HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.22.24 HPC Agenda Packet
Wednesday
May 22, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall
City Hall
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street
Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30 p.m.
Agenda
A) Call to Order
B) Roll Call
C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda
D) National Register Nomination – Iowa City Community Recreation Center, 220 South Gilbert
Street (hardcopy print of the Nomination available for review at the Iowa City Public Library Information
Desk)
E) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff
Certificate of No Material Effect –Chair and Staff review
1. HPC24-0024: 215 Brown Street – Brown Street Historic District (west side retaining wall and fence
replacement)
2. HPC24-0028: 1022 East College Street – East College Street Historic District (deck floor and railing
repair and replacement)
3. HPC24-0033: 1041 Woodlawn Avenue – Woodlawn Historic District (soffit and fascia replacement)
4. HPC24-0034: 215 Brown Street – Brown Street Historic District (deteriorated shingle replacement)
5. HPC24-0021: 538 South Gilbert Street – Local Historic Landmark (exterior wood repair and
replacement)
Minor Review –Staff review
1. HPC24-0022: 531 Clark Street – Clark Street Conservation District (front step replacement)
2. HPC24-0027: 533 South Summit Street – Summit Street Historic District (deteriorated attic window
sash replacement and rear window replaced with casement for egress)
3. HPC24-0029: 425 Oakland Avenue – Longfellow Historic District (rear basement egress window)
F) Consideration of Minutes for April 11, 2024
G) Commission Discussion
1. Work Plan and subcommittees
2. Historic Preservation Incentives
H) Commission Information
I) 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: May 15, 2024
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner
Re: 220 South Gilbert Street, Robert A. Lee Recreation Center nomination to the National
Register of Historic Places
The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center has been nominated to the National Register of Historic
Places. The State Nominations Review Committee will consider the property during their June
14, 2024 meeting. As a participant in the Certified Local Government Program, the Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission is required to review the nomination and comment on the
attached form. The Commission should determine whether the nominated property meets the
National Register of Historic Places criteria for significance and integrity. The National Park
Service Bulletin 15 provides additional information regarding the criteria for evaluation.
The Nomination finds that the property is eligible for listing on the National Register in two
Criteria categories:
Criterion A: Event. A property associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
Criterion C: A property that embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or
method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high
artistic value
Building Description (Section 7 of the Nomination):
The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center is a two-level, mostly rectangular building built as one
component of a new civic corridor created in the 1960s which also includes the City Hall, Police
Station and Fire Station located along south Gilbert Street, roughly a block east of the location
of the historic City Hall (nonextant) and extending south to the recreation center location. The
buildings, including the Recreation Center, were built in a Modern Movement architectural style.
Local architect, Roland C. Wehner, designed the Recreation Center “in 1962 using organic
design principles with an emphasis on functionalism, minimalist forms, and the use of new
materials and innovative construction techniques,” as stated in the nomination (p.3).
The nomination describes the exterior and interior of the building, particularly highlighting the
stylistic elements. The elements of the building that contribute to a significance under Criterion
C are summarized,
Aspects of the Modern Movement employed by the architect include modular
design based on standard sizes of available construction material and building
fabrication using innovative technologies such as precast, prestressed concrete
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
T-beams and slabs; concrete block walls covered in brick or plaster; and durable
industrial and synthetic materials for flooring and finishes. Prominent Modern
Movement design elements are incorporated into the complex interior, which
showcased vaulted ceilings and exposed roof beams, while the extensive use of
exterior and interior glass walls contributes to the sense of spaciousness and
provide clear views of the outside, reducing the division of interior and exterior
spaces. Indirect lighting from clerestory windows placed between the T-beams in
the roof connects the outdoors to the indoors, especially in the pool area and
gymnasium on the lower level but also on the upper level where main entrance,
lobby, lounge, and social hall spaces were designed to welcome visitors to the
building. During the daytime, natural light fills the interior of nearly every room on
both levels, unifying the various interior spaces (p. 9).
Properties that are nominated to the National Register of Historic Places must have sufficient
integrity to convey its significance. In this case, since the property is eligible in Criterion C, there
must be sufficient integrity related to is Modern Movement Style. Page 19 of the Nomination lists
the seven aspects of integrity evaluated for a Nomination and includes an evaluation of the
building in each area. The Nomination states that the building has good or excellent integrity in
all 7 aspects, meaning that it has enough integrity to convey its significance.
Building Significance (Section 8 of the Nomination)
Each building nominated to the National Register has a period of significance, or a length of
time in which the building was associated with the events or characteristics which qualify it for
listing in the National Register of Historic Places. For the Iowa City Recreation Center, since the
building is still in use for its original purpose and for which it is eligible, the period of significance
extends from the year it was constructed, 1964, to 1974, which is 50 years ago (a cut-off age for
something to be “historic”). The significant date during that period is the year in which it was
built.
Criterion A: The Nomination first describes how the building is eligible under Criterion A, events.
As described on page 21,
Iowa City Community Recreation Center is eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places under Criterion A as an excellent local example of mid-twentieth-
century architecture, community planning and development, social history, and
recreation/entertainment. Built in 1964, it represents the construction of civic and
municipal buildings following World War II when the economy was robust and
was propelling the “Golden [economic] Age” of the 1950s forward into the 1960s.
The American public was looking for additional recreation activities to fill the
increasing amounts of leisure time available to them, while Iowa City was
catching up on long-delayed municipal improvements.
The Nomination includes a history of recreation buildings in Iowa City, including the destruction
by fire of two earlier buildings. This section also describes the conditions in which the building
was built, including a strong community desire to replace the previous facility, local and broad
cultural needs for expanding recreation opportunities, and the construction of a new civic
corridor.
Staff Comment on Criterion A: The Nomination carefully describes the community interest in
recreation, the cultural movement and changes in recreation, and the local history of civic
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
buildings that influenced the design and construction of this building, in support of the building’s
significance under Criterion A. The building is located on a lot that was always a park or public
land since the original city plat. During the post-WWII era of the building’s planning and
construction, recreation on a community scale was a growing focus for leisure-time activities
and promoting good health. Iowa City had a long history of recreation centers and public pools.
Past recreation centers in the location were destroyed by fires and the community continued to
rebuild. In addition, a revamping of the civic corridor with Modern design principles linked the
recreation center with the police/fire station and the city administration building, all designed as
Modern Movement municipal architecture. Staff finds that the Nomination supports a
significance under Criterion A in the areas of community planning and development, social
history, and recreation/entertainment.
Criterion C: The Nomination first describes how the building is eligible under Criterion C for its
architectural design. As described on page 21 of the Nomination,
The Iowa City Community Recreation Center is also eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places under Criterion C as an excellent local example of
Modern Movement municipal architecture. The building represents the
architectural style of low, horizon-hugging profiles with clean lines, little
ornamentation, and functionality of interior space. Through its large windows the
plan merges interior space with the outdoors and its use of prefabricated,
industrial materials enabled increased open interior space and circulation, while
also allowing for swift, cost-efficient construction. Using Modern Movement
schematics and innovations, architect Roland C. Wehner combined aesthetic,
functional, and decorative ideas into a custom design with distinctive
characteristics and high artistic values.
The Nomination includes a history of the education and practice of architect, Roland C. Wehner,
and his work in Modern Movement design. The use of a grid system and design modules based
on geometric shapes were an important aspect of his designs. As the Nomination states on
page 29, “Wehner began by applying form-follows-function principles and concepts where
relationships between site, materials, and the people who use the buildings are considered. By
using the natural sloping geography to his advantage, Wehner efficiently laid out the two-story
structure allowing it to present as a long, low building from its west façade. He designed the
structure using concrete, brick, and glass to achieve a natural harmony.”
Staff Comment on Criterion C: There have been many alterations to the building over time,
with some related to changing needs, ADA and code compliance, as well as community safety.
Many of the changes are to be expected and do not negatively impact the historic character or
integrity of the building. There are changes, however, that are concerning in these regards,
especially where they alter the public perception or interaction with the building.
We can see in Figure 4, how the structural system helped determine the aesthetics of the
design. The t-shaped roof structure is evident over the main building, but the modified T of the
entry canopy is most prominent. In its original form (finished in Figures 7 and 8), this system
forms a striking example of Modernist design aesthetics. This aesthetic is undermined by the
alterations to the canopy which de-emphasized the structural system and created a top-heavy
roof edge, a stark contrast to the original slim profile (Figure 6).
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
The decorative concrete screening was another element of mass-produced modern material
that allowed for light to penetrate while maintaining privacy for administrative offices. Located
along the public sidewalk and the approach, this screen had an impact on how the public
interacted with the architecture and how the building’s aesthetics were brought to a human
scale. The removal of this feature greatly impacted how the architecture is perceived by the
community.
On the east side, where the secondary public entrance is located, the original design
emphasized the stepped volumes and the roof planes with a repeat of the curtainwall of glass
and panels and the concrete decorative screen (Figure 15). Like the main entry, the curtainwall
has been changed as well as the entry canopy. The roof planes have been altered with the
emphasis on the new fascia or roof edge instead of the T-shaped structure (Figure 16). The
decorative concrete screen has been removed.
The curtain wall was a mixture of solid panels and glazing. The west and south walls have been
modified to replace the solid panes with glazing. Considering the architect’s goal of creating the
curtainwall in the first place, this change does not appear to have as great an impact on the
architecture as the removal of the screen that originally separated the curtainwall from the
sidewalk along the west facade. The Nomination says that the architect had considerations for
passive solar design in his use of curtainwall (p. 31). The use of solid panels in the curtainwall
system may have been necessitated by a desire to reduce the solar heat gain of the system, to
obscure views in specific areas, and/or to introduce a color into the façade. It also gave the
glazing area a horizontal emphasis which worked with building form. The new modern
curtainwall allows these goals to be achieved through glazing instead while also using new
technology. It may also be the case that the original system had reached the end of its effective
life. Because of these points, the impact of this change on the historic character of the building
may be minor even though It does change the emphasis to the vertical because of the larger
vertical mullions.
On the interior, one of the most impactful alterations is the alteration of the reception area inside
the west entrance. Originally, the curtainwall materials extended into the building creating a
glass and panel reception area along the south side of the main entrance. As one of the main
points of contact between the public and city staff, this area literally brought the exterior Modern
design elements directly into the building, and influenced how the public interacts with the
architecture. While much of the original glazing configurations remain on the building interior,
this important connection between the public, staff, and the architecture has been altered so
that the wall is a simple sheetrock wall with a door. The glazing and public/staff contact has
been replaced by a bulletin board and shallow display case. This change has greatly altered
how this important reception area functions.
With the original design, all elements worked in concert with each other. The Modernist design
of the building was evident in every detail. Now the building has changed so that some of the
Modernist elements that are related to how the public views and interacts with the building have
been altered so that they no longer read as Modernist but as contemporary instead. It is for this
reason that staff has concerns about the building’s eligibility under Criterion C. Staff does not
find that the building lacks sufficient integrity to be listed, the concern is only with the specific
elements described above.
Upon review of the nomination materials, staff finds that the Iowa City Recreation Center is
eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion A. While staff has concerns over the
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
integrity for Criterion C, it is unclear if these alterations compromise the building’s eligibility
under this Criterion. For this reason, staff recommends including these concerns in comments
for the review committee.
Recommended Motion
Move to Recommend that the Iowa City Community Recreation Center at 220 South Gilbert Street
is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic places in Criterion Category A and C at the
local level and meets the criteria for both significance and integrity.
We would ask that the State Nomination Review Committee carefully evaluate the Modernist
elements of the design to determine if the building has enough integrity in this regard to remain
eligible under Criterion C.
CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT
NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
EVALUATION REPORT FORM
As a participant in the Certified Local Government Program (CLG), the Historic Preservation Commission is required to review and
comment on proposed National Register nominations of properties within its jurisdiction. The State is required to provide the CLG
with a 60-day period for the review prior to a State Nominations Review Committee (SNRC) meeting. This form must be received by
the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) five days in advance of the State Nomination Review Committee (SNRC) meeting.
Send digital copies of completed forms to nationalregister@iowaeda.com.
(Please print clearly)
Historic Property Name: Iowa City Community Recreation Center
Address: 220 S. Gilbert Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240_______________________________________________________________
Certified Local Government Name: Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission______________________________________
Date of public meeting for nomination review: June 14, 2024_____________________________________________________
Applicable Criteria: (Please Check the Appropriate Box)
Criterion A (Historical Events)
❑Criterion B (Important Person)
Criterion C (Architecture)
Criterion D (Archaeological)
Please check the following box that is appropriate to the nomination (Please print clearly).
❑The Commission recommends that the property should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
❑The Commission recommends that the property should not be listed in the National Register for the following
reasons: __________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
❑The Commission chooses not to make a recommendation on this nomination for the following reasons:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
❑The Commission would like to make the following recommendations regarding the nomination : (use additional
sheets if necessary) : ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Official Signatures Required Below
Historic Review Board Chair or Representative
Print Name: ________________________________________________ Approved Not Approved
Signature: __________________________________________________
Chief Elected Official
Print Name: _______________________________________________ Approved Not Approved
Signature: __________________________________________________
Professional Evaluation
Print Name: ________________________________________________ Approved Not Approved
Signature: __________________________________________________
❑
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Sections 1 – 4 page 1
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in National Register Bulletin, How
to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not
applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions.
Place additional certification comments, entries, and narrative items on continuation sheets if needed (NPS Form 10-900a).
1. Name of Property
historic name Iowa City Community Recreation Center
other names/site number Robert A. Lee Recreation Center; Iowa City Recreation Center
Name of Multiple Property Listing
(Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing)
2. Location
street & number 220 S. Gilbert St. not for publication
city or town Iowa City Vicinity
State Iowa county Johnson zip code 52240
3. State/Federal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended,
I hereby certify that this X nomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for
registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements
set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.
In my opinion, property X meets does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be
considered significant at the following level(s) of significance: national statewide X local
Applicable National Register Criteria: X A B X C D
Signature of certifying official/Title: Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Date
State Historical Society of Iowa
State or Federal agency/bureau or Tribal Government
In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria.
Signature of commenting official Date
Title State or Federal agency/bureau or Tribal Government
4. National Park Service Certification
I hereby certify that this property is:
entered in the National Register determined eligible for the National Register
determined not eligible for the National Register removed from the National Register
other (explain:)
Signature of the Keeper Date of Action
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 2
5. Classification
Ownership of Property
(Check as many boxes as apply.)
Category of Property
(Check only one box.)
Number of Resources within Property
(Do not include previously listed resources in the count.)
Contributing Noncontributing
Private X building(s) 1 0 Buildings
X public – Local District 0 0 Site
public – State Site 0 0 Structure
public – Federal Structure 0 0 Object
Object 1 0 Total
Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register: N/A
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions
(Enter categories from instructions.)
Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions.)
RECREATION/CULTURE: Sports Facility RECREATION/CULTURE: Sports Facility
SOCIAL: Civic SOCIAL: Civic
GOVERNMENT: Municipal Building GOVERNMENT: Municipal Building
7. Description
Architectural Classification
(Enter categories from instructions.) Materials
(Enter categories from instructions.)
OTHER: Modern Movement foundation: Concrete
walls: Brick and concrete block
roof: Synthetics
other: Concrete: precast, prestressed roof beams
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 3
Narrative Description
Summary Paragraph (Briefly describe the current, general characteristics of the property, such as its location, type, style, method of
construction, setting, size, and significant features. Indicate whether the property has historic integrity.)
The Iowa City Community Recreation Center, located on the west side of a single city block on South Gilbert
Street in downtown Iowa City, Iowa, is a rectangular, two-level recreation building, which stands as an
example of how the Modern Movement architectural style was adapted for use in a municipal building.
Designed as part of a broader comprehensive plan for public architecture in Iowa City, which also included a
new city hall, police station, and fire station, the community recreation center is situated on a city-owned
parcel one block south of the city hall. Local architect Roland C. Wehner designed this public building in 1962
using organic design principles with an emphasis on functionalism, minimalist forms, and use of new materials
and innovative construction techniques.
Built in 1963-64, the 45,478 square foot building’s footprint covers more than an acre of land and was
designed to account for the parcel’s natural slope—the primary west façade appears as a single story along
South Gilbert Street, while the rear east façade rises two stories above grade. The recreation center holds a
series of spaces and amenities to support disparate wellness and exercise needs, including a gymnasium,
natatorium, game/exercise room, social hall, arts and crafts areas, various meeting rooms, and administrative
offices.
The Iowa City Community Recreation Center is locally significant under Criterion C as a representation of the
mid-twentieth century Modern Movement architectural style of low, horizon-hugging profiles with cubic lines
and efficient functionality of interior space resulting from modular design elements. Within the context of
municipal buildings in Iowa City, this property is eligible under Criterion A as a significant example of how
Modernism and careful, methodical city and comprehensive planning helped to change the broader built
environment while also contributing an enduring and versatile structure for many generations of Iowa Citians
to use.
The building has good integrity and has retained much of its original appearance, feeling, and association with
only minor alterations to design elements, setting, materials, and workmanship. It continues to serve the
community as a recreational, cultural, social, and municipal building. Its central location and accessible design
of interior spaces continue to make it Iowa City’s most-used recreation facility.1
1 City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and Programs Comprehensive Master Plan, October 18, 2022, Section 3, Page 18.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 4
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current physical appearance and condition of the property. Describe contributing and
noncontributing resources if applicable.)
(Iowa SHPO Additional Instructions: After the main Narrative Description, discuss any physical alterations since the period of significance under
the subheading Alterations, the seven aspects of integrity as it applies to the property in a Statement of Integrity, and any future plans for the
property under the subheading Future Plans.)
Neighborhood Setting and Current Exterior Appearance:
The Iowa City Community Recreation Center is located at the east edge of downtown Iowa City’s Central
Business District. The property is bounded by South Gilbert Street to the west, East Burlington Street to the
south, Ralston Creek to the east, and College Street to the north. Historically, this neighborhood was mixed
use and included a train depot, a bike shop, an automobile repair shop, the Elks Club (B.P.O.E.), and several
private residences, all now non-extant. What remains from the past stands in stark contrast to the verticality of
new construction in the district. Across South Gilbert Street to the west are several contemporary brick
condominiums and apartment buildings that contain commercial space at the ground floor. The historic Trinity
Episcopal Church, a remnant of the original neighborhood along South Gilbert Street, is located on the
northwest corner of the intersection of College and Gilbert streets. Across East Burlington Street to the south
and South Van Buren Street to the east are more contemporary apartment buildings, with a convenience
station located at the northeast corner of the intersection. Across College Street and to the north of the
recreation center is the Chauncey Building, a 2019 mix-use tower that encompasses luxury apartments, a
hotel, and a non-profit movie theatre. A parking structure adjoins the Chauncey Building to the east.
Approximately one block to the north is the Iowa City Civic Center with city hall, a police station, and a fire
station—a complex designed as part of the same municipal planning phase started in the late 1950s and
aimed at expanding public services.
Situated on a single city block, the Iowa City Community Recreation Center occupies the west half of the
parcel, with the parking lot dividing the space between the building and Ralston Creek to the east.
The parking lot on the building’s east side connects to Burlington Street on the south and a municipal parking
ramp on College Street to the north. The slanted elevation on the west side of the parcel determined the
placement and layout of the building, with streets around the parcel sloping toward the southeast. The design
of the northeast corner of the building needed to accommodate the existing foundation for the College Street
bridge crossing between Gilbert Street and Van Buren Street.
Materials, Structure, and Construction: The Iowa City Community Recreation Center consists of masonry-
bearing wall construction set atop reinforced, concrete-grade beams and wood piling. Floors at grade level
are structural concrete, also supported by piling. In response to the poor soil conditions of the site, which was
previously a creek bed, construction crews drove creosote-treated wood piles to provide a proper foundation
for the Iowa City Community Recreation Center (Figure 1). Reinforced concrete-grade beams were poured in
place to span between the wood piles and support the concrete block, load-bearing walls above. Prestressed,
concrete single T-beams, measuring eight-feet wide, eighty-eight-feet long, and three-feet deep and weighing
nineteen tons each, are used for the long roof spans over the gymnasium, swimming pool, and the social hall.
The roof T-beams are anchored to the tall bearing walls in such a way as to brace the top of the wall without a
rigid connection, allowing for minor movement.2 These distinctive beams serve as both structural and
decorative features (Figure 2).
Structural slabs of the upper floor area and other roof slabs are four-feet wide, thirty-two-feet long, and eight-
inch deep, precast, prestressed concrete (Figure 3).3 The load-bearing walls are concrete block, plastered at
some locations, and with a brick face at exterior walls. Interior, non-load-bearing partitions are comprised of
steel studs with plastered walls. The coating on the flat roof is synthetic and the cornice and facia are
2 Fishbaugh, Jill. Memo from Roland C. Wehner, Iowa City, Iowa, July 27, 2023.
3 Ibid.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 5
galvanized metal painted brown. Horizontal gutters and vertical downspouts of galvanized metal control
drainage. Downspouts appear on either side of the front entrance and in the corners of the building, tucked
between brick projections. Canopies over the west and east entrances were modified when flat steel roof
panels were placed over the original roof structure and T-beam roof supports.
Apart from the canopies, the roof of the building is comprised of precast, prestressed, concrete-core slabs
supported by load-bearing walls (Figures 4-5). These shorter roof spans, such as those used over the
handball court and upper-level administrative offices and meeting rooms, result in a lower roofline in front of
the gym and pool, permitting clerestory windows to allow for natural lighting.4
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE
West façade: The building’s front elevation, with its Main Entrance facing South Gilbert Street, spans the
length of an entire city block. Horizontally emphasized, the single-story façade is built to a human scale—low
to the ground apart from the distinctive entryway that interrupts an otherwise flat, linear roofline (Figure 6).
With a narrow setback from the sidewalk and street, landscaping is limited to a small ornamental tree and a
few bushes close to the building’s west wall, apart from the northwest corner where more space is available
for plantings.
The Main Entrance, as identified on the original floor plans, is situated off-center located closer to the north
end of the building than the south end. On either side of the entrance, a double-layer brick wall projects
outward five feet, creating a shelter-like space that reaches beyond the west wall to protect the entrance. The
threshold or top step of the front entrance, though outside the building, features the same original terrazzo
covering as the interior floors, comprised of marble chips in white cement, divided into four-foot squares and
ground smooth. The lower two steps are concrete and the original wide metal handrail on the south side is
attached to the brick side wall.
The distinctive feature of the Main Entrance is a cantilevered roof or canopy, which extended over the
sidewalk until nearly flush with the curb, providing protection from the elements. The original accordion-fold
shaped roof of the canopy is still extant, but has since been covered with a flat roof, box-like roof structure
clad in aluminum (Figures 7-8). Circular light fixtures are placed in the ceiling underneath the canopy.
The greater height of the Main Entrance allows for two sets of double doors surrounded by windows
extending upward to the roof line, which forms a glass curtain wall. Clerestory windows between each of the
T-beams in the roof allow natural light into the building, as do the expansive row of floor-to-ceiling window
bays to the south of the Main Entrance, which reinforce the notion of open, light-filled spaces that invite
visitors to enter the building (Figure 9).
The city added a concrete accessibility ramp with black metal railing to the north side of the Main Entrance,
which opens to a lobby on the upper level.5 The entire exterior threshold, or top step, and the south half of the
concrete front steps remain in their historic configuration (Figure 10). An electrical wiring conduit for the
mechanical operation of the accessible entrance doors was added to the outside of the wall that protrudes on
the north side of the entrance. On each side of the building, non-contributing metal panels or signs promote
activities in the building. Partially covering the center bay of windows in the main entrance, a laser-cut metal
screen contains the word “gather,” and an additional sign underneath includes the address in sans serif font,
“220 south gilbert.”
