Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Agenda packet 2.11.2021 Thursday February 11, 2021 5:30 p.m. Electronic Zoom Meeting Platform IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, February 11, 2021 Electronic Meeting – 5:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting Platform Agenda A) Call to Order B) Roll Call C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda D) Discussion of revised Historic Preservation plan priorities and annual work plan E) Review draft Certified Local Government Annual Report F) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff Certificate of No Material Effect –Chair and Staff review 1029 Bowery – Clark Street Conservation District (fencing as part of a pool project) Minor Review –Staff review 737 Grant Street – Longfellow Historic District (roof shingle replacement) G) Consideration of Minutes for January 14, 2021 Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going to https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItcu2hqzsqHdJ8f5H70RDZjbZfRXLB9gr- to visit the Zoom meeting’s registration page and submitting the required information. Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the ID number found in the email. If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you can call in by phone by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the meeting ID 960 5495 0076when prompted. Providing comment in person is not an option. H) Commission Discussion Annual Historic Preservation Awards sub-committee I) Commission Information J) Adjournment If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jessica Bristow, Urban Planning, at 319-356-5243 or at jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 Memorandum Date: February 8, 2021 To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Kevin Boyd, Chair, Historic Preservation Commission Re: 2021 Work Plan The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) requires the Commission to submit a Work Plan annually as part of our Certified Local Government agreement. For the current work plan an effort has been made to align the work we do or want to do with the broader goals of the City Council as outlined in the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan intends to foster a more inclusive, just, and sustainable Iowa City by prioritizing the physical, mental, and economic well-being of all residents. • Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Human Rights • Demonstrate Leadership in Climate Action • Strengthen Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations • Invest in Public Infrastructure, Facilities and Fiscal Reserves • Foster Healthy Neighborhoods and Affordable Housing Throughout the City • Enhance Community Mobility for All Residents • Promote an Inclusive and Resilient Economy Throughout the City For this current version, I’ve tried to incorporate all the feedback. If I missed something or you had thoughts since we last discussed, please be prepared with some with specific language that you’d like us to incorporate. We can just add it in at the meeting on Thursday. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 2021 Historic Preservation Work Plan The Historic Preservation Commission annually updates its work plan. This year we aligned our work around the goals that the City Council outlined in the Strategic Plan. Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Human Rights Recent Accomplishments Civil Rights Grant. This two-part project with grant funding from the National Park Service was completed with the successful listing in the National Register of Historic Places of both the Tate Arms and the Iowa Federation Home. Educational signage and digital online materials were also created. The research and information from the project will continue to be used in future presentations to educate and inform the public Short Term Goal Get clarity from the City Council on staffing a subcommittee charged with telling the full history of Iowa City. Staff and the Commission should discuss the purpose and make-up of the subcommittee, as well as specific goals and actions of this endeavor. Online Heritage Map: Several local landmarks and historic resources within existing historic districts tell a story of Iowa City’s historic efforts to advance social justice, racial equality, and human rights. We should tell those stories and allow citizens to see the physical structures connected with the historic struggles for justice. Long Term Goal Partner with Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Art Commission, Lucas Farms Neighborhood, and other community organizations to make Oak Grove Park a public space that honors the site’s heritage. The park, originally owned by the railroad, was home to many Mexican immigrants who lived in company-owned housing, old boxcars. Many of those immigrants moved into the surrounding neighborhood. When the City sold Elm Grove Park, near the Johnson County Administration Building, it bought the land where Oak Grove Park now sits. The park is currently scheduled for major renovation in 2026 or 2027 which provides plenty of time for us to investigate outside funding sources and develop a community plan that makes it a public space both for the neighborhood but also the City. Demonstrate Leadership in Climate Action Good preservation is about using the least invasive measures first and then working up to removal and replacement only if necessary. This tactic values embodied energy and minimizes construction waste. Ongoing Work One of the fundamental principles of historic preservation is to preserve, reuse, and adapt rather than demolish and create waste. Our work and previous commission’s work has kept immeasurable tons out of landfills. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 Short Term Goals We need to continue to advocate that embodied energy is worth valuing. Currently the Climate Action Committee does not take this into consideration when the City’s goals. We should continue to advocate to fix this. While what we’ve saved from landfills is immeasurable, embodied energy in existing materials is still measurable. Provide resources for energy efficiency, repair, and maintenance of older homes on the City’s website. Structures built before World War II, used different methods of construction compared to construction of today. Trying to modernize an old structure with modern technologies often isn’t the right approach. Sometimes it’s the wrong approach. There are significant ways to increase energy efficiency in older homes that are minimally invasive. There are ways to repair and maintain a home and keep resources out of the landfill. Other organizations have already documented these. We should just find a way to make them available for more citizens. Contribute to the discussion on demolition. As the Climate Action Commission considers how to deal with demolition, we should contribute. And so should other commissions. If we’re serious about climate change, we should be serious about demolition and the waste it produces. The cost to the environment, even considering dumping fees, doesn’t match the $50 fee. Some cities are discussing removing demolition by right. Rather than just paying for a demolition fee, citizens are given an opportunity to evaluate the new structure - and make sure the new structure aligns with our expressed values - do we get affordable housing, is it energy efficient, are there significant elements of history of the building that should be valued? Long Term Goal Develop a disaster preparedness guide for preservation. As the effects of climate change manifest themselves in more natural disasters, we need to be prepared. The 2020 derecho, followed the 2008 floods, and the 2006 tornado. The City earned