HomeMy WebLinkAboutA003 - Council Action Form dated September 28, 2010 ITEM 38&39
DATE 9-28-10 ff
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REZONE LAND LOCATED AT 1013 & 1025 ADAMS STREET
(PROPOSED LOT 1 AND PROPOSED LOT 2, MARY ADAMS
SUBDIVISION) TO ESTABLISH THE OH (HISTORIC PRESERVATION
OVERLAY) DISTRICT AND DESIGNATE THE PROPERTY AS A LOCAL
HISTORIC LANDMARK, WITH APPLICABLE DESIGN CRITERIA
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Ames Historical Society(AHS) has submitted an application requesting that the City of
Ames designate the property and existing house at 1013 Adams Street as a Local Historic
Landmark (See Attachment B). The City has obtained ownership of the entire property as
a gift through the Mary Adams Estate. The house, constructed in 1958, is located in the
southeast corner of the site (See Attachment F). It is the intent of the City to sell the house
for use as a single-family home. Accordingly, an application to subdivide the property has
been separately submitted, which would carve off a two-acre lot for the house. The house
would be located on Proposed Lot 1 of the Mary Adams Subdivision. It would be addressed
as 1013 Adams Street. The remaining 2.97 acres of the site (proposed Lot 2) is planned
for use as a City park to be named "Adams Memorial Greenway." The Greenway will be
addressed as 1025 Adams Street.
The existing zoning designation of the entire site is RL(Residential Low). Under a separate
rezone application, Proposed Lot 2 would be designated as S-GA (Govern ment/Airport),
with RL being retained on Proposed Lot 1. The proposal under this request by AHS is to
concurrently zone the entire site — both proposed Lot 1 and Proposed Lot 2 - as a Local
Historic Landmark. This is accomplished by applying the O-H (Historic Preservation
Overlay) zone to both lots. Accordingly, if each separate rezone proposal is approved, RL
would be the base zone for Proposed Lot 1, S-GA would be the base zone for Proposed
Lot 2; and O-H would be an overlay zone over both lots. (See Attachments C & D)
Design Criteria. In conjunction with the proposed historic preservation overlay, design
criteria applicable to the site have been developed. The design criteria, developed by local
architect and Historic Preservation Commission Member, Thomas Leslie,AIA, address the
historic characteristics of the property and prescribe development standards that would
retain the historic integrity of the site (See Attachment H). For example, the criteria
emphasize the importance of the greenway to the context of the Adams house, and include
this statement:
"The Adams' House relationship to its grassy, open site is an essential aspect of its
Landmark status. Alterations or changes in use that alter the visual or spatial
relationship of the house to its grounds shall be discouraged."
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These criteria must be approved by the City Council at the time of establishment of the
Historic Preservation (O-H)zoning overlay. They would be adopted under a separate
ordinance(attached)and incorporated into Chapter 31 (Historic Preservation Districts).
Designation as a Local Historic Landmark will require that the property owner comply
with all regulations of Chapter 31, including adopted Design Guidelines and Design
Criteria for any alterations or additions to the exterior of the existing house and
detached garage. A Certificate of Appropriateness granted by the Historic Preservation
Commission will be required, prior to proceeding with any building alterations or new
construction. Demolition of the house on Proposed Lot 1 will be prohibited, unless the
structure cannot be used for the original intended purpose and/or no alternative
reasonable use can be identified and the property owner can show evidence that an
"economic hardship" will be created if the structure cannot be removed.
Implications of O-H Overlay Zone on City Property. Application of the O-H overlay
zone to the Greenway lot does not preclude the City from constructing physical
improvements, such as park shelters, playground structures, picnic areas, or from
making any other changes to the existing design and use of the parkland. The
reason for this is that the "S-GA" (Government/Airport) zoning designation, as
proposed for the parkland, exempts municipal governmental authorities from
complying with local zoning requirements. This includes an exemption from the
design guidelines and design criteria that are part of the O-H overlay designation.
