HomeMy WebLinkAbout52-01055_22 S Clinton_AirlinerSite Inventory Form State Inventory No. 52-01055 New Supplemental
State Historical Society of Iowa Part of a district with known boundaries (enter inventory no.)
(December 1, 1999) Relationship: Contributing Noncontributing
Contributes to a potential district with yet unknown boundaries
National Register Status:(any that apply) Listed De-listed NHL DOE
9-Digit SHPO Review & Compliance Number
Non-Extant (enter year)
1. Name of Property
historic name The Airliner
other names/site number Townsend Building, Racine's Store No. 3
2. Location
street & number 22 S. Clinton Street
city or town Iowa City vicinity, county Johnson
Legal Description: (If Rural) Township Name Township No. Range No. Section Quarter of Quarter
(If Urban) Subdivision Original Town Block(s) 80 Lot(s) Part of Lot 5
3. State/Federal Agency Certification [Skip this Section]
4. National Park Service Certification [Skip this Section]
5. Classification
Category of Property (Check only one box) Number of Resources within Property
building(s) If Non-Eligible Property If Eligible Property, enter number of:
district Enter number of: Contributing Noncontributing
site
buildings 1
buildings
structure
sites
sites
object
structures
structures
objects
objects
Total 1
Total
Name of related project report or multiple property study (Enter “N/A” if the property is not part of a multiple property examination).
Title Historical Architectural Data Base Number
Iowa City Central Business District Study - 2017 UPDATE 52-127
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
02E07 COMMERCE/TRADE/specialty store/photographer 02G02 COMMERCE/TRADE/restaurant/bar
01B DOMESTIC/multiple dwelling (upper floors)
02E07 COMMERCE/TRADE/professional
7. Description
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Materials (Enter categories from instructions)
09F COMMERCIAL foundation 04 STONE
08 MODERN MOVEMENT walls 03 BRICK
roof
other Narrative Description ( SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark “x” representing your opinion of eligibility after applying relevant National Register criteria)
Yes No More Research Recommended A Property is associated with significant events.
Yes No More Research Recommended B Property is associated with the lives of significant persons.
Yes No More Research Recommended C Property has distinctive architectural characteristics.
Yes No More Research Recommended D Property yields significant information in archaeology or history.
County Johnson Address 22 S. Clinton Street Site Number 52-01055
City Iowa City District Number
Criteria Considerations
A Owned by a religious institution or used E A reconstructed building, object, or structure.
for religious purposes. F A commemorative property.
B Removed from its original location. G Less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past
C A birthplace or grave. 50 years.
D A cemetery
Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Significant Dates
Construction date
01 ARCHITECTURE 1888 check if circa or estimated date
Other dates
05 COMMERCE 1950 - façade
Significant Person Architect/Builder
(Complete if National Register Criterion B is marked above) Architect
unknown Builder
unknown
Narrative Statement of Significance ( SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography See continuation sheet for citations of the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form
10. Geographic Data
UTM References (OPTIONAL)
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing
1
2
3
4
See continuation sheet for additional UTM references or comments
11. Form Prepared By
name/title Alexa McDowell, Historian
organization AKAY Consulting date 10/2017
street & number 4252 Oakland Avenue telephone 515-491-5432
city or town Minneapolis state MN zip code 55407
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION (Submit the following items with the completed form)
FOR ALL PROPERTIES
1. Map: showing the property’s location in a town/city or township.
2. Site plan: showing position of buildings and structures on the site in relation to public road(s).
3. Photographs: representative black and white photos. If the photos are taken as part of a survey for which the Society is to be
curator of the negatives or color slides, a photo/catalog sheet needs to be included with the negatives/slides and the following
needs to be provided below on this particular inventory site:
Roll/slide sheet #
Frame/slot #
Date Taken
Roll/slide sheet #
Frame/slot #
Date Taken
Roll/slide sheet #
Frame/slot #
Date Taken
See continuation sheet or attached photo & slide catalog sheet for list of photo roll or slide entries.
Photos/illustrations without negatives are also in this site inventory file.
FOR CERTAIN KINDS OF PROPERTIES, INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AS WELL
1. Farmstead & District: (List of structures and buildings, known or estimated year built, and contributing or non-contributing status)
2. Barn:
a. A sketch of the frame/truss configuration in the form of drawing a typical middle bent of the barn.
b. A photograph of the loft showing the frame configuration along one side.
c. A sketch floor plan of the interior space arrangements along with the barn’s exterior dimensions in feet.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Use Only Below This Line
Concur with above survey opinion on National Register eligibility: Yes No More Research Recommended
This is a locally designated property or part of a locally designated district.
Comments:
Evaluated by (name/title): Date:
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01055
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 1
The Airliner Johnson
Name of Property County
22 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
7. Property Description
Constructed in ca.1888, the Airliner is a 2-story, 22- by 96-ft., commercial building located within a contiguous
line of commercial properties representing constructions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The building’s
visual character is derived from its mid-20th century Modern façade, which features an adorned brick wall plane,
broken only by a ribbon window.
