HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-02 OrdinanceItem Number: 10.a.
CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
March 2, 2021
Ordinance rezoning property located at 2525 Highlander Place to Highway
Commercial (CH -1) to CH -1 with a Historic District Overlay (OHD/CH-1).
(REZ20-0014). (Second Consideration)
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
PZ Staff Report wAttachments
Preliminary HPC Meeting Minutes
Preliminary PZ Meeting Minutes
Ordinance
t
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 21, 2021
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Joshua Engelbrecht, Planning Intern & Anne Russett, Senior Planner
Re: Designation of 2525 Highlander Place as an Iowa City Historic Landmark
(REZ20-0014)
Background
The owners, Highlander Hotel, LLC, submitted a rezoning application requesting that the property
at 2525 Highlander Place be designated as an Iowa City Historic Landmark. The Highlander
Supper Club was built in 1967 and the convention center, a part of the original concept, was
added in 1973. The building incorporates modern construction materials such as light steel and
large expanses of glass. The design of the entry includes thin columns supporting a heavy
canopy. All features embody the late 1960s design aesthetic. The Supper Club and convention
center are also examples of 1960s design tied to consumerism and the middle-class culture of
recreation and vehicular travel.
Landmark designation for 2525 Highlander Place, a property in a Highway Commercial (CH -1)
zone, will require Historic Preservation Commission approval of any significant changes to the
exterior of the building. Landmark status will also make the property eligible for special
exceptions (Section 14-2B-8 of the zoning code) that allow the Board of Adjustment to waive or
modify certain zoning requirements to help support the continued use of historic buildings.
Landmark designation will also make it possible for financial incentives such as tax credits and
the Iowa City Historic Preservation Fund to be available.
Historic Preservation Commission Review
The Historic Preservation Commission met on January 14, 2021 and conducted a public hearing
at which they reviewed and evaluated the historic significance of 2525 Highlander Place. The
Commission determined that the property meets the requirements for a landmark and voted
unanimously to recommend approval of the designation of 2525 Highlander Place as an Iowa
City Historic Landmark. The building is significant to Iowa City's history, architecture, and
culture; integrity of location and design; associated with events that have contributed to Iowa
City's history; and embodiment of distinctive characteristics. Additional details are provided in
Attachment 2.
Planning and Zoning Commission Review
Local landmark designation is a zoning overlay and therefore requires a recommendation from
the Planning and Zoning Commission to the City Council. The Commission's role is to review
the proposed designation based on its relation to the Comprehensive Plan and proposed public
improvements and plans for renewal of the area involved.
2525 Highlander Place is located in the northeast corner of the 1-80 and Highway 1 intersection
within the North Corridor District of Iowa City, which does not currently have its own adopted
district plan. The IC2030 comprehensive plan includes economic development goals related to
encouraging the retention and expansion of existing businesses (pg. 31) and improving the
environmental and economic health of the community through efficient use of resources (pgs.
33-34).
January 15, 2021
Page 2
The Historic Preservation element of the comprehensive plan includes Goal 1: Identify historic
resources significant to Iowa City's Past. Under this goal the Commission is charged with
continuing to research and evaluate properties and to pursue local landmark designation when
appropriate (pgs. 31-33).
The proposed landmark designation conforms with the goals of the comprehensive plan to
encourage the retention of businesses and does so through the efficient use of resources by
ensuring that an existing structure is re -used. The landmark designation also identifies a historic
resource that is not currently protected by landmark designation.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of REZ20-0014, an application to designate 2525 Highlander Place
as an Iowa City Historic Landmark and rezone from Highway Commercial (CH -1) to CH -1 with a
Historic District Overlay (OHD/CH-1).
Attachments:
1. Location Map
2. Memo to the Historic Preservation Commission; January 14, 2021
Approved by:
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Date Prepared: December 2020
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An application submitted by Highlander Hotel, LLC for the rezoning
ofapproximately 8.9 acres of property located at 2525 Highlander pl.
from Highway commercial (CH -1) to Highway Commercial
with a historic district overlay (OHD/CH-1).
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Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
Memorandum
Date: January 7, 2021
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner
Re: 2525 Highlander Place, Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center
The applicant, property owner Angela Harrington, has requested that the property at 2525
Highlander Place be designated as an Iowa City Historic Landmark. Designation of the property
as an Iowa City Historic Landmark will require Commission approval of any significant changes
to the exterior of the building. Landmark status will also make the property eligible for special
exceptions that would allow the Board of Adjustment to waive or modify certain zoning
requirements and for State Tax Credit funding of rehabilitation work.
As described in the attached Site Inventory Form, the Highlander Supper Club was built in 1967
and the convention center, a part of the original concept, was added in 1973. The original
Supper Club is a single -story building to the west end of the complex. The Convention Center
addition includes the central section with ballroom, two wings of rooms to the east and the pool
and courtyard between them. The brown brick -clad Supper Club features a mansard cornice
and stone entry wall. Four steel columns that were original canopy supports also remain. The
Convention Center addition is clad in similar brick with a heavy cornice band and a rhythm of
large glass sections separated by brick pilasters. The lobby vestibule is clad in the same stone
as the entry wall on the earlier Supper Club. The hotel wings have a similar treatment with the
lower portion of the wall also clad in brick and the pattern encompassing two stories. The
original windows have been replaced. The pool addition has an operable glass wall opening on
to a grass courtyard between the hotel wings. A two-story cafe and penthouse open onto the
west end of the pool area as do some of the hotel rooms.
This site inventory form evaluates the property according to the National Register criteria as
required by the state. Since this property includes the Convention Center as a contributing
portion of the building, and it is less than 50 years old, Criteria Consideration G, for properties
less than 50 years old, is included in the discussion of the building's significance. The
justification outlined is that the Convention Center was part of the original development project
and while it was not built at the same time, it was built soon after. The Convention Center was a
necessary addition to continue the viability of the supper club business and was designed to
work with the original design. While the local landmark process does not include similar Criteria
Considerations, this discussion provides appropriate documentation for the Commission to
consider the eligibility of the building as a whole instead of excluding the Convention Center.
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
The Commission should determine if the property meets criterion A. and B. and at least one of
the criteria C., D., E., or F. for local designation listed below:
a. Significant to American and/or Iowa City history, architecture, archaeology and culture;
b. Possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship;
c. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns
of our history;
d. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
e. 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 may lack individual
distinction;
f. Has yielded or may likely yield information important in prehistory or history.
The Site Inventory Form summarizes the cultural importance of the supper club to the Iowa City
community and the University of Iowa. These relationships illustrate the importance of the super
club in our culture's recent history. While there have been changes, primarily to the interior
finishes, much of the exterior maintains its architectural integrity either visibly or beneath recent
alterations which can be reversed. For these reasons, staff finds that this building meets criteria
A and B for local landmark designation.
The detailed discussion of the development project that resulted in the construction of the
Supper Club and the later addition are an example of the inventiveness of late 1960s design
and engineering tied to consumerism and the mid -west, middle-class culture of recreation and
vehicular travel. Because of this part of the building's complex history, staff finds that it meets
criteria C for local landmark designation.
In addition, the use of modern construction materials such as light steel and haydite block, with
large expanses of glass, and the entry design of thin columns supporting a heavy canopy all
combine to embody the late 1960s design aesthetic. While the west canopy is missing (except
for the columns) and the south canopy is obscured beneath modern materials, the changes
could be reversed. Interior construction innovations such as the Glu -Lam timbers in the Supper
Club and the early enclosed pool remain intact. Because of the integrity of the contemporary
design innovations, staff finds that the building meets criteria E for local landmark designation.
Based on the information provided in the Site Inventory Form, staff finds that the property meets
criteria A, B, C, and E and therefore qualifies as an Iowa City Historic Landmark.
Recommended Motion:
Move to approve the designation of 2525 Highlander Place (Highlander Supper Club and
Convention Center) as an Iowa City Historic Landmark based on the following criteria for local
designation: criteria A, B, C, and E.
STATE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
OFFICE OF IOWA
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
State Inventory Number:
❑ New ❑ Supplemental
9 -Digit SHPO Review and Compliance (R&C) Number:
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
IOWA SITE INVENTORY
600 East Locust Street I Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-8742 I Fax: (515) 282-0502
www.iowahistory.org/historicpreservation
July 2014
L Non -Extant Year:
IOWA SITE INVENTORY FORM
Read the Iowa Site Inventory Form Instructions carefully, to ensure accuracy and completeness before completing this form. The instructions are available at
http://www.iowahistory.org/historic-preservation/statewide-i nventory-and-collections/iowa-site-inventory-form.html.
Basic Information
Historic Building Name: Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center
Other Names:
Street Address: 2525 Highlander Place
City: Iowa City
] Vicinity County: Johnson
State: Iowa
zip: 52245-1111
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
Rural Urban
Township Name: Subdivision:
Township No.: Block(s):
Range No.: Lot(s):
Section:
Quarter: of
Classification
A. PROPERTY CATEGORY:
❑ Building(s)
❑ District Contributing Noncontributing
❑ Site
B. NUMBER OF RESOURCES (WITHIN PROPERTY):
If eligible property, enter number of:
❑ Structure
❑ Object
1
1
4
6
Buildings
Sites
Structures
Objects
Total 1
1
If non -eligible property, enter number of:
Buildings
Sites
Structures
Objects
Total
C. STATUS OF PROPERTIES LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES ❑ Listed n De -listed L NHL [ NPS DOE
D. FOR PROPERTIES WITHIN A HISTORIC DISTRICT
] Property contributes to a National Register or local certified historic district.
L Property contributes to a potential historic district, based on professional historic/architectural survey and evaluation.
L Property does not contribute to the historic district in which it is located.
Historic District Name: Historic District Site Number:
E. NAME OF RELATED PROJECT REPORT OR MULTIPLE PROPERTY STUDY (if applicable)
MPD Title: Historical Architectural Database No.
JULY 1, 2014 V 1.0 IOWA SITE INVENTORY FORM 1 OF 3
Address: 2525 Highlander Place
City: Iowa City
County: Johnson
Site Number: District Number:
Function or Use
Enter categories (codes and terms) from the Iowa Site Inventory Form Instructions
A. HISTORIC FUNCTIONS
01 -Domestic O1D-Transitory Housing 01DO1-inn
02G -Restaurant
B. CURRENT FUNCTIONS
01 -Domestic 01D -Transitory Housing 01DO1-inn
Description
A. ARCHITECTURAL CLASSIFICATION
09F08 -Roadside Commercial
B. MATERIALS
Foundation (visible exterior): 10 -concrete
Walls (visible exterior): 03 Brick
Roof: 15 -Synthetics
Other:
C. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION Q See continuation sheets which must be completed.
Statement of Significance
A. APPLICABLE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CRITERIA (mark your opinion of eligibility after applying relevant National Register criteria)
Criterion A: Property is associated with significant events.
Criterion B: Property is associated with the lives of significant persons.
Criterion C: Property has distinctive architectural characteristics.
Criterion D: Property yields significant information in archaeology/history.
] Yes ] No 7 More research recommended
] Yes ] No 7 More research recommended
n Yes L No P1 More research recommended
Li Yes I ✓ No L More research recommended
B. SPECIAL CRITERIA CONSIDERATIONS (mark any special considerations; leave blank if none)
7 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
C. AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE (enter categories from instructions)
02 Architecture
E. SIGNIFICANT DATES
Construction Date: 1967, 1973
Other Dates (including renovations): ***
G. CULTURAL AFFILIATION (complete if Criterion D is marked above)
] E. A reconstructed building, object, or structure.
] F. A commemorative property.
Q G. Property less than 50 years of page or achieved significance within the past 50 years.
D. PERIOD(S) OF SIGNIFICANCE
1967-1973
F. SIGNIFICANT PERSON (complete if Criterion B is marked above)
H. ARCHITECT/BUILDER
Architect: David C. Moore, Drew McNamara & Asso.
Builder/Contractor: Thompson Construction, Selzer Construction
I. NARRATIVE STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Q See continuation sheets which must be completed.
JULY 1, 2014 V 1.0 IOWA SITE INVENTORY FORM 2 OF 3
Address: 2525 Highlander Place
City: Iowa City
County: Johnson
Site Number: District Number:
Bibliography
See continuation sheets for the list research sources used in preparing this form.
Geographic Data
OPTIONAL UTM REFERENCES
See continuation sheet for additional UTM or comments
Zone Easting Northing NAD
1. 15 652128 4616354
2. 15 625324 4616330
3. 15 625296 4616190
4. 15 625138 4616208
Form Preparation
Name and Title: James E. Jacobsen
Date: September 3, 2020
Organization/Firm:
Street Address:
City: Des Moines
State: Iowa ZIP: 50312
Email: historypays@gmail.com Telephone: 515-274-3625
Additional Documentation
A. FOR ALL PROPERTIES, ATTACH THE FOLLOWING, AS SPECIFIED IN THE IOWA SITE INVENTORY FORM INSTRUCTIONS
1. Map of property's location within the community.
2. Glossy color 4x6 photos labeled on back with property/building name, address, date taken, view shown, and unique photo number.
3. Photo key showing each photo number on a map and/or floor plan, using arrows next top each photo number to indicate the location and directional view of each photograph.
4. Site plan of buildings/structures on site, identifying boundaries, public roads, and building/structure footprints.
B. FOR ALL STATE HISTORIC TAX CREDIT PART 1 APPLICATIONS, HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND FARMSTEADS, AND BARNS
See lists of special requirements and attachments in the Iowa Site Inventory Form Instructions.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Use Only
The SHPO has reviewed the Site Inventory and concurs with above survey opinion on National Register eligibility:
LI Yes ] No ❑ More research recommended
n This is a locally designated property or part of a locally designated district.
Comments:
SHPO Authorized Signature: Date:
JULY 1, 2014 V1.0
IOWA SITE INVENTORY FORM
30F3
STATE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
OFFICE OF IOWA
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
IOWA SITE INVENTORY
600 East Locust Street I Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-8742 I Fax: (515) 282-0502
www.iowahistory.org/historicpreservation
July 2014
IOWA SITE INVENTORY FORM - CONTINUATION SHEET
Name of Property: Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center
Address: 2525 Highlander Place
City: Iowa City
Refer to continuation sheets, attached.
County: Johnson
Site Number:
Related District Number:
JULY 1, 2014 V 1.0 IOWA SITE INVENTORY FORM OF
28
Highland Inn Continuation Pages
Description:
The Highlander Inn is a substantial motel complex that is located at the intersection of State Highway #1
with Interstate 80, just northeast of Iowa City proper. The building is centered on a nine -acre level site in the
northeast corner of that intersection and consists of a mix of one and two-story steel and concrete construction.
The original supper club component with a half -basement, occupies the west one-third of the plan, while the
more substantial motel addition, consisting of lower -profile ball room, meeting rooms, hallways and support
areas with an east end pair of two-story motel rooms is to the east. The wings frame an open-plan enclosed pool
area on the west end. The building exterior is brick veneered. The supper club component has a mansard
cornice and a stone -faced west entry with remnant portico columns. The current south entrance features an
oversized square -cut portico entrance. Paved parking surrounds the building to the north west and south. The
courtyard and the property to the east of it are grassed.
CONC PAT
[551]
19
29
ADDN 3
[273]
1:3 21
56
83
105
53
55
32
27
60
87
ADDN,2
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833 81
37 33
BLDG
[28806]
49
Sketch of Pin 1736379002
8 24
32
54
185
as
59
169
BLDG 2
[11253]
185
80
80
ADDNI
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10 111 10 10 10
+0
24 24
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CONC PAT
[500]
CONC PAT
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10 10 1� 10 CONCAT
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PORTICO
[1728]
Figure 7-1: Johnson County Assessor's property sketch, 2020
Figure 1 depicts the building layout and scale. The extreme western section (83 feet by 105 feet) is the
original supper club and its southern plan half is the only basement area (housing one large meeting room,
mechanicals and a kitchen area that links upstairs via a dumb waiter). The rest of the building comprises the
motel addition. The easternmost portions (BLDG 1 and 2 and ADDN 1) are two stories in height. ADDN 1
contains the pool/court and a two-story west end office area, now a kitchen on the first floor. All of the motel
rooms are contained within the twin east wings. The inner rooms of west portions of each of these wings are
contained within the pool/courtyard.
