Heritage Works Newsletter

WINTER 2019-2020

Historic preservation & authenticity

Young people play a vital role in a community’s vibrancy, culture and economic success. As the next generation of leaders, millennials (people born between 1981 and 1996) are looking for authentic places to live, work and play. A study by the National Trust for Historic Preservation found that 52% of millennials “view historic preservation as important through the lens of engaging in authentic experiences.” If a community wants to attract and retain young people, it needs to have a strong sense of authenticity.

What makes for an authentic community? An authentic place is one that has retained a connection to its roots and to important eras of its past. It has evolved over time to adapt to societal changes, yet maintains evidence of the layers of history that have accumulated. Dubuque is fortunate to have a downtown district with many revitalized historic buildings that house small businesses and local venues to dine, drink and enjoy nightlife. Dubuque’s authenticity has tremendous value.

However, it is important to note that authenticity can easily be lost when historic buildings are either demolished or rehabbed in a way that destroys their historic character. An authentic community encourages the retention of existing buildings wherever possible and conversion of buildings to a new use. In the process of rehabilitating buildings, original design and original building materials should be incorporated to the greatest extent possible. When there is new construction, it should be designed in a way that is compatible with existing buildings in scale, massing and materials. New buildings should be of a contemporary design so they are a record of the era in which they were constructed.

In this newsletter, you will read about Marie and Chris Fry, local homeowners who have taken initiative to restore their home’s historic windows. Retaining a building’s original design and features preserves its intended, authentic look. Historic architecture contributes to community authenticity because it cannot be replicated. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. We congratulate Marie and Chris for doing their part to help Dubuque retain its authenticity.

At Heritage Works, we work to ensure that historic architecture continues to play a key role in our community’s story for years to come. Our organization is unique to Dubuque and the only nonprofit of its kind in the area. If you are interested in getting involved, visit our website for information on our membership program. Let’s Work!

- Duane Hagerty, President & CEO

Window Restoration in action

In Sept. 2019, Heritage Works partnered with the City of Dubuque to invite Bob Yapp, national window restoration expert, to Dubuque to teach community members how to restore their own historic windows.

The workshop was provided at no cost to participants, thanks to support from the Dubuque Racing Association, Dupaco Community Credit Union, Dubuque’s True North, Steeple Square and the Four Mounds Foundation.

Marie Fry was one of the workshop participants, and she has put her new skill to good use. Marie and her husband, Chris, bought their 1920’s Grandview home around six years ago. They have always tried to stay true to the character of their home. “I knew that I wanted to try to restore the original windows if possible,” said Marie. “I have tackled many home improvement tasks myself and wasn’t afraid of a little hard work.”

When Marie heard about the Bob Yapp window workshop, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to learn how to restore her windows herself. “I took away a wealth of knowledge on how to properly and safely restore my windows. Yapp suggested specific materials, tools, and steps that should be taken in order to guarantee that the window will last for years to come,” she said.

With the help of Chris, Marie restored seven windows this past fall and will start working on the other 13 windows this spring. “I am proud of the work I have done so far and am looking forward to when they are all complete!”

Homeowners like Chris and Marie are keeping window sashes that have years of life left in them out of landfills, while preserving the character of their historic homes and honing a skill that is in high demand.

Thanks for sharing, Marie!

Before restoration After restoration

Completely restored window

Chris & Marie’s home

MembersHIP Program

Leadership Debi & Andrew Butler Susan Farber John & Mary GronenDavid Klavitter & Kara Bunte

SustainerIowa Architectural FoundationDick & Mary Jean GregoryBob & Judy KlauerEdwin & Susan Ritts Mike & Julie Schmalz Carrie Schmid & John RettenmeierJudy Wolf

Associate Jim & Nancy KlauerSara NeslerDr. Roger & Lisa Ott John Wegmann

SupporterDominican Sisters of SinsinawaRoy & Deb BuolNancy FinegoodTerry & Paula FriedmanMichael GibsonDuane HagertyMary KelleyNelson & Mona KlavitterDr. Darryl & Terry MozenaJohn & Donna SchmidtTom & Judi Schutt

AdvocateDavid & Ruth Assmus Brian CooperPaul FuerstDavid Olson & Sandi BeiskerAndy & Kara Schroeder Diane SchulzEllen ShapleyMark & Annalee Ward

Support from our members allows our organization to continue educational programming and vocational training. We would like to thank our current members for their support:

upcoming EVENTS

ArchiTREK Lunch & Learn PresentationsAll Lunch & Learn presentations are free of charge and open to the public. Feel free to bring a sack lunch, as lunch will not be provided.

Mar. 19 from 12:15-1 p.m. - Dubuque’s Stained Glass Heritage

Dubuque’s Stained Glass TourMay 9 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - In partnership with the Dubuque Racing Association, the Dubuque Museum of Art, Steeple Square and the City of Dubuque, Heritage Works is planning Dubuque’s

Stained Glass Tour. Nationally known stained glass expert Neal Vogel will highlight stained glass at five area churches with discussions covering stained glass history, meaning, technique and conservation methods.

Tickets are $30 per person ($25 per person for Heritage Works or Dubuque Museum of Art members). Ticket cost covers transportation via trolley and lunch. Space is limited. Visit stainedglasstour.eventbrite.com for more information.

If you are interested in supporting Heritage Works, visit our website for more information.

Our membership program includes select benefits to participate in Heritage Works activities, while supporting the mission and work of our nonprofit organization.

Thank you!

Contact Us489 W 4th St. | Dubuque, Iowa 52001563.564.4080info@heritageworksdbq.com

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David Klavitter, Chairman of the BoardChief Marketing Officer, Dupaco

Susan Farber, Finance Committee ChairOwner, Magoo’s Pizza

John ButlerChairperson, Cottingham & Butler

Debi ButlerOwner, Treetop Properties

John GronenPresident, Gronen Properties | Restoration

Mary GronenVice President, Gronen Properties | Restoration

Flint DrakePartner, Drake Law Firm PC

STAFF

Duane Hagerty President & CEO

Bill DoylePreservation & Programs Manager

Megan ViertelCommunications & Marketing Coordinator

board of directors

Recent blogs

• Legacy Businesses Spotlight: Graham’s Style Store

• Dubuque’s Streetcar Lines

• Why Preservation Matters

STREETCAR Storymap

“Dubuque’s streetcar system is gone. However, the urban environment that it informed, the urban design, remains remarkably intact.”

On January 16, Bill Doyle, Preservation & Programs Manager, gave a Lunch & Learn presentation on Dubuque’s streetcar lines. As part of his presentation, Bill created a story map that explores Dubuque’s streetcar history in a way that is interactive and fun! The story map is free resource that can be accessed at following link: https://bit.ly/2THRTvF