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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA016 - Letter dated May 8, 1989 from Sharon Wirth i fill Historic Old Town May 8 , 1989 Historic Preservation Commission City of Ames Ames , IA 50010 Dear Commission Members , The Historic Old Town Committee met on May 7 to discuss the staff recommendation concerning establishment of the Old Town Historic District (OTHD) . As a result of that meeting , we would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our support for establishment of the district as proposed in the application filed with the City in Nov . , 1988. While we appreciate the diligence of the Planning and Housing Staff and respect their process , we feel some additional factors merit consideration . After careful research and considerable study we have concluded , in this case , it is also important to look at the street/block/alley pattern and the plat layout of the area . All blocks within the proposed OTHD are rectangular and bisected by alleys running parallel to the avenues (p . 5 of application ) . This is the largest contiguous area in Ames where this historic grid layout pattern can still be seen today (p . 13) . Additionally , we have considered the plat layout in suggesting boundaries . The western boundary line (the alley between Clark and Wilson Aves . ) follows the boundary of the City ' s second platting , Blair 's Addition (p. 5) The boundaries suggested in the application have a strong historical basis which we feel is important to the statement of significance and the significance period for the proposed OTHD. We also ask you to consider the viewpoint that preservation is an ongoing and dynamic process . The information contained in the filed application , although extensive , is certainly not complete . The preservation/restoration process is such that new information is continually uncovered . Since filing the application 2 houses on 7th Street have been demolished and we can tie 3 additional houses on Clark Ave . alone to significant individuals or events in Ames history ( 831 , 824 and 706 Clark) . RECEIVED MAY 0 8 1989 CITY OF AMES,IOWA DEPT.OF PLANNING&HOUSING The Historic Old Town Committee feels there is strong rationale for restoration/preservation on Clark Ave . and inclusion of this area in the historic district would serve to further the aims and goals apparent in establishing the district . In summary , we do not feel the small difference in scores between the 3 options suggested in the staff report provide adequate justification for altering the proposed boundaries . Sincerely , Sharon Wirth Coordinator Historic Old Town Committee