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Council advances landmark overlay for four Northside properties bequeathed to community theater
Summary
The council gave first consideration to a voluntary historic landmark overlay for four Northside properties, all recently bequeathed to the Iowa City Community Theater; the motion passed unanimously 6–0 after staff and the applicant described the properties' architectural and cultural significance.
The Iowa City Council gave first consideration to an ordinance applying a historic landmark overlay to four contiguous properties in the Northside neighborhood that were recently bequeathed to the Iowa City Community Theater.
Danielle Sitzman, Neighborhood and Development Services, told the council the properties "were, up until recently, all owned by the same family and had been in ownership of that same family for over 100 years" and that each parcel independently qualifies for landmark designation after review by the Historic Preservation Commission. Sitzman said the proposal is a voluntary rezoning that "adds the OHD on top of" the existing commercial zoning to preserve the buildings while retaining the underlying zones.
An applicant representative asked the council to honor the decedent's wishes and noted the theater's efforts to preserve the properties. The applicant recommended community support for the theater's programming, saying the theater had "went above and beyond in making that happen." Council members expressed support during discussion, citing local history and community use for the spaces.
Councilor Harmsen moved first consideration of the ordinance and Councilor Moe seconded; roll call recorded the motion passing 6 to 0. The ordinance will proceed through the council's remaining readings as required by city procedure.