national awards for its work around the 2006 tornado. The commission and city staff should develop a playbook for when a disaster hits (because one will again). The goal would be to more rapidly know how to provide support to those dealing with a disaster. Strengthen Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations The Commission, as a Certified Local Government, is the place for intergovernmental relations success. We work with SHPO and the National Parks Service, who oversees historic sites across the country. We also are trying to engage cross-departmentally with other commissions where our work overlaps. Ongoing work Annual Historic Preservation Awards: The annual awards highlights successful preservation work within the community and the expertise of contractors and consultants. As one of the Commission’s main forms of community outreach, the awards are a high priority every year and attract an audience of about 100 people. The annual awards have been moved to May to coincide with Preservation Month activities. The awards will require Commission involvement for nominating properties and for work on the awards sub-committee producing the awards. We will continue to partner with Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 New Commissioner Recruitment: With three vacant positions, we should recruit new commissioners. Short Term Goals Meeting with Realtors: The first of perhaps an annual meeting with Realtors to help them understand the benefits of historic districts and what the trade-offs are. The Homebuilders often feel like they are the ones who have to tell new property owners about historic districts. Increased Digital online presence: The City has valuable resources and information on historic properties in several different formats. Currently the ability for the public to access this information is dependent upon the format of the information. Digitizing hardcopy information and combining it with existing digital information in a searchable online database would make this information about city history more available for property owners and researchers. The City is considering a revamp of its website, we should try to partner when this happens. Invest in Public Infrastructure, Facilities and Fiscal Reserves The city assets need care and occasionally reinvestment. Doing a little work along the way helps avoid urgent situations down the road. Recent Accomplishments Three City-owned assets on the National Historic Register became local landmarks: The Old Post Office (now the Senior Center); the Old Settler’s Cabins in City Park, and the Ned Ashton House. The Old Settler’s Cabins were also rehabilitated. Short Term Goals Follow-up on the commission’s request to City Staff on the Montgomery-Butler House. In May 2020 the Commission requested that staff from the Planning Department, Public Works, and Parks help develop a working group to map out the work of this city-owned historic asset. In 1998, as part of a Memorandum of Agreement for the development of the new water plant, the City mothballed the Montgomery/Butler House, a significant historic resource, for roughly $70,000. Summit Street Monument: In 2019 the consultant, Atlas Preservation, completed the “Summit Street Monument Assessment and Conservation Options Plan” that was financed in part through a Certified Local Government Grant. Given the ongoing deterioration of the monument, the Commission will review the options and recommend an appropriate action to City Council. Enhance Community Mobility for All Residents These are largely transit and transportation related goals. Many preservationists are sympathetic to these issues. Historic neighborhoods were designed to accommodate pedestrians, transit, and modes of transportation that aren’t car-reliant. The Commission should consider how we might engage on this when opportunities arise. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 Foster Healthy Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Throughout the City Many older neighborhoods, that are now historic districts, were designed with mobility, neighborhood commercial nodes, and a variety of housing types in one neighborhood. Ongoing work The core work is protecting healthy neighborhoods. Many of the districts were developed out of a response to unhealthy developments in these areas that motivated the neighborhoods to take action. We help provide stability and provide a platform for reinvestment. Historic Preservation Fund. With the implementation of the fund in FY 2018, the Fund has approved 28 grants or loans improving 25 properties. This is a popular program which has helped property owners maintain the historic character of their properties and has helped keep valuable material out of the landfill. Be ready to partner with neighborhoods interested in historic preservation. There’s been some interest in the past, particularly the Lucas Farms-Kirkwood Avenue area with reconnaissance surveys and our job is to be ready and willing partners. Long Term Goal Work to get form-based code for areas that are adjacent to or are surrounded by historic districts. The exchange between the public and developers in form-based code is that the code would allow for different uses which the public would need to accommodate, but in turn they would get more certainty about community values such as walkability, affordability, and the look and feel of the neighborhood. Developers get more flexibility in use in exchange for requirements in form. The areas that are adjacent to, or surrounded by, historic districts often are areas where development disagreements happen. Form-based code in these areas would help reduce some of that friction and would align with goals set by council and staff. Promote an Inclusive and Resilient Economy Throughout the City Preserving our physical heritage is an asset to an inclusive and resilient economy. Preservation is a tool for economic growth. The preservation work done in our districts is often done by smaller local businesses, and potential for growth opportunities exist in smart deconstruction and trade development for contractors who have specific skills related to older homes. Recent Successes The Tailwinds development on College St. This development is an exciting mix of the historic and new. We have several historic commercial buildings saved and new development. The Highlander is making an old structure vibrant by reviving its history. Their efforts to become a local landmark as part of these efforts should be supported. They intend to take advantage of tax credits. Short Term Goals Downtown National Register Historic District. This is scheduled to be reviewed by the State Nomination Committee in February. This has been a long-sought goal. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 For consideration Revolving loans for tax credits: In talking to Downtown property owners, some of them expressed concern about the timeline of tax credits. They are available on the backend, but often cash is needed up front. The idea would be to create a 12-18 month loan option to bridge the immediate construction needs until project completion when the tax credits are available. Transfer of Development Rights Revisit: The previous council opted to not consider a specific TDR proposal that was developed on a tight timeline. We have had two (or maybe three) new council members since then. A new TDR proposal could be developed without the constraints of making them work for a specific property so they could benefit the whole community. Opt in incentives for local landmarks in commercial zones. One of the challenges I have heard about local landmarks or historic districts with primarily commercial buildings is that the needs of the building may be different than residential properties. Often, more flexibility is needed to make old buildings work. As a city, we can incentivize all kinds of things we value, there’s no reason why commercial landmark properties can’t be part of that mix. Long Term Goals Consider partners on a historic trades mentorship program. Dubuque’s HEART program is a model example of this - training high school students in trades related to preservation, while transforming blighted neighborhoods (largely historic) back into livable and walkable neighborhoods and helping young people achieve goals of graduation and career training. Those who have been through the program often start small businesses in the trades they have learned. Ongoing Administration of Our Work Short Term Goals Update of the College Green Historic District: In 2016, the Commission approved the relocation of the Houser-Metzger House from 422 Iowa Avenue to 623 College Street where the contributing structure had been damaged beyond repair by fire and water. In order for the relocated house to be considered contributing to the Historic District, an amendment to the National Register-listed district is required as a first step. This amendment will be reviewed by the Commission following revision by staff and the District representative. Update of the Iowa City Preservation Handbook (Maps): The most recent version of the handbook was updated in 2010 and does not include several recent changes and needs to be reviewed for accuracy. Since many properties have changed status (for example, a non- contributing property has become contributing because of siding removal and porch rehabilitation) in the past ten years, the maps, which are the basis for review-type, application of exceptions, and in some cases eligibility of the Historic Preservation Fund, are outdated. The full Commission would review and approve updated maps. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 Long-term goal One of the at-large positions of the commission is reserved for a professional in the industry. In a recent meeting between the Home Builder Association, your chair, and several city staff members, they suggested that one of the at-large positions be designated for a professional builder, tradesperson, or architect (or perhaps preservationist). Frank Wagner served three terms. Quentin Pitzen currently does this work. We could define this at-large position for someone who does this work professionally. Preserve our Heritage Our history belongs to all of us. We owe it to ourselves and future generations of Iowa Citians that we preserve the physical aspects of this history and make sure our shared history isn’t forgotten. This work often encompasses multiple areas of the priorities set by Council. Our shared heritage is worth preserving as its own goal. Recent Successes: Sanxay-Gilmore House. The University has a plan to move, restore, and use this house. Cochran-Dennis House is a local landmark. The compromise proposal has been approved by council. Self-starting landmarks: We’ve had several that we’ve helped shepherd through the process. We should continue conversations with interested property owners. And be mindful of opportunities that present themselves. Short Term Goal 2040 Waterfront Drive Intensive Survey: Funded in part through a Certified Local Government Grant, an intensive survey of the property at 2040 Waterfront Drive was completed. The final document will be provided to the Commission and the property owner for their review in the coming months. Long Term Goals Evaluation of Mid-century Modern Housing Stock: Since these properties have reached historic status, Commissions across the country are developing plans for how to evaluate them. In Iowa City, many of the areas where they are concentrated have not been reviewed but could begin with reconnaissance-level surveys in future years. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 1 Memorandum Date: February 9, 2021 To: Historic Preservation Planner From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner Re: Draft Annual Report Review A draft of the annual report, due to the State Historic Preservation Office on March 1, 2021, is attached for Commission review. This is the second year that the State is providing an online form for report submittal. The attachments are not included. If Commissioner have corrections or information to add to the report, staff requests that the information is provided at the February 11 Commission meeting or by email to staff by Tuesday February 16, 2021 for inclusion in the report. Any additions to the annual report will also be reviewed by the Commission Chair. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission yes yes 31 NRHP properties are known to have been altered in 2020, based on project approval by Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission and/or staff. Most of these properties are located within National Register Historic Districts. The list does not include repair projects that were issued a Certificate of No Material Effect or interior alterations. The list does not include driveway or garage alterations, demolitions or new construction, even when the garage is historic. 619 Ronalds Street: deteriorated window replacement 710 South Summit Street: sleeping porch window replacement 1214 Sheridan Avenue: rear screened porch and deck addition, window and door changes to earlier rear addition 510 North Van Buren: missing front porch reconstruction 221 East Washington Street (Englert Theatre): historic sign repair and revision 1331 Muscatine Avenue: signage installation 737 Grant Street: replacement of modern window 1118 East College Street: skylight and window added to rear addition and window added to front façade 720 North Van Buren: 2nd floor rear deck floor and railing replacement, chimney removal 409 Oakland Avenue: roof shingle replacement 230 East Jefferson Street (St. Mary’s Catholic Church): Louver replacement in spire and wood trim repair 1415 Davenport Street (Rosehill): roof shingle replacement, window panel reconstruction and basement window and window well reconstruction 810 North Johnson Street: demolition of non-historic addition and construction of new addition 1510 Sheridan Avenue: roof shingle replacement 1127 Maple Street: roof shingle replacement 1011 Woodlawn Avenue: flat roof replacement 1133 East Court Street: flat roof replacement, 2nd floor rear deck railing installation, synthetic siding removal and sing and trim repair, reconstruction of front porch. 503 Grant Street: aluminum siding removal and original trim and siding repair, non-historic front entry reconfiguration 513 Grant Street: reconfiguration of openings on modern rear addition 1220 East Court Street: reopening of front porch and new stair construction 331 South Summit Street: storm-damaged decorative attic window replacement 833 North Johnson Street: basement egress window and window well installation 722 Oakland Avenue: non-historic garage door replacement 125-127 East College Street (College Block Building): demolition of single-story rear addition and installation of a new opening similar to adjacent opening in wall area, replacement of rear second floor passage door, roof replacement, painting of wood trim and repair of exterior masonry 1177 East Court Street: solar panel installation 320 East College Street (Trinity Episcopal Church): Modern window replacement 214 East Jefferson Street: roof shingle replacement 533 South Summit Street: damaged window replacement 721 Grant Street: basement egress window and window well installation 420 East Jefferson Street: front step and railing replacement 315 Brown Street: deteriorated window sash replacement Yes While our Historic Preservation Commission held the initial public hearings for designating 5 Local Historic Landmarks in 2020, none of them completed the process with City Council approval in the same calendar year. They will be included next year. 22 properties that are locally designated as individual landmarks or as part of a local Conservation District are known to have been altered in 2019, based on project approval by Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission and/or staff. The list does not include repair projects that were issued a Certificate of No Material Effect or interior alterations. The list does not include driveway or detached garage alterations, demolitions or new construction, even when the garage is historic. 510 N Dodge Street: rear stoop and step replacement 922 Rundell Street: modification to entry porch 920 Dearborn Street: front stoop and step replacement 813 Rundell Street: basement egress window and window well installation 708 Dearborn Street: screened porch rear addition 817 Dearborn Street: new construction on empty lot in Conservation District 13 South Linn Street (Hohenschuh Mortuary): signage installation 430 Ronalds Street: aluminum siding removal and original trim and siding repair 516 Fairchild Street: alterations to attached garage and living space 424 Clark Street: porch reconstruction 418 Church Street: aluminum siding removal, siding and trim repair and porch repair 1107 Burlington Street: new baluster/guardrail 904 Bowery Street: removal of non-historic siding and repair of original siding and trim 109 East College Street: rear tower addition along alley, roof replacement, exterior passage door replacement, painting of wood trim and repair of exterior masonry 111-113 East College Street: demolition of rear portion of building for tower addition along alley, reconstruction of rear wall with exterior 2nd floor windows and 1st floor rear door, roof replacement, repair and recreation of missing decorative terracotta elements, passage door replacement, repair of exterior masonry 115 East College Street: demolition of rear addition and metal stair, rear exterior door replacement, roof replacement, painting of wood trim and repair of exterior masonry 117-123 East College Street: demolition of fire escape and rear addition and reconstruction of rear wall with windows and doors matching existing, replacement of deteriorated windows and non-historic front window on the 2nd floor with Chicago-style window, roof replacement, repair and painting of historic storefront, alteration of glass entry cladding to move passage door forward for accessibility, removal of non-historic storefront and replacement with modern storefront with recessed passage doors and mullion pattern similar to historic storefront, repair of exterior masonry 426 Church Street: porch floor repair and stair railing replacement 112 South Governor Street: egress skylight installation 1527 Muscatine Avenue: window repair and replacement and rear stair replacement 533 South Lucas Street: storm repair to rear including window replacement 534 Clark Street: addition to an existing screened porch no a. Historic preservation planning. Examples include the development or revision of an preservation plan, development of a work plan for your commission, etc.|b. Provided technical assistance on historic preservation issues or projects. Examples include working with individual property owners, business owners, institutions to identify appropriate treatments and find appropriate materials, research advice, etc.|c. Sponsored public educational programming in historic preservation. Examples include training sessions offered to the public, walking tours, open houses, lectures, Preservation Month activities, etc.|d. Design guidelines/standards The Commission's work plan for 2018 had been very ambitious and little progress had been made on the goals during the 2019 calendar year. For 2020, much of the same work plan had also been resubmitted. For the 2021 calendar year the Chair of the Commission reworked the format of the plan, aligning the Commission's goals and accomplishments with the Strategic Plan adopted by the new CIty Council and mayor. The new work plan including both continued goals and new projects with actions more fully developed so that progress can be achieved. The Commission staff provides technical and design assistance to applicants for Historic Review. The applicants are encouraged to meet with the staff well ahead of time in the project planning process, prior to submitting applications, to discuss their projects. An annual letter to property owners suggests this and it is regularly communicated to the public when possible. In 2020, the amount of inquiries drastically increased from the 2019 total of staff 198 individual properties to 248 individual properties, many with multiple inquiries. It is assumed that this year’s increase was due to the impacts of Covid-19 and owner’s increasing awareness of their historic buildings. Over a two-year period, inquiries about potential projects have increased 55%. This year’s increase in particular, led to a strain on staff’s ability to make progress on any additional projects, especially in the second half of the year. From those initial inquiries, in 2020 staff processed 85 applications for review that resulted in either a Certificate of Appropriateness or a Certificate of No Material Effect. This was a slight decrease from the 98 applications processed in 2019, likely due to the impacts of Covid-19 on property-owner’s budgets and their ability to proceed with projects. Staff continued to implement the Preservation Fund which was launched July 1, 2017. The Preservation Fund provides $5,000 matching grants or loans to property owners for eligible exterior work on historic properties in Historic or Conservation Districts or on Local Landmarks. The budget provides funding for 8 projects per fiscal year. In the 2020 Calendar year, 10 projects were approved with some of those requiring smaller grants. To date, 28 grants or loan have been approved, improving 25 properties. Following the August 2020 derecho staff responded to multiple inquiries from surrounding communities about best-practices for repair and contractors experienced in historic buildings. Staff was part of a team that reviewed some of the draft Master Planning documents for the Iowa City Senior Center which occupies the National Register and local landmark Old Post Office building. Staff provided logistical and planning advice to the Washington, Iowa City Planner regarding a potential relocation of a historic building Staff consulted with architects at RDG Planning and Design on a shed design at the National Register-listed Johnson County Poor Farm The Chair of the Commission and staff continued to work with a group of Graduate students from the University of Iowa School of Urban and Regional Planning on a capstone project related to historic preservation in downtown Iowa City. The students presented their progress to the full Commission during the regular January 9, 2020 meeting. Staff and several others were interviewed for the project and the findings were presented to the Commission during the May 14, 2020 meeting. Staff works internally as a resource for other City departments on projects that would include historic resources. Staff also reviewed and provided an opinion on a development project that could impact several historic properties adjacent to the University of Iowa. Staff also began contributing to climate change during with an internal meeting in February 2020. In June, the climate action committee presented about their goals to the Historic Preservation Commission at their June 11, 2020 meeting. May 28, 2020, Historic Preservation Awards: home owners, contractors, craftspersons, consultants, as well as members of the community were