The exterior building profile is both elongated and low-level in appearance despite the two-story wings.
Much of the west half of the building exterior is un -fenestrated and this is particularly the case along the
northwest back of the building where kitchens and other support spaces are set opposite the exterior walls. This
exterior is wood surfaced. The motel expanses have the expected unbroken cadence of window bands on both
floor levels. The only interruption is corner and mid -point exit/entrances. There are two architectural entrance
1
points. The current south entrance consists of a rather blocky portico with substantial -appearing square -cut
brick column supports. Here the building exterior is fully glassed on both sides of the entry. The west end
entrance, no longer in use has lost its portico but retains its four support columns and its patio surface and what
was the original entrance, which is stone -veneered. The east motel end walls are un -fenestrated save for hall
windows on each level that are centered on the plan. Within the courtyard, the interior walls of the two wings
are banded with window openings on the upper floor, and have paired doors and side windows below. Each
room bay front is recessed slightly behind pilasters and an overhanging roof. The east pool/court wall is mostly
glass, consisting of operable end overhead doors and two mid -wall inoperable overhead door sections. The
building roof profile is rather complex apart from the differing floor levels. Most notably the south entrance, a
central hall and the main ball room area have an elevated roof level as does the core of the former west -end
supper club. The pool/court roof level is higher than the motel wings.
Figure 7-2: Rooftop view of the building looking north (Johnson County Assessor, 2020)
(note that the west canopy beams are still in place, pergola -like)
Inside, the building layout is both rather straight forward but in some support areas it is a virtual
labyrinth of support areas. Figure 7-3 is a largely current summation of the major rom arrangement. All of the
kitchen areas are located in the north part of the west end of the plan and this includes space in the basement.
The ballroom is the very large area that is north of the south entrance. There is a central hall that is flanked by
offices and restrooms (to the east). There is an elongated open plan area in the southeast corner of the west end
of the plan. Offices to the east of the south entrance now consist of a small lobby and one office on the east end
(the west wall is inscribed with notable guests and entertainers there since 1974). The pool/court is the large
rectangle to the right of plan center. The courtyard is to the east of it.
2
Figure 7-3: Building thumbprint plan (Building plans)
The structural system is that of thin (four -inch thick) concrete block walls and webbed steel trusses with
galvanized steel roofing. The motel wings are roofed using pre -cast concrete slabs (see construction photos,
Section 8) All interior ceilings are steel joist framed and perimeter walls are of concrete block construction with
exterior brick veneer.
Figures 7-4, 7-5: Images showing the ceiling truss system and roofing, 1990 images (Owner scrapbook)
The motel rooms are all identical in plan with corner bathrooms set against the halls and paired as shown
in Figure 7-3. Some rooms have connective interior doors. Pool/court units have side doors on the ground floor
while upper level rooms have doors that lead out to a balcony.
3
Figure 7-6: Dance floor supper club space, looking north (Owner scrapbook)
The building material of special interest in the former supper club area is the use of "Glu -Lam" timbers
to frame the higher ceiling. All of the heavy structure of the 1966 original building used composite beams but
the ceiling open trusses allowed for the open headroom depicted in Figure 7-6. Still in use today, Douglas Fir is
a preferred wood type. Haydite block, a light -weight alternative to concrete block, was used in the walls of the
original building at least.
v
-
Li 2V
fif
Figure 7-7: Wall profiles, 1966 plan showing footings (Building plans)
4
Table I: Alterations Summary
Date
Description
Source
October 1964
Complete complex conceptual design
Site plan, Hansen Lind and Associates
Undated
Motel and restaurant plans
Plan, Hansen, Lind and Meyer
Associates
July 1966
Original design and construction,
Plans, David C. Moore, architect, Black
Watch Supper Club
July 15, 1966
Plan for Iowa Steel and Iron Works, Cedar
Rapids, Thompson Construction Company
Jan. 28, 1971
Cocktail lounge addition, not built
Plans, Drew McNamara & Associates
Nov. 15, 1971
Initial plans, motel addition
Plans, Drew McNamara & Associates
Dec. 1973
Kitchen enlargement plans
ME Engineering & Associates, Bouse,
Bradley & Hynes, Cedar Rapids
1973
Plan for a pool house at east end of the
courtyard with a triangle -shaped lounge at the
west end of the open court
Plans, Drew McNamara & Associates
Feb. 9, 1975
Outside pool plan (not used)
Plans, FPC Equipment Planner, Inc.
Memphis
Figure 7-8: Profile of Glu -Lam beams, looking north (original plans)
The motel addition used Travertine stone to cover the sides of the lobby vestibule and the same stone
was observed used as a cladding for the south portico. The current portico might retain this material beneath its
existing EFIS covering.
Alterations:
The alteration history of this building is a complex one given its enlargement and repurposing over time.
At the same time, a multi -use building of this type is particularly prone to continual cosmetic make -overs
necessary to curry public favor. For this building, the successive re -branding by three national motel chains
translated into substantial make -overs. The latter changes have occurred at such a scale as to substantially
reduce the chances of retained original finishes and in some instances original room layouts. The integrity
section will treat this matter but the bottom line is that integrity will reside largely in the building exterior,
massing, exterior and structural materials and systems and in the more monumental interior spaces.
The original supper club had three uniquely designed dining rooms and a Banquet Room, Party Room
and a cocktail lounge. The convention center added a dining room, the ballroom, a poolside lounge and
contained meeting rooms that could suit parties of five to two hundred. The ballroom could serve 750 to 900 in
banquet or theater style.
5
Date
Description
Source
Oct. 30, 1979
Remodel dining hall
Plans, H. R. Lubben Company
May 1980
Main lobby remodel
Plans, H. R. Lubben Company
June 2, 1981
Supper club south wall bump -out and skylight
for lounge, not built
Plans
Aug. 24, 1982
Hot tub pool addition
Plans, Selzer Construction Co., Iowa
City
Oct. 28, 1982
Remodel supper club, bar area, vaulted ceiling,
bar area apparently constructed
April 14, 1983,
May 18, 1984
Amana display area and poolside "band stand"
Plans, J. Pink
Oct. 10, 1983
Lobby hallway remodel, construct stained glass
interior dome (non -extant)
Plans, Selzer Construction Co., Iowa
City
May 1986
Remodel lobby, bar
Dec. 10, 1987
Remodel south pool and bar entrance
Plans, Selzer Construction Co., Iowa
City
1994
Motel room renovation to a contemporary style
with valences, wallpaper, carpet, in -room coffee
makers
"Main Course", March 1995
1996
Need for more convention space, eateries
reduced to new Prime Grille, new "west
ballroom" in former supper club, no more
formal dining, chairs on casters, use of more
natural light, "casually elegant" dining
"Main Course", Fall 1996
Nov. 14, 1997
Radisson transformation of south entry and
interior
Plans, Cowetta Seward Asso. Inc.
1998
Automatic door south entry, enlarged lobby,
new Italian tile foyer, new mahogany service
desk and remodeled lobby, remodeled guest
rooms with electronic room locks, larger desks,
irons and ironing boards, data ports, voice mail,
ballroom given new look with wall coverings,
adjustable lighting, room divider to split space,
exercise room adjacent to the pool, garden
courtyard landscaped with native plants,
McGurk's Pub to east of pool
"Main Course", Fall 1998; Iowa City
Press Citizen, October 14, 1998
1999
Just two eateries, McGurk's Pub and the Prime
Grille, return of "old menu."
"Main Course", Spring 1999
Jan. 3, 2000
$10,000 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
July 31, 2000
$,60000 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
Feb. 12, 2003
$3,000 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
May 24, 2006
$82,676 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
Oct. 13, 2008
Quality Inn & Suites remodel, replace pool
court east windows
Plans, Wilkerson Construction
Nov. 26, 2008
$12,000 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
April 30, 2009
$7,417 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
Jan. 15, 2011
Promised Clarion Motels $250,000 renovation
Clarion motel chain, Cedar Rapids
Gazette
Aug. 31, 2011
$6,000 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
Oct. 20, 2011
$25,000 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
Oct. 24, 2013
$25,000 expenditure
Johnson County Assessor
6
Date
Description
Source
Dec. 2019
Current remodeling, replace pool court east
windows, remove bandstand/pergola, eliminate
service desk, remodel bar area
August 10,
2020
Derecho wind damage removes supper club
roof and causes extensive interior water damage
Integrity Evaluation:
The historical integrity of this building is predominantly expressed by the building massing and exterior
brickwork and its entrances. Given the ever -evolving nature of its interior main room remodeling's, the same is
true of its key surviving components, the pool area and motel wings, the ballroom, the original supper club
space, the basement Garden Room, the main hallway, south main hall, and the kitchen areas.
Its integrity of location is strong given not been moved and it retains the commercial aspects of its site.
Integrity of design is good, the original exterior design remaining intact and visually accessible. The
original supper club exterior is very much intact, having lost only its wood shingle mansard cladding and the
roof portion of its original portico (the four columns curiously survive). The south portico survives though
altered in its lower massing but the overall building lines and massing survive. Exterior brickwork and the
fenestration patterns on the motel wings survive although the windows have been replaced with inappropriate
multi -paned lights.
Integrity of setting is strong with the retention of oversized paved parking in three directions and the
retention of a mixed retail/office commercial mix of buildings to the east, north and west. The physical
proximity of the interstate highway and state highway is retained although tree growth now substantially
obscures what was an open exposure.
Integrity of materials is good, with the exterior brickwork and mortar being very well preserved, as are
the structural components of the whole complex. The original concrete pool survives as does much of the 1973
pool area wall treatment. The more substantial losses are the motel wing windows and the original reception
desk.
Integrity of workmanship is good, the most visible examples being the brickwork, the supper club
ceiling beams, pool, and the building's structural system.
Integrity of feeling is strong given the retention of the building massing, roof lines, points of entry, and
key interior spaces (kitchens, pool area, ballroom, halls, motel wings, supper club interior, basement Garden
Room).
Integrity of association is good to moderate. A former guest or employee could readily find the
building, see it as recognizable in its current appearance and find the same feel relative to adjacent properties,
and open ground.
7
Historical Significance Evaluation and Recommendation:
The Highlander Supper Club and its later iterations is individually eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places on the local level. It is architecturally significant (Criterion C) as a well-preserved example of
its type, the post -World War II supper club. The original building represented the architectural zenith of the
building type inasmuch as this was a purpose-built club having a unified theme throughout its history. Its
design employed state-of-the-art building materials to realize the vision of its developers. Haydite block was
used as a thinner and lighter wall block. Glu -lam beams were used to form the supper club raised roof and
Behlen steel was used to achieve the necessary clear spans across the plan. The motel expansion employed one
of the earliest enclosed pools. It is historically significant for its long-term successful operation as an interstate
highway -based supper club that combined substantial local community support (including sustained
associations with the University of Iowa sports programs) with serving as an area entertainment venue. The
period of significance is 1967-1973 with the key dates of 1968 and 1973.
The supper club and its expanded convention center and motel facilities represented the completion of
the original vision of its founders. The added capacity allowed the supper club to survive for decades and made
possible a scale of operations that similarly made the business a success as well as a local and regional
destination point. The post -expansion history lies outside of the period of significance but it is a testament to
the public memory of the Highlander. The convention center -motel -supper club became "one of the most
popular venues in the state for meetings, conferences, weddings and just dining out." For 30 years it hosted the
University of Iowa I -Club pre -football home game breakfast events and it was an entertainment venue for a
broad range of notable singers. It developed a cooperative working relationship with the nearby Herbert
Hoover National Historic Site at West Branch. A three-day series of seminars were held there in early August
1974 as "the Presidency of Herbert Hoover" involving 14 sponsoring colleges and universities. Former
president, Gerald Ford participated in a reception in October 1989 as part of another seminar "The Public Life
of Former Presidents: Personal Reflections" held at the historic site. An office wall in the motel office was
dedicated to serving as a signatory space for notable entertainers, sports figures (primarily golfers) and other
luminaries.'
Figure 8-1 summarizes the reaction of locating a supper club a good distance from anywhere, out in the
boonies so to speak. Even proximity to the interstate highway was yet to be seen as a locational advantage.
Most early supper clubs were rurally located, some distance from yet in proximity to an urban center. Robert
McGurk obviously saw what others, even his banker did not, that the finished club/convention center would
become a draw in its own right. It would also drive commercial development at the highway intersection in the
long term, and that development would provide additional customers to his business. As will be seen, the final
pool design was long in coming and a number of alternatives were explored, both inside and outside. Finally, it
was decided to build the existing pool complex, doubling what became the pool lounge single -story building
and incorporating it into the pool structural system.
1 Cedar Rapids Gazette, August 10, 1974 and National Archives and Records Administration, News from The Archives, Summer 1989,
p. 6
8
Boondocks No Problem If There's a Pool
IOWA CITY. Iowa — The second greatest
move Bob McGurk ever made was the in-
stallation of a 48' x 30' enclosed pool in his
motel complex located just outside this city. It
is, he says. the major attraction of the motel -
supper club -bar he and his partners built near-
ly eight years ago. People come from miles
away. he adds, just to swim and spend a
weekend there.
But what's the greatest move McGurk ever
made? Well, he'll readily tell anyone that in
spite of admonitions against the motel's loca-
tion — one in particular corning from a local
banker — he and his partners, Dean Jones and
John Stevens. decided to build their 96 -room
motel complex practically in the middle of
nowhere. The banker said they had all Iost
their marbles building it "out in the boon-
docks."
But eight years later, the Highlander Inn
and Supper Club draws business and people
from as far away as 50 to 60 miles regularly.
and occassionaily even farther. from
neighboring states. There are no major in-
dustries in the area, but McGurk claims the
nearby university is, for them, one of the big-
gest and best industries around because of its
one and two-day seminars which attract
30,000 people annually. And too, he says, the
Veterans Hospital also brings in regular vis-
itors to his part of the Iowa countryside.
The motel, supper club and bar, of course.
have all the amenities and trappings, but it's
the indoor pool between the two parallel com-
plexes of back-to-back rooms that he and his
partners are so proud of.
Originally, the pool complex was to be fair-
ly small and located at the far end of the
courtyard between the motel wings. But in
consulting with pool contractor Max Selzer,
McGurk felt that guest access and comfort
were uppermost, so he decided on a larger in-
door complex.
Because of its light weight and ability to
handle high humidity, a Behlen Dubl-Pani
roof system was used to house the pool. This
90' x 90' enclosure, McGurk says, has few en-
vironmental problems it can't handle. "Even
heating it has been absolutely no problem."
Inside the facility is the 4S' x 30' pool sur-
rounded by patio furniture resting on
Astroturf alongside the pool. In addition, the
complex houses a whirlpool, sauna, exercise
room and poo]side cocktail lounge,.
The easy passage from the bar to the pool to
the outdoors, McGurk says, is the primary
reason a local celebrity golf tournament com-
mittee chose his motel for their recent event.
Another weekend in December of last year,
he recalls, the motel was filled with people
who had come to spend the weekend because.
of the enclosed pool. "So our occupancy rate
this past winter, as far as weekends go, was
100%, whereas I'd have been dead — totally
dead — without that pool."
