HomeMy WebLinkAboutA007 - Council Action Form dated December 14, 2010 ITEM # 27
DATE 12-14-10
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REZONING OF LAND LOCATED AT 1013 & 1025 ADAMS STREET
(PROPOSED LOT 1 AND 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:
On September 28, the City Council conducted a public hearing for this rezoning proposal.
The first reading of the ordinance was delayed until the Design Criteria for the proposed
Local Landmark could be revised and brought back to the City Council for further
consideration. A public hearing and the first reading of the ordinance for the Design
Criteria is a separate item on the December 14 agenda.
The Ames Historical Society (AHS) submitted an application requesting that the City of
Ames designate the entire 4.97 acres of land at 1013 Adams Street as a Local Historic
Landmark (See Attachment B- Location Map). The City has obtained ownership of the
property, including the house, 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-Aerial
Photo). It is the intent of the City to sell the house for use as a single-family home under
private ownership. Accordingly, an application to subdivide the property as Mary Adams
Subdivision, is being processed separately and will establish a 2.0-acre lot for the Adams
house (Lot 1), and a 2.97-acre lot for the proposed Adams Memorial Greenway (Lot 2), to
remain under City ownership as public park land. The house will be addressed as 1013
Adams Street, and the greenway as 1025 Adams Street.
Under a separate rezone application, approved by the City Council on October 26, 2010,
the Adams Memorial Greenway (Lot 2) has been rezoned from "RL" (Residential Low
Density) to S-GA (Government/Airport), with "RL" zoning being retained for proposed Lot
1. The proposal under this request is to concurrently zone the entire site, both proposed
Lot 1 and Lot 2, as a Local Historic Landmark. This is accomplished by applying the "O-H"
(Historic Preservation Overlay)zone to both lots.Accordingly, "RL"would be the base zone
for proposed Lot 1, "S-GA" is the base zone for Proposed Lot 2; and "O-H" would be an
overlay zone over both lots (See Attachment C-Existing Zoning and Attachment D-
Proposed Zoning).
Design Criteria. In conjunction with the proposed historic preservation overlay, Design
Criteria applicable to the site have been revised, since considered by the City Council on
September 28, and will be considered at the December 14 City Council meeting in
conjunction with this rezoning.
1
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, and incorporated into Chapter 31 (Historic Preservation Districts). 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 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.
Criteria for Designation as a Local Historic Landmark. The existing criteria for
landmarks are specified in Section 31.7(2)of the Municipal Code which 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-Applicant Narrative) 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
2
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 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.
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.
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.
3
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.
The concerns of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding proposed Design Criteria
to maintain the openness of the site have since been addressed by revisions to the Design
Criteria recommended by the Commission at its November 17, 2010 meeting. Please refer
to the City Council Action Form on proposed Design Criteria for the Adams property to be
considered at this same City Council meeting.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve, on first reading, 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, based upon staff's 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 Design Criteria for this property be approved concurrently with the approval of
the rezoning.
2. The City Council can deny the proposed rezoning if it finds that it is not consistent with
adopted codes and policies.
3. 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.
4
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This proposed rezoning to "O-H" with the associated Design Criteria has been revised in
accordance with direction provided by the City Council and is now ready for further
consideration. Analysis by City staff leads to the conclusion that the rezoning is consistent
with adopted laws and policies, as described in Attachment A.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council act in
accordance with Alternative 1 , which is to approve, on first reading, 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, 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 Design Criteria for this property be approved concurrently with the approval of the
rezoning.
5
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.
6
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.
7
Attachment B
Location Map
1 .
Ada Hayden Park ,C/)
w,
f�:
G
Subject
Property i
E �
IZ
ttl............... �'
..
I1„ .
f; ll O
®r-
N .