The City typically strives to comply with its own zoning standards, but there is no
requirement to do so. However, the overlay designation serves as a reminder on future
decisions (or future decision makers) that changes to the parkland may also affect the
historic integrity of the house on the adjacent lot and its historic setting.
Future Land Use Map Designation,Zoning,and Land Use of Surrounding Properties.
Area Future Land Use Zoning Land Uses
Map Designation
(See Attachment E) (See Attachments C &D)
North Environmentally Sensitive S-GA Ada Hayden Heritage Park
Area (Govern me nt/Ai rport)
Low Density Residential RL Single Family Dwelling
(Residential Low Density)
South Low Density Residential F-PRD Condominiums
(Planned Residence District)
RL Single Family Dwellings
(Residential Low Density)
East Low Density Residential RL Single Family Dwellings
(Residential Low Density)
West Village/Suburban FS-RL Single Family Dwellings
Residential (Suburban Res. Low Density)
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Criteria for Designation as a Local Historic Landmark. Section 31.7(2)of the Municipal
Code states: "A building, structure or site designated as a historic "landmark" shall meet
the following criteria:
(a) Properties are significant in national, state or local history, architecture, landscape
architecture, archeology, and culture; and
(b) Properties possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship,
feeling and association; and
(c) Properties are associated with events that have been a significant contribution to
the broad patterns or our history; or
(d) Properties are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
(e) Properties embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, method of
construction, represent the work of a master, possess high artistic values,
represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction; or
(f) Properties have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in
prehistory or history.
A narrative included with the application (See Attachment G)describes how the property is
significant in local history, and that the property possesses integrity of location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. Dr. Adams had a
career in osteopathic medicine and was an accomplished artist. His career in osteopathic
medicine is directly associated with the house since the house was originally designed as
the office for his medical practice. The information presented in the narrative would
support designation of the property as a local historic landmark based upon properties
associated with the lives of persons significant in our past[Section 31.7(2)(d)].
The narrative also includes a section that addresses the architecture of the Adams house
(known as "Prairie Ark"), written by Thomas Leslie, AIA. The information presented
supports the criteria for designation that includes properties that embody the distinctive
characteristics of a type, period, method of construction, represent the work of a
master,possess high artistic values, and represent a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
The Applicable Laws and Policies in Attachment A reference Objective D of Goal#3 of the
Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan. Designation of the Adams property is
supported by this objective.
Review and Recommendations by the Historic Preservation Commission and the
State Historical Society. The Historic Preservation Commission conducted a public
hearing on March 13, 2006, to receive oral and written testimony concerning the
significance of the nominated historic landmark. It is the responsibility of the Historic
Preservation Commission to determine whether the structure proposed for designation as a
Local Historic Landmark meets the criteria for designation.
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The Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the City Council approve the
request for designation of the property as a Local Historic Landmark, with the stipulation
that the "Design Criteria" for the historic landmark be changed to delete reference to
"substitute" material in #2.
On March 28, 2006, the City Council forwarded the proposal for the Local Landmark
Designation to the State Historical Society of Iowa for review and recommendation.
On July 17, 2006, the State Historical Society of Iowa completed its review of the request
for designation as a local historic landmark. The State Historical Society concurred that
this property is eligible as a local historic landmark because of it embodies the distinctive
characteristics of a type, period, method of construction, represent the work of a master,
possess high artistic values, represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinction. Conclusions of the State review for historic
significance by Barbara Mitchell, Architectural Historian for the Iowa State Historic
Preservation Office also noted significance with the landscape of the site in proposed Lot 2
(Adams Memorial Greenway). Ms. Mitchell stated, "We also agree with Tom Leslie's
assessment that the entire landscape and setting contributes to the significance of this
property, as the entire landscape was considered in the house's design and construction."
Recommendation of the Planning &Zoning Commission. At its meeting of September
1, 2010, with a vote of 6-0, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that the
City Council approve the application for the historic overlay on Proposed Lot 1 (property
with the house). The Commission further recommended that the application for historic
overlay on Proposed Lot 2 (the greenway site) be approved with the conditions that it
maintain the openness as designated by the architect and the intent of the donor, and that
those statements be attached to the historic preservation overlay document applicable to
Proposed Lot 2. The recommendation included the following conditions:
A. That the proposed rezoning be approved only in conjunction with the approval of
the Final Plat of Mary Adams Subdivision.