The brick of the upper façade is variations of muted yellows in color. The brick is laid in a stack bond with
matching mortar, which creates a vertical linearity. Although it reads as a single punch in the wall plane, the
ribbon window is sub-divided into four adjoining glass panels. The linear form of the ribbon window is
maintained by the minimal size of muntins used to separate the glass panels. The age of the glass is undetermined,
but its dark tint suggests the possibility that it is a more recent alteration. Further, images from the 1970s show
what appear to be double-hung windows rather than the fixed windows now in place. A stone running sill finishes
the windows and a simple stone coping terminates the façade.
Per the 2001 survey, the storefront also dates to mid-century – supported by the continuation of brick facing to the
storefront piers and bulkhead. As Svendsen noted, the first floor has a recessed entrance on the right side with a
large window to the left. A fixed, curved awning extends across of storefront. A neon sign noting “The Airliner”
is located just above the awning.
In 2017 the building façade appears much as it has since the mid-century renovation, with no significant
alterations. The storefront remains occupied by The Airliner. Occupancy of the upper story is undetermined.
Image 01. View of the streetscape within which the building is located, looking NE across S. Clinton Street.
(Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017)
The Airliner (mid-block) is easily identified by its monolithic façade and lack of applied ornamentation.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01055
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 2
The Airliner Johnson
Name of Property County
22 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Image 02. View of the façade (west elevation), looking east across S. Clinton Street
(Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017)
8. Statement of Significance
The building at 22 S. Clinton Street has been referred to variously as the Townsend Building and Racine’s Cigar
Store No. 3 - the 2001 evaluation did not prioritize those names. For the purposes of the present evaluation, The
Airliner has been adopted as the historic name because it represents the occupant from the time the façade was
altered to the present appearance. Further, due to its longevity in the downtown, The Airliner has become a local
institution.
The Airliner is located directly opposite Old Capitol, a National Historic Landmark, and the Pentacrest, a National
Register listed historic district. In its present ca.1950 incarnation, the building provides a very good stylistic
representation of the impact of Modern architecture on commercial properties. In that regard, the resource is
locally significant under Criterion C. The building is also significant under Criterion A, contributing as it does to
our understanding of the history of commerce in Iowa City, specifically as the longtime home of The Airliner. As
a result, the resource is considered a contributing resource to a potential National Register historic district.
Although the structure pre-dates 1900, the building draws its historic character from the mid-20th century façade
alteration. The Airliner façade retains a very good level of historic integrity specific to that alteration, with 2nd
floor ribbon window (glazing likely replaced), stack bond brick facing, and unadorned wall plane retained. The
2001 evaluation dates the storefront to the mid-century as well, resulting in an overall good level of historic
integrity.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01055
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 3
The Airliner Johnson
Name of Property County
22 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Historical Background
As originally laid out, Clinton Street provided a series of lots facing west onto “Capitol Square.” As noted by
Svendsen, this commercial building dates from ca.1888 when a building of similar dimensions was first depicted
on a fire insurance map. Previous research indicates that this brick building replaced the last frame structure on
this block of South Clinton Street.
Image 03. Historic Image: View looking north along S. Clinton Street – ca.1880
(Image courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.)
This ca.1880 view of the Clinton streetscape (22 S. Clinton indicated) supports Svendsen’s assertion that the
present structure replaced an earlier building (perhaps a wood frame structure). Note the significant change in
building height and façade from this image to the next.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01055
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 4
The Airliner Johnson
Name of Property County
22 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Image 04. Historic Image: View looking north along S. Clinton Street – ca.1892
(Image courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.)
By 1892 the building had achieved its late 19th century appearance, which stood until the mid-20th century.
Property transfer records for this property show T.W. Townsend purchasing the property in 1885 and what likely
he who was responsible for the new building constructed there a short time later. Townsend established a
photographic studio on the first floor and rented the upper level space (Svendsen, 2001). The 1888 fire insurance
map notes a photography studio occupied the building. In 1911 Dr. A.J. Burge, associate professor of surgery at
the State University of Iowa, had office space on the upper level and resided in the adjoining apartment space
with his wife Adelaide. By 1918 the Townsend Studio was purchased by William Blatz who occupied an
apartment in the building as well.
The building became associated with the Rinella family in 1922. Although the family came and went (both in the
storefront and the upper story) over the years to follow, the Rinellas are most closely tied to the building in its role
as The Airliner. City directories for 1922 and 1924 note Joseph Rinella, fruits in the storefront and family
members in the upper story apartment.
The family business was absent from the building from 1926 through 1942 when Busch & Banek, confectioners
(1926) and Racine’s Cigar Store (1930-1942) occupied the storefront. Directories note that the Rinellas did,
however, reside upstairs in 1926.
As noted by Svendsen, in 1930 the storefront was combined with those at 24-26 and occupied by Racine’s Cigar
Store No. 3. The store was one of four operated by Fred Racine as combination cigar store, soda fountain, and
billiard parlor. The Clinton Street store joined No. 1 at 132 E. Washington, No. 2 at 131 E. Washington, and No. 4
in the Jefferson Hotel.
