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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT PROPERTY -- 739 Bronson Street South Bend, Indiana OWNER -- Kathleen & Randy Hess (in default) DESIGNATION -- Edgewater Place LHD STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT This one story cottage was constructed circa 1892 in the earlier Nineteenth Century section of the Edgewater District. It is described in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Survey as a "gabled L". The first shed attached to the rear of the cross gabled section may have been original to the structure or a very early addition. The skirted porch is typical of early Twentieth Century prairie design and was probably either altered or added to achieve this appearance. At the time of the survey the structure was rated as "non-contributing" presumably on the basis of its character having been obscured by aluminum siding. Study of the Sanborn Maps, foundations and other construction materials indicates that the structure has been consecutively added onto, subsequent to 1958, achieving its present plan since the survey in 1985. The interior has been damaged by fire which was suppressed before causing serious structural damage. Subsequent removal of sections of aluminum siding has revealed original siding, shingle and trim details which show the structure to be a "contributing" resource, albeit in poor condition. Little is known of the early history of the builders or occupants. The 1914 City Directory identifies the residents as Walter and Christine Ayers and John and Hattie Meredith. Walter Ayers apparently worked at Oliver's. In 1916 the property is shown occupied by Donald Weimer who later owned several properties in the neighborhood. PROPOSED CHANGE The city of South Bend Division of Code Enforcement has requested the demolition of the existing dwelling and fence at this location. STANDARDS V.A - Buildings in the district should not be demolished. However, where a building poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is the only alternative, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods should be made of both the interior and exterior of the building. RECOMMENDATION The structure, though damaged, is not beyond repair. Any significant threat to the public safety would result from failure to properly secure the structure and not from imminent collapse. Some later additions at the rear as described above, are not considered to be historical and could be demolished without negative effect on the historic fabric, however wholesale demolition is not justified at this time. The significant impediments to the redevelopment of the property are not structural, but legal, resulting from a quagmire of claims to ownership by individuals of unknown whereabouts, unforeclosed mortgage which is in arrears, and recent tax sale. It would be very unfortunate to lose significant historic context as a result of lack of legal attention. Staff recommends denial of the application for demolition and affirmatively recommends attention and cooperation among agencies and other concerned parties to resolve the issues of ownership and locate a willing and able developer for the property.