HomeMy WebLinkAboutA006 - Council Action Form dated November 17, 1992 ITEM #:
DATE: 11 17 992
a
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT:
Resolution to Set November 24, 1992 as the Date of a Public Hearing to
Consider an Ordinance to Designate the Property at 420 Kellogg Avenue
(Public Safety Building/1915 City Hall) as a Historic Landmark.
ACTION FORM SUMMARY: The Ames Heritage Association requests that the
City of Ames designate the property at 420 Kellogg Avenue (Public
Safety Building/1915 City Hall) as a historic landmark.
The Historic Preservation Commission, Ames Planning and Zoning
Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office have reviewed
this request and recommend approval.
City Staff believes the property meets the criteria for a local
historic landmark and recommend approval of an ordinance to designate
the property at 420 Kellogg as a local historic landmark.
BACKGROUND:
On October 22, 1990, the Ames Heritage Association submitted an applica-
tion to the City for the designation of the Public Safety Building (1915
Ames City Hall) as a Historic Landmark.
The City Council delayed action on this request until the survey of Histor-
ical and Architectural Resources was completed. Now that the survey is
complete, the request is ready for action by the City Council.
Property Information.
Legal Description: Lots 12, 13, 14, and 15, Block 11, Original
Town.
Property Address: 420 Kellogg Avenue.
Zoning: C-C (Concentrated Commercial) .
LUPP Map: Commercial Development.
Lot Size: 10,000 square feet.
Building Footprint: 5,977 square feet.
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Use: From the time of its original construction until April,
1990, when the building was vacated, it was used for City
government offices, including police and fire department opera-
tions.
Architectural Style: Classical Revival.
Date of Construction: 1915-16.
ANALYSIS:
Land Use Policy Plan: The following priority, goals, and policies of the
Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP) apply to this Historic Landmark proposal:
Community Priorities:
- Designation of land in the Land Use Policy Plan should reflect
the long-term use of the land even though that use may differ
from the current use.
B.1.7. Policy:
The City of Ames supports the preservation of significant
historic, architectural, and cultural resources that are
identified within the planning area.
- The creation of preservation ordinances will serve to
accomplish this policy.
C.1.1. Policy:
Revitalization and maintenance of the Central Business
District and Campustown Business District will be encour-
aged.
- This can be accomplished through the Urban Revital-
ization Program and through the use of powers provid-
ed by urban renewal. This will assist with develop-
ment/redevelopment in each of the designated areas.
1.1.3. Policy:
The rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing structures
for new uses rather than replacing them with new struc-
tures will be encouraged.
- In areas designated for revitalization and redevelop-
ment, development that revitalizes and reuses existing
structures should be encouraged. Buildings suitable
for adaptive reuse should be identified, and proposals
to remove those structures may not receive the finan-
cial incentives that may be available. Redevelopment
Study guidelines will be established for revitalization
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areas that indicate what incentives will be given for
reuse of existing structures.
J.2.2. Policy:
Promote development of the Central Business District and
Campustown Business District.
Criteria for Nomination as a Historic Landmark.
The applicant must provide evidence that the proposed landmark meets the
following three (3) criteria:
1. Properties are significant in national, state or local history,
architecture, landscape architecture, archeology, and culture;
and
2. Properties possess integrity of location, design, setting, materi-
als, workmanship, feeling and association; and
3. Properties have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information
important in prehistory or history.
In addition, the applicant must provide information which addresses at
least one (1) of the following:
4. Properties are associated with events that have been a signifi-
cant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
5. Properties are associated with the lives of persons significant in
our past; or
6. Properties embody the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period, method of new construction, represent the work of a
master, possess high artistic values, represent a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual
distinction.
Action taken by the Historic Preservation Commission.
On March 18, 1991, the Historic Preservation Commission conducted a
public hearing on this application. On April 8th, the Commission passed a
recommendation that City Council designate this structure as a historic
landmark.
Action taken by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
On May 1, 1991, the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed this request
and recommended that it be approved.
Response by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) .
