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Preservation Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties of 2012

The Most Endangered Property program was started in 1995 and implemented to educate Iowans about the special buildings and historic sites that are slowly and gradually slipping away from us.

Preservation Iowa has designated 10 properties for 2012 Most Endangered Designations. The Most Endangered Properties program provides an excellent resource for media coverage and introduces owners of an endangered property to preservation advocates and resources that can help preserve their historic property.

Here are the 2012 Most Endangered Properties:

The Stromstein Building, Northwood, Worth County

Wapsipinicon Mill Museum, Independence, Buchanan County

People’s Bank and Trust Company, Cedar Rapids, Linn County

Winneshiek County Home and Farm Caretaker’s House, Decorah, Winneshiek County

Egloff House, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County

Mitchell County Courthouse, Osage, Mitchell County

Nelson Brothers Hardware Store, Orient, Adair County

Deb’s Corner Café, Manning, Carroll County

Lucas County Sheriff’s Residence and Jail, Chariton, Lucas County

West Des Moines’ First Log Cabin, West Des Moines, Polk County

This press release includes additional information on each of the properties.

The Stromstein Building, Northwood, Worth County

The site for the town of Northwood was chosen for is location on the hill overlooking a bend in the Shell Rock River; the Stromstein building is located on that overlook and is the most distinctive bridge linking the river and the commercial core. The building’s physical relationship to the historic commercial core of Central Avenue also remains intact. The first floor has been a mixed-use commercial and residential for most of its life, including shoe shop and beauty parlor. The upper floor has always been a dwelling. The building is considered a contributing resource to the Northwood Central Avenue Historic District, which was placed on the National Register in 2006. It is the roof and street façade, however, that makes the design of the Stromstein Building truly one-of-a-kind.

The Stromstein building currently stands in a state of deterioration, with significant foundation settlement, wood rot evident in the sill plate, windowsills and soffits. Deterioration and cracking of the brick foundation wall is evident at and below grade level.  Some attic “ridge beams” have twisted. The soffit boards at the roof overhand at the west have pulled free of the soffit framing at the north ½ of the building. The chimney at the center of the building has deteriorated and “crumbled” into the basement. The first floor is very irregular. This may be due to poorly framed or supported openings in the floor, joist rot, or deterioration of the sills. The bead board ceiling of the first floor has fallen in many locations. The second floor framing appears to be in relatively good condition.

Most window glass is missing and sashes, while extant, are heavily weathered. Water has infiltrated and damaged various elements of the interior.

Wapsipinicon Mill Museum, Independence, Buchanan County

The Wapsipinicon Mill Museum is located at 100 1st Street West in the business district of Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa.  The massive six-story structure sets on the West bank of the Wapsipinicon River keeping watch over the river and the city.  Documentation of its historical significance is its listing on the National Register for Historic Places.  The mill is also a partner site with Iowa Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.
The Wapsipinicon Mill Museum is an architectural icon, built in 1867-1870. The monumental task of building such a massive six-story structure without the use of power tools and lifts remains a secret to visitors.

To our knowledge, there are no other mills of comparable size and construction in the Midwest.

The present condition of the Mill is very good except for the roof and the adjacent structural timbers, which have rotted due to the rapid deterioration of the roof.  Water damage to the deteriorated timbers is caused by several years of rotting roof.  The inside is now being affected by the structural deterioration.

The natural threat to the Mill is water, (rain, snow, and a constant spray from the dam).  Lack of financial resources for the enormous roof renovation and restoration project is the human threat.

Need is dramatized by the cornice and soffit pieces falling off into the river and the ones left hanging and blowing in the wind until they finally fall off.  Those over land pose a danger to people.   The rate of roof and cornice deterioration has accelerated dramatically this summer.  Because of the accelerated roof deterioration, the rafter plates, rafter tails, and sheathing are also deteriorating rapidly.

People’s Bank and Trust Company, Cedar Rapids, Linn County

Designed in 1907-1910 by Louis Sullivan, Peoples Bank is an intact example of Sullivan’s jewel box banks.  The two-story bank epitomizes the Prairie focus on horizontal lines while celebrating Sullivan’s passion for detail.  Fifteen shades of brick were used, reminiscent of an oriental rug.  Four towers project from the first story roof beyond the second story and feature signature Sullivan terra-cotta embellishments.  The clerestory above the main bank-telling area retains four regional murals depicting life in the Midwest.

