The Iowa City council voted Tuesday, Sept. 20 to approve rezoning the first Emma Goldman Clinic as an Iowa City historic landmark. Former historic preservation commission chair Kevin Boyd and representatives of the Emma Goldman Clinic proposed the local landmark designation in honor of its 50th anniversary. City staff contacted owners of the property, at […]
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The Iowa City council voted Tuesday, Sept. 20 to approve rezoning the first Emma Goldman Clinic as an Iowa City historic landmark.Former historic preservation commission chair Kevin Boyd and representatives of the Emma Goldman Clinic proposed the local landmark designation in honor of its 50th anniversary. City staff contacted owners of the property, at 715 N Dodge St., who then voluntarily requested the rezoning to be designated an Iowa City historic landmark.The Emma Goldman Clinic was formed in 1973 following the Roe v. Wade ruling, to provide feminist health care. It chose a neighborhood home for its welcoming aesthetic.“The historic preservation commission did determine that the property is significant for its role in local feminist history and women’s healthcare, as founding of the location of the Emma Goldman Clinic,” said Danielle Sitzman, Iowa City neighborhood development services coordinator, “that it is an intact example of a craftsman-detailed house from the 1920s, and therefore meets the criteria for landmark designation.”Several people voiced support for the rezoning during public comments.“By recognizing this as a historic landmark, we are acknowledging that social justice theme,” said Iowa City resident and former mayor Regenia Bailey. “We are acknowledging the national reputation the clinic has developed over the past 50 years, and we are noting that it started here and it’s our history.”The council unanimously passed the amendment 6-0.
