Developer hopes to update Bluffs Towers, add to National Register of Historic Places
The renovation depends on approval of various state tax credits to help fund the $8.1 million project but, if approved, work could start late this summer...
It’s also hoped that the structure, built in 1926 and formerly home to the Chieftain Hotel, can be listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Ive been in the lower levels of this property before and thought it would be a great candidate for redevelopment. Congrats to C.B. if this goes through.
This would be great. Hard to believe it's not already on the register.
"The right to have access to every building in the city by private motorcar in an age when everyone possesses such a vehicle is actually the right to destroy the city."
Lewis Mumford, The Highway and the City, 1963
Has something changed recently that has made it easier?
"The right to have access to every building in the city by private motorcar in an age when everyone possesses such a vehicle is actually the right to destroy the city."
Lewis Mumford, The Highway and the City, 1963
Ol' Hawkeye's grandmother lived in that building for many years...8th floor, facing Bayliss Park. Â Used to cram the whole family, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc...dozens and dozens of us into her little apartment every Christmas Eve.
They're all gone now (my grandma, my parents, and all of the aunts and uncles), but the cousins remain and we talk fondly of those days that seem like they were yesterday, but were in fact many moons ago. Â
It'll be great to know that this building will be around for a very long time if this goes through.
The old Chieftain Hotel is a gem in the middle of downtown Council Bluffs. Â Next to beautiful Baylis Park and and surrounded by great historic structures. Â Can't wait to see the finished product.
Looks like this project is one step closer to being started.
From the Nonpareil:
“We’re spending $90,000 per dwelling unit,” said Bruce Michael, development officer for the Michigan-based firm, Affiliated Developers. “Every unit will be gutted out and replaced with a new kitchen, a new bath, central air, central heat, all new electrical wiring, plumbing, carpeting, new appliances, cabinets and counter tops.”
Walls in the so-called Corn Room on the second floor will be removed to better show the corn murals painted by Grant Wood.
The windows, including those on the first floor, will be replaced with historical-looking models, Michael said. Tuck pointing on the exterior brick will be done where necessary, he added.
Construction then would start around Sept. 1 and be finished in July 2014, Michael said.