Dubuque, IA - Official Website - Historic Preservation

Dubuque's Commitment to Historic Preservation

Applications

Architectural Guidelines

Design Review Guidelines

Demolition / Conservation Districts

Conservation District Maps

Historic Districts & Local Landmarks

City Designated Landmarks

National Register Properties

Financial Incentives

Standard - Treatment of Historic Properties

NPS Technical Preservation Service Briefs

Useful Links

Historic Preservation

Overview
The City of Dubuque has a strong historic preservation ethic, a historic preservation ordinance, a conservation district ordinance, and a variety of preservation incentives supported by an active Historic Preservation Commission.

As Iowa’s oldest city, Dubuque has been continually in the forefront of historic preservation in State of Iowa – principally for successful new preservation incentives.

We believe that Dubuque has one of the best preservation programs in Iowa, with a growing array of preservation tools available to help finance rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic structures.

Contact
Laura Carstens
Planning Services Department

50 W. 13th St.
Dubuque, IA 52001

Phone: 563.589.4210
Fax: 563.589.4221

Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Commitment
The City of Dubuque’s commitment to historic preservation began in the mid 1970s as the community reacted to the wholesale clearance of downtown blocks through urban renewal programs.

Initial Efforts
In 1976, the Dubuque Architectural Survey was completed and demolition districts were established as precursors to historic districts. The City Council adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance in 1977.

The City Council established the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in 1979 to assist in the review, retention and promotion of historically significant properties and districts in the city of Dubuque. The City designated local historic districts and landmarks from 1979 to 1984 based on the 1976 survey.