10153-12 Historic Landmark - 1922 Portag Avenue (Keogan "Hobbit" House)

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The building fulfills criteria #1 as an excellent example of an unusual blend of architectural elements from the English Arts and Craft movement and the Tudor Revival style interpreted in the American Craftsman/Bungalow style. The house is rated "Notable" in the 2005 Survey as an English Cottage built in 1928 and is unique in South Bend. It was constructed by the local General Contractor, R. L. Culp, and all of its materials and appointments were originally from local vendors and merchants. 2. Its suitability for preservation. The building fulfills criteria #2 by the integrity of its original construction with only minor alterations. Alterations are limited to the addition of terraces flanking the modified entry and the removal or enclosure of the south bay window. 3. Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The building fulfills criteria #3 by its association with George E. and Ruby J. Keogan and Aaron Huguenard. George Keogan was named Notre Dame's basketball and baseball coach and assistant football coach in 1923. In 20 seasons as the basketball coach, he won 327 games, the second most in Irish History, a .771 winning percentage. He never had a losing season at Notre Dame. He was succeeded by his protege, Edward "Moose" Krause, after his death at age 53. Mrs. Keogan inherited the house and later married Aaron Huguenard in 1950. Mr. Huguenard was the Secretary of the South Bend Tribune and the former President of the Indiana Bar Association. He was active in civic, legal, social, political and business circles. In 1951, he founded the United Fund of St. Joseph County, in 1952, St. Joseph County Hospital Development, Inc. He was appointed in 1955 as a Charter member of the University of Notre Dame Law School Advisory Council. The Commission has conducted a public hearing, for the purposes of hearing comments on the designation of the Property as a Historic Landmark and for delivering a recommendation to the Common Council. Following the public hearing, the Commission has given its favorable recommendation to the Common Council of the City of South Bend to designate the Property as a Historic Landmark pursuant to Ordinance No. 5565- 73, as amended. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Designation. The structure and real property known as the Keogan "Hobbit" House and located at 1922 Portage Avenue, in the City of South Bend, Indiana, shall be and hereby is designated and established as a Historic Landmark pursuant to Ordinance No. 5565 -73, as amended.