On May 14, 1991, the City Council forwarded the application for this
property to the SHPO for their review. A response was received from the
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State of Iowa in a letter, dated July 1, 1991 (see attached) . The State
Historic Preservation Office concurs with the local historic landmark desig-
nation.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Analysis of the information submitted leads staff to conclude that the
designation of the Public Safety Building (1915 City Hall) as a historic
landmark meets the criteria as set forth in the Land Use Policy Plan and in
Section 31.7(2) of the Municipal Code, which specifies criteria for consid-
eration as a historic landmark.
Staff believes that the property is significant and meets the criteria for
the following reasons:
Criteria No. 1:
Properties are significant in national, state, or local history, archi-
tecture, landscape architecture, archaeology, and culture.
A. This structure represents the City's transition from a pioneer
village to a city;
B. This is the only building specifically designed for City govern-
ment and housed Ames' government for 74 years; and
C. This building is the only known City Hall designed exclusively
by the architectural firm of Liebbe, Nourse, and Rasmussen, and
this architectural firm was a leading architectural firm in the
early 20th Century in the state of Iowa.
Criteria No. 2:
Properties possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and association.
A. This structure represents a classical revival structure with a
relatively high degree of integrity.
Criteria No. 3:
Properties have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information impor-
tant in prehistory or history.
A. Many City departments can trace their history to some area of
this building, i.e. - Fire Department, Police Department, City
Manager's Office, Legal Department, etc.
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Criteria No. 5:
Properties are associated with the lives of persons significant in our
past.
A. This structure is associated with the lives of persons significant
in the City's past including Parley Sheldon, A. H. Munn, Capt.
Wallace Greeley and others.
1992 Survey of Historical and Architectural Resources of Ames, Iowa.
This report strongly supports the designation of the 1915 City Hall as
a local landmark for the following reasons:
A. The 1915 City Hall is an example of an historic context estab-
lished as part of the historic survey. This historic context is
described as:
CIVICS: GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY, 1864-1943.
B. The consultant for the survey concurs which the architectural
significance of the building as discussed in the application
materials submitted by the Ames Heritage Association.
Staff believes this 1992 Survey of Historical and Architectural Resources
supports the designation of the 1915 City Hall as a local historic landmark.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve a Resolution to set November 24, 1992
as the date of a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend the
official zoning map of the City to designate the property located at
420 Kellogg Avenue (Public Safety Building/1915 Ames City Hall) as a
local historic landmark.
2. The City Council can deny approval of a Resolution to set November
24, 1992 as the date of a public hearing to consider an ordinance to
amend the official zoning map of the City to designate the property
located at 420 Kellogg Avenue (Public Safety Building/1915 Ames City
Hall) as a local historic landmark.
3. The City Council can refer this request for the designation of the
property located at 420 Kellogg Avenue (Public Safety Building/1915
Ames City Hall) as a historic landmark back to City Staff for addi-
tional information.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative #1. This will approve a Resolution to set November 24, 1992
as the date of a public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend the
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official zoning map of the City to designate the property located at 420
Kellogg Avenue (Public Safety Building/1915 Ames City Hall) as a local
historic landmark.
Design Guidelines and Design Criteria would be used to evaluate any
changes to the exterior of the building only. Design Guidelines presently
exist in the Municipal Code to evaluate physical changes to the exterior.
Design Criteria for this particular architectural style, "Classical Revival"
will be developed and presented to the City Council for consideration if
the City Council proceeds with the designation of the building as a historic
landmark.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Attachment
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52
CIVICS:
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IMPROVE THE
COMMUNITY, 1864-1943
59
RECOMMENDATIONS
Most of the property types associated with this historic context are non-extant or because of
their nature inappropriate for historic preservation. This is in the nature of such resources.