McGurk feels that his success may indicate
a trend toward his type of motel complex
looted on interstate highways in countryside
areas. "You're going to find more and more of
it," he says. citing general ease of access and
parking facilities as reasons.
Of his own motel, he observes families com-
ing in as late as Sunday, staying the day and
night, then returning to work and school the
next day. Others, like salesmen. return to the
Highlander with their families for weekends.
"That pool enclosure is going to be- our
bread and butter," McG urk says.
Figure 8-1: An all -season enclosed pool is the saving factor
(Pool News, January 20, 1975)
Figure 8-2 explains how the contractor solved the problem of designing an enclosed pool complex that
didn't chlorinate the adjacent motel rooms or melt hairdos with a constant high humidity. The pool structural
system, consisting of two steel deck levels separated by four feet, allowed for the installation of HVAC
equipment between the roof levels to solve those problems. That same structural system, absent the dual -level
component, allowed for the creation of the immense clear span ballroom and other major open areas within the
convention center plan. With the exception of the ballroom, these spaces could be readily altered with demising
walls and ornamental features as the spatial needs changed.2
2 The Behlen Construction Company, Columbus, Nebraska, first used its double -panel roofing system in October 1959 and
trademarked it on July 11, 1961, renewing the registration in 1981. The "dubl pant" trademark continues in use today and can safely
9
"This roof is going to pay for itself foster
than anything else we have here"
"We opened the morel lost September," soys Roberr
"Bob" McGurk, President of rhe Highlander Supper Club
and Morel. "The second Saturday and Sunday in De-
cember we were royally full. Guests were from Cedar
Rapids, Iowa Ciry, Tipton, Davenport—all here because
of rhe enclosed pool.
"Our occupancy rate on weekends last winter was about
100 percent, where we'd hove been dead without rhe
pool. It's going ro be our bread and butter,"
McGurk starred rhe supper club with Dean Jones and
John R. Stephens, in 1967. Six years later rhe motel was
added, with a Oehlen Dubl-Pont roof 90 -odd ft square
over rhe courryord between rwo morel wings. Here in
12 -months summer is a lawn of Astro turf with o pool
30' x 48'.
"We were in o motor morel in Chicago, and my wife
walked by the pool and her hairdo fell down. So I said,
'How con we build something that won't hove all this
humidity and chlorine smell?'
"Max Selzer here of Selzer Constr. Co. said. 'Let's give it o steel
roof, come down 4 feer and put In a steel deck or ceiling.' So
with plenty of oir handling units in the roof system, we have no
problem.
"We hove tremendous insulorion, too, sprayed -on under the
deck and loose -blown above it. Then we hove morel on 3 sides,
so rhe hearing problem is negligible."
A $400,000 Supper Club out on the Interstate?
"When we first srarred up, everyone thought we hod lost our mor-
bles. But we drew 25 percent of our business from Linn County on
rhe north, and a lot from nearby cities. We built o reputation with-
out national advertising or chain affiliation.
"Now that we've added rhe morel, we're going ro hove a new
cor showing by one of rhe Big Three companies, in the pool area
and rhe courryord just outside ir. We can run o buffer for 1,000
people, and we have seated 900 for o meeting. We do need
more meeting rooms for 15-25 people. The four we have are
poolside and very popular.
"We're better off here than in Des Moines on a freeway. On con-
ventions. everyone is looking for rhe easiest way to get there,
and rhey try ro split rhe disronce. On the morel, we have whole
families coming out from town."
Is Highlander serring a trend? "Well, I hod a call from o reairor
who hos property near Davenport. He wanted ro know if I'd be
interested in running rhe some thing down there. They would put
it up as on investment and lease it bock ro me."
(A) "As the man from Sports Illustrated said, 'Who wonrs ro
swim in rhe sun? Here you con swim and walk a few feer and
you're in rhe sun. in summer.— Wroughr iron "sidewalk cafe"
tables can be used ro sear bar porrons.
(B) Highlonder is located on Inrersrore BO near Iowa Ciry, Iowa.
(C) Since rhe Supper Club doesn't open rill 5 pm ir can be used
by conventions during rhe day.
Figure 8-2: Behlen Double -Panel ("Dubl-Pani") steel roof system makes the pool area possible
(Behlen Manufacturing Company Spaces Newsletter, page 3, ca.1974)
Supper Club Planning and Construction:
create clear -spans of 288 feet. The two layers of corrugated steel roofing are braced using light -weight bracing
(https://uspto.report/TM/72084507).
10
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Figure 8-3: Highland Supper Club location (Building plans)
M. Dean Jones (1909-2004) was a landowner whose holdings included much of a developing interstate
highway interchange (21.8 acres) that was located just outside of the built-up northeast portion of Iowa City, the
county seat of Johnson County. The site was outside of the city when the supper club was built, and it was
zoned as residential land when the city annexed it. The inn was grandfathered as a pre-existing "non-
conforming use." A commercial rezoning request wasn't apparently needed until the operation was expanded to
include a motel in 1972. John M. Stevens and Jones partnered in the idea of building a restaurant -supper club
and they needed a partner -manager so they recruited John J. "Bob" McGurk (1936-1988). McGurk was
involved with operating the Lark Supper Club at Tiffin, in Cedar County, located west of Iowa City, also on
Interstate 80. His expertise was actually in bar management and he had co -owned Ted's Happy Time bar in the
early 1950's in Cedar Rapids prior to his moving to the Tiffin club.3
Supper clubs were the domain of the successful middle class. Akin to private clubs it is noteworthy that
the design for the new supper club allowed for no exterior windows. It was a closeted sanctuary. The
Highlander also combined prominence with locational privacy. While placed on a visible plateau from the
highway and interstate perspective, it was reached by means of a fairly long winding private road. So, it very
much resembled a private club siting and architecture. The club entrance did orient west (slightly northwest)
towards its highway access and it was positioned on the west end of a slightly raised plateau (Figure 8-3).
The initial branding also bespoke both tradition and respectability. The original name was the Black
Watch Supper Club., a name that honored the military legacy of a noted Scottish infantry regiment. This name
was never publicly promulgated beyond the design table of the first architectural drawings and it was finally
replaced with the Highlander name. Sheila Ann McGurk Boyd recalled:
I don't believe either Jones or Stevens had any Scottish roots, but the agreement for dad to come
to be a part of the plan was struck on the golf course. All three had a love for golf, so I believe
that's where the Scottish theme started. The Black Watch was a tartan plaid I think what
Iowa City Press Citizen, January 10, 1972; Email, Sheila Boyd to James Jacobsen, September 8, 2020. Ellen Dean played a key role in
the interior design and designed a waitress uniform that included a tartan sash with broach and a special hat.
11
something they liked so there came the name. However, the 60's unrest it was decided that that
name might be offensive to some, so it changed. The story goes that the land where the supper
club was being built was on "high land" and that too was a tartan plaid, so the name was
changed.
The Black Watch is a basic tartan mix of grouped squares and intersecting lines (akin to a downtown
streetscape) that comes in a range of color combinations but greens and blues are the most common.4
Figure 8-4: An example of the Black Watch tartan pattern
The developing concept dated back to as early as October 1964 when Iowa City architects Hansen & Lind
designed a series of conceptual schemes for a complex that closely envisioned the completed supper club and
motel -convention center. Figure 8-5 was labeled "Scheme #6." It is curious that this plan was the only
survivor. It envisioned a north -fronting facility with a series of individual buildings, one of which was labeled
administration. The pool(s) were outside, in a courtyard having motel wings on three sides.
Figure 5: Site plan for "Motel Development for Iowa City," October 2, 1964
(Hansen and Lind, Architects, courtesy of Sheila Ann Boyd)
4 Email, Sheila Boyd to James Jacobsen, September 8, 2020
12
Hansen, Lind and Meyer designed a restaurant and motel for the Central Development Corporation,
presumably the original corporate entity for the Iowa City partners. The undated plans envisioned most of the
fundamental core concepts of what was finally built. At the same time the plan differed considerably, lacking a
supper club, having a northwest corner canopy entry, and minimal basement space and a layout with varied
floor levels based on the site. What was clearly retained in the final plan were the basic supper club exterior
and massing, the west canopy, the basic courtyard with flanking motel room wings and even an enclosed pool.
Overall, the first design was a very contemporary one, complete with a bar fireplace and chimney. The partners
were Richard Fred Hansen (1932-?), John Howard Lind (1932-?) and Carl Donald Meyer (1932-2004). Meyer
joined the partnership in 1963 and his name gets included on the actual plans.5
North
•
sauxeeur
Lv
A_ncenz. PelkapIROME
Figure 8-6: Restaurant (west end) plan for "Motel and Restaurant" (Hansen, Lind and Meyer, Architects
Retained features in the as-builts were the west canopy, the basic supper club (restaurant) layout and the
east courtyard and twin motel wings.
5 AIA Historical Directory, New Providence: R. R. Bowker, L.L.C., 1970, pp. 374, 545, 617. Moore does not appear in the AIA
directories of the period. His 1971 mention credited him with architectural design and the remodel design work entailed a number
of themed dining rooms and an entrance lobby (Iowa City Press Citizen, October 19, 1971).
13
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Figure 8-7: Three elevation views for "Motel and Restaurant" (Hansen, Lind and Meyer, Architects)
The south elevation at the top in Figure 8-7 shows the supper club (west half of the perspective) with its
mansard cornice treatment and west canopy and entry. The original plan, also veneered in brick, used pilasters
to break up the exterior wall plane and used some sort of vertical interruption (open gutters?) across the
mansard cornice. The south wall was much more glassed. Note the changes in floor elevation going west to
east. The motel wing fenestration differed with full-length ground level windows and broad spandrels.
ri
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Figure 8-8: Three elevation views for "Motel and Restaurant" (Hansen, Lind and Meyer, Architects)
The middle elevation shown in Figure 8-8 shows the north side of the supper club/restaurant. The lower
elevation shows an L-shaped north portico.
14
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Figure 8-8: Three elevation views for "Motel and Restaurant" (Hansen, Lind and Meyer, Architects)
The middle elevation shown in Figure 8-8 shows the north side of the supper club/restaurant. The lower
elevation shows an L-shaped north portico.
14
North
•
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Figure 8-9: First floor, motel wings and courtyard for "Motel and Restaurant"
(Hansen, Lind, and Meyer, Architects)
Figure 8-9 shows the elongated courtyard and its enclosure on three sides with motel wings. This
element was built and a variety of designs were developed relative to what form the east end of the courtyard
would assume. This was never resolved. The original plan made no place for a banquet hall and when the
broader convention center was adopted, the pool location was deflected elsewhere as will be seen.
The original plan can be said to have broadly defined what the actual supper club and finally the rest of
the facility would look like. In some manner, the original architects dropped out of the project and a very
obscure local designer took over.
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Figure 8-10: David C. Moore is named as architect/designer on the 1966 plans (Highlander Archives)
David C. Moore is not identified as an architect per se. He does not appear in the American Institute of
Architects directories and is not otherwise documented for any other original work. The sole found reference to
him dates to late 1971 when he redesigned the interior of the Ming Garden Chinese Restaurant in Coralville as
the David C. Moore Design Center (aka "Waterfall Construction"). Moore also documented his role in his
sketch for the new supper club, a framed copy of which is on display at the Highlander.
15
Figure 8-11: Architect's sketch, David C. Moore, 1966, looking northeast (Owner's framed image)
As Figure 8-11 shows, the blank brick walls of the club were festooned with angled gas -lights, as was
the approach lane from the west. This feature was lost in the summer of 1980 (or some of the lamps were
electrified) when a federal law forbade gas -powered outdoor lighting due to a gas shortage.6
North
Figure 8-12: The original building footprint and siting (Building plans)
In July 1966 David C. Moore as noted, drew the elevation sketches of the planned supper club building
but he is not identified as being an architect. Thompson Construction of Iowa City and Davenport was the
general contractor.
6 Iowa City Press Citizen, December 4, 1979
16
Figure 8-13: Original supper club and parking plan, 1966 (Building plans)
Figure 8-13 shows the supper club portion with its westward orientation relative to its approach and
parking areas. The curious curved east wall survives today and locates the east stairway that was added just
north of it with the 1973 expansion.
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Figure 8-14: Original supper club basement plan, 1966 (Building plans)
17
The feature of interest in the original basement was an interior rock garden at the base of the east steps.
Figure 8-15: Original supper club first floor plan, 1966 (Building plans)
The seven Glu -Lam girders were placed west to east across the west center section of the supper club.
The lounge was centered along the south wall and a "party room" in the southeast corner. A rounded coffee
shop was in the northeast corner and its arched wing explains why the east side of the original supper club had
this curved wall (still extant).
The role of the supper club as a national entertainment venue and a preferred event venue for University
of Iowa sports and other related events post-dated the original building. McGurk daughter Sheila Boyd recalls:
I think it was primarily after the motel with banquet space was built... The I -Club breakfasts and
many large functions put on by the university came to the Highlander because we had one of the
largest banquet spaces in town, with the exception of the Iowa Memorial Union and parking was
always an issue there. Seriously, bragging a bit, we were very good at hosting large groups, both
in service and quality of food.
This also explains why the developers didn't simply acquire and expand an existing area supper club. That
option, lacking room for expansion, fell short of the long-term scale that was envisioned.'
Email, Sheila Boyd to James Jacobsen, September 8, 2020
18
Figure 8-16: The supper club and filling station looking south (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)8
Sheila Boyd also recalled at what point the "super club" function ceased. She stated "I believe that the
type of supper club dining was losing favor with the public in the mid 80's. In the early 80's we still had small
trio play on the lounge and people would eat as late 10 pm. We kept the menu, and as much of the ambiance
until the late 90's."9
Figures 8-17, 8-18: Left, aerial photo, late 1950s showing site as farmland; Right, 1963-64
S grading of interstate and new Highway #1 approaches (Iowa Geographic Map Server)'o
8 The filling station parcel was sold to Sunray DX Oil Company July 31, 1966 and was operated by them and then the Kron family until
it returned to the ownership of the subject property owners (as B J Partnership) at the end of 1986 (Property Abstract).
9 Ibid.
19 It is surprisingly difficult to place completion dates on this highway work but the right of way land condemnation was only
recorded in the property abstract on August 8, 1963.
19
Figures 8-19: Ca.1970's completed supper club and filling station to the north
(Iowa Geographic Map Server)
We're happy to be a part of
the success story of the
Highlander Supper Club
rhI3H
LAN
LSA- I
SUPPER
CLUB r'
Coc$tails
�Cr�rr'�rr f
Lai ui laecomo part of you-.vscess dory. Cell Siete 8ob.•k
Mr a irae 'arro-y, 338.6444.
FIRST CAPITOL SIGN ADVERTISING
Figure 8-20: The remodeled supper club sign, 1969 (courtesy of the owner)"
11 Nesper Sign Advertising did a remodeling plan for the original sign, dated July 3, 1969 (Highlander Construction Documents)
20
FOR ELEOANT
DINNING &
ENTERTAINMENT
* 3 GRACIOUS DINING ROOMS
• BANQUET &
PARTY ROOMS
338-7963
HWY 1 & 1-80 IOWA CITY
* COCKTAIL Lousiaa
* LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
& DANCING NIGHTLY
Figure 8-21: West supper club frontage, 1974 (March 1974 Cedar Rapids telephone book advertisement)
Figure 8-21 offers the most detailed view of what the club facade, roofline and portico looked like. Of
special interest is the row of presumed transom windows that would have lit the club interior with evening light.
The other key feature is the relatively light structure of the portico. Its reversed mansard sidewalls would have
captured snow and rain.
