POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL STUDIES --- DES MOINES, IOWA

Cabin meeting - 10/23/2002

Summary

Peggy Jester called the meeting to order and related some historical data about the area and cabin. Participants introduced themselves, there were 24 in attendance. Bob Simon, Pres. of the PCHS thanked all of those who have worked on the cabin restoration. In 1938, there were still some authentic remains of fort buildings, but the city did not have funds at that time, the DM City Council provided funds for the stabilization, and wants the cabin to be a distinct link in the chain of education about DM history, and the PCHS thanks them.

The proposed Principal Riverwalk is close to the cabin, so Libby Jacobs, the Project Director addressed the meeting. The Riverwalk is planned to have a "Heritage Park" and will commemorate the 125th Anniversary, in 2004, of "The Bankers Life", now called The Principal. There has been talk of moving the cabin, although a very stable site is needed, not in a flood plain. The next Riverwalk meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002, 6:30 P.M. at the Embassy Suites. The website is: www.Principal.com/Riverwalk. The World Food Prize intends to make the current city library it's headquarters, with a museum and conference center.

The exterior site plans were presented by Peter Goche' AIA, who was commissioned by the DM Parks & Recreation Dept. The MLK Parkway project southern bridge will be only 36 feet away from the cabin, so a retaining wall to block sights and sounds, and channel water runoff is needed. The wall will be screened by prairie grasses and incorporate lighting and other features. There will be a plaza area for greater visibility and ambience.

Traffic vibrations should not affect the cabin, since it is considered a "soft" structure and a more flexible mortar is being used. There has been talk of closing both First St. & Riverside Dr. The cabin is not intrinsically permanent, and possibly should be sheltered by another structure.

Gary Fox of DM Traffic and Engineering showed the MLK Parkway (not bypass) plans, with aesthetic features and plantings. Two bridges may not be needed until the entire length is built to Hwy. 65. If the northern bridge is built first, there will be less implications to the cabin. The MLKP should be to E. Sixth by Dec. 2004, and to E. 15th by 2009.

Five goals for the cabin, from the DM Parks & Recreation Dept. were given by Bud Ward. 1-include in DM promotional material, 2-capitalize on "spillover" visitors to nearby attractions, 3-have the cabin open at designated times (requires much volunteer support), 4-state-of-the-art interpretive features, 5-attractive grounds. Having the cabin open is very important.

Before fundraising can begin, a good plan must be made and it must be decided who is responsibile for each of the five goals. The grounds work alone is estimated at $150,000 to $200,000. Further meetings are needed with the PCHS, Riverwalk, World Food Prize, City and other interested groups. The conundrum is how to advance the plans for the cabin and attempt fundraising when the plans would be so greatly affected by other influences.

Remaining questions:
- North or South MLKP bridge?
- Heritage Park implications, moving the cabin, who would pay to move it?
- Who does which of the 5 goals?
- Corps of Engineers approval?
- Will the MLK bridge match the 4 arched bridges?
- Dates?