May 1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT • APPLICATION -- 1997-0502 PROPERTY -- 1325 East Wayne St. So. South Bend, IN 46615 OWNER -- Roland and Merrice Kelly DESIGNATION -- EW-LHD RATING -- Con tributing (C/9) STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT The residence at 1325 East Wayne St. So., a Colonial Revival, was built in 1926 with Elmer and Myra Higgins first listed as residents in 1927. Elmer was born in Gloucester, MA, on March 29, 1879. Because of health reasons, he received his early education from private schools and tutors. Higgins had been a Christian Science (C.S.) practitioner since 1900. He moved to South Bend in 1908, where he continued to practice. Higgins became the first C.S. teacher in South Bend when he received his C.S.B. in 1931 from the Massachusetts Metaphysical College. (The board of directors of The Mother Church, First Church of Christ Scientist appoints 30 students of C.S. from the entire field, once every 3 years, for instruction in the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, which qualifies them to teach C.S.). For three years, he served as reader of the First Church of Christ Scientist in South Bend. He was chairman of the board of directors for the South Bend church and assistant • to the Committee on Publication for the State of Indiana. Also, he was a member of the Blue Lodge, F. and A.M., K.T. and 32nd degree. Higgins married Myra Goss on December 25, 1909. Higgins died in 1947, while on vacation in Florida. PROPOSED CHANGE Install a black chain link fence in the back yard. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for East Wayne Street Historic District states: I.A.I.) Distinctive existing features such as the brick entry pillars, parks, gardens, streetlights, fences...... and building setbacks shall be` retained. Major landscaping items, fencing..... shall be compatible with the character of the neighborhood in size, scale, material, and color. RECOMMENDATION Applicant wishes to install a back yard fence made up of chain link material which is perfectly acceptable for the rear yard in this neighborhood. The black color of the fence will make it blend into the natural surroundings, thus almost making it visually dissapear. Staff recommends approval of the black chain link fence. •