Preservation News from Across the State
Do you have some preservation news to share with other Iowans? Contact us at news@iowapreservation.org. Give us details or a link to an online news article and we'll add it to our web page as soon as we get a chance. Or, maybe we'll include it in the next quarterly newsletter.
"Hollywood in the Heartland" Awarded Preserve America Grant
State Historical Society partners with IHPA for Statewide Inventory of Historic Movie Theatres
The State Historic Preservation Office has received a $45,300 Preserve America grant award to help document Iowa's historical connections to Hollywood and the movie industry. The project, "Hollywood in the Heartland," is a multi-year, multi-phase project focusing primarily on properties built for or associated with the movies before 1970. The Preserve America grant will allow SHPO staff to engage the public in Iowa's movie legacy through several heritage tourism activities designed to stimulate interest in this aspect of the state's history.
IHPA is a partner in the project, donating volunteer webmaster time and space on the IHPA website. Be sure to keep an eye on the Movie Theatres page for updates in the coming months! Other partners include Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Tourism Office.
For more on the project, read "Spot on SHPO" in IHPA's Fall 2007 Newsletter.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.iowahistory.org/contacts/news_release/2008/shpo_office_receives_preserve_america_grant.html
Archaeological Dig Unearths Flynn Farm Building
Living History Farms conducting survey prior to sale of unused parcel
Archaeologists digging on a 39-acre parcel near Living History Farms are learning about the livelihoods of the farmhands who worked for Martin Flynn, a 19th-century railroad man and farmer. The dig will be completed before Living History Farms transfers the property to developer Robin Seiser. The parcel of land has not been used by the museum, but is providing insight into the life and times of Martin Flynn. The firm Tallgrass Historians is leading the investigation, with a bit of help from several volunteers. So far, one of the most interesting finds was a shower head, which would have been very unusual for the time. Other artifacts collected include ceramics and broken tools. View a slideshow online at the Des Moines Register website.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080331/NEWS/803310323/-1/SPORTS0803
Iowa Barn awarded 2008 Barn Again! Award
Todd and Mary Kay Wegener's Dairy Barn Awarded Recognition Award
The rehabilitation of a historic dairy barn just outside of Fenton, Iowa, received one of four Recognition Awards by the BARN AGAIN! program. Now being used to raise 4-H calves, the barn is owned by Todd and Mary Kay Wegener. Work included recovering the metal roof, rebuilding the cupola, replacing deteriorated vertical board and batten siding, and painting. According to the press release, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Successful Farming magazine present BARN AGAIN! awards to barn owners who put forth exceptional efforts to preserve and maintain their historic barns. Winners receive cash awards and recognition in a feature article appearing in the Mid-March issue of Successful Farming magazine. Information on the BARN AGAIN! program is also available on the Agriculture Online web site at www.agriculture.com.
ISU Students Working with Historic Theatre in Britt
Chief Theatre Currently Used by Hobo Museum
Iowa State University students are learning about history and helping the Hobo Museum in Britt. The multi-disciplinary "Hobo Studio" researched hobo history from the Civil War to today in preparation for the main focus of the studio. The students split into groups to work on three different design projects: one group will redesign the way the theatre is currently being used to house the hobo collection, another will work on a new facility for the collection, and the third group is designing a national hobo memorial. The research and design studio is having an impact on the students. As part of another class project, architecture student Matt Palan is working toward placing the Chief Theatre on the National Register of Historic Places. If listed, the Hobo Foundation could go after grants to help restore the building. According to a northiowanews.com article, anyone with information about the history of the theatre can contribute to the research project by sending it to the Hobo Foundation at P.O. Box 143, Britt, Iowa, 50423.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.northiowanews.com/articles/2008/03/26/britt_news/news03.txt
Two Oskaloosa Schools to Become Housing
Historic exteriors to be restored by Community Housing Initiatives
On March 7, The Oskaloosa Herald reported that Community Housing Initiatives has obtained funding to purchase the Grant and Lincoln schools in Oskaloosa and begin converting them into housing. CHI is a non-profit organization that has rehabilitated a number of historic buildings across the state. They received close to $4 million in low income housing tax credits from the Iowa Finance Authority for the combined project. They also will receive $750,000 for each building through the HOME Fund, a HUD program administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The Grant School is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and CHI hopes to register Lincoln School, as well. The project is expected to be completed in 2009.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.oskaloosaherald.com/local/local_story_067093226.html
Keokuk National Cemetery's Superintendent's Lodge Receives Gift
State Central Bank donates $40,000 to ongoing preservation effort