4 Fishbaugh, Memo from Wehner, July 27, 2023.
5 Bennett, Mary, Email from Nicole Davies, City of Iowa City Finance Director, October 31, 2023, regarding dates and expenditures for
building alterations post-2013.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 6
Exterior walls are concrete block with buff-colored brick veneer.6 The narrow bricks contribute to the
horizontal emphasis of the façade. The north end of the west elevation features a windowless wall, which
appears as one solid block or mass of bricks. Visible from Gilbert Street is the name of the building in large
metal lettering on this portion of the west wall. At the northwest corner of the west side, an indentation in the
building’s footprint exists where the west wall intersects with the north wall. The west wall in this area is a
solid mass of brick covering the windowless cubic form in the northeast corner of the building. Windows
between the T-beams supporting the roof provide lighting inside this block which houses the gymnasium.
Beginning on the other side of the wall projection on the south side of the Main Entrance, the focus of the
west elevation shifts to a continuous row of twenty bays of aluminum-clad windows, with five horizontal panels
each that provide light to offices and meeting rooms. Originally intended as a wall of glass shielded by
concrete block screens, the newer replacement windows are sympathetic in style, yet more energy-efficient
and tinted to filter excess light from the west. A glass emergency exit door is located on the south end of a
narrow terrace or walkway next to the row of windows on the west exterior wall. Lining the west side of the
terrace or walkway are eighteen sections of metal posts formerly used to support a non-extant decorative
concrete block screen. Painted a buff color, they correspond with the placement of window frames. The posts
are painted with a buff color. Six circular light fixtures, original to the building, are mounted at regular intervals
on the concrete ceiling over the terrace. Two concrete steps on the north end of the terrace or front door lead
to the front sidewalk along Gilbert Street (Figures 11-12).
The pattern of using a solid mass of brickwork for a windowless block form is repeated on the west façade’s
far south corner. Clerestory windows between the T-beams supporting the roof provide lighting inside this
block which houses the natatorium. The solid brick wall provides an accessible place for mounting gas and
electric meters, water utility lines, and electrical junction boxes. An original circular light fixture or wall lantern
is mounted nearby. Directly above this area, on the roof, are exhaust fans, pipes for ventilation, and other
mechanical equipment.
Located at the southwest corner of the building, a concrete staircase with twelve steps and a metal railing
connects to an entrance on the lower level of the south façade. Due to the indentation of the building’s
footprint, the west wall of the natatorium block can be seen in drawings of the west elevation.
South façade: Built into the western slope of the property, the scale and proportions of the south façade
increase given the height of the natatorium block of twenty-four feet. The street view of the south elevation is
dominated by the massive block housing the pool with an expansive bank of windows extending over twenty
feet upward to the roof line and represents one of the most significant architectural features of the building.
The large windows provide a view inside the building and allows natural light to illuminate the pool area along
with more interior spaces on both levels. Originally, there were twelve vertical window bays in the upper part
of the south wall, but now there are ten vertical windows bays, each subdivided horizontally into eight panels.
On either end of the eight larger central window bays is a narrower window bay of the same height. The
contiguous row of aluminum-clad windows, all in alignment with the south wall, have a larger bottom panel
that matches the height of the doors, creating visual continuity. Using the same fenestration, the original
windows were replaced after tornado damage in April 2008, but retain the overall aesthetic. The new windows
are more energy efficient and have slightly tinted glass to filter ultraviolet light.
6 Bennett, Mary, Notes from August 6, 2023, Telephone Conversation; October 22, 2023; Roland C. Wehner, Iowa City, Iowa.
Standard dimensions of available materials dictated the size of rooms and the building as Wehner’s decisions about module design
evolved to incorporate dimensions largely based on eight-inch and eight-foot increments. The length of each brick is 7 5/8 inches plus
3/8 inch of mortar equals eight inches. A height of a concrete block is 7 5/8 inches plus mortar equals eight inches. Plywood and
sheetrock come in standard dimensions of four-by-eight feet.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 7
The roof over the eastern portion of the south façade has cantilevered T-beams connecting the west and east
walls of the pool. Accenting this space are two-story protruding brick walls which extend eight feet from the
south wall to frame either side of the natatorium. The west side of the west wall of the natatorium block
extends twenty feet away from the south wall, creating a setback for the southwest corner of the building. The
east side of the south façade also appears as a protruding wall which defines the pool area and
accompanying outdoor terrace. Next to these wall projections, in direct alignment with the south wall and
framing the bank of windows, are twelve-foot-wide solid brick walls. Mounted high on the brick wall on each
side of the natatorium block are the original circular light fixtures. As elsewhere, the exterior walls are
concrete blocks with buff-colored brick veneer.
Near the edge of the west and east brick walls that define the natatorium block are two separate glass
emergency exit doors — one in the southeast and one in the southwest corners of the pool area. These doors
provide access to a former outdoor concrete pool terrace, which is now enclosed by a solid wood and metal
fencing with a swinging wooden door on the east side. Repurposed as a community/educational garden
space, non-contributing structures such as raised planting beds, pergola, and trellis and hoop serve as
support structures for growing seasonal produce. An exterior sign with laser-cut lettering on a metal screen
reading “swim” is mounted on the upper windows.
On the lower level of the south façade, in the far southwest corner of the building, is another glass emergency
exit door. A sidelight, or forty-inch-wide glass panel, is on the east side of the door. Next to this exit door is
another exterior door providing access to a small concrete block storage room, though it is obscured by a
chain link fence and other stored equipment and is only accessible to staff.
Built into the side of a sloping hillside, the upper level of the southwest corner of the building consists of a wall
of windows and buff-colored bricks, connoting a separate interior section of the building. Three vertical
window bays divided into five wide, horizontal sections combined with two vertical windows with narrower
sections, helps to illuminate a meeting room facing Burlington Street (Figures 13-14).
East façade: The overall scale and proportions of the east side is differentiated from the low, horizontal lines
of the west and north facades given the overall twenty-four-foot height, the massive two-story brick wall on the
pool’s east side, the prominence of the protruding T-beams along the top of the wall near the roofline, and
another mass or block of brick-covered walls on the north end. A distinctive secondary entrance for the public,
placed closer to the north end than the south end of the east façade, utilized the T-beam supports that bridge
the center of the building between the upper and lower levels to form the cantilevered canopy over the east
entrance. The overhangs contribute to the dynamic, geometric appearance of the building while clerestory
windows between the T-beams allow natural light to enter the interior spaces. Six T-beams over the outdoor
terrace form an overhanging canopy for the receiving dock, entrance, and half of the outdoor terrace on the
east side. Large sections of aluminum-clad windows on both the upper and lower levels in this part of the east
wall, along with the canopied entrance and terrace, are the east façade’s main focal points (Figure 15).
Two sets of double glass emergency exit doors under the roof canopy provide access to the lower level and
along with a continuous line of three window bays, a virtual wall of glass is created. Using the same
fenestration, replacement windows on the upper level directly above the lower-level windows have four
vertical window bays subdivided into four horizontal panels. These windows, as well as the windows tucked
between roof T-beams, unify two stories in this portion of the east façade, providing visual relief from the solid
brick walls on either side of the lower-level entrance. An exterior sign with laser-cut lettering on a metal screen
reading “play” is mounted on the upper windows.
The footprint of the outdoor terrace and the original loading dock remain, but the appearance and functionality
were modified in June 2013 to comply with safety and national ADA standards. The loading dock is fenced off
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 8
from the public entrance and broader steps were laid over the old terrace foundation. The four wide concrete
steps face toward the south instead of the east and have a safety railing and fencing sheathed with aluminum.
A concrete accessibility ramp was built on the east side of the terrace (Figures 16-17).7
On the south end of the east elevation, buff-colored brick veneer on the mostly windowless wall creates the
visual effect of a massive rectangular block. The swimming pool’s east exterior wall, because of its length and
height, required pilasters for additional wind bracing and stability. The bracing could have been provided by
filling cells of the concrete block with reinforcing rods and grout, but it was decided to use masonry pilasters
instead, as the pilasters provided aesthetic enhancement to an otherwise plain wall and divides the south side
of the wall neatly into eight bays. Each bay enclosed by the brick pilasters has two trasom windows
underneath the overhanging roof which illuminate the pool area.
On the north end of the east elevation, another enclosed block covered in buff-colored brick veneer forms the
northeast corner of the building. The cantilevered roof of T-beams connected the west and east walls of the
building’s north section and clerestory windows at the roofline illuminate the lower-level gymnasium from both
the east and west. The northeast corner of the building abuts the foundation of a bridge on College Street that
crosses this valley. Underneath the bridge is a passage to a municipal parking ramp used by visitors to the
Iowa City Community Recreation Center. The building’s east side property line is bordered by a paved
municipal parking lot that abuts the west bank of Ralston Creek.
North façade: Facing East College Street on the north side and the bridge that carries it over Ralston Creek’s
valley, the north façade is intimately scaled and horizontally focused, similar to the west (front) façade, with a
windowless cubic block on one end. Built into the side of a hill, the actual base of the building’s foundation in
the northeast corner is not as visible or apparent to passing motorists and pedestrian onlookers. The
northeast corner of the building abuts the bridge foundation below.
The northwest corner of the building features a square setback in the footprint, formed by a thirty-two-foot-
long wall on the north side bordered by a thirty-two-foot-long wall on the west side of the solid block forming
the northeast corner of the building. Except for this corner section, the rest of the north façade’s exterior walls
are composed of buff-colored brick veneer over concrete block. Located on the corner of a busy intersection,
the focus of the northwest corner of the building is the glass curtain wall of floor-to-ceiling windows providing
views of activities inside the building. Following the original fenestration, aluminum-clad windows are placed in
three vertical bays that are divided into four wide, horizontal sections. A glass emergency exit door is located
at the far west corner (Figure 18). A sign with laser-cut lettering for the word “art” is attached to the exterior,
obscuring some windows.
Outside the north door is a greenspace with landscaping, a park bench, bicycle rack, and entrance to
children’s discovery garden bordered by a metal fence and sidewalk along College Street. Non-contributing
structures such as an arched trellis serve as temporary garden structures and support the growth of seasonal
plants.
INTERIOR SPACES
The original layout of the floor plan and primary design elements remain essentially the same as when the
45,478 square foot facility opened in 1964. Constructed on two levels, the building was designed with various
rooms that could accommodate a wide range of recreational, administrative, and civic activities. Divided into
upper and lower levels, each room or separate interior space was specifically tailored for a pre-identified
function or could be adapted for multiple uses as shown on the original floor plans. Aspects of the Modern
Movement employed by the architect include modular design based on standard sizes of available
7 Bennett, Mary, Email from Nicole Davies, October 31, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 9
construction material and building fabrication using innovative technologies such as precast, prestressed
concrete T-beams and slabs; concrete block walls covered in brick or plaster; and durable industrial and
synthetic materials for flooring and finishes. Prominent Modern Movement design elements are incorporated
into the complex interior, which showcased vaulted ceilings and exposed roof beams, while the extensive use
of exterior and interior glass walls contributes to the sense of spaciousness and provide clear views of the
outside, reducing the division of interior and exterior spaces. Indirect lighting from clerestory windows placed
between the T-beams in the roof connects the outdoors to the indoors, especially in the pool area and
gymnasium on the lower level but also on the upper level where main entrance, lobby, lounge, and social hall
spaces were designed to welcome visitors to the building. During the daytime, natural light fills the interior of
nearly every room on both levels, unifying the various interior spaces (Figure 19).
UPPER LEVEL - CENTER
Main Entrance and Vestibule: The grand central entrance from Gilbert Street is composed of two sets of
exterior glass doors, surrounded by windows on all sides, including overhead. The doors open to a vestibule,
an area designed as a transition zone between the outdoor elements and the interior of the building. The buff-
colored brick veneer from the exterior walls continues around the corner and along the interior south and
north walls of the vestibule space. Metal heat radiators are mounted on the north and south walls. A plaque
honoring Robert A. Lee, whom the building is named after, hangs on the south wall. Two more sets of double
doors surrounded by windows open from the vestibule to a lobby, connecting visitors to other parts of the
building via a central staircase and two hallways leading north and south and a lounge area for gathering.
Floors in high-traffic areas like the entrance vestibule consist of the original terrazzo flooring (Figure 20).
Lobby: The entire west side of the lobby is a glass curtain wall from the floor to the clerestory windows under
the roof beams and the main entrance and vestibule doors are flanked by sidelights. Integral to the original
design the windows unify interior spaces and establish broad panoramic views of the outside. The public
lobby in the center of the building serves as a connecting point to all parts of the interior, providing access to a
staircase between the upper and lower levels and serving as the main access point to the Social Hall. Various
smaller educational and activity-specific rooms are located along a hallway leading north and rooms for
municipal business and public meetings are reached by a hallway leading south.
The buff-colored brick from the building’s exterior and vestibule walls extends twenty inches along both the
north and south interior wall of the Lobby. Evidence of more refined design elements—the interior use of the
buff-colored exterior brick, plastered walls rather than concrete block walls, the original globe-shaped light
fixtures hanging in the Lobby, terrazzo flooring, and wooden doors stained a dark brown—appears on the
upper level, where room functions might include more formal municipal and public business. The original
terrazzo flooring used in this high-traffic area, remains. Bulletin boards on the upper part of the south wall
showcase informational posters while a locked glass wall case on the upper part of the north wall displays
photographs, artwork, poetry, and other artistic creations. The door to a Men’s Restroom is on the north side
of the Lobby (Figure 21).
Lounge: The Lounge is a twenty-four by sixteen-foot open area and functions as a gathering space for
visitors. The east wall is finished with plaster and has two glass doors that lead to the Social Hall. At the top of
the wall, daylight enters from glass clerestory windows between the exposed roof T-beams supporting the
roof over the center of the building. A glass curtain wall, a characteristic Modern Movement design element,
runs along the south of the lounge, providing views of the pool observation balcony while creating a feeling of
openness in the space. The curtain wall is comprised of twelve square glass panels, each measuring forty-by-
forty inches, and reaches from floor-to-ceiling.
Modifications to the walls directly across the hallway resulted in an open counter and half-wall used as a
Reception Desk, enclosed with floor-to-ceiling walls and the addition of a more secure entrance door to the
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 10
Administrative Offices (Figures 22-23). The other sides of the Lounge space connect to open views of the
lobby, main stairwell, and down either hallway. A wide, two-level staircase with terrazzo floor covering
connects the upper and lower levels. It is surrounded by a stairwell with a vaulted ceiling made of plaster
walls. Directly overhead, concrete structural slabs and roof T-beams in the ceiling are left exposed and
painted or sprayed with acoustical plaster. As a central focal point for the Lounge floor, a square-shaped area
is carpeted as it was originally. The rest of the flooring in this high-traffic area consists of the original terrazzo
used throughout the building.
Social Hall: In direct alignment with the Main Entrance on the west side of the building, and adjacent to the
Lobby’s east wall, are a set of double glass entrance doors to the Social Hall. The frosted coating on the two
glass doors prohibits a view inside and filters light into the Lobby. The largest room on the upper level
measures sixty-two by seventy feet, with moving partitions that can divide the Social Hall and Stage area
located toward the north wall. An emergency exit staircase in the northeast corner of the room leads to the
east entrance on the lower level. At the top of the staircase is a swinging gate.
Horizontal clerestory windows above the entrance doors are fitted under the roof beams. Floor-to-ceiling
windows are placed along the entire east wall, illuminating the room with natural light and offering clear views
of the outside. Even more deliberate in terms of extra illumination and visual connections between interior
spaces is the creation of an expansive curtain wall of interior windows along the Social Hall’s entire south
wall. As originally planned, these windows overlook the pool and are capable of accommodating spectators
for competitive swim meets (Figure 24 and Figure 25).
The Social Hall is lit by overhead fluorescent light fixtures as well as the natural light that streams in from four
clerestory window bays between the roof T-beams that run across the ceiling on both the east and west sides
of the room. The concrete structural slabs and roof T-beams are painted or sprayed with acoustical plaster
and left exposed. A band of dark green border vinyl tile around the edge of the room surrounds a field of gray
twelve-inch square vinyl tiles covering the concrete floor. Storage areas for chairs and other items line the
west wall. A small eight-by-eight-foot storage room was constructed in the southeast corner of this room
around 2000.
Pool Observation Balcony: Adjacent to the lobby and intended as a visual extension of that space is a key
link to one of the building’s most significant features: the swimming pool on the lower level. Connected by
windows along the entire north wall, the twenty-by-eight-foot observation balcony or cantilevered platform with
a metal railing overlooks the pool area below (Figures 26-27). Accessed via a door on the east side of the
South Hallway, the original wood entrance door has a forty-inch-wide glass panel or sidelight on the south
side of the door. The exposed T-beams over the pool support the roof over this area. The original terrazzo
floor remains.
Men’s Restroom: Although part of the north wing, the wooden access door to a twelve-by-fourteen-foot
Men’s Restroom is located on the north wall of the Lobby. The buff-colored brick from the building’s exterior
and vestibule walls extends along the north interior wall of the Lobby, up to the door to this restroom. The
windowless room, lit by overhead fluorescent light fixtures, contains one enclosed toilet stall and two urinals
along the south wall and two sinks on the north wall. The original terrazzo floor remains.
Stairwell and Staircase: Around 2014, to comply with ADA rules and public safety codes, the main staircase,
located in the center of the building at the north end of the Lounge, was modified. The open risers and framing
of the main staircase were enclosed, with the height of each step riser lowered from six inches to four inches.8
The seventy-one-inch-wide terrazzo-covered concrete stairs lead from the upper level to the lower level and
comprise two flights of eight stairs broken by an intermediate square landing. The first flight of stairs run from
8 Fishbaugh, Memo from Wehner, July 27, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 11
west to east where they meet the landing and then turn 90 degrees to the north where they reach the lower
level. The coating on the stairs is a close match to the original terrazzo flooring elsewhere (Figure 28).
Bushed stainless steel railings are installed on both sides of the stairs.
Elevator: Due to code changes relating to accessibility and safety, an elevator was added in the 1980s.
Tucked in behind main staircase to the east, the elevator car, with gray twelve-inch squares of vinyl tile on the
four-by-five-foot floor, opens toward the north on each floor. On the upper level, access to the elevator is
gained by walking down the North Hallway a few feet where a small room appears on the east side of the
hallway (Figure 29).
UPPER LEVEL – NORTH WING
North Hallway: The north hallway flooring is consistent with the original terrazzo flooring throughout the
building. The hallway heads north, ending at the doorway to the Arts and Crafts Room, where the hallway’s
concrete floor is covered with twelve-inch square vinyl tiles.
Shop and Social Hall Backstage Entrance: The first opening on the east side of the North Hallway is a
sixteen-by-twenty-four-foot area originally referred to as the Shop on the floor plans, but now provides access
to the west wall of the Social Hall’s backstage area via a double set of original wooden doors. The Shop area
was reconfigured when an elevator was installed on the south side of the room. A band of dark green border
vinyl tile around the edge of the room surrounds a field of gray, twelve-inch square vinyl tiles covering the
concrete floor. The original two-foot square acoustical tile in the suspended ceilings are laid in an exposed
grid system. A fluorescent light fixture appears in the ceiling. Adjacent to the Shop area and behind the west
wall of the Social Hall is an attached storage area, measuring ten-by-sixteen foot, which has another double
set of original wooden doors providing access to the Social Hall. Interior walls and non-load-bearing partitions
in this area are steel studs, plastered and painted.
Staff Offices: On the north side of the Shop alcove are two staff offices created out of two, eight-by-ten-foot
rooms originally designed to be Dressing Rooms. A full-length mirror is mounted on the north wall of the Shop
area next to an office door. A utility sink and storage shelves also line the north wall of the Shop area between
the office doors. Replacement vinyl tile planks matching the dark wood doors have been installed over the
concrete floor. Interior walls and non-bearing partitions in this area are steel studs, plastered and painted.
Fluorescent light fixtures and replacements for the original acoustical ceiling tiles are on the ceiling.
Gymnasium Observation Port: On the east side of the North Hallway is a Gymnasium Observation Port, a
vertical opening in the concrete block featuring a window measuring twenty-one-and-one-half-inches by forty-
five-and-one-fourth inches. The curvature of the Plexiglas permits a view across the entire gymnasium floor
from above (Figure 30).
Maintenance Storage Room: On the west side of the North Hallway is a sixteen-by-nine-foot Maintenance
Storage Room. The original wooden door has metal ventilation screens on the upper and lower part of the
door. Interior partitions and non-load-bearing walls consist of metal studs and plaster. The east wall of this
room has angular wall sections that were designed to alleviate congestion in the hallway. A drinking fountain
mounted on the wall and a trash can are tucked into these side alcoves in the North Hallway. A fire
extinguisher in a metal box with a glass window is mounted on the west hallway wall between the Women’s
Restroom and the Maintenance Storage Room.
Women’s Restroom: On the west side of the hallway, the restroom measures twelve-by-twenty-four foot with
an L-shaped entrance area on the east side. Three sinks and a counter are on the north wall and four toilet
stalls, including one for people needing improved accessibility, on the south wall. A heat radiator hangs on the
west wall as does a paper towel dispenser and a feminine product dispenser. Fluorescent light fixtures in the
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 12
ceiling and over the row of sinks illuminate this windowless room. The acoustical ceiling tiles are updated
replacements. Interior partitions and non-load-bearing walls consist of metal studs and plaster. The original
terrazzo floor of marble chips in white cement, divided into four-foot squares, remains.
Darkroom: The nine-by-ten-foot windowless room is now a staff office accessed from a door on the west side
of the hallway. The maze-like entrance was designed to prevent excess light from entering the darkroom
space. The rest of the original terrazzo floor, remains.
Arts and Crafts Room: At the end of the north hallway on the upper level, next to the darkroom, is a door
leading into a large Arts and Crafts Room measuring thirty-two by forty feet. The original wood hallway door
has a forty-inch-wide glass sidelight on the east side of the door. Directly ahead on the north wall of the room,
a glass emergency exit door leads outside towards College Street on the north side of the building and
combined with a wall of windows, the room is brightly illuminated with natural daylight. Movable tables and
chairs occupy space in the center of the room. Cabinets, open shelving, and rolling storage carts tucked into
cubbyholes are lined up against the walls. A long counter with a sink and convenient electrical outlets
provides a work surface along the west wall of the room. Fluorescent light fixtures, replacements for the
original acoustical ceiling tiles, and two ceiling fans appear over the center of the room. However, the far east
side of the ceiling retains the original two-foot-square acoustical tile in the suspended ceilings, laid in an
exposed grid system. The concrete floor is covered with twelve-inch square vinyl tiles (Figure 31).
Adjoining this large room on the south side is an eight-by-twelve-foot windowless Storage Room and a twelve-
by-twenty-four-foot windowless Work Room, used as a pottery and ceramic studio. Both rooms are only
accessible via interior doors on the south wall of the Arts and Craft Room. Shelves line the east, south, and
north walls of the Work Room. There is no connecting door between these ancillary rooms. Overhead
fluorescent light fixtures illuminate the rooms. The concrete floor is covered with twelve-inch square vinyl tiles.
UPPER LEVEL – SOUTH WING
South Hallway: Starting at the south end of the Lobby, which has terrazzo flooring, the surface of the South
Hallway floor is covered with twelve-inch square vinyl tiles. The original two-foot-square acoustical tiles in the
suspended ceilings are laid in an exposed grid system. Fluorescent light fixtures are mounted overhead.
Except for the door to the Pool Balcony, all the doors are on the west side of the hallway. One metal door
secures the administrative offices, but the rest of the individual doors in the hallway are original wood doors,
stained in a dark color. A fire extinguisher in a metal box with a glass window and a recessed electrical panel
in a metal case is mounted on the west wall of the hallway to the south of the door to the Administrative
Offices (Figure 32).
