8630-95 Establishing Historic Landmark 518 South Michigan St

Home Browse Search

RECOMMENDATION Based on the HPC Local Landmarks Criteria [1] , the building at 518 South Michigan has been recommended by the Landmarks Committee of the Historic Preservation Commission as a Local Historic Landmark. The building meets the criteria in at least four areas. 1.) Its character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or culture of the City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, the State if Indiana, or the United States of America. 2.) Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation. 3.) Its educational value. 4.) Its suitability for preservation. The building fulfills criteria #1 as part of one of South Bend's few remaining commercial districts from the period of 1910-1930. The building fulfills criteria #2 as an excellent example of 20th Century Neo-Classical style detailed commercial construction. The building is especially noteworthy for the prolific use of terra cotta detailing. The building is rated Significant 11 in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Survey. The building fulfills criteria #3 as a significant building in the South Michigan Street proposed National Register Historic District. This district is significant as one of the city's only remaining commercial districts of the period, reflecting the use of terra cotta and brick in a variety of styles from Sullivanesque to Neoclassical. The building meets criteria #4 by the integrity of its original construction with only minor alterations.