Bill No. 43-16 Elbel House Historic Landmark Designation

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8o6 Leland Avenue Based on the HPC's Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the site at 8o6 Leland Avenue can be recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission. The building meets the criteria in at least three areas: i. Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent an architectural characteristic or innovation. 2. Its suitability for preservation. 3. Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The building fulfills criteria #1 as an excellent example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture. Built in 1894, it exemplifies the architectural style through extensive exterior decoration, including original spindle and fretwork, a mixture of siding materials, ornate and columned porches, irregular rooflines and gables. The building fulfills criteria #2 by the integrity of the original construction, being completely intact architecturally on the exterior, including siding, ornate trim, original front and back doors, and all but one of the original first and second floor windows. The building fulfills criteria #3 by its association with Richard Elbel, president of Elbel Brothers Music Store, and director of the South Bend Orchestra. Richard also served on the South Bend Parks Commission, being the only charter member to serve continuously until his retirement in 1939• He was instrumental in obtaining grants of land from property owners from Leeper Park northward, providing for the beginnings of what would become the Riverside Drive Parkway. In 1963, the golf course under development on the extreme northwest edge of South Bend was named in his honor.