Most Endangered 2008
Call for Nominations
Download the Most Endangered Properties 2008 nomination form:
(MS Word 132 KB)
(PDF 96 KB)
Your nominations must be postmarked no later than November 1, 2008!
Iowa's Most Endangered Properties
Iowa's Most Endangered Properties is a program begun in 1995 to show Iowans the special buildings and historic sites that are slowly and gradually slipping away from us. Each year a call is placed for nominations through the IHPA membership, Main Street communities, and historic preservation commissions across the state. A panel of judges considers four criteria in choosing the final list: geographic distribution, historic significance, nature of the threat, and variety of building type. The program provides an excellent resource for media coverage and introduces endangered property owners to preservation advocates and resources that can help preserve their historic property.
IHPA is working to provide updates on these endangered properties. Do you have an update to share? Contact us at news@iowapreservation.org.
2007 Most Endangered Properties
Marcus News Building, Marcus, Cherokee County
Marcus News Building
Reason for designation: The Marcus News Building, built in the early 1910s, was originally known as the Edmonds Bank Building. It is located at the primary intersection of North Main and West Cedar Streets in Marcus. The building retains its original built-in vaults on the main floor and basement, and much of the decorative woodwork dating back to the original bank. Over the years, it has also been occupied by: Frank's Place (a pool hall and entertainment establishment), the second floor offices of Dr. M. F. Joynt and Attorney Mark Bancroft, a barbershop and beauty parlor, and the offices of the Marcus News. The News offices are still located in the building. Although the Marcus News Building is structurally sound, the roof is in need of repair. There are a few broken windows on the second floor, which has also contributed to significant water damage to both the ceiling and the walls. With only a portion of the building being used by the News, the remainder of the interior is in desperate need of repair. Only the area being used has heat, air conditioning, and plumbing, and there is a great deal of refuse inside the building. The property is currently for sale.
Eldora YMCA, Eldora, Hardin County
Eldora YMCA
Reason for designation: The Eldora YMCA, built in 1890, is significant as one of very few YMCAs still surviving from this era. The building is remarkably intact on the exterior. Architectural features include the original cornice, cast iron columns at the entry, and original wood-framed windows. According to Sanborn fire insurance maps, the building was used as a community library from at least 1893 until after 1900. The 1911 map indicates it was being used as a laundry at that time. A restaurant later occupied the space until it became a laundry again in the 1980s. The YMCA is part of a commercial district that is currently being surveyed for listing on the National Register. Today, the Eldora YMCA is in dire need of repair. The middle section of the cornice is missing and the roof is in critical condition. Water damage is occurring in the interior with no attempts to stop it. The threat is not only that this historic building could suffer a roof collapse soon, but that the loss of this building will endanger the connecting buildings on either side and leave a large hole in an otherwise intact commercial historic district. The owners of the building are a defunct corporation and the city is trying to make arrangements to legally assume ownership of the building.
Hotel Charitone, Chariton, Lucas County
Hotel Charitone
Reason for designation: The Hotel Charitone is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significant association with the development of Chariton as a county seat and as an excellent example of the work of local architect William L. Perkins. Opening to great fanfare in November 1923, the hotel was equipped with the modern conveniences, including tile floors, a telephone in every room, and the finest in restaurant equipment. The hotel not only provided quality housing for the traveling public, it served as a place for local social affairs. Today, the Hotel Charitone stands abandoned, mothballed, and in significant decline. Over the last year, a portion of the bricks detached from the facade and fell to the sidewalk below. Although the owner took steps to prevent additional damage, including stabilizing the walls, covering the windows with plywood, and blocking the sidewalk with a plywood fence, the building continues to decline. The community, chamber, city officials, and others are discussing the immediate future of the building. Due to safety concerns, the discussion revolves around demolition. However, the building is an important landmark within the community and should be rehabilitated to create added value to the downtown business district. The owner wants to rehab the building, but is having difficulty with financing the work needed.
Kent Union Chapel, Brooklyn, Poweshiek County
Kent Union Chapel
Reason for designation: Built between 1907 and 1909, Kent Union Chapel is symbolic of a way of life that has all but disappeared from Iowa's rural farm communities. Located northwest of Brooklyn, next to Kent Cemetery, the building served as a gathering place for occasional church services, weddings, and funerals. The Ladies Aid Society was instrumental in getting the chapel built and for 60 years, supported and maintained the Chapel and Cemetery by raising funds through chicken suppers, ice cream socials, and quilting projects. The women also supported the community and, during World War I, rolled bandages and did sewing projects for the Red Cross. The Kent Chapel Ladies Aid Society disbanded in the 1970s due to their declining membership. The building is in the process of being nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Kent Union Chapel has suffered due to many years of abandonment and lack of maintenance. Raccoons have infiltrated the building and there are holes in the roof, broken windows, and rotting floor boards. Although the limestone foundation is in reasonable condition, the exterior needs painting, and the trim is rotting and needs to be repaired or replaced. The building owners would like to see the building rehabilitated, but are not able to do it on their own.
Crescent Park Log Cabin, Lake View, Sac County
Reason for designation: The log cabin in Crescent Park was originally located five miles east of Lake View, and was built in 1872 by the David W. Belt family. In 1926, the Belt Family sold the building for $1 to the Lake View Park Board, with the stipulation that the cabin be moved to a public park as a memorial to the early pioneers. It contains several relics and antiques furnished by residents of the Lake View area. Located near the city historical museum and an old country schoolhouse in Crescent Park, teachers and tourists have enjoyed it over the years. Today, the Crescent Park Log Cabin is in tough shape. The ceiling beams sag, the back wall is collapsing, and the stairs are structurally unsafe. The building has been closed to the public for several years, and a significant amount of debris adds to the hazardous conditions of the building. Several of the relics and antiques need to be repaired or replaced. If the cabin is not restored and maintained as stipulated by the Belt family, it will be removed and no longer available for public use. Although the mayor and city council appreciate the value of the building as a tourist attraction and educational tool, there has been little action to hire a consultant or budget for any repairs to the structure.
Hose House #5, Sioux City, Woodbury County
Hose House #5
Reason for designation: Built in 1894, Hose House #5 was used by the Sioux City Fire Services Division as Hose Company #4 until 1911, and then Hose Company #5 between 1912 and 1954. Since the mid-1950s, the building has had several tenants, the most recent vacated the building in 1984. The building has been evaluated as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Hose House #5 stands empty and neglected. Although the building is secure, there has been no upkeep or maintenance for over 25 years. The roof is 25 percent gone and the interior is losing plaster walls and ceilings due to moisture damage. Although the owner wants to see the building restored and put back into service, the city has "red-tagged" the building for demolition. There is a limited amount of time to rehab the structure before the city moves forward with their plans.