On a national level, this bank building reflects the early twentieth century movement away from storefront banks to a free-standing financial center.  While many banks of this time were designed in the neoclassical style, many Midwestern financial firms embraced the regional architectural style and employed architects like Sullivan to design their buildings.  For decades, Midwest banks had to borrow money from those on the East Coast.  However, the early twentieth century saw a great agricultural boom that crested during World War II.  The flourishing economy caused the Midwest banks to accrue a great deal of wealth that could be invested back into their structures.  Bank buildings functioned as a means of demonstrating the community’s prosperity.

Having outgrown two prior buildings, Peoples Bank and Trust Company Vice-President, Fred Shaver, hired Louis Sullivan in 1909 to design a new building at 101 3rd Avenue, SW.  The first design was deemed too expensive and, after omitting much of the terra cotta ornamentation, the revised design was agreed upon.  Peoples Bank was the last commission on which George Elmslie assisted Sullivan.  The building functioned continuously as a banking structure up until the 2008 flood.  Two sensitive additions were place on the building in 1950 and 1978.

Winneshiek County Home and Farm Caretaker’s House, Decorah, Winneshiek County

The Caretaker’s House at the Winneshiek County Home was built in 1915 as a residence for the superintendent (or steward) of the facility.  A 1905 photograph of the farm is labeled “Winneshiek County Poor Farm and Home for Incurable Insane.”  When the house was built, it appears to have joined a campus including the original superintendent’s home, which was to become the home for people with tuberculosis and other communicable disease.  There were also two large brick dormitory buildings including the 40 x 90 foot North Building built in 1883, a smaller brick “insane” house, a bakery building, large hay barn, and horse barn.

Only two of the original structures remain today, the Caretaker’s House, and the North Building.  They are unused and in very good condition, though the Caretaker’s House had freeze damage to water pipes in the winter of ‘06/’07 causing it to no longer be rentable and income producing for the County.

The Caretaker’s House was built for $6,015 by John H. Austad who was born in Christiansund, Norway in 1856.  He learned carpentry from his father, all of his sons were carpenters, and also two grandsons.  He built 130 homes in the Decorah area, 85 barns, and a number of churches.  His biggest contract was the Aase Haugen Home the year before he built the Caretaker’s House.  Kornmeyer Brothers local bricks were used.

The Caretaker’s House is situated on what was once a 400 acre County Farm at Freeport east of Decorah.  The land area is now 80 acres owned by Winneshiek County, governed by the County Board of Supervisors.  Buildings built since 1977 are leased by Wellington Place nursing care and assisted living facility.

The House is a Prairie Box or American Foursquare with a footprint measuring 36 feet each side, with an 8 x 24 foot front porch.  It has a low pitched hipped roof and symmetrical façade.  Unpainted red brick in running bond with tan mortar slightly recessed, the house exhibits a double brick string course on all four sides at the level of the second floor and above the second floor windows.

Interior windows are original double hung of variable sash designs and muntin placements, including 4/1, 5/1, 4/4, 6/1, and the simple sash with 9 lights in the dormer.

The foundation is poured concrete, with molded concrete blocks on the exterior wall above ground.  Roof dormers have white painted exposed rafter tails.

The interior walls of the house are clad in the original plaster, with a few exceptions.  The modern kitchen dates from a 1970 renovation when the back porch was enclosed, and has drywall, as do the bathrooms on each floor.  The Southern yellow pine woodwork has been painted in some rooms, including the downstairs living/dining area separated by a wide doorway with Craftsman style 5 panel pocket doors.  Most of the woodwork is unpainted, including floors, and the Craftsman style open banister stairway from the front entry to the second floor.  Most doors appear to be original along with all hardware such as doorknobs, doorstops, and hinges.

The property has many unique features, and is also representative of a quality built home of that day.  Identifiably Prairie School and Craftsman Style, the house has a high degree of architectural integrity.  It feels solid and inviting.  The hot water heating system with original radiators will require testing and restoring due to some freeze damage, but may not be as extensive as once thought.

The larger context of the structure’s significance for the role it played in the beginnings of a social service delivery system in our country is a chief concern of people who want to see it retrofitted and reused appropriately.  The history begins with a mandate by President Lincoln in 1865 that established County Homes.  Its best reuse could offer a home to education about our County Home and Farm history.  Finding a way to honor the history of a sustainable farming and growing operation governed by a County Board, that provided a place to live for those who had no other, is a sensible goal.

