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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT 0 PROPERTY -- 803 North Notre Dame Avenue; Firehouse 417 South Bend, IN 46617 OWNER -- City of South Bend DESIGNATION -- Local Landmark (group B standards) STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT Firehouse 417 is in plan an irregular rectangle of two stories plus attic and basement. The first story is of red brick the second of wooden shingles. The building has bracketed wood eaves with wide wood fascia below. At the base is a cut stone water table approximately ten inches in height. The roof line features a front gable, two side gables, a rear gable dormer and a firehose tower. The front door is sheltered by a sheet metal canopy supported by ornate metal brackets. The front facade has a single arched pediment, false balcony and a projecting bay with dentil course. The windows are 1/1 double hung with stone sills and flat lintels. There are also round head double hung, oval and semi-oval decorative openings on the main facade. The building received a rating of S/12 on the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Survey. In 1987 when the site was resurveyed the building was considered in good condition at this time it is in less than good condition. Firehouse 417 was built in 1903. The building was designed by Charles Brehmer, a local architect who was trained at Notre Dame. Brehmer lived across the street from the Firehouse at 804 N. Notre Dame Ave. He designed numerous homes in South • Bend and also designed Firehouse 413 at 219 Hill Street. The building was retired as a fire station in 1968. It is now the home of numerous social service agencies, including Neighborhood Housing Services. PROPOSED CHANGE Please read through the extensive description and documentation provided by the applicant for this proposal. These materials are attached to this report. STANDARDS The Group B Landmark Standards state; A. Maintenance, "The Commission shall encourage the proper maintenance of all structures or sites." B. Treatment, "Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such improvements include reroofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or detract from the character of the landmark." C. Renovation and Additions, "Renovation is the modification of a structure which does not alter the general massing while an addition is a change in mass." RECOMMENDATION The HPC staff recommends for this proposal. The applicant's proposal is in keeping with the Landmark Standards and the proposed work seeks to ensure the viability of the structure for years to come. In addition this project is a model of adaptive use for a historic structure. The project is to be guided by an individual well • acquainted with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. It is the opinion of the staff that this type of project, relative to the building's function,should be encouraged.