Administrative Offices: Opposite the Lobby is a door on the west side of the hallway where a suite of
Administrative Offices for the Parks and Recreation Department is located. Exterior windows line the west wall
of the offices, while three glass sidelights on an interior wall, each measuring twenty-four inches wide, divide
the suite of offices, allowing natural light from the west windows to enter the entire space. Two adjoining
rooms on the west side of the suite have separate wooden doors with glass transoms above and sidelights
measuring twenty-four inches wide. On the east side of the suite, staff workspaces are separated by half-
walls, counters, and two small adjoining rooms on the west half. The original two-foot-square acoustical tiles
in the suspended ceilings are laid in an exposed grid system. Overhead fluorescent lights and vents appear in
the ceiling. Replacement vinyl tile planks matching the dark wood doors have been installed over the concrete
floor (Figure 33).
Conference Room: Another prime example of open sight lines appears midway down the South Hallway
where three, twenty-four-inch wide, floor-length sidelights allow light and views into a former Conference
Room (Figure 34). Windows along two-thirds of the upper west wall bring natural light into the room. The
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 13
original two-foot square acoustical tiles in the suspended ceilings are laid in an exposed grid system.
Overhead fluorescent lights and vents appear in the ceiling. Replacement vinyl tile planks matching the dark
wood doors have been installed over the concrete floor.
Meeting Room A: The entire west wall of this twenty-by-thirty-two-foot room features floor-to-ceiling windows
with light-filtering window screens. Visitors can enter via the west side of the South Hallway, where two
original wooden doors are in the northeast and the southeast corners of the room. At the side of each door is
a forty-inch-wide glass sidelight, which brings light from the hallway into the room and allows for views inside.
The sidelight next to the south door is on the south side of the door and the sidelight for the north door is on
the north side of the door. An opening for passing items back and forth from the kitchen is on the south wall,
and a television monitor is mounted next to it. Tables, chairs, and portable audio-visual equipment are moved
into the room as needed. Fluorescent light fixtures and replacements for the original acoustical ceiling tiles
hang from the ceiling. A band of dark green border tile around the edge of the room surrounds a field of gray,
twelve-inch square vinyl tiles covering the concrete floor.
Kitchen: Public access to the twenty-by-twelve-foot Kitchen is accessed via the last door on the west side of
the South Hallway. An interior emergency exit door on the west wall leads to a short hallway and the metal
exterior emergency exit door, which opens to the narrow outside terrace on the west side of the building. A
fire extinguisher in a metal box with a glass window is mounted on the west wall. Both the east and west
kitchen doors are original to the building. Made of wood, the doors have a small rectangular viewing window
and a metal ventilation screen on the lower part of the door. Kitchen cabinets and drawers, countertops, a
sink, an electric oven with stovetop, and a mounted microwave oven line the south wall of the room. On the
north wall of the room, a refrigerator with overhead cupboards, another sink, and countertop appear. The
north wall also features an original aluminum sliding panel above the sink, which covers an opening for
passing items between the Kitchen and Meeting Room A. The original two-foot-square acoustical tiles in the
suspended ceilings are laid in an exposed grid system. Overhead fluorescent lights and vents appear in the
ceiling. A band of dark green border tile around the edge of the room surrounds a field of gray, twelve-inch
square vinyl tiles covering the concrete floor. There are no windows in the Kitchen besides the small ones in
the doors (Figure 35).
Meeting Room B: Located at the end of the South Hallway, the entire south wall of this twenty-four-by-thirty-
two-foot room features floor-to-ceiling windows with light-filtering window screens. Next to the original wood
door is a forty-inch-wide sidelight or glass panel that brings light into the room and allows a view inside.
Fluorescent light fixtures and replacements for the original acoustical ceiling tiles are on the ceiling. A band of
dark green border vinyl tile around the edge of the room surrounds a field of gray, twelve-inch square vinyl
tiles covering the concrete floor. A television monitor is mounted on the west wall. Tables, chairs, and portable
audio-visual equipment are moved into the room as needed. An original wooden emergency exit door leading
to a back hallway is in the northwest corner of the room, providing access to a glass exterior emergency exit
door, which opens to the narrow outside terrace on the west side of the building.
West Back Hallway and Emergency Exit Doors: Concealed from public view for the most part, a hallway
twelve feet long in the southwest corner of the building’s interior heads north towards a glass exterior
emergency exit door, which leads to the narrow terrace on the west side of the building. Designed as an
auxiliary exit and safety feature for occupants of the Kitchen and Meeting Room B, each original wooden door
leading into the hallway has a small rectangular viewing window. The concrete floor is covered in twelve-inch
square vinyl tiles.
LOWER LEVEL – CENTER
East Entrance: The original building footprint and basic floor plan remain the same, though specific room
functions have changed over the years. Designed as the secondary “Teen” entrance to the building, most
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 14
patron traffic now enters through the east entrance to reach the popular Gymnasium and Swimming Pool. The
Reception Desk was relocated to this area from the upper level. A double set of glass emergency ewxit doors
lead to the outside Terrace.
Lower Lounge and Reception Desk: The set of double glass doors lead directly into an open space along
the north wall designated as a Lounge, which is now outfitted with a large Reception Desk. In the northeast
corner of this area is a metal door leading to the emergency exit staircase from the Social Hall on the upper
level above this space. Another metal door on the east wall next to the entrance provides access to
maintenance storage (Figure 36).
Exercise Room (former Game Room): Remodeled in a sympathetic manner in March 2015, the glass-
walled enclosure allows the area to retain the sense of openness as in the original floor plan. Natural light
from the east and south windows illuminates the space while allowing for views of both interior spaces and the
outdoors. This center section of the lower level once featured a large Game Room, now repurposed as an
Exercise Room with exercise equipment. Glass doors on the west side and glass walls on the north and west
sides enclose an interior room occupying the major portion of this space. There are ten window panels on the
north interior wall and ten panels on the west interior wall bordering this “room.” Two double glass doors on
the east side are emergency exit doors as originally planned. The concrete floor is carpeted (Figure 37).9
Staff Offices and West side of former Game Room space: Outside the enclosed area, on the west side of
the former Game Room, is a sixteen-by-thirty-two-foot space with two ping pong tables. Arranged along the
west wall of the room is a metal door leading to a sixteen-by-sixteen-foot room with spaces divided into staff
offices and workspaces using interior partitions consisting of metal studs and plaster. The concrete floor
outside the enclosed area and inside the offices is covered with twelve-inch square vinyl tiles. A metal door at
the far end of the west wall leads to a staff office used by the swimming pool lifeguards. At the south end of
this side of the former Game Room is a glass door providing direct access to the pool area (Figure 38).
Along the west wall, to the north of the staff office door and near the base of the staircase, is a row of four
vertical glass windows, reaching from floor to ceiling. Each window measures forty inches across with a lower
pane of forty-by-forty inches and an upper pane twice as tall. These windows open the space up by providing
views of the stairwell and surrounding areas, and by allowing natural light to transmit between spaces on the
lower level as well as the upper level (Figure 39).
Restrooms, Single User: In 2021, and in compliance with ADA rules and the need for equity, office space
directly next to the main doors into the Gymnasium was repurposed as two single-use, gender-neutral
restrooms. (Figure 40).10
LOWER LEVEL – SOUTH WING
Natatorium: The Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s anchor is its 145,000-gallon indoor swimming
pool. It sports six lanes, twenty-five yards long, in the main body with water ranging from three-and-one-third
to five feet in depth. It also includes an attached ten-foot-deep diving well and a wading pool one-and-seven-
tenths feet in depth. The wading pool measures eighteen by thirty feet and is fenced off to protect children
and non-swimmers from the swimming lanes and deep end. The seventy-six feet long by sixty-three feet wide,
L-shaped, concrete swimming pool tank is supported by creosote-treated wood pilings that were capped with
concrete. This robust construction produced a pool that has not leaked to this day. The original diving board
on the south end of the diving well is non-extant. The original Dex-O-Tex flooring finish on the pool deck and
locker room floors was redone with compatible materials, although the coating required epoxy chemical
composition to adhere to the old finish.
9 Bennett, Mary, Email from Nicole Davies, October 31, 2023.
10 Ibid.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 15
The expansive use of windows creates a glass curtain wall on the south side of the pool, offering views of the
outside and allowing natural light to flood the space. The direct sunlight generates enough heat to warm the
space and pool water on sunny days, reducing overall energy costs. Natural light also streams in from
clerestory windows between the roof beams above, on both the east and west sides of the room with ceilings
over twenty feet high. Concrete structural slabs and roof T-beams are painted or sprayed with acoustical
plaster and left exposed as the finish on ceilings. Highly sound-absorbent acoustic units were applied in
rectangular grid pattern on the pool walls. Overhead fluorescent light fixtures provide additional light to the
space. Emergency exit doors are found in the southeast and southwest corners of the south wall of the pool
area, providing access to the outside terrace and Burlington Street (Figure 41).
The north wall of the Natatorium also features an expansive set of windows on both the lower level and the
upper level, offer views of activities elsewhere in the building. If needed, chairs and bleachers placed behind
the windows on either level offer additional seating areas for pool spectators. Chairs facing the north side of
the pool line the south wall of the Exercise Room and the north wall of the Natatorium near the wading pool
area (Figure 42).
A metal door in the northwest corner of the natatorium opens to an eight-by-eight-foot storage room used for
aquatic exercise gear, life jackets, and equipment. Also on the north wall is a ten-by-eight-foot room used as a
lifeguard office. The office has glass windows on the upper half of the west and south walls of the room, as
well as doors on both the south and west walls, which permit access to this room from the pool deck. A metal
door on the north wall leads to a small staff restroom with a toilet and sink. A metal door on the east side of
the pool office connects the natatorium to the area next to the west wall of the enclosed Exercise Room.
In 2021, a unisex, single-user restroom with accessible shower replaced the original men’s and women’s
restrooms, which had previously existed as separate rooms along the west wall off the pool deck.11 Towards
the south side of the west wall, a metal door permits access to a Utility Room within the Boiler Room.
Patrons must pass through separate entrances from each Locker Room to reach the pool deck area from the
west side. The East/West Hallway permits access to the Men’s Locker Room and a South Hallway door leads
into the Women’s Locker Room.
Men’s Locker Room: The Men’s Locker Room door is on the south side of the East/West Hallway. The walls
of this twenty-four-by-forty-foot room, including two large shower stalls, are painted concrete block. The
concrete floors are covered with a protective epoxy-based coating. Concrete slabs form the ceiling.
Fluorescent lights hang from the brackets on the ceiling as does a large horizontal heat radiator. Metal lockers
line the north, west and south walls of the dressing area with four benches nearby. Mirrors, two sinks, two
urinals, four toilet stalls, and a private dressing room are located on the south side of the room. To enter the
pool area patrons must use a door in the southeast corner of the room, which opens to a maze-like entrance
to the pool deck.
Women’s Locker Rooms: The metal door to the Women’s Locker Room is on the east side of the South
Hallway. The walls of this twenty-four-by-forty-foot room, including six individual shower stalls, are painted
concrete block. The concrete floors are covered with a protective epoxy-based coating. Concrete slabs form
the ceiling. Fluorescent lights hang from the brackets on the ceiling as does a large horizontal heat radiator.
Metal shelves line the east wall and lockers line the west wall of the dressing area with four benches nearby.
A narrow shelf and two mirrors hang on an east wall in front of two private showers. Coat hooks, a clock, and
fan hang on the south wall. Two sinks with mirrors above and two enclosed toilet stalls are in the anteroom
area of the Locker Room, as is an accessible private shower and dressing room with a door. To enter the pool
11 Ibid.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 16
area patrons must use a door in the northeast corner of the room, which opens to a maze-like entrance to the
pool deck (Figure 43).
South Hallway, Lower Level: At the far west end of the lower level is the South Hallway leading directly to a
glass emergency exit door leading towards Burlington Street. A glass panel on the east side of the door brings
additional natural light into the space. Solid metal doors along the left side of the hallway lead to small utility
rooms relating to locker room water pipes, the Women’s Locker Room, and a mechanical room with a boiler.
A small storage closet is located on the east side of the hallway near the exit door, but the access door is
located outside the building to the east of the south exit door.
The east wall is painted concrete block, and the west wall is plaster over metal studs. No drop ceiling or
acoustical tiles were ever planned for this space, so plumbing pipes are exposed overhead. The concrete slab
ceiling is painted black. A heat radiator is mounted on the east wall and twelve-inch square vinyl tiles cover
the concrete floor (Figure 44).
Boiler Room: The Boiler Room houses the pool’s water filtering, chlorination/conditioning equipment, and
pumps. Walls are painted concrete block. No drop ceiling or acoustical tiles were ever planned for this space.
The boiler was replaced in May 2016.12
LOWER LEVEL – NORTH WING
Gymnasium: The main doors to the Gymnasium are located on the north wall of the Game Room. Direct
access is also available via two emergency exit doors on the west wall of the Gymnasium leading directly to a
north hallway located outside the room. The Gymnasium, measuring eighty-two by ninety-four feet,
accommodates two full-size basketball courts and serves multiple functions relating to competitive sports,
fitness, recreation, entertainment, and education (Figure 45).
Overhead fluorescent light fixtures provide illumination while natural light streams in from windows placed
between the roof beams above on both the east and west sides of the high-ceiling room. Two sets of
basketball hoops are mounted opposite each other on the east and west walls. Protective padding or mats are
placed on the walls under the baskets on the east wall. A curtain hanging from a rail in the ceiling can be used
to divide the room for use of two separate courts. A scoreboard and time clock are mounted on the upper part
of the wall in the northeast and southeast corners. Exposed structural slabs are painted or sprayed with
acoustical plaster and left exposed as finished ceilings in other areas. Highly sound-absorbent, acoustic
panels were applied as a rectangular grid on the gym walls. Vertical acoustical panels were added to the
upper walls and HVAC ductwork and pipes are suspended from the ceiling.
An Observation Port, a special curved window located high on the upper wall in the southwest corner of the
Gymnasium, allows spectators to view the entire court from the upper level. Doors on the east wall provide
access to storage rooms formerly used as an Exercise Room and Handball Court. Emergency exit doors are
on the west wall of the Gymnasium.
Maple flooring on rubber cushions covers the Gymnasium floor.13 With forward thinking in terms of versatility
and durability, the hardwood floor in the gymnasium was laid with five-and-a-fourth-inch thick boards instead
of the usual thickness of three-fourth-inch board. This was done purposefully so the floor could be maintained
by sanding and refinishing without causing excessive wear, but more importantly, it could withstand the rigors
of roller skating, the scuffs of ordinary street shoes, and other intended uses of the space.14
12 Ibid.
13 Wehner, Roland C., Community Recreation Center brochure, 1964.
14 Fishbaugh, Conversation with Wehner, March 18, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 17
Storage Room (former Exercise Room): A set of double doors on the east wall of the gymnasium provides
access to a twenty-four by thirty-six-foot room originally designated as an Exercise Room. Painted concrete
block walls provide structural support and floor surfaces are concrete. In the northwest corner of the room, a
staircase with three steps leads down to the room designed to be a Handball Court but is now used for
storage. Metal safety rails surround the east and south sides of the stairwell. Three vertical water pipes,
including hot water supply and return, extend from a midway point upward on the east wall. Overhead
fluorescent light fixtures illuminate this windowless room. Previously, this high-ceiling room housed gymnastic
equipment and exercise mats but now tables, old doors and fixtures from the building, and unused equipment
are stored there.
Storage Room (former Handball Court): A twenty-four-by-forty-eight-foot room in the northeast corner of the
building has been converted to an equipment storage room. As originally planned, the floor was lower in this
room than anywhere else on the lower level to create higher ceilings to meet handball rules and regulations.
Only accessible via a staircase inside a room off the east wall of the Gymnasium, the former Handball Court
was decommissioned around 2018 due to changing fire and public safety codes. Concrete block structural
walls have been covered with sheetrock and the ceiling is covered in acoustical tiles. Overhead fluorescent
light fixtures illuminate this windowless room. A fire alarm is mounted on the west wall. A few pieces of sports
equipment are stored in a room that is not used by staff or the public.
North Hallway, Lower Level: In the middle of the lower level, to the west of the Gymnasium, the North
Hallway provides access to two separate emergency exit doors opening into the west side of the Gymnasium.
Walls are painted concrete block and twelve-inch square vinyl tiles cover the concrete floor. Nine metal doors
provide access to one room at the end of the hallway and four smaller rooms on the west side of the hallway.
On the east side of the hallway is a Lactation Room (originally designated as an Office). A fire extinguisher in
a metal box with a glass window is mounted on the east wall next to this room.
Storage Rooms on West Side of North Hallway: Designed to function as storage rooms, five windowless
rooms with metal doors line the west side of the North Hallway.
East/West Hallway, Lower Level: This hallway connects the east and north portions of the building to the
center stairwell and elevator area and toward rooms located to the west and south. Walls are painted
concrete block, and twelve-inch square vinyl tiles cover the concrete floor. Doors to the Men’s Locker Room
are on the south side of the hall and doors to a Storage Room and the Weight Room are on the north side of
the hall.
Storage Room: A windowless sixteen-by-ten-foot storage room is accessible from a metal door on the north
side of the East/West Hallway.
Weight Room (former Rifle Range): The door to the Weight Room is on the north side of the East/West
Hallway. Located in the space originally meant to function as a Rifle Range, the room measures eighty-foot
long from north to south and fourteen feet wide. Walls are painted concrete block, and florescent light fixtures
provide overhead light to this windowless room. Carpeting and exercise mats cover the floor while mirrors and
personal weight stations line the walls on either side of the room. Two large fans are mounted on the east wall
and HVAC ductwork hangs from the ceiling. No drop ceiling or acoustical tiles were ever planned for this
space (Figure 46).
The outfitting of the Rifle Range was not part of the original interior design and was completed later when
local law enforcement and a gun club developed the empty space. Targets were placed on the far north wall,
with shooters behind counters on the south end of the room. No descriptions of the Rifle Range were found
although the room has been adapted to other uses prior to becoming a Weight Room. Modifications were
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 18
made to the original Rifle Range when the function of the room changed to an Exercise Room from 2000 to
2015, with basic equipment like stationary bicycles, treadmills, and rowing machines.
ALTERATIONS – See Appendix A Table of Alterations
Exterior Changes: The footprint and primary functions of the building remain unchanged. Although
alterations have taken place, the original design characteristics based on Modern Movement architectural
style and methods persist in the building’s distinctive visual identity. The most significant change, in terms of
historical integrity, was the removal of the decorative concrete block screen, which accented a row of windows
on the west façade and decorated the terrace near the east entrance. The reason for removal of the façade
screen is unclear, but it appears the glazing behind it had changed over time, or the City preferred the
aesthetics of the building’s windows without the decorative blocks. Canopies over the west and east
entrances were modified when flat roofs were placed over the original roof t-beams, which are still visible.
Interior Changes: The floor plan remains the same with most of the room functions remaining the same more
than 50 years. In a few instances, the room functions have been adapted to reflect the changing social,
health, and recreational preferences. The original design characteristics based on Modern Movement
architectural style have been retained with interior spaces linked visually with the use of interior glass curtain
walls and sidelights next to glass entrance and exit doors. Documentation of how spaces looked before and
after these changes can be seen in images logged as Figures and Photographs.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 19
Historic Integrity: This property retains the historic integrity of those features necessary to convey its
significance in terms of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
1. Location: The building remains at its original address, and therefore the integrity of the location
is intact and excellent.
2. Design: The design is excellent as to footprint, form, plan, and interior room arrangement,
although a glass partition has been added to the Game Room and a Reception Desk counter
has been enclosed on the upper level and relocated to the lower level. Of greater importance is
the loss of visual integrity after removal of the exterior concrete screens from the west façade
(south of the main entrance) and from the terrace near the east entrance area, leaving the
exterior with good but not excellent integrity. Nonetheless, the use of principles based on the
Modern Movement in architectural style still define the most prominent design characteristics,
and match some of the design elements present in Iowa City’s nearby Civic Center complex,
developed in tandem with the Iowa City Community Recreation Center.
3. Setting: The character of the setting is good, as it is centrally located in downtown Iowa City
adjacent to convenient parking and Ralston Creek to the east; it remains surrounded by
residential quarters, although these are now student apartments rather than single-family
houses. The site of the building has been identified as a space for public recreation and
municipal use since 1839.
4. Materials: Most of the building’s structural and exterior materials remain intact and have
excellent integrity. Though windows were changed by choice after tornado damage and to
improve energy efficiency, they remain commercial types, made of similar or sympathetic
aluminum framing and insulated glass, and they fill the same fenestration openings.
5. Workmanship: The workmanship is excellent with fine brickwork and precast, prestressed T-
beams intact and exposed for public viewing and examination. The use of skilled labor and high-
performance standards during construction meant no significant structural problems exist, nor
are there deteriorating finishes on the interior or exterior, even after 50 years of active use.
6. Feeling: The feeling is excellent in reflecting the low, horizontal, and cubic lines of midcentury
Modern Movement architecture. The building can evoke an emotional response or memory that
cannot be expressed in words but is conveyed by familiar, unchanged spaces.
7. Association: The association is excellent and intact with the development of commercial
precast, prestressed concrete construction of midcentury municipal and non-residential
buildings. It is also demonstrated through Iowa City’s history of and continued provision of
services for its citizens with a community center at this location for approximately 100 years, as
well as through its association with innovative architect Roland C. Wehner and retired recreation
superintendent Robert A. Lee, both of whom were instrumental in the current facility’s
development.
Comparative Information – Prior SHPO Records
The Iowa City Recreation Center was evaluated in 2000 as a part of the “Iowa City Central Business District
Study” (HABD #52-040). At that time, the building was less than 50 years old and was therefore determined
ineligible for the National Register.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 20
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria
(Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for
National Register listing.)
X A Property is associated with events that have made a
significant contribution to the broad patterns of our
history.
B Property is associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past.
X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, or method of construction or represents
the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values,
or represents a significant and distinguishable entity
whose components lack individual distinction.
D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information
important in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations
(Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.)
Property is:
A
Owned by a religious institution or used for religious
purposes.
B
removed from its original location.
C
a birthplace or grave.
D
a cemetery.
E
a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
F
a commemorative property.
G
less than 50 years old or achieving significance
within the past 50 years.
Areas of Significance
(Enter categories from instructions.)
Architecture
Community Planning/Development
Social History
Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance
1964-1974
Significant Dates
1964 (construction date)
Significant Person
(Complete only if Criterion B is marked above.)
Cultural Affiliation (if applicable)
Architect/Builder
Wehner, Roland C. (architect)
Viggo M. Jensen Company (builder)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 21
Statement of Significance
Statement of Significance Summary Paragraph (Provide a summary paragraph that includes level of significance, applicable criteria,
justification for the period of significance, and any applicable criteria considerations).
Planned and constructed in the early 1960s as the third phase of a major, postwar civic improvement project,
the Iowa City Community Recreation Center is locally significant and individually eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places under both Criterion A and Criterion C. It derives its significance from its
association with an important era of economic development in Iowa City that enabled the overdue completion
of municipal and community construction projects, and from its character-defining Modern Movement-inspired
architectural style and organic design concepts, which help to convey the specific time and place of its
construction and connection with Iowa City’s other municipal buildings. The Period of Significance for Criterion
A is 1964 to 1974. The Period of Significance for Criterion C is 1964, reflecting the year the building was
finished and placed in service.
Narrative Statement of Significance (Provide at least one paragraph for each area of significance.)
(Iowa SHPO Additional Instructions: For properties not nominated under Criterion D, include a statement about whether any archaeological remains
within or beyond the footprint of the property were assessed as part of this nomination under the subheading Archaeological Assessment.)
Criterion A – Iowa City Community Recreation Center is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
under Criterion A as an excellent local example of mid-twentieth-century architecture, community planning
and development, social history, and recreation/entertainment. Built in 1964, it represents the construction of
civic and municipal buildings following World War II when the economy was robust and was propelling the
“Golden [economic] Age” of the 1950s forward into the 1960s. The American public was looking for additional
recreation activities to fill the increasing amounts of leisure time available to them, while Iowa City was
catching up on long-delayed municipal improvements. The City’s first phase was construction of a new police
and fire station in 1961, a much-needed replacement of a nineteenth-century precursor in existence since
1883. Phase 2, completed in 1962, was the administration/city hall building adjacent to the police and fire
departments. Together, the two are referred to as Iowa City’s Civic Center. Upon completion of these priority
projects, the City turned to Phase 3, the community recreation center urgently anticipated by local residents
after watching their Community building burn to the ground in 1955. A combination of community needs and
growing community anticipation, then, intersected at a time of national prosperity, when all three projects were
economically possible.
