URBAN RENEWAL - Revision history

Randylyon at 21:15, 27 March 2026

2026-03-27T21:15:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 27 March 2026
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	Dubuque's approach to urban renewal would follow the recommendations of City Manager [[CHAVENELLE, Gilbert D.\|Gilbert D. CHAVENELLE]]. Chavenelle reported that a site had been considered, but there was some question if it would be the final choice for renewal. Chavenelle was referring to the "14th St. area" which the City Planner Justin Hartzog had recommended. (9)		Dubuque's approach to urban renewal would follow the recommendations of City Manager [[CHAVENELLE, Gilbert D.\|Gilbert D. CHAVENELLE]]. Chavenelle reported that a site had been considered, but there was some question if it would be the final choice for renewal. Chavenelle was referring to the "14th St. area" which the City Planner Justin Hartzog had recommended. (9)

	On January 17, 1962 the firm of Victor Gruen Associates was chosen by a unanimous vote of the city's Urban Renewal Consultant Selection Committee composed of citizens, local officials, and members of the city council to "guide Dubuque's urban renewal program." (10) The company was an architectural, engineering and planning organization with offices in New York, Chicago, and Beverly Hills, California. Projects undertaken by the company ranged in cost from $50,000 to $100 million and included work in Green Bay, Wisconsin, St. Paul, Minnesota; Kalamazoo, Michigan; Fort Worth, Texas; and Redondo Beach, California. (11) The firm specialized "in creating desirable environments in its projects." (12) In Dubuque, portions of the report which were never achieved would have replaced all the homes around [[ST. ~~RAPAHEL~~'S CATHEDRAL]] with apartment complexes, torn down much of the Central Avenue corridor because it was viewed as competition with the business district, and would have removed the Washington Neighborhood and the St. Mary's district for the construction of a freeway. (13)		On January 17, 1962 the firm of Victor Gruen Associates was chosen by a unanimous vote of the city's Urban Renewal Consultant Selection Committee composed of citizens, local officials, and members of the city council to "guide Dubuque's urban renewal program." (10) The company was an architectural, engineering and planning organization with offices in New York, Chicago, and Beverly Hills, California. Projects undertaken by the company ranged in cost from $50,000 to $100 million and included work in Green Bay, Wisconsin, St. Paul, Minnesota; Kalamazoo, Michigan; Fort Worth, Texas; and Redondo Beach, California. (11) The firm specialized "in creating desirable environments in its projects." (12) In Dubuque, portions of the report which were never achieved would have replaced all the homes around [[ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHEDRAL]] with apartment complexes, torn down much of the Central Avenue corridor because it was viewed as competition with the business district, and would have removed the Washington Neighborhood and the St. Mary's district for the construction of a freeway. (13)

	The first task of the company was to prepare a "workable program" aimed at eliminating poor living conditions in the city. This program would be submitted to the Federal Housing and Home Finance Agency for approval.		The first task of the company was to prepare a "workable program" aimed at eliminating poor living conditions in the city. This program would be submitted to the Federal Housing and Home Finance Agency for approval.

Randylyon at 21:15, 27 March 2026

2026-03-27T21:15:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 27 March 2026
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	URBAN RENEWAL (1960s and 1970s). [[NORMAN, Wayne Andrew Sr.\|Wayne Andrew Norman, Sr.]] once credited Dubuque with having so many styles of architecture because of the growth of its many industries. (1) As "captains of industry" rose, they constructed their homes in the style popular at the time. Often industries developed so quickly that one style of architecture might be seen right next to another.		URBAN RENEWAL (1960s and 1970s). [[NORMAN, Wayne Andrew Sr.\|Wayne Andrew Norman, Sr.]] once credited Dubuque with having so many styles of architecture because of the growth of its many industries. (1) As "captains of industry" rose, they constructed their homes in the style popular at the time. Often industries developed so quickly that one style of architecture might be seen right next to another.

	Dubuque's unusually rich architectural heritage allowed the belief to persist that the loss of a landmark could be afforded. In 1932 Dubuque's first [[OCTAGON ~~HOME~~]] was torn down. The demolition contractor remarked that he had never seen a building so well constructed--eight inch thick concrete walls reinforced in the corners with oak branches embedded in the mortar. (2) The list of significant landmarks lost in Dubuque grew to include the passenger depot of the [[ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD]]; [[ELEVENTH STREET ELEVATOR]]; [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]]; "Ridgemount," the James Langworthy House; the James Marsh residence; [[BEACH, James\|James BEACH]] home; [[PEABODY, William H.\|William H. PEABODY]] house; [[MILWAUKEE RAILROAD SHOPS]]; Old Central Engine House; Turner Hall; John Emerson house; Bissell-Babbage-Andrew McDonald house; and [[GREYSTONE]]. (3) In 1969 the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]] was scheduled for demolition. (4)		Dubuque's unusually rich architectural heritage allowed the belief to persist that the loss of a landmark could be afforded. In 1932 Dubuque's first [[OCTAGON HOUSE]] was torn down. The demolition contractor remarked that he had never seen a building so well constructed--eight inch thick concrete walls reinforced in the corners with oak branches embedded in the mortar. (2) The list of significant landmarks lost in Dubuque grew to include the passenger depot of the [[ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD]]; [[ELEVENTH STREET ELEVATOR]]; [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]]; "Ridgemount," the James Langworthy House; the James Marsh residence; [[BEACH, James\|James BEACH]] home; [[PEABODY, William H.\|William H. PEABODY]] house; [[MILWAUKEE RAILROAD SHOPS]]; Old Central Engine House; Turner Hall; John Emerson house; Bissell-Babbage-Andrew McDonald house; and [[GREYSTONE]]. (3) In 1969 the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]] was scheduled for demolition. (4)

	The loss of these buildings took place over a period of many years. In terms of changing the city's appearance, the collective effect was petty compared to the change resulting from urban renewal in the 1960s and 1970s. Dan Savage in his book '''Skipping Toward Gomorrah''' went to far as to describe Dubuque as:		The loss of these buildings took place over a period of many years. In terms of changing the city's appearance, the collective effect was petty compared to the change resulting from urban renewal in the 1960s and 1970s. Dan Savage in his book '''Skipping Toward Gomorrah''' went to far as to describe Dubuque as:

Randylyon at 21:14, 27 March 2026

2026-03-27T21:14:29Z

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Randylyon at 19:54, 5 October 2021

2021-10-05T19:54:37Z

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Randylyon at 20:37, 8 August 2021

2021-08-08T20:37:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 8 August 2021
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	[[File:5FLAGS.png\|850px\|thumb\|left\|An entire block was scheduled for demolition during urban renewal. Saving the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]] and restoring it led to converting the entire block into [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]		[[File:5FLAGS.png\|850px\|thumb\|left\|An entire block was scheduled for demolition during urban renewal. Saving the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]] and restoring it led to converting the entire block into [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]

Randylyon at 20:36, 8 August 2021

2021-08-08T20:36:59Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:5FLAGS.png|850px|thumb|left|An entire block was scheduled for demolition during urban renewal. Saving the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]] and restoring it led to converting the entire block into [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]URBAN RENEWAL (1960s and 1970s). [[NORMAN, Wayne Andrew Sr.|Wayne Andrew Norman, Sr.]] once credited Dubuque with having so many styles of architecture because of the growth of its many industries. (1) As "captains of industry" rose, they constructed their homes in the style popular at the time. Often industries developed so quickly that one style of architecture might be seen right next to another.
+[[File:5FLAGS.png|850px|thumb|left|An entire block was scheduled for demolition during urban renewal. Saving the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]] and restoring it led to converting the entire block into [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]
 Dubuque's unusually rich architectural heritage allowed the belief to persist that the loss of a landmark could be afforded. In 1932 Dubuque's first [[OCTAGON STYLE ARCHITECTURE]] home was torn down. The demolition contractor remarked that he had never seen a building so well constructed--eight inch thick concrete walls reinforced in the corners with oak branches embedded in the mortar. (2) The list of significant landmarks lost in Dubuque grew to include the passenger depot of the [[ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD]]; [[ELEVENTH STREET ELEVATOR]]; [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]]; "Ridgemount," the James Langworthy House; the James Marsh residence; [[BEACH, James|James BEACH]] home; [[PEABODY, William H.|William H. PEABODY]] house; [[MILWAUKEE RAILROAD SHOPS]]; Old Central Engine House; Turner Hall; John Emerson house; Bissell-Babbage-Andrew McDonald house; and [[GREYSTONE]]. (3) In 1969 the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]] was scheduled for demolition. (4)
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 The second phase was the preparation of the city's application for federal funds to begin a "community renewal survey" to determine which areas should be given renewal treatment. The application approved by the city council was for a grant of $83,513. Of this, the city's share would be approximately $41,757. The city also planned to make several studies for which federal funds were not available. These included a parking and traffic study already underway. (14) Approval of a federal grant of $83,513 for Dubuque's community development studies was approved by the Housing and Home Finance Agency in September, 1962. (15)
 Two days after the city council approved the goals, the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] announced plans to accelerate Dubuque's plans of expansion and urban renewal. A total of $20,000 was received from three Dubuque firms for furthering development plans. The first $10,000 from [[AMERICAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK]], [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]], and [[FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE]] was to be used for the purchase of stock in the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION]]. The second $10,000, all from American Trust, was to be used by the Chamber's Board of Directors at their discretion to attract and develop industry in the city. (16)