honored for their historically appropriate work on twenty historic properties in the 38th annual event celebrating historic preservation. This year the program was moved from January to May to coincide with Historic Preservation Month activities. On February 25, staff gave a lunch presentation as part of the City-wide celebration of Black History month. Building on the recently completed Civil Rights grant, the presentation focused on the two properties recently listed in the National Register of Historic Places that provided housing for African American students during the early 20th century when they were barred from on-campus student housing, the Iowa Federation Home for Colored Girls and the Tate Arms. Staff was also interviewed by local media for the event. Staff participated in a job-shadow experience for local high-school students through the Workplace Learning Connection in March 2020 Historic Preservation Commission Facebook Page: Staff maintains a Facebook page for community education and outreach though in recent years, the ability to post updates has been limited. Staff participated in the 2020 Preserve Iowa Summit with the presentation titled: “Design Review Process and Customer Service: How to bring a Historian, an Architect, and a Customer Service Agent to Design Review.” In March 2020, staff Coordinated with Mid-American Energy about public outreach for a Natural Gas pipeline upgrade Like all communities the Covid-19 pandemic impacted our day-to-day function. Beginning with the April Commission meeting we transitioned to hold virtual meetings. While it is nice to get together in person to have a formal meeting without children and pets involved, the virtual meetings likely led to increased Commissioner and public participation. Moving our Awards program from January to May improved our ability to acquire information from property owners because they were not away on holiday but it meant that the awards planning occurred during the busy time for historic reviews. Because of Covid, this program became a virtual one as well. Covid, hindered some of the notification of winners that normally occurs with the program and award certificates that are normally handed out at the ceremony were not sent until the end of the year. The Historic Preservation Fund (a grant and no-interest loan program) has allowed and will continued to allow property owners to take the extra steps they might not otherwise take when rehabilitating the exterior of their properties. It has been beneficial in the effort to prevent the loss of historic materials and reduce landfill waste. Staff and the Commission have been working on efforts to save the Sanxay-Gilmore House at 109 Market Street from demolition and completed a grant project for the pre-planning of a possible relocation for the house. The Commission reviewed a proposal from the University and it was approved by City Council. The agreement states that the University will move the house to the City-owned parking lot across the street and rehabilitate it following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The University plans to use the building for its non-fiction writing program. While consultant, AKAY Consulting submitted National Register Nomination for Iowa City’s Central Business District, to the State for review and the Commission completed its CLG review of the Nomination, the process was halted due to a clerical error on the State’s part. The process will be repeated in 2021. There are concerns that the delay may impact the success of the Nomination. Graduate students from the University of Iowa School of Urban and Regional Planning are currently working on a capstone project related to historic preservation in downtown Iowa City. The project was inspired by an article that Patrice Rey, President and CEO of the national Main Street Center, wrote in February 2019. She argues that historic preservation needs a new approach that considers dynamic social issues to protect historic resources without alienating the stewards of those resources. The project concluded with many of Iowa City’s Historic Preservation process and Commission goals seen in a positive light. While the Commission has been ambitious is its work plan over recent years, shortages in Commissioners and staff time have both hampered the ability of the Commission to move forward with new projects and the ability to complete current projects. The Commission is currently short three Commissioners from small districts where recruitment of new Commissioners is difficult. Current term cycles will result in the need to recruit new Commissioners each year. Staff has had to reduce the types of assistance that can be provided. For instance, in the past staff has regularly worked with homeowners who cannot afford to hire someone to provide project drawings for historic approval and permits to create those drawings for them. The ability to provide this service is listed in the staff job description. Staff is no longer able to provide this assistance which primarily impacts lower income homeowners in regulated properties. Staff has also had to reduce the amount of background research done on properties during the review process and the amount of time educating homeowners on their properties and historic preservation. Additional staff time continues to be one of the Commissions highest priorities. The Commission continued its partnership with the local non-profit, Friends of Historic Preservation and with the local Iowa City Downtown District because of the recent work to evaluate the Central Business District. The Commission is also beginning to try to work with the Climate Action Committee No Yes Yes January 9, 2020 February 13, 2020 March 12, 2020 April 9, 2020 May 14, 2020 June 11, 2020 July 9, 2020 August 13, 2020 September 10, 2020 October 8, 2020 November 12, 2020 December 10, 2020 $42,000 for staff salary and benefits, $450 for annual mailing. The Historic Preservation Fund of $40,000 per year for rehabilitation projects is not part of the Commission's budget. Neighborhood Development Services department in City Hall, Iowa City Thomas Agran, Kevin Boyd, Carl Brown, Helen Burford, Gosia Clore, Sharon DeGraw, Cecile Kuezli, Lyndi Kiple, Quentin Pitzen, Jordan Sellergren, Austin Wu Placeholder First and Last Name Mailing Address Phone Number Email Address Bruce Teague 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-536- 1200 bruce-teague@iowa- city.org First and Last Name Job Title Mailing Address Phone Number Email Address Jessica Bristow Historic Preservation Planner 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-356- 5243 jessica- bristow@iowa- city.org First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Kevin Boyd 622 North Van Buren Street 319-400- 2051 kevinmboyd@gmail.com This Commissioner is an At-Large representative but resides in the Brown Street Historic District. 06/30/2023 Yes First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Jordan Sellergren 1729 North Dubuque Road, Iowa City, IA 52245 319-520- 7701 jsellergren@gmail.com This Commissioner is an At-Large representative 06/30/2022 No First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address None The Commission does not have a secretary, the city hires a minute-taker for boards and commissions. No First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Carl Brown 1214 Sheridan Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-541- 4622 carlbrown@0001@gmail.com This Commissioner represents the Longfellow Historic District 06/30/2023 No First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Helen Burford 528 East College Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-594- 3715 hsburford@gmail.com This Commissioner represents the College Green Historic District. 