review in 1902 included designs for 67 public libraries, of which 57 were classically detailed (Van Slyck
1995:28). Similarly, previous surveys of Camegie library design indicate that an overwhelming
majority--approximately 80 percent in the largest study, which used a sample of 1,007 libraries--
employed some form o f classically inspired architecture (Jones 1997:61; Van Slyck 1995: 147-148).
In the case of the Iowa City Carnegie library, the decision to employ a classical design was
probably inspired in part by the use of this style in new buildings on the State University of Iowa campus,
particularly Schaeffer Hall, which opened in 1902 (Gerber 1988:62). Explicit reference to Schaeffer
Hall--as well as to other proposed monumental public buildings in Iowa City, including a new post office
and additional university buildings--was made by the library trustees in their pleadings with Carnegie to
raise the grant from $25,000 to $35,000. In a city soon to be filled with such impressive (and expensive)
public buildings, they argued, they did not wish to see Carnegie's gift to the city completely
overshadowed (Eggers 1997:106-107).
The interior arrangement reflected the progressive attitudes forrod in many Carnegie libraries. Of
the various debates among librarians that were ongoing or had been only recently settled in 1902, the
Carnegie library in Iowa City adopted the more progressive stance---choosing open stacks instead of
closed stacks, for example, and including a section for children as well as adults (Van Slyck 1995:25-34).
The interior of the library contained a main lobby area beneath the dome and skylight, flanked on each
side by a large reading room. At the east end of the lobby, opposite the front entrance, was the circulation
desk. The stacks extended in a radial pattern east of the circulation desk, into the curved rear facade of
the building. This design was commonly seen in turn-of-the-century library buildings, and marked a
transition between the closed stacks typical of earlier libraries and the open stacks commonly used today.
The radial design centered on the circulation desk enabled the librarian to constantly monitor the shelf
area without leaving her or his seat (Van Slyck 1995:107). Although most of the original interior features
have been removed from the first story of Iowa City's Carnegie library, several of the original radial
bookshelves remain in place.
4
From the beginning, the library was intended to accommodate younger readers as well as adults.
Part of the rationale behind funding a public library in 1897 was to provide a morally uplifting and
socially acceptable alternative to teenagers and young adults who might otherwise resort to lawless
activities. In addition, a children's room, housed in the basement, was started in 1906, two years after the
completion of the building. While it was fairly standard by the mm of the century for libraries to provide
a separate children's room, this had been a topic of some debate as little as a decade earlier (Van Slyck
1995:25-26).
The basic services provided by the library remained largely unchanged between the completion of
the building in 1904 and the 1950s. Library policy and economic constraints resulted in greater or lesser
amounts of public outreach during this period~outreach programs included traveling libraries, lending
books to schools, and cooperative programs with other regional libraries--but regardless of other
priorities, the emphasis on children remained high throughout the library's history (Eggers 1997: 157,
374~378, 381). After a long downward trend in library usage beginning around 1933, the number of
library users began to increase again shortly after the end of the Second Wo~d War. Included among this
increased number were the many children of the "baby boom" generation. By the mid-1950s, it was clear
that the space in the original Carnegie library was insufficient to accommodate the increased number of
both younger and adult users. In 1957, planning was begun for an addition to the original building
(Eggers 1997:176, 214-215).
A maj or renovation of the building and the construction of a large rear addition were made in
1963. Most of the library services were moved to the new section, with little more than the reading
rooms, stacks, and offices remaining in the original building. The new wing included a large new
children's room, reference room, periodicals room, and multi-purpose room. The interior of the older
section was also altered during the same renovation. Other changes to the exterior and interior of the
older section have been noted above.
Although the new addition increased the usable floor space of the library from 8,000 square feet
to over 22,000 square feet, the design was inadequate for several reasons. Structural problems beset both
the old section and the new wing, and the new wing was regarded by many as poorly planned. In
particular, at a time when the library was beginning to actively encourage visits by users other than the
traditional library users (women, children, and students), the seven different levels in the library, linked
only by steps and lacking an elevator, made it difficult or impossible for the elderly and the physically
challenged to move about the building with ease (Eggers 1997:297-298). Planning was begun for a
completely new library in 1974, just 11 years after the completion of the 1963 wing. The present Iowa
City Public Library building was completed in 1981, at the northwest comer of the same intersection
occupied on the southeast comer by the Carnegie library. Since 1981, the Carnegie library building has
been rented to the University of Iowa for use as office space. No significant changes have been made to
the building since that time.