First generation infrastructural improvements have, for example, been replaced with
modern street surfaces, street lighting, stone and sanitary sewers, and so on. The Ames
Power Plant, a modern operation,continues to evolve with technology. The Parley and
Bernice Sheldon House at 603 Douglas is non-extant. (The site presently serves as a
municipal paridng lot). This loss of historic resources increases the value of those which
remain to call attention to "Civics"as an historic context Principal among these resources
is the Ames City Hall. T report strop 1 Stmnnrtc r
g-�•�rr the d si Sion of the Am (yin,Hatt
as a local landmark beca use of its htston .al s,gifficance in the civic development of rhP
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luwa 3ne invemory
Bureau of Historic Preservation
Iowa State Department of Cultural Affairs 442-- Site Number 008
Capitol Complex , � District Name
Des Moines,Iowa 50319 Map Reference k `
Identification �2 ��a
1. Site Name CITY HALL
2. Village/Town/City AMES Township WASHINGTON County STORY
3. Street Address 420 KELLOGG AVENUE
4. Legal Location
Urban: subdivision block
Rural: towmh; panel subparcel
P R°8° aedioa 1/4 section of 1/4 uaioa•
5. UTM Location: zone easting northing :Acreage
6. Owner(s)Name
7. Owner(s)Address
(Street address) (City)
(State) (Zip)
8. Use: Present NOT-IN-USE Original GOVERNMENT
Description
9. Date of Construction: 1915-1916 Architect/Builder_ LIEBBE. NOURSE AND RASMUSSEN
10. Building Type
U single-family dwelling U industrial U other institutional L]reli ious
L]multiple-family dwelling U education [x]public g
U commercial U agricurltural
11. Exterior walls: L]clapboard L]stone [XI brick U board and batten
shingles other U stucco
12. Structural System: U wood frame with interlocking joints U wood frame with light members(balloon frame)
fX]masonry load-bearing walls U iron frame U steel frame with curtain walls U reinforced concrete
U other
13. Condition: U excellent M good U fair L]deteriorated
14. Integrity: [X] original site U moved--if so, when?
Notes on alterations,additions(with dates and architect,if known)and any other notable features of building and site:
(see next page)
15. Related Outbuildings and Property: U bam U other farm structures L]carriage house U garage
U other U privy
16. Is the building endangered: [XI no U yes--if so,why?
17. Surroundings of the building: U open land U woodland U scattered outbuildings U densely built-up M commercial
U industrial U residential U other
18' Map 19. Photo looking 5E Photographer Wirth
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Significance (Indicate sources of information for all statements)
20. Architectural Significance
(Key stzuciure/uidividually may qualify for the National Register)
[x] a. Ames Contributing
(] b. Ames Compatible (Contributing structure)
[] c. Ames Noncontributing (Not eligibte/intnuion)
The architectural significance of this building is extensively discussed in an application for
the resource's designation as an Ames local landmark. The consultant for this intensive
survey of the CBD concurrs with the evaluation of that application.
21. Historical significance Themes)
[x] a. Key structurelindividually may qualify for the National Register(Ames Contributing)
[] b. Contributing structure (Ames Compatible)
(] c. Not eligible/intrusion (Ames Non-Contributing)
This building obtains historical significance because the building calls direct attention to
Ames city government during the Progressive Era.. The years between 1891 and 1918
witnessed the transformation of city government in Ames. The City embarked on a new era
of public improvement and service spurred on by a strong belief in civic responsibility. A
city engineer was appointed,plans and implementation of many public works projects were
undertaken, the city introduced many regulatory functions like signage,fire zones, building
permits, and the geographical extent of the city was increased almost twofold with
annexation of west Ames. Parley Sheldon,the "Perennial Mays" epitomized civic duty
sometimes putting his own financial resources at the disposal of the city's good.
Few of the public works projects completed during the Progressive Era remain extant. The
Ames City Hall obtains further historical significance because it is one of the few resources
from this period calling attention to the role of local government in Ames.
22. Sources(for primary and secondary sources.give complete facts of 1ubucatim and•tide,place of publication,date,etc
Rollenhagen,Rose and Kathy Svec; "Application for Designation of[the Ames City Hall]as a Historic
Landmark";Typewritten manuscript;City of Ames Planning and Housing Office; 1990.
Prepared by William C pa Ye.pu lic Historian Date Fall 1991
Address I Southwest Fourth Sir Ft Des Moines TA 50309 _Telephone 515280-8026
Organization hi
For Office of Historic Preservation Use Only
I. Office Information Sources on this Property []Review and Compliance Project:
[]County Resource File [ ] Other
[]Windshield Survey [ ] Oth
[]National Register [ ] Other
[]Grants-in-Aid:
[] Determination of Eligibility
3. Photo Images
2. Subject Traces
a.
b.