Highlander Partnership leased the motel from Highlander, Inc., paying $40,000 in rent and half of the
pre-tax supper club income. The tenants paid taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. The initial ten-year lease
expired on May 15, 1977 and had renewal options (ten years, two five-year terms). Highlander Partnership was
relatively debt -free but Highlander, Inc. owed $260,000, with the supper club as collateral for $160,000 of that
amount. The 1970 Highland Partnership financial report contained a few references of interest. Hail damage in
1969 cost $769. Operating costs included those of a private well and sign rental.12
Table 1: Supper Club operational costs, 1968-1970
The Motel Expansion:
The larger facility was as noted, conceptualized as early as late 1964. Detailed planning began to
expand the supper club business in 1971 and by the fall of 1972 it was announced that a motel and convention
center would be constructed to the east of the inn. The accommodations were to be "above average" to meet the
12 "Highland, Inc. Highland Partnership. Financial Reports, December 31, 1970."
21
1968
1969
1970
Operating expenses
253,761
301,866
310,236
Entertainment costs
19,170
41,866
36,452
Gross profit
663,342
775,317
786,220
Income from dinners
461,905
527,425
533,509
Building value (pre -depreciation)
320,104
321,079
321,079
Furniture, equipment, etc. (pre -depreciation)
83,025
85,531
89,394
Affiliate revenue (rent, profits percentage)
75,016
84,730
91,128
The Motel Expansion:
The larger facility was as noted, conceptualized as early as late 1964. Detailed planning began to
expand the supper club business in 1971 and by the fall of 1972 it was announced that a motel and convention
center would be constructed to the east of the inn. The accommodations were to be "above average" to meet the
12 "Highland, Inc. Highland Partnership. Financial Reports, December 31, 1970."
21
standards of "both businessmen and vacationers, and for residents of Iowa City and the surrounding area." The
100 -unit motel would feature color television, twin queen -sized beds and in -room heating and cooling units.
Meeting rooms, banquet and ball rooms would have an upper capacity of 590 attendees. Additional kitchen
space, a courtyard cocktail lounge, piano bar and a coffee shop were planned. What turned out to be the
"dynamic" aspect of the plan was the pool location and the motel wing design itself. The early concepts
envisioned a combination of an enclosed pool, a wading pool, a hydrotherapy pool and a sauna room. Figure 8-
7 depicts one early design, with a U-shaped motel section on the east end and the pool components being
housed inside the east end of the open court area. Other plan variations omitted the easternmost two-story
section and connected the two wings with a pagoda -like pool enclosure. In the end, the existing building was
erected with the pool "court" being located across the west half of the court, and the court itself left open to the
east, in anticipation of future additions. The promised 100 -room count finally did transpire, reduced by just
four units.13
The business expansion mandated a new corporate structure having the three original partners as its
directors. Titled Highlander Inn, Inc. the new corporation dated from September 29, 1972 and offered 10,000
$100.00 shares to investors.14
Figures 8-22, 8-23: Two east end motel designs, fall 1970
A remarkable range of convention center/motel designs were devised, in at least three serious alternative
concepts. That reflected in Figure 8-24 was certainly the most unconventional with its twin east "towers" with
pie -shaped rooms (somewhat reflective of the then -popular open-plan classrooms.
13 Iowa City Press Citizen, January 10, 1972
14 Iowa City Press Citizen, October 27, 1972. The 1970 financial report however noted that20,000 shares at $100 per share were
authorized, but just 60 shares had been issued. The new corporation presumably planned to improve on that.
22
Inleassummil
Figure 8-24: A sketch of the Figure 8-23 plan, looking northwest
Figure 8-25, 8-26: Variations on twin opposing canopied entries, dated November 11 and 21, 1971
These two plans replaced the west supper club entrance and focus with dual monumental entrances.
Figure 8-26 angled off of the original supper club and in both plans, the club was simply appended to in
awkward fashion. Note that both plans alternated the motel room entrances as did Figure 8-27.
Figure 8-27: Architect's sketch, 1972, looking northeast
(note the elevated motel sign left of center)15
15 Iowa City Press Citizen, January 10, 1972
23
The angled plan (Figure 8-26) must have been seriously considered since the architects also did the
sketch (Figure 8-27).
Figure 8-28: Another alternative plan
The Figure 8-28 alternative dropped the north entry, shortened the courtyard, added a triangular bar and
centered the ball room on the plan.
North
•
.;HT ;E
_seg, e . gees•
L .._ ti J — _ .�
i
Figure 8-29: The first plan with a pool
24
The plan envisioned in Figure 8-29 closely approximated the one that was finally built. The pool was in
the plan. Mid -point halls and stairs were in the motel wings. The ballroom gravitated north (although there was
a minor north -side entry) and overall, the addition was better integrated with the supper club. The south canopy
was not a porte cochere and notice how the south motel wing projected south so as to extend beyond it.
Figure 8-30: Early motel addition plan, 1973 (Building plans)
Figure 8-30 shows a near -final variation of early plan options with a pool pagoda and a triangular bar
inset into the east courtyard. The image nicely distinguishes the supper club proper from the addition and
shows the core plan and roof profile as actually built.
The Architects, Drew McNamara and Associates:
Having a proven track record for hiring obscure designers [Richard] Drew McNamara and Associates,
not architects, of Iowa City, were selected to design the convention center -motel addition. McNamara was born
in Washington, Iowa in 1918, the son of Jay J. and Edna S. Dempsey McNamara. His family relocated to Iowa
City in 1824 and acquired the White Furniture Company. Drew studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts
and spent a summer working with Peter Visser (1892-1979) said at the time to be "an internationally known
Chicago designer." Drew headed the family's design department and his first major job was designing a
"sleepshop" model for the national Burton Dixie Mattress Company. He founded McNamara's Homemakers
House Cedar Rapids by 1948 and had branches in Iowa City and by 1950, but was already working on a
regional basis by then as Figure 8-31 shows (and with a sizeable workforce). "Drew McNamara and
Associates" was also established at this same time.16
16 No other "associates" are identified but his wife, Catherine Marie McNamara (1918-1974) is said to have served as his assistant
(Des Moines Register, January 25, 1992). Marion Sentinel, January 29, 1948
25
Noted tor their complete interior
decorating, McNamara's pled the
decorative color schemes and s
errted the painting and flooring lin
the new JOWL Mutual Liabilities
harm office building in Cir Rapids.
McNamara's and their complement
of 35 creftamen Alarmed and decor-
ated the Bishop Restaurants located
in Dee Moires, Waterloo, Calm
limpids and Davenport* Iowa and
also in Peoria, litlnaia. The Bishop
Restaurant Chain has chosen li-
Namars's ea ter interior yrs
and decorator, ret whenever a new
building inal be $sn ed,
Figure 8-31: Drew McNamara's professional profile, 1950
(Des Moines Tribune, November 22, 1950)
Figure 8-32: Drew (second from the left) with his brothers and father (all Jay's)
(Iowa City Press Citizen, October 1, 1935)
McNamara relocated from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City in 1950 and then moved to Des Moines in 1974.
The Des Moines newspapers of the 1950's though clearly show him as moving in the higher social circles and
enjoying a dominant reputation as an interior designer. He was designing interiors for dance studios,
residences, restaurants, theaters (the Capital in Iowa City) business buildings and motels. His most prestigious
interior work was his role as a consultant to the architect of the new Des Moines Airport terminal in 1951,
where he also secured the contracts for most of the interior design work. By 1953 he was edging into exterior
design and whole -building design work. He transformed a former tourist camp in East Des Moines into a
modern motel and it received a "motel of the month" award from United Courts Magazine. He designed an
26
entire hotel for John Compiano in Des Moines in 1962 and a "Mount Vernon -like" addition for the J and K
Motel there in 1964. Parkway Inns of Des Moines had him design the interior (including a pool room and
banquet hall) for their new Beaumont Motor Inn in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1965. McNamara designed the
interior and exterior for Babe's Restaurant in Des Moines in 1966. His known whole building design work
dates from 1956 with a 24 -building Lake Okoboji resort in Dickinson County. The University Athletic Club
(1958) was loosely evocative of his Highlander design, more in its complex interior. It was a split-level layout
that combined private club rooms, basement locker rooms, three dining rooms and a large banquet room with an
outside pool."
Figure 8-33: University of Iowa Athletic Club, Finkbine Golf Course
(Iowa City Daily Iowan, July 1, 1958)
Figure 8-34: Williams, McWilliams and Hart law offices, 2130 Grand Avenue, Des Moines (looking southwest)
(Des Moines Register, January 4, 1970)
What appears to be the zenith of his whole building design work is the office building at 2130 Grand
Avenue in Des Moines (Figure 8-35). He was the architect working with structural engineers [Carlyle W.]
Peterson and [Donald W.] Appel. The 12,000 square foot plan cost $222,000 and had a white -painted brick
exterior.
18
17 Cedar Rapids Gazette, August 29, 1954; June 27, July 8, 1958; July 17, 1963; Iowa City Press Citizen, February 3, 1947; Iowa City
Daily Iowan, July 1, 1958 and the Des Moines Register, May 22, 1968; https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/GW6W-
3TH; Des Moines Register, December 3, 1950; July 12, 1951; April 12, 1953; May 7, 1962; November 4, 1964; August 22, 1965
18 Des Moines Tribune, July 22, 1969; Des Moines Register, January 4, 1970. The McNamara family suffered numerous major
setbacks. The family furniture store was sold for payment of debts in 1964 and Drew's companies were closely intertwined with it.
The family lost a daughter at the age of 37 in 1974 and Catherine McNamara's obituary makes no reference to her husband (Cedar
Rapids Gazette, February 20, 1964; Des Moines Register, December 4, 1974; January 25, 1982).
27
The Selzer Construction Company had the general construction contract. The original estimated new
construction cost was $1 million and the building permit was reported as undefined "new commercial with that
amount of value at the end of October 1972. Selzer was affiliated with both the Behlen and Chief metal
building companies and had a well-established reputation for designing and building custom metal buildings.
For the supper expansion the need was that of extensive clear span interior spaces that could remain open in
plan (the ballroom) or which could be subdivided without concern for intrusive columns or load-bearing walls.
As the building's final design was formalized, Behlen came to the rescue by making the pool enclosure
structurally possible and successful. Equipment Planners, Moline, Illinois coordinated the design and the
subcontracts with a nationally distributed range of fabricators.19
F
•
11
nir2: fes:
1
0
MUM
r
L
frit Waal?
,,..i ...r
r . !
t • _.
r� •.•a .v'+wrwr�'-��
13 I[__•
NYC
kar
Figure 8-35: North end elevation and south end elevation sketches, 1971 (Drew McNamara and Associates)
One presumed supper club alteration was the addition of a lounge along its south wall. The architect
termed it an addition and included new south elevations showing a presumably elongated frontage. However,
the volume of the original supper club does not appear to have been enlarged (see Figure 8-37) and the south
facade as shown exactly mirrors that which is present today. No construction photos show any southward
extension. There was related interest in doing a centered bump -out with a skylight as a part of the lounge plan
but this was not done. Most likely, the lounge was constructed within the confines of the supper club footprint.
19 Iowa City Press Citizen, October 31, 1972; https://chiefbuildings.com/; http://behlenbuildingsystems.com/. Both companies
continue in business today. Behlen Building Systems is located at Columbus, Nebraska and Chief Metal Buildings is at Grand Island,
Nebraska. Drew McNamara was also a partner of the Red Carpet Ranch nightclub, located next to the Ranch Supper Club at Cou
Falls, outside of Iowa City, as of 1962-1964 (Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 24, 1964).
28
M.41, cn re.
a . .
�srw�rs F+---
Payr
hl it
MIAMI &MY OR
AWN
W �emna
•
AMR
Y
— � I
n4Ynnf.e •e er.r [1ler.le ,,,,,
Figure 8-36: Lounge addition, 1971 (Drew McNamara and Associates)
METAL BUILDINGS
� CHIEF[!
-Your Best Building investment-(
IF
nv tment-
IF O E YOU WILD Ca EXP N — r41 FHM
PM ».iOJT OM' METAL N:1.1w'1'-*1 OE.
5C.NFD TO Ffi YORE LA!GE IMAM-
-- THE MO&T a9atia.C. MX TOM Weer —
Q'IXZ [ -c-c T 1 — OP= of
coi011 Comm ?MELS —Alladata4 O#
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.N►, I - lam ohms Adm.
.
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1 Com! roma C1►. Tesra
Figure 8-37: Selzer Construction Company advertisement
(Iowa City Press Citizen, October 17, 1979)
29
The complete financial records for the building addition survive and these provide important insights to
the difficulties that the builders faced and the dynamic nature of the evolving building layout.
Figures 8-38, 8-39: Construction photos; Left, looking southwest, supper club and sign, right, south motel wing
looking west, both November 1972 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figures 8-38 and 8-39 underscore the unobstructed view between the interstate and the supper club. The
original sign was just 36.6 feet high but sufficed to be seen from the traffic to the south.
Figures 8-40, 8-41: Construction photos; Left, looking west, supper club and sign, note footings and new south
entry, right, supper club original north wall looking southwest, both December 1972 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
30
Figures 8-42, 8-43: Construction photos; Left, looking northeast, precast hollow floor panels, right, load of
panels, looking northeast, both December 1972 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figure 8-44: Construction photos, lower level of south motel wing decked, looking northeast, both
December 1972 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
There were several references to "unforeseen weather" during the surveying and grading phase of work
and no construction progress photos survive from January -April 1973. Snow removal cost an impressive
$1,723. Table 2 tabulates the project costs as of the end of October 1973. Change orders and new items are
endemic to construction work. In this case, the percentage of change orders vis-a-vis the contract (Table 2) was
28 percent. The largest change order was the complete re -planning of the swimming pool and its enclosure, the
substantial repaving (all of the original parking was asphalt paved) to the north of the motel when that grade
was determined to be too high. Not included in Table 2 was the courtyard work ($9,064) accomplished by late
April 1974 which entailed substantial filling, grading and 623 square yards of four -inch thick asphalt paving
covered with green astro turf.
31
Table 2: Construction costs to October 1973
Cost Area
Cost
Construction Loan
$1,800,000
Original contract
$699,887
Change Orders
$196,300
The Highlander20
$774,761
New items
$66,060
Total
$1,837,700
Figures 8-45, 8-46: Construction photos, left, infill to the east of the supper club, looking west, and
right, same, looking northwest, both May 1973 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figures 8-47, 8-48: Construction photos, left, roof framing and wall details, looking west, and
right, veneer work on south motel wing, south facade, looking east, both May1973 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
20 This category presumably isolates expenses within the existing supper club and might include the north kitchen addition.
32
Figures 8-49, 8-50: Construction photos; left, hall roof framing and wall details, looking north, May1973; and
right, pouring concrete, upper level, south side of north motel wing, looking southeast, June 1973 (Courtesy of
Sheila Boyd)
Figures 8-51, 8-52: Construction photos, left, first floor of pool bar complete, looking northwest, and right,
steel framing for pool roof, looking northeast, both June 1973 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figures 8-53, 8-54: Construction photos, left, finished pool housing, looking west, right, steel framing for south
portico, looking north, both June 1973 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
33
Figures 8-55, 8-56: Construction photos, left, original windows, south motel wing, looking southeast, August
1973; and right, second floor on pool bar, completed steel pool housing, looking west, September 1973
(Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
THE Hll IILIINDE)
INN IsI D Z PP}G.ri CLUB
Figures 8-57, 8-58, 8-59: Various symbolic motifs employed by the supper club (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Q0 -
zsai
Cbt ibighlanbtr 3lrtn
MIGXWpr 8 Ind
1owA cIrY. lowp
ENJOY EASTER DINNER
ar nn•
IIIi.IIIINDER IAN
Coble owl and Nan n.
Fur no rrrd GRAND H1'1,1,F:'F
Zier En11 from al.l
In lour GRAND eALLIBS1,S1
BARON OF BEEF
BAKED EASTER RAM
FRIED CHICKEN
'Munn,/ I'nlalons Giller [:run)
]lar.hn•alluw Sweet L'ululnes
grrnel Turn—.l. ern 1'a•ne.