06/30/2021 No First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Sharon DeGraw 519 Brown Street, Iowa City, IA 52245 319-936- 0021 sharondegraw@yahoo.com This Commissioner represents the Brown Street Historic District 06/30/2022 No First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Cecile Kuenzli 705 South Summit Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-338- 7362 cecile.kuenzli@gmail.com This Commissioner represents the Summit Street Historic District 06/30/2022 No First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Lyndi Kiple 115 North Dubuque Street, Unit 1, Iowa City, IA 52245 712-898- 8174 lyndi- kiple@uiowa.edu This Commissioner represents the Jefferson Street Historic District 6/30/2022 no First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Quentin Pitzen 2040 Tanglewood Street, Iowa City, IA 52245 319-330- 5882 qhpitzen@hotmail.com This Commissioner is an At-Large Representative and a contractor 6/30/2021 no First and Last Name Mailing Address Home Phone Number Work Phone Number Email Address Austin Wu 422 South Dubuque Street, Apt. 21, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-654- 4394 austin- wu@uiowa.edu This Commission is an At-Large representative 6/30/2023 Our Commission as three vacancies. The Woodlawn Historic District and East College Street Historic District has not had a representative since June 30, 2018 when on Commissioner retired and another was not reappointed because of term limits. Both are small districts. The Commission and staff have sent targeted mailings and tried to recruit new members without success. The Northside Historic District position has been vacant since June 30, 2020 when the previous Commissioner reached his term limit. Name of Event Sponsor Organization Location Date Names of Attendees Past Forward Conference Jessica Bristow, Lyndi Kiple, Kevin Boyd 1 MINUTES PRELIMINARY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION EMMA J. HARVAT HALL January 14, 2021 MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin Boyd, Carl Brown, Helen Burford, Sharon DeGraw, Cecile Kuenzli, Lyndi Kiple, Quentin Pitzen, Jordan Sellergren, Austin Wu MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow, Anne Russett OTHERS PRESENT: Steve Ballard, Jesse Burns, Robert Burns, James Carey, Angela Harrington, Bruce Teague RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: By a vote of 9-0 the Commission recommends approval of the local landmark designation for the property at 2525 Highlander Place, the Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Boyd called the electronic meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. utilizing Zoom. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA: Mayor Bruce Teague said hello and gave his thanks and appreciation, on behalf of the City Council, to all of the Commission members for the work they do and have done in the community. Boyd thanked Mayor Teague and the City Council for all the work they have done this past year despite the issues and challenges that arose. PUBLIC HEARING LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION – 2525 HIGHLANDER PLACE – HIGHLANDER SUPPER CLUB AND CONVENTION CENTER: Bristow said that the Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center is a brick building located on the corner of Interstate 80 and Highway 1. Bristow said that the owner had inquired about local landmark status, and she hired a historian who completed an extensive site inventory form for the property. Bristow showed a photo from 1975 and identified the original supper club built in 1966 (on the west side next to Highway 1), which had a mansard roof with original wood shingles and an entry canopy that had since been removed but whose four columns still remain. She identified the convention center and hotel/motel addition, which consists of a ballroom, a kitchen, offices Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff, and the public presented by COVID-19. 2 and reception, hotel wings, an interior pool area, and a courtyard between the wings. She showed the south entry canopy, which was altered under previous hotel chain management. Bristow showed photos of the current Supper Club and said that the exterior is mostly intact with the exception of a few missing finishes such as the mansard shingles and the windows in the rooms which had been replaced due to code changes. She pointed out the four remaining columns for the West Entry Canopy and the original limestone entry wall, the entry canopy, the hotel wing windows on the South side, and the current view of the courtyard. Bristow said that the site inventory form text began with a description of the desire to create a destination place along the Interstate (a Supper Club was popular in rural areas), and Hansen and Lind, Architects, came up with a design in 1964. In an undated time period Hansen, Lind, and Meyer, Architects came up with a full plan for the Supper Club, pool, and motel, and they also did elevations (which is similar to what ended up being built). Bristow said that these early iterations still had some of the same designs for the motel and architectural style. She said that the Supper Club was not designed by that firm but was instead designed by David C Moore in 1966. Due to costs and other factors mentioned in the text, they only ended up building the Supper Club. The hotel and convention center eventually underwent construction in 1974. Bristow said that, since the Supper Club itself has achieved a 50-year-old historic status, it could be considered eligible on its own. She said that the goal is to include the convention center addition as part of the landmark, and part of that utilizes criterion consideration G (similar to the downtown National Register Nomination) and an investigation of whether or not the addition that is less than 50 years old has achieved significance in the community. She said that the site inventory form mentions that the hotel and convention center were not only a part of the original design, but they were considered necessary for the continued viability and economic stability of the Supper Club itself. Those two things combine to allow the convention center to be included as part of the historic property for the local landmark designation. Bristow said the building consisted of several innovative construction techniques like “Glu-Lam” beams, a lightweight block, the steel structure of the roof, and an enclosed pool. Bristow showed construction photos from 1972 as well as photos of the later Radisson changes. Bristow said, that for a local landmark designation, the Commission should first determine if the property meets Criteria A and B (significance to Iowa City culture/architecture and integrity) then evaluate whether it meets Criteria C, D, E, or F, which is also what the National Park Service would look for in a national register nomination. She said that they can really look at the Supper Club as part of Iowa City’s (middle class) culture of the late 60s and 70s, and an example of late 1960s and early 1970s architecture which makes it eligible to meet Criteria C and E. Boyd opened and closed the public hearing. Boyd told a personal story of how his family used to own and manage the Highlander, how he has heard stories over the years about how much this place means to people in the Iowa City community, and what this building means to him. He said that he believes the nomination meets the minimum qualifications of A, B, C, and E. Boyd stated that neither he nor his family have any financial ties to the building anymore. Boyd re-opened the public hearing. Robert Burns, a member of the public, said that he remembered when this building first opened and that the Commission might also want to consider its use by the University of Iowa Athletic Department from a cultural standpoint. 