C.
d.
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IOWA SITE INVENTORY. FORK
EVALIIATION SHEET
Architectural Significance and Associated Context(s) :
Applicable National Register Criteria: [ J A [ ] B ( ] C ( ] D
National Register Eligibility: Individual: _ Yes _ No
District: _ Contributing Non-Contributing
Reviewed by/Date:
Architects Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen were an important Des Moines firm,
practicing 1898-1926. Classical Revival style.
This structure is the only building currently in existence in Ames which
was built specifically for city government use.
Continuation Sheet [ ]
Historical Significance and Associated Context(s):
Applicable National Register Criteria: [ ] A [ J B [ ] C [ J D
National Register Eligibility: Individual: _ Yes _ No
District: — Contributing Non-Contributing
Reviewed by/Date;
Ames was establish in , an incorporatedin 1 City government rented locations
until 1886, when a small two-story structure was built. The single room upstairs served the
city council. Downstairs was the stall for the fire wagon. Next door in 1887, a tiny jail
was built. By June, 1914, city officials deplored the uninviting space, the appearance which
did not inspire pride and the fear of fire. The appointed committee agreed city hall plans
needed to be forward-looking, anticipating a population of 20,000. .After a, study of city hall;
across Iowa and a survey of available architects, Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen was selected in
January, 1915. Plans were drawn, so bids could be taken. 'These amounted to $37,310 in April,
1915. Work started after a special election in May. The two-story structure was demolished
and the same site was used: the southeast corner of 5th & Kellogg, which was within the
original town. The cornerstone was laid in August amidst a celebration attended by 2000 of
Ames' 5000 people. A parade and invocation preceded speeches by town leaders. Judge C.G. Lee
saw the structure as "a breastwork in civic advancement—that those who came after could take
advantage of gains made." Lee predicted that Ames' population would reach 15,C00 "at no
distant future" and urged citizens who passed city hall to ask "what k:ave I done and what can
I do to make Ames a better place." During 1915-16,. in addition to _ity hall, a large hotel,
the Masonic temple and a hospital were built and the light plant was doubled in size.
The village took a big step forward.
Continuation Sheet [ j
Prepared by Kathy Svec Date 7-20-90
Address 603 Grand Ames IA 50010 _ Telephone 515-232-487:M
Affliation Ames Heritage Association 515-294-8091
T
CFN 259-1401 Property Characteristic Form - CommERCIAL
8/25/89 Survey ID Number
Database ID Number
Street Address 420 Kellogg City Ames County- Story
Legal Description: (If Rural) Township Range Section Quarter of Quarter
of
Location Integrity: Original Site (OS) Moved (MV) Moved to Original Site (MO) OS
Endangered?: N oro If yes, why? Plans are uncertain City wishes to sell.
No protection is assured at this time.
Ground Plan: a. Building Shape(s) rectangle b. Width. 7018" by Depth 8417" in feet
Architectural Style/Stylistic Influences Key Stylistic Attributes Code
Classical Revival style door frame at main entrance, two-story
(Surveyor: Wesley Shank) pilasters with capitals and bases omitted,
entablature, block course, symmetrical design
Materials: Foundation limestone (excellent condition) 43
Walls brick (solid; excellent condition; mortar: good) 30
Roof asphalt 80
Number of Stories _2
.--
Roof Shape flat 4
Builder(s) J.E. Tusant Construction Co. Architect(s) Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen
Original Construction Date 1915-16 Modification/Addition Dates: 1962, 1979, 1980
1962: second floor offices remodeled
1979-80: first and second floor offices remodeled
Continuation Shee ;
Significant Interior Components: 22% of non-structural interior walls have been removed and
partition walls added. Remaining walls are in good shape with plaster intact. Oak panel doors
& transoms, complete with Florentine glass and original hardware, are in good condition. Oak
1
trim is also in good shape The main stairways are of cast iron with Continuation Sheet
Non-Storage Basement Use:
Jail, holding roans for Police Dept. , offices for Police Dept.