L -j!i
UJI
O i i a t
---1"f
...... .........
rlu
TOP O HOLLOW RD
dQ
fll
<l
BLOOMINGTON RD
Location Map VMapArea
1013 and 1025 Adams Street
F
N i
t
0 150 300 600 j
Feet
8
Attachment C
Existing Zoning
..........
i
Ada Hayden Park
E
S-GA
U
S-G �
Subject ..
r-T ,oi Property
FS-RL�- �__ S-GA z� S-GA
� - RL
uo ¢
F-'PRD ADAMS sT
FS-RL RL
w � _
it
F PRD � -
Q- N. C3N GIR.
LU
RL ;
o
J
s
>
..............7013-0-HOL=LOW RD
UJ
- F=PRD— RH A
TON _r
Existing Zoning Legend
1013 and 1025 Adams Street Agricultural Zone"A"
N Residential Low Density Zone"RL"
Residential High Density Zone"RH"
Government/Airport District"S-GA"
Map Created by Department of
0 150 300 600 Planning&Housing Suburban Residential Zone Residential Low Density TS-RL"
Feet December 9,2010 Planned Residence District"P-PRO"
9
Attachment D
Proposed Zoning
l
Ada Hayden Park
S-GA U t
Subject
Property r `;
S-GA ;
O tP
S-GA
FS-RL
, b. O Ui
S-GA 3 �.
w
C9 Z)
RL
ADAMS ST :_ - ....
F-PRD �
I
S
FS-RL RL
F-PRD
w P t
Q KINYON'CIR
w
w..
o _.
,
Z.
„ 0
i
S-GA Q
f ,...4 4
ct
" w 70P Q H LLOW RD
�: Y�w<
BLOOh11NGTON RD O
F-PRD *VIARH A
Proposed Zoning Legend
Historic Preservation Overlay"O-H"
1013 and 1025 Adams Street EM Agni.Jtural Zone"A"
N Residential Low Density Zone"RL"
Residential High Density Zone"RH"
Government/Airport District`S-GA"
Map Created by Department of ))
0 150 300 600 Planning&Housing 1,,,,,_A1 Suburban Residential Zone Residential Low Density TS-RL"
Feet June 4,2010 Planned Residence District"-PRD"
10
Attachment E
Future Land Use Map
Ada Hayden Park
E .
a t
Parks and Open Space U Subject
Property
Property
Parks and !pen Space
c
/ Z
—..�.Parks and Open pace
village%Suburban Residential
ADAMS S� "
0-7
Fs t
LU
Q KINYON CIR
> Low-Density Residential
o .� ,_ .�..
O uJ
a
Z
0
J
U
TOP O HOLLOW RD" "
High-6ensit esidentlal
BLOOMINGTON RD"
Low=Densit "Residential Hlgh;-Dyenslty.Resldential ;,
Future Land Use Map Designations
1013 and 1025 Adams Street Legend
N Low-Density Residential
�y High-Density Residential
Map Created by Department of Village/Suburban Residential
0 150 300 600 Planning&Housing Parks and Open space
Feet June 4,2010
11
Attachment F
Aerial Photo
�zv ,
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
C—
56
A
i
m.
�IrOposed,,' dams
Memorial G�eenway° b
297 A es
��
i
' (5
�y
rw,
2.0 A'rles,
l
:a t
Adams Street
i
N
1013 and 1025 Adams Street
"- Proposed Local Historic Landmark
Map Created by the and Rezoning o 75 15Feet
Department of Planning&Housing
September 22.2010 2008 Color Aerial Imagery
12
Attachment G
Applicant Narrative
"PRAIRIE A RV
1013 ADAMS STREE'r
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.
s preservation i)n
Comments addressing the significance of PrairieA k and the need for it pre erva
may also be obtained frorn various professionals who have toured the home. These
include Lea Rosson DeLon9(independent curator and art historian);William Page
(public historian and consultant for the State.1 fistorical Society),- and Jerome Thompson
(state curator for the State Historical Society).
BEQL T ST
JE
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. ',file
park
five-acre parcel of land at 1013 Adams Street was willed to the City of Ames"for p k
purposes to be enjoyed by the public in general"as well as the home,which"has some
Frank Lloyd Wright feature
s,," el to be used"as a meeting place of shelter." t was as also
their hope that the park"be narried as the Adams Memorial Park in Remembrance of
Bertrand R. Adarns and Mary E. Adams."
