10/08/07 Council Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETINGOCTOBER 8, 2007 that might be directly related to the building before the Council. That is the sole are that the City Council is at looking at this evening. Councilmember White does have the authority to gavel individuals out of order if they do not address those concerns. Councilmember Kirsits, Chairperson, Zoning and Annexation Committee, reported that this committee met this afternoon and after much discussion it was decided that more information was needed. They decided to go forward with the Public Hearing this evening, subject to the ground rules that the Council Attorney outlined. Also the Council will have a walking tour in a public meeting setting on October 23, 2007 at 6:00 p.m., and take final action on November 12, 2007. Catherine Hostetler, Director, Historic Preservation Commission, 125 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, stated that she will be give the primary presentation, secondary will be Mr. Tim Klusczinski, followed by Mr. Latoza, BauerLatoza Studios. She noted that there will be several individuals who will be speaking in favor of this bill after the formal presentation. Ms. Hostetler advised that this bill before the Council tonight is to address the landmarking of Marquette School. The City Ordinance establishing the Historic Preservation Commission mandates that the Commission identifies, protects and landmarks historic structures within the City of South Bend. On May 21, 2007, the Commission accepted the following findings at 1905 College Street, South Bend, Indiana, because Marquette School fulfills the three criteria for landmark status. 1.) It is architecturally important and connected to the development of the area as an unaltered example of the collegiate gothic revival style designed by the local architectural firm of Austin and Shambleau. 2.) Its educational value as an example of the type of projects undertaken by the Public Works Administration during the depression of the 1930’s to stimulate local economic growth. 3.) Its suitability for preservation because of its architectural significance by Austin and Shambleau and workmanship by general contractor Thomas L. Hickey its association with the PWA of the Roosevelt Administration as continuous use as a neighborhood school since 1937. The HPC is asking for landmark status for Marquette Primary Center because the building deserves it. As it is a monument to history and people of the City of South Bend, and as a monument to drive and spirit of the Citizens of South Bend as it struggled out of the throws of the Great Depression of the 1930’s and to the Roosevelt Administration’s PWA program. It is a monument to the local tradesman, construction workers, craftsmen, who labored on created such an aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound building that is anchored a neighborhood for almost 70 years. It is a monument to the local architectural team of Austin and Shambleau who designed this school along with many of the other buildings in South Bend that everyone treasures. Marquette deserves landmark status and as a landmark it can be added onto, its interior spaces upgraded and remodeled just like Madison Primary Center, just like Jefferson Primary Center, and just like Monroe Primary Center. Tim Klusczinski, 617 Park Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is privileged this evening to address the Council as the President of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County. Mr. Klusczinski stated that he has been before the Council to lend support to various causes relevant and important to neighborhoods. It has been his mission to develop an appreciation for local history, architecture, to improve the quality of life and to promote the wise use of local resources. Marquette School on South Bend’s northwest side was established as FDR’s new deal initiatives, The Public Works Administration. During the depression era the PWA financed large scale development construction projects aimed to cultivate support services much like trickle-down economics. Marquette is the only PWA elementary school in South Bend. Adams High School, its Big Brother stems from the same initiative. Marquette school is a important anchor to its surrounding neighborhood and a representative of the time period. So what is a landmark and what is the need to preserve. According to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, it’s because they possess an exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting heritage. South Bend City Plan describes as follows: “Landmarks are structures that are easily recognizable and create visual reference points for people in the community. Landmarks which enhance the identity of a community are often points of historic or cultural interest. Such as civic buildings, churches, monuments, or any 7