Smokestack decision put on hold

With the cost of preservation exceeding what might be offered in federal funding, the Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission is unsure what the next step will be for the Sinclair smokestack.

Mitigation funds provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for damage to historical properties may total $100,000 to $200,000 for the former Sinclair meatpacking plant, 1600 Third St. SE.

State Historic Preservation Office officials told the commission that money should go to a project commemorating the plant, which at one time was among the four largest meatpacking plants in the world and the city's largest employer.

Oak Park Chimney Corp. of Forest Park, Ill., which inspected the 160-foot-tall brick smokestack, said repairs could cost $420,425. That leaves a difference of more than $200,000 between the repairs and what FEMA might fund.

At a meeting tonight, commission Chairwoman Maura Pilcher noted that funding is not the only obstacle to preserving the structure.

She said FEMA also expects to know what the city plans to do with the Sinclair property.

“They don't want to save something that eventually will be an impediment to development,” Pilcher said.

Because the property was destroyed by the Floods of 2008 and two fires last year, the city - which owns the site - has not decided its fate beyond demolition.

Pilcher suggested that the group look at options, such as saving other buildings on the site. Twelve Sinclair structures, including the smokestack, are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

“I am not emotionally attached to this,” she said of the smokestack.

Salvaging the smokestack's bricks is not an option because the material is deemed contaminated, said Sushil Nepal of the city's Department of Development.

Commission member Arlene Heck noted that the group is expected to represent the views of the community. No one at the meeting spoke for or against saving the smokestack.

The commission tabled a decision until next week. That meeting date has not been set.