Demolition permits issued for Iowa City cottages; buildings ruled historically significant

Permits were issued Wednesday, will remain valid for 180 days

December 11, 2014 | 7:13 pm

IOWA CITY Iowa Citys Historic Preservation Commission has voted that the mid-19th century cottages on South Dubuque Street are historically significant.

The commission Thursday voted unanimously that the cottages, which reached public attention in recent weeks after property owner Ted Pacha proposed a rezoning last month that would potentially demolish the buildings, meet the required criteria to be designated as historic local landmarks.

Committee member Kate Corcoran responded to criticism that the application, filed by Friends of Historic Preservation, was a rushed effort.

Im very persuaded by the application, Corcoran said. Personally I dont think there is anything haphazard ... I think that all that has happened was necessary.

The cottage discussion now heads to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review.

While points raised by several residents attending the meeting delved into the structural integrity of the cottages, the development project initially proposed for the site and the manner in which individuals on both sides have approached the issue, Ginalie Swaim, chair of the commission, was clear on the boards focus.

The role of the Historic Preservation Commission is to decide on whether the cottages are historically significant, Swaim said. While theres many ways of looking at what to do with these cottages, our role is very precise.

Before the commission vote, Kelsey Pacha, son of Ted Pacha, argued against the Friends of Historic Preservations application, claiming the document to be a haphazard collection of unfounded facts. Kelsey Pacha also criticized the groups last minute attempt to deter his fathers requested rezoning of the properties.

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Demolition permits issued for Iowa City cottages; buildings ruled historically significant