Randylyon at 02:20, 8 January 2020

2020-01-08T02:20:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:20, 8 January 2020
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	When urban renewal in Dubuque was completed, 128 buildings had been demolished, 170 businesses moved out, and 122 parcels of land had been created. (54) In 1976 city officials forecast that the planned construction of the [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]] would encourage new development in the downtown area. In 1977 the Dubuque City Council established a Historical Preservation Commission which had the responsibility of evaluating older buildings it considered worthy of preservation. (55)		When urban renewal in Dubuque was completed, 128 buildings had been demolished, 170 businesses moved out, and 122 parcels of land had been created. (54) In 1976 city officials forecast that the planned construction of the [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]] would encourage new development in the downtown area. In 1977 the Dubuque City Council established a Historical Preservation Commission which had the responsibility of evaluating older buildings it considered worthy of preservation. (55)

			Without using the term "urban renewal," efforts to rehabilitate sections of the city have continued and grown in popularity. Often associated with [[AFFORDABLE HOUSING]], this modern urban renewal has used tax exemptions to encourage property improvements. In November, 2019 the city council voted 6-0 to consolidate and expand the city's urban revitalization areas into one district covering the entire downtown. This meant that 5,700 properties would be eligible for an estimated $224,000 in tax exemptions to improves made on residential and commercial properties. Homeowners living in the district who increased the value of their homes by 10% or more would be exempt from paying for that increase on their city property tax bill for ten years. (56)

	See: [[SUSTAINABLE DUBUQUE]] and related entries.		See: [[SUSTAINABLE DUBUQUE]] and related entries.
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	55. Nash		55. Nash

			56. Barton, Thomas J., "Renewal Plan Branches into More Urban Areas," Telegraph Herald, November 20, 2019, p.. 1A

	[[Category: Events]]		[[Category: Events]]

Randylyon at 00:49, 24 October 2019

2019-10-24T00:49:16Z

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Randylyon at 23:13, 17 August 2019

2019-08-17T23:13:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 17 August 2019
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	Two days after the city council approved the goals, the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] announced plans to accelerate Dubuque's plans of expansion and urban renewal. A total of $20,000 was received from three Dubuque firms for furthering development plans. The first $10,000 from [[AMERICAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK]], [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]], and [[FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE]] was to be used for the purchase of stock in the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION]]. The second $10,000, all from American Trust, was to be used by the Chamber's Board of Directors at their discretion to attract and develop industry in the city. (15)		Two days after the city council approved the goals, the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] announced plans to accelerate Dubuque's plans of expansion and urban renewal. A total of $20,000 was received from three Dubuque firms for furthering development plans. The first $10,000 from [[AMERICAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK]], [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]], and [[FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE]] was to be used for the purchase of stock in the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION]]. The second $10,000, all from American Trust, was to be used by the Chamber's Board of Directors at their discretion to attract and develop industry in the city. (15)