Salau1 ear
R.•l
1,11,11:1, and Ihn.r1 Nur Inrludnl
ADt i5 'I; 71 I'HILDHL•\ 82 :5
COCKTAILS AVAILABLE POOL lDf:
rue I n ,iamr rail iu3MI
Figure 8-60: First "Grand Buffet" (not the first use) in the Grand Ballroom, August 197421
21 Cedar Rapids Gazette, August 12, 1974
34
Figure 8-38 depicts the original supper club sign located immediately south of the supper club. The
expansion warranted a revised sign that highlighted the added lodging. Several competing advertising firms
produced a broad range of new sign concepts between March and November 1973. In late June the original
sign designer Nesper encouraged the owners to act quickly to place a taller sign alongside the interstate before a
new sign ordinance limited these to 35 feet in height. Figure 8-40 depicts the renaming from supper club to inn
and a proposed height increase from 36.5 feet to 49.33 feet. Figure 8-41 shows that the wording was changed
but that the original sign was simply relocated closer to the interstate.
/�/G1G�UaG/z=1/
FfTcc FG �O 4" AEFo CA
FA Ois><Ay
EM/STING 010544/
5,51E ✓ = l'
Figure 8-61: Inn sign redesign, ca.early 1974 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figure 8-62: New ca.1975 interstate highway sign, looking northwest (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
35
,77 1//61/2/9/,a- /rJ
/74 r2A/'/6 4 or
t
r114 �` \
,tr
\\NIEXrSr/r/G �ti
(pcq r.PM OC2.4
lCr,rw6 sorav
d
--� 1 1 1 1I1 1 1
1.11IJ 11111 (111.1.111,1 11-1.
IIID 1_I 111 1 1 1 1.1 1 11,1 1 1 1 11 i E
I.IHH1 HI lilllllllll Illlllll H
- . p,4R '//1G c oT •
11 1111111111 I fl1I IliiIF111IIFII1IJ111111-I -111(
35 F,ear1 pArzxrrw6 Ta 1°.W' r f LIA/F 1l' m .,as 72;
"‹."--7--------------
INrcgsi4r- -11170 250' read r/16.'w4V Pi -or '7G A1✓
Tp
1 PAxrrroG teY '/2' = 5b' SCA6c�
NSPLA9 4
.241 �..
=.o
Figure 8-63: June 1973 site plan and proposed sign relocation (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
The Highlander was directly associated with the Amana VIP Golf Tournament from 1974 until 1990
when it ended. Amana Refrigeration Company president George Forestner conceived of this event as a means
of company promotion. The first event was held in 1974 at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, but the hard
to reach site was switched to the Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City the next year. The Iowa City Holiday Inn
housed the tournament through 1973 by which time it was inadequate. The timing of the Highlander expansion
was perfect and it and the adjacent Howard Johnson motel, just south across the interstate, would be completely
sold out for the event beginning in 1974. The Amana company dominated the occasion, provided gifts and at
one point constructed a temporary appliance display in the convention center. Amana sales managers were
paired with the elite golfers. The tournament was the leading funder for the University of Iowa athletic
scholarship and the largest funding source of women's collegiate sports at the university.22
22 Cedar Rapids Gazette, November 20, 1973; May 6, 1976; June 30, 1982.
36
■■ ■■
ME OS
y
Milli. umeni
rtOdrr llrammr;— _ .
!Mlle 18.u� ■d ■■talc 11 dl■ 1,111 1,1f owe d3! inn clog u
lIN
/67 ■ � ' !` I:II * lLll� IIl2 AIM RIR I Ms
• , ,rte nor -.: at .w - .
THE
HIGHLANDER INN
AND SUPPER CLUB
Figure 8-64: Drawing by K. E. Gilbert, Hoffmaster Design Studio, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 1984
(Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
iii hlander
bcoi
87916Vdk
1)ate-
Dine nightly In the Highlanier
Supper Club — a popular luta I
night ,poi +n ilh a regulation of
one ()I if}tad 4 finest regaurdnlh
Enluy break I.]d lunch or on
SunllaN an ekegdnt ButteI.
Ext tally nl hanquel meeting and
[ i)n%fill It Irl 131 Il lllei I(91.0
Tht' Highlander Inn
tilts. him,1
E�Ir
24hrt5Um,' Cio.
for Reservations Call
351-315I�
ghlander is something special
By 110N MALY
occas Staff writ..
IOWA CITY, IA. — A year ago at this time, a
couple of the pleasures of being in Iowa City
included watching the University of Iowa football
team play, and dining at the High-
lander Supper Club.
mwe city The situa0on has changed just a
bit this fall. The football team isn't
t:s...NES So hot these days, but the food at
o`o the Highlander is still something
• special.
Dining at the Highlander, which is located at ea)t
246 en Interstate 90 and Highway 1, is a treat that
RESTAURANTS IN IOWA
folks from this city — and visitors, too — have had
for 13 years.
The supper club is part of a complex that also
includes a motel, a coffee shop, banquet fecilitim
and a lounge.
Whether it's the surf and turf (sirloin steak and
lobster) at 513.95, beef tenderloin at 110.75 or the
95,95 chopped sirloin, It's all .but impossible to
. leave the supper club still feeling hungry.
And, with restaurant prices skyrocketing all
across the country, the Highlander has held the line
pretty well aver the years.
On my most recent visit to the Highlander, 1 was
ha a quandary. 1 was torn between ordering the
This series is designed to inform Register
readers of interesting restaurants around the
state. No attempt at comparative ratings is
made, but any restaurant featured can be
expected to meet general standards of accept-
ability.
steak and lobster, the beef tenderloin or the 59.55
roast prime rib of beef.
I finally chose beef tenderloin, with baked potato
{complete with sour cream and chives) and a
tossed salad with bleu cheese dresshng-
I wasn't disappointed. Neither was Matisse, my
wife, who decided on the steak and lobster, hash
brown potatoes and Epicurean Salad.
The steak and lobster is included in a list of
meals on the menu with the heading "Highlander
Special Combinations." Other items in that
category are a seafood platter at $9.95, steak and
shrimp at 10.95, shrimp and scallops at 56.75 and
steak and crab at 512.75.
Such things as chicken kiev at 56.95 and beef
stroganoff at $7.75 are included 0 the items under
the heading -"A Differed. Taste Treat."
African lobster tai]; shrilnp; scallops, ealfish and
pike are available. Steaks include T-bone (the high-
est -priced at 911.45), top sirloin and filet mignon
(both at (8.05).
On the list of "Kitchen Specialties" along with
the prime rib and chopped' sirloin are items
including chicken livers ($5:35), ham steak 45.951,
barbecued pork ribs (36.75) and Iowa chop (;6.91).'
Aids under12get a break at the Highlander. A
dollar i9 knocked off the price of their "children's
portions"
There is a suable List of appetisers. Maxine chose
the breaded cauliflower. at (2; I picked the
craboreat cocktail at 13.25. Also available, are
shrimp cocktail, herring in sour cream, breaded
fried myshrooma, onion rings, tomato juice and
French onion baked soup.
Sandwiches are available,. too. There's a steak
sandwich at (7.25, prime rib On 101301 at 96.95,
deluxe hamburger at 1375 and eheesborger at
13.95 x
On the a la carte menu are such things as chef's
salad at 94.35 and shrimp salad at (5.25.
Dessert? Oh, yes. How about creme de menthe
parfait, creme decimal parfait ar chocolate parfait
at 11.25 each? Or ire cream at el or sherbet at 90
cents? H all sounded good, but both of us decided to
pass on the sweet stuff.
Cocktails and beer are available. The wine Its( is '
lengthy, but a good buy is one of the Paul Masson
house wines. A glass of burgundy, cheats or rose -
costs 91.25, a *mall carafe 33.75, a large carafe .a
1625.
To a Chablis man like me, the small carafe was
jostline..
Hghlander Supper CIA, Interstate 80 and HIghiray 1, .�
Iowa City. Dress, casual. Donner hours; 5 pm to 11 p.m., "r
Monday theater Saturday, 4:30 phi_ to 930 p.m:.5unday-
Reservations accepted_ Major credit lards accepted. '
SI
Figures 8-65, 8-66: Left, "One of Iowa's finest restaurants" (Cedar Rapids Gazette, December 21, 1984); and
right, restaurant review (Des Moines Register, October 10, 1980)
37
NORTHWESTERN
WILDCATS
THE HIGHLANDER
FOOTBALL SPECIAL
1.�11�1Tf) JUICE 5u
til l It NE. �Ylc&FA11. 1.13
PRIME'. RIA OF HETI'
111 }11s I l 'KJ
11011tH rt1 SAL.A315
m;.I wm msdmi Islam! I Prim& Dressing—Romselnri 1250 FJllmi
1 hnnk•' Rahid
Klin Gaud
Figure 8-67: Promotional event item, undated (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
GRANO PIPER'S BALLROOM
�1 4
TO RESTAURANT
R J.'s LOUNGE
MIRROR ROOM
COLD ROOM
GARDEN ROOM
E COFFEE SHOP
RESTROOMS
FRONT DESK I
MNN ENTRANCE
EDIT
113
EXET
SADNA
KING'S
GARDEN
POOLSIDE
LOUNGE
1 wnIRLPOOL
r 1
POOL
g
3 S $
OFFICES
FAR
$ g e
EXT
COURTYARD
• VENDING/ICE
f4/k er
RESTAURANT & CONVENTION CENTER
The Entire Family la Welcome
A Special Place To Dine
Seven Nights A Week
With Tempting Entrees
Ranging From Prime Rib
to Sandwiches & Salads
Relax in the soothing
atmosphere of R.J.'s Lounge
and enjoy piano entertainment
for dancing and easy listening.
Figures 8-68, 8-69: Left, convention/motel layout, 1995, and right, RJ's Lounge (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
The 1995 floorplan shows a largely open plan around the ballroom. The King's Garden Lounge was the
sole east -end amenity. To the west was the restaurant with its five subsections. A small sales office was at the
west end of the south motel wing. The Garden Room was in the basement level of the original supper club.
Bob McGurk died both young and unexpectedly in 1988. By this time, he had presumably bought out
his two partners and his family had increasingly become involved in running the inn -motel business. His
widow Leona was the chief operating officer, aided by three daughters, Sheila, Debbie and Mary Frances and
over time their husbands (Bill Boyd for Sheila, Mike Jensen for Fran). Formally organized as "Group Five
Hospitality" and a division of the corporation, the group established T.G.I. Friday's restaurant franchises, the
first in Rockford, Illinois in November 1992. At the same time, they acquired the Howard Johnson motel that
was located on the southwest corner of the same highway -interstate and rebranded it as a Country Inn. Two
commercial operations were owned on the highway west of the inn, the Express Shop convenience service
38
station and store and an adjacent Express Wash. In early 1993 the group determined that they could replace The
Highlander Inn restaurant with one of their restaurants. Structural and mechanical obstacles developed and the
concept was deferred finally to 1995, and was finally dropped. The inn portico was a casualty of this planned
development, being removed while curiously retaining the four support columns.23
North
P1mse 1l
Servire Area
Prost 1
Rtnowalidri Are;
Phase 11
hunch ng Adiiliuns
Full.reEnc.lowd1.ink Banque! CeolerEnlogno
°rYif 1 i. l 1 l! l l + I I' i I:
'FIT f[11111.11117) Fl
414 Total Phase I Park in
FI4H I G:I
Figure 8-70: Planned T.G.I. Friday west end addition and other associated changes not built, August 25, 1994
(Building plans)
Figure 8-70 shows where the new restaurant was to have been built. A south banquet center entry was
also planned along with two other corner bump -outs. The poolside lounge does appear to have been converted
into a meeting room on the ground level.
The proposition provides a snapshot of the inn operation as of early 1993. The restaurant franchise was
thought to be a cut above fast food at a time when diners "no longer have the time to linger over a protracted
supper club dinner." Still called the Highlander Inn and Supper Club, it employed 140 persons and it was
promised that the T.G.Y. Friday restaurant deal would somehow add 40 to 100 additional workers. The
restaurant would seat 240 persons a figure that matched the existing supper club capacity. Traditional inn menu
favorites ("steaks, cinnamon rolls" etc.) would be retained. The other major functional change would be the
closing of the coffee shop and its conversion into additional banquet space. In November 1992 the corporation
had acquired a competing interchange and that operation had an attached Country Inn franchise (likely a model
for the new Highlander arrangement). It became a Country Inn mote1.24
An inn newsletter, the "Main Course" was initiated in March 1995 to promote special events, and even
shared recipes and inn staff news. The annual schedule was dominated by holiday -based buffets (Saint
Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving) and the late November Mercy Hospital Festival of Trees.
23 Iowa City Press Citizen, February 28, 1994
24 Cedar Rapids Gazette, April 15, 1993
39
Families with overflow occupancy at Christmas could pay for one motel room and get an adjacent one for
free.25
Three successive national motel chains acquired, remodeled and disposed of the complex. The Radisson
franchise came first in 1997. In early 2002, SRC Investments foreclosed on the property when the owners
defaulted on $10.3 million loan debt. The operating name was "The Radisson on Highlander Plaza" and it
finally eclipsed the "Highland Inn and Convention Center" title. Quality Inn was the next franchise/tenant
followed by the Clarion in 2011. The operation was clearly rather marginal by 2016 when a carpet cleaning
company took the Clarian managers to district court to obtain payment of a $1,184 cleaning bill. A & B of
Iowa sold the property to the Posh Hotel LLC by contract with ownership taking place in August 2011. They
incurred a tax debt against the state but the title was cleared by December 2019 for a purchase by The
Bohemian Iowa City LLC.26
IVA
I
MN IWO'
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Figure 8-71: Radisson remodeling plans, 1997 (Building plans)
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zs "Main Course"; March, June, October 1995; Spring, Fall, 1996; Spring 1997; Fall 1998 and Fall 1999
z6 Cedar Rapids Gazette, December 20, 1997. This was the last use of the Highlander Inn and Convention Center name and Property
Abstract.
40
fir' 1-1
el
I
FLOOR PLAN
1MAIk1 rA�l.,r,v
Congratulations On
Your Conversion!
Kudos to The Radisson on Highlander Plaza for a successful
conversion to a new name and a fresh. exciting new !ook!
from your friends at
FIRST
National Bank
MEMBER F DIG
Figures 8-72, 8-73: Left, Radisson south portico remodeling plans, 1997, Right, newly configured south portico,
looking northwest (Building plans; Iowa City Press Citizen, October 14, 1998)
Complex Photo Essay:
IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240
INTERSTATE 80 AND HIGHWAY -1 (EXIT 61)
Figure 8-74: Original promotional brochure, 1975 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
41
Figure 8-75: 1982 Amana VIP golf tournament photo showing original south doors, looking northwest
(Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figure 8-76: The original motel main desk, looking northwest (Building scrap books)
Figure 8-77: The hallway outside of the ball room (double doors), ca.1975, looking northeast
(Building scrap books)
42
Figures 8-78, 8-79: Ca.1975 view of carpeted pool court (note no upper level balconies),
Tudor motif, looking northwest (owner scrapbook)
This is the original appearance of the pool court. There were no poolside balconies and there were
several ancillary pools north of the main pool. The centered component to the left housed the pool bar on the
downstairs and featured Tudor arched windows and a faux half-timber stuccoed effect, much of which survives.
A near full-length awning covered the lounge front. The deck was covered with a green astro turf. There was
also a painted shuffleboard court.
Figure 8-80, 8-81: Knight's Poolside Lounge, two views (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
The Knight's Lounge had the Black Watch tartan pattern and the awning with its angled spear supports
mirrored the exterior awning to the east in the pool area.