Criterion C – The Iowa City Community Recreation Center is eligible for the National Register of Historic
Places under Criterion C as an excellent local example of Modern Movement municipal architecture. The
building represents the architectural style low, horizon-hugging profiles with clean lines, little ornamentation,
and functionality of interior space. Through its large windows, especially in the south side of the pool area, the
plan merges interior space with the outdoors. The building also shows the mid-twentieth-century influence
using the modular planning grid. The method of construction should also be deemed significant as an early
example of modular construction employing precast, prestressed concrete applied to a civic building. In this
building, the method is found in the enormous, exposed roof T-beams that project outward beyond the plane
of the walls, and the roof panels. Using Modern Movement schematics and innovations, architect Roland C.
Wehner combined aesthetic, functional, and decorative ideas into a custom design with distinctive
characteristics and high artistic values. He maintained simplicity, open planning, massing of elements, and
utilization of strong horizontal lines and cubic blocks. Drawing on standardized industrial materials as he
aimed for versatility and durability, Wehner’s modern concepts created an environmentally sound building that
has stood the test of time and will serve several more generations of Iowa City recreation enthusiasts.15
15 Fishbaugh, Jill, Notes from in-person interview with Mary Bennett, Iowa City, Iowa, July 28, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 22
Criterion A:
Early Planning for Recreation and Public Green Spaces in Iowa City
In the summer of 1839, Chauncey Swan hired Leander Judson to draw the first plat map of Iowa City so lots
could be sold to finance the building of a capitol. The idealized plan resembled a Roman provincial town and
situated lots on land directly east of a prominent bluff overlooking the Iowa River where the new capitol would
be built. Swan envisioned a promenade along the river and a splendid capitol, with adequate space reserved
for parks, schools, churches, and market centers in the vicinity of downtown. Laid out in an orderly fashion,
the map became the template for developing Iowa City’s institutions and downtown commercial district, years
before the University of Iowa was established.16
Since the city’s inception, recreation has been a key part of its plan. Open, green spaces for public parks and
community recreation included a promenade along the Iowa River and the designation of College Green, one
square block directly east of the downtown between Washington and College streets and bordered by Van
Buren Street on the west and Dodge Street on the east (Map 1). Specific areas within the vicinity of downtown
were designated for public use: South Market, North Market, Centre Market, and a square block next to Iowa
Avenue simply referred to as “Park.” Of note, is the parcel called South Market where the Iowa City
Community Recreation Center now stands (Map 2). Looking backwards, it is remarkable this particular parcel
has served the purpose it was intended for 184 years!17
The property appears on the 1868 bird’s eye view, showing the slope of the hillside and Ralston Creek, which
was prone to flooding, transecting it (Map 3). By the mid-1870s, the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific
Railroad laid tracks on the west side of Ralston Creek and by the 1890s, “South Market was changed from a
brush-covered localized dump to a railroad depot for both passengers and freight.”18
In the Pleasure Ground period of American history dating from about 1850 to 1900, as leisure time for
working-class city dwellers increased, people were interested in spaces for recreational activities and
spending more time outdoors. Some were seeking respite from more heavily industrialized urban or
commercial areas.19 Reflecting American intellectual life of the time, Transcendentalists, public health
reformers, and others promoted the benefits of communing with nature.20 The shores of the Iowa River were a
prime gathering place, offering scenic areas for picnics or carriage rides; waterways for swimming, boating,
fishing, or ice skating; woodlands and meadows for strolls along meandering paths; and gathering places for
musical entertainment and the arts.
In 1906, the City purchased 78 acres from the Terrell Estate and established the largest public park in Iowa
City along the riverfront across from North Dubuque Street. With a lovely oak savanna on the hilltop and level
areas out in the open for playgrounds, fields, and shelters, the park was a popular place for all ages seeking
outdoor recreation. A streetcar line brought residents to City Park beginning in 1909.21 In response to social
reformers and new ideas about children’s play and assimilation, a distinct period between 1900 and 1930 led
16 Bennett, Mary, A Historian’s Lament, Finials: A View of Downtown Iowa City, compiled by Marybeth Slonneger. Iowa City, By Hand
Press, 2015. Page 38.
17 Map of Iowa City, Drawn by L. [Leander] Judson, July 4, 1839. State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City); Map of Iowa City and Its
Environs. Compiled and drawn by J. H. Millar. Bryan & Millar, Panora, Iowa. Illustrations by G.H. Yewell, Lithographed by W.
Schuchman, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1854. State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City). For a time, residents parked their wagons
and buggies in College Green even if the park was meant to be reserved for recreational purposes. The 1854 Map of Iowa City and Its
Environs published by J.H. Millar also shows a public promenade along the Iowa River between Market Street on the north and
extending towards Burlington Street on the south. Houses appear in this area in a bird’s eye drawn in 1868 although access to the
Iowa River was available in other locations even if not in public spaces.
18 Svendsen, Marlys A., Survey and Evaluation of Central Business District, Iowa City, Iowa. (HABD #52-040), 200l, Page E-7, E-13.
19 Jensen, Clayne R., and Steven P. Guthrie. Outdoor Recreation in America. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2005. Table 3.1
“Typology of Urban Parks, 1850-1965.”
20 Persons, Stow. American Minds: A History of Ideas. Huntington, New York: Robert F. Krieger Publishing Company, 1975.
21 Mansheim, Gerald. Iowa City, an illustrated History. Norfolk, Virginia: The Donning Co., 1989. Pages 146, 164, 182, 184, 206.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 23
to more Reform Parks in urban areas, a push for municipal services to support the growth of parks, build
facilities, and promote recreational opportunities for all (Figure 47).22
Planning for a Community Recreation Center in the Civic Corridor
As Iowa City’s Central Business District developed, “a civic corridor was established before World War I along
the east edge anchored by City Hall, a new post office and public library and a group of new fraternal
buildings,”23 including a Masonic Temple and an Elks Club (B.O.P.E.) building (Map 4). “For the most part this
trend saw private residences and vacant parcels replaced by buildings that served the public in one fashion or
another.”24
The idea of locating a recreation center downtown as part of a civic corridor began in 1925. A group of
citizens made a concerted plan to build municipal spaces that were specifically targeted for the improved
health, wellness, and social good of the community. Members of the American Legion began to discuss the
necessity of building a permanent home for their group and other community/recreational activities in Iowa
City. A site at the southeast corner of the intersection of South Gilbert and East College streets was selected
and plans and financing in partnership with the City were finalized in 1927. “On June 28, 1928, the Corner
Stone of the American Legion Community Building was laid.”25 To the delight of the entire community, the new
building opened on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1928 (Figure 48).26
The “modern architecture” of the brick and stone building allowed for two floors below street level and
featured a fifty-by-ninety-foot gymnasium or drill room, rifle range, handball court, a “giant” eighty-by-ninety
foot ballroom or auditorium on the top floor, lounges, restrooms, and a kitchen and dining room large enough
for 160 diners. Locker rooms for both men and women included steam and massage rooms. Spaces were
dedicated for use by the National Guard, Boy Scouts, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and other
civic activities.27 The variety of functions and services available in this building became the impetus behind the
design of future recreation centers constructed on this property.
Coinciding with national recreation movements and Iowa City’s growing population, plans were in the works to
install a second swimming pool in the vacant land adjacent to the south of the American Legion Community
Building (Map 5).28 Unfortunately, the American Legion Community Building was destroyed by fire on July 29,
1936, and construction of a proposed downtown swimming pool was postponed.29
After the 1936 fire, Iowa City architect Henry L. Fisk immediately drew the plans for a similar recreation facility
on the exact same site. As rebuilt, the facility, subsequently named the Community Building, was a long,
hulking, two-story rectangular building, of brick construction with Classical Revival styling (Map 6). Its main
entrance faced west onto Gilbert Street; the front door was trimmed in stone as were the windowsills. A
simplified entablature terminated the brick walls at the roof, which was covered by a shallow-sloped, hipped
22 Jensen, Clayne R., and Steven P. Guthrie, 2005. Table 3.1 “Typology of Urban Parks, 1850-1965.”
23 Svendsen, Maryls A., 2001, Page E-71. Discussion of the civic corridor can be found on Pages E-61 to E-65, E-71 of Svendsen’s
2001 report and is repeated in Alexa McDowell, Survey and Evaluation Update Iowa City Central Business District, Iowa City, Iowa,
2018, Pages E-50 to E-54. Established landmarks on the east side of downtown were the 19th century brick city hall (1881-1961) and
the Beaux-Arts styled public library (1902), post office (1904), Masonic Temple (1914). The prominent Elks Club in Classical Revival or
Colonial Revival style was completed in 1909. With a nod to Moderne Style, Architect Henry L. Fisk helped design the Iowa City
Press-Citizen in 1937. The State Historical Society of Iowa, another public institution, was added to this civic corridor in 1957.
24 Ibid., Page E-60.
25 Clark, L.E., History of Roy L. Chopek Post No 17 Iowa City, Iowa 1919-1942, Page 65.
26 Daily Iowan, November 11, 1928. A special dedication edition for American Legion Community Building includes various articles, an
image of the auditorium, congratulations from contractors and businesses involved. The front page of the section reminds readers of
the tenth anniversary of the end of World War I and that the American Legion “presents this beautiful community building to the people
of Iowa City as a memorial – as a center for civic activities.”
27 Ibid., Page 2.
28 Iowa City Press-Citizen, Legion Group Endorses Pool, July 22, 1936.
29 Iowa City Press-Citizen, Fire Might Bring End to Pool Project, July 31, 1936.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 24
form and clad in standing-seam metal. As with the predecessor American Legion Community Building, the
new Community Building served as a gathering place for townspeople as well as University students for
nearly twenty years as it had a large ballroom that was frequently used for roller skating parties, wedding
dances, lectures, and concerts.
The desire for a municipal swimming pool persisted even though community members had long gravitated to
the banks of the Iowa River, with stories of diving near the Park Road bridge or canoeists paddling upriver
from the various boathouses located on the eastern shore. Local people routinely swam in the river and
utilized various beaches at the river’s edge for other recreational activities before a private outdoor pool called
“The Big Dipper” opened on August 1, 1923. The for-profit pool, measuring one hundred and twenty-by-eighty
foot, is believed to have closed around 1940, relegating swimmers back at the riverbank just as demand for a
public pool steadily increased.30 As time went on, the community became interested in expanding recreational
opportunities for its citizens. 31
In 1941, the City Council approved construction of a public swimming pool, but World Wall II diverted
resources and reduced manpower, delaying those plans. “It took a tragedy to kick-start completion of the
pool,”32 when 10-year-old Keith Howell, who could not swim, drowned June 5, 1946, in the Iowa River.33 The
establishment of the Coralville Dam and reservoir north of Iowa City made swimming in the river unsafe due
to fluctuating water levels. The community rallied together and in June 1949 opened City Park Pool, a T-
shaped 750,000-gallon pool, featuring nine 50-meter and six 25-yard lap lanes and three diving boards into
the 14-foot diving well, located in an oak savanna on the west side of the Iowa River one mile north of
downtown on the north side of Park Road.
Successful Planning for the Iowa City Community Recreation Center
When the downtown Community Building designed by Fisk was destroyed by fire on January 27, 1955, local
leaders immediately began advocating for a new community recreation center (Figure 49).34 “Iowa City has
been fortunate in having such a structure as the Community Building,” the local newspaper editor opined, “for
it has filled innumerable civic needs through the years…There must be immediate consideration for the
continuance of the fine recreation program. Iowa City cannot get along without that. Its great good has been
established, and this city has become a finer place in which to live because of it.”35 Because insurance
coverage was inadequate for replacement, “a situation that was being studied and action was being taken at
the very moment of the fire,” the editor further opined that “Iowa City must look and plan ahead and in so
doing it will be realized that ways can be found to provide a new, even better Community Building.”36
At the time the Community Building burned in 1955, Robert A. Lee had been employed for four years,
ultimately as the City’s recreation superintendent, and knew firsthand the building’s importance. “It was a
magnet for the community with all the different activities going on.”37 According to Lee’s son, his father spent
the next few years working out of “little offices, just a few rooms” and “garner[ing] community support for a
30 Brennan, Paul, “The history of public pools in Iowa City swimming hasn’t always been accessible.” Little Village. 8/14019.
31 Jensen and Guthrie, 2005. Table 3.1 “Typology of Urban Parks, 1850-1965.” The evolution of community services matched the
times as Increased federal funding from Works Projects Administration (W.P.A.) led to construction of recreational facilities like
gymnasiums and stadiums for high school sports. Multiple Iowa towns were able to build outdoor municipal swimming pools beginning
in the mid-1930s. Jensen and Guthrie describe the 1930 to 1965 period as a time when Recreation Facility building expanded.
Satisfying the recreational needs of suburban families and younger generations became a priority, although Iowa City’s progress
toward building a multi-purpose facility was delayed for three decades.
32 Clark, L.E., History of Roy L. Chopek Post No 17.
33 The Daily Iowan, “Couldn’t Swim—Youth Drowns While Playing in Flood Waters,” June 6, 1947.
34 Iowa City Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan, Executive Summary, Iowa City, Iowa. October 2008. All-American swimmer
Irving B. Weber served as vice president of the Playground and Recreation Commission around the time the Iowa City Community
Recreation Center was planned.
35 Iowa City Press-Citizen, Progress Can Come from Community Building Ruins, January 29, 1955.
36 Ibid.
37 Bennett, Mary, Robert Lee interview, State Historical Society of Iowa [Iowa City], June 22, 2007.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 25
new facility.”38 Lee, who died in 2013, retired in 1983 after a long 32-year career leading the recreation
department. Soon after his retirement, the newest (and current) iteration of the City’s Community Recreation
Building was renamed the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, an honor that “flabbergasted” Lee.39
Lee was not alone in his efforts to see a replacement for the Community Building. Just a year after the fire, in
March 1956, the City’s volunteer Playground and Recreation Commission (meeting at the Iowa City municipal
airport for lack of other space) was lobbying for a new recreation building, calling the community’s need for
the facility urgent. The Commission advanced numerous reasons the City Council should support a new
building, including but not limited to the inadequate availability of school gymnasiums (only available in the
evening), conflicting missions of the schools and recreation program, and shortcomings in the grade schools
designed for younger children. The Commission noted, “It is a common sight to see teenagers down on their
knees getting a drink from the low fountains. What coat hooks there are, are so low that they do not keep
adult-size clothing up off the floor.”40 It was not only that alternative facilities were inadequate, but also the
need for a new recreation facility, already dire, was also increasing rapidly due to social and cultural factors.
Some 6,000 people were using the old Community Building every month, but the post-war baby boom was
bringing more children every year to use the City’s facilities. Recreational activities, the Commission argued,
were necessary for the town’s residents to avoid becoming “afflicted with spectatoritis.” Further, recreation
was “a positive force for helping teenagers adjust to adult responsibilities.” The Commission wanted the City
Council to look toward the future, predicting 6,000 new children of school age by 1965, more leisure time
because of labor-saving devices, and “a shorter work week of probably 35 hours.”41 According to Leland M.
Roth, “In principle, all Americans were middle class or almost there,” and “flashy modern buildings for leisure
were a conspicuous sign of American well-being.”42
Expansion of Municipal Government Buildings Aids Fundraising
Despite the widespread call for a new recreation center, it was not until 1962 when the possibility became a
reality. The expansion of a civic corridor along Gilbert Street had been in the planning stages for decades.
“The issue of whether to build a new city hall had been a topic for public discussion since at least 1948 when
a report by the city's own planning commission urged construction of a new city hall and proposed several
sites on which to do so” and “debate was brisk during the 1950s” about the need for new police and fire
stations as well.43 The City employed architects Henry L. Fisk and Roland C. Wehner, who prepared
preliminary design ideas for municipal buildings on Gilbert and Washington streets in April 1959 (Figures 50-
51). The City’s first invested in a new Civic Center municipal facility that opened in 1961 just down the street
to serve as the fire and police headquarters and city hall.
Planned as a three-phase project, the recreation center was next in line, but funding it remained the hurdle. A
large public audience attended the City Council’s meeting in early February 1962, an audience that
overwhelmingly supported a “public fund drive to get a bigger community recreation center faster.”44 One
councilor was pessimistic about public fund drives, but so many community groups pressed for it that the City
formed a committee to pursue it. Citizens asked the City Council to “think bigger” than the $500,000
replacement plan. In March 1959, Fisk submitted a concept drawing of a recreation center for a proposed
second site on Iowa Avenue, next to the Civic Center. Fisk used a minimalist cubic design, without
ornamentation, but the structure was deemed too small (Figure 52). Much of the public discussion centered
38 Iowa City Press-Citizen, October, 19, 2013.
39 Bennett, Lee interview, 2013.
40 Playground and Recreation Commission, letter to the City Council, March 6,1956. Roland C. Wehner Collection, State Historical
Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
41 Ibid.
42 Roth, Leland M., Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, and Meaning, Cambridge, MA: Westview Press, 2007, Pages
153, 182.
43 Svendsen, Maryls A., 2001, page E-78.
44 Iowa City Press-Citizen, Recreation Center Fund Drive Urged, February 9, 1962.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 26
around the importance of a swimming pool in the new recreation center because citizens wanted an indoor
swimming pool that could be used year-round for fitness and swimming instruction. Other discussion for
inclusion in the recreation center plans included a multiple-purpose craft room, a rifle range, handball courts,
meeting/conference rooms, and a gymnasium.45
Advantages listed to build the new recreation center on the old Community Building property included: “More
land, 46,700 square feet, compared with 36,000 square feet for the Iowa Avenue site; easy segregation of
facilities and separate accesses because of two-level construction; close to public library; possibility of indoor-
outdoor swimming facility; no cost for land.”46 A preliminary drawing, provided by architect Roland C. Wehner
of Fisk and Wehner, Architects, showed what type of building could be designed for the lot at Gilbert and
College streets on which the old Community Building stood (Figure 53 and Figure 54).47 The central location
in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood close to downtown followed principles of New Urbanism, which aims to
avoid marginalization of “various groups, such as the ‘underprivileged, children, and the elderly’ who rarely
own cars and often lack access to public transport.”48
Final Realization of the Plan for the Iowa City Community Recreation Center
By March 1962, the public fundraising was not meeting projected goals. By October, citizens circulated
petitions calling for a bond issue. In December, the bond issue was presented to the voters and easily
approved. With funding assured and architectural plans assembled, the City was set to move forward in 1963.
The town’s residents had already been widely polled the prior year as part of the design process, and the
wishes and desires for the new building were well known after holding separate meetings for adults and
teenagers. During those meetings, the Commission noted “interest [was] stressed in a swimming pool.”49
Additionally, the Commission, to generate enthusiasm and visualize what a new facility could be like, visited
and studied other recreation centers, including the Fisher Community Recreation Building in Marshalltown.50
Much earlier, the Commission had studied a national model for community recreation buildings and appeared
to closely follow its recommendations on interior functions. Auditoriums, gymnasiums, locker rooms, a rifle
range, club and meeting rooms, a craft room, and a swimming pool were all discussed. “There is a great
demand for such facilities,” the publication argued, “and they fill a very definite need.”51 As further evidence of
a growing demand, population figures for Iowa City point to periods of the town’s expansion and increased
student enrollment at the University of Iowa, even though the college students had their own facilities and
programs.52 Throughout most of Iowa City’s history, participation in recreational activities or attending events
associated with the University of Iowa and its facilities has been constant, though not always accessible to all.
45 Ibid.
46 Iowa City Press-Citizen, College Hill Park Proposed as Site for Rec Center, March 7, 1962.
47 Iowa City Press-Citizen, One Idea for a Recreation Building, February 7, 1962.
48 Roulier, Scott M., Shaping American Democracy: Landscapes and Urban Design, Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018,
page 163.
49 Iowa City Press-Citizen, February 9, 1962.
50 Wehner, Roland C., Master Plan – Part III (unpublished transcript), Roland Wehner Collection. The Marshalltown building was
constructed in 1958 and funded by a private corporation. Though the overall mass and exterior detail are different – it lacks the
exposed structural roof T-beams of the Iowa City building – the Marshalltown building used a similar brick facing and presented the
same low, horizontal appearance from the street. It was also centrally located in town, which was a similar situation for the Iowa City
facility.
51 Planning a Community Recreation Building, National Recreation Association, 1955, Page 22.
52Population figures came from Census of the Population:1950. Volume II: Characteristics of Population. Part 15 Iowa. Washington,
DC: Government Printing Office, 1952; Census of the Population:1960. Volume I: Characteristics of Population. Part 17 Iowa.
Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Commerce, 1961; Census of the Population:1970. Volume I: Characteristics of Population. Part
17 Iowa. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Commerce, 1973; Census of the Population:1980. Volume I: Characteristics of
Population. Part 17 Iowa. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Commerce; 1982; Fourteenth Census of the United States. State
Compendium Iowa. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1924; and John A.T. Hull, Census of Iowa for 1880, with Other
Historical and Statistical Data 1836-1880. Des Moines: F.M. Mills. Student enrollment figures for more recent decades are recorded by
the University of Iowa at https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/archives/faq/faqenrollment/
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 27
IOWA CITY POPULATION 53
Year Population Students
1854 2,570
1860 5,214
1870 5,914
1880 7,123
1890 7,016
1900 7,987
1910 10,091
1920 11,267
1930 15,340
1940 17,182
1950 27,212 13,044
1960 33,443 14,207
1970 46,850 20,604
1980 50,508 25,100
1990 59,735 28,045
There is little doubt that with its robust mid-century economy, the postwar nation was eager for relief from the
long years of the Depression and Second World War. “With the first references to the Cold War in 1948, the
government initiated a military and propaganda campaign of preparedness,”54 so underground bomb shelters
promised to offer protection, even if only a windowless room. And the future cultural revolution of the late
sixties and early seventies was still over the horizon as the “baby boom” generation matured and raised their
own families in need of recreation facilities. When it opened its doors in 1964, Iowa City’s Community
Recreation Center was one thread in this interregnum era of prosperity and optimism. As such, it reflected the
growing and evolving national demand for the development of civic community recreation facilities as well as
urban parks and outdoor recreation activities.55
Accomplished as part of a larger phased and continuous plan to accommodate the needs of citizens in terms
of recreation, public health, and community activities, the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center served as a focus
for community activities for people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Key programs provide
year-round aquatics including swim lessons, aquacise classes, lap and recreational swimming, and lifeguard
training; pickleball, basketball, and roller skating in the gymnasium; exercise and strength training with fitness
equipment; arts and crafts classes, summer camps, social gatherings like Halloween parties or square
dances, commission meetings, and more. Unlike other social halls or gathering places in Iowa City, this
building was geared towards the entire community, not just students at the University of Iowa and attending
the public schools or those citizens affiliated with religious or social groups with large meeting halls.
Within the period of significance of 1964 to 1974, which represents the 50-year threshold and beyond,
subsequent developments have shown a strong and continuous desire by Iowa Citians to create a vibrant
parks and recreation programs.56 Since 1974, the recreational offerings have been expanded immensely, and
53 Ibid
54 Roth, Leland M., American Architecture: A. History, Cambridge, MA: Westview Press, 2007, Page 151.
55 Hobsbawm, Eric, The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1814-1991, 1994. Even with population growth, the Iowa City Parks,
Recreation, and Trails Master Plan from 2008 reported how recreational spaces remained limited prior to 1964 when eight public
parks existed in Iowa City: College Green, City Park, Black Springs Circle, Brookland, Court Hill, Creekside, Happy Hollow, and North
Market Square. The total parkland inventory amounted to 129 acres, 107 of which were in City Park.
