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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF'REPORT • APPLICATION -- 1997-0829 PROPERTY -- 2119 Portage Avenue South Bend, IN OWNER.-- G. Eleanor & Donna Brown DESIGNATION -- LL RATING -- Significant S/11 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT This Greek. Revival style residence was constructed circa 1865. The original owner of the house was Isaac Marble, a prosperous farmer in German Township, where he owned 266 acres. He later married Mary, the daughter of David and Sarah Miller, and continued to live in German Township. The Marbles owned the property from 1865 to 1884. Over the course of this period, numerous deed transactions were entered whereby Isaac' Marble acquired a considerable amount of property in that area. In 1884 Isaac Marble transferred the property, comprising 80 acres to William O. Jackson for the sum of $33,200.00. William Jackson owned the property from 1884 to 1910. Mr. Jackson was born in Ohio and moved to St. Joseph County with his family at the age of two. Jackson became one of the most prominent farmers of St. Joseph County. His success in farming included stock -raising, dairying, and buying and selling of those commodities. Mr. Jackson was also president of the local Fair Association and • an active participant in the Grange movement in Northern Indiana. Mr. Jackson and his wife had eight children. The couple owned the property until his death in 1910. On February 6, 1913 Jackson's children sold the property to Dora and. Isaac Staples. On March 23, 1920 the Staples sold the property to Charles E. and Daisy Brinley. Mr. Brinley was employed as an electrician with the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company. The north side wing of the house which is now enclosed was added to the house as an open porch in 1946. Another addition which appears from the front to 4 balance- the now enclosed porch and which wraps around to the rear was constructed in 1957 for Wison J. Brinley. This construction involved the removal of previous .frame additions at the rear. The present owners, G. Eleanor Brown and Donna F. Brown purchased the house November 22, 1996. PROPOSED CHANGE Applicant proposes to repair and shorten the north side chimney, which is deteriorating rapidly. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks state: B.C.1 Structure Necessary structural improvements, where safety demands should be accomplished in such a way as to cause minimal visual change to the original style and construction • B.C.2 Construction and Style Change.that altars, removes, or covers existing significant stylistic detail shall not be permitted.