THE HERITAGE TRUST
For Preservation and Restoration of Historic Burlington, Iowa
September 2003
Historic Homes Tour Returns
If you are the type of person who enjoys peeking inside old houses- and who isn’t?- keep the weekend of October 11 and 12 open. After a one year hiatus, the popular Heritage Trust tour of homes returns with a look at four historic residences. Three houses and a condominium in a former department store will be open to visitors this year.
Dan and Sheri Hutchcroft’s large frame Queen Anne house at 622 Court St. has
undergone a breathtaking interior and exterior restoration after having been
left vacant and deteriorating in the 1980s. The home’s historic carriage barn
is also on the tour. At 1101 N. Fifth St., Dr. Mark Reynolds has brought a
brick Victorian back from anonymity with a new wraparound porch and eye-catching
decorating. Bob Brueck’s commitment to adaptive reuse is combined with Janet
McCannon’s flair for design in her condo at Third and Jefferson, the former
Schramm’s department store. At 500 North St., David and Inez Metzger have
extensively remodeled a home that has seen many significant alterations over the
years.
The homes are open to tour on Saturday, October 11 from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sunday, October 12 from noon to 4 pm. Tickets may be purchased for $10 in advance at Stoermers, The Medium, and the Iowa Store at the Port of Burlington, or for $12 at the door on the day of the tour. As an added attraction, brunch will be available on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, 421 Washington St., for $8.
The historic homes tour requires not only gracious and accommodating homeowners, but also a concerted volunteer effort. People are needed to collect money at the doors and to assist in smooth tour operations at each home. Please call Liz Sally at 754-0395 and donate a few hours of your time. Your help will ensure that the Trust can continue to offer such a special opportunity not only to our members, but to the broader public as well. It’s an ideal way to show off the best of our past and present.
Trust Works to Save St. Patrick’s Church
Faced
with ownership of a building that no longer meets their needs, Saints Mary and
Patrick Parish is on track to raze the historic St. Patrick’s Church on
Washington St. Services at the church ceased last year; since that time, parish
officials have been concerned about the cost to maintain it. Likewise, they had
a desire not to see the vacant house of worship used for purposes counter to its
original mission. Following a recommendation by the Davenport Diocese, the
parish proceeded with plans to demolish the 1873 structure.
St. Patrick’s was the home church for Burlington’s Irish immigrants in the Hibernia neighborhood and remained a center of their families’ lives for well over a century. However, with the recent widespread shortage of Catholic priests and the combining of the congregation with that of St. Mary’s in West Burlington, keeping St. Pat’s open was not a viable option. The Heritage Trust has stepped in with a plan to take ownership of the structure and return it to use, this time as a community center and meeting space.
Earlier this summer the Trust learned from several concerned parishioners that St. Pat’s was scheduled to be razed before the end of the year. Representatives from the Trust met with parish finance council members, parishioners, and clergy a number of times to learn about the physical condition of the building. While in need of a new roof, some joist repairs and masonry work, and bathroom upgrades, the structure is quite sound. Church representatives also expressed their feelings that the building should not be used for any commercial or non-Catholic religious purposes if placed under new ownership. Such stipulations protect the dignity of the structure and the fond memories of the people connected to it, but they also severely limit options for reuse.
The Heritage Trust board has attempted to bring public exposure to this issue, believing that the historic church should not be torn down without at least some attempt to preserve it. At the same time, they recognize the importance that the church has played in the lives of its members and maintain that the support of parishioners is crucial to any plans to save the building. The Trust has never before purchased a property, instead working to promote and encourage property owners to preserve or restore their own buildings through educational programs, advocacy, and financial incentives. Ownership expenses of St. Pat’s would include restoration, maintenance, and operating costs, and the Trust could not incur these without the assistance of other organizations or individuals.