It can be an asset once again to the County’s economic, historic, and social development. Its restoration can be an educational process for those who need to learn and be employed, and again provide a beautiful backdrop to country living.

Egloff House, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County

The Egloff House is associated with two of the more important families in the medical history of Mason City. Dr. William Egloff, the father of William C. Egloff who built the house, was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1863 and moved to Mason City where he attended local schools until college and medical school. He later moved back to Mason City where he married Harriet Smith, the daughter of one of the community’s earliest physicians, Chauncy Smith.  Egloff joined Smith’s practice. Their son, William C.., was born in Mason City in 1901. It was he and his wife who built the ‘Egloff House”.  William C followed father and grandfather into the medical profession, attending Rush Medical College of the University of Chicago. He later served at Harvard Medical School as a junior associate and was a Research Fellow in Medicine at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, Mass. Like his father and grandfather, most of his career was spent in Mason City. His military service during the Second World War included being Chief of Cardiovascular Services of the 19th General Hospital in the European Theatre.

The Egloff House was built in 1939. The architect, Earle Richard Cone, was the brother-in-law of Dr. Egloff. It represents a style of architecture that became prominent in Europe during the 1920s which was influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and others of the Chicago School.  European architects developed Art Deco, Art Moderne, and International Styles using many of the ideas of Wright and others. These styles eventually made their way to the United States in the 1930s. The survey of significant Mason City architecture, done in 1977, classes the Egloff House as “International Style”. A 1993 survey of significant Iowa buildings classes it as “Streamline Moderne”. Both of these styles share contemporary beginnings and components making them difficult to distinguish. Neither style was well known in the Midwest in the 1930s, making the Egloff House particularly unique. There are few remaining examples of this style of architecture in the state or country, and no other examples in Mason City. Dr. Egloff had his architect further influence this design style by personalizing the home with nautical details such as porthole windows, compass inlaid on the floor and fireplace designed to look like a ship’s boiler.  Aside from having the first air conditioning system in Mason City, the Egloff House utilizes a support system of Sheffield Clay Tile, which was made locally at the now non-existent Brick and Tile Factory of Mason City. Some of the outstanding interior features include parquet wooden floors, grass cloth wall coverings, glass block windows and brass lighting fixtures.

In June of 2008 the flood of record hit Mason City. 65 structures were destroyed and over 1,000 others damaged. Floodwaters inundated the Egloff house to a depth of 3 ft on the first floor. Although it is structurally stable, the electrical and HVAC systems were destroyed and there was extensive damage to the unique architectural features of the home. The property was deemed substantially damaged as the cost to repair flood damage exceeded 50% of building value. Rudimentary repairs were made and the first floor remains partially gutted. The owners reoccupied the second floor of the house and lived there until it was purchased by the City in December 2010.  The property was purchased as part of a FEMA funded acquisition and demolition program and remains in a mothballed condition as its future is being decided. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program requires that the house and all structures be removed from the lot. It is the City’s goal to find a private party to move the house outside the flood plain and place it on the National Register.

Immediate threats to the building include vandalism and the threat of arson. The structure currently sits in a neighborhood of empty flood buyout houses and has the Winnebago River directly to its south.  Due to the secluded nature of the area, there has been an increase in break-ins and vandalism, resulting in copper theft and damage to exterior architectural elements. There is a lack of financial resources to currently have ongoing upkeep or restoration, leaving the structure with inadequate maintenance in its present state. Most importantly, the Egloff House was purchased by the City of Mason City as part of a FEMA funded voluntary buyout program. As a condition of the program, deed restrictions state: “The property shall be dedicated and maintained in perpetuity as open space for the conservation of natural floodplain functions…” If the structure is not relocated outside the floodplain, the house will be documented, salvaged, and then demolished.

The current physical state of the Egloff House is structurally sound, with some signs of water damage in the walls, but no permanent damage to any structural members. As mentioned earlier, the extensive damage was to the architectural elements of the building’s first floor interior, as well as the electrical and HVAC systems.  Although portions of the first floor interior have been removed, those architectural elements that remain are beginning to show signs of deterioration at an accelerated rate. There is noticeable cracking of the foundation, exterior stucco and along the windows of the building.

Currently, the City of Mason City is awaiting completion of a relocation feasibility study for the house. A structural team has determined the house can be moved.  Phase II of the study will explore available sites that will be evaluated against historic preservation criteria to ensure all options allow for eligibility for the National Register, as well as keeping the structure in its proper context.

The house has tremendous potential to be preserved as a private residence.  The architecture is of a timeless style and has market appeal. On the other hand, selecting a site that allows for commercial use will keep the building open for a much wider range of adaptive reuse options.  The City intends to seek proposals for relocation and reuse of the property.

Mitchell County Courthouse, Osage, Mitchell County

Built in four phases from 1858 to1976, the Mitchell County Courthouse has special unique architectural significance. Its use of monumental Greek and Greek Revival Temple style is rare in Iowa public buildings. The building became the permanent courthouse in 1870

The first phase of the building, constructed in 1858-60, is of brick construction resting on a stone basement. There are Doric columns framing the portico. There are other influences in the architecture including some use of contemporary Italianate and Gothic influences. Facing North on a city block, green space and large, aged hardwood trees surround this building. The County Sheriff and Jail building share the East ¼ of that county property.

Windows throughout the building are double hung sash finished with triangular headed stone lintels, flush with the wall. The second floor windows are tall, narrow and floor-length.

The original plan was straightforward. A wide central corridor runs the entire length of the building. The stairs to the second floor are located to the rear (south end) of the corridor. County offices are located on each side of the first floor corridor. The second floor houses a 48’x44’court room, with two chambers for convenience of judge and jury. In 1879-1882 a two-wing, two story building addition was completed to house needed vaults for county records as well as additional offices for secretaries, attorneys and to accommodate and reflect the growing demands of county government.

This is one of two courthouses in this historic style in Iowa, hence preserving the beauty, architectural highlights and initial integrity of the Mitchell County Courthouse is essential. There is historic significance in preserving this building, still in use after one hundred and fifty-one (151) years. The Mitchell County Courthouse gives specific identity and historic relevance to formation of Mitchell County government. This carefully planned courthouse stands as a monument to the pioneer’s enterprising preparation for the future.

After these many years with its constant use, there are structural areas that must be replaced and/or rehabilitated to meet the demands, flexibility and efficiency needed for the building to be useful into the 21st century. At least two assessments have been made to verify the need for replacing or shoring up some of the wooden beams in the roof and at the foundation.  Currently the building does not meet Iowa code for fire safety. It is imperative the building receive electrical updates, heating and cooling system replacements, and basic infrastructure necessities for a building to be sturdy, safe and energy efficient. This is a serious time for the county to make basic decisions either destroying this building in favor of a new building or preserving and perpetuating the present historic landmark. County citizens should do what it takes to keep this striking historic landmark in use these many years. Preliminary estimates seem too indicate costs for either rehabilitation or demolition and replacement would be about the same. Initial plans for preservation as opposed to deciding new architectural needs would show that preservation in repairing the infrastructure of the present building is the logical move.

The caretakers of the courthouse, the Board of Supervisors, determined the need is extremely critical for the safety of the workers and security of court and other office records. There is some discussion at this time about our options and cost. Plans are already underway to find suitable temporary quarters for the offices and courtrooms.  The supervisors are seriously considering demolition of the courthouse.

My strong conviction that preservation of landmarks of our historical story are links to the love and labor of those who cared about a thriving and proud future for the place they call home. In this case, the courthouse stands as a regal sentinel honoring that pioneer spirit. Our Mitchell County Historical Society and the Mitchell County Historic Preservation Commission members    are supportive of recognizing the assets such preservation brings to our sense of place. Identifying several landmarks throughout the county and the strong interest in preserving the totality of life and growth throughout the years is a sense of pride for a huge segment of citizens. The idea of preservation prevails rather than destruction of our heritage. This is a major project to keep that strong ethic of honoring our past for the basic solidity and excellence in building for the future. Those of us especially dedicated to this idea are passionate about seeing the preservation of the Mitchell County Courthouse.

Nelson Brothers Hardware Store, Orient, Adair County

Deb’s Corner Café, Manning, Carroll County

This building was built in the early 1890’s – shortly after the prior building burned down in May of 1891.  This building was originally part of the “Horse Shoe Bar” which was touted by the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Co., brewers of Banquet Beer, as the longest bar west of the Mississippi River. The bar was of solid mahogany, was 120 feet long and took eight bartenders to service.  During Manning’s heyday as a railroad center, the business employed as many as 12 bartenders.

Deb’s Café is now considered to be the center of the local daytime social activities.  Here is where the local farmers and community members meet to discuss the day’s events.  It is here where many ladies congregate after morning church services.