Statement of Si~.,nificance
The Iowa City Carnegie Library building meets several of the criteria for listing as an Iowa City
Historic Landmark. Specifically, it is significant to Iowa City history, architecture and culture as the first
building in Iowa City designed for use as a public library, and as an excellent early example of Beaux
Arts classical revival architecture in Iowa City (Criterion A). It is one of the few institutional buildings in
Iowa City designed in this style other than those on the University of Iowa campus. The Camegie Library
also possesses integrity of location, materials, and workmanship (Criterion B). Its integrity of desigu has
been compromised to a limited extent by the construction of a large rear addition, the removal of the front
steps, and the sealing of two doors with concrete blocks. Otherwise, the building retains all of its
significant exterior features, and could be returned to its original appearance with relative ease and
without the introduction of a significant amount of new material. The building is associated with the
public library movement in the United States, an important historical movement intended to further the
democratic ideal of making information available to all at no cost (Criterion C). Finally, the building
5
embodies the distinctive characteristics of the classical revival style of architecture that was used almost
exclusively in monumental public buildings during the first two decades of the twentieth century
(Criterion E).
The Carnegie library is one of the single most common types of public building found in the
United States. In cities and towns of every size, as well as in many rural communities, the Carnegie
library was often the first permanent home for a community's library. In all but the largest cities, the
Camegie library was usually one of the most prominent buildings in town, and was often the center of a
town's cultural activities. While the presence of the State University of Iowa campus in Iowa City
relegated the Camegie library here to a less prominent role than such libraries played elsewhere, its role in
providing free reading material and other educational and cultural services to several generations of Iowa
Citians has made it an important institution in the city's history.
Architecturally, the building is characterized by many distinctive classical features that identify it
as a product of the classical revival movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Classical elements include the building's symmetry as well as details such as the monumental temple
front capped by a pedimented gable; Ionic columns; elaborate cornice with frieze band, dentils, and
modillions; imitation quoins; and scrolled brackets. All of these features have been retained on the
exterior. While not as elaborate as buildings on the University of Iowa campus designed in a similar
style, it retains its significant distinctive features that characterize this period of American architectural
history.
The library is also important locally for its role in introducing several generations of Iowa Citians
to a variety of books and other materials for both research and pleasure. The library's historic emphasis
on special sections for children and young adults has guaranteed that local residents are introduced to the
library at an early age, and are made aware of all that it has to offer to them not only during their school
years but also beyond. The library has also historically made space available for lectures, readings, and
other cultural events, as well as for social club meetings and other activities.
The Iowa City Carnegie Library is significant at the local level only. It was one of dozens
constructed in Iowa, and, while attractive in its own right, its history is not sufficiently distinctive nor its
design sufficiently innovative to elevate its importance to the statewide level. Its architects were a well
known Des Moines firm, but there is no evidence that they made a specialty of library design, or that this
design was an outstanding example of their work. No attempt was made in the research for this
nomination to investigate the other buildings designed by this firm, however, so further research may
reveal its significance as a design by Liebbe, Nourse and Rasmussen.
Although the Camegie Library is being nominated for designation as an Iowa City landmark
rather than for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, it is worth noting that the building has
been evaluated as individually eligible for listing in the National Register by a historic preservation
consultant hired by the City of Iowa City (Svendsen 2001:E61, F101). The criteria used to evaluate a
building as eligible for listing in the National Register are nearly identical to those in the Iowa City
municipal code for listing a building as an Iowa City Historic Landmark.
6
Bibliography
Eggers, Lolly Parker
1997 A Century of Stories: The History of the Iowa City Public Library, 1897-1997. The Iowa City
Public Library Friends Foundation, [Iowa City, Iowa?].
Gerber, John C.
1988 A Pictorial History of the University of Iowa. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City.
Iowa City Daily Press (Iowa City, Iowa)
1904 "New Book Home is Dedicated." Iowa City Daily Press, November 30, 1904.
Jones, Theodore
1997 Carnegie Libraries Across America: A Public Legacy. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, et al.
Savage and Ver Ploeg
1962 "An Addition to the Public Library, Iowa City, Iowa." Blueprints by the architectural firm of
Savage and Ver Ploeg, West Des Moines, Iowa, dated July 1962. Copy in the possession of the
Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City, Iowa.
Svendsen, Marlys A.
2001 Survey and Evaluation of the Central Business District, Iowa City, Iowa. Draft report dated April
2001. Prepared for the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission by Marlys Svendsen,
Svendsen Tyler, Inc., Sarona, Wisconsin.
Van Slyck, Abigail A.
1995 Free To All.' Carnegie Libraries and American Culture, 1890-1920. The University of Chicago
Press, Chicago, Illinois.
Site Inventory Form State Inventory No. 52-02230 [] New [] Supplemental
State Historical Society of Iowa [] Part of a district with known boundaries (enter inventory no.)