B. The rezoning shall not be effective until the recording of the Final Plat of Mary
Adams Subdivision.
C. That Criterion #2 of the proposed Design Criteria (Attachment H), which
references substitute materials, be deleted.
Given the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Council may
want to consider developing specific Design Criteria for the Adams Memorial Greenway.
The question is whether additional Design Criteria are necessary since the City is the
owner of the property, and as such, would likely make decisions over time in the best
interests of maintaining the integrity and status of Local Landmark designation.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the proposed rezoning of Proposed Lot 1 (1013 Adams
Street) and Proposed Lot 2 (1025 Adams Street), of the Mary Adams Subdivision, to
establish the O-H (Historic Preservation Overlay) District and designate the property as
a Local Historic Landmark, including the ordinance establishing Design Criteria for
both proposed lots, based upon staffs analysis, with the following conditions:
A. That the proposed rezoning adopting the Overlay be approved only in conjunction
with the approval of the Final Plat of Mary Adams Subdivision.
B. The rezoning adopting the Overlay shall not be effective until the recording of the
Final Plat of Mary Adams Subdivision.
C. That Criterion#2 of the proposed Design Criteria (Attachment H), which references
substitute materials, be deleted.
2. The City Council can approve the proposed rezoning of Proposed Lot 1 (1013 Adams
Street) of the Mary Adams Subdivision, to establish the O-H (Historic Preservation
Overlay) District and designate the property as a Local Historic Landmark, including
the ordinance establishing Design Criteria for Proposed Lot 1 only (not the
Adams Memorial Greenway), based upon staff's analysis, with the following
conditions:
A. That the proposed rezoning be approved only in conjunction with the approval of the
Final Plat of Mary Adams Subdivision.
B. The rezoning shall not be effective until the recording of the Final Plat of Mary
Adams Subdivision.
C. That Criterion#2 of the proposed Design Criteria (Attachment H), which references
substitute materials, be deleted.
3. The City Council can deny the proposed rezoning if it finds that it is not consistent with
adopted codes and policies.
4. The City Council can approve the proposed rezoning of Proposed Lot 1 (1013 Adams
Street) and Proposed Lot 2 (1025 Adams Street), of the Mary Adams Subdivision to
establish the O-H (Historic Preservation Overlay) District and designate the property as
a Local Historic Landmark, with modifications deemed appropriate to achieve
consistency with adopted codes and policies.
5. The City Council can postpone action on the rezoning proposal and refer the rezoning,
and proposed Design Criteria to City staff and the applicant to draft Design Criteria
specifically for the Adams Memorial Greenway on Proposed Lot 2. The new draft of
Design Criteria would then be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission, the
Planning and Zoning Commission, and the State Historic Society staff prior to further
consideration by the City Council.
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MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council act in accordance with
Alternative 1, which is to approve the proposed rezoning of Proposed Lot 1 (1013 Adams
Street) and Proposed Lot 2 (1025 Adams Street), of the Mary Adams Subdivision, to
establish the O-H (Historic Preservation Overlay) District and designate the property as a
Local Historic Landmark, including the ordinance establishing Design Criteria for both
proposed lots, based upon staff's analysis, with the following conditions:
A. That the proposed rezoning be approved only in conjunction with the approval of the
Final Plat of Mary Adams Subdivision.
B. The rezoning shall not be effective until the recording of the Final Plat of Mary Adams
Subdivision.
C. That Criterion #2 of the proposed Design Criteria (Attachment H), which references
substitute materials, be deleted.
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ATTACHMENT A
Applicable Laws & Policies
The laws and policies applicable to this case file include, but are not limited to, the
following: (verbatim language is shown in italics, other references are paraphrased):
Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP) Map/Goals and Policies. The adopted LUPP includes
policy direction for the preservation of historic, cultural, and educational resources.