3 Angela Harrington, a member of the public and current owner of the Supper Club, said that she was touched by Boyd’s story and reiterated, because of the neglect and serious decline of the property over the years, why this as a historic preservation project is so important. Boyd closed the public hearing. Sellergren said that she appreciated the presentation of the historic photos and that she supports the historic preservation of the building. Wu said that he thinks it is good (and a nice change for the Commission) to preserve a commercial building instead of focusing only on houses. Kiple said that she echoes Wu’s thoughts and supports the nomination. Burford said that she hopes the application can be embellished with Boyd’s personal history and she hopes that they will also be able to get stories about its relationship with Amana and the UI Athletic Department to include, as well as be able to discuss the relationship between the building and the interstate and its importance to highway travel. Pitzen asked if anyone knew when the interstate was built in relation to the Supper Club, and Brown said that it was constructed in 1956. Pitzen said he wanted to give a shout out to former Commissioner Thomas Agran who did the murals in the motel. Brown said that, like several of the other Commissioners, he also does not have the same longstanding connections to the Highlander but that he was pleased to see the nomination show up and after hearing so much appreciation from his extended family members, he will be supporting the nomination. DeGraw said that her kids took swimming lessons at that pool, and that she is excited to see something that is 1960s architecture go through the Commission. She said that she is appreciative of Harrington’s work to restore it and that she also supports the nomination. MOTION: DeGraw moved to approve the designation of 2525 Highlander Place – Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center as an Iowa City historic landmark based on the following criteria and location designation: Criteria A, B, C, and E. Kiple seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0. NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION – IOWA CITY CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT: Bristow began with a recap and said that they received a grant in 2016 to study the Downtown District to see if there was a National Register Historic District that was eligible, and a multi- property document was completed that stated that there was potential for a National Register Nomination. She said that the City Council directed the Commission to move forward with creating that nomination. As part of the National Register Nomination review process, which they are doing again due to a clerical error on the State’s part the first time around, the Historic Preservation Commission is asked to comment on the Nomination. Bristow said that the nomination talks about the history of the Downtown District, architectural styles, urban renewal, resource classification, and the importance of the Pedestrian Mall in keeping the relationship between the Downtown community and the University viable. She said that the boundaries of the National Register Historic District are Iowa Avenue, South Clinton Street, South Gilbert Street, and the alley between College and Burlington Street, and that the period of significance extends from the construction of the Franklin Printing House in 1856 to 1979 when the Pedestrian Mall was completed. The nomination also discusses significant Iowa builders and architects that were involved in the history of Downtown, its integrity, and an in- depth discussion of pedestrian malls. Bristow read the Commission’s comment from their September nomination. 4 Boyd opened the public hearing. Burns asked for an explanation of the boundaries of the proposed district, specifically the entire CB10 district, which is a zoning district. Boyd said that they started with a larger investigation area and their consultant told them what is most viable in terms of a historic district. Bristow said, in their 2016 study, they chose not to include the around Market Street (which was part of the original 2001 study) because it had already been partially developed into a historic district and the rest had been altered by the University. She said that they stopped at the other boundaries due to the pedestrian mall, advice from the consultant’s investigation, and because it was preferred to avoid including a large number of buildings that would not contribute to the area. Burns asked why 228 Clinton Street (currently Starbucks Coffee) and the Yoga studio would have been left off of the boundary, since they have all contributed to the history of Downtown. Bristow said that, without knowing the history of those two buildings, she thinks they were not included for the aforementioned reasons as well as for the desire to have clear and defined boundaries. Burns said, as an architect, both the Starbucks Coffee building and the Yoga studio are historical buildings, and he could see the corner next to Starbucks becoming a park someday (similar to BlackHawk Mini Park). He said he believes the boundaries need to be expanded before progressing to the State. James Carey, a member of the public, asked where the Commission was in the overall process. Bristow said that the nomination has been submitted to the State and it is on their February meeting agenda where the historian will present it for review. The State has sent letters to the property owners as well as the Commission about that meeting. The State Nomination Review Committee will review comments and then decide whether or not to send it on to the National Park Service, who decides whether to list it or not. Bristow said that National Register listings can be amended through the same process if more information about a building comes to light. Boyd said that the National Register listings in themselves require no change in behavior or additional restrictions from the owners, although it does open up the opportunity for tax credits and other benefits. Jesse Burns, a member of the public and a property owner in the designated area, said that he thinks there should be more transparency in this process and that he would like to hear more about the plan/intent of the city after this process. He said that there has been talk of this nomination being used as a vehicle to significantly alter the zoning of the CB10 district, and that there should be greater transparency for the fairness of the property owners and their rights. Boyd said that this particular piece is about getting the district listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and that he doubts there has never been a local district in Iowa City listed without the majority of property owner support. He said one of his goals for doing this is to give those property owners who want the tools, the advantage of those tax credits and special opportunities. Boyd said that they are taking Burns’ (and others’) concerns to heart and that there are definitely opportunities for the city to provide more economic incentives for people to opt into local landmarks, and if this were to move forward in the future it would be driven by property owners, not the Commission. Burns said that he was voicing this communal concern so that there can be more open discussions in the future. Bristow said that she can say, as a member of Staff, there is no internal discussion going on at this point in time of a local district for downtown, but if they were ever to start thinking about that, communication with the business and property owners would be deemed mandatory to happen very early in the process. 