56 Iowa City Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan, 2008. As the years passed several major recreation facilities were constructed
or renovated, including: Mercer Park Aquatic Center, a cooperative project with the Iowa City Community School District (1988); a
cooperative arrangement with the University of Iowa for joint use of the Hawkeye Softball Complex (1996); Iowa City Kickers Soccer
Park (1997); Scanlon Gymnasium added to the Mercer Park Aquatic Center (1999); Riverside Festival Stage, home to Riverside
Theatre’s Annual Shakespeare Festival (2000); Iowa City Skate Park (2002); Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park, in cooperation with
Johnson County DogPAC (2006); Grant Wood Community Gym, another cooperative project with the School District (2006); Peninsula
Park Disc Golf Course (2007). By 2008, the city managed over 1,600 acres of parkland/open space, which included 42 parks with 31
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 28
the centrally-located Iowa City Community Recreation Center continues to serve as the primary public
recreation facility, with the swimming pool a major attraction. Changes to the surrounding neighborhood
continued as properties were privatized and redeveloped, yet the Iowa City Community Recreation Center
continued to function as a welcoming space open to all Iowa Citians.
Criterion C:
The Influence of a Modernist Architect on Building Design
Roland C. Wehner, the architect selected to design the new Iowa City Community Recreation Center, first
learned about Modern Movement principles and philosophies of design at Iowa State University where he
earned a degree in Architecture in 1954.57 After a year working at Dane D. Morgan and Associates in
Burlington, Iowa, he moved to Iowa City where architect Henry L. Fisk hired him as an apprentice in 1956.
Wehner obtained his architectural license in 1958, and when he became a junior partner with Fisk in 1960, the
firm became Fisk and Wehner, Architects.
Wehner was further drawn to modern design ideologies through Fisk’s first assignment for the young
architect, which was to organize the many stacks of architectural magazines stored at the firm’s office. Fisk
wanted Wehner to review and keep only those issues that might be beneficial to the firm for future projects.58
Wehner took this opportunity to expand his knowledge about working on a grid and using design modules and
began thinking of ways to apply it to his work. Inspired by the proponents of the Modern Movement, Wehner
went beyond these core ideas as his career evolved and he developed a distinctive identity for his design
projects. Wehner’s interest in merging sound engineering practices, artistic creativity, and practical efficiency
in terms of technical design and use of materials provided the right attributes to elevate the quality and
longevity of the buildings he designed.
In 1958, Iowa City hired Fisk and Wehner to oversee a large-scale, three-phase plan to reimagine city
buildings using modern design principles and construction techniques. The initial concept drawings for a new
Civic Center for Phase 1 included a Fire Station and Police Station, both completed in 1959. Phase 2 of these
municipal improvement projects called for an administrative unit to replace a deteriorating city hall built in
1881. Completed in 1961, the Civic Center demonstrated success with a comprehensive, well-conceived plan
for municipal buildings and public services, which ultimately led to the fulfillment of Phase 3 of the project. As
with previous phases of the project, the Iowa City Community Recreation Center was planned to coordinate
with the aesthetics and in function with these neighboring municipal buildings. The similar architectural style,
buff-colored brick façade, and decorative elements can be seen even in the preliminary drawings (Figure 48
and Figure 49).
The Iowa City Community Recreation Center project was a continuation of work Wehner began in 1958 when
the city hired the young architect’s firm to design its three-phase, Civic Center, completing Phase 1, the fire
and police station in 1959 and Phase 2, the city hall in 1961, as well as providing the city with complimentary
sample designs for Phase 3, the future community recreation center. When he became a registered architect
and junior partner with Fisk in 1960, the firm became Fisk and Wehner, Architects. When Fisk unexpectedly
died on July 13, 1962, Wehner instantly found himself not only as the senior partner of the architectural firm,
playgrounds, 43 athletic fields, 45 park shelters, 75 community garden plots, over six miles of nature trails and other amenities such as
tennis courts, basketball courts, bocce courts, horseshoe courts, dog park, disc golf, and hills for sledding in the winter months. The
City’s trail system had grown to include over 50 miles of multi-use trails.
57 Ibid. Wehner was born November 28, 1931, in Hancock County, Illinois. Raised on an Iowa farm, he graduated as valedictorian of
his Oakville (Iowa) High School class in 1949 and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Iowa State
University in 1954, where he was elected to Tau Sigma Delta, the national architecture scholastic honorary society.
58 Fishbaugh, Jill, Interview with Roland C. Wehner, Coralville, Iowa, March 28, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 29
but in need of assistance for the firm’s other work (Figure 57). He subsequently convinced his college
classmate Harvey Henry to join the firm and renamed it Wehner and Henry, Architects.
According to Wehner recollections during a series of interviews in 2022 and 2023, the recreation center
project provided another opportunity to draw a building on the planning grid and exercise his interest in
modular design and planning.59 He had already completed the design and building of his rural Iowa City
residence in 1959 using this system. “For our family residence, I utilized an equilateral triangle module, four
feet to each side. For the recreation center, the module was a square, four feet to each side. Precast concrete
floor slabs were four-feet wide, precast concrete roof T-beams were eight-feet wide, and masonry work was
easily coordinated within the module.”60 T-beams are an innovation that “gained prominence in the late
1950s…following the unprecedented construction activity after World War II, passage of the Interstate
Highway Act in 1956, and steel shortages during the Korean War.”61 Architects used this construction method
in the early 1960s and are still using it today as concrete has many advantages over other materials.62
The broad influence of Modernism and ties to the social/political agendas in the United States in the decades
following World War II would have been hard to ignore in the early 1960s. Its application to civic architecture,
however, does not appear to have been well documented or even studied, leaving the Wehner recreation
building a rare confirmed non-residential Iowa building constructed on Modern Movement principles, an
inspiration confirmed by the architect himself.63 As Gwendolyn Wright and Scott M. Roulier have noted in their
books on modern architecture, the design of built spaces influences civic attitudes, including prospects for
social equality and integration in America, and planners and architects can articulate a vision of democracy
that creates conditions more favorable to human flourishing.64 Wehner use of organic design principles
allowed him to explore and create new interpretations of the Modern Movement while creating a welcoming
space for the entire community. Working in concert with experienced city officials, local citizens, and civic
leaders to determine what the municipality desired, Wehner designed a space that encourages recreation and
social interaction. Moreover, the building offers evidence of Iowa City’s broad interest in developing public
infrastructure using Modern Movement principles.65
In designing the Iowa City Community Recreation Center on a human scale, Wehner began by applying form-
follows-function principles and concepts where relationships between site, materials, and the people who use
the buildings are considered.66 By using the natural sloping geography to his advantage, Wehner efficiently
laid out the two-story structure allowing it to present as a long, low building from its west façade. He designed
the structure using concrete, brick, and glass to achieve a natural harmony.67 He also implemented the
59 Full, Jan Olive, Roland C., Wehner Memo to Full, Iowa City, Iowa, June 4, 2022. Wehner developed and completed the Iowa City
Community Recreation Center’s conceptual design in February 1962, prior to Fisk’s death (Figure 48). The firm operated with each
architect solely responsible for their own individual projects. Wehner was assigned the fire and police stations, civic center, and
recreation center projects. Fisk did not assist in the recreation center's actual design. He died July 13, 1962. The contract for
architectural services was awarded in September 1962.
60 Ibid. Wehner’s Usonian-inspired residence was listed in the National Register in 2013, in a document that more fully details his use
of organic concepts (Full, Wehner, “Roland and Marilyn, House,” NRHP registration form, 2013). Wright himself designed seven
Usonian residences in Iowa between 1943 and 1960 (Peterson and Christian, “Iowa Usonian Houses by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1945-
1960,” NRHP registration form, 1988).
61 Jester, Thomas C., Twentieth-Century Building Materials: History and Conservation, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the
Interior, 1995, Pages 99, 100.
62 Fishbaugh, Notes from conversation with Wehner, March 18, 2023.
63 Full, Jan Olive, Roland C., Wehner Memo to Full, Iowa City, Iowa, June 4, 2022.
64 Wright, Gwendolyn, USA Modern Architectures in History, London, Reaktion, 2008, and Roulier, Scott M., 2018.
65 Cedar Rapids Gazette, Retired Architect Roland Wehner Left His Mark on Iowa City, August 26, 2022. Given the longevity of his
career and productive years, which led to the proliferation of 1,300 well-documented projects, Wehner generated designs for multiple
public buildings ranging from elementary schools and college buildings, fire and police stations, jails, and senior centers, to various
private buildings like religious centers, hotels, commercial establishments, as well as private residences.
66 Wright, Frank Lloyd, Kaufmann, Edgar, Ed., An American Architecture, New York: Horizon Press, Inc.,1955, Page 65-73.
67 Wright, Frank Lloyd, The Natural House, 1954, Pages 27, 52-53.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 30
Usonian ideas of simplicity, planning on a grid, and using a modular design. When asked about the
architectural style of the building, Wehner said, “While many of the principles and concepts of Prairie and
Usonian architecture were utilized in designing the Community Recreation Center, it does not necessarily look
Prairie or Usonian. It looks like it looks because of the functions it accommodates; the character, opportunities
and limitations presented by the site; and by the materials and structural components utilized. Some call that
Organic Architecture. Organic Architecture is design process, not a style.”68 Regardless of the project,
Wehner always used precision in his blend of engineering and art. As was his habit, he used a uniform
template, a thoughtful attention to detail, and modern design principles combined with character defining
elements to create an economically viable building of enduring value to the community in terms of versatility,
adaptability, and long-term public investment.69
Impact of Modern Movement Principles and Materials on Physical Design
As built, the Iowa City Community Recreation Center follows basic definitions of the Modern Movement as the
design rejects historical styles in favor of pure utilitarian functionalism and the application of smooth industrial
finishes.70 The main footprint is a long, horizontal-hugging rectangle that adapts to the site (Map 7). According
to the facility’s promotional brochure to which Wehner contributed, “The slope of the site was used to
advantage: 1) active and youth functions located on the lower floor are separated from the more quiet
administration and adult area, located on the upper floor; 2) ground-level entrances to both floors; 3) pool on
ground level allowed indoor-outdoor terrace; and 4) the large gymnasium is partially concealed, solving an
aesthetic problem normally associated with this function.”71
Wehner selected materials based on quality without extravagance, fire resistiveness, and ease of
maintenance. The architect utilized prefabricated materials for much of the design, which resulted in cost-
effective and efficient construction. For example, the use of precast, prestressed concrete and exposed roof
T-beams not only defined the aesthetic and appearance of the building, but also reduced the ultimate build
time, expense, and labor required. These materials also enabled cantilevering and large, uninterrupted
expanses in rooms that allowed for the spaces to be used for a variety of recreational activities and
accommodated adaptive reuse as needs changed over the years. Drawing on standardized industrial
materials as he aimed for versatility and durability, Wehner’s modern concepts created an environmentally
sound building that has continued to serve Iowa Citians in the decades since its construction.
Wehner also used bright colors and natural tones to keep with the center’s character. For example, as it
originally looked, the Lounge reflected the Modern Movement interior design principles by showcasing an
array of colors on walls and modern furniture for chairs, tables, or benches fabricated from molded plastic and
metal or covered in vinyl upholstery.
The city recreation superintendent Robert A. Lee not only insisted on a downtown location for easy access
and because it had always been downtown, but also in using glass “in both the interior and exterior to
68 Fishbaugh, Jill, Roland C., Wehner Memo to Fishbaugh, Iowa City, Iowa, April 18, 2023.
69 At this beginning stage in Wehner’s career, he was immersed totally in “old school” manual drafting as he meticulously executed
countless sketches, drawings, and schematics by hand using a ruler and pen or pencil. Later, he and the partners in his firm would be
among the first to pioneer the use of computer assisted drafting (CAD software). A humble, soft-spoken man, he never sought special
recognition from his peers though he was a valuable mentor to many. No official, full-length scholarly study of Iowa architects exists,
but some comparisons can be made to the generation of architects with whom Wehner was associated. A more detailed analysis of
information of Iowa architects and their buildings gathered by the state office of historic preservation might make this possible
someday. However, in examining similar collections like those of J. Bradley Rust, Edward “Ned” Ashton, or Howard Burr, who also
drew on design concepts advanced by the Modern Movement style, there are direct comparisons that can be made. Rust’s skills were
developed through practice, not a formal education and Ashton was trained as a civil engineer, not an architect. Burr also designed
residences, banks, commercial buildings, and other structures in tune with the early trend toward structures with low, horizon lines and
more practical interior spaces. Even with extensive collections housed at the State Historical Society of Iowa in Iowa City showing the
range of projects completed by these individual architects, few can compare to Wehner’s maturity of style and design process.
70 Roth, 2007, page 360.
71 Wehner, brochure, 1964. Ibid.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 31
‘advertise,’ promote, and encourage recreation.”72 Furthermore, the architect, in using glass curtains, “quickly
seized upon the free energy source and developed a technique of passive solar heating that exploited
southerly orientations moderated though carefully calculated roof overhangs” or wall protrusions like found on
the south façade.73 Wehner also used the available space to expand the building’s footprint along the length
of the city block’s west side (Figure 55-56).
Because of the repetition of the same or similar materials and colors used throughout the building, a strong
sense of unity is obtained. The main theme of the building, created by exposing the large, precast, concrete
roof structure, is immediately introduced at the dramatic front entrance, and carried through the main lobby
into the adjacent social hall. Likewise, exposed aggregate concrete steps and floors at the front entrance
match the terrazzo floors at the main lobby and the open-riser stairway leading to the lower level. Resilient tile
floors adjacent to the terrazzo are of similar color and pattern. The feeling of unity is further enhanced by
extensive use of glass, both for natural light at the exterior and for a sense of space and openness at the
interior. Clerestory lighting, provided by translucent panels installed between the stems of the precast roof
beams where they rest on the exterior walls at the gymnasium and the swimming pool, is particularly effective.
Using curtain wall construction, large sections of glazing are possible. For example, wall-to-wall windows are
provided at the arts and crafts room, meeting rooms, administrative offices, social hall, and the south exterior
wall of the swimming pool. The south interior wall of the social hall, located on the main level, and the south
interior wall of the game room, located on the lower level, which are common with and adjacent to the
swimming pool, consists of glass in fixed frames.74
These character-defining features have been retained and minimal to no floorplan modifications have been
made in primary spaces. The interior spaces also followed inventive idea that from structure comes form and
style showing the character of a building is formed by its functions,75 befitting the diverse needs identified by
the intensive community planning.
Summary
Iowa City Community Recreation Center is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion
A as an excellent local example of mid-twentieth-century community planning and development for
recreation/entertainment. Built in 1964, it represents the third phase of the construction of civic and municipal
buildings in Iowa City during the 1960s. Moreover, the building met the desperate need for recreational
facilities and a public pool following the loss of the former community center in 1955. The Iowa City
Community Recreation Center serves as a hub for community activities for people of all ages, backgrounds,
cultures, and abilities. The Iowa City Community Recreation Center is also eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places under Criterion C as an excellent local example of Modern Movement municipal architecture.
The building represents the architectural style of low, horizon-hugging profiles with clean lines, little
ornamentation, and functionality of interior space. Through its large windows the plan merges interior space
with the outdoors and its use of prefabricated, industrial materials enabled increased open interior space and
circulation, while also allowing for swift, cost-efficient construction. Using Modern Movement schematics and
innovations, architect Roland C. Wehner combined aesthetic, functional, and decorative ideas into a custom
design with distinctive characteristics and high artistic values.
72 Ibid.
73 Roth, 2007, Page 361.
74 Fishbaugh. Memo from Wehner, July 27, 2023.
75 Ibid.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 32
LIST OF MAPS
1. Map of Iowa City, Drawn by L. [Leander] Judson, July 4, 1839, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa
City).
2. “South Market” – to be reserved as a public space as designated in 1839 - is the present location of
the Iowa City Community Recreation Center. Map of Iowa City, Drawn by L. [Leander] Judson, July 4,
1839, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
3. The 1868 Bird’s Eye View of Iowa City. The arrow points to the future location of the Iowa City
Community Recreation Center on the west half of this parcel of land, bounded by Ralston Creek on
the east. Drawn by A. Ruger, “Bird’s Eye View of Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa,” Chicago
Lithographing Company, Chicago,1868.
4. Map of Iowa City showing survey boundaries for potential Downtown Historic District, including the
block where the Iowa City Recreation Center is located north of Burlington Street, between Gilbert and
Van Buren Streets. (A black rectangle added to the original map represents the Iowa City Recreation
Center.) Svendsen, Maryls A., Survey and Evaluation of Central Business District, Iowa City, Iowa.
(HABD #52-040), 2001.
5. Iowa City Fire Insurance Map, 1933, showing the location of the American Legion, Sanborn Map
Company (Pelham, NY), 1933.
6. Iowa City Fire Insurance Map, 1954, showing the location of the Community Building used as a
municipal recreation center prior to the construction of the Iowa City Community Recreation Center,
Pelham New York Sanborn Map Company (Pelham, NY), 1954.
7. Iowa City Fire Insurance Map, 1964, showing the location of the Iowa City Community Recreation
Center, Sanborn Map Company (Pelham, NY), 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 33
MAPS
Map 1: Map of Iowa City, Drawn by L. [Leander] Judson, July 4, 1839, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa
City).
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 34
Map 2: “South Market” – to be reserved as a public space as designated in 1839 - is the present location of
the Iowa City Community Recreation Center. Map of Iowa City, Drawn by L. [Leander] Judson, July 4,
1839, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 35
Map 3: The 1868 Bird’s Eye View of Iowa City includes the area designated in 1839 as a public square called
South Market. The arrow points to the future location of the Iowa City Community Recreation Center on
the west half of this parcel of land, bounded by Ralston Creek on the east. Drawn by A. Ruger, “Bird’s
Eye View of Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa,” Chicago Lithographing Company, Chicago,1868.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 36
Map 4: Map of Iowa City showing survey boundaries for potential Downtown Historic District, including the
block where the Iowa City Recreation Center is located north of Burlington Street, between Gilbert and
Van Buren Streets. (A black rectangle added to the original map represents the Iowa City Recreation
Center.) Svendsen, Maryls A., Survey and Evaluation of Central Business District, Iowa City, Iowa. HABD
#52-040), 2001.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 37
Map 5: Iowa City Fire Insurance Map, 1933, showing the location of the American Legion, Pelham New York:
Sanborn Map Company, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 38
Map 6: Iowa City Fire Insurance Map, 1954, showing the location of the Community Building used as a
municipal recreation center prior to the construction of the Iowa City Community Recreation Center,
Pelham New York: Sanborn Map Company, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 39
Map 7: Iowa City Fire Insurance Map, 1964, showing the location of the Iowa City Community Recreation
Center, Pelham New York: Sanborn Map Company, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 40
INDEX OF FIGURES
EXTERIOR
Figure 1: Driving creosote-treated wood pilings for the pool basin. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1963.
Figure 2: Placing the precast, prestressed concrete T-Beams over the gymnasium’s east wall. Roland C.
Wehner photo, c. 1963.
Figure 3: Placing the concrete roof panel over the north end of the gymnasium. Roland C. Wehner photo,
c. 1963.
Figure 4: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s west façade under construction. Roland C. Wehner
photo, c. 1963.
Figure 5: Construction of the Iowa City Community Recreation Center, view from southwest looking northeast
across the South Gilbert and Burlington streets intersection. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1963.
Figure 6: Main Entrance on Gilbert Street, view from west, looking east. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Figure 7: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s west façade, view from west looking east, c. 1964.
Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
Figure 8: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s west façade, oblique view from southwest looking
northeast. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
Figure 9: Sidewalk view of Gilbert Street main entrance from north, looking south. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Figure 10: Sidewalk view of accessibility ramp and front steps at the Main Entrance on Gilbert Street from
north, looking south. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Figure 11: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s west façade, view from south sidewalk looking north.
Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
Figure 12: View of west terrace platform after screen of decorative concrete blocks was removed, view from
north looking south. Windows on the west side of the building appear on the left, and the remaining support
pillars can be seen on the right. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Figure 13: Sidewalk view of building showing south community garden, view from corner of Gilbert Street (at
left) and Burlington Street (at right), looking northeast. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Figure 14: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s south façade, view from south looking north. Roland C.
Wehner photo, c. 1964.
Figure 15: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s east façade, view from east looking west. Roland C.
Wehner photo, c. 1964.
Figure 16: Lower level entrance view from east parking lot looking northwest. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Figure 17: Parking lot view from northeast corner, view from East College Street bridge over Ralston Creek
looking south-southwest. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 41
Figure 18: East College Street edible classroom/educational garden, view from north, looking south-
southeast. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
INTERIOR – UPPER LEVEL
Figure 19: The upper-level South Gilbert Street entrance view from east looking west. Roland C. Wehner
photo, c. 1964.
Figure 20: Gilbert Street main entrance, view from east looking west. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
Figure 21: View of Gilbert Street entrance, Lobby, and enclosed Administrative Offices, from north looking
south toward Meeting Room B at the end of the South Hallway. Jill Fishbaugh photo, April 2, 2023.
Figure 22: The upper-level Lobby from north looking south, with sunlight streaming in from South Gilbert
Street main entrance and the original Reception Desk. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
Figure 23: The upper-level Lounge looking at the original Reception Desk. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
Figure 24: Social Hall, from northwest looking southeast toward the pool. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17,
2023.
Figure 25: A “sock hop” dance, c. 1965, held in the Social Hall, with the pool wall visible through the large
windows. The teen girls are dancing, and the bored-looking boys sit on chairs at the edge. These adolescents
appear to be high schoolers. There were also weekly Friday night dances, called “Paper Doll,” that dated to at
least the 1930s and were first held in the ballroom of the old Community Building. The Friday night Paper Doll
dances were a bit dressier, and the overhead lights were dimmed a bit (Jan Olive Full’s personal recollection).
Iowa City Press-Citizen photo.
Figure 26: View from upper-level Pool Balcony or observation deck looking east. Note the precast concrete T-
beams ceiling structure. Vertical acoustical panels were added to the upper walls. Glass artwork entitled
“Dancing Water” glass artwork was mounted on the east natatorium wall. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 2019.
Figure 27: View of swimming pool from the original Pool Balcony or observation platform next to the upper-
level Lobby, from the north looking south. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1960s.
Figure 28: Main staircase connecting upper and lower levels is designed to enclose the original open riser
staircase, which no longer met standards of the ADA. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Figure 29: The elevator on the south wall of the Shop opens to an area on the east side of the North Hallway.
Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Figure 30: An Observation Port on the east side of the North Hallway provides bird’s-eye view of the
gymnasium on the lower level. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Figure 31: Arts and Craft Room, from south looking northwest. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
Figure 32: View of South Hallway on upper level from the north looking south. The first door on the east (or
left) opens to the Pool Observation Balcony and doors on the west (right) lead to Administrative Offices, a
Kitchen, and Meeting Rooms A and B. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 42
Figure 33: The Administrative Offices are divided in the middle by glass sidelights and transoms, which
transmit light from the west façade windows. This view through the window in the security door is taken from
the east looking west. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
Figure 34: Interior of Conference Room as it originally looked with three vertical glass panels or sidelights next
to the hallway door, view from east looking west. The original windows and decorative block that lined the
west façade can be seen on the west wall of the room. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
Figure 35: Kitchen, view from corridor from east looking west. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
INTERIOR – LOWER LEVEL
Figure 36: View of relocated Reception Desk in the lower level Lobby, looking east from the west. Jill
Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
Figure 37: An Exercise Room was placed in the former Game Room. The glass wall of windows overlooking
the pool is original but the glass walls enclosing the exercise equipment are new. To the right, off camera, the
west side of the room is still open and contains ping pong tables. View from northwest looking southeast. Jan
Olive Full photo, 2023.
Figure 38: Game Room as originally designed. Note wide open expanse of room with views of swimming pool
through windows on the south side and daylight from the east entrance windows. Roland C. Wehner photo, c.
1964.