Goal No.10 states: 'It is the _goal of Ames to maintain and enhance its cultural heritage".
Objectives for Goal No. 10 are to maintain and enhance Ames' cultural heritage.
Objectives that apply to the Local Historic Landmark proposal include the following:
• Objective 10A. Ames seeks to provide a record of its earlier development through
conservation, preservation, and restoration of historically/architecturally significant
structures and areas where economically feasible.
• Objective 108. Ames seeks to integrate historically/architecturally significant structures
and areas with new development in a compatible and unifying manner.
Vision Statements in the LUPP for Neighborhoods includes the following statement:
• In attracting and maintaining this network of neighborhoods the following priorities are
identified: "...Conservation and enhancement of the integrity and character of existing
neighborhoods ......
The Land Use Policy Plan Future Land Use Map designates the subject property as"Low-
Density Residential."
Ames Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan. The adopted Ames Comprehensive
Historic Preservation Plan includes the following Goals, Objectives and Action Steps that
apply to the proposed designation the subject property as a local historic landmark.
Goal #3 states: "Enhance municipal policies to protect historic resources and implement
policies through identification, effective legislation, and efficient regulatory measures.
• Objective D. Continue to designate local historic districts, local landmarks, and
National Register of Historic Places properties.
Action Step: Identify and designate properties eligible for listing as local landmarks and
local historic districts.
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Ames Municipal Code.
Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code addresses the adopted zoning regulations for the City of
Ames.
Section 29.1102. "O-H"HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY. This section describes
the purpose of the O-H overlay district, and also describes the requirements for certificates
of appropriateness for development or redevelopment of the site.
Section 29.701. "RL" RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY.
Table 29.701(2). Residential Low Density (RL) Zone Uses. This table defines the uses
allowed in the "RL" zone.
Table 29.701(3). Residential Low Density(RL)Zone Development Standards. This table
defines the development standards in the "RL" Zone.
Section 29.1002. "S-GA" GOVERNMENT/AIRPORT DISTRICT.
(1) Purpose. This Special Purpose District is to be located on the City Zoning Map by the
City Council and is reserved exclusively for structures and uses related to or owned by
federal, state, county, school districts, or municipal government authorities. Such
structures and uses include property of Story County, publicly owned facilities of the City of
Ames for administration and services, and general aviation. Although such governmental
structures and uses enjoy a legal exemption from local zoning requirements, with the
exception of height limitations in the vicinity of any airport, it is expected that such
authorities will cooperate with the Department of Planning and Housing to encourage the
development standards which will be applicable to and compatible with the general
character of the area in which this District is situated.
Chapter 31 of the Municipal Code addresses the adopted Historic Preservation District
regulations for the City of Ames.
Section 31.8. Procedures for Designation of a Historic District or Landmark. This section
describes the data that must be submitted in the application requesting designation of a
local historic district or landmark.