The contents of the house were donated to the Ames Historical Society{AIMS)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 AIIS 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(Ravlax table,Medcolator,
Novafon, Acu--U-Meter, El eel ro-Acu scope)-and intact medical office,
.............. ......................
13
..................................................................................
RESIDENTS
Dr. Bertrand R.Adams(1907-1994),was an osteopathic physician who practiced in
Ames from 1944 until his retirement in 1991. Born on Meadow View Farm five miles
south of Webster ity, he was expected to continue his father's business of raising
Poland-China hogs andPercheron horses. Instead lie 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
prernier art correspondence school in the nation. Bert persisted with the course for seven
years and received his diploma in 1932. lie graduated from the University of Iowa that
same year with a degree in art and economics. Famed Iowa regicrttafisi, 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:' ar4,Sleulers of
1)uhuque"(1937)fbr the Dubuque Post Office,and "Lumbering in Arkwisas" (1940)for
the post offlice in Siloarn 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 al 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, he set tip practice at 213 !6 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. He was interested in a broad spectrurn 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 oovn--cooperation in Ames when lie consulted with Jack 1-athrop,technician with
the ISU Physics Department,in constructing his Faraday cage R)r elect romagnetic wave
therapy. Beyond medicine and art his wide-ranging interests included hypnosis,auras,
psychic phenomena,graphology,phrenology,astronomy,astrology,world religions,
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[.,ions Club,Pi Gainnia Alpha fraternity, American Osteopathic
Association, International Academy of Preventative Medicine,a charter member and past
-president of theTown and College Toaswiaster's Club,and past vice-president of the
American Federation of Astrology.
Mary E. Beyiner Adams(1909-2005)was an accomplished artist in her own right. Site
Urew tip in Des%Iolm.s where her father was owner and operator of Beymer Company,
an electrical business, from 1909 until the 1940s, Mary enjoyed•4 privileged childhood
taking piano, dance and riding lessons. After graduating from North High School in
1927, she attended Capital City Commercial College(now A.1,B),followed by two years
at Drake University. In 1931 she transferred to the University of Iowa where she
degree in ait. Mary then ?L t. ,h for awhile
graduated the following year with a degiIg I le as a
substitute middle school teacher in the Des Moines School District- She also worked at a
2
..........-
14
..........I........................ ..........
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 10"'and Locust. There she got to know Arie dell 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 Adams 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--I lawaii(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,William Wolters. Bill followed in Bert and Mary's footsteps,graduating from
the University of Iowa and becoming all accomplished artist and military history buff as
well. His untimely death in1997 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(AWT), and with Bert,
creating their annual Christmas card design. She also bowled for tile ANVC and was the
oldest member of aDes 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. Both Bert and Mary were savers,and thus preserved many
invaluable records fbr posterity.
H OUI S E
When:Bert moved to Ames in 1944 he lived in a rented second floor apartment at 803
DutTowned by Minnie Siverly,the widow of Union Story banker,Clyde Siverly. Bert
had been discussing the dream house fie wanted to build ever since he rnetM3ry during
their university days in Iowa City. He finally took action on July 6, 1948 through a
contract with Dorothy Hunter to purchase a piece of[arid for tile price of$3500,with
$500 down, Between 1949 and 1958,Bert was engaged in building Prairie Ark on
farmland at tile north edge of Ames. A gravel road,later to become.Adams 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-bearns,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.
3
.......... ...................................
15
..............
The structure 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 I 2-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 Amana. The lower level was planned for his medical practice, and included a
reception roorn,treatment and therapy rooms,pharmacy,lab room,and office study. A.
unique item is the screened-in 6 x 6' Faraday cage used for therapy, Prairie Ark is a rare
example of a self-designed,home doctor's office in Arnes. While other doctors[lave
built an addition(Dr. Fausch)or converted a porch(Dr.Walker)for use as all office,Bert
designed his as an integral part of the home. Typ
ical pical of Ames residents,his fascination
with technology and gadgets is reflected throughout the house.