The Diocese has granted an extension until October 10 for the Trust to assess financial support for the reuse plan, come up with a rigorous restoration timetable that would prevent further decay, and devise a covenant process whereby the building’s future uses would not be at odds with the wishes of the parish and Diocese. Unfortunately the parish finance council has refused to allot any of the money earmarked for demolition to be used for restoration. We are approaching parishioners who may wish to donate money towards seeing the building saved, as well as organizations that may be interested in renting space at such a community building. The outcome of the process is unforeseeable, but it behooves us as preservationists to speak out against the potential loss of sound and significant pieces of Burlington’s rich architectural legacy.
Burlington’s Treasures 2003 Winners
Lynn Potts, 214 S. Garfield- Porch This home had a complete interior renovation as part of an LHAP Grant project two years ago. In 2002 the wraparound porch was re-created as a Heritage Trust “Perk Up Your Porch” project. Because of its flat roof and lack of proper maintenance, the original porch had rotted and was removed in the late 1960s. The porch was re-created by contractor Jack Atteberry using a 1960 photograph as the “blueprint.”
Dave and Cathy Henderson, 613 Washington- Victorian Patio and Garden The Italianate style William Ihrer house, built circa 1880, is in the Heritage Hill Historic District. William Ihrer owned a grocery store at the corner of Sixth and Jefferson. Many of the products sold in his store were grown or processed at his residence. The home’s brick patio area was originally much larger, with a building used to clean fowl; a house for squab was adjacent. A brick stable also stood on the south side of the property. Today a refurbished garden area includes plants popular during the Victorian era. Dave and Cathy completely renovated the three story house and now offer lodging on the third floor at Balla Machree, “House O’ My Heart,” a suite retreat.
Dr. Mark Reynolds, 1101 N. Fifth- Exterior Renovation This 1870s home has undergone quite a transformation the past several years both inside and out. Located in Burlington’s historic North Hill neighborhood, it once stood out due to its lack of personality, stripped off over the last few decades. After several years of renovation, it stands out as one of the premier homes in the neighborhood. The home took on renewed character when porches were returned to the front and side facades. Although the porch design is not original to the home, it blends in extremely well. Reynolds combined several aspects of favorite porches seen throughout the area, ultimately resulting in what is visible today. The porch is only the latest on an extensive list of interior and exterior projects that includes planned new landscaping and a period garden shed.
Burlington Fire Department Central Station, 418 Valley- Exterior Renovation Previously this downtown landmark built in 1907 was sadly deteriorating and lacked sufficient room for vehicle storage. The City Council considered locating the station in a new building but instead wisely funded an addition to the north of the existing structure. This provided a state-of-the-art facility at a preferable location while preserving the structure and saving taxpayers approximately $I million over the cost of a new facility. The exterior renovation included new windows, overhead doors (with fenestration configuration as per the original design), painting, a new entrance with masonry matching the existing brick, a new addition with limestone banding and signage to recall existing details, and partial tuckpointing.
Downtown, 400 Block of Jefferson Street- Landscape When the City of Burlington undertook street and sidewalk improvements in the 400 block of Jefferson, Pam Jochims (then Executive Director for Downtown Partners Inc.), Design committee chairman Susan Diehl, and Design and Public Art committee member Deb Bessine met with city officials to design the tree planters planned for the north side of the street. With their input, the design was modified to face the concrete base with limestone and to cover the tops with limestone caps. This design partnership continues with the city’s improvements in the 500 block of Jefferson completed this summer, including a new limestone planter and seating area at the corner of Fifth and Jefferson.
Busy
Summer for Salvage Crew
The Preservation Station salvage
volunteers have had an incredibly busy season. School district projects at
Sunnyside, North Hill, and Grimes called for the demolition of more than a dozen
homes, a church, and the old Grimes School. As a result, our people were on a
tight schedule to remove material as quickly as possible on short notice. For
safety and security reasons, building parts such as front doors and porch
columns could While the church and homes already had many of their most valuable
items and features removed, the crews were able to recover quite a bit that
remained- clawfoot bathtubs, French doors, cabinetry, hardware, and more. The
school was an especially big project, requiring several days’ work.