5 Robert Burns reiterated that he thinks the Commission should revise the boundaries and include the corner of the Starbucks property, as well as include the Citizen Building as a historical building at 222 South Linn Street. He said that he is concerned about the Iowa City Downtown District, without knowing what the incentives and requirements will be for property owners. Boyd said that there is no proposed local district or opt in options, and there is no immediate plan to do any of that. Burns said if the boundaries have the potential to be widened in the future, then they also have the potential to be shrunk. Steve Ballard, a member of the public, said that there was a letter addressed to Iowa City property owners from August 11, 2020 that stated the placement of a district in the National Register of Historic Places does not require property owners to treat their property any differently than they currently do. He asked, if that statement is true, if the placement of a district in the National Register would make it easier to facilitate a local government’s future ability to adopt a historic overlay zone or some other zoning mechanism that might require property owners to treat their property differently that they currently do. Boyd said that the purpose of the letter was to invite property owners to see the listing as an opportunity to make tax credit funding available for the owners who were interested while not placing restrictions on the owners that were not. He said that they are currently trying to gather the shared history of Iowa City together in one place on the honorific National Historic Register, and that it is difficult to anticipate what future Commissioners might do or if they might be interested in pursuing a local district. Boyd said, to answer Ballard’s question, he supposes that this could make it easier for a local district, but that local districts can also exist without a National Register listing. Ballard said what he meant was in regard to a future City Council enacting a zoning restriction – whether or not having a historic nomination would have any effect on that. Russett said, regardless of a nomination, a local historic landmark rezoning would have to go through the same processes as the previously discussed Supper Club. She said the only benefit of the National Register nomination in terms of that process is the documentation showing the historic significance of the Downtown. Bristow said that the goal with the National Register nomination is to be an honorarium to the Iowa City Downtown Historic District. Robert Burns said that he could see zoning restrictions happening in the future, and that his point is that property owners will protect their building themselves and they do not need to be in the Iowa City Historic District to do so. He said that they are okay with where it is right now, and he is objecting to this at the state level because he is fearful of what might happen down the road. Boyd closed the public hearing. Kuenzli said that she wanted to reiterate what has been previously stated about the Commission’s intent in reforming this district, and to say that putting it on the Historic Register confers distinction at the national level, which might help future owners of the included properties. Wu said that the story that this designation tells can be seen as a cautionary tale of stepping too far into futuristic thinking, and that the idea of urban renewal dominated the political discourse in the 50s and 60s, which resulted in a lot of parking lots that are still around today. He said that, as a whole, the urban renewal portion of this historic district designation shows what could go wrong with a kind of misguided thinking towards the future. 6 Burford said, as a Commissioner, she can impart just how much consideration and respect is given to the property owners and properties themselves when attempting to find a historic district. She said that there is so much history to be shared with people, and that a listed building can even be delisted in the future - that nothing is set in stone. She said that both federal and state have just one process in order to open the door to historic tax credits, and that is a designated historic district. She said that she believes the Commission has done a tremendous job in reaching out to the community and listening to everyone’s point of view. Boyd said that he supports the nomination and thinks that the Commission should resubmit the statement read by Bristow earlier. MOTION: Kuenzli moved to recommend that the Iowa City Downtown Historic District is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places in the Criterion Category A and C at the local level and Criteria Consideration G for the development of the Pedestrian Mall and meets the criteria for both significance and integrity. DeGraw seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0. REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF: Minor Review – Staff Review 315 Brown Street – Brown Street Historic District (deteriorated sash replacement) Bristow said this is just a simple sash replacement for a few (~4) sashes that were missing or deteriorated on the west side of the house. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 10, 2020: No discussion. MOTION: Burford moved that the minutes from the December 10, 2020 meeting be approved as submitted. Wu seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: 319 Van Buren Street Bristow said that 319 Van Buren Street recently had an application for a minor modification. She said that this property is adjacent to the Goosetown Horace Mann Conservation District, and it was not a part of the conservation district when it was created, and it is not something that falls under the purview of the Commission for that reason. She said that the house was taken down and there is a new construction proposal, which was going to meet the height and open space requirements associated with that. Because this property does not fall under the Commission’s purview, only individual Commissioners can put their opinion in this process as individuals or neighbors if applicable. DeGraw said that this project got her thinking about instances of demolition by neglect and wondered if there was a way that the Historic Commission could work with the City Council or other offices within the city before it gets to that point. Boyd said that this is a conversation that he would like to have at their meeting in two weeks. COMMISSION INFORMATION: Boyd said that he wanted to have another Commission meeting in two weeks to discuss a proposed starting place for this year’s work plan, which he hopes will allow for a broader conversation about some kinds of the Commission’s work, the challenges that they face, and some of the things that have been in the work plan for several years. 7 ADJOURNMENT: DeGraw motioned to adjourn the meeting. Brown seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Minutes submitted by Lauren Ralls. 8 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2020-2021 NAME TERM EXP. 2/13 3/12 4/09 5//14 6/11 7/09 8/13 9/10 10/08 11/12 12/10 01/14 AGRAN, THOMAS 6/30/20 O/E X X X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- BOYD, KEVIN 6/30/23 X X X X X X X X X X X X BROWN, CARL 6/30/23 -- -- -- -- -- X O/E X X X O/E X BURFORD, HELEN 6/30/21 X O/E X X X X X X X X O/E X CLORE, GOSIA 6/30/20 X X X X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- DEGRAW, SHARON 6/30/22 X O/E X X X X X X O/E X X X KUENZLI, CECILE 6/30/22 X O/E X X X X O/E X X X X X KIPLE, LYNDI 6/30/22 O/E X X X X X X O/E X X O/E X PITZEN, QUENTIN 6/30/21 X O/E X X X X O/E X X X X X SELLERGREN, JORDAN 6/30/22 O/E X X X X X X X X X X X WU, AUSTIN 6/30/23 X X O/E X X X X X X X X X