Figure 39: A wall of windows at the base of the main staircase permits natural light to fill the stairwell and
spaces on both levels of the building. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Figure 40: On the west side of the Lobby and Reception Desk on the lower level are two restrooms that have
been updated from separate men’s and women’s to unisex, single-user restrooms. Jill Fishbaugh photo,
March 24, 2023.
Figure 41: View of the swimming pool from north, looking south. Jill Fishbaugh photo, June 6, 2022.
Figure 42: View of the wading pool from southeast corner looking northwest; note the pool observation area
from windows on the north wall, upper-level Social Hall, and Observation Balcony in far upper left corner. Jill
Fishbaugh photo, March 21, 2023.
Figure 43: View of women’s locker room and showers from north looking south. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March
17, 2023.
Figure 44: View of lower level South Hallway corridor behind the locker rooms. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March
17, 2023.
Figure 45: People playing pickleball in the Gymnasium, looking from the doorway on the south side towards
the north wall. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 20, 2023.
Figure 46: View from south looking north of the former rifle range, which is now a Weight Room and home of
the Get Strength Weightlifting Club. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 43
SECTION 8 – SIGNIFICANCE and HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Figure 47: “Typology of Urban Parks, 1850-1965,” Table 3.1, from Clayne R. Jensen and Steven P. Guthrie,
Outdoor Recreation in America, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers, 2005.
Figure 48: Image of the non-extant American Legion Community Building at time of dedication, Daily Iowan,
November 11, 1928.
Figure 49: Fire destroys Iowa City Recreation Center’s predecessor building for the second time in 1955.
Photo by Bud Lewis as appeared in Iowa City, an Illustrated History by Gerald Mansheim, published in
Norfolk, Virginia, by the Donning Co. in 1989, page 187.
Figure 50: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s Civic Center sketch, March 24, 1959, from the Pattschull Collection.
Figure 51: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s Civic Center and Iowa City Recreation Center elevation drawings,
April 13, 1959, from the Pattschull Collection housed at the State Historical Society in Iowa City. Note the
proposed recreation center’s elevations.
Figure 52: Architect Henry L. Fisk’s concept drawing of the recreation center’s proposed second site on Iowa
Avenue, the same block as Iowa City’s Civic Center (police and fire station and city hall), March 24, 1959,
from the Pattschull Collection. This location was determined too small and not selected.
Figure 53: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s community building/recreation center concept drawing, February
1962.
Figure 54: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s architectural design for the Iowa City Community Recreation
Center’s west entrance façade, c. 1962,
Figure 55: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s cross-section concept drawing looking north from Burlington Street
side. Left to right: entrance into lobby/office corridor (with figures), hall and locker room area below the
figures; pool with observation balcony and depth of shallow and deep ends illustrated; and, finally, the
rear/east entrance with the ancillary handball/exercise room block beyond, c. 1962, from the Pattschull
Collection.
Figure 56: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s recreation center cross-section drawings, 1962.
Figure 57: Photo of Roland C. Wehner at his drafting table holding daughter. Note architectural drawing of the
Iowa City Community Recreation Center on upper left wall, c. 1962.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 44
FIGURES:
Figure 1: Driving creosote-treated wood pilings for the pool basin. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1963.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 45
Figure 2: Placing the precast, prestressed concrete T-Beams over the gymnasium’s east wall. Roland C.
Wehner photo, c. 1963.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 46
Figure 3: Placing the concrete roof panel over the north end of the gymnasium. Roland C. Wehner photo, c.
1963.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 47
Figure 4: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s west façade under construction. Roland C. Wehner
photo, c. 1963.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 48
Figure 5: Construction of the Iowa City Community Recreation Center, view from southwest looking
northeast across the South Gilbert and Burlington streets intersection. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1963.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 49
Figure 6: Main Entrance on Gilbert Street, view from west, looking east. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 50
Figure 7: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s west façade, from west looking east. Roland C. Wehner
photo, c. 1964.
Figure 8: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s west façade, oblique view from southwest looking
northeast. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 51
Figure 9: Sidewalk view of Gilbert Street main entrance from south, looking north. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 52
Figure 10: Sidewalk view of accessible ramp and front steps at the Main Entrance on Gilbert Street
from north, looking south. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 53
Figure 11: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s west façade, from south sidewalk looking north. Roland
C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 54
Figure 12: View of west terrace platform after screen of decorative concrete blocks was removed, view
from north looking south. Windows on the west side of the building appear on the left, and the
remaining support pillars can be seen on the right. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 55
Figure 13: Sidewalk view of building showing south community garden, view from corner of Gilbert Street (at
left) and Burlington Street (at right), looking northeast. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 56
Figure 14: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s south façade, from south looking north. Roland C.
Wehner photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 57
Figure 15: Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s east façade, from east looking west. Roland C. Wehner
photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 58
Figure 16: Lower level entrance view from east parking lot looking northwest. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 59
Figure 17: Parking lot view from northeast corner, view from East College Street bridge over Ralston Creek
looking south-southwest. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Figure 18: East College Street edible classroom/educational garden, view from north, looking south-
southeast. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 60
Figure 19: The upper-level South Gilbert Street entrance and Lobby from east looking west. Roland C.
Wehner photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 61
Figure 20: View of Gilbert Street entrance from east looking west. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 62
Figure 21: View of Gilbert Street entrance, Lobby, and enclosed Administrative Offices, from north looking
south toward Meeting Room B at the end of the South Hallway. Jill Fishbaugh photo, April 2, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 63
Figure 22: The upper-level Lobby from north looking south, with sunlight streaming in from South Gilbert
Street main entrance and the original Reception Desk. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 64
Figure 23: The upper-level Lounge looking at the original openings for Reception Desk on the right and the
wall of Pool Balcony windows on the left. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 65
Figure 24: Social Hall, from northwest looking southeast toward the pool. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17,
2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 66
Figure 25: A “sock hop” dance, c. 1965, held in the “social hall,” with the pool wall visible through the large
windows. The teen girls are dancing, and the bored-looking boys sit on chairs at the edge. These adolescents
appear to be high schoolers. There were also weekly Friday night dances, called “Paper Doll,” that dated to at
least the 1930s and were first held in the ballroom of the old Community Building. The Friday night Paper Doll
dances were a bit dressier, and the overhead lights were dimmed a bit (Jan Olive Full’s personal recollection).
Iowa City Press-Citizen photo.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 67
Figure 26: View from upper-level Balcony or observation deck looking east. Note the precast concrete T-
beams ceiling structure. Vertical acoustical panels added to the upper walls. Glass artwork entitled “Dancing
Water” glass artwork was mounted on the east natatorium wall. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 2019.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 68
Figure 27: View of the swimming pool from the original Pool Balcony or observation platform next to the
upper-level Lobby, from the north looking south. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1960s.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 69
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 70
Figure 28: The main staircase connecting the upper and lower is designed to enclose the original
open riser staircase, which no longer met standards of the ADA. Mary Bennett photo, October 31,
2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 71
Figure 29: The elevator on the south wall of the Shop opens to an area on the east side of the North
Hallway. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 72
Figure 30: An Observation Port on the east side of the North Hallway provides bird’s-eye view of the
gymnasium on the lower level. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Figure 31: Arts and Craft Room, from south looking northwest. March 17, 2023, Jill Fishbaugh photo.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 73
Figure 32: View of South Hallway on upper level from the north looking south. The first door on the
east (or left) opens to the Pool Observation Balcony and doors on the west (right) lead to
Administrative Offices, a Kitchen, and Meeting Rooms A and B. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 74
Figure 33: The Administrative Offices are divided in the middle by glass sidelights and transoms, which
transmit light from the west façade windows. This view through the window in the security door is taken from
the east looking west. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 75
Figure 34: Interior of Conference Room as it originally looked with three vertical glass panels or sidelights next
to the hallway door, view from east looking west. The original windows and decorative block that lined the
west façade can be seen on the west wall of the room. Roland C. Wehner photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 76
Figure 35: Kitchen, view from corridor from east looking west. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 77
Figure 36: View of relocated Reception Desk in the lower level Lobby, looking east from the west. Jill
Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
Figure 37: An Exercise Room was placed in the former Game Room. The glass wall of windows overlooking
the pool is original but the glass walls enclosing the exercise equipment are new. To the right, off camera, the
game room is still open and contains ping pong tables. View from northwest looking southeast. Jan Olive Full
photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 78
Figure 38: Game Room as originally designed. Note wide open expanse of room with views of swimming
pool through windows on the south side and daylight from the east entrance windows. Roland C. Wehner
photo, c. 1964.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 79
Figure 39: A wall of windows at the base of the main staircase permits natural light to fill the stairwell and
spaces on both levels of the building. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 80
Figure 40: On the west side of the Lobby and Reception Desk on the lower level are two restrooms that have
been updated from separate men’s and women’s to uni-sex, single user restrooms. Jill Fishbaugh photo,
March 24, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 81
Figure 41: View of the swimming pool from north, looking south. Jill Fishbaugh photo, June 6, 2022.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 82
Figure 42: View of the wading pool from southeast corner looking northwest; note the pool observation
area from windows on the north wall, upper-level Social Hall, and Observation Balcony in far upper left
corner. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 21, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 83
Figure 43: View of women’s locker room and showers from north looking south. Jill Fishbaugh photo,
March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 84
Figure 44: View of lower level South Hallway corridor behind the locker rooms. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March
17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 85
Figure 45: People playing pickleball in the Gymnasium, looking from the doorway on the south side towards
the north wall. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 20, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 86
Figure 46: View from south looking north of the former rifle range, which is now a weight room and home of
the Get Strength Weightlifting Club. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 87
Figure 47: “Typology of Urban Parks, 1850-1965,” Table 3.1, from Clayne R. Jensen and Steven P. Guthrie,
Outdoor Recreation in America, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers, 2005.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 88
Figure 48: Image of the non-extant American Legion Community Building at time of dedication, Daily Iowan,
November 11, 1928.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 89
Figure 49: Fire destroys Iowa City Recreation Center’s predecessor building for the second time in 1955.
Photo by Bud Lewis as appeared in Iowa City, an Illustrated History by Gerald Mansheim, published in
Norfolk, Virginia, by the Donning Co. in 1989, page 187.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 90
Figure 50: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s Civic Center sketch, March 24, 1959, from the Pattschull Collection,
housed at the State Historical Society in Iowa City.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 91
Figure 51: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s Civic Center and Iowa City Recreation Center elevation drawings,
April 13, 1959, from the Pattschull Collection housed at the State Historical Society in Iowa City. Note the
proposed recreation center’s elevations.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 92
Figure 52: Architect Henry L. Fisk’s concept drawing of the recreation center’s proposed second site on Iowa
Avenue, the same block as Iowa City’s Civic Center (police and fire station and city hall), March 24, 1959,
from the Pattschull Collection. This location was determined too small and not selected.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 93
Figure 53: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s community building/recreation center concept drawing, February
1962.
Figure 54: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s architectural design of the Iowa City Community Recreation Center’s
west entrance façade, c. 1962.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 94
Figure 55: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s cross-section concept drawing looking north from Burlington
Street side. Left to right: entrance into lobby/office corridor (with figures), hall and locker room area below
the figures; pool with observation balcony and depth of shallow and deep ends illustrated; and, finally, the
rear/east entrance with the ancillary handball/exercise room block beyond, c. 1962, from the Pattschull
Collection.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 95
Figure 56: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s recreation center cross-section drawings, 1962, from the Pattschull
Collection.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 96
Figure 57: Photo of Roland C. Wehner at his drafting table holding daughter. Note architectural drawing of the
Iowa City Community Recreation Center on upper left wall. Photo by Marilyn Wehner, August 1962.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 97
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form.)
Bennett, Mary, A Historian’s Lament, Finials: A View of Downtown Iowa City, compiled by Marybeth Slonneger.
Iowa City, By Hand Press, 2015.
Bennett, Mary, Email from Nicole Davies, City of Iowa City Finance Director, October 31, 2023, regarding
dates and expenditures for building alterations post-2013.
Bennett, Mary, Notes from August 6, 2023, Telephone Conversation; October 22, 2023; Roland C. Wehner,
Iowa City, Iowa.
Bird’s Eye View of Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa, drawn by A. Ruger, Chicago Lithographing Company,
Chicago,1868.
Brennan, Paul, “The history of public pools in Iowa City swimming hasn’t always been accessible.” Little
Village, August 14, 2019.
Cedar Rapids Gazette, Retired Architect Roland Wehner Left His Mark on Iowa City, August 26, 2022.
City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and Programs Comprehensive Master Plan, October 18, 2022, Section
3, Page 18.
Daily Iowan, various issues, 1928-2022, as noted in text. Newspapers.com archives and Collection of the State
Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
Fishbaugh, Jill, Notes from July 28, 2023, In-person interview with Mary Bennett, Iowa City, Iowa.
Fishbaugh, Jill, Notes from March 18, 2023, Telephone Conversation; March 28, 2023, In-person Interview;
April 18, 2023, Memo; July 27, 2023, Memo from Roland C. Wehner, Iowa City, Iowa.
Full, Jan Olive, “Roland and Marilyn Wehner House,” NRHP registration form (2013).
Full, Jan Olive, Memo from Roland C. Wehner, June 4, 2022, and various emails and telephone conversations,
June 2022.
Full, Jan Olive, Iowa Site Inventory Form #52-01742.
Hobsbawm, Eric, The Age of Extremes: A History of the World, 1814-1991. New York: Vintage Books, 1994.
Iowa City Fire Insurance Maps, 1933, 1954, 1964, Pelham, New York: Sanborn Map Company, State Historical
Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
Iowa City Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan, October 2008, Executive Summary, Pages 1-3.
https://www.iowa-city.org/WebLink/0/edoc/1481299/Executive%20Summary.pdf
Iowa City Playground and Recreation Commission, Letter to the City Council, March 6, 1956, Roland C.
Wehner Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 98
Iowa City Press-Citizen, various issues, 1928-2022, as noted in text. Newspapers.com archives and Collection
of the State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
Jensen, Clayne R., and Steven P. Guthrie, Outdoor Recreation in America, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Publishers, 2005.
Jester, Thomas C., Twentieth-Century Building Materials: History and Conservation, National Park Service,
U.S. Department of the Interior, 1995.
Mansheim, Gerald, Iowa City, an Illustrated History. Norfolk, VA: The Donning Co., 1989.
Map of Iowa City, Drawn by L. [Leander] Judson, July 4, 1839, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City).
Map of Iowa City and Its Environs, Compiled and drawn by J. H. Millar, Bryan & Millar, Panora, Iowa.
Illustrations by G. H. Yewell Lithographed by W. Schuchman, Pittsburg, PA, 1854. State Historical Society of
Iowa (Iowa City).
McDowell, Alexa, Survey and Evaluation Update Iowa City Central Business District, Iowa City, Iowa, 2018.
National Park Service, Technical Preservation Services Brief 18: Rehabilitating Interiors in Historic Buildings:
Identifying and Preserving Character-Defining Elements. Dept. of the Interior, 1988.
[Richard W.] Pattschull Collection, 1956-2002, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City). Contains, among
other things, architectural plans, documents, photos, correspondence, and product catalogues and literature.
Persons, Stow, American Minds: A History of Ideas. Huntington, NY: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Company,
1975.
Peterson, Chery, and Christian, Ralph J., “Iowa Usonian Houses by Frank Lloyd Wright 1945-1960.” National
Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation form, 1988.
Rogers, Leah D., and Kernek, Clare L., “Survey of Buildings, Sites, Structures, Objects and Districts Related to
the Development of Team Sports in Iowa, 1850-1960,” National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property
Documentation Form [draft attached to the statewide study report], 2003.
[Roland C.] Wehner Collection, 1956-2002, State Historical Society of Iowa (Iowa City). Contains architectural
plans, documents, photos, timelines, correspondence, including: “Master Plan – Part III” (unpublished
transcript).
Roth, Leland M., American Architecture: A History, Cambridge, MA: Westview Press, 2001.
Roth, Leland M., Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History, and Meaning, Cambridge, MA: Westview
Press, 2007.
Roulier, Scott M., Shaping American Democracy: Landscapes and Urban Design, Cham, Switzerland:
Palgrave Macmillan, 2018.
Svendsen, Marlys A., Survey and Evaluation of Central Business District, Iowa City, Iowa, (HABD #52-040),
2001.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 99
Wright, Frank Lloyd, Kaufmann, Edgar, Ed., An American Architecture, New York: Horizon Press, Inc.,1955.
Wright, Frank Lloyd, The Natural House. New York: Horizon Press, Inc.,1954.
Wright, Gwendolyn, USA Modern Architectures in History, London: Reaktion, 2008.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 100
Previous documentation on file (NPS):
X preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested
previously listed in the National Register
previously determined eligible by the National Register
designated a National Historic Landmark
recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey #
recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #
recorded by Historic American Landscape Survey #
Primary location of additional data:
X State Historic Preservation Office
Other State Agency
Federal Agency
Local Government
University
Other
Name of repository:
Historic Resources Survey Number (if assigned):
10. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property 2.351
(Do not include previously listed resource acreage; enter “Less than one” if the acreage is .99 or less)
Latitude/Longitude Coordinates
Datum if other than WGS84:
(enter coordinates to 6 decimal places)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property.)
Sited at the east edge of downtown Iowa City, the building sits on a slope leading down to Ralston Creek on
the east and is bordered on that side by paved parking to the creek bed. To the south is busy Burlington Street,
the former route of U.S. 6 through town, now lined with modern student apartments. On the north is East
College Street and the bridge that carries it over the creek’s valley. A contemporary high-rise of condominium
and theater facilities is located directly across College Street. The historic Trinity Episcopal church is located
northwest through the intersection of College and Gilbert streets. Gilbert Street borders the west formal façade
of the recreation building, which is where its distinctive entrance is located. Student apartments fill the block
across the street from the façade.
1 41.659074 -91.530117 3
Latitude Longitude Latitude
Longitude
2 4
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 101
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected.)
The boundaries above describe the city block upon which the building sits.
Parcel 1010458001; sec: 10, Twn: 79, Rng: 6. Legal description: Iowa City Iowa City (original town) South
Market Square (Rec Building). Subdivision: Iowa City (Original Town).
11. Form Prepared By
name/title Mary Bennett, assisted by Jan Olive Full, Ph.D., & Jill Fishbaugh date 1/22/2024
Organization telephone 319-321-0233
street & number 221 E College St, Apt 1103 email jill.fishbaugh@rocketmail.com
city or town Iowa City state IA zip code 52240
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the completed form:
GIS Location Map (Google Earth or BING)
Google Maps (N^ no scale)
Iowa City Community Recreation Center circled in red.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 102
Local Location Map
Bing Maps (N^ no scale)
Iowa City Community Recreation Center outlined in red.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 103
Site Plan
Google maps (N^ no scale)
The mass-blocks that fit together to form the Iowa City Community Recreation Center are clear from
this aerial, as is the surrounding landscape.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 104
Floor Plans
Upper-level floor plan,
Roland C. Wehner architect,
c. 1964.
Plans as built remain the
same today.
See Appendix A -
Alterations for details.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 105
Floor Plans
Lower level floor plan,
Roland C. Wehner architect,
c. 1964.
Plans as built remain the
same today.
See Appendix A –
Alterations for details.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 106
Photo Location Map (Include for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Key all photographs to
this map and insert immediately after the photo log and before the list of figures).
Photographs:
Submit clear and descriptive photographs. The size of each image must be 3000x2000 pixels, at 300 ppi (pixels per inch) or larger. Key all photographs
to the sketch map. Each photograph must be numbered and that number must correspond to the photograph number on the photo log. For simplicity,
the name of the photographer, photo date, etc. may be listed once on the photograph log and doesn’t need to be labeled on every photograph.
Photo Log
Name of Property: Iowa City Community Recreation Center
City or Vicinity: Iowa City
County: Johnson State: IA
Photographer: Jan Olive Full, Jill Fishbaugh, and others as specified
Date Photographed: March 17, 2023 (unless otherwise specified)
Description of Photograph(s) and number, include description of view indicating direction of camera:
PHOTO LOG
EXTERIOR
Photo 01: Main Entrance on Gilbert Street, view from west, looking east. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023. Same
as Figure 1.
Photo 02: Sidewalk view of accessibility ramp and front steps at the Main Entrance on Gilbert Street from
north, looking south. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023. Same as Figure 2.
Photo 03: Sidewalk view of Gilbert Street main entrance from south, looking north. Jan Olive Full photo,
2023. Same as Figure 5.
Photo 04: Sidewalk view of building showing south community garden, view from corner of Gilbert Street
(at left) and Burlington Street (at right), looking northeast. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023. Same as Figure 8.
Photo 05: Lower level entrance view from east parking lot, looking northwest. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Same as Figure 11.
Photo 06: Parking lot view from northeast corner, view from East College Street bridge over Ralston Creek,
looking south-southwest. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023. Same as Figure 12.
Photo 07: East College Street edible classroom/educational garden, view from north, looking south-
southeast. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023. Same as Figure 13.
INTERIOR – UPPER LEVEL
Photo 08: View of Gilbert Street Lounge from west, looking east toward the Social Hall. Jill Fishbaugh
photo, March 24, 2023.
Photo 09: View of Gilbert Street Lounge from east, looking southwest toward the pool and offices. Jill
Fishbaugh photo, April 2, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 107
Photo 10: Social Hall, from west wall looking east towards frosted glass entrance doors and two wooden
doors to a storage room. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Photo 11: Emergency Exit staircase leading from the northeast corner of the upper-level Social Hall to a
door in the northwest corner of the lower-level Lobby, directly next to the Emergency Exit doors at the east
entrance. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Photo 12: View of main staircase from lower level, looking upwards towards the upper-level Lounge area
on the other side of the metal railing. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Photo 13: The darkroom on the west side of the North Hallway became a staff office and the original
terrazzo flooring was damaged when wall blocking light at the entrance to the room was torn down, Mary
Bennett photo, October 2023.
Photo 14: Meeting Room A, view from corridor from east, looking west. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17,
2023.
Photo 15: Meeting Room B, view from corridor from north, looking south. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17,
2023.
Photo 16: Both Meeting Room B and the Kitchen have Emergency Exit doors leading to a back hallway,
where an exterior Emergency Exit door opens to the narrow terrace next to windows on the west side of
the building. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
INTERIOR – LOWER LEVEL
Photo 17: View of the wading pool from southeast corner looking northwest; note the pool observation area
from windows on the north wall, upper-level Social Hall, and Observation Balcony in far upper left corner.
Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 21, 2023.
Photo 18: View of women’s locker room and showers from south, looking north. Jill Fishbaugh photo,
March 21, 2023.
Photo 19: View of men’s locker room from east, looking west. Mark Cannon photo, March 28, 2023.
Photo 20: View of lower-level North Hallway corridor behind the gymnasium. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March
21, 2023.
Photo 21: Observation Port on upper west wall of gymnasium is accessible to spectators who want to view
activities in the gymnasium from on the upper-level North Hallway. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
Photo 22: View from west, looking southeast in the former Exercise room, now a storage area. Jill
Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023
Photo 23: View from inside the former Exercise Room, looking north to the stairs and former Handball
Court entrance, now a storage area. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
Photo 24: View from south, looking north at the former Handball Court, now a storage area. Jill Fishbaugh
photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 108
Exterior View Photo Location Sketch Map Key
N
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 109
Interior View Upper Level Photo Location Sketch Map Key
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 110
Interior View Lower-Level Photo Location Sketch Map Key
APPENDIX A: ALTERATIONS to Iowa City Community Recreation Center
TABLE ONE: ALTERATIONS - EXTERIOR
Original Feature Reason for Change Modifications Photographs
UPPER LEVEL WEST FAÇADE
Front steps
Main Entrance
Handicapped accessibility;
ADA compliance
Handicapped accessible concrete ramp with metal handrails added on north side of entrance in
1980s; well-integrated as original terrazzo covering the entire threshold and three steps on south
side of main entrance remains intact. Original handrail on the south side of the front steps remains.