(December 1, 1999) Relationship: [] Contributing [] Noncontributing
[] Contributes to a potential district with et unknown boundaries
National Register Status:(any that apply)¥~ Listed [] De-listed [] NHL [] DOE
9-Digit SHPO Review & Compliance Number
[] Non-Extant (enter year)
1. Name of Property
historic name Old Iowa CitV Public Librarv
other names/site number Carneclie Library
2. Location
street & number 218 South Linn Street/307 East Colleee Street
city or town Iowa City [] vicinity, county Johnson
Legal Description:(If Rural)Township Name Township No. Range No. Section Quarter of Quarter
(If Urban) Subdivision Oriclinal Town Block(s) 63 Lot(s) see full leqal
3. State/Federal Agency Certification [Skip this Section]
4. National Park Service Certification [Skip this Section]
5. Classification
Category of Property (check onlyone box) Number of Resources within ProPerty
[] building(s) If Non-Eligible Property If Eligible Property, enter number of.'
[] district Enter number of: Contributincl Noncontfibutinq
[] site __ buildings 1_ __ buildings
[] structure sites sites
[] object __ structures __ __ structures
__ objects __ objects
__ Total I __ Total
Name of related project report or multiple property study (Enter "N/A" if the property is not part of a multiple property examination).
Title Historical Architectural Data Base Number
Iowa City Central Business District Study 52-040
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
05C EDUCATION/library 05B01 EDUCATION/university
7. Description
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Materials (Enter categories from instructions)
06C LATE 19th & 20th CENTURY REVIVALS/Classical foundation 04C STONE/limestone
06A LATE 19th & 20th CENTURY REVIVALS/Beaux Arts walls 04C STONE/limestone & 03 BRICK
roof 17 OTHER
other
Narrative Description (El SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" representing your opinion of eligibility after applying relevant National Register criteria)
[] Yes [] No [] More Research Recommended A Property is associated with significant events.
[] Yes [] No [] More Research Recommended B Property is associated with the lives of significant persons.
[] Yes [] No [] More Research Recommended C Property has distinctive architectural characteristics.
[] Yes [] No [] More Research Recommended D Property yields significant information in archaeology or history.
County Johnson Address 218 South Linn Street/307 East Colleqe Street Site Number 52-02230
City Iowa City District Number
Criteria Considerations
[] A Owned by a religious institution or used [] E A reconstructed building, object, or structure.
for religious purposes. [] F A commemorative property.
[] B Removed from its original location. [] G Less than 56 years of age or achieved significance within the past
[] C A bidhplace or grave. 50 years.
[] D A cemetery
Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Significant Dates
Construction date
02 ARCHITECTURE 1903 [] check if circa or estimated date
Other dates
1968 - remodelinq
Significant Person Architect/Builder
(complete if National Register Criterion B is marked above) Architect
N/A Liebbe, Nourse &Rasmussen, Des Moines
Builder
Sheets & FreVder, Iowa City
Narrative Statement of Significance ([] SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography [] See continuation sheet for dtations of the books, articles, and other sources used in prepadng this form
10. Geographic Data
UTM References (OPTIONAL)
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing
1 2
3 4
[] See continuation sheet for additional UTM references or comments
11. Form Prepared By
name/title Madvs A. Svendsen
organization Svendsen Tyler, inc. date 9/2000
street &number N3834 Deep Lake Road telephone 715/469-3300
city or town Sarona state W. JI zip code 54870
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION (Submit the following items with the completed form)
FOR ALL PROPERTIES
1. Map: showing the property's location in a town/city or township.
2. Site plan: showing position of buildings and structures on the site in relation to public road(s).
3. Photographs: representative black and white photos. Ifthe photos are taken as part of a survey for which the Society is to be
curator of the negatives or color slides, a photo/catalog sheet needs to be included with the negatives/slides and the following
needs to be provided below on this particular inventory site:
Roll/slide sheet # 9643 Frame/slot # 1__2 Date Taken 11/4/99
Roll/slide sheet # Frame/slot # Date Taken
Roll/slide sheet # Frame/slot # Date Taken
See continuation sheet or attached photo & slide catalog sheet for list of photo roll or slide entries.
E~Photos/illustrations without negatives are also in this site inventory file.
FOR CERTAIN KINDS OF PROPERTIES, INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AS WELL
1. Farmstead & District: (List of structures and buildings, known or estimated year built, and contributing or non-contributing status)
2. Barn:
a. A sketch of the frame/truss configuration in the form of drawing a typical middle bent of the barn.
b. A photograph of the loft showing the frame configuration along one side.
c. A sketch floor plan of the interior space arrangements along with the barn's exterior dimensions in feet.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Use Only Below This Line
Concur 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:
Evaluated by (name/title): Date:
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-02230
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Paae 1
Old Iowa City Public Library Johnson
Name of Property County
218 South Linn Street/307 East Colleqe Street Iowa City
Address City
7. Narrative Description
This 2-story public library building was built in 1903-04. Its design incorporates both Classical Revival design
features and Beaux-Arts elements.