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Attachment B
Location Map
Ada Hayden Park
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BLOOMINGTON RD .. __--
Location Map Map Area
1013 and 1025 Adams Street
N
0 150 300 600
Feet
9
Attachment C
Existing Zoning
Ada Hayden Park
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FS-RL S-GA
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BLOOMINGTON RD -
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Existing Zoning Legend
Zoning District
1013 and 1025 Adams Street ®Agricultural Zone"A"
N Residential Low Density Zone"RL"
l�Residential High Density Zone"RH"
0 Government/Airport District'S-GA"
0 150 300 600 Suburban Residential Zone Residential Low Density TS-RL"
Feet Planned Residence District"-PRD"
10
Attachment D
Proposed Zoning
Ada Hayden Park 4 t
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S-GA
Subject
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S-GA
S-GAFS RL
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Proposed Zoning Legend
Historic Preservation Overlay"O-H"
1013 and 1025 Adams Street Agricultural Zone"A"
N Residential Low Density Zone"RL"
l�
Residential High Density Zone"RH"
Government/Airport District"S-GA"
Map Created by Department of Suburban Residential Zone Residential Low Density"FS-RL"
0 150 300 600 Planning&Housing
Feet June 4,2010 Planned Residence District"F-PRD"
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Attachment E
Future Land Use Map
✓,
Ada Hayden Park
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Parks and Open Space U 1
Subject
Property
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Pari s d e Space
(Parks and a pa-e
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Village/Suburban Residential
ADAMS SL
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- High-DensiResldential
BLOOMINGTON RD Hi h-Densit eslde tia
Low-Density Residential 9 -
Future Land Use Map Designations
1013 and 1025 Adams Street Legend
N Low-Density Residential
- High-Density Residential
Map Created by Department of Village/Suburban Residential
0 150 300 600 Planning&Housing
Feet June 4,2010 - Parks and Open Space
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Attachment F
Aerial Photo
da Ha n He taI a rk'
a
Proposed Adal1is
Memorialreen way"
247 Acres
T
;max
2.0 Acres
1025 1'01/3
Adams Street
a
N
1013 and 1025 Adams Street
Proposed Local Historic Landmark
Map Created by the and Rezoning 0 150
Department of Planning&Housing ==Feet
September 22 2010
2008 Color Aerial Imagery
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Attachment G
Applicant Narrative
"PRAIRI:E ARTS"
1013 A DAMS STREET
For decades many north Ames residents have been curious about the modernistic Adams
home rising from the gently sloping lawn at the intersection of Adams and Calhoun
streets. Although the owners lead fairly private lives,close friends and special groups
enjoyed the house through the years. Patients of Dr. Adams,an osteopath,were familiar
with the home since his office was located on the lower level. Ames Area Amateur
Astronomers knew the place from attending stargazing parties using the telescope in the
backyard observatory. Local artists such as Christian Petersen were well acquainted with
the high-ceilinged living room where so many stimulating conversations were held.
Comments addressing the significance of Prairie Ark and the need for its preservation
may also be obtained from various professionals who have toured the home. These
include Lea Rosson DeLong(independent curator and art historian);William Page
(public historian and consultant for the State Historical Society);and Jerome Thompson
(state curator for the State Historical Society).
BEQUEST
Dr. Adams passed away in 1994,and his wife,Mary,died this past spring leaving no
immediate survivors_ "the couple strongly desired to protect their real estate from
development and preserve their unique home for posterity. Through discussions with the
City over the years a will was drawn up to leave a legacy to the residents of Ames. The
five-acre parcel of land at. 101 3 Adams Street was willed to the City of Ames"for park
purposes to be enjoyed by the public in general"as well as the home,which"has some
Frank Lloyd Wright features,"to be used"as a meeting place or shelter." It was also
their hope that the park"be named as the Adams Memorial Park in Remembrance of
Bertrand R. Adams and Mary E.Adams."
The contents of the house were donated to the Ames Historical Society(AHS)to assure
preservation of the art,antiques and 1950s medical office.This constituted the largest gift
of historical materials yet received by that organization. Household goods not retained
by A14S will be sold at auction next spring to raise funds to help preserve the Adams
bequest. Bert and Mary were both savers. Consequently,quantities of prime archival
materials and artifacts are preserved. These include historical regional artwork(Grant
Wood,"Ding"Darling,Christian Petersen,Arnold Pyle,Harry Jones,Roscoe Lorenz);
archival material(correspondence,documentation for building the house,photos,audio
tapes);eclectic medical library; vintage therapy devices(Raylax table,Medcolator,
Novafon,Acu-1-Meter,Electro-Acuscope);and intact medical office.
