11/02/07 Zoning and Annexation Committee

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Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2007 Page 2 5. 5-pages from the Historic Preservation Commission dated March 1997 depicting a location map of the Chapin Park National Register Historic District, two pictures of Madison School, historical contents and architectural description of Madiosn School noted that the school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as a contributing structure to the Chapin Park Historic District, that the school is a two-story brick structure (copy attached) The exterior of Madison Primary Center and the interior of the school was then toured with the following items being mentioned: • School was built in 1929 with two (2) additions being added in 1966 and 2000-02 • Collegiate Gothic Style characterized by red brick and limestone • All windows & air conditioning are new being part of the 2000-02 renovation/addition project • Aerco boilers replaced the old boilers which are the standard brand used by the school • Tuck pointing was done throughout the exterior which should last 15-20 years • Food is not prepared on-site with a warming kitchen which is not adjacent to the cafeteria • Challenges during the renovation which lasted about 22 months was to keep the building operational for teaching throughout the renovation/contruction • ADA requirements including adding ramps and widening all entrances to all classrooms throughout the building • Renovation costs were $136 per square foot • Elevator was added during the renovation/construction in 2000-02 • Entire building is now sprinkled with this feature not being part of the school prior • All mechanicals, electrical, pluming and fire code requirements all being replaced or added during the 2000-02 renovation/construction • A continuing challenge is the ground water which periodically comes into the basement area due to the schools proximity to the St. Joseph Rive; however the school has a "robust dewatering system" which was added to address this concern Dr. Robert Zimmerman, School Superintendent concluded the tour by stating that because of the architectural integrity of the building, the landmark status which it already had, being located adjacent to a historic community and that the renovation/construction was 90% of what new construction would have been that the decision to renovate and add-on to Madison resulted in a "good retro-fit and serves the kids well". Catherine Hostetler, Director of the Historic Preservation Commission noted that the 1993 South Bend Tribune article reported that Madison, built in 1929 could be renovated and a 21,000 square foot addition could be built at a "substantial savings