The library was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen, a firm without
experience in designing public libraries at the time they accepted this commission. The building is constructed of
Bedford limestone. The building's form consists of a dominant central mass sitting astride lower hipped-roof
wings extending to the north and south. The central section has a temple front with a portico supported by four
large Ionic columns. The original entrance opening was accessed up a magnificent set of steps through these
columns. High windows flanked the entrance doors. The portico's pediment has a carved wreath with the 1903
date of construction inscribed in the center. The pediment rests on a series of short carved pilasters and panels.
The identical design of each of the hipped roof wings included a raised basement with a beltcourse separating the
floors, cut stone quoins at both the inner and outer corners, and a cornice that includes two courses of dentils and
a row of modillions. A compromise with local stone cutters apparently resulted in the molded stone being cut off-
site and the balance cut by local artisans.
The building's current windows consist of 1/1 double-hung sash of various sizes in the basement level and main
floor. "Chicago window" groups are located on each side of the entrance portico. These groups have large fixed
sash flanked by narrow 1/1 sash and a row transom lights above. The windows are framed in Classical motifs
with panels below and keystones above.
The interior originally had a lobby ceiling that was supported by six Corinthian columns and topped by a dome
with a stained glass skylight. The skylight was removed in 1981 and put on display in the lobby of the new library
across the street. Former Library Director Lolly Eggers describes the original interior of the Carnegie library as
follows: "The Liebbe design...called for ...the centrally placed charging desk as the aesthetic and functional point
of the entire main floor. The small marble-lined vestibule and domed lobby of the Liebbe design led directly to the
main desk. There were reading rooms on either side of the lobby with the angled stacks behind the desk. There
were two small offices, one for the librarian and the other a staff workroom, to the right and left of the stacks."
(Eggers, p. 110) She also notes that there were fireplaces scattered throughout the reading rooms and offices.
The principal alterations to the library date from the 1962 remodeling. They include closure of the front entrance
by the removal of doors and steps, and the addition of a rear wing to house a community hall, children's theater,
and children's library section. The rear addition is clad in dark brown brick and trimmed in pre-cast concrete. A
veranda extends from College Street south up a ramp with eight concrete piers supporting the roof. Large
spherical lights are suspended from the ceiling above the entrance ramp.
The old Iowa City Public Library was vacated in 1981 when the new library was completed. The University of
Iowa now uses it as offices.
8. Statement of Siclnificance
This building is a well-executed example of a Classical Revival style public library building. It was one of a series
of quasi-public or civic buil,tdhings constructed along South Linn Street in the decades immediately preceding and
following the turn-of-the 20 century. Modifications to the entrance and the rear diminish its significance
somewhat but the building remains individually eligible for the National Register under Criteria A & C. It also
serves as a contributing structure to a potential historic district or conservation district.
The Iowa City Public Library first opened quarters in two rented rooms above the C.O.D. Laundry at 211 East
Iowa Avenue in 1897 under the auspices of the Iowa City Public Library Association. Four years later it moved to
212 East College Street where it remained until 1904. The Library Association championed the need for a library
and in 1902 the group petitioned Andrew Carnegie for a grant. In March of that year, the Library Association was
informed that $25,000 would be granted for its construction if the city would provide a site and $2,500 annually for
its operation. This amount was deemed insufficient by the library planners and after several requests for a larger
amount, Judge Martin Wade of the Library Board was successful in getting the amount increased by Carnegie to
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-02230
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Paqe 2
Old Iowa City Public Library Johnson
Name of Properly County
218 South Linn Street/307 East Colleqe Street Iowa City
Address City
$35,000. Completion of the building and its furnishings would nevertheless prove a challenging task for the
Library Board.
As required by the Carnegie grant, securing the library site the next step. The Library Board considered six sites
in or near the downtown with four located along South Linn Street. This site was eventually selected though it
was likely not the first choice of Library Board members. This location was consistent with a practice that evolved
for locating public and civic buildings along the eastern fringe of the downtown begun in the late 19th century.
Other examples included the original City Hall at 230 E. Washington (1881 ), the former Post Office at 28 S. Linn
(1904, 1931 addition), and three fraternal halls - the Knights of Columbus Building, the Elks Building, and the
Masonic Temple - all located just east of Linn Street.
