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• 513 Harrison Avenue (1010 Palmongle Court) HISTORICAL CONTEXT This property is located approximately one-half block off of Lincolnway West which is the twentieth Century name for the Michigan road which was opened in the early 1830's as the first connecting road between Lake Michigan and the Ohio River. This lot was platted in 1898, the same year that the Colfax school was constructed directly across Harrison Avenue. The building presently being considered was constructed in 1905. It was unusually situated on the lot, being sited at near the rear at the intersection of two alleys, one of which is named Palmongle Court. The address given by the assessor for this building is variously 1010 Palmongle Court, 511 1/2 Harrison Street and 513 Harrison Street. In 1921, the front portion of the lot.was filled in with the construction of a two -flat -with a three -bay garage occupying the space between the buildings. The first resident known to reside at this address was Almond (Almon D. ?) Palmiter, a millwright and later master mechanic at Studebaker, who is listed there as Almon D. Palmiter in the 1912 City Directory. The 1906 directory shows him residing at 731 North Scott Street. Although this date is a one year later than the construction date given by the assessor's card, it is conceivable that the house was built for him or otherwise maintained in the family as a mason by the name of M. B. Palmiter was listed at 529 Ohio Street during this whole period. Doyle Palmiter is also listed as a mason in'the 1912 directory residing at 807 Allen Street. From the unusual masonry features of • the building, the personal connection with these masons is inferred. ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION This house is a two-story foursquare type constructed entirely in split -rock faced concrete block with very unique ornamental features including water table and mid -story stringcourse articulated with an egg and dart motif cast into the concrete units. Window openings are articulated with cast sills and headers embellished with animal faces at each end of the header. The plan deviates from the usual foursquare with a beveled corner at the left front and a bay extending at a 45 degree angle flanking the one story covered front porch which is also constructed in the split -faced block. RECOMMENDATION Based on the HPC Local Landmarks Criteria, the building at 637 South Lafayette 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 two areas. 1.) Its character, interest and value as part of the development , heritage, or culture of the city of South Bend, St. Joseph County, the state of Indiana , or the United States of America. 1.) Its.embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or • craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation. 2.) Its suitability for preservation.