t
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RISIDINTS
Dr.Bertrand R.Adams(1907-1994),was an osteopathic physician who practiced in
Ames from 1944 until his retirement in 1991. Bona on Meadow View Farm five miles
south of Webster City,he was expected to continue his father's business of raising
Poland-China hogs and Percheron horses. Instead he became fascinated with art and
enrolled,after graduating from high school, in an art correspondence course offered by
the Federal School of Commercial Designing. Based in Minneapolis,this was the
premier art correspondence school in the nation. Bert persisted with the course for seven
years and received his diploma in 1932. He graduated from the University of Iowa that
same year with a degree in art and economics. Famed Iowa regionalist,Grant Wood,
selected Bert as one of his 14 assistants to help paint a set of murals in the Iowa State
College Library in 1934. Later he did two murals of his own design:'Early Settlers of
Dubuque"(1937)for the Dubuque Post Office,and "Lumbering hi Arkansas" (1940)for
the post office in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Bert is listed in"Iowa Artists of the First
Hundred Years,"and has been written up in the New York Times,New York Herald
"Tribune,and Architectural Record. At one time Bert traveled to California, intending to
seek work as an animator at the Walt Disney studios. Persuaded by friends to pursue a
career in medicine rather than art,he studied at the.Des Moines Still College of
Osteopathy and obtained his license in 1943, IIe set up practice at 213 14,Main Street in
1944,eventually moving his office to the home he was building.
Although nominally an osteopathic physician,Bert pursued a holistic approach to health
and promoted"wellness"before it became fashionable. Weight control was another of
his specialties. Ile was interested in a broad spectrum of areas such as diet,exercise,
nutrition,and organic food,and explored fringe areas of medicine like auriculo-therapy,
acupuncture,reflexology,and electronic medicine_ Bert also illustrated positive"town
and gown"cooperation in Ames when he consulted with Jack Lathrop,technician with
the ISU Physics Department,in constructing his Faraday cage for electromagnetic wave
therapy. Beyond medicine and art his wide-ranging;interests included hypnosis,auras,
enology,astronomy,astrology,world religions.psychic phenomena,graphology,pill
music,building and gardening. He"always had his head in a book"according to his
wife. Bert was a member of Collegiate United Methodist Church,Ames Area Amateur
Astronomers,Ames Lions Club,Pi Gamma Alpha fraternity, American Osteopathic
Association, International Academy of Preventative Medicine,a charter member and past
president of the`town and College Toastmaster's Club,and past vice-president of the
American Federation of Astrology.
Mary I.Beymer Adams(1909-2005)was all accomplished artist in her own right. She
grew up in Des Moines where her father was owner and operator of Beymer Company,
an electrical business, from 1909 until the 1940s. 144ary enjoyed privileged childhood
taking piano,dance and riding lessons. After graduating from North Haigh School in
1927,she attended Capital City Commercial College(now A.].13.),followed by two years
at Drake University. In 1931 she transferred to the University of Iowa where she
graduated the following year with a degree in art. Mary then taught for awhile as a
substitwe middle school teacher in the Des Moines School District. She also worked at a
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photographer's studio hand-tinting photographs before the days of color photography.
From 1935-1956 she was employed as cashier and later as secretary at the Des Moines
Water Works business office at IO h and Locust. There she got to know Arie den Boer,
the Dutchman for whom the Water Works arboretum is named.
Mary continued her artistic interests by taking classes at the Des Moines Art Center and
studying with Eliot O'Hara in Laguna Beach,California. She especially loved to travel,
riding a bus to Mexico, flying to Hawaii,and sailing to Europe on the Queen Mary for
the"grand tour." As testimony to Mary's enduring patience,she married classmate
Bertrand Adarns after waiting 25 years for him to"pop the question." They finally wed
in Des Moines in 1956,at which time Mary moved into Prairie Ark in Ames. The couple
enjoyed many trips together-Hawaii(again)for a honeymoon, much of the U.S.while
traveling to medical meetings, Stone City for the annual Grant Wood reunions,and a tour
of the Holy Land in 1970. Although the couple had no children, they helped raise Mary's
nephew,'�illiam Wolters, Bill followed in Bert and Mary's footsteps,graduating from
the University of:I:owa and becoming an accomplished artist and military history buff as
well. His untimely death in 1997 was a severe blow to the.couple.