Once funding was approved and a site was selected, the Library Board retained the Des Moines architectural firm
of Liebbe, Nourse and Rasmussen. Liebbe had served as state architect for the previous five years and the firm
was designing the Iowa City High School at the time the library commission became available. The Des Moines
firm had no previous experience designing libraries but members of the Library Board appeared unconcerned
because of the firm's general experience both locally and around the state. Low bidder for the general contract
was Sheets and Freyder of Iowa City with C. Hurley the successful bidder for the heating and plumbing work.
After two bid cycles, the electrical contract went to Tri-Cities Electric of Davenport. F.X. Freyder, company owner,
oversaw the work on behalf of his company.
The most difficult aspects of the building's construction revolved around provisions for stone cutting for the project
and overall cost cutting. After considerable debate it was finally determined that local stone cutters would be
used for building stone with off-site cutters used for molded stone in orde. r to save money and assure completion
of quality work. Construction began with groundbreaking on July 10, 1903 and continued through 1904. W.P.
Coast, George Hummer and George Ball served as the building committee on behalf of the Library Board. They
retained J.J. Hotz, another local contractor, to serve as the Library Board's general superintendent to monitor the
quality of the work and assure timely completion. Cost savings during the course of construction allowed the
Board to furnish the building - a major expense that originally went unfunded. The library opened on October 27,
1904 with formal dedication a month later. The Iowa City Public Library was one of 46 to be built in Iowa with the
benefit of Carnegie grants between 1901 and 1904.
Plans to build a new public library in Iowa City surfaced during the early 1970s at the same time that efforts were
underway to implement a downtown urban renewal program. A location for the new library was eventually chosen
diagonally across the street from the Carnegie Library. Following its completion in 1981, the Carnegie Library
was vacated and space leased to the University of Iowa for office space. This use continues in 2000 with the
University now renting the former library building.
9. Maior Biblioqraphic References
Iowa City city directories.
Property Transfer Records, Johnson County Auditor's Office.
Tax Assessor's Records, City of Iowa City Assessor.
Sanborn maps, 1874, 1879, 1888, 1892, 1899, 1906, 1912, 1920, 1926, 1933, and 1933 updated to 1970.
Eggers, Lolly Parker. A Century of Stories: The History of the Iowa City Public Library, 1896-1977. Iowa City:
Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation, 1997.
Iowa Depadment of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-02230
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Paqe 3
Old Iowa City Public Library Johnson
Name of Property County
218 South Linn Street/307 East Colleqe Street Iowa City
Address City
Additional Documentation
Full Legal Description: Original Town, Block 65, Lot 4 and West 55' of Lot 3.
Plat Map:
IOWA CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK
NOMINATION FOR THE IOWA CITY CARNEGIE LIBRARY
West elevation of original library
North elevation of original Library
IOWA CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK
NOMINATION FOR THE IOWA CITY CARNEGIE LIBRARY
Northwest corner
Northeast corner of Library Addition
pcd\histpres\carnegielibrary\picnominatdoc 2
IOWA CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK
NOMINATION FOR THE IOWA CITY CARNEGIE LIBRARY
South elevation of Library Addition
South elevation of original Library
pcd\histpres\carnegielibrary\picnominat doc 3
IOWA CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK
NOMINATION FOR THE IOWA CITY CARNEGIE LIBRARY
i
Southeast corner of Library Addition
pcd\histpres\carnegielibran/\picnominat doc 4
STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF IOWA
ff)(~C'F<,' D tISI IHee/s.fillllFe
May 4, 2001
Ms. Shelley McCafferty
Department of Planning and Community Development
Civic Center
410 East Washington Street
American (;othic lh)usc Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Eldon
RE: State Review and Comment on Landmark Designation of the Iowa City
Im,,,d ;~un Nin, Carnegie Library
Dear Ms. McCafferty:
Centennial Building
Iowa (2it}' Thank yOU for submitting the nomination for designating the Iowa City Carnegie
Library, 4 13 Market Street, Iowa City, Iowa for the State's review and
Matthew E(Icl Black~nlith Shol~recommendation.