The Superintendent's Lodge at the National Cemetery in Keokuk will receive a new roof thanks to local preservationists, a state grant, and a generous donation by State Central Bank in Keokuk. The $40,000 gift will be added to $20,000 in donations already raised by the Keokuk Historic Preservation Commission. The money will ensure the Commission can meet the matching requirements of a state Historical Resource Development Program grant that expires in June. The National Cemetery in Keokuk, created by Congress in 1862, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 as the first national cemetery west of the Mississippi River. The Keokuk Historic Preservation Commission took on the daunting task of restoring the Superintendent's Lodge in 1998, when the building was threatened with demolition. Commission chair Chuck Mitchell hopes the project will be completed by mid-summer.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.dailygate.com/articles/2008/03/05/news/01.txt
Big Creek Schoolhouse in Polk City Receives $83,000 State Grant
Historic Building has served as school, town hall, and community center
The Big Creek Schoolhouse, built in 1863 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, will receive a $83,000 Historic Site Preservation Grant. The Big Creek Historical Society plans to use the money for exterior improvements, including a new roof and removing the building's metal siding. After the exterior improvements are completed, work will begin inside on the second floor. Although historic uses of the room, including roller skating and basketball games, may not be part of future plans, the space will be available for local groups. The Historic Site Preservation Grant is a matching grant program administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa. The Big Creek Historical Society has already raised $95,000 in matching funds.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080306/NEWS/803060304/1001/NEWS
Historic Buildings Reach New Homes in Iowa City and Des Moines
Three Successful Building Moves in One Week
The Wetherby Cottage in Iowa City and the Murillo Apartments and Henshie-Briggs Row House in Des Moines all reached their new lots after Iowa's winter weather finally cooperated long enough to allow them to roll. As reported previously in "Preservation News from Across the State," each of the buildings were saved from demolition by preservationists able to find a way to move the historic buildings to a new location. The two Des Moines buildings were moved within one weekend, beginning with the Henshie-Briggs Row House overnight February 29, 2008, and ending with the Murillo reaching its destination on Sunday, March 2. Although the row house move proceeded without incident, the Murillo bogged down in the mud and took longer than expected. The Wetherby Cottage successfully moved on Tuesday, March 4. Congratulations to the preservationists, moving companies, and everyone who supported saving these important buildings!
Four New Main Street Communities!
Belle Plaine, Mount Vernon, Washington, and Woodbine Join Main Street Iowa Program
On March 4, 2008, Lt. Governor Patty Judge announced four new Main Street Iowa communities. Belle Plaine, Mount Vernon, Washington, and Woodbine bring the total number of Main Street communities in Iowa to 39.
In the announcement, Lt. Governor Judge made a commitment to continuing support for the Main Street Iowa program. "Iowa's historic main streets are the heart and soul of our communities," said Lt. Governor Judge. "This is why increasing the number of Main Street communities in Iowa is a top priority of the Culver/Judge Administration. We will continue to do whatever we can to keep Iowa's downtowns strong and vibrant for business owners, workers, residents and visitors. I am pleased to welcome each of these communities into the Main Street family, and wish them much success in the future."
Iowa's Main Street program marked its 20th anniversary last year and is considered one of the best in the country. All Main Street communities must demonstrate local support and the willingness of community officials, business owners, and volunteers to work together with the common goals of preserving Iowa's historic buildings and unique downtown business districts, and improving the local economy by adopting and following the Main Street Four Point Approach™ to downtown revitalization.
To learn more about Main Street Iowa, visit their website.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.iowalifechanging.com/community/mainstreetiowa/2008towns.html
Historic Home in Davenport Endangered
St. Paul Lutheran Church looking to demolish house due to high renovation costs
The Quad City Times reports that St. Paul Lutheran Church is proposing to demolish a historic home in Davenport. They purchased the house a year ago with the intention to renovate it to house graduate students who work for the church. But after they began looking into renovation costs, they decided it would cost too much. The house, designed by Davenport architects Dietrich Harfst and Gustav Hanssen, was built in 1906 and combines Craftsman and Prairie School features. It sits on a wooded lot near Vander Veer Park. The Davenport Historic Preservation Commission recommended to deny the demolition permit. The decision to allow demolition now rests in the hands of the Davenport City Council.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/02/21/news/local/doc47bd09163826c986793644.txt
Two Historic Buildings in Des Moines Headed to New Homes
Murillo Apartments and Henshie-Briggs Row House Ready to Roll
