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APPENDIX D historicpreservation commission of south bend and st. joseph county ROOM 1123 COUNTY CITY BUILDING south bend, indiana 46601 1219 284-9798) The Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, begun in 1973, was established to identify, survey, plan for, and recommend to the Common Council the designation of historic landmarks and districts. By observing the provisions of its ordinance, the Commission hopes to stabilize and preserve irre- placeable elements of South Send's architectural heritage and thereby improve property values, foster civic beauty dnd community pride, and strengthen the local economy. As a part of what it has been created to do, the Historic PreservatioA Commission ,trorks with all areas of the city but one of its top priorities is the Central Business District. Approximately forty buildings are listed on the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Survey in downtown South Bend with ratings of 1.1, 12, or 13, i.e., archi- tecturally and historically significant or outstanding. All of the structures are very good examples of commercial or public buildings that are an important part of the development and history of the city.. On October 25th, a public hearing will be held by the Common Council to review a proposed ordinance which will safeguard these downtown buildings by banning demolition for three years. This will give the Historic Preservation Commission time to approach building owners to discuss the benefits of preservation through either local or Na- tional Register designation such as: tax credits on rehabilitation costs, facade easement tax breaks, recognition, etc. The Historic Preservation Commission wishes to encourage continued maintenance and restoration of the buildings and the proposed ordinance will not put restrictions on these, in fact, the Commission has a resource libra.ry•and would be willing to offer guidance in these matters. In addition, the Commission realizes that in some cases, there may be extenuating circumstances and preservation will be impossible. For this reason, an appeal process has been included in the ordinance. The Commission would appreciate your cooperation in its commitment to the Central Business District of South Bend. If you have any questions, please contact the Com- mission's Landmark Chairman, John Oxian at 234-7202 or the Commission office at 284-9798. Sincerely, John Ox i an Chairman, Landmarks Committee