Haverhill
We concur with the Iowa Historic Preservation Commission that the the Iowa
Abl~ic (;ardncr Cabin City Carnegie Library is a significant property and should be recognized by
Arnlllcls I'ark designation as an Iowa City historic landmark.
hlwa I lishu'ical Building If yOU need additional information or have any questions about this review,
l)cs Moincs please do not hesitate to contact us at the following:
Monl;ttlk (;ovcrnor'~ Honlt. Kerry C. McGrath Ralph Christian
Clcrm{,nt Museum 515/281-6826 515/281-8697
~ :~crn~,.,,t kmc~rat~,max. state. is.us rchristl, max. state .is.us
Iowa ( 2it5 Sincerel~
Kerry C. McGrath
X,VCNtCH1 Ilihtl n'ic Tl:l ils CenterLOCal Governments Coordinator
Ralph Christian
Architectural Historian
cc: Mr. Michael Gunn, Chair., Historic Preservation Commission
IOWA HISTORICAL BUILDING
600 East Locust · l)cs Moincs, lo~va ~l )319-0290
Phonc:(~15) 281-6412 · Fax:(~,15) 242 6t98 or (%15) 282 (}~(12
www. state.is.us/government/des
MIDWEST OFFICE
NATIONAL TRUST
May 7, 2001 for HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Ms. Shelley McCafferty
Department of Planning and Community Development
401 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Ms. McCafferty:
It is my understanding that at tomorrow's meeting, the City Council will be discussing whether or
not to hold a public hearing on preserving the Carnegie Library. If the Council agrees to hold a
hearing, a moratorium will be placed on the demolition of the property.. The National Trust
supports local landmark designation of the library. On behalf of the National Trust, I respectfully
urge the City Council to hold a public hearing regarding the fate of this locally significant
property.
Constructed in 1903, the Carnegie Library, along with the Masonic Temple, the Post Office and
the Knights of Columbus Building, makes up what is called the Linn Street Civic Corridor.
Demolition of this property would be a great loss to your downtown and would destroy an
irreplaceable part of the intact Civic Corridor. Communities throughout the country are
recognizing the importance of these buildings and are preserving them as libraries or are restoring
and rehabilitating them---for everything ~'om apartment houses to heritage musems. I would be
happy to provide examples of these types of projects.
1 would also like to take this opportunity to point out that local landmark designation does not
necessarily diminish the value of a property nor does it necessarily make the city liable for a
potential decrease in value because of designation. Property owners challenging historic
preservation laws sometimes argue that such laws, either generally or in their application in a
specific case, amount to a "taking" of private property. The term "taking" comes from the Fifth
Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states "...nor shall private property be taken
for public use without just compensation."
Local landmark designation does not automatically result in a taking. In finding that a regulatory
taking has occurred, the courts have typically required an almost total elimination of value
because of governmental regulation. Most courts in recent years have assessed the economic
impact of land-use regulation by determining whether the owner is left with a reasonable
economic use of the property. Simply denying the highest and best use of a property does not
give rise to a taking. I would be happy to provide additional information on "takings" law.
Iowa City has a long and impressive preservation history, we hope that the City will continue to
preserve and protect your rich architectural heritage. Please let me know if I can be of any
assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Field Representative .~
53 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD · SUITE 350 · CHICAGO, IL 60604
312.939.5547 ' FAX: 312.939.565l · WWW.NATIONALTRUST.ORG
Serving: IL, IN, IA, MI. MsV. MO, OH tCc WI
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Martha Gordon [Martha-Gordon@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 6:22 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Andrew Carnegie Library building
Dear Council Members:
I am very concerned about the request of a developer to buy the plot of land where the old Carnegie Library is and
build an apartment building there. The old library is an historic building because it was designed and built all over
America by Andrew Carnegie, one of the greatest benefactors to the U.S. library system, a unique system in the world as
a whole, which helps further free speech, freedom of thought and knowledge. The old library is a symbol of these
important American values, and it should not be torn down. It especially should not be torn down to be replaced by a
massive apartment building. The old library is consistent with the size and shape of many buildings in downtown Iowa
City. A new apartment would only be consistent with the one next to it, and not with the rest of down town. As a former
member of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, and a long time Iowa City resident, I urge to to vote against
any proposal to allow this plot of land to be sold to a developer. I would even ask you to go a step further and renovate
the
West facade of the old library building to it is useful again as an entrance and the old library looks from the west as it did
originally.
Sincerely yours,
Frank S. Gersh, Ph.D.
1123 E. College St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
5/11/01
Marian Karr
From: joepat [joepat@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu]
Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2001 6:30 PM
To: connie_champion@iowa-city.org; council@iowa-city.org; dee_vanderhoef@iowa-city.org;
ipfab@avalon.net; ross_wilburn@iowa-city.org
council@iowa-city.org, connie_champion@iowa-city.org, ipfab@avalon.net,
dee_vanderhoef@iowa-city.org, ross wilburn@iowa-city.org,
Oaxaca, Mexico
May 12, 2001
Dear City Council Members:
I am writing this to you via E-mail, my only way to communicate rapidly, from
my second home in Oaxaca, Mexico. Thank you in advance for your attention.