43
Figure 8-82: The Royal Scot, ca.1975, looking southeast (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
The Royal Scot was outside the original supper club (to the west of the main hall, it became the Prime
Grille). Note the carpet pattern. A hallway ran along the south wall beyond the arched windows in this view.
Figures 8-83, 8-84: The King Arthur Grille (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)'
27 The King Arthur Grille started out as the supper club's coffee shop and was succeeded by the Mirror Room (Sheila Boyd). It has
the distinctive rounded corner wall, an original feature of the supper club east wall.
44
Figures 8-85, 8-86: The Red Room (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)28
Figure 8-87: The west supper club entrance, looking southwest (note the chain curtains)
(Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figures 8-88, 8-89: The Supper Club Lounge (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)29
28 This is presumably the north part of the original supper club (see Figure 87 which shows the club's west entrance).
29 This is the south half of the original supper club area.
45
1i. kA ," it 1
Figure 8-90: Original Piper's Ballroom, looking southest (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figures 8-91;8-92: Decorative motifs in the motel rooms (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
46
Figure 8-93: 1975 Ford Granada afloat in the pool, looking northeast (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figure 8-94: 1975 Ford Granada afloat in the pool, looking northeast (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
47
Figure 8-95: 1975 Ford Granada afloat in the pool, looking east (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figure 8-96: 1975 Ford exhibition in the pool area, looking north (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
48
nliumpnulu,u ul,ll lllUA1RURR777711p, d I,Itilt 7U177tJt711„»l r,1"111/
Figure 8-97: Ford 1975 exhibition in the court area, looking north, looking northwest
(Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figures 8-98. 8-99: Ford 1975 exhibition in the court area, both views looking northwest (Courtesy of Sheila
Boyd)
49
Figure 8-100: South portico, signage, looking east, ca.1975 (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figure 8-101: Overview, looking northwest (helicopter in Figure 8-77 visible far left), ca.1975
(Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
50
Photo 8-102: Aerial view, looking east, ca.1975 (Highlander Archives)
Figure 8-103: Pool area, May 1981, looking north (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
51
Figure 8-104: Pool area, May 1981, looking northeast (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figure 8-105: Carpeted pool court, note additional awnings, bandstand, and the presence of added north side
upper level balconies, 1984, looking north (owner scrapbook)
52
Figure 8-106: Removal of carpet in pool court, note additional awnings, bandstand, and
presence of upper level balconies, 1984, looking southwest (owner scrapbook)
Figure 8-107: Tiled floor installed in the pool court, 1984, looking east (owner scrapbook)
53
Figure 8-108: Tiled floor installed in the pool court, 1984, looking southwest (owner scrapbook)
Figure 8-109: Demolition of west inn entrance, 1996, looking east (owner scrapbook)3°
3o The structural beams and columns were left in place and are visible in the current county assessor's aerial photo (Figure 2). This
resulted in an open pergola effect, which explains why the columns survive today)
54
Figure 8-110: Former Royal Scot Dining room, note faux mansard, stained glass, wainscot, looking southeast,
1996 (owner scrapbook)
Figure 8-111: Former Royal Scot Dining room, note faux mansard, pointed arch windows with stone infill,
stained glass, wainscot, 1996, looking south (owner scrapbook)
Figure 8-112: Interior view, showing lamps and wood trim, 1996 (owner scrapbook)
55
Figure 8-113: Constructing arches in main hallway, looking north (owner scrapbook)
Figure 8-114: Ballroom dance, 1996 (owner scrapbook)
Figure 9-115: Interior view showing former supper club exterior window, looking southwest, 1996
(owner scrapbook)
56
Figure 8-116: Original east pool/court windows, looking northwest
looking southwest, 1996 (owner scrapbook)
Figure 8-117: Removal plan for west portico, January 17, 1996 (Building plans)
Figure 8-118: Radisson remodeling of the south portico, 1997, looking northeast (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
57
Figure 8-119: Radisson remodeling of the south portico, 1997, looking northwest (Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
Figure 8-120: Radisson remodeling, south wall of south wing, 1997, looking northeast
(Courtesy of Sheila Boyd)
58
Figure 8-121: McGurk's Pub (former Knight's Lounge), looking northeast towards the pool
(Iowa City Press Citizen, October 14, 1998)
Figure 8-122: Highlander Prime Grille, looking northeast31
(Iowa City Press Citizen, October 14, 1998)
31 The Prime Grille replaced the Royal Scot and the location is east of the present bar area.
59
Figure 8-123: Highlander Prime Grille
(Iowa City Press Citizen, October 14, 1998)
Figure 8-124: Clarion motel era photo, pool, 2011, looking southwest (note additional ceiling lighting)
(https://www.hotelplanner. com/Hotels/216010/Reservations-Clarion-Highlander-Hotel-Conference-Center-
Iowa-City-2525 -North-Dodge-St-52245#HotelName)
60
Figure 8-125: Clarion motel era photo, pool, 2011, looking southwest
(https://www.hotelplanner. com/Hotels/216010/Reservations-Clarion-Highlander-Hotel-Conference-Center-
Iowa-City-2525 -North-Dodge-St-52245#HotelName)
Figure 8-126: Radisson/ Clarion motel era photo, front desk, 2011, looking northwest
(https://www.hotelplanner. com/Hotels/216010/Reservations-Clarion-Highlander-Hotel-Conference-Center-
Iowa-City-2525 -North-Dodge-St-52245#HotelName)
61
Figure 8-127: Radisson/Clarion motel era photo, main hall inside of south entrance, 2011, looking northwest
(https://www.hotelplanner. com/Hotels/216010/Reservations-Clarion-Highlander-Hotel -Conference -C enter -
Iowa -City -2525 -North-Dodge-St-52245#HotelName)
Figure 8-128: Clarion motel era photo, meeting room (just outside of the northeast corner of the supper club),
2011, looking southwest (https://www.hotelplanner.com/Hotels/216010/Reservations-Clarion-Highlander-
Hotel-Conference-Center-Iowa-City-2525 -North-Dodge-St-52245#HotelName)
62
Figure 8-129: East pool/court windows, October 30, 2019, looking west (owner scrapbook
(the trees are outside of the court)
Figure 8-130: Pool court, looking north (Cedar Rapids Gazette, January 10, 2020)
63
Figure 8-131: Radisson/Clarion ballroom, looking southwest (Cedar Rapids Gazette, January 10, 2020)
Figure 8-132: East court, looking east (Cedar Rapids Gazette, January 10, 2020)
64
Figure 8-133: East court, looking north (Cedar Rapids Gazette, January 10, 2020)
Figure 8-134: South wing, south entrance, October 30, 2019, looking north west (owner scrapbook)
Figure 8-135: South entrance, looking northwest (Boutique News, November 15, 2019)
65
Photo 8-136: Rehabilitation of the pool area, December 2020, looking southwest
Biography:
Bowker, R. R., AIA Historical Directory, New Providence: R. R. Bowker, L.L.C., 1970
Boyd, Shelia. Emailed communications, September -October 2020
Building Plans
Building scrapbooks (three photo albums, property of the Highlander)
Highland, Inc. Highland Partnership. Financial Reports, December 31, 1970
Highlander Archives, Sheila Boyd
Newspaper articles as cited in the text
Original Plans: This is a rather impressive array of original and subsequent plans, property of the Highlander
Property Abstract
Clarion Hotel: https://www.hotelplanner.com/Hotels/216010/Reservations-Clarion-Highlander-Hotel-
Conference-Center-Iowa-City-2525-North-Dodge-St-52245#HotelName) (accessed October 15, 2020)
Family Search, Richard Drew McNamara: https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/GW6W-3TH
(accessed October 30, 2020)
66
Additional Information:
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(Iowa Geographic Map Server, 2020)
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Figure 10-2: Scaled regional map with property line overlay, looking northwest
(Iowa Geographic Map Server, 2020)
67
Figure 10-3: Assessor's aerial photo with property line overlay, looking northwest
(Johnson County Assessor, 2020)
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68
Highlander Part One Photo Map:
November 1, 2020
Photo Map:
North
t 6
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40
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2 '-20 18 2b — 127
128
3 21 —19 31_
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12
Basement Photos
Second Floor
Al Photos
9-10
Highlander Part One Photos:
August 4, 2020
Photo Number 1:
Description: Supper club entrance looking southeast
Photo Number 2:
Description: Supper club entrance looking east, note support pillars for porte cochere
Photo Number 3:
Description: Supper club entrance detail, looking east
Photo Number 4:
Description: Supper club entrance detail, looking east
Photo Number 5:
Description: Supper club southwest corner, looking northeast
Photo Number 6:
Description: Motel addition, south entrance, looking north
Photo Number 7:
Description: Motel addition, south entrance detail, looking north
Photo Number 8:
Description Motel addition, south entrance and offices, looking north:
Photo Number 9:
Description: Motel addition, south wing, looking north
Photo Number 10:
Description: Motel addition, south wing, looking north
Photo Number 11:
Description: Motel addition, east end wall of the south wing, looking west
Photo Number 12:
Description: Motel addition, courtyard, looking northwest
Photo Number 13:
Description: Motel addition, north wing, looking south
Photo Number 14:
Description: Motel addition, west end of the north wing and supper club (right), looking south
Photo Number 15:
Description: Supper club, northwest corner and west front, looking south
Photo Number 16:
Description: Supper club, north side of entrance wing and west front, looking south
Photo Number 17:
Description: Supper club, north side of entrance wing and west front, looking southeast
Photo Number 18:
Description: Supper club dance floor area, looking north
Photo Number 19:
Description: Supper club dance floor area, looking west
Photo Number 20:
Description: Supper club west basement stairs, looking northwest
Photo Number 21:
Description: Supper club entrance, window arcade above west basement stairs, looking northwest
Photo Number 22:
Description: Supper club basement meeting room, looking northeast
Photo Number 23:
Description: Supper club west basement mechanicals, looking west
Photo Number 24:
Description: Supper club west basement stairs, looking northeast
Photo Number 25:
Description: Supper club east basement stairs, looking east
Photo Number 26-27:
Description: Left, basement dumb waiter in kitchen, looking northeast;
right, curved wall atop east basement stairs, looking northeast
Photo Number 28:
Description: Curved wall atop east basement stairs, looking north
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Photo Number 29:
Description: Motel addition, bar which serves as the desk, looking northwest
Photo Number 30:
Description: Motel addition, hall inside south entrance, looking north
Photo Number 31:
Description: Motel addition, east (south wing) hallway, south entrance to the right, looking east
he Ili
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Photo Number 32:
Description: Motel addition, wall used for dignitary signatures, 1974 plus, looking southwest
Photo Number 33:
Description: Motel addition, south entrance foyer, travertine wall covering, looking northeast
Photo Number 34:
Description: Motel addition, south entrance foyer, travertine wall covering, looking west
Photo Number 35:
Description: Motel addition, main office and small lobby to the east of the south entrance, looking southwest
Photo Number 36:
Description: Motel addition, main ballroom, looking northeast
Photo Number 37:
Description: Motel addition, main ballroom, looking northwest
Photo Number 38:
Description: Motel addition, hall inside of south entrance (reversed perspective of #30), looking south
Photo Number 39:
Description: Motel addition, hall to east of ballroom, looking north
Photo Number 40:
Description: Motel addition, hall to south of main ballroom, looking west
Photo Number 41:
Description: Motel addition, pool area, looking northeast
Photo Number 42:
Description: Motel addition, pool area, looking southeast
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Photo Number 43:
Description: Motel addition, pool area, looking southwest
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_
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Photo Number 44:
Description: Motel addition, pool area, looking northwest
Photo Numbers 45-46:
Description: Motel addition, left, typical hall, first floor, south wing, looking west;
right, stairs at the east wing of the south wing, looking north
Photo Numbers 47-48:
Description: Motel addition, left, typical hall, second floor, south wing, looking west;
right, mid -plan stairs at pool court, south wing, looking north
Photo Number 49:
Description: Motel addition, typical room, south wing, looking north
Photo Number 50:
Description: Motel addition, typical room, south wing, looking south
46
1
4,_
Photo Number 51:
Description: Motel addition, typical bathroom, south wing, looking southeast
Photo Map:
North
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9-10
1
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
January 14, 2021
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin Boyd, Carl Brown, Helen Burford, Sharon DeGraw, Cecile
Kuenzli, Lyndi Kiple, Quentin Pitzen, Jordan Sellergren, Austin Wu
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow, Anne Russett
OTHERS PRESENT: Steve Ballard, Jesse Burns, Robert Burns, James Carey, Angela
Harrington, Bruce Teague
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical
due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff, and the public
presented by COVID-19.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
By a vote of 9-0 the Commission recommends approval of the local landmark designation for
the property at 2525 Highlander Place, the Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Boyd called the electronic meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
utilizing Zoom.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Mayor Bruce Teague said hello and gave his thanks and appreciation, on behalf of the City
Council, to all of the Commission members for the work they do and have done in the
community.
Boyd thanked Mayor Teague and the City Council for all the work they have done this past year
despite the issues and challenges that arose.
PUBLIC HEARING LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION — 2525 HIGHLANDER PLACE —
HIGHLANDER SUPPER CLUB AND CONVENTION CENTER:
Bristow said that the Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center is a brick building located
on the corner of Interstate 80 and Highway 1. Bristow said that the owner had inquired about
local landmark status, and she hired a historian who completed an extensive site inventory form
for the property.
Bristow showed a photo from 1975 and identified the original supper club built in 1966 (on the
west side next to Highway 1), which had a mansard roof with original wood shingles and an
entry canopy that had since been removed but whose four columns still remain. She identified
the convention center and hotel/motel addition, which consists of a ballroom, a kitchen, offices
2
and reception, hotel wings, an interior pool area, and a courtyard between the wings. She
showed the south entry canopy, which was altered under previous hotel chain management.
Bristow showed photos of the current Supper Club and said that the exterior is mostly intact with
the exception of a few missing finishes such as the mansard shingles and the windows in the
rooms which had been replaced due to code changes. She pointed out the four remaining
columns for the West Entry Canopy and the original limestone entry wall, the entry canopy, the
hotel wing windows on the South side, and the current view of the courtyard.
Bristow said that the site inventory form text began with a description of the desire to create a
destination place along the Interstate (a Supper Club was popular in rural areas), and Hansen
and Lind, Architects, came up with a design in 1964. In an undated time period Hansen, Lind,
and Meyer, Architects came up with a full plan for the Supper Club, pool, and motel, and they
also did elevations (which is similar to what ended up being built). Bristow said that these early
iterations still had some of the same designs for the motel and architectural style. She said that
the Supper Club was not designed by that firm but was instead designed by David C Moore in
1966. Due to costs and other factors mentioned in the text, they only ended up building the
Supper Club. The hotel and convention center eventually underwent construction in 1974.
Bristow said that, since the Supper Club itself has achieved a 50 -year-old historic status, it could
be considered eligible on its own. She said that the goal is to include the convention center
addition as part of the landmark, and part of that utilizes criterion consideration G (similar to the
downtown National Register Nomination) and an investigation of whether or not the addition that
is less than 50 years old has achieved significance in the community. She said that the site
inventory form mentions that the hotel and convention center were not only a part of the original
design, but they were considered necessary for the continued viability and economic stability of
the Supper Club itself. Those two things combine to allow the convention center to be included
as part of the historic property for the local landmark designation.
Bristow said the building consisted of several innovative construction techniques like "Glu -Lam"
beams, a lightweight block, the steel structure of the roof, and an enclosed pool. Bristow
showed construction photos from 1972 as well as photos of the later Radisson changes.
