RenovateDSM.com - 2008 Most Endangered - Comments

Suggestion

RenovateDSM — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:46:02 -0800

The following message was forwarded to me in response to the Des Moines Register article about this building:

So as not to let the thought grow cold I would like to register an idea with you and the editorial staff. Many ideas undoubtedly have been submitted to preserve the structure. Because of the historical significance and value of the structure, and its location in the East Village, perhaps efforts could be put forth to use it as a VISITOR INFORMATION facility. Many such facilities exist in larger cities with historic neighborhoods. And, the structures are not large, but convenient to the area which they serve.

It think this is a very intriguing idea.

Nomination List

RenovateDSM — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:33:24 -0700

Absolutely. I'm already working on it! Look for the nomination list here within a couple weeks.

Nominated buildings

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:10:08 -0700

Would you please post a list of buildings nominated. I cannot attend the Nov. 1 meeting. This would help in coming up with other buildings in the future. It could have been people thought that 'everyone knows' a building they saw as endangered would 'of course' be put on the list but wasn't. Pat M.

File those nominations...

RenovateDSM — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:00:11 -0700

Excellent ideas - I appreciate your enthusiasm.

Of those suggestions, only the Depot was nominated this year. There was a building from the River Bend neighborhood (actually nominated by me) that did not end up making it onto this year's list. That definitely doesn't mean they aren't worth preserving! It was interesting for me to read the nominations describing the fascinating stories behind some of the less-well-known historic buildings in Des Moines.

Next year's nomination process will start in early September. Planning for the 2009 list will start in July. Please consider joining the Des Moines Rehabbers Club and volunteering some of your time to make the 2009 project a success.

Others for this list.

Anonymous — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:29:59 -0700

Renovate DSM -

I do hope the house in Sherman Hill can be saved and rehabilitated, although knowing its history - I don't have much faith. I'm not sure how new flooring, new mantels, new staircases, new woodwork, a dry-walled interior, new exterior brick walls and a new roof will add up to a restoration project. I don't believe the end result would be worth the cost.

There two other buildings in the Sherman Hill neighborhood that are in much better condition that would be a more beneficial project to the neighborhood – the Port Well and the Wells Port on Woodland and 19th. Check out pictures before their fall from grace. They were beautiful and they are still standing.

Here are a few others from around town that came to my mind. Crane Co, 1440 Walnut - Fridley Building, 1321 Walnut - Peak House, 1080 22nd Street – Cummins Mansion, 2404 Forest Drive – Younkers Building, 713 Walnut – the Depot, 120 E 5th Street.

What happened to River Bend and Cheatem Park?

I know many people who

RenovateDSM — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:23:33 -0700

I know many people who harbor frustration over the house in Sherman Hill. I think that is actually one of the reasons it was nominated (by several people) and ultimately made the list as a finalist.

I respectfully disagree with you regarding the condition of the structure and its potential to resume a prominent place in the historic fabric of the Sherman Hill neighborhood. I have personally been involved in the rehabilitation of structures that started in much, much worse condition. The front facade in particular is all masonry and in extraordinarily good condition considering it has not been maintained for 20 years.

My concern with this building rests much more on the potential cost of a substantial rehabilitation, which would certainly be cost prohibitive for most people given the size of the structure. It would most likely qualify for State historic tax credits of up to 25% of the eligible costs of rehabilitation. Even so, a quality job would probably be in excess of $120 per square foot. Most people would not be able to take on this project using "sweat equity".

I'm curious which buildings in particular do you think should have been included on the list? This type of discussion is one of the main purposes of creating the list!

Des Moines most endangered list

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:31:39 -0700

I am very disappointed in this list. Especially the 2 in Sherman Hill. Sherman Hill has received help for years, the neighborhood is thriving - move on Des Moines. I’ve seen and heard about the burnt out mansion in Sherman Hill for too long. I lived in Sherman Hill for 14 years and saw that dump sit there with the owners doing nothing to save it hoping to make a mint someday. I say let it fall down – there are only a few bricks and few pieces of wood left anyway. What would be historic about it if it were rebuilt? - the location? "Once, a really nice old house stood here and now we are investing our time and money to build this replica to remind us... "