We have lived in iowa City since we moved there in 1965. We have seen many
changes in those 36 years. Some have been remarkably beneficial to the
community, developments that have worked toward the general welfare and are
aimed toward long lasting results. A few individuals saw a need to beautify
our town with civic landscaping, and Project Green was born through a spirit
of volunteerism to put some bloom in our public cheeks. Every spring we see
the testament to planning that has an eye toward aesthetics. Old capitol was
restored and the University of Iowa became more conscious of its
responsibility toward the visual environment. It created better landscaped
spaces and made increasingly more interesting architectural choices in its new
construction. Some changes have made us proud of Iowa City.
Other changes have not been as salubrious. Handsome historic urban buildings
and distinguished older homes have been sacrificed to urban renewal's
uninspired drabness or to an individual developer's short term financial
expediency. These losses are visited on the culture of the whole city. The
gains are transitory and suspect, directed as they are at getting the most
into one individual's pocket while having divested as little as possible to
the betterment of the community. The results have offered us apartment
buildings that are indistinguishable from one another or from those in almost
any other town in the country. What do we gain? More rental units, more dough
for the developer, more dreary sameness, more built-in obsolescence. Look at
Old Capitol Mall, twenty plus years old, already dated, and moribund. Those
Victorian blocks that were razed to make room for it would be the prized
center of a vibrant downtown business culture if we had been able to hold onto
the good things of the past for the sake of the future, rather than being
myopically focused on short term fixes.
I'd say we have a similar situation with the historic and once-distinguished
Carnegie Library, a.k.a. Old Public Library. Others will make the case far
better than I for its architectural and historical place in our townscape.
Once it is torn down to make room for another undistinguished apartment
building, another Clark Developers cash-cow, it will be lost and gone forever.
Forget about trying to tell your grandchildren about that style, that dignity,
that era of American pride that you vaguely remember in Iowa City. Forget
about anything that smacks of quality of life if it should interfere with the
bottom line, immediate gratification, or the lowest common denominator of
taste.
We are again spending some months in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a colonial town
that knows something about building its present and its future upon valuing
its past. One can dine or shop or bank in a building that has been in use for
over 200 years. Churches from the 16th century are restored with pride in
their beauty, their history, and the knowledge that they were not destroyed at
some point for short term and short sighted advantages. 400 year old
monasteries and convents now sport swimming pools in their patios and luxury
1
hotel suites in their cells. Oaxaca is now a Mecca for tourists from around
the world. But what is especially interesting is that it has now become an
object lesson, and exemplar to Mexican tourists who come here to see what
their own town once was like. To see how the old works so well for now and the
future by adaptive reuses, preservation, imagination. To see that what their
towns have sacrificed was invaluable, but now lost, irretrievable. We could
learn from the few Oaxacas that are left. And from listening to the lyrics of
our own Greg Brown's song, ~tOne Big Town." He is right, we're living in one
big town, we're dying in one big town.
Save as much of the past as we can for the future. Look back, to plan ahead.
You are in a position to make a difference, and I urge you to help Iowa City
gain by putting a halt to Iowa City's losses. Keep us from losing the Old
Public Library building. Its location is ideal for some cultural adaptation.
Restore it and reuse it, and it will become far more valuable to us than
anything that would be built in its place.
Thank you,
Joseph A. Patrick
Genie H. Patrick
1190 East Court Street
We support the ordinance proposed to the
Iowa City Council to designate the Carnegie
Library Building (Old Public Library) as an
Iowa City Historic Landmark. This building
should not be destroyed but preserved for
future citizens.
Respectfully submitted for June 12, 2001--
4. ~-/<' "/ii~¢, '--/.'! ~ '(' ~
6. ,-::'_,
9.~~
10. ~ ~~
We support the ordinance proposed to the
Iowa City Council to designate the Carnegie
Library Building (Old Public Library) as an
Iowa City Historic Landmark. This building
should not be destroyed but preserved for
future citizens.
Respectfully submitted for June 12, 2001 --
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We support the ordinance proposed to the
Iowa City Council to designate the Carnegie
Library Building (Old Public Library) as an
Iowa City Historic Landmark. This building
should not be destroyed but preserved for
future citizens.
Respectfully submitted for June 12, 2001 --
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01
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will
be held by the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa. at
7:00 p.m. on the 12th day of June, 2001, in the
Civic Center Council Chambers, 410 E.
Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said
meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the
City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk;
at which hearing the Council will consider:
1. An ordinance designating the Carnegie
Library Building (Old Public Library) located at
the southeast comer of College and Linn
streets as an Iowa City Landmark.
2. An ordinance changing the zoning code by
amending the Planned Development Housing
Overlay, OPDH-8, plan for Arbor Hill, an 8.2
acre 17-unit residential development located
nodh of Washington Street on Arbor Hill
Circle.