GUESTS
The list of visitors at Prairie Ark throuab the years is most interesting. Artists,associated
with Grant Wood have been guests,in particular Christian Petersen with wife Charlotte
and daughter'Maj-v, 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 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 I 0_' Astrola telescope. Petting the sheep,goats,and ponies Bert forl-nerly kept in the
fenced pasture was a favorite activity for neighborhood children. The home represents a
wonderful piece of history associated with Allies residents for more than half a century.
ARCHITECTURE
I'=Leslie,AIA.
The Adams Residence is a good,well-preserved example of residential modern
architecture. Its early date(1943,frorn my understanding)marks it as among the earliest
examples in Iowa of its type. It shows the distinct influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's
"Usonian"houses(in particular the Goetsch-Winkler House in Memos, N11,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
a)-iefficierit natural illumination scheme. This isa fairly advanced arrangement for its
4
....................................................
16
..............................................................................
day,and it anticipates a long and important technical tradition inlowa architecture that
has involved passive solar heating and lighting. Its use of materials—in particular
concrete masofwv and steel windows is likewise innovative for its day. Modem
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 modern 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--ofthe innovative techniques
and designs that emerged in the late 1940s. While its most immediate affinity is to
Wright's work,it has some;'i-nodeme' features(curved interior walls and corner
windows)and other elements that look forward to the more rigorously modernist work of
the 1950s.
The.Building Assessment Report suggests that,as this was ow-ner-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
}louse for,in 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 he was very clearly absorbing
many of the interesting expei intents and staternents being built throughout the country at
the time.
Others can perhaps comment more authoritatively on the building's condition,its
potential use, and its relation to Ames' history. I 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 lbelieve tile.
Adams House is worth preserving asa fine--and very early—example of an important
tradition in Iowa,that of modern residential construction.
5
............ ........
17
Attachment H
Historic Photos of the House
_(Submitted with the Application ......._..
lication for Designation as a Local Historic Landmark)
BONN-
,�lld�u
5
i�
/ ass ✓/x _�, a//' - rr,x+f
sfl 6 * ti
70 Y
'�%'��; �f� $ �yam'✓ tP�� � � ���, E '' ���"� �� � � r �9� ���„° '.
18
F
s,
P
19
.._....._...................................._....._...................._....._.._._..................................._....._._..........................._....................................... ............
SY
pX
Nk
p ip i
h
it
r �
y, r lie
y„ Rom'
20
DO NOT WRITE IN THE SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE,RESERVED FOR RECORDER
Prepared by:Douglas R.Marek,Ames City Attorney,515 Clark Avenue,Ames,IA 50010 Phone:515-239-5146
Return to:Ames City Clerk,P.O.Box 811,Ames,IA 50010 Phone:515-239-5105
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE
CITY OF AMES,IOWA,AS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 29.301 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA,BY CHANGING THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED AND SHOWN ON
SAID MAP AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 29.1507 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE OF THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA;REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa;
Section 1: The Official Zoning Map of the City of Ames, Iowa, as provided for in
Section 29.301 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa, is amended by changing the
boundaries of the districts established and shown on said Map in the manner authorized by
Section 29.1507 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa,as follows: That the real estate,
located at 1013 and 1025 Adams Street, is rezoned to establish an Historic Preservation Overlay
District(O-H) and to designate the property as a Local Historic Landmark.
Real Estate Description: Parcel T in part of Lot 3 and all of Lot 4 in the Northeast
Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 27,Township 84 North,Range 24 West
of the 5t' P.M., in the City of Ames, Story County, Iowa, as shown on the Plat of
Survey filed in the office of the Recorder of Story County, Iowa, on the 21s1 day of
September 2004, and recorded on Slide 219, Page 1, and as Inst. No. 04-13005.
Section 2: All other ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed to the extent of such conflict.
Section 3: This ordinance is in full force and effect from and after its adoption and
publication as provided by law.
. 7
ADOPTED THIS day of 52010.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell,Mayor
2