	[[File:~~ccbuidding~~.png\|350px\|thumb\|Map indicating the area for urban renewal and a new county-city building to replace the courthouse. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]On December 7, 1964, a 15-square block area bounded by Fourth, Ninth, Locust and Central was declared a blighted area by the Dubuque City Council and deemed the target for urban renewal in Dubuque. Within that area was a proposed site for a county-city building bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Locust and Iowa [[STREETS]]. This proposal, approved by the city council and the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, threatened the continued existence of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]]. (16) In August, 1965 [[FERRING, Cyril\|Cyril FERRING]] met with a group of members of the Chamber of Commerce to urge "a retention--but a modern one--of what you have." (17) Ferring, a resident of Chicago, had participated in that city's refurbishing of the Old Town Triangle.		[[File:ccbuilding.png\|350px\|thumb\|left\|Map indicating the area for urban renewal and a new county-city building to replace the courthouse. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]On December 7, 1964, a 15-square block area bounded by Fourth, Ninth, Locust and Central was declared a blighted area by the Dubuque City Council and deemed the target for urban renewal in Dubuque. Within that area was a proposed site for a county-city building bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Locust and Iowa [[STREETS]]. This proposal, approved by the city council and the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, threatened the continued existence of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]]. (16) In August, 1965 [[FERRING, Cyril\|Cyril FERRING]] met with a group of members of the Chamber of Commerce to urge "a retention--but a modern one--of what you have." (17) Ferring, a resident of Chicago, had participated in that city's refurbishing of the Old Town Triangle.

	Practically no one has what you have here,		Practically no one has what you have here,

Randylyon at 23:12, 17 August 2019

2019-08-17T23:12:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:12, 17 August 2019
Line 46:		Line 46:
	Two days after the city council approved the goals, the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] announced plans to accelerate Dubuque's plans of expansion and urban renewal. A total of $20,000 was received from three Dubuque firms for furthering development plans. The first $10,000 from [[AMERICAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK]], [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]], and [[FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE]] was to be used for the purchase of stock in the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION]]. The second $10,000, all from American Trust, was to be used by the Chamber's Board of Directors at their discretion to attract and develop industry in the city. (15)		Two days after the city council approved the goals, the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] announced plans to accelerate Dubuque's plans of expansion and urban renewal. A total of $20,000 was received from three Dubuque firms for furthering development plans. The first $10,000 from [[AMERICAN TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK]], [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]], and [[FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE]] was to be used for the purchase of stock in the [[DUBUQUE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION]]. The second $10,000, all from American Trust, was to be used by the Chamber's Board of Directors at their discretion to attract and develop industry in the city. (15)

	[[File:ccbuidding.png\|~~850px~~\|thumb\|Map indicating the area for urban renewal and a new county-city building to replace the courthouse. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]On December 7, 1964, a 15-square block area bounded by Fourth, Ninth, Locust and Central was declared a blighted area by the Dubuque City Council and deemed the target for urban renewal in Dubuque. Within that area was a proposed site for a county-city building bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Locust and Iowa [[STREETS]]. This proposal, approved by the city council and the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, threatened the continued existence of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]]. (16) In August, 1965 [[FERRING, Cyril\|Cyril FERRING]] met with a group of members of the Chamber of Commerce to urge "a retention--but a modern one--of what you have." (17) Ferring, a resident of Chicago, had participated in that city's refurbishing of the Old Town Triangle.		[[File:ccbuidding.png\|350px\|thumb\|Map indicating the area for urban renewal and a new county-city building to replace the courthouse. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]On December 7, 1964, a 15-square block area bounded by Fourth, Ninth, Locust and Central was declared a blighted area by the Dubuque City Council and deemed the target for urban renewal in Dubuque. Within that area was a proposed site for a county-city building bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Locust and Iowa [[STREETS]]. This proposal, approved by the city council and the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, threatened the continued existence of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]]. (16) In August, 1965 [[FERRING, Cyril\|Cyril FERRING]] met with a group of members of the Chamber of Commerce to urge "a retention--but a modern one--of what you have." (17) Ferring, a resident of Chicago, had participated in that city's refurbishing of the Old Town Triangle.

	Practically no one has what you have here,		Practically no one has what you have here,