,em,ngway Lane was,
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file for
public examination in the office of the City Clerk,
Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to
make their views known for Council consideration
are encouraged to appear at the above-
mentioned time and place.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 27, 2001
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Robert Miklo
RE: VAC01-0002, Vacation of Hemingway Lane
In 1993, the City approved the final plat of South Pointe Addition Part 1 through 6. The
plat included Hemingway Lane west of Russell Drive. In the year 2000, the City
approved a re-subdivision of a portion of South Pointe Addition Part 2 and 3. The new
subdivision known as South Pointe Part 7 was a redesign which eliminated Hemingway
Lane west of Russell Drive. The new design included a storm water detention facility as
well as residential lots on Russell Drive. Because the previous Hemingway Lane design
was final platted, it must be vacated prior to the recording of the new design. The storm
water and utility easements associated with the previous design must also be vacated.
The attached map shows the right of way for Hemingway Lane which is being
recommended for vacation. The other easements do not require Planning and Zoning
Commission consideration, but will be vacated by the Council.
Attachments:
1. South Pointe Addition, Part 7 Final Plat
2. Areas to be vacated
ppdadrn/mern/vac01-0002.doc
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of
Iowa City will hold a public hearing on the 15th day
of May, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers of the City of Iowa City, 410 E.
Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, or if said
meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the
City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk;
at which hearing the Council will consider a
Resolution of Intent to Convey the property known
as Peninsula Neighborhood, First Addition, Iowa ~'~"'
City, Iowa, to Terry L. Stamper Holdings, L.L.C. -
Said property is located in Iowa City, Johnson
County, Iowa, and is described as follows: A part '
of Auditors Parcel No. 2001020, as recorded in
the Office of the Johnson County RecordarT; in
the Southwest Quarter of Section 4, Township (~
79 North, Range 6 West of the 5th Principal
Meridian, Johnson County, Iowa, more
particularly described as follows: Commencing at
the South Quarter Corner of Section 4, Township
79 Nodh, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M., Johnson
County, Iowa; Thence N01°39'04"W, 1317.71
feet to the Nodh Line of the East Quarter of the
Southwest Quarter of said Section 4; Thence
S89°42'21"W, 562.55 feet to a Northeasterly
Corner of Auditor's Parcel 2001020; Thence
S89°44'39"W, 330.00 feet along Auditors Parcel
2001020; Thence N01°37'40"W 203.27 feet
along an easterly line of said parcel to the Point
of Beginning; Thence N01°39'47"W, 779.35 feet
along an easterly line of said Auditors Parcel
2001020; Thence S76°14'45"W, 468.87 feet
along a northerly line of said Auditors Parcel
2001020; Thence N65°31'42"W, 517.98 feet
along a northerly line of said parcel; Thence
S27°46'06"W, 217.50 feet; Thence S62°13'54"E,
15.70 feet; Thence S27°46'06"W, 178.00 feet;
Thence S62°13'54"E, 313.28 feet; Thence
N29°51'49"E, 8.47 feet; Thence S60°00,57"E,
386.25 feet; Thence N29051'49"E, 226.16 feet;
Thence S85°42'12"E, 163.84 feet; Thence
S30001'32"W feet; Thence S60°08'11"E, 191.33
feet; Thence S00001'28"W, 54.39 feet; Thence
S89059'01"E, 193.27 feet to the Point of
Beginning; and containing 12.09 acres, subject
to easements and restrictions of record.
Copies of the proposed resolution are on file for
public examination in the office of the City Clerk,
Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons wishing to
make their views known for Council consideration
are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned
time and place.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT
AND ESTIMATED COST FOR
KICKERS SOCCER FIELD PARKING
LOT PAViNG PROJECT
iN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
TO ALL TAXPAYERS OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, AND TO OTHER iNTERESTED
PERSONS:
Public notice is hereby given that the City Council of
the City of Iowa City, Iowa, will conduct a public
hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and
estimated cost for the construction of the Kickers
Soccer Field Parking Lot Paving Project in said City at
t~
7:00 p.m. on the 12 day of June, 2001, said meeting
to be held in the Council Chambers in the Civic Center
in said City, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next
meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the
City Clerk.
Said plans, specifications, form of contract and
estimated cost are now on file in the office of the City
Clerk in the Civic Center in Iowa City, Iowa, and may
be inspected by any interested persons.
Any interested persons may appear at said meeting of
the City Council for the purpose of making objections
to and comments concerning said plans, specifications,
contract or the cost of making said improvement.
This notice is given by order of the City Council of
the City of Iowa City, Iowa and as provided by law. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
PH-1