Bristow said, that for a local landmark designation, the Commission should first determine if the
property meets Criteria A and B (significance to Iowa City culture/architecture and integrity) then
evaluate whether it meets Criteria C, D, E, or F, which is also what the National Park Service
would look for in a national register nomination. She said that they can really look at the Supper
Club as part of Iowa City's (middle class) culture of the late 60s and 70s, and an example of late
1960s and early 1970s architecture which makes it eligible to meet Criteria C and E.
Boyd opened and closed the public hearing.
Boyd told a personal story of how his family used to own and manage the Highlander, how he
has heard stories over the years about how much this place means to people in the Iowa City
community, and what this building means to him. He said that he believes the nomination meets
the minimum qualifications of A, B, C, and E.
Boyd stated that neither he nor his family have any financial ties to the building anymore.
Boyd re -opened the public hearing.
Robert Burns, a member of the public, said that he remembered when this building first opened
and that the Commission might also want to consider its use by the University of Iowa Athletic
Department from a cultural standpoint.
3
Angela Harrington, a member of the public and current owner of the Supper Club, said that she
was touched by Boyd's story and reiterated, because of the neglect and serious decline of the
property over the years, why this as a historic preservation project is so important.
Boyd closed the public hearing.
Sellergren said that she appreciated the presentation of the historic photos and that she
supports the historic preservation of the building. Wu said that he thinks it is good (and a nice
change for the Commission) to preserve a commercial building instead of focusing only on
houses. Kiple said that she echoes Wu's thoughts and supports the nomination. Burford said
that she hopes the application can be embellished with Boyd's personal history and she hopes
that they will also be able to get stories about its relationship with Amana and the UI Athletic
Department to include, as well as be able to discuss the relationship between the building and
the interstate and its importance to highway travel. Pitzen asked if anyone knew when the
interstate was built in relation to the Supper Club, and Brown said that it was constructed in
1956. Pitzen said he wanted to give a shout out to former Commissioner Thomas Agran who did
the murals in the motel.
Brown said that, like several of the other Commissioners, he also does not have the same
longstanding connections to the Highlander but that he was pleased to see the nomination show
up and after hearing so much appreciation from his extended family members, he will be
supporting the nomination. DeGraw said that her kids took swimming lessons at that pool, and
that she is excited to see something that is 1960s architecture go through the Commission. She
said that she is appreciative of Harrington's work to restore it and that she also supports the
nomination.
MOTION: DeGraw moved to approve the designation of 2525 Highlander Place —
Highlander Supper Club and Convention Center as an Iowa City historic landmark based
on the following criteria and location designation: Criteria A, B, C, and E. Kiple seconded.
The motion carried on a vote of 9-0.
NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION — IOWA CITY CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT:
Bristow began with a recap and said that they received a grant in 2016 to study the Downtown
District to see if there was a National Register Historic District that was eligible, and a multi -
property document was completed that stated that there was potential for a National Register
Nomination. She said that the City Council directed the Commission to move forward with
creating that nomination. As part of the National Register Nomination review process, which
they are doing again due to a clerical error on the State's part the first time around, the Historic
Preservation Commission is asked to comment on the Nomination.
Bristow said that the nomination talks about the history of the Downtown District, architectural
styles, urban renewal, resource classification, and the importance of the Pedestrian Mall in
keeping the relationship between the Downtown community and the University viable. She said
that the boundaries of the National Register Historic District are Iowa Avenue, South Clinton
Street, South Gilbert Street, and the alley between College and Burlington Street, and that the
period of significance extends from the construction of the Franklin Printing House in 1856 to
1979 when the Pedestrian Mall was completed. The nomination also discusses significant Iowa
builders and architects that were involved in the history of Downtown, its integrity, and an in-
depth discussion of pedestrian malls.
Bristow read the Commission's comment from their September nomination.
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JANUARY 21, 2021 —7:00 PM
ELECTRONIC FORMAL MEETING
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Craig, Maggie Elliott, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Mark
Signs, Billie Townsend
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Nolte
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Anne Russett
OTHERS PRESENT: Kevin Boyd
r
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical
due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff and the public
presented by COVID-19.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ20-0014, an application to
designate 2525 Highlander Place as an Iowa City Historic Landmark and rezone from Highway
Commercial (CH -1) to CH -1 with a Historic District Overlay (OHD/CH-1).
CALL TO ORDER:
Hensch called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
CASE NO. REZ20-0014:
Applicant: Highland Hotel, LLC
Location: 2525 Highlander Place
An application for a rezoning from Highway Commercial (CH -1) to CH -1 with a Historic District
Overlay (OHD/CH-1) to designate the property as an Iowa City Historic Landmark.
Russett began the staff report showing a map of an area of the property noting it's located at the
northeast corner North Dodge Street or Highway 1 and off 1-80. The property is currently zoned
Highway Commercial, and the overlay proposed would maintain that Highway Commercial
designation with a Historic Overlay.
Regarding background for this property, The Highlander Supper Club was built in 1967 and the
convention center was added a few years later in 1973, although it was built later it was still built
to the original design that was developed in the late 60s. The City recently received an
application from the property owner to designate this property as a landmark. Russett showed a
Planning and Zoning Commission
January 21, 2021
Page 2 of 6
few pictures of how the property looks today noting the main entrance, the entrance to the
supper club, the west entry with some of the remaining columns that still exist there, the hotel
rooms, and the courtyard and pool area. Russett showed an aerial photo from 1975 and a
photograph of the pool area in 1975 along with a brochure from 1975 that shows the thin
columns and the entry with the heavy canopy which is the original part of the design.
Russett stated again the property is zoned Highway Commercial and the request is to designate
this as a Historic District Overlay and with that designation any exterior modifications have to be
reviewed by either the City Historic Preservation Planner or the Historic Preservation
Commission. She noted when the Commission is reviewing these Historic Overlays the main
criteria to note is whether or not the request is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. This
property is in the North Corridor District, which currently does not have an adopted district plan.
However, Russett noted the Comprehensive Plan includes several goals related to economic
development and business retention and retaining and expanding existing businesses and to
also encouraging the efficient use of resources. In this case, this is a business that has been in
existence for several years and there's a new owner who wishes to improve the property.
There's already City services at the site and in addition to that, there are Historic Preservation
goals related to identifying and preserving historic resources in the community.
Russett noted the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed this application last Thursday
(January 14) and unanimously recommended approval of the landmark designation. Next steps
are after the P & Z Commission's discussion and recommendation tonight, this will go to
City Council in February for consideration.
Staff recommends approval of REZ20-0014, an application to designate 2525 Highlander Place
as an Iowa City Historic Landmark and rezone from Highway Commercial (CH -1) to CH -1 with a
Historic District Overlay (OHD/CH-1).
Hensch asked if the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission was unanimous
and Russett confirmed it was.
Craig asked if this is approved, does the owner have any obligation to return some of those
original features or is it just the way it is in time right now. Russett explained the owner wouldn't
be obligated to make any changes, but if they do make any changes to the exterior, it will be
subject to historic review.
Hensch opened the public hearing.
Kevin Boyd (Historic Preservation Commission) explained he is now the chair of Historic
Preservation Commission but generally someone from the Commission likes to speak on behalf
of applicants who are pursuing landmark status or other status that the Commissioner has
approved. Boyd was asked to speak tonight as Bob McGurk was his grandfather and he and
Boyd's grandmother were among the original owners of the Highlander. His parents met there,
and his uncle managed the Highlander with Boyd's grandmother after his grandfather died 1984.
Boyd assured he has no financial ties to this property, nor does anyone in his family, at this point.
Boyd noted he has heard the stories for years from folks, how they waited tables there in college,
parents got married there, had our first date there, got engaged there, met Hayden Fry at the
supper club, etc. Boyd stated just this winter he got a text from an acquaintance he went to high
Planning and Zoning Commission
January 21, 2021
Page 3 of 6
school with who was excited to take his kids swimming there just like he had as a kid. For his
entire life people would discover the familial relationship and tell him what the Highlander meant
to them. For Boyd it is where he learned what it meant to own a business. He remembers asking
his grandma if she got a parking spot right up front since she owned the place and she replied in
a way that a grandmother can firmly, but with love, that she parks in the back so the customers
can have the best spots. Boyd noted owning the Highlander meant home football weekends
were work weekends for his parents, meaning his folks will leave before he would wake up and
come home after he'd gone to sleep. He did note many dignitaries came through and he
remembers his parents telling them what it was like to meet President Ford or the other folks who
came through. Boyd recalled so many memories there, a special lunch with his grandma, pizza
making in the kitchen for his Cub Scouts, birthday parties poolside and the pool bar menu even
had a grilled cheese named after him, the Kevin Special.
Boyd was not entirely surprised this application came along, but it did require him to shift his
thinking just as other nominations have required them to shift their sense of history to more
recent times. He does believe it meets the minimum qualifications that are needed to be a
landmark, and it also preserves a place that feels like part of the community's history. While the
history of the Highlander is a little closer to home for him it also preserves that sense for others
who may have had their first job there, or those special dates, weddings, football clubs, proms,
etc. Boyd stated he sees that same entrepreneurial spirit in Angela Harrington and her family
that he saw in his grandparents and his family. Boyd showed a paperweight, a glass dome of a
bunch of pennies for 1973 the year the hotel and convention center was complete, that
paperweight sat on his grandfather's desk and he looks at it and encourages the Planning &
Zoning Commission to support this local landmark status, the history this place represents and
the owner's desire to use preservation as part of the economic success of this property.
Hensch closed the public hearing.
Craig moved to recommend approval of REZ20-0014, an application to designate 2525
Highlander Place as an Iowa City Historic Landmark and rezone from Highway
Commercial (CH -1) to CH -1 with a Historic District Overlay (OHD/CH-1).
Signs seconded the motion.
Hensch noted the unanimous recommendation of Historic Preservation Commission is pretty
powerful to him. He also remembers what a big deal it was to go to events at the Highlander on
New Year's Eve and other things so he certainly does believe it's a landmark in the Iowa City
area. He knows the supper club days are gone, but that was pretty neat time, and he is
supporting this application.
Signs agreed and stated he is in support of the application, it is an icon in the Iowa City area, and
he is anxious to see that they're bringing it back to life. He is also glad they changed the name
back to the Highlander, because it does have a lot of history and they can leverage that quite
well.
Craig noted she came to Iowa City in 1970 as a freshman in college and had no money so never
went out to eat or did anything fancy but in her sophomore year she went to the Highlander for
some event and after that it was like for all special events, you got to go to the Highlander. So
Planning and Zoning Commission
January 21, 2021
Page 4 of 6
there are lots of memories for many, many people there and she is really pleased that they're
doing this and it's not just the building that's preserved, it's the history and the stories that go
along with it so she is totally supportive of this application.
Signs thanked Boyd for sharing his personal story.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: JANUARY 7, 2021:
Townsend moved to approve the meeting minutes of January 21, 2021.
Signs seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
Russett noted the City Council met on Tuesday during their work session to discuss the
affordable housing annexation policy, which was mentioned during the Carson Farms annexation
discussion and caused some Council members to not support that the annexation. There was no
direction given by Council for staff to make any changes to the affordable housing annexation
policy and there were many that wanted it to remain as is. They requested that as the City moves
forward with developing an affordable housing plan that the committee discuss changes.
Hensch stated he noticed there is no district plan for the North Corridor and there's a couple
other districts that are have no plans or are quite aged so is there a plan in place to create those
plans or update those plans. Russett replied right now they are working on an update to the
Southwest District Plan and their next goal after that is to reevaluate the Comprehensive Plan in
its entirety and at that time they'll come back to the Districts and evaluate if that is the structure
that they want to maintain or not. Hensch noted as part of that discussion, in the Riverfront
Crossings there are so many subdistricts and maybe part of the discussion can be to maybe
condense the number of subdistricts. Russett started that actually might come a little bit sooner,
they are actually working on some changes to that Riverfront Crossings Code, most of the
changes are not substantive but more structural to make the Code easier to use.
Signs noted he has been asked to serve on the steering committee as the City prepares the next
five-year Affordable Housing Action Plan representing both realtors, and the P&Z Commission.
Craig stated she signed up for one of the sessions on information about affordable housing but
hasn't receive a zoom link. Russett said that she should receive one, but that it is not a City
event. It's put on by the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition.
ADJOURNMENT:
Townsend moved to adjourn.
Planning and Zoning Commission
January 21, 2021
Page 5 of 6
Martin seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2020-2021
KEY:
X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member
7/16
8/6
8/20
10/1
10/15
11/5
12/3
12/17
1/7
1/21
CRAIG, SUSAN
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
X
X
X
DYER, CAROLYN
O/E
O/E
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
--
ELLIOTT, MAGGIE
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
X
X
X
X
X
HENSCH, MIKE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MARTIN, PHOEBE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NOLTE, MARK
-- --
-- --X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
SIGNS, MARK
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
TOWNSEND, BILLIE
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY:
X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member
STATE OF IOWA
JOHNSON COUNTY
111101111111111111111111111111111110111111111111111111111111111111111
Doc ID 028016070004 Type: GEN
Kind ORDINANCE
Recorded: 03/09/2021 at 09:46:48 AM
Fee Amt: $22.00 Page 1 of 4
Johnson County Iowa
Kim Painter County Recorder
BK6188 PG353-358
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uIr
Cityor
I, Kellie K. Fruehling, City Clerk of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify that the Ordinance attached
hereto is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No.21-4849 which was passed by the City Council of
Iowa City, Iowa, at a regular meeting held on the 2nd day of March, 2021, is a true and correct copy, all
as the same appears of record in my office.
Dated at Iowa City, Iowa, this 5th day of March 2021.
1
Kellie 1. Fruehling
City Clerk
lord
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET • IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 • (319) 356-5000 • FAX (319) 356-5009
Prepared by: Anne Russett, Senior Planner, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; (REZ20-0014)
Ordinance No. 21-4849
Ordinance rezoning property located at 2525 Highlander Place from
Highway Commercial (CH -1) to CH -1 with a Historic District Overlay
(OHD/CH-1). (REZ20-0014)
Whereas, the applicant, Highlander Hotel, LLC, has requested a rezoning of property located
at 2525 Highlander Place from Highway Commercial (CH -1) to Highway Commercial with a
Historic District Overlay (OHD/CH-1); and
Whereas, this structure was originally constructed in 1967 and is significant to Iowa City's
history; and
Whereas, this structure is associated with architecture significant to the mid -west and Iowa; and
Whereas, the Comprehensive Plan encourages the preservation of historic buildings to
encourage the retention and expansion of existing businesses; and
Whereas, Goal 1 of the Historic Preservation component of the Comprehensive Plan calls
for identification of resources significant to Iowa City's past with the objective of designating
individual buildings as landmarks; and
Whereas, the Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the proposed Historic
Landmark designation, has found that it meets the criteria for landmark designation in its
significance to Iowa City history, integrity of location and design, association with events that have
a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history, and embodies distinctive characteristics
of the period and has recommended approval; and
Whereas, the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the proposed Historic
Landmark designation rezoning, has found that it meets the Comprehensive Plan goals of
improving the economic and environmental health of the community through efficient use of
resources, and encouraging the retention and expansion of existing businesses;
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa:
Section I. Historic Landmark Approval. Property described below is hereby reclassified to
Highway Commercial with a Historic District Overlay (OHD/CH-1) zone:
Lot 24, Highlander Development Second Addition, Iowa City, Iowa, according to the plat thereof
recorded in Book 38, Page 155, Plat Records of Johnson County, Iowa.
Section II. Zoning Map. The Building Inspector is hereby authorized and directed to change
the zoning map of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, to conform to this amendment upon the final
passage, approval and publication of this ordinance by law.
Section III. Certification And Recording. Upon passage and approval of the Ordinance, the
City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this ordinance and to record the
same, at the office of the County Recorder of Johnson County, Iowa, at the owner's expense, all
as provided by law.
Ordinance No. 21-4849
Page 2
Section IV. Repealer. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of
this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section V. Severability. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to
be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a
whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
Section VI. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage, approval
and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this 2nd day of March , 2021.
n
Appro
Attest:
Ma 1 r
City Attorney's Office
(Sara Greenwood Hektoen — 02/09/2021)
Ordinance No. 21-4849
Page 3
It was moved by Mims and seconded by Thomas that the
Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
X Bergus
x Mims
x Salih
x Taylor
x Teague
x Thomas
x Weiner
First Consideration 02/16/2021
Voteforpassage: AYES: Mims, Salih, Taylor, Teague, Thomas,
Weiner, Bergus. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.
Second Consideration
Vote for passage:
Datepublished 03/11/2021
Moved by Mims, seconded by Taylor, that the rule requiring ordinances
to be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings
prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended,
the second consideration and vote be waived and the ordinance be
voted upon for final passage at this time.
AYES: Mims, Salih, Taylor, Teague, Thomas, Weiner, Bergus.
NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.
Item Number: 11.
46,, CITY OF IOWA CITY
� COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
March 2, 2021
An ordinance amending Title 4, entitled "Alcoholic Beverages," Chapter 1,
entitled "Definitions," to revise the definition of "restaurant" for Outdoor
Service Areas. (First Consideration)
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Danielle Sitzman, Development Services Coordinator
Kellie Fruehling, City Clerk
Marnie Teagle, Code Enforcement Specialist
Sue Dulek, Ass't City Attorney
Fiscal Impact:
Recommendations: Staff: Approval
Commission: NA
Attachments: Ordinance
Executive Summary:
This agenda item will change the definition of restaurant used for Outdoor Service Areas to
remove reference to specific kitchen equipment that may not be needed for certain types of food
preparation and align it with a full-service food establishment as certified by the Johnson County
Health Department.
Background /Analysis:
Due to health concerns during the COVID19 pandemic, there has been an increased interest in
outdoor dining and drinking opportunities. Outdoor Service Areas offer one such opportunity.
Outdoor Service Areas are areas outside of but immediately adjacent to a building where beer or
liquor is to be sold, served, carried or consumed by the public are and are regulated by Title 4,
"Alcoholic Beverages". They are considered as part of the licensed premises and are regulated
as an addendum to the liquor licensing process established in Title 4 and managed by the City
Clerk's Office.
All Outdoor Service Areas must be located on private property and either in the rear or side of, or
on the rooftop of a building; must provide screening from public view; must limit their occupancy;
must limit and mitigate noise. Additional specific restrictions on hours of operation, number of
allowed occupants, outdoor lighting, and food service are applied based on the zoning district in
which they are located. I n addition, in the Riverfront Crossings Zones, CO -1, CN -1, CI -1, CC -2
the City Council may impose additional conditions if conflicts with properties in an adjacent R
(residential) zone have been identified or are reasonably expected.
In instances where food service restrictions are required, a definition of restaurant is used. The
current definition requires a kitchen to include all the following equipment regardless of the type of
food preparation actually required: a stove, a griddle, a grill or broiler, and a food refrigeration unit.
In addition, no useful definition of this equipment is provided.
This ordinance proposes revising the definition of restaurant to include a kitchen which has
adequate equipment for cooking, ventilation, cleaning, and food storage to meet the basic food
requirements of a full-service food establishment as certified by the Johnson County Health
Department. This change helps to ease administration of these provisions, streamline approval
for applicants, and allow additional establishment to provide Outdoor Service Areas while still
meeting all the other existing requirements.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
DrdinancE
Prepared by: Mamie Teagle 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5030
ORDINANCE NO.
Ordinance amending Title 4, entitled "Alcoholic Beverages," Chapter 1,
entitled "Definitions," to revise the definition of "restaurant" for Outdoor
Service Areas.
Whereas, there is an increased demand for outdoor seating areas associated with
restaurants, bars, hotels, and similar commercial uses due to COVID-19 restrictions; and
Whereas, outdoor areas on private property where alcoholic beverages are served for on-
site consumption are defined as "outdoor service areas" and rules for these areas are set forth
in Title 4, Alcoholic Beverages; and
Whereas, the current definition of "restaurant" lists specific kitchen equipment that may not
be needed for certain types of food preparation; and
Whereas, the revised definition of "restaurant" aligns Iowa City's requirements with those of
a full-service food establishment as certified by the Johnson County Health Department; and
Whereas, revising the definition will ease administration of these provisions, streamline
approval for applicants, and allow additional establishment to provide outdoor service areas;
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa:
Section I. Amendments.
1. Title 4, entitled "Alcoholic Beverages," Chapter 1, entitled "Definitions," is amended by
adding the following underlined text and deleting the following strike -through text:
RESTAURANT: A business whose primary function is the service of food to customers and
which meets the following criteria:
A. Prepares meals on the premises and provides meal service to each floor of the premises
which is open to the public while the kitchen is open;
B. Has a food service menu from which customers may order;
C. Has an employee whose primary duty is the preparation of food and an employee whose
primary duty is to serve food to customers;
D. Has a kitchen separate from the bar equipped with
adequate cooking equipment; adequate hood ventilation system that complies with state/local
fire and building codes; two 3 -compartment sinks or a commercial dish machine; adequate food
storage refrigeration, and holding equipment. Kitchen must meet basic food requirements of a
full-service food establishment as certified by the Johnson County Health Department.
E. Operates the restaurant service during at least sixty percent (60%) of the hours that the
business is open to the public; and
F. Holds itself out to be a restaurant and advertises itself as a restaurant if it advertises.
G. Includes a cafe, cafeteria, coffee shop, delicatessen, ice cream shop, lunchroom, or
tearoom.
1
Section II. Repealer. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provision of
this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section III. Severability. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to
be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a
whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
Section IV. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage, approval
and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this day of , 2021.
Mayor
Approved by
Attest:
City Clerk City Attorney's Office
(Sue Dulek — 02/25/2021)
2
Ordinance No.
Page
It was moved by and seconded by that the
Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
First Consideration 03/02/2021
Bergus
Mims
Salih
Taylor
Teague
Thomas
Weiner
Vote for passage:
Mims, Salih.
Second Consideration
AYES: Taylor, Teague, Thomas, Weiner, Bergus,
NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.
Vote for passage:
Date published
Item Number: 12.
1 4CITY OF IOWA CITY
!kr4gi,'��� COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
March 2, 2021
Ordinance amending Title 9, entitled "Motor Vehicles," to provide that the
process for towing, impounding, and reclaiming of abandoned vehicles is
consistent with the Iowa Code. (Second Consideration)
Prepared By: Susan Dulek, Ass't. City Attorney
Reviewed By: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Denise Brotherton, Captain Police Department
Fiscal Impact: None
Recommendations: Staff: Approval
Commission: N/A
Attachments: Ordinance
Executive Summary:
Both state law and the City Code have a hearing process for an owner to challenge the towing,
impounding, and/or reclaiming of an abandoned vehicle, but the definition of abandoned vehicle
and the process vary slightly. Because the Iowa Code preempts the City from having a different
definition and a different process, the City Code needs to be amended to make it consistent with
the state law.
Background /Analysis:
Sections 321.235 and .236 of the Iowa Code preempt local governments from enacting any
ordinance that is contrary to the abandoned vehicle provision in the state code. When scheduling
a hearing request, staff recognized that the process in the City Code for abandoned vehicles was
slightly different than in the Iowa Code.
The primary difference is that state law allows the owner 10 days to request an
administrative hearing and the City Code allows 21 days. In addition to decreasing the time to
request a hearing, the ordinance also clarifies that the owner can challenge the fees and charges
as well as the towing itself and amends the definition of abandoned vehicle.
The Iowa Code only regulates the towing, impoundment, and reclaiming of an abandoned vehicle,
not a vehicle towed for other reasons. The City Code grants a hearing to the owner of any vehicle
towed, and this ordinance does not change that. However, the time frame to request a hearing on
the tow of a non -abandoned vehicle is also decreased to 10 days to avoid having two different
deadlines.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Ordinance
12-
Prepared
2
Prepared by: Susan Dulek, Asst. City Attorney, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5030
ORDINANCE NO. 21-4850
Ordinance amending Title 9, entitled "Motor Vehicles," to provide that
the process for towing, impounding, and reclaiming of abandoned
vehicles is consistent with the Iowa Code.
Whereas, both the Iowa Code and the City Code authorize the towing, impounding,
and reclaiming of abandoned vehicles, but they define abandoned vehicles differently and
the hearing and reclaim process is different;
Whereas, Sections 321.235 and .236 of the Iowa Code preempt local governments
from enacting any ordinance that is contrary to the abandoned vehicle provision in the
state code;
Whereas, the City Code should be amended such that the towing, impounding,
reclaiming, and hearing process for abandoned vehicles is consistent with the Iowa Code;
and
Whereas, the towing, impounding, reclaiming, and hearing process for vehicles that
are not abandoned should be the same as for abandoned vehicles; and
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the City to adopt this ordinance.
Now, therefore, be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa:
Section I. Amendments.
1. Title 9, entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapter 1, entitled "Definitions,
Administration and Enforcement of Traffic Provisions," Section 1, entitled
"Definitions," is amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the strike
through text as follows:
Abandoned Vehicle: :
Means any of the following:
(1) A vehicle that has been left unattended on public property for more than twenty-four
hours and lacks current registration plates or two or more wheels or other parts which
renders the vehicle totally inoperable.
(2) A vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for more than twenty-four
hours.
(3) A vehicle that has been unlawfully parked on private property or has been placed on
private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for
more than twenty-four hours.
(4) A vehicle that has been legally impounded and has not been reclaimed for a period
of ten days. However, the vehicle may be declared abandoned within the ten-day period
by commencing the notification process as provided int this title.
(5) Any vehicle parked on the highway or street determined by the police department to
create a hazard to other vehicle traffic.
(6) A vehicle that has been impounded pursuant to section 321 J.4B of the Iowa Code by
order of the court and whose owner has not paid the impoundment fees after notification
by the person or agency responsible for carrying out the impoundment order.
Ordinance No. 21-4850
Page 2
2. Title 9, entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapter 9, entitled "Towing
and Impoundment Procedures," Section 1, entitled "Towing and Impoundment of
Abandoned Vehicles; Notices," is amended by adding the underlined text and
deleting the strike through text as follows:
A. t Towing And Impoundment of Abandoned Vehicle Authorized: The department
may tow and impound or have towed and impounded any vehicle abandoned, provided
the department has notified the owner or person claiming rightful entitled- ie possession
that the vehicle will be towed and impounded if the vehicle is not removed within seventy
two (72) hours of the time a towing notice is posted. Notice shall be deemed posted by
securely attaching the notice to the driver's side window of the vehicle. The notice shall
state the date and time the notice is attached to the vehicle, the intent to tow the vehicle
seventy two (72) hours after the posting, the reason for the notice to tow and that all costs
of removal, notification and storage must be paid before the vehicle may be reclaimed.
This notice provision shall
not be required in the case of a vehicle parked on or in a public street or alley determined
by the department to create an immediate hazard to vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
2. Towing and Impoundment of Illegally Parked Vehicle in Parking Lot: Vehicles parked
in a city owned or operated parking lot may be towed and impounded twenty four (24)
hours after the posting of notice to that effect. This notice provision shall not be required
in the case of a vehicle determined by the department to create an immediate hazard to
vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
B. 1. When a vehicle has been impounded under the provisions of this title or seized
under any provision of the laws of the state, the department shall follow the procedures
determined by state law for giving notice to the owner, lien holders of record and any other
known claimant to the vehicle of the impoundment and the
proposed sale of the abandoned vehicle. ".
3. Title 9, entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapter 9, entitled "Towing and
Impoundment Procedures," Section 10, entitled "Hearing for Objection to Towing and
Impoundment," is amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the strike through
text as follows:
A. The owner, lien holder of record, or a person claiming rightful ent plod to
possession may object and request an evidentiary hearing
to a towing or -impoundment and/or to the fees and charges assessed if a vehicle is
towed and/or impounded with or without prior notice. Request for a hearing after an
impoundment must be made within ten (10)en'ne (21) saleadar days after notice of
impoundment is provided by the department or shall be deemed waived.
B. The person challenging the towing, impoundment and/or fees and charges shall
be informed of the reason for the towing and/or impoundment, and a hearing shall be
held without unnecessary delay before the city manager or designee.
C. The city manager or designee shall consider all relevant information offered by
witnesses, including the person challenging the towing, impoundment, and/or fees and
charges and shall set forth findings as to the objection and grounds for challenge. The
city manager or designee shall notify the person challenging the impoundment of the
decision, and the decision shall indicate whether the towing,aad/ei impoundment,
and/or fees and charges was appropriate.
Ordinance No. 21-4850
Page 3
D. If the city manager or designee finds the vehicle was improperly towed and/or
impounded, the vehicle shall be released to the person challenging the towing and/or
impoundment upon compliance with subsection 9-9-11A of this chapter. All costs of
towing, preservation, storage and notification accruing through the fourth calendar day
after the city manager's or designee's decision shall be paid by the city. All costs
accruing thereafter shall be paid by the person challenging the impoundment prior to the
vehicle's release from impoundment. If the city manager or designee finds the vehicle
was properly towed and/or impounded, but finds a fee or charge is improper, the city
shall pay the improper fee or charge.
4. Title 9, entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapter 9, entitled "Towing and
Impoundment Procedures," Section 11, entitled "Redemption of Towed and Impounded
Vehicle," Subsection B is amended by adding the underlined text and deleting the strike
through text as follows:
B. Right To Reclaim And Forfeiture:
1. The owner, lien holder of record or person claiming rightful entitled to possession
of an impounded vehicle shall reclaim the vehicle within ten (10) twenty -one -(2-1-)
calendar days after:
a. The effective date of the notice provided in subsection 9-9-1 B of this chapter,
unless a hearing is requested pursuant to section 9-9-10 of this chapter;
b. Receipt of a vehicle release form from the city, if the receipt is issued prior to
the effective date of the notice provided in subsection 9-9-1 B of this chapter; or
c. The date of the Receipt of a decision from a hearing held pursuant to section 9-
9-10 of this chapter.
2. If the owner, lien holder or known claimant does
not exercise the right to reclaim an impounded vehicle within the ten (10) twenty-one
(21�c ) calendar day reclaiming period, such person shall be deemed to have waived any
right, title, claim or interest in or to the vehicle.
3. The owner, lien holder of record or known claimant
of any vehicle that is not abandoned may, upon written request and payment of
additional storage charges, delivered to the department prior to the expiration of the ten
(10) day reclaiming period, obtain an additional period of up to
fourteen (14) calendar days within which the vehicle may be reclaimed. -
Section Il. Repealer. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the
provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section III. Severabilitv. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be
adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of
the Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or
unconstitutional.
Section IV. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
ssed and approved this 2nd day of March , 2021.
Attest:
City Clerk
Ordinance No. 21-4850
Page 4
City Attorney's Office
(Sue Dulek — 02/10/2021)
It was moved by Thomas and seconded by Salih
Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
X Bergus
x Mims
x Salih
x Taylor
x Teague
x Thomas
X Weiner
First Consideration 02/16/2021
Vote for passage: AYES:
Thomas, Weiner.
Second Consideration
Bergus, Mims, Salih, Taylor, Teague,
NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.
Vote for passage:
that the
Date published 03/11/2021
Moved by Mims, seconded by Salih, that the rule requiring ordinances
to be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings
prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended,
the second consideration and vote be waived and the ordinance be
voted upon for final passage at this time.
AYES: Teague, Thomas, Weiner, Bergus, Mims, Salih, Taylor.
NAYS: None. ABSENT: None.