On January 17th, we told you how the Henshie-Briggs Row House was saved from demolition. It and the historic Murillo Apartments are now ready to be moved to new locations in the Sherman Hill neighborhood. The Des Moines Register reports that the buildings are up on blocks and waiting for better weather before they move to their new homes. The Sherman Hill Neighborhood Association, Rob McCammon, and Phil Kaser are behind the two moves, which are being orchestrated by Mike Kinter, a contractor with quite a bit of experience with historic buildings. Kinter hired Jeremy Patterson of Washington, Iowa, to move the Murillo Apartments and O'Neil, a house-moving company from North Dakota, to move the row house. The row house move has been delayed a few times due to cold. The Murillo move is planned for March 1, 2008. Both buildings must be moved by March to make way for Wellmark's new headquarters.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008802200368
$6 Million Pledged to Historic Des Moines Library
World Food Prize close to reaching fundraising goals
In recent weeks, $6 million has been pledged toward the rehabilitation of the historic library in Des Moines. The building is to be the new home for the World Food Prize. On Friday, February 15, the World Food Prize announced a $5 million gift from the Monsanto Company. Earlier in February, a $1 million gift from Pioneer Hi-Bred's parent company, DuPont, was announced. These gifts mean that World Food Prize is two-thirds the way toward its fundraising goals. In addition to housing the World Food Prize, the building will include a hall of fame for World Food Prize recipients, an educational center and museum for visitors, and a venue for seminars and discussions about the world's agriculture.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.worldfoodprize.org/press_room/2008/feb/librarydonations.htm
Cultural Advocacy Day in Des Moines
Extreme cold and bad roads couldn't keep cultural crowds away
Each year, cultural advocates from across the state gather in Iowa to urge legislators to take arts, history, and culture into consideration when making decisions on appropriations and other legislation. According to the National Assembly of Arts Agencies, Iowa ranks 45th nationally in per capita spending for the arts. This year, cultural advocates began their day at the State Historical Building with workshops and a rally before heading up to the capitol to talk to legislators. Governor Culver also formally designated seven new Great Places: Appanoose County, Davenport, Decorah, Charles City, Council Bluffs, Perry and West Des Moines' Valley Junction neighborhood.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080219/NEWS/802190398/-1/NEWS04
Congress May Designate New Historic Site in Iowa
Dr. Norman E. Borlaug's Childhood Home to be honored
On Monday, February 4, 2008, Senators Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin introduced legislation in the Senate to honor Iowa native Norman Borlaug by designating his birthplace and childhood home near Cresco a national historic site. Representatives Latham, King, Loebsack, Boswell, and Braley introduced similar legislation in the House. Dr. Borlaug is well known as the Father of the Green Revolution based on his work to develop high-yield and disease-resistant crops. He is one of only five people in history to have won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.
To find out more about Dr. Borlaug, visit the World Food Prize website.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080204/NEWS/80204035/1001/NEWS
Mount Vernon's Commercial Historic District Hit by Fire
A blaze broke out in Mount Vernon's Commercial Historic District on Wednesday, February 13, 2008. Firefighters from 14 fire departments were called to the scene beginning around 11:30 am. News reports indicate the fire began in the basement of Scorz Bar & Grill, which opened for business in December. It damaged the restaurant, second-story apartments, and the roof, but was kept from spreading to adjacent buildings.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080215/NEWS/213269156/1006/news
Olde Broom Factory Restaurant in Cedar Falls Demolished
National Register-listed Building was almost 150 years old
On Saturday, February 9, 2008, the Olde Broom Factory Restaurant in Cedar Falls was demolished. Saved from a similar fate 30 years ago, the building served as a popular dining spot until it closed last September. According to the Cedar Falls website, the building was originally constructed to mill cornstarch, but was also used to mill oatmeal, cure pickles, and to manufacture wooden pumps, washing machines, and brooms. Dorothy Stitt purchased the building in 1976 when the city was planning to demolish it. She had the building (officially known as the Forrest Milling Company Oatmeal Mill) listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. In recent years, it passed to her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Youri Dimitrov, who were forced to close the restaurant last fall due to a roof leak. According to a news report in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, Youri Dimitrov decided to demolish the building when engineering reports showed the building could not be saved. He intends to build two new buildings on the site: one housing condominiums and another for a restaurant and bar.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.waterloocourier.com/articles/2008/02/12/news/metro/f37ceceff0620353862573ed0050fd95.txt
IHPA Unveils New Website
www.iowapreservation.org features dynamic content to keep you informed
IHPA is very excited to unveil our new website design. The front page features dynamic content to bring you the latest in preservation news, events, and issues from around the state. Check out our Preservation News page to find out what is happening to Iowa's historic resources. Submit calendar items for viewing online and in future newsletters. Get involved in IHPA through the Take Action! section and help other Iowans save their historic places. And, of course, our programs and initiatives are there, too. These pages will continue to be redesigned over the coming months to make them more user-friendly. Let us know what you think - email webmaster@iowapreservation.org.