As preservationists, we regret the loss of so many older buildings. Historic architecture is a finite resource- they don’t make splitfaced brick bungalows any more. However, we can get some satisfaction in the knowledge that these structures have acted as “organ donors.” Some of their parts will be used to restore and enhance other historic buildings, and proceeds from their sale will be put back into the community through programs such as our porch grants.
In the meantime, the Preservation Station steering committee continues to explore possible sites for the relocation of our salvage operation. The time left at our current home on Osborn is limited, and a suitable new home- spacious, accessible, and inexpensive- must be found. If you have ideas or would like to join the steering committee, contact Hal Morton at 754-8856.
Armchair Architecture
Some newly added architecture and preservation related books at the Burlington Public Library:
Harker’s Barns: Visions of an American Icon, by Michael P. Harker (728.922 HAR)
Exquisitely crafted black and white photographs of Iowa barns both grand and humble. Harker’s portraits focus attention on our vanishing rural heritage.
American Art Deco, by Carla Breeze (720.973 BRE) Lavish color illustrations of architecture and ornament highlight the energetic forms and polychromatic glory of the style. Examples are grouped by region.
Barns, by John Michael Vlach (728.922 VLA) An exhaustive survey of American farm outbuildings, drawing on Library of Congress and HABS/HAER records. Profusely illustrated, this is a definitive work.
Consider Supporting the IHPA
By Dennis Wilson
Elaine Baxter and I recently attended the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance annual meeting held on August 2nd in Mount Pleasant. This was my first time attending an IHPA meeting, and I was very impressed with their accomplishments to date, plus the opportunity to network with other preservation organizations around the state. I would encourage all of our members to join IHPA and help to financially support this statewide effort. Below is some information from their website at www.iowapreservation.org:
We at the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance want to give you the voice and support you need to save these structures. We believe it’s time for members of the state to join together to preserve historical buildings and landmarks. Together, we can save the farmstead in the country, the abandoned depot, the old home by the river or the beautiful department store.
* The IHPA, in cooperation with individuals like you and groups of people across the state, have the most impact working together to save buildings in our communties.
* Combining our contacts and information sources, we are instantly aware when governmental action is taken or laws are discussed affecting historical structures. Therefore, we ensure our position is heard.
* Through newsletters, bulletins, conferences, special events and advocacy efforts statewide, information is being used to educate the public and private sectors at both the local and state levels.
* We plan and implement special events to increase awareness for our cause and gain support from members of various communities where buildings are in danger.
* As one group, we share ideas about fundraising opportunities, and put members in contact with contractors who specialize in rebuilding sites, making it difficult to argue against restoring an abandoned structure.
* We are able to share important information about upcoming workshops, which help us become organized and speak with one voice.
Help us preserve Iowa’s historic sites by becoming a member of the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance. With your membership, you will also receive our quarterly newsletter and special announcements about our workshops, seminars, special events and annual meeting. You will also be able to participate in the selection of our Preservation Awards recipients and the annual Endangered Properties list.
Membership categories
$25 Regular membership $50 Supporter membership
$100 and more Partner membership $500 and more Sponsor membership
$1000 and more Sustainer membership $5000 and more Patron membership
$10 of your membership pays for the newsletter and mailing. Amounts above $10 are tax deductible. Please send your check to: Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance, P.O. Box 814, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641. The Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance is a private non-profit corporation with an IRS 501c designation. Donations to the organization are tax exempt.
A Closer Look
Seeing Double
2053 Gnahn 2055 Gnahn
Similar examples of certain types of homes- brick workers’ cottages, Foursquares, bungalows- can be seen scattered throughout Burlington. However, few of these are as surprising as the side-by-side pair of red brick homes at 2053 and 2055 Gnahn. Located on the west side of this quiet street, the late Victorian houses are nearly identical.
County assessor’s records show that both houses were built in 1893, but that seems to be in error. As far as can be told from city directories, 2055 Gnahn was first occupied around 1904. In that year John A. Fenske, an employee of the Burlington Basket Factory, was living at 1855 Lemberger. In 1918 H.J. Luecking moved to 2055 Gnahn. The street name and addresses had changed about 1910.
