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

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1922 Portage Avenue Based on the HPC's Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the site at 1922 Portage 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: 1 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 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. 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. The.building fulfills criteria #3 by its association with George E. and Ruby J. Keogan and Aaron Huguenard. George Keogan was named Notre Dames basketball and baseball coach and assistant football coach in 1923. In 20 seasons as the basket ball 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.