Historic Motel on Lincoln Highway Re-Opens
Niland Cafe and Colo Motel beautifully restored
What was once a "one-stop shop" on the Lincoln Highway, the Niland Cafe and Colo Motel are open for business once again. The Nevada Journal reports that the Colo Motel reopened on January 18th, 2008. The City of Colo and the Colo Development Group have spent just under $1 million on the Reed/Niland Corner project, which includes the motel, the Niland Cafe, a gas station, landscaping, paving, and restoration of the exterior of all the buildings. Future plans include an old country store and farmers market.
The Reed-Niland corner provided gas, food and lodging to travelers along the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways between 1923 and 1995. The business included a full-service gas station, cafe, tourist cabins, a motel, and an apartment building. It is considered Iowa's most intact "one-stop shop" on the Lincoln Highway. For more information, go to: www.colo-iowa.org.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab5.cfm?newsid=19228209&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554450&rfi=6
Historic Fort Madison Depot Part of Amtrak's Plans
Move Downtown will help preserve Santa Fe Railway Depot
The Hawk Eye reports that Amtrak is working to move its Fort Madison station to the National Register-listed Santa Fe Railway Depot downtown. The depot would be shared by Amtrak and the North Lee County Historical Society, which is currently in the building. The City has been working on the project for several years and have received a number of federal grants for planning, design, and rehabilitation. Plans also include work on the Santa Fe Atchison and Topeka Passenger and Freight Complex and the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad Passenger Depot. If all goes well, Amtrak will be in the restored depot by the spring of 2009.
To read the full article, go to: http://www.thehawkeye.com/Story/Amtrak_012808
Fire in Maquoketa Severely Damages Historic Properties
D.H. Anderson Building pulled down
An early morning fire on Saturday, January 19, destroyed several businesses and historic buildings in downtown Maquoketa. Firefighters from over a dozen communities fought the fire in subzero temperatures throughout the day. Nobody was seriously hurt during the blaze. According to various news reports, the fire began around 2 a.m. in an upstairs apartment at Jackson County Home Furnishings and burned well into the afternoon. The front facade of the National Register-listed DH Anderson Building was pulled down after it began tipping toward the street. The building, constructed in 1882, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 for its Italianate design. Other buildings damaged include the National Register-listed Merrero Block.
Photo courtesy of Michael Kearney. Click on thumbnail to enlarge.
Preservationists Save One of Two Buildings Slated for Demolition in Des Moines
Henshie-Briggs Row House to move to Sherman Hill
The construction of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield's new headquarters in downtown Des Moines requires the removal of two historic buildings: the 1903 Murillo Apartment Building and the Henshie-Briggs Row House (most recently home to Wetherell and Ericsson Architects and listed on the National Register in 2001). On Wednesday, January 16, the historic preservation commission gave the Sherman Hill Neighborhood Association a green light to move the row house to the historic district. According to the Des Moines Register, it will cost around $60,000 to move the 400-ton brick building. Sherman Hill resident Rob McCammon, who has led the charge to preserve both buildings, is still trying to find a team to save the Murillo. Because the Murillo weighs approximately 1,000 tons, its move will cost almost four times as much as the row house.
Rath Packing Company Administration Building Saved
Waterloo City Council approves development agreement to rehab vacant structure
On Monday, January 7, the Waterloo City Council voted unanimously to approve an agreement with Mako Waterloo Corporation to redevelop the historic Rath Administration Building, which has been vacant for two decades. The developers plan to rehabilitate the building for use as a data processing center. The City of Waterloo planned to demolish the building this year, but the city's Historic Preservation Commission held public meetings hoping to find a new use for the building and to generate interest in its preservation. The building will be rehabbed following preservation standards and will ultimately be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.
Wetherby Cottage Saved from Demolition
House in Iowa City was home to prominent artist and photographer
The State Historical Society of Iowa awarded a $15,000 emergency grant to help Iowa City preservationists save the historic Wetherby Cottage. The owner of the cottage donated the building to the Friends of Historic Preservation, who will move the building to a new location. The cottage is associated with Isaac A. Wetherby, a renowned photographer and artist, whose legacy is recounted in Marybeth Slonneger's book Wetherby's Gallery: Paintings, Daguerreotypes & Ambrotypes of an Artist. Slonneger has worked for months to find a suitable location for the small cottage.
Fire Destroys Historic Breitbach's Country Dining
Oldest bar in Iowa was established in 1852
A morning fire on Christmas Eve Day destroyed a well-known Balltown restaurant thought to be Iowa's oldest bar. No one was hurt in the fire, which began Monday morning after an explosion in the basement. Breitbach's was established in 1852 and has been in the same family for six generations. The old stagecoach stop was known for its friendly atmosphere and country-style dining. It was a popular stop for tourists along the Mississippi River and was recently featured on the Food Network's "Feasting on Asphalt with Alton Brown."