George Gerdes occupied the house to the south at 1853 Lemberger in 1906. Though he was the first resident at that address, the owners were Ferdinand and Mary Pietzsch. Edward F. Pietzsch, a clerk for Blaul’s Sons, purchased 2053 in 1909. An adopted son of Ferdinand and Mary, he lived in the home for forty-five years. The two houses’ residents have often had close family connections. H.J. Luecking’s daughter Elsie was the wife of Ed Pietzsch, so father and daughter lived next to each other. George Gerdes may be related to Mathilda Pietzsch Gerdes, a sister of Edward Pietzsch. Later T.K. Ford purchased the homes, with his daughter living in one. Currently David and Robin York own the houses.
Both homes exhibit the irregular massing common to Queen Anne Victorians, but their lack of ornament places them at the tail end of the style. There are flat stone lintels over the windows and two storey partially octagonal bays on the south sides of both homes. The roof lines are the most arresting feature. On each, the roof descends in a full storey slope on the north side, creating a strongly asymmetrical facade. The front gables are clipped, hinting at a Craftsman style picturesque quality.
A visit to 2053 Gnahn, which retains more original elements than 2055, revealed that the interior design is also on the cusp of the post-Victorian era. While the door and window trim feature 19th Century style profiles and rosettes, the plain door hardware and square-columned colonnade are evidence of early Craftsman design influence. Many historic buildings exhibit this blending of various architectural styles; “pure” examples occur with surprising infrequency.
What’s in a Name?
Ideally, a publication should have a snappy moniker that reflects its attitude and purpose. In this department, the Heritage Trust newsletter is sorely lacking! We are looking for a name for our newsletter and are hoping that you can help. E-mail your suggestions to Steve Frevert at frevert@lisco.com. The new name will grace our next issue.
Wanted- Your Input
We need your help! The Trust board is asking for your suggestions in the following
fundraising survey. Some possible responses are included, but you may come up with others. Feel free to use additional paper. Your ideas and comments are important in helping us to maximize our effectiveness and promote the cause of preservation and restoration.
1. What do you see as the purpose of the Heritage Trust?
a. Identify preservation needs in the community
b. Identify projects that need grant support
c. other ____________________________
2. How can we raise funds?
a. Increase advertising
b. Solicit members from a broader area
c. Increase income from Preservation Station
d. Solicit individual, organizational, governmental, and corporate funding
e. other ____________________________
3. What activities would increase member involvement?
a. Social events
b. Specific preservation projects
c. other _____________________________
4. How should we allocate the funds we raise?
a. Increase porch grant amount
b. Increase the number of seminars and educational programs
c. other _____________________________
Please return your responses to the Trust at P.O. Box 53, Burlington, IA 52601. Thank you for your time!
Welcome New Members
Michael Bowen - Burlington
Ken White – Burlington
In order to quickly and easily inform you of important meetings, activities, and local preservation news, Heritage Trust members with online access are invited to submit their e-mail addresses to President Dennis Wilson at dw125358@ncr.com. Dennis will create a master e-mail list of members, keeping everyone up to date about the latest events.
Calendar
September 28 Noon Heritage Trust board meeting
October 11 10 to 4 Home Tour
12 Noon to 4 Home Tour
22 Noon Heritage Trust board meeting
Regular board meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at noon at 214 N. Fourth St. in the Downtown Partners conference room. All Heritage Trust members are welcome.
Preservation Station is open the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9:00 to 1:00 at 923 Osborn St.
Board of Directors
Officers
Dennis Wilson 753-1013 Patrick Cable 752-3525
President Sybil Ann Hanna 752-5882
Hal Morton 754-8856 Dave Henderson 754-0869
1st Vice President Judy Kerr (309) 769-5570
Sandy Morrison 754-9055 Ann Kruse 754-5222
2nd Vice President David Lloyd 753-1387
Elizabeth Sally 754-0395 Don Lofgren 753-0970
Treasurer Carol Newton 752-7906
Steve Frevert 753-3127 Laura Nickols 758-9271
Secretary Diana Small 750-1796
Newsletter Editor