No decision in Iowa City on the "Kinnick-style" house proposed by a Decorah couple

A sketch of the proposed second floor of the building

A proposal by Decorah residents Reed and Sandy Carlson to build a house in Iowa City that is a replica of the University of Iowa's Kinnick Stadium went before the Iowa City Board of Adjustment on Wednesday night--and no decision was reached after six hours of discussion. 

The Board of Adjustment has adjourned until next Wednesday night--although an exact time and place has not yet been announced.  It is expected that the Carlsons will be given a chance to speak at next Wednesday's meeting.

Neighbors of the Carlsons' property have filed an appeal with the board, claiming that the proposed 7,500 square-foot home does not fit the character of the neighborhood.  In documents filed with the City of Iowa City, neighbors state, "At first, many of us thought it was a bad joke—the kind of thing a person would read about in The Onion—to build this"mini Kinnick" building on such a quiet, half-paved, dead-end residential street with old growth trees, charming cottages and minimal parking.  Now, we are just stunned that this could happen in Iowa City." The group claims the plans for the home were reviewed in "a very deliberate, biased fashion by a select few City staff persons who operated with very little oversight and no public scrutiny."

But the Carlsons dispute such claims in the documents they have filed with the City of Iowa City.  "The Carlsons' plan is to occupy the residence at 101 Lusk Avenue as a second home to enjoy time with their extended family, including their children and grandchildren," say the documents, adding they "simply have no intention to use the property for any commercial venture."  The Carlsons ask that the Board of Adjustment uphold the decision of city officials in Iowa City, who issued a building permit for the property at 101 Lusk Avenue, ruling that the home was intended for single-family use.

The Board of Adjustment makes the final decision on matters of zoning,variances and permits, unless the board itself is taken to court.