Marty Boller

09/13/2026

https://ouriowaheritage.com/2026/09/13/our-picture-of-the-week-187/

09/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BWmYx4Gka/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We need YOU at the Historic Preservation Commission Meeting on Thursday, September 10th. 5:30pm. Council Chambers.
Here's why:
Right now on the Northside of Iowa City, two houses in the heart of the Jefferson Street Historic District are proposed for demolition. We need the Historic Preservation Commission to oppose this permit and safeguard the architectural and cultural integrity of our community at 5:30pm on the night of Thursday, September 10 in the City Council Chambers in City Hall.

Historic preservation relies on maintaining the complete narrative of a streetscape, not allowing piecemeal removal.These two structures sit in the absolute center of the Historic District and razing them would fundamentally alter the historical cohesion, integrity, and character of both this specific block and the broader historic district.

Together with the surrounding houses, they represent the late 19th- and early 20th-century residential neighborhood that qualified Jefferson Street for the National Register of Historic Places. While these houses are currently covered in synthetic siding, beneath those modern layers lie classic Bungalow and Craftsman-style structures. Demolishing them would drastically and irreversibly alter the character of this block and the broader historic district.

Crucially, the applicant has failed to meet the strict regulatory criteria for demolition. Commission standards mandate that a structure must be proven structurally unsound and beyond repair to warrant approval. The evidence submitted with this application simply does not establish that these houses are past saving. Demolition should never be granted without clear, undeniable proof that restoration is impossible.

Additionally, available alternatives exist that would accommodate the applicant's needs without sacrificing our shared history. A new addition could be constructed at the rear of these two lots, preserving the historic facades along the street. Alternatively, the church could secure office space in one of the nearby commercial buildings.

Once these houses are destroyed, their history is lost forever. I strongly urge the Commission to deny this demolition permit and protect the historic character that makes Jefferson Street so special.

09/06/2026

https://ouriowaheritage.com/2026/09/06/our-picture-of-the-week-135/

09/02/2026

In the honoring of my youngest son's 40th birthday on this 2nd day of September, 2026 - CONGRATS John M. Boller - I proudly present The Legend of Birthday Bob!

https://ouriowaheritage.com/the-legend-of-birthday-bob/

08/31/2026

It’s Time For Some Hawkeye Football

1956 – 2026: Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of my first visit to a Hawkeye football game. My dad – George Boller – was a Hawkeye Football Nut. Born in Wayland, Iowa in 1921, his…

08/30/2026

Did you know? August 30, 1949...

https://ouriowaheritage.com/2026/08/30/our-picture-of-the-week-186/

08/29/2026

A beautiful day In Johnson County Iowa honoring Dr. Lulu M. Johnson! One amazing lady! Read more below!

08/23/2026

https://ouriowaheritage.com/2026/08/23/join-us-ui-senior-class-starts-august-31-3/

08/23/2026

https://ouriowaheritage.com/meskwaki-people/

08/18/2026

Have you signed up yet?

https://ouriowaheritage.com/2026/08/18/join-us-ui-senior-class-starts-august-31-2/