Coon Rapids Commercial District: Extended Reconnaissance Architectural/Historical Survey

Tallgrass Historians L.C.; Nash, Jan

Abstract: "This report presents the findings of an extended reconnaissance architectural and historical survey of the Coon Rapids, Iowa commercial district. A potential commercial historic district was found to exist, but it is only about a third of the overall study area. The district contains 45 buildings, 28 (or 62%) of which may be deemed "contributing" buildings within the guidelines of the National Register of Historic Places. While the range of construction dates for all buildings in the 9-block survey area is 1880 to 2001 and represents the history of Coon Rapids' commercial district from virtually its inception until recent years, the "contributing buildings" only range from 1890 until 1957. This range, then, would be considered the appropriate period of significance for the potential district. Coon Rapids has many historic assets and attractions, and a downtown historic district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places would fit well with other activities undertaken by town officials and community leaders to enhance the quality of life for area residents. But this commercial Main Street district is a relatively weak historic district, largely because of integrity problems. At this preliminary level of study, the "contributing" status has been bestowed generously in order to encourage future preservation work with district property owners. The chances for a successful National Register nomination in the future will be strengthened if one or more property owners undertake rehabilitation projects that result in more historic-appearing storefronts. As it stands today, many storefronts have been significantly altered though upper facade walls above these storefronts remain generally historic and intact. Several two-story buildings have been paired with an adjacent single store building and uniformly clad behind modem materials, leaving the historic buildings completely hidden. Unfortunately, this is the case with the highly significant Garst Store at 501 Main. If an unspecified number of storefronts are rehabilitated, even with minor projects that enhance the building's integrity, and a National Register nomination is undertaken, then all property owners in the district would be potentially eligible for federal and state rehabilitation tax credits when and if they choose to rehabilitate their own properties." Project funding was provided in part by a 2008 Historic Preservation Fund grant to the City of Coon Rapids (project number IA-08-002) administered by the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 19-08-21720) administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Coon Rapids, Iowa is a Certified Local Government.

Coon Rapids Commercial District: Extended Reconnaissance Architectural/Historical Survey

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