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Iowa City commission recommends Municipal Airport Terminal for National Register review
Summary
The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission voted to recommend that the Iowa City Municipal Airport Terminal at 1801 South Riverside Drive is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for its International style architecture and largely intact 1953 design.
A majority of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission voted to recommend that the Iowa City Municipal Airport Terminal at 1801 South Riverside Drive be considered for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
A staff member presenting the nomination told the commission the terminal is significant for its post–World War II International style architecture and its largely intact 1953 design. "The airport terminal in Iowa City is significant under Criterion C as an excellent and well‑preserved example of a modern movement airport terminal influenced by the international style," the staff member said, summarizing the nomination.
The nomination, submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office, documents the terminal’s 1953 construction, its design by local architect Henry Fisk, original interior features such as a birch and glass trim, an original phone booth and an aluminum‑and‑glass staircase, and exterior materials including tan brick and glass block. The presenter noted the property’s period of significance is 1953 and that original signage and fenestration survive.
Commission discussion emphasized the building’s intact feeling and local associations. Commissioner Margaret Beck moved that the commission find the property eligible to convey its significance under Criterion C; Frank Wagner seconded the motion. Commissioners said the terminal’s scale, stair tower and large windows create a notable interior feeling and several recalled using the building when it operated with passenger service. The commission voted to recommend the nomination.
The commission’s recommendation will be included with any written comments the Local Government must submit; staff said the state nomination review committee will consider the nomination on June 12, 2026, followed by review at the National Park Service. Staff indicated they will collect any written comments on the provided form, obtain required signatures, and forward the record to the review committee.
