Heritage Works Newsletter spring-Summer 2020

Virtual preservation

Like most historic preservation organizations, Heritage Works had many events planned for spring and summer of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these plans have been canceled or postponed.

Fortunately, thanks to technology and social media, we have opportunities we would not have had just 20 years ago. With everyone staying at home during these uncertain times, there is a significant opportunity to provide informative and entertaining content that educates the public about local and national preservation. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, for example, celebrated Preservation Month virtually during the month of May with a variety of digital content ranging from virtual tours to articles to topical videos.

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs hosted a virtual version of its annual Preserve Iowa Summit from June 4-6. In place of the traditional in-person activities, attendees were able to enjoy the Summit from their own homes. The Summit included virtual sessions Heritage Works CEO. Duane Hagerty, covering historic tax credits, advocacy, local history and much more, gives a Facebook live virtual tour of with Dubuque as this year’s town of focus. Steeple Square’s Honkamp Hall.

Heritage Works is also finding ways to adapt to social distancing orders by sharing content via Facebook, YouTube and Zoom. In place of the traditional in-person ArchiTREK walking tours, this year Heritage Works and the Dubuque Museum of Art are hosting virtual tours on Zoom. June and July’s virtual presentations covered Eagle Point Park and Dubuque’s murals. After the presentation, attendees were able to take part in a question and answer session with the Heritage Works staff. Upcoming presentations include terra cotta in architectural design (August 20) and the Dubuque Brewing & Malting Complex (September 17), both at 6 p.m. on Zoom.

We cannot wait to host in-person events again. Until then, we invite you to enjoy all that virtual preservation has to offer.

OUR MISSION Founded in 2015, Heritage Works preserves, protects and promotes historic architecture as one of the Dubuque area’s unique assets in attracting people, investment and jobs. It is focused on three primary objectives: facilitating collaboration for catalytic preservation and restoration proects, including help in gathering financial assistance for such projects; community and governmental advocacy emphasizing the importance of historic preservation; and educational programming highlighting Dubuque’s rich historic and architectural heritage. CEOLoras Update College Listed on National Register

“The Historic District has been listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places,” announced Loras College in a press release on July 3, 2020. Heritage Works was pleased to assist the college in the National Register application process.

As Iowa’s oldest college, Loras’ historic campus was a perfect candidate for a National Register nomination. This distinction gives the college more opportunities to fund renovation projects for qualifying buildings. Being included on the National Register is a source of pride for the college and its community and serves as a nod to its rich history as an institution.

New Program: Delightful Dubuque Drive-By

Heritage Works is putting together a new social media series to highlight Dubuque’s historic buildings and encourage community members to go out and see our town’s architecture for themselves. The purpose of the program, titled “Delightful Dubuque Drive-By,” will be to enhance Dubuque’s sense of place by showcasing area historic homes and explaining how and why these community buildings are excellent examples of preservation and, therefore, compelling homeowners to preserve and create good design. The series will share photos and information regarding style and design elements about different historic properties. Make sure you are following Heritage Works on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for content like the Delightful Dubuque Drive-By series and more.

Upcoming Events Recent blogs

Virtual ArchiTREK Presentations • Legacy Businesses Spotlight: Hartig Drug Company Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. - Terra Cotta Sign up here • Heritage Works Board of Directors Election Results Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. - Dubuque Malting & Brewing Complex • Legacy Businesses Spotlight: Dubuque’s Italian Restaurants Stay up-to-date on all event information by following our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and by joining our email list. CEOPArtner Update spotlight: Chris & Allison Richard

Heritage Works has the privilege of working with many different community partners, including property owners. Chris and Allison Richard are an example of area property owners who have utilized Heritage Works’ services and expertise when it comes to historic property development. Chris and Allison bought their first property in Dubuque in 2004. Since then, Chris and Allison, who also own Ticket Bar & Grill in Platteville, Wisconsin, have purchased and revitalized 90 units in Dubuque. “We have a range of properties from single family to a 30-unit. We have a few in the Central corridor area,” said Chris. Chris’ 1812 Central Avenue property before restoration work Though Chris and Allison live in Platteville, they decided to invest in properties in Dubuque because they were interested in the market and intrigued by the unique, well-maintained historic architecture. “My wife was drawn to the Central Avenue area. We both appreciated the style of the buildings,” said Chris. “Historic properties have architecture and design that you don’t see in newer buildings and each building has a story.”

While restoring and maintaining a historic building has its own unique challenges, Chris believes the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. “I think the biggest advantage to restoring a historic property is that you are taking it back Chris’ 1812 Central Avenue property after restoration work to its original, intended look,” explained Chris. With the help of Heritage Works, Chris has completed one historic tax credit project and has another in the works. Historic tax credits assist property owners in getting the funds they need to do renovation work. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do with our properties without funds from historic tax credits,” said Chris. “Heritage Works helped with the process step-by- step and explained everything so that I could gain a better understanding.”

Property owners like Chris and Allison are helping revitalize our historic neighborhoods one property at a time. Without assistance from federal and state historic tax credit Chris’ property at 260-280 West 17th Street programs, many of these projects would not have been completed. If you are a historic property owner interested in learning more about the historic tax credit program, contact us at [email protected] or 563-564-4080. Heritage Works Board Elects new chairman

Heritage Works is pleased to announce David Klavitter’s appointment to Chairman of its Board of Directors. The historic preservation nonprofit’s former Chairman, John Butler, stepped down from his position but will continue to serve as a director.

Butler, who is a Chairman of Cottingham & Butler, has served as Chairman of Heritage Works since its conception in 2015. Heritage Works received its startup and early operational funding through a generous donation from John Butler and his wife, Alice Butler. The Butlers have a strong track record of advocating for historic preservation and have completed restoration projects in Dubuque like the Town Clock Building at Dave Klavitter 823 Main Street in 2003 and the Security Building at 800 Main Street, the corporate headquarters of Cottingham and Butler, in 2009. Klavitter “will be an outstanding Chair of Heritage Works,” according to Butler.

Klavitter, who is Chief Marketing Officer at Dupaco Community Credit Union, serves on the City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission as well as the board of the American Red Cross, where he is a long-time disaster volunteer. As a founding board member of Heritage Works, Klavitter believes strongly that architectural heritage drives community revitalization and economic development. John & Alice Butler Heritage Works is grateful to have Dave’s talent and strong voice as part of our organization. board of directors STAFF

David Klavitter, Chairman of the Board Duane Hagerty Chief Marketing Officer, Dupaco President & CEO Susan Farber, Finance Committee Chair Bill Doyle Owner, Magoo’s Pizza Preservation & Programs Manager John Butler Chairperson, Cottingham & Butler Debi Butler Owner, Treetop Properties John Gronen Contact Us President, Gronen Properties | Restoration 489 W 4th St. | Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Mary Gronen 563.564.4080 Vice President, Gronen Properties | Restoration [email protected] Flint Drake Partner, Drake Law Firm PC Subscribe to our email list: