IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center in Iowa City has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, following the approval of a citizen-led application by the National Park Service on December 5, 2024. A commemorative plaque has been installed at the building’s west entrance vestibule to mark this achievement.
A gathering to celebrate this milestone and honor the building’s architect, Roland Wehner, is scheduled for Monday at 1:00 p.m. in the upstairs lobby of the recreation center. This event is notable as it is uncommon for a living architect to have their work recognized on the National Register, given that buildings must be at least 50 years old to qualify. Wehner, 93, will be introduced by Mary Bennett, former special collections coordinator at the State Historical Society of Iowa and co-author of the nomination.
The nomination highlights several key reasons for preserving the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. It is considered an architecturally significant building, located on land first designated as a public space in 1839. The center is an exceptional example of a mid-century modern community recreation facility, a style that is rare across the country. Additionally, its central location aligns with Iowa City’s goals for a walkable and vibrant downtown, reflecting the visions of former Recreation Superintendent Robert A. Lee and Architect Roland Wehner…