The current façade includes elements of the original façade – such as the rollup mechanism for the awning.  The present condition of the facade is poor and much of it is crumbling.  At the roofline, the façade has partially pulled away from the building infrastructure.  Rain, snow and sleet are leaking into the front of the building.   The ceiling inside the café shows definite damage from moisture.  The rate of deterioration is increasing and will continue to increase as long as the weather elements continue to penetrate parts of the structure.

Much of the remainder of the building is in acceptable condition.  It would benefit from paint and maintenance but is not crumbling at this time.

Without repairs, the ongoing viability of front of the building is in question.  Parts of the façade, including the brick is crumbling.  With the top of the façade becoming separated from the infrastructure, the entire façade is in peril.  It, literally, could come crashing down onto the sidewalk/street.  Lack of owner finances prevented normal maintenance and has prevented any level of  restoration.  Major financial investments are simply not feasible.

With the right financial support, the façade can be restored.  In addition, the ceiling in the front of the building must be torn down and moisture damage be repaired to the ceiling and to the structure itself (if the examination reveals structure damage.

Pictures of Deb’s Café can be found at: http://www.davidkusel.com/manning125/street/east9.htm

Lucas County Sheriff’s Residence and Jail, Chariton, Lucas County

The Lucas County Sheriff’s Residence and Jail (1916) is a good example of this particular building type.  Stylistically it exhibits characteristics of early 20th century revival styles, with a crenellated roofline, and porch posts (piers) that have a classical revival feel.  The porch itself is heavy, in the manner of the popular Craftsman/Bungalow style of the period.  A smaller porch on the east side repeats this design.  The building is rectangular in shape with a flat roof sloping gently to the rear.  The brick walls feature a simple brick corbelling just below the identification panel on the facade, but other detailing consists of cast stone panels, coping, sills and lintels.  The contrast between the light cast stone and the dark bricks produces a pleasing effect.

This building represents one of the important property types identified by Joyce McKay in her Multiple Property Document “Correctional Facilities in Iowa,”  the combined sheriff’s residence and jail.  This was very popular around the state from the 1850s until World War II.  It was a logical solution to the problem of providing oversight of prisoners 24 hours a day.  Not only did the sheriff and his family live in the front part of the building, the sheriff’s wife often served as the cook, preparing and serving all meals to the prisoners.   The combined residence and jail has become a vanishing building type in recent decades with most of the jails identified as too small and unsafe.  The Lucas County Jail is a fine example of this type and should be preserved.

The Lucas County Jail has been in use by the city of Chariton and Lucas County since 1916 as a law center.  It was vacated October of 2011 and is currently not being maintained.  It is located at 1015 Linden Ave, adjacent to and behind Chariton’s City Hall.  It is a part of the historic fabric of our community.  More research needs to be completed regarding the architect and construction methods used, and additional research surrounding the history of the community and the individuals serving as Lucas County Sheriff over the past century.   The contractor was Andrew Stephens, also known as A.J. Stephens, the individual who built the home now currently  serving as the Lucas County Historical Museum at 123 N. 17th St. in Chariton.  The architect was J.P. Cuth of Omaha.  Members of the Board of Supervisors at the time of construction were W.A. Elliot, Chair, W.E. Allen, and Fred Yengel a local retail merchant.   It is a fine example of the various types of architecture that compose the fabric of our city development.

The roof is severely deteriorated and may not withstand a severe winter and significant rain amounts. Human threats: the Lucas County Board of Supervisors will demolish if no other use or owner can be found by Spring of 2012.  A new holding facility and law center has been constructed in Chariton and is now in use.  The Jail is vacant at this time.

West Des Moines’ First Log Cabin, West Des Moines, Polk County

Despite the age of Valley Junction, West Des Moines has very few historic structures left in its city limits. The 1850’s log cabin that sits at 1015 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines is the last of two residential structures still standing from that time period. There are none of its type (log cabin) in the city.

It presently sits on a well-kept lawn. The current use according to the Polk County Assessors website appears to be residential. A trailer (see photo) is always in the driveway and trash and recycling bins are kept near the house. Contact with Lodge residents shows that Colby has not made recent threats to demolishing the structure. The most threatening factor at this time would be a continuation of neglect and lack of appreciation. Colby has been made to know the significance of the structure and continues to let it sit in neglect.

Possible solutions include public education, education of the residents of the structure and the neighboring lodge, and a pledge from the owner to maintain the house.

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