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Commission approves restoration of cast-iron entry at Iowa Reform Building on Second Street
Summary
A Certificate of Appropriateness was approved to refurbish and repair the original cast-iron entry and steps at the Iowa Reform Building, restoring missing guardrail features and making the entry structurally sound.
The Historic Preservation Commission approved repair and restoration work Tuesday to restore the original cast-iron entry and steps at the Iowa Reform Building on West Second Street.
Staff explained the two-story late 19th-century commercial building is locally significant for its association with the German-language press and that its original cast-iron entry is a character-defining element. The owner had removed the deteriorated steps and installed temporary wooden stairs; the proposed work from Boilers Ornamental Iron includes fabrication of steel stringers for masonry attachment, wire-brushing and epoxy coating of historic steps and risers, structural repair of guardrail features and stainless-steel hardware for mechanical attachments.
The scope calls for replicating missing riser patterns and restoring missing guardrail sections in matching iron so the restored entry will match the adjacent commercial entry visually and provide safe access to the apartment unit above the storefront.
Commissioners found the proposal met the preservation ordinance standards that require repair where possible and replacement in-kind where necessary. A motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness passed on roll call.
Provenance: staff report, project drawings and roll-call vote in the meeting transcript.