Throughout her long life Mary continued to enjoy sketching,painting in oils and
watercolor,doing graphic art for the Ames Woman's Club(AWC),and with Bert,
creating their annual Christmas card design. She also bowled for the AWC and was the
oldest member of a Des Moines bridge club she joined in 1933. A granddaughter of the
first mayor of Carlisle,Iowa.;she inherited many family heirlooms and historical records
which she organized. Botlt:Bert and Mary were savers,and thus preserved many
invaluable records for posterity.
HOUSE
When Bert moved to Ames in 1944 he lived in a rented second floor apartment at.803
Duff owned by Minnie Siverly,the widow of Union Story banker,Clyde Siverly. Bert.
had been discussing the dream house he wanted to build ever since he stet Mary during
their university days in Iowa City. He finally took action on July 6, 1948 through a
contract with Dorothy Ilunter to purchase a piece of land for the price of$3500,with
$500 down. Between 1949 and 1958, Bert was engaged in building Prairie Ark on
farmland at the north edge of Ames. A gravel road,later to becorne Adarns Street,first
had to be graded from old}Highway 69(now Dawes Drive)to his building site. For a
number of years the address was simply Rural Route 1.
The basement was dug on the site of a previous farmhouse,and the excavated soil was
used to create a broad mound to showcase the house. Prairie Ark was constructed
entirely of concrete- a permanent material designed to last well into the next century.
Foundation and walls were blocks,joists were precast 1-beams,and floors were poured.
Bricks and glass blocks were also used. Dr.Adams not only designed his home,but
personally oversaw and assisted with much of the construction done by 28 different
workmen. Considerable documentation of the nine-year project exists in the form of
drawings, written records,and photographs.
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The stricture incorporated cutting edge materials and concepts for residential
construction at the time. Features include:vaulted ceiling and clerestory in living room,
cantilevered corner windows,frequent use of rounded corners,built-in storage,solid
birch doors,parquet and cork flooring,and glassed window wells for plants. Examples
of integrated design include a wall for a 1 Z-foot sofa and an alcove created in the dining
room area for a cherry buffet that Bert designed and had made by Krauss Furniture in
South A.mana. The lower level was planned for his medical practice,and included a
reception room,treatment and therapy rooms,pharmacy, lab room,and office study. A
unique item is the screened-in 6 x G'Faraday cage used for therapy. Prairie Ark is a rare
example of a self-designed,home doctor's office in Ames. While other doctors have
built an addition(Dr.Farisch)or converted a porch(Dr.Walker)for use as an office,Bert
designed his as an integral part of the home. Typical of Ames residents,his fascination
with technology and gadgets is reflected throughout the house.
GUESTS
The list of visitors at Prairie Ark through the years is most interesting. Artists associated
with Grant Wood have been guests,in particular Christian.Petersen with wife Charlotte
and daughter Mary,Lee Allen,and John and Isabel Bloom. University people such as
Don Schuster(Psychology)and Jack Lathrop(Physics)have also been frequent visitors.
At one time.Bert taught astrology classes in his home. Bert's patient list includes a cross-
section of the Ames population. Former patients recall making unscheduled visits while
Bert was engaged in construction,and having him give osteopathic manipulation with
tar-stained hands in unfinished rooms or even on the roof in one instance. As mentioned
previously,the local astronomy club delighted in meeting on clear summer nights to use
his 10"Astrola telescope. Petting the sheep,goats,and ponies Bert formerly kept in the
fenced pasture was a favorite activity for neighborhood children. The home represents a
wonderful piece of history associated with Ames residents for more than half a century.
ARCI IITECTURE
TOM Leslie,Alit.
The Adams Residence is a good,well-preserved example of residential modern
architecture. Its early date(1948,from my understanding)marks it as among the earliest
examples in Iowa of its type. It shows the distinct influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's
"tsonian"houses(in particular the Goetsch-Winkler House in nkemos,M1,of 1939 and
the Herbert Jacobs house in Madison,WI,of 1937)on its designer,builder and the house
is a unique and,I believe,fairly sophisticated interpretation of Wright's principles.
In particular,the house adopts Wright's interest in solar orientation very well. Its
clerestory roof uses sunshading,a light shelf,and a thermally massive interior to achieve
an efficient natural illumination scheme. This is a fairly advanced arrangement for its
4
17
day,and it anticipates a long and important technical tradition in Iowa architecture that
has involved passive solar heating and lighting. Its use of materials—in particular
concrete masonry and steel windows.--is likewise innovative for its day. Modern
.housing was an important development in postwar America,and while much of this
construction occurred on both coasts there was a significant school of modern residential
architecture in Iowa. While much modem housing in Iowa dates from the 1950s,the
Adams House is contemporaneous with such postwar developments as the Case Study
projects in California and a national solar design competition sponsored by Libbey-
Owens-Ford. As such it is a good example--rare in Iowa--uf the innovative techniques
and designs that emerged in the late 1940s. While its most immediate affinity is to
Wright's work,it has some'moderne' features(curved interior walls and corner
windows)and other elements that took forward to the more rigorously modernist work of
the 1950s.
The Building Assessment Report suggests that, as this was owner-built(an"individual's
quest to build a contemporary home"),the result is"lacking a high level of architectural
sophistication." I believe this is open to argument. No one would mistake the Adams
House for an actual Wright home,but as an example of the early diffusion of modernist
principles throughout the Midwest it certainly demands attention and,I believe,
preservation. Its builder was certainly an amateur,but fie was very clearly absorbing
many of the interesting experiments and statements being built throughout the Country at
tile time.
Others can perhaps comment more authoritatively on the building's condition,its
potential use,and its relation to Ames' history. f agree that its use would be limited to
small groups,and that there would need to be some work done to achieve accessibility
(though perhaps,as we discussed,less than the BAR suggests). However I believe the
Adams House is worth preserving as a fide---and very early—example of all important
tradition in Iowa,that of modern residential construction.
18
Attachment H
Proposed Design Criteria
Design Criteria proposed by the applicant are described as follows:
1. The Adams House is a mixture of late Prairie School and Postwar Modern styles of
architecture. Details of design and dimensions of distinct architectural elements of
the building, as shown on the building plans prepared by the builder, Bertrand
Adams, shall be followed and conformed to for all alterations or new construction of
additions to the building.
2. Substitute materials may be allowed if they are consistent with the historic materials in
size, design and texture. Proposals for substitute materials must be expressed with
specificity in the application for Certificate of Appropriateness.
Staff Comments: Regulations and restrictions for the use of substitute
materials are covered by Section 31.10(6). This section of the Design
Criteria should be deleted.
3. The Adams' House relationship to its grassy, open site is an essential aspect of its
Landmark status. Alterations or changes in use that alter the visual or spatial
relationship of the house to its grounds shall be discouraged.
4. All alterations and newly constructed additions shall conform to the following
characteristics of the building:
- Building Height: One-and-a-half stories, not including the basement.
- Roof Type & Pitch: Nominally flat with a slight slope to the clerestory that opens
up toward the south.
- Dormers: None, however the central clerestory is an integral element in
the building's massing and primary elevation.
- Entry: Via a porch on the south side, with alternate entry toward
driveway on east.
- Exterior Materials: Brick and concrete masonry walls. Built-up roofing with metal
edge/parapet. Concrete paving to front porch, walkway and
driveway. Steel pipe columns support roof over porch.
Alterations and/or repairs should match color and pattern of
existing brick.
- Windows: Narrow sash steel windows with predominantly horizontal
muntin pattern and metallic finish. Corner windows should be
restored, as possible, to their original, more open
configuration.
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- Solid/Void Ratio: Maintain position and size of all large-scale openings (doors,
windows, etc.) Additional openings as required for
accessibility or egress improvements should coordinate with
the existing rhythm and pattern of voids.
Plan/Footprints: Generally open plan with service areas (kitchen and bath)
along the north edge. Predominantly east-west orientation
with windows along the south side.
Landscape: Generally open with small shrubs near house. Provision for
daylighting of central rooms is key to the house's aesthetic
concept and should be preserved.
20
Attachment
Historic Photos of the House
(Submitted with the Application for Designation as a Local Historic Landmark)
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