Preserve remaining Dubuque Street cottages

There will be a public hearing today concerning historic landmark designation for the cottages at 608 and 610 S. Dubuque Street in Iowa City.

The cottages have attracted notice because they uniquely represent lower-income, mid-19th century history, and, in the mid-20th century, supported a thriving community of poets and fine printers known as the Actualists.

The cottages have also attracted notice because of confusion about why they are being demolished.

Why did many citizens think that these buildings were already protected? First, the City adopted a comprehensive plan in 1992 that specifically identified the cottages for historic review. An updated historic preservation plan from early 2008 prioritized the cottages. In 2012, the City adopted its 'Riverfront Crossings” plan, which identified the entire 600 block of South Dubuque as a neighborhood commercial center to be preserved. Several businesses along the block offered repeatedly to buy the buildings they rented.

To compensate for the demolition of historic Sabin School, also noted for protection in those plans, a full historic survey of the area was to be funded, beginning on Dec. 18.

On Nov. 6, Planning and Zoning reviewed an application to increase density on the 600 block. The information packet for their Nov. 20 meeting included drawings of a single four-story, mixed-use building replacing the entire block. Why this eleventh-hour change of plan?

When choosing business locations, citizens need to rely on planning documents. They need to know if surrounding property might be redeveloped beneficially or harmfully. To demolish this block undermines decisions made by 10 businesses as well as the input of City staff and experts in making the plans.

There are compelling reasons to protect these historic buildings, as Historic Preservation unanimously found; there are reasons not to deviate from the Comprehensive and Riverfront Crossings Plans, as Planning and Zoning unanimously found; and State Historical Preservation Office's finding that the cottages are historic should be given due consideration. I call upon City Council to make an informed decision.

' Nialle Sylvan owns the Wentz House, a historic residence on Gilbert Street in Iowa City. Contact: nialle@thehauntedbookshop.com