The Rinella’s returned to the storefront at 22 S. Clinton in 1943, when Rosina Rinella (daughter of property
owner, Joseph Rinella), brought family fruit store back to the building and resided upstairs. Racine’s No. 3 store
remained in business at 24-26.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01055
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 5
The Airliner Johnson
Name of Property County
22 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Svendsen notes that, in ca. 1944, the space was taken over by William Banek and operated as the Airliner
Restaurant; today, the building’s awning notes the business was established in that year. Local newspaper
accounts in the summer of 1946 record beer and cigarette licenses issued to Joseph Rinella (son of Joseph) for 22
S. Clinton.
The Airliner, an Iowa City institution, continues in this location today.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01055
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 6
The Airliner Johnson
Name of Property County
22 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
9. Major Bibliographic References (2001)
Iowa City city directories.
Property Transfer Records, Johnson County Auditor’s Office.
Tax Assessor’s Records, City of Iowa City Assessor.
Summary Sheet, 22 South Clinton, Urban Revitalization Act Study Area Survey, 1981.
Sanborn maps, 1874, 1879, 1888, 1892, 1899, 1906, 1912, 1920, 1926, 1933, and 1933 updated to 1970.
2017: References
Iowa City Public Library. Digital Photograph collection. http://history.icpl.org.
Iowa City Then & Now. Publisher unknown.
Mansheim, Gerald. Iowa City: an illustrated history. Norfolk, VA: The Donning Company, 1989.
State Historical Society of Iowa. Iowa City. Photograph Collection.
Slonneger, Marybeth. Finials: A View of Downtown Iowa City. Iowa City: Hand Press, 2015.
Svendsen, Marlys A. “Survey and Evaluation of the Central Business District.” Prepared for the Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission, 2001.
Svendsen, Marlys A. “Coast & Sons Building: 52-01051.” Iowa Site Form, 2001.
Timeline: The Airliner
1888 Fire Insurance Map: 2-story, 34-ft., “photo.”
1901 City Directory (Business): 22 Townsend & Co., Photographers
1911 City Directory: 22 Timothy Townsend, photographer (r Des Moines, Iowa)
City Directory: 22 T.W. Townsend
22-1/2 Dr. A.J. Burge
Dr. G.F. Tolmage
1922 City Directory: 22 Joseph Rinella, fruits
22-1/2 New Idea Service
“Rinella” Anna A.C., Anton J., Joseph A., Joseph J., and Josephine H. – “bds 22 S
Clinton
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01055
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 7
The Airliner Johnson
Name of Property County
22 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
1924 City Directory: 22 Joseph Rinella, fruits
22-1/2 Joseph Rinella
24 Racine’s Cigar Store
1926 City Directory: 22 Busch & Banek, confectioners
22-1/2 Joseph, Joseph Jr., Anna, Anton, Josephine, and Rosina Rinella
24 Racine’s Cigar Store, No. 2
1930 City Directory: 22-24-26 Racine’s Cigar Store, No. 3
22-1/2 Not Rinellas
1940 City Directory: 22-24-26 Racine’s Cigar Store, No. 3
22-1/2 Not Rinellas
1942 City Directory: 22-24-26 Racine’s Cigar Store, No. 3
22-1/2 Not Rinellas
1943 City Directory: 22 Rosina M. Rinella, fruits
22-1/2 Rosina Rinella
24-26 Racine’s Cigar Store, No. 3
1944 The Airliner awning: “Established in 1944”
1946 City Directory: 22 The Airliner, tavern
22-1/2 Mrs. Leah Bartholomew
24-26 Kadera’s Cigar Store
“Cigaret [sic], Beer Permits Granted By Council,” Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 23, 1946: 2.
Permit to sell cigarettes was given to Davidson and Joseph Rinella, 22 S. Clinton.
“Official Publication,” Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 31, 1946: 10.
Resolution: “To issue Class “B” beer permits …. To Joseph J. Rinella at 22 S. Clinton St.”
1949 City Directory: 22 The Airliner, tavern
22-1/2 Mrs. Leah Bartholomew
1952 City Directory: 22 The Airliner, tavern
Joseph J. Rinella, Jr.
22-1/2 Harold Yoakum & Robert Lynes
1954 City Directory: 22 The Airliner
22-1/2 Edward Ceilley and Robert Hade
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01055
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 8
The Airliner Johnson
Name of Property County
22 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
11. Additional Documentation
Legal Description: W96’ of N22-1/2’ of S47-1/2’ Lot 5 of Blk 80 of the Original Town
Assessor: 1010311019
Lat/Long: 41.660811/-91.534340
Parcel Map - 2017
28 120132121-12311711023
1121
12410-12-14
32
19-21
24-26
9119
17
13-15
114-11612611115
16 1138
30
5
11818-20
22
7
128-130CLINTONDUBUQUEWASHINGTON
IOWA
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