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HomeMy WebLinkAbout52-01556_14 S Dubuque_MuellerBlockSite Inventory Form State Inventory No. 52-01556 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 Mueller Block other names/site number Mueller Bros. Shoes; West Music Store; Eicher Florist 2. Location street & number 14 S. Dubuque 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)66 Lot(s) 3. State/Federal Agency Certificat ion [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) 02E11 COMMERCE/TRADE/specialty store/grocery 02G02 COMMERCE/TRADE/Specialty Store/bar 7. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Materials (Enter categories from instructions) 99 MIXED foundation walls 03 BRICK roof 04 STONE 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 14 S. Dubuque Street Site Number 52-01556 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 1909 check if circa or estimated date Other dates ca.1990 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/Architectural Historian organization AKAY Consulting date 02/2018 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 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 1 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City 7. Property Description The building at 14 S. Dubuque Street is located at the end of a contiguous line of commercial properties of a similar scale and construction date. The building is located mid-block, with its secondary elevation (south) facing the alley. The two-story brick building bears little resemblance to its 1909 appearance or to a façade replacement undertaken in ca.1970. Image 01. East side of S. Dubuque Street, looking southeast from Iowa Avenue (Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017) The location of the Mueller Building is noted. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 2 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City Image 02. East side of S. Dubuque Street, looking east (Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017) Although the fixed awning of the building occupant stretches the width of all three buildings, the retention of the independent character of the upper façade results in a sense of individual character and autonomy. Per the 2001 Svendsen evalution, the building façade was fully renovated in the late 20th century (after 1985), resulting in the present, non-historic character. As described in 2001, the contemporary storefront has a recessed entrance at the left with display windows to the right. A fixed awning with a curved form extends the full width of this building and the two buildings to its north; 10, 12, and 14 are all occupied by the Sports Column, a bar. The rebuilt upper level is faced in a tan brick with the corners finished in ashlar limestone quoining (the quoining extends to grade). A grouping of four narrow 1/1 double-hung windows are set beneath a wood fanlight. The window group is surmounted by an ashlar stone segmental arch. The cornice (material undetermined) has a single course of dentils (Svendsen, 2001). The secondary elevation (facing the alley on the south) is finished in secondary grade, tan brick. A canted, bay window is located at the second story; a remnant from the original building (a second bay window on the elevation, closer to the façade, has been removed). In 2017 the building remains largely as described in 2001 with the exception of the awning, which was replaced with the present awning spanning three storefronts. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 3 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City Image 03. View looking east across S. Dubuque Street (Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017) View of the Mueller Building façade. 8. Statement of Significance This mid-block, alley adjacent, commercial building is an example of an extensively reconstructed façade based on a contemporary design. The building is neither individually eligible for the National Register nor considered a contributing resource to a potential historic district due to its major, non-historic alterations. Historical Background As originally laid out, Dubuque Street was a major north-south street entering the central business district from the north. The north half of Block 66 was shown on the Original Town Plat as set aside for churches facing a city park north of Iowa Avenue. However, the commercial buildings facing S. Dubuque Street broke with this plan (Svendsen, 2001). Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 4 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City This building and its neighbor to the north share a long and confusing history. Both appear in historic images by 1894, at which time the upper story façade appears as a single, unified building with two storefronts (Image 04). The early appearance of the upper façade is similar to that retained at 12 S. Dubuque today, where three, tall and narrow windows with a segmental arched head and pronounced sill and a multi-course, corbeled cornice are retained. Image 04. Historic Image – East side of S. Dubuque Street, looking south from Iowa Avenue – 1894 (Marybeth Slonneger. Finials: A View of Downtown Iowa City. Iowa City: Hand Press, 2015.) When constructed, the buildings at 12 and 14 S. Dubuque St. (highlighted) were nearly identical, though they functioned automously. The arrow indicates 14 S. Dubuque Street. Property transfer records show the property was sold by Anna Rider to J.G. Mueller in 1908 (Svendsen, 2001). In December of 1908 the Press-Citizen reported, “work is progressing satisfactorily on Dr. J.G. Mueller’s building on Dubuque Street. The front is practically completed.” (ICPC, 12/07/1908: 01). The footprint illustrated on fire insurance maps in 1906 and 1912 document a change during the years between maps, supporting either a major alteration/addition or construction of an entirely new building. Given the language used in news accounts, it seems likely that Mueller’s building was a new construction rather than a renovation of the existing. By January of 1909, the building was placed in service with Joe Otto, attorney and Dr. J.G. Mueller occupying the upper story offices (ICPC, 01/29/1909: 01). In February of 1909, it was announced that the storefront was being fitted up for E.F. Shors. The Fair Store, which carried a line of dry goods and notions, opened on March 13, 1909 (ICPC, 02/24/1909: 01 and ICPC, 03/12/1909: 13). An image from 1929 is likely representative of Mueller’s Building at the time it opened (Image 05). The building, with its steeply pitched, gabled parapet and large, overhanging, second story bay window, is representative of early 20th century commercial design. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 5 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City Image 05. Historic Image – S. Dubuque Street, looking south from Iowa Avenue - 1929 (State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.) This 1929 image documents the 1909 Mueller Building, which featured Victorian influenced elements such as the steeply pitched, peaked parapet and second story, projecting bay windows (façade and alley side). The building’s first floor saw considerable turn-over in its earliest years, including occupation by movie theaters during the years of 1911-1915 (first the Pastime Theatre and then the Iowa Theatre). In 1916 Mueller Bros. shoes relocated from their storefront at 115 S. Clinton Street to the Mueller Building, where they remained through at least 1944. In 1947 the West Music Store (first as Huyett-West Music Co., then simply as West Music) began its longtime tenancy; the music store remained in the Mueller Building through most of 1961. The building was then occupied by Eicher Florist, which announced the opening of its new location in December 1961. The notice reported that “the first floor of the building …. has been completely remodeled and redecorated” (ICPC, 12/05/1961: 04). Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 6 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City Image 06. Historic Image – Eicher Florist in the Mueller Building - 1961 (Iowa City Press-Citizen, Ad for Eicher Florist, 07/19/1973:02) This image documents the Mueller Building shortly after Eicher Florist relocated to the location. Note the alley side bay window in view at right; this bay window was removed in ca.1970, with only the rear bay window retained today. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 7 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City Image 07. Historic Image – S. Dubuque Street, looking southeast from Iowa Avenue - 1966 (“Urban Design Study,” City-University Urban Renewal Project, 1966.) Although of poor quality, this image documents the appearance of the Mueller Building in 1966, with peaked parapet and bay window retained. Image 08. Historic Image – S. Dubuque Street, looking south from Iowa Avenue – 1973 (Iowa City Press-Citizen, Ad for Eicher Florist, 07/19/1973:02) By 1973, the Mueller Building façade had been re-faced with flat panels to create a monolithic character. Note that the westernmost, alley side bay window was removed to accommodate the wrap-around to that elevation; the bay window in view here is retained today. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 8 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City Image 09. Historic Image – S. Dubuque Street, looking south from Iowa Avenue – ca.1979 (Iowa City Public Library, Digital Archive, Urban Renewal Collection.) This image documents the relocation of residences as part of downtown urban renewal. Despite the visual continuity between the Mueller Building (Eicher Florist) and its neighbor, they continued to function automously. Image 10. Historic Image – East side of S. Dubuque Street, looking northeast – ca.1984 (Iowa City Public Library, Digital Archive, Urban Renewal Collection.) The Sports Column became the occupant at 12 S. Dubuque St. in 1984, which dates this image. As the image documents, the Mueller Building façade remained sheathed in panels, but had been painted in recognition of its tenant, Hawkeye Heaven. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 9 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City Little is know of the occupants of the building’s second floor over time. As noted, the attorney Joe Otto had his offices there when the building was completed in 1909, but he moved to another location by the end of that same year. Dr. Mueller continued to work out of the second story until his death in 1918. Today, apartments are located upstairs. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 10 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque 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, 12 South Dubuque, 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. 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. “Mueller Block, 52-01556.” Iowa Site Form, 2001. Timeline 1874 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story, but not as deep as the adjacent building at 12 S. Dubuque. First floor is occupied by “candy” with no 2nd story occupant noted. There is no connection between 12 and 14 at either level. 1883 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story brick; 24’ wide with the same depth as noted in 1874. An addition as been made at the rear to house an “oven cellar” with a second addition attached at the rear. Both additions are small in scale and appear to be 1-story. An interior staircase is noted along the north wall at the front of the building. The first floor is occupied by a confectionery/bakery with no occupant noted on the 2nd floor. There is no interior connection between 12 and 14. 1888 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story brick; 24’ wide with no rear addition; grocer on 1st. No indication of 2nd floor occupants. Staircase on south wall, by then extended to what is now the alleyway on the east; the addition is 1-1/2 story. There is a wall with an interior opening between the front of the building and the addition. A note recorded in the addition indicates “oven in cellar” which may have been the case in 1883, though it was not as clearly stated. The storefront is occupied by a confectionery/bakery. 1892 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story brick with the rear additions recorded as 1-story (in the area noted in 1888 as housing the oven in the cellar) and 1-1/2 story. The storefront occupant is noted as “sal.” with no 2nd story occupant indicated. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 11 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City 1899 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story brick; length remains as existed in 1892. The storefront is occupied by a millinery with no 2nd story occupant noted. 1906 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story brick; length remains as existed in 1892 and 1899. The storefront is occupied by a millinery with no 2nd story occupant noted. 1908 Local notes: “Work is progressing satisfactorily on Dr. J.G. Mueller’s building on Dubuque Street. The front is practically completed.” (ICPC, 12/07/1908: 01). 1909 “Joe Otto Leases Rooms,” ICPC, 01/29/1909: 01. “Attorney Joe Otto has leased three office rooms in Dr. J.G. Mueller’s building on Dubuque street, and will take possession in a day or two. Dr. Mueller and Mr. Otto will occupy the up-stairs rooms.” “Will Start New Store,” ICPC, 02/24/1909: 01. “The new store room in the Dr. Mueller building on Dubuque street is being fitted up for E.F. Shors, who will open a store there in a short time. Mr. Shors will carry a line of dry good and notions.” E.F. Shors to open the Fair store at 14 S. Dubuque street on 03/13/1909. “The Dr. Muller building now provides one of the most attractive business houses in Iowa City” (Local Notes, ICPC, 03/12/1909: 13). Classified Ad: “Money to loan on farm property, J.M. Otto, Mueller, 14-1/2 s. Dubuque (ICPC, 04/02/1909). Otto was an attorney and notary public. Classified Ad: Dr. J.G. Mueller Physician and Surgeon, office at 14-1/2 S. Dubuque. Ad: Mueller Bros. at 115 Clinton Street (ICPC, 12/15/1909) 1910 Ad: Mueller Bros. at 115 Clinton Street (ICPC, 07/13/1910) “Dr. J.G. Mueller is having his office room thoroughly overhauled, repainted and decorated, so that when they are completed he will have one of the cheeriest and neatest offices in the city.” (ICPC, 05/20/1910:04). 1912 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story for the full depth (to the alleyway on the east). It is occupied by “moving pictures.” There is a change in window location on the south elevation between the 1906 and 1912 maps, but no indication of bay windows. 1913 Ad: Mueller Bros. at 115 Clinton Street (ICPC, 01/16/1913). 1916 “Theatre Man is Sued For Rent.” Related to space formerly occupied by the Iowa Theatre in the Mueller Building. (ICPC, 01/17/1916:02). Ad: Mueller Bros. at 115 Clinton Street (ICPC, 02/28/1916). Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 12 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City Ad: “Mueller Bros. Move Next Week.” (ICPC, 06/26/1916). New location at 14 S. Dubuque Street. (“Mueller Bros. in Fine Location,” ICPC, 07/22/1916: 05). Some description of the store, but nothing to suggest new construction. 1918 “Funeral of Beloved Physician,” ICPC, 10/21/1918: 07.) Dr. John G. Mueller obituary. 1920 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story for the full depth (to the alleyway on the east). It is occupied by a boots and shoes retailer. No 2nd story occupant is noted. 1921 “Burglar May Be Dope Fiend,” ICPC, 01/26/1921: 08.” Article indicates that the former office of Dr. Mueller was then an apartment occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wiebeler. 1924 Ad: Mueller Bros. at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 12/11/1924: 05). 1925 Ad: Mueller Bros. at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 08/08/1925: 03). 1926 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story for the full depth (to the alleyway on the east). It is occupied by an unspecified retailer. No 2nd story occupant is noted. Ad: Mueller Bros. at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 07/01/1926: 06). 1929 Ad: Mueller Bros. at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 10/30/1929: 08-09). 1931 Ad: Mueller Bros. at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 06/12/1931: 02). 1932 Ad: Mueller Bros. (no address) (ICPC, 03/31/1932: 09). 1933 Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story for the full depth (to the alleyway on the east). It is occupied by an unspecified retailer. No 2nd story occupant is noted. Ad: Mueller Bros. (no address) (ICPC, 05/04/1933: 02). 1934 Ad: Mueller Bros. (no address) (ICPC, 07/26/1934: 02). 1935 Ad: “Mueller’s” at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 11/15/1935: 02). 1936 Ad: “Mueller’s” at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 08/06/1936: 02). 1937 Ad: “Mueller’s” at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 05/27/1937: 20). 1938 Ad: “Mueller’s” at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 12/01/1938: 03). 1939 Ad: “Mueller’s” at (16) S. Dubuque (ICPC, 10/04/1939: 10). Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 13 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City 1941 Ad: “Mueller’s” at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 11/05/1941: 08). 1942 Ad: “Mueller’s” at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 11/11/1942: 07). 1944 Ad: “Mueller’s” (no address) (ICPC, 10/24/1944: 04). 1947 Ad: Huyett-West Music Co. at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 12/16/1947: 12). 1948 Rev. Sanborn fire insurance map (14) is a 2-story for the full depth (to the alleyway on the east). It is occupied by an unspecified retailer. No 2nd story occupant is noted. Ad: West Music Store at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 06/03/1948: 06). 1949 Ad: West Music Store at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 06/29/1949: 16). Ad: Huyett Music Store at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 09/09/1949: 11). 1950 Ad: West Music Store at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 06/14/1950: 10). 1956 Ad: West Music Store at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 09/28/1956:16). 1960 Image of Eicher Florist at “12 S. Dubuque” – image is of the 14 building (bay windows visible). (ICPC, 07/19/1973:02). Ad: West Music Store at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 12/20/1960:08). 1961 Ad: West Music Store at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 05/24/1961: 48). “Eicher Florist Shop Now in New Location,” ICPC, 12/05/1961: 04. “Formerly the site of West Music Co., the first floor of the building occupied by Eicher Florist has been completely remodeled and redecorated and the additional room has been utilized by the addition of new lines of gift items.” They moved there from the Burkley Hotel location. Ad: Eicher Florist at 14 S. Dubuque (ICPC, 12/18/1961:09). They were formerly at 5 E. Washington. 1973 Image of Eicher Florist at “14 S. Dubuque” – shows monothilic façade and remaining bay window on alley side (ICPC, Ad for Eicher Florist, 07/19/1973:02). Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01556 Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number Continuation Sheet Page 14 Mueller Block Johnson Name of Property County 14 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City Address City 11. Additional Documentation Full Legal Description: Original Town, N 23’ of S 43’ Lot 5 & W 2’ of N 23’ of S 43’ Lot 6 Block 66 Assessor: 009+1010312012 Latitude/Longitude: 41.661036, -91.532842 Parcel Map – 2017 LINN202-214 24-26 20-22 14 WASHINGTONDUBUQUEIOWA 2577211213 21624510 6 2191312 2202 214 218±