Figure 6 2023
Figure 10 2023
Roof over
Main Entrance
Maintenance required to
mitigate draining issues and
water damage from age of
materials
A raised flat roof or cladding was added over the original exposed roof T-beams, creating a
rectangular box-like cornice rather than the accordion-like shape. The trim for the concrete roof
panels and counterflashing turned under at the edge of the cornice and roof facia was galvanized
steel that was painted brown, but has since been replaced by new metal materials.
Figure 6 2023
Figure 7 2023
Windows
Main Entrance and
Vestibule
Removed due to new
window design necessitated
by tornado damage plus
City wanted enery-efficient
Original openings were re-utilized but windowpanes and framing are wider and divided with a
horizontal emphasis. Originally, a glass wall in a vertical configuration with square windowpanes on
the bottom and taller windowpanes on top. Changes to the windows did not negatively impact the
original design concept of bringing natural light into the space and creating open sight lines.
Replaced in 2008 using aluminum-clad, tinted windows in a sympathetic fenestration but with wider,
more horizontal windowpanes.
Figure 6 2023
Figure 20 2023
Figure 19 2023
Figure 21 2023
Figure 7 1964
Figure 8 1964
Windows
Staff Offices,
Conference Room,
Meeting Room A
Removed due to new
window design necessitated
by tornado damage
Original openings were re-utilized but windowpanes and framing are wider and divided with a
horizontal emphasis. Originally, a glass wall in a more vertical configuration with square
windowpanes on the bottom and a taller windowpane on top. Changes to the windows did not
negatively impact the original design concept of bringing natural light into the space and creating
open sight lines. Replaced in 2008 using aluminum-clad, tinted windows in a sympathetic
fenestration but with wider, more horizontal windowpanes.
Figure 6 2023
Figure 9 2023
Figure 12 2023
Figure 34 2023
Windows
Transom between
roof flanges
Maintain and update to
allow additional natural light
inside interior spaces.
Original white and black plastic covers over shallow flanges were replaced with clear, insulated glass
wherever transoms were placed between the T-roof beam to create clerestory lighting such as the
pool, gym, social hall, lobby, lounge, and east entrance canopy.
Figure 13 2023
Figure 18 2023
Figure 15 1964
Decorative Blocks
for screening
windows
Possible deterioration of
mortar or decay of original
concrete blocks at the
edges or in the center
design area. Coincided with
replacement of windows
after tornado.
Removal significantly altered a key exterior design element although the metal support framing was
retained along the west side of a narrow terrace. The decorative concrete screens were originally
designed to moderate the western afternoon sun exposure but were also a key visual accent on the
west façade. The repetitive pattern in the screen appeared as a uniform mass, which contributed to
the horizontal lines by hiding the windows from the street view. This provided a degree of privacy to
occupants of the building yet allowed natural light into offices and meeting rooms. The custom
pattern on each molded concrete block. A Cedar Rapids company fabricated a custom mold for
casting the concrete blocks with an “X” inside a square. Evidently, the aesthetic value of preserving
original building fabric was not fully appreciated at the time such a substantial change was made.
Figure 12 2023
Figure 7 1964
Figure 8 1964
Figure 11 1964
Figure 34 1964
Sign “Gather” Promotion of facility. Between the two Main Entrance doors is a metal sign with “Gather” in laser-cut lettering over a metal
screen, which was added to the exterior wall in 2019. Non-contributing.
Figure 6 2023
UPPER LEVEL SOUTH FAÇADE
Windows
Meeting Room B
Removed due to new
window design necessitated
by tornado damage.
Original openings were re-utilized but windowpanes and framing are wider and divided with a
horizontal emphasis. Originally, a glass wall in a more vertical configuration with square
windowpanes on the bottom and taller windowpanes on top. Changes to the windows did not
negatively impact the original design concept of bringing natural light into the space and creating
open sight lines. Replaced in 2008 using aluminum-clad, tinted windows in a sympathetic
fenestration but with wider, more horizontal windowpanes.
Figure 9 2023
Figure 13 2023
Figure 11 1964
5Sign “Swim” Promotion of facility. In the center of wall of windows is a metal sign with “Gather” in laser-cut lettering over a metal
screen, which was added to the exterior wall in 2019. Non-contributing.
Figure 13
Original Feature Reason for Change Modifications Photographs
UPPER LEVEL EAST FAÇADE
Windows
Transom between
roof flanges
Maintain and update to
allow additional natural light
inside interior spaces.
Original white and black plastic covers over shallow roof flanges were replaced with clear, insulated
glass wherever transoms were placed between the T-roof beam to create clerestory lighting such as
the pool, gym, social hall, lobby, lounge, and east entrance canopy.
Figure 15 2023
Figure 17 2023
Figure 45 2023
Windows
Social Hall
Removed due to new
window design necessitated
by tornado damage.
Original openings re-utilized but windowpanes and framing are wider and divided with a horizontal
emphasis. Originally, a glass wall in a more vertical configuration with square windowpanes on the
bottom and taller windowpanes on top. Changes to the windows did not negatively impact the
original design concept of bringing natural light into the space and creating open sight lines.
Replaced in 2008 using aluminum-clad, tinted windows in sympathetic fenestration but with wider,
more horizontal windowpanes.
Figure 16 2023
Figure 24 2023
Figure 15 1964
Figure 25 c.1965
UPPER LEVEL NORTH FAÇADE
Windows
Arts and Craft Room
Removed due to new
window design necessitated
by tornado damage.
Original openings re-utilized but windowpanes and framing are wider and divided with a horizontal
emphasis. Originally, a glass wall in a more vertical configuration with square windowpanes on the
bottom and taller windowpanes on top. Changes to the windows did not negatively impact the
original design concept of bringing natural light into the space and creating open sight lines.
Replaced in 2008 using aluminum-clad, tinted windows in sympathetic fenestration but with wider,
more horizontal windowpanes.
Figure 31 2023
Fences
Outdooor area
Repurposed as a
community/educational
garden space.
Children’s discovery garden bordered by a metal fence next to sidewalk along College Street. Non-
contributing structures like a trellis and hoop serve as temporary garden structures for supporting
seasonal plants.
Figure 18 2023
Sign “Art” Promotion of facility. A metal sign with “Art” in laser-cut lettering over a metal screen was added to the exterior wall in
2019. Non-contributing.
Figure 18 2023
LOWER LEVEL SOUTH FAÇADE
Windows
Natatorium
Removed due to new
window design necessitated
by tornado damage
Original openings re-utilized but windowpanes and framing are wider and divided with a horizontal
emphasis. Originally, a glass wall in a more vertical configuration with square windowpanes on the
bottom and taller windowpanes on top. Changes to the windows did not negatively impact the
original design concept of bringing natural light into the space and creating open sight lines.
Replaced in 2008 using aluminum-clad, tinted windows in sympathetic fenestration but with wider,
more horizontal windowpanes.
Figure 13 2023
Figure 26 2023
Figure 41 2023
Figure 14 1964
Figure 27 1964
Fences
Terrace
Outdoor area
Repurposed as a
community/educational
garden space.
Originally, a chain link fence surrounded a concrete pad, and even if replaced, sight lines towards the
south end of the pool were free of obstruction. Around 2000, the terrace area was enclosed when
metal and wood fences were installed, along with a gate. The lower portion of the wall of windows is
somewhat blocked from view. Non-contributing temporary garden structures like raised planting
boxes, a hoop, trellis, pergola, and canvas canopy were added to the space.
Figure 13 2023
Figure 14 1964
LOWER LEVEL EAST FAÇADE
Windows
East Entrance
Exercise Room
Replaced due to revised
window design necessitated
by tornado damage
Original openings re-utilized but windowpanes and framing are wider and divided with a horizontal
emphasis. Originally, a glass wall in a more vertical configuration with square windowpanes on the
bottom and taller windowpanes on top. Changes to the windows did not negatively impact the
original design concept of bringing natural light into the space and creating open sight lines.
Replaced in 2008 using aluminum-clad, tinted windows in sympathetic fenestration but with wider,
more horizontal windowpanes.
Figure 16 2023
Figure 15 1964
Stairs and Ramp
East Entrance
Handicapped accessibility;
ADA compliance
Concrete stairs rebuilt in 2015. There are metal handrails along the sides of the wide stairs, which
are now aligned toward the south instead of the east. A concrete handicapped accessibility ramp was
built next to the foundation of terrace.
Photo 11 2023
Loading Dock
East Entrance
Loading dock for unloading
delivery trucks
A metal fence with aluminum screening was installed to partition off this area. Given the height of the
dock on the east side of the terrace, a metal safety fence with a swinging door prevents non-staff
from entering the loading dock space on the northeast corner of the terrace.
Figure 16 2023
Original Feature Reason for Change Modifications Photographs
LOWER LEVEL EAST FAÇADE
Decorative Blocks for
screen and walls
Terrace
Outdoor area
Removed due to
deterioration of the mortar
or the blocks themselves.
Original decorative concrete blocks created half-walls for “Teen Terrace” outside the East Entrance.
An architectural accent matching the west façade screening, the L-shaped row of decorative
concrete blocks provided a protective safety barrier for the raised platform of the terrace. Replaced
with metal fencing covered with aluminum screening, the footprint for the terrace remains the same.
Figure 16 2023
Figure 15 1964
Sign “Play” Promotion of facility A metal sign with “Play” in laser-cut lettering over a metal screen was added to the exterior wall in
2019.
Figure 16 2023
TABLE TWO: ALTERATIONS – INTERIOR
Original Function Current
Function
Modifications Photographs
UPPER LEVEL – CENTER
Reception Desk Staff office space Enclosed half-walls and openings rebuilt for security and privacy. Relocated to lower-level Lobby near
east entrance.
Figure 21 2023
Figure 22 c. 1964
Figure 23 c. 1964
Lobby and Lounge Lobby and Lounge Appearance changed when walls for administrative offices were enclosed and original paint colors
used for accents were changed from pumpkin orange, turquoise, aqua, yellow, brown, gold, and olive
green to a uniform neutral tone of white or gray. The use of different colored panels on the bottom of
the open Reception Desk served as a focal point to draw the visitor’s attention to staff. The Modern
Movement-type furnishings like the molded plastic chairs designed by Herman Miller were replaced.
Figure 20 2023
Figure 21 2023
Figure 19 c. 1964
Figure 22 c. 1964
Main Staircase between
levels
Main Staircase
between levels
Open risers of original staircase enclosed and rebuilt as concrete stairs with terrazzo flooring on steps
and landing.
Figure 28 2023
Figure 39 2023
Social Hall Storage Closet Social Hall Storage
Closet
Small closet built in southeast corner of room. Figure 24 2023
UPPER LEVEL – NORTH
Elevator non-extant Elevator Single car elevator installed next to main staircase on lower level and around the corner from the
north hallway off the lobby in former Shop area; meets ADA accessibility requirements
Figure 29 2023
Shop and Storage Room Elevator, Shop and
Storage Room
The Elevator shaft was placed in an opening next to the main stairwell with the car opening on the
south wall of the Shop. The footprint remains the same for the Shop and Storage Room. A utility sink
was added to the northeast corner of the Shop.
No images
Dressing Rooms Staff offices No change to footprint, walls, or doors; vinyl plank tiles on concrete floor No image
Arts and Craft Room, Work
Room, and Storage Room
Arts and Craft Room,
Work Room, and
Storage Room
Windows on north wall replaced but no changes to footprint, walls, doors, flooring, or portions of
ceiling tiles. Used as classroom and studio space by artists who painted colorful images on cabinet
doors.
Figure 31
Darkroom Staff office Darkroom entrance modified with removal of portion of L-shaped wall, which damaged the original
terrazzo floor
Photo 13
UPPER LEVEL - SOUTH
Administrative Offices Administrative Offices Originally, the south Lobby wall and north Lounge wall had openings which connected the Reception
Desk area to the Administrative Offices. These openings in the walls were removed and one secure
metal door provided access to the space. No changes were made to interior walls dividing office
spaces, until a door was built on the south side to connect with the former Conference Room. Vinyl
plank tiling replaced the original 12”-square tile,
Figure 21 2023
Figure 22 2023
Figure 23 c. 1964
Conference Room Administrative Offices Door to the Conference Room on the west side of South Hallway removed and replaced with door on
north side of room connecting to the Administrative Offices. From this point on the wall towards the
Lobby is one metal security door
Figure 32 2023
Figure 34 c. 1964
Original Function Current
Function
Modifications Photographs
UPPER LEVEL - SOUTH
Meeting Rooms A Meeting Rooms A Windows on west wall replaced and light-filtering pull-down window screens added; No changes to
footprint.
Photo 14 2023
Kitchen Kitchen Appliances updated; No changes to footprint. Figure 35 2023
Meeting Room B Meeting Room B Windows on south wall replaced and light-filtering pull-down window screens added; No changes to
footprint.
Photo 15 2023
Pool Observation Balcony Pool Observation
Balcony
Protective safety barrier or railing replaced with to iron railing. Figure 26 2023
Figure 42 2023
Figure 27 c.
1960s
LOWER LEVEL – SOUTH
Pool Walls Acoustical
Panels
Pool Walls Acoustical
panels
Sound proofing panels added to upper walls, replacing original acoustical panels in checkerboard
pattern and improved natural lighting with glass replacing white and black plastic closures between
roof T-beams.
Figure 41 2023
Figure 42 2023
Pool deck and locker room
flooring
Pool deck and locker
room flooring
Dex-O-Tex floor coating re-coated with sympathetic material as part of maintenance of deck and
locker room floors.
Figure 42 2023
Figure 43 2023
Pool deck Restrooms,
Men’s and Women’s
Pool deck Restroom
single-use uni-sex
restroom and shower
Remodeled to meet ADA accessibility standards and improve equity and inclusion policies. A shower
with seat, sink, toilet, safety hand bars, and changing table. New ceramic tile covers walls and Dex-O-
Tex type floor coating remains.
Photo 17 2023
Pool Walls – No Artwork on
Display
Pool Walls - Artwork
on Display
Original glass artwork, entitled “Dancing Water,” with twenty-two vertical panels placed in a sequential
horizontal pattern on the upper east wall. Added as an Art in Public Buildings project.
Figure 26 2023
LOWER LEVEL –
CENTER
Lobby Reception Desk in
Lobby
Reception counter relocated from upper-level Lobby when additional space was needed for
Administrative Offices and because of increased patron traffic at the East Entrance. Lobby space was
previously used for smaller tables, vending machines, and racks of informational brochures.
Figure 36 2023
Game Room (non-extant) Exercise Room Glass walls subdivided the former Game Room space to create space for fitness equipment. Open
area along west wall unchanged with access to staff offices on west wall and door to pool on south
wall.; Reception counter added circa 2010
Figure 37 2023
Figure 38 c. 1964
Restrooms, Men’s and
Women’s
Restrooms, single-
use and uni-sex
No change to footprint. Remodeled to meet ADA accessibility standards and improve equity and
inclusion policies. New sink, toilet, safety hand bars, ceramic tile covers walls, and rectangular floor
tile.
Figure 40 2023
LOWER LEVEL – NORTH
Gymnasium Gymnasium Sound proofing panels added to upper walls, replacing original acoustical panels in checkerboard
pattern and improved natural lighting with glass replacing white and black plastic closures between
roof T-beams.
Figure 45 2023
Exercise Room (non-
extant)
Storage No changes to footprint, walls, or ceiling; maple wood flooring with cushioning pads removed. Photo 21
Handball courts (non-
extant)
Storage No changes to footprint; maple wood flooring with cushioning pads removed and wall covering
changed to sheetrock.
Photo 22
Photo 23
Rifle Range (non-extant) Weight room No changes to footprint, walls, doors, or ceiling but carpet instead of 12” square vinyl tiles. No
information available regarding interior furnishing when room functioned as a rifle range.
Figure 46 2023
APPENDIX B:
Architect Roland C. Wehner’s Modular Design Projects
ERNEST HORN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Iowa City Community School District − 1968 design
4' triangular module
HELEN LEMME ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Iowa City Community School District 1969 − design
4' triangular module
IRVING WEBER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Iowa City Community School District − 1992 design
4' triangular module at core, 4' square module at wings
KATE WICKHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Iowa City Community School District − 1995 design
4' triangular module at core, 4' square module at wings
SAINT PATRICKS RECTORY & PARISH HALL
Marengo, Iowa − 1970 design
4' triangular module
RLDS CHURCH −
Moline, Illinois − 1965 design
4' triangular module
QUAIL CREEK CONDOMINIUM
North Liberty, Iowa − 1972 design
4' triangular module at core, 4' square module at
perimeter
HEMICYCLE APARTMENTS
Crest Street, Iowa City, Iowa − 1965 design
Geometric/modular solution for challenging site
ROBERT LUCAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Iowa City Community School District 1961 − design
4' square module
HILLEL HOUSE - STUDENT CENTER
Iowa City, Iowa − 1967 −design
4' square module - triangular module at chapel
LOUISA-MUSCATINE ELEM. SCHOOL
Rural Letts, Iowa 1991 − design
triangular core, 4' square module at wings
MIDDLE SCHOOL - DEWITT, IOWA
Central Community School District 1989 − design
4' square module
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Iowa City, Iowa − 1962 design
4' module, dictated by precast concrete structure
AMERICAN LEGION BUILDING
Lone Tree, Iowa − 1977 design
Hexagonal Floor Plan
OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH
Iowa City, Iowa − 1967 design
Hexagonal-shaped Sanctuary emphasizes “communal
gathering” seating arrangement; Bermuda style terne
metal roofing.
CLAY & GRETCHEN NARSHBARGER HOUSE
River Heights, Iowa City, Iowa − 1957 design
First house showing significant influence of Wright's
Usonian style: flat roof, wide overhangs, single story
no basement slab-on-grade, ribbon and casement
windows, natural redwood, 120-degree corner at
exterior walls for living room and bedroom.
APPENDIX C: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s Projects Utilizing Precast Concrete Structural Elements
Key: Numbers represent first two digits as the year; second two digits as the project’s number within that year. Original
documents of all projects are in the Pattschull Collection housed at the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
6307 Community Recreation Center, Iowa City, Iowa
Structural Floors: 4’-0” width precast concrete cored flat slabs
Structural Roofs: 8’-0” width, 36” depth, precast concrete single-tee beams. extend
Beams extend beyond exterior wall to provide pleasing detail; translucent plastic infill
Panels between the single-tee stems provide diffused light to adjacent interior space
6501 Iowa Book & Supply, downtown Iowa City, Iowa
Custom designed inverted U shape precast concrete door and window canopies
6502 RLDS Church, Moline, Illinois
Structural Floors: 4’-0” width prestressed concrete cored flat slabs
6505 United Methodist Church Educational Wing, Wapello, Iowa
Structural Floors: precast concrete beams – left exposed at ceiling below
Structural Roofs: precast concrete beams – exposed, extended beyond exterior wall
6618 Lakeside Elementary School, Solon, Iowa
Precast Concrete Columns & Roof Beams, precast concrete filler and fascia panels
6704 First Christian Church, downtown Iowa City, Iowa
Structural Floors: precast concrete double-tee beams, left exposed at ceiling below
6706 Fire Station #1, Coralville, Iowa
Structural Floors: precast concrete double-tee beams, left exposed at ceiling below
Structural Roof: precast concrete double-tee beams, left exposed and extended beyond
The exterior wall to add detail and visual relief from an otherwise plain structure
6808 Hillel House – Jewish Student Center, Iowa City, Iowa
Structural Floors: 4’-0” width prestressed concrete cored flat slabs, exposed as ceiling below
Structural Roofs: 4’-0” width prestressed concrete cored flat slabs, exposed as ceiling below
7115 Highlander Inn, Iowa City, Iowa
Structural Floors: 4’-0” width prestressed concrete cored flat slabs, exposed as ceiling below
Structural Roofs: 4’-0” width prestressed concrete cored flat slabs, exposed as ceiling below
7207 Quail Creek Condominium, North Liberty, Iowa
Structural Floors & Roofs: 4’-0” width prestressed concrete cored flat slabs
7802 Ecumenical Towers (Senior Housing) Iowa City, Iowa
Structural Floors & Roofs: 4’-0” width prestressed concrete cored flat slabs
7838 Johnson County Jail II, Iowa City Iowa
Structural Floors & Roofs: 4’-0” width prestressed concrete cored flat slabs
8521 Coralville Indoor Swimming Pool, Coralville, Iowa
Roof Structure: precast concrete double-tee beams, left exposed at pool ceiling
Passive Solar Collector: precast concrete double-tee beams, turned upright to serve as
the South wall of the pool area, and a component of the passive solar collector
APPENDIX D: Architect Roland C. Wehner’s Notable Projects in the Iowa City Area
(The inventory of all commissions, consisting of The Pattschull Collection, includes Wehner projects
located in Ames, Atlantic, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, DeWitt, Fort Madison, Wapello, Washington, West
Liberty, Williamsburg, and numerous other Iowa communities.)
New Schools (ICCSD)
6104 Robert Lucas Elementary School
Additions 6701, 7205, 7418
6413 Liberty Township Elementary School (Hills)
6802 Ernest Horn Elementary School (University Heights)
Addition 7605
6813 Helen Lemme Elementary School
Addition 7407
9215 Irving Weber Elementary School
9431 Kate Wickham Elementary School
8511 Regina Elementary School
School Additions/Alterations (ICCSD)
6102, 8505 Mark Twain Elementary School
6103 Roosevelt Elementary School
6603, 8606 Hoover Elementary School
6811, 8608 Kirkwood Elementary School (Coralville)
6604, 6812, 8504, 9003, 9408 Penn Elementary School (North Liberty)
8217 City High Gymnasium
8218 West High Gymnasium
8503, 9430 West High School Classrooms
8714 Lincoln Elementary School
9004 Shimek Elementary School
9106 Central Elementary School Media Center (Coralville)
9216 Grant Wood Elementary School
Municipal/Governmental
5904 City of Iowa City Police & Fire Station
6017 City of Iowa City Civic Center (Administration Facility)
6307 City of Iowa City Recreation Center (Robert Lee)
6706 Coralville Fire Station (#1)
7015 Coralville Recreation Center
7108 City of Iowa City Southeast Fire Station
7801 Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
7838 Johnson County Jail
8343 Coralville Fire Station (#2)
8415 Coralville Police Station
8521 Coralville Recreation Center Indoor Swimming Pool
Religious
5801 Wesley House – Methodist Student Center
6002 Trinity Christian Reformed Church
6704 First Christian Church (Sanctuary)
6710 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (Sanctuary)
6808 Hillel House Jewish Student Center
7549 Coralville Methodist Church Addition
8621 Newman Catholic Student Center
Multi-Family Residential
6514 Hemicycle Apartments
7207 Quail Creek Condominium (North Liberty)
7802 Ecumenical Towers Senior Housing
8001 Atrium Village Senior Housing (Hills)
Single Family Residential
5606 Orris Residence
5606 Jim Swaner Residence
5701 Gelman Residence
5703 Davis Residence
5704 Harshbarger Residence
5800 Wehner Residence
5901 Petrick Residence
5903 Anderson Residence
5907 Holden Residence (Williamsburg)
6004 Spriestersbach Residence
6005 Bush Residence
6107 Waite Residence
6112 Rigler Residence
6208 Doderer Residence
6513 Brown Residence
6705 Gause Residence
6707 Krebs Residence
6907 Jones Cottage
Miscellaneous
6012 Federal Land Bank
6305 Greenwood Acres Nursing Home
6501 Iowa Book & Supply Co
7115 Highlander Inn
7941 University of Iowa Law Library (Associate Architect)
8103 Hills Bank (Gilbert ST Branch)
8418 Hills Bank North Liberty Branch
Key
Numbers represent first two digits as the year; second two digits as the project’s number within that
year. Original documents of all projects are in The Pattschull Collection housed at the State Historical
Society of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate
properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a
benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.460 et seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 100 hours per response including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of
this form to the Office of Planning and Performance Management. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 1849 C. Street, NW, Washington, DC.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
PHOTOS
Photo 01: Sidewalk view of Gilbert Street main entrance from south, looking north. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Photo 02: Main Entrance on Gilbert Street, view from west, looking east. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 03: Sidewalk view of accessible ramp and front steps at the Main Entrance on Gilbert Street from
north, looking south. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 04: Sidewalk view of building showing south community garden, view from corner of Gilbert Street (at
left) and Burlington Street (at right), looking northeast. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Photo 05: Lower level entrance view from east parking lot looking northwest. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 06: Parking lot view from northeast corner, view from East College Street bridge over Ralston Creek
looking south-southwest. Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
Photo 07: East College Street edible classroom/educational garden, view from north, looking south-southeast.