Continuation Sheet ( 1
Treatment .f Store Front:
Continuation Sheet r 1
Surveyor Comments: The Classical Revival style was used as an appropriate means of expressing
the dignity of local government, but simplicity of the design expressed the midwestern ideal of
economical democratic government. The function of the fire station was given reduced, but
separate expression.
Surveyor: Wesley Shank
Continuation Sheet
Sources: Original blueprints for Ames City Hall. Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen, Architects, 3/8/15.
Blueprints for "Renovations to the 1st & 2nd Floors of Public Safety Building." Bernard J.
Slater, Architect, 2/20/79 & 7/17/80.'
Ames Intelligencer, June 10 & August 5, 1914.
Ames Weekly Tribune, April 8 & August 11-12, 1915.
Needs Further Study/Anomaly [ ] Continuation Sheet ( 1)
Surveyor Kathy Svec & Rose go enh agn Ames Heritaae Assn. Date 6-28-90
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Continuation Sheet (1) for 420 Kellogg, Ames IA
Significant Interior Components(cont.):
cast iron railings and terrazzo steps. Terrazzo floors remain in
hallways, with marble baseboard in front hallways on first floor.
The walls of the main vestibule are covered with marble, including
engraved marble slabs listing the City's officials and the architects,
builder and other contractors.
Much of the original Council Chambers on the second floor has been
partitioned into smaller rooms, with dropped ceilings and fluorescent
light panels; but a portion of the original ceiling is visible and it
exhibits the original wood beams and crown mouldings. We assume that
the rest remain above the dropped ceiling. Plaster block pilasters are
featured in the Council Chambers; most are still visible and appear to
be in good condition.
Of the three skylights on the second floor, one is visible, but has been
painted over. The other two may still be there, but are hidden by
dropped ceilings.
Upgrading of telephone and electrical service has resulted in exposed
cable and conduit throughout.
Sources(cont. ) :
Farwell Brown, Ames Historian, Ames IA.
Wesley Shank, Dept. of Architecture, Iowa State University, Ames IA.
Don Keltner, Supt. of Buildings, City of Ames, Ames IA.
Gene Finnegan, Dept. of Public Works, City of Ames, Ames I.A.
City of Ames Inspections Office records for Ames City Hall, Ames IA.
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F�'y2 State Historical Socie of Iowa
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The Historical Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs
July 1, 1991
Mr. Ray D. Anderson
Department of Planning and Housing
City of Ames
Ames, Iowa 50010
Dear Mr. Anderson:
First an introduction, I am the new Local Governments Coordinator and
look forward to working with you both in the management of Ames varied
cultural resources and future entry of Ames into the CLG program. Will Page
has indicated that the C-I-fy is becoming increasingly interested in applying
for CLG status. Shortly, you should be receiving information about a CLG
training conference scheduled for July 26 and 27, 1991 in Waterloo. While the
thrust of the conference is for current CLG's in Iowa, we have included Main
Street communities, communities with local districts, and CLG applicants on
our mailing list. I hope that you, your staff, and members of the Ames
commission will be able to attend.
This letter is in response to your letter of May 23, 1991 regarding
designation of the Public Safety Buidling (1915 City Hall) at 420 Kellogg
Avenue as a local historic landmark. The building was determined potentially
eligible for National Register of Historic Places designation in the fall of
1990 as indicated in Lisa Linehart's 11/16/90 letter to you. That assessment
still stands, accordingly the State concurs with the local historic landmark _
designation.
• Thank you for providing ample documentation on this structure and the
opportunity to review and comment. We laud Ames preservation efforts.
Sincerely,
V
Kerry C. McGrath
Local Governments Coordinator
cc: James Jacobsen, Chief, BHP
Ralph Christian, Consulting Architectural Historian, BHP
❑ 402 Iowa Avenue ❑ Capitol Complex ❑ Montauk
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Des Moines, Iowa 50319 Box 372
(319) 335-3916 (515) 281-5111 Clermont, Iowa 52135
(319) 423-7173