Jan Olive Full photo, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 08: View of Gilbert Street Lounge from west, looking east towards Social Hall. Jill Fishbaugh photo,
March 24, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 09: View of Gilbert Street Lounge from east, looking southeast toward pool and offices. Jill Fishbaugh
photo, April 3, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 10: Social Hall, from west wall, looking east towards frosted glass entrance doors and two
wooden doors to a storage room. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 11: Emergency Exit staircase leading from the northeast corner of the upper-level Social Hall to a
door in the northwest corner of the lower-level lobby, directly next to the Emergency Exit doors at the east
entrance. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 12: View of main staircase from lower level, looking upwards towards the Lounge
area on the other side of the metal railing. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 13: The darkroom on the west side of the North Hallway became a staff office and the original
terrazzo flooring was damaged when wall blocking light at the entrance to the room was torn down,
Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 14: Meeting Room A, view from corridor from east, looking west. March 17, 2023, Jill Fishbaugh
photo.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 15: Meeting Room B, view from corridor from north, looking south. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 16: Both Meeting Room B and the Kitchen have Emergency Exit doors leading to a back hallway,
where an exterior Emergency Exit door opens to the narrow terrace next to windows on the west side of
the building. Mary Bennett photo, October 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 17: View of the wading pool from southeast corner looking northwest; note the pool observation area
from windows on the north wall, upper-level Social Hall, and Observation Balcony in far upper left corner. Jill
Fishbaugh photo, March 21, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 18: View of women’s locker room and showers from south, looking north. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March
21, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 19: View of men’s locker room from east, looking west. Mark Cannon photo, March 28, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 20: View of lower-level North Hallway corridor behind the gymnasium. Jill Fishbaugh photo, March
21, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 21: Observation Port on upper west wall of gymnasium is accessible to spectators who want to
view activities in the gymnasium from on the upper-level North Hallway. Mary Bennett photo, October
2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 22: View from west, looking southeast in the former Exercise room, now a storage area. Jill
Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 23: View from inside the former Exercise Room, looking north to the stairs and former Handball
Court entrance, now a storage area. March 17, 2023, Jill Fishbaugh photo, March 17, 2023.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Iowa City Community Recreation Center Johnson County, Iowa
Name of Property County and State
Photo 24: View from south, looking north at the former Handball Court, now a storage area. Jill Fishbaugh
photo, March 17, 2023.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
APRIL 24, 2024 – 5:30 PM – FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Noah Stork, Andrew Lewis, Deanna Thomann, Carl Brown, Jordan
Sellergren, Nicole Villanueva, Frank Wagner, Margaret Beck
MEMBERS ABSENT: Christina Welu-Reynolds
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: Jamie Powers
CALL TO ORDER:
Sellergren called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
HPC24-0011: 430 Church Street – Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District (window change):
Bristow stated this property is in the Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District on the corner of
Church and Van Buren Streets. They believe this is a catalog home, it's a front gable with a wall dormer
on the Van Buren Street side and it’s covered in metal siding. The current project is they are redoing
their bathroom and would like to replace a window and make a new frame for the upper sash of that
window to install it as a fixed sash window, similar to the window in the bump out. Doing so will allow
them to reorganize their bathroom and provide more privacy and safety.
The owner did some mockups of what this might look like, the window would stay the same width and
keep the same head location. Bristow included the guidelines about dormers because when they are
looking at historic dormers one of the ways they can tell that a dormer is historic or not is if the window
actually fills that dormer proportionally. If a dormer has too much wall that's usually something that was
added on or revised at some point, most dormers, at least in the guidelines when new ones are
allowed, are composed primarily of window area.
Additionally, there are siding recommendations, the house currently has synthetic siding and because
they're just making a small change they found a match of the metal siding. Bristow did suggest to them
that in the future the guidelines would not allow a complete replacement of the synthetic siding, if this
synthetic siding had reached the end of its life it would need to come off and the historic siding repaired.
Therefore, she also suggested to them that they take care to make sure that their sheathing is the
correct depth to facilitate that in the future when that needs to come off. The homeowners are working
with a carpenter so they're sure that they're going to be able to accomplish that, and of course they
would match the trim as well. Bristow noted in the guidelines it talks about preserving historic windows
and if they're adding them to match the type and size so in some respects, they're following that
guideline by the fact that this house does have a small, fixed sash window on the floor below. Staff
recommends a motion to approve this project as presented in the staff report.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 24, 2024
Page 2 of 7
Wagner asked how they are going to match the siding, it is aluminum or steel siding. Bristow believes it
might be steel siding but is not sure if they just plan to paint the whole thing or if the carpenter found
siding, the homeowners just reported they have siding to match.
Bristow noted there's no conditions on this recommendation because of the fact that it meets the
guidelines as proposed. The only guideline it wouldn't meet is retaining historic openings at the size
they already are, but since they are altering a window, it would follow those guidelines. Also, there's no
conditions because they don't have a window product to review as they would just work with that
existing window.
MOTION: Villanueva moves to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 430
Church Street as presented in the staff report. Lewis seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
HPC24-0012: 602 Dearborn Street – Dearborn Street Conservation District (rear addition):
Bristow stated this home is in the Dearborn Street Conservation District. It was a little bungalow and
then had an interesting change where they added four feet to the north side and kicked the roof out to
have the same eave height on each side. She noted this happened before the district was created and
she assumes based on the plan it was to add a little bit more room to the bedroom and bathroom and
the living room along that side. The foundation is currently parge coated and it's very smooth, probably
altered to blend in everything and then the synthetic siding on this house went on originally in the 1970s
but she is unsure if it's been replaced since then. Bristow noted that all the windows have been
replaced and at the time that the district was created it did still have historic windows, so she doesn’t
know when that change occurred.
The current project is to add an addition to the back of the house. Bristow shared the site plan showing
the existing footprint, the new addition and how it's set in from each side and it will have a step and
stoop off the back. She pointed out it also has an additional little bump out which is not normally
something that they'd have on a historic house, it's more likely a modern house to have that, but it is on
the back. Regarding the guidelines for additions and distinguishing between the structures they're
setting in from the side, matching key horizontal lines such as the eave height, window height, any of
the trim details, using a palette of materials that are similar, on the rear constructing additions that are
consistent with the mass line and roofline massing of the historic building as well. The roof pitches and
spans are all to be consistent. The guidelines continue with noting the roof overhang, soffits and eaves
must match, the need to apply siding to the new addition that appears similar in size, shape, texture,
and material to the existing siding on the historic building. Bristow noted this is interesting because this
house has a synthetic siding on it. Then finally, not creating large expanses of wall without windows
and doors and matching the trim. Bristow also included information about substitute materials and
noted there will be a recommendation because neither door product nor window product has been
submitted for this one yet. It would need to be either a wood or fiberglass door. Regarding the roof
lines, they need to retain the original walls and the vertical corners of the building. The windows would
need to match a historic window. Bristow stated originally when this was submitted the windows in the
new addition had a lower sill than any of the other windows on the house and they were also fatter
windows than anything else on the house, so they located a window on the south side that they think is
the historic window size and revised the drawings to match per a staff recommendation. That change
was made between the first publishing of the agenda and the recent one.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 24, 2024
Page 3 of 7
The siding section of guidelines does not include an exception to allow synthetic siding on a property in
a historic district or conservation district unless that property is non-contributing or non-historic. Bristow
noted that is one of the things that she talked about with this applicant during the first review, the fact
that they don't have an option to just match the existing siding because in the guidelines it is intended
that at some point that synthetic siding will be removed. Staff wrote a recommendation that by putting
an addition on the back of the house they will obviously have to remove some of that synthetic siding in
order to construct the addition so at that time they will note what the siding on the historic house is and
then match it and that would include the trim, and whether or not it has corner boards, frieze board,
water table, etc. The applicant thinks that it does not have a water table but that it has mitered siding
with mitered corners and goes all the way down to the foundation, which is a little bit more difficult to
match to some degree. But they have already been discussing how to do that. They're also relocating
some of the interior steps as they do this project. They will match all of the horizontal lines and all of the
notes talked about the different siding and matching things is being set up the way that staff would
recommend. The recommendation here is to approve the project, with window and door products
submitted for staff review and the siding and trim configuration matches that historic siding and trim.
Bristow stated it would be understood that they would resolve the issue with the eave line as the
guidelines are clear that it needs to match.
Sellergren asked if the owner intends to ever remove the synthetic siding. Bristow doesn’t believe they
have a plan for that right now and it would be hard with the window trim and the fact that they increased
it by four feet.
MOTION: Beck recommends approval a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 602
Dearborn Street as presented in the staff report with the following conditions:
• Window and door product information is submitted for staff review.
• The siding and trim configuration matches the historic siding and trim.
Wagner seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
HPC24-0015: 515 Rundell Street – Longfellow Historic District (rear window to door alteration):
Bristow noted this property is located in the Longfellow Historic District, it was recently purchased by
someone and was in a pretty bad condition. They have already approved numerous projects and have
been using some of the historic preservation funds to help with the siding and trim repairs. This house
is interesting because it is a Moffitt and at one point in time the second floor was added and the garage
was converted to living space. The owner is interested in converting the garage back to a garage and
will probably do that in a future time and some of the work already done is in preparation for that. From
the back of the house they can see the added second floor and added sliding glass door. One of the
things already approved since it wasn’t historic was removing the entry canopy, because when it is
converted back to a garage the sliding glass door will be removed as well. The current project is a
kitchen remodel and replacing the two rear windows with a pair of French doors. It will also have a
small deck, more like a stoop and step. Bristow showed the submitted drawings noting the new French
doors will keep the same head height and width per guidelines, so will be custom made, and for
materials they can use wood or fiberglass. Bristow included in the staff report the additional
requirements to review the stoop and step but frankly since it is small enough and on the back, it could
be reviewed like a deck and decks on the back need to be set in at least eight inches and this is far
beyond that. It will also be attached in a manner that will not damage the historic siding. It will have
closed risers and an appropriate balustrade and handrail. Bristow shared specs on two possible door
options, one is a wood door from Knebl and the other is aluminum clad. Staff would not recommend
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 24, 2024
Page 4 of 7
approving the aluminum one and would recommend either a wood or fiberglass.
MOTION: Thomann recommends approval a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 515
Rundell Street as presented in the application with the following conditions:
• Wood door or with an option of a fiberglass door.
Villanueva seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
HPC24-0019: 812 South Summit Street – Summit Street Historic District (permanent accessibility ramp):
Bristow stated this property is located here in the Summit Street Historic District, it's DeLuxe Bakery.
They have been working a long time to come up with an accessibility solution here, they’ve talked about
having a lift next to the stoop or using the door on the side but it opens directly onto the property line in
the alley so it's not possible to put a ramp there. Any entry on the back would go into the bakery
operation and not the customer side. The applicants have now proposed a plan that moves the
planters out front and install a ramp. They’ll be replacing the stoop and moving the planters and add in
the ramp that will have a landing with stairs to access the door into the back addition. The ramp will
then continue along the side of the property line to the sidewalk. This project does need some minor
modifications and other approvals because of the proximity to the property line as it can't meet the
setback requirements but those are all things that will be reviewed within the rest of the development
department. The ramp will have a simple black metal railing, it'll have intermediate posts and there's
also a small rail that will go along the bottom to prevent the wheels from going off of the side of the
ramp. Bristow noted staff can approve ramps for individual residential locations as a temporary
structure at a staff level but anytime when it becomes a permanent structure, it automatically comes to
the Commission. The ramp would not detract from the historic character of the building nor the patio
that they use for dining. The Secretary of Interior standards number two and nine relate to this project.
Number two is retaining the historic character of the property, not removing historic materials or altering
features, and that new additions and alterations shall not destroy historic materials. Staff finds that this
would not do either of those things, it is minimal and provides very needed accessibility. Earlier today,
staff did get an email from Chad Wade, who is member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, he is
a person who uses a wheelchair and he just wanted to make sure the size of the landing is accessible
as those dimensions weren’t included in the packed. Mr. Wade recommends a 60 inch deep or 54 inch
deep landing with 36 inches or 42 inches parallel to the latch side of the door to provide clearance so
that a wheelchair could be maneuvered. Bristow is assuming that this project will easily be able to
accomplish all of that but will provide that information to the architect and owner because it's a letter
that came in about the project. The accessibility standards will also be reviewed as part of the building
permit and the building inspectors would make sure it is all correct. Therefore, the recommended
motion for this project is just to approve it.
Jamie Powers (owner, DeLuxe Bakery) has owned the bakery for 20 years and has gone back and
forth on how to get a ramp for the bakery and what design works best. Do they do a lift, how much is it
going to cost, etc. She is now in a position in a lot of different ways to really want to make this happen.
They have been working this past year to come up with something that still makes the bakery look like
a diamond but can also serve the whole community and have them safely access the building. The way
that the stairs are now were likely built in 1920 and are concrete, this will not only serve the accessibility
community, but improve those stairs too. Powers added it they need to modify things she is willing to
do so and to answer the question about the door they have actually modified it so that when someone
comes up the ramp the door opens correctly for more accessibility.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 24, 2024
Page 5 of 7
MOTION: Wagner recommends approval a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 812
South Summit Street as presented in the staff report.
Villanueva seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Certificate of No Material Effect -Chair and Staff review
HPC24-0018: 728 East College Street – College Green Historic District (porch wall reconstruction):
Bristow noted staff has been working with them and will be using historic preservation fund to repair it.
Getting a match for the brick was not entirely successful, it is two wythes of bricks with a wall on the
inside and a wall on the outside. They were able to find one brick match but unable to find a green
match at all so when they approved this, they not only recommended that they try to save as much of
the brick as possible but that they do not use the green brick and if at all possible, they use existing
brick on the outside and new brick on the inside of the porch.
Minor Review – Staff review
HPC24-0002: 804 Iowa Avenue – College Hill Conservation District (replacement of deteriorated French
Doors):
Bristow stated this is a replacement of doors that are very deteriorated and don't lock.
Intermediate Review – Chair and Staff review
HPC24-0014: 515 Rundell Street – Longfellow Historic District (non-historic rear entry canopy
demolition:
This is the removal of the entry canopy over the sliding door on the project already discussed.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR MARCH 21, 2024:
MOTION: Thomann moves to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
March 21, 2024. Lewis seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0.
COMMISSION INFORMATION:
Bristow noted in 2021 they had the most applications that they've ever had and this year are on track to
have a really high level number of applications as well.
Sellergren asked about Commission vacancy applications. Bristow said she doesn’t see the
applications, only the ones that are appointed, but all of the applications would be posted in the Council
packet.
Sellergren asked about the maximum number of Commissioners being 12, have they ever had 12 at
one time and how would they make that work. Bristow said they would make it work so they all fit.
Quorums are based on the total number of potential commissioners, not on the number of total filled
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 24, 2024
Page 6 of 7
commission spots. However, it's so important to fill those vacant spots and have every district
represented. Also, with more members they wouldn't have things like needing to cancel meetings and
change dates.
Bristow also wanted to remind everybody that they should be gathering information for the Historic
Preservation Awards so they aren't scrambling in August. At some point in June they will have the
awards subcommittee start.
Bristow noted the other thing is after the Palagi’s landmark has finished, whatever the outcome is, then
they might want to consider forming a subcommittee to work on whatever the next project is. She
stated in the first few years she was here they included a line item for update on the commission work
plan for every single meeting, so if they do form a subcommittee, they might have that line item added
back in.
ADJOURNMENT:
Wagner moved to adjourn the meeting. Lewis seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15pm.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD
2023-2024
NAME
TERM
EXP. 5/11 6/8 7/13 8/10 9/14 10/12 11/9 12/14 1/11 2/8 3/21 4/24
BECK,
MARGARET 6/30/24 X O/E X X X O/E X X X X X X
BOYD, KEVIN 6/30/23 X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
BROWN,
CARL
6/30/26 O/E X X O/E X X O/E X O/E O/E X X
LEWIS,
ANDREW 6/30/26 -- -- X X X X X X X X X X
SELLERGREN,
JORDAN 6/30/25 X O/E X X X X X X X X X X
STORK, NOAH 6/30/24 X X X X X X X X O/E X X X
THOMANN,
DEANNA 6/30/26 X X X X X X X X X X X X
VILLANUEVA,
NICOLE 6/30/25 X X X X X O/E X X X X X X
WAGNER,
FRANK 6/30/26 X X O/E X X X X X X X X X
WELU-
REYNOLDS,
CHRISTINA
6/30/25 O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X O/E
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member
Iowa City
Historic Preserva�on Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
2024 Historic Preserva�on Work Plan
Goals and Objec�ves for the Historic Preserva�on Plan (2007)
The 1992 Historic Preserva�on Plan for the City adopted goals and objec�ves to guide the work of the
Commission. The 2007 Plan update con�nued with the 10 original goals, though refocused to align with
new opportuni�es and to acknowledge completed goals. The Historic Preserva�on Commission annually
updates its work plan. The plan for 2024 iden�fies priori�es in rela�onship to Preserva�on Plan goals.
Goal 1: Iden�fy historic resources significant to Iowa City's past.
Goal 2: Con�nue municipal policy of protec�on of historic resources and implement this policy
through effec�ve and efficient legisla�on and regulatory measures.
Goal 3: Establish economic incen�ves to encourage the preserva�on of historic buildings and
neighborhoods.
Goal 4: Provide the technical assistance necessary to preserve and improve historic proper�es.
Goal 5: Heighten public awareness of historic preserva�on in the community and improve
preserva�on educa�on efforts for various audiences.
Goal 6: Maintain and strengthen preserva�on partnerships between municipal government,
state government, and federal agencies.
Goal 7: Establish and implement historic preserva�on objec�ves for the University of Iowa
campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
Goal 8: Establish and support heritage tourism efforts appropriate to Iowa City's historic
resources and community needs.
Goal 9: Conduct regular review and evalua�on of historic preserva�on ini�a�ves by the historic
preserva�on community.
Goal 10: Adopt strategies to preserve historic neighborhoods which reflect their organic
development, historical roles and tradi�ons, modern needs, and economic health and stability.
Commission Priori�es
Oak Grove Park (Goal 1, Goal 5, Goal 10)
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 Administra�on Building, it
bought the land where Oak Grove Park now sits. The park is currently scheduled for major renova�on in
Iowa City
Historic Preserva�on Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
2026 or 2027 which provides plenty of �me for us to inves�gate outside funding sources and develop a
community plan that makes it a public space both for the neighborhood but also the City. While the
majority of the work for this park will occur in future years, the Commission has determined that it is a
priority to begin inves�ga�on and research into the history of the are now.
Landmark/District Subcommitee (Goal 1, Goal 2, Goal 3, Goal 7, Goal 9, Goal 10)
In 1996 the HPC designated the first local landmarks and immediately began a list of the next priori�es
for designa�on. In 2015 they revisited the topic and eventually moved forward with a small group of
landmarks in 2017. In 2001 the first downtown study resulted in two poten�al Na�onal Register districts.
The Commission immediately began work toward a local downtown district. None of these districts
moved forward. In 2016 the HPC hired a consultant to update the downtown study that has resulted in a
Na�onal Register listed historic district. While a few local landmarks have been designated the area, no
further local designa�on has happened. Work between the HPC and the IC Downtown District to develop
incen�ves for preserva�on were not con�nued by City Council. There are other large areas of town with
historic proper�es that have never been surveyed such as the Lucas Farms-Kirkwood Avenue area and
the Morningside neighborhood. The Commission will form a landmark and district subcommitee to
begin to address poten�al landmarks and poten�al districts.
Engage with the Public and City Council (Goal 2, Goal 3, Goal 4, Goal 5, Goal 9)
Recent work plans have included projects that involved the HPC working with the Downtown District and
the Parks and Recrea�on Commission do develop proposals that were taken to City Council but were not
picked up by Council for future work or discussion. As the HPC begins to work through landmark and
district designa�ons, engaging with both the public and Council will be instrumental to the success of
the work. The Commission will con�nue to foster rela�onships between organiza�ons and atend
mee�ngs and other public forums where they can address historic preserva�on issues as they arise and
propose solu�ons to incen�vize historic preserva�on.
Ongoing work
Annual Historic Preserva�on Awards (Goal 5, Goal 9)
The annual awards program highlights successful preserva�on work within the community and the
exper�se of contractors and consultants. As one of the Commission’s main forms of community
outreach, the awards are a high priority every year and atract an audience of about 100 people. We will
con�nue to partner with Johnson County Historic Preserva�on Commission.
Historic Preserva�on Fund (Goal 3, Goal 4)
With the implementa�on of the fund in FY 2018, the Fund has approved 28 grants or loans improving 25
proper�es. This is a popular program which has helped property owners maintain the historic character
of their proper�es and has helped keep valuable material out of the landfill. Recently the annual budget
was increased from $40,000 to $42,000.
Iowa City
Historic Preserva�on Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
Summit Street Monument (Goal 1, Goal 5, Goal 8)
In 2019 the consultant, Atlas Preserva�on, completed the “Summit Street Monument Assessment and
Conserva�on Op�ons Plan” that was financed in part through a Cer�fied Local Government Grant.
Reloca�ng the monument inside and pu�ng a replica in its place was determined to be the best course
of ac�on to preserve this important piece of Iowa City History. Staff has requested funding for the 2025
Fiscal Year to complete this funding. Finding a permanent home for the monument is one part of the
process without a current solu�on.
Long-Term Goals
Landfill diversion through salvage and reduced demoli�on
One of the fundamental principles of historic preserva�on 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. The Commission shall con�nue to advocate that embodied energy is worth valuing and
con�nue with educa�on efforts that energy efficiency, repair, and maintenance of older homes looks
different than modern structures. Homes built before WWII were designed to be naturally efficient.
Repair over replacement was priori�zed.
Iden�fying opportuni�es to highlight Iowa City’s history as a leader in the struggle for social jus�ce,
racial equity and human rights and preserve the stories and structures.
Iowa City’s history is rich with the long fight for these values. We should iden�fy those stories and
preserve structures that represent those efforts. Par�cularly as structures from the 1960s and 1970s
become historic.
Update of the College Green Historic District
In 2016, the Commission approved the reloca�on of the Houser-Metzger House from 422 Iowa Avenue
to 623 College Street where the contribu�ng structure had been damaged beyond repair by fire and
water. In order for the relocated house to be considered contribu�ng to the Historic District, an
amendment to the Na�onal Register-listed district is required as a first step. This amendment will be
reviewed by the Commission following revision by staff and the District representa�ve.
Update of the Iowa City Preserva�on 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 proper�es have changed status (for
example, a non-contribu�ng property has become contribu�ng because of siding removal and porch
rehabilita�on) in the past ten years, the maps, which are the basis for review-type, applica�on of
excep�ons, and in some cases eligibility of the Historic Preserva�on Fund, are outdated. The full
Commission would review and approve updated maps. A plan was outlined with City staff but with
limited staff �me this has not moved forward.
Iowa City
Historic Preserva�on Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
Develop a disaster preparedness guide for preserva�on.
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 na�onal awards for
its work around the 2006 tornado by helping the community to retain and repair its historic structures.
The commission and city staff should develop a playbook for when a disaster hits (because one will
again). The goal would be to provide support to those dealing with a disaster, provide advice on
temporary repairs and help property owners proceed through the permi�ng and historic review
processes quickly for permanent repairs.