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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT APPLICATION —1999-0208 PROPERTY —112 S. Lafayette South Bend, IN. OWNER — St. Joseph County DESIGNATION — LL RATING — Outstanding 0/13 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT The Second County Courthouse was constructed in 1855 on the southeast corner of Washington and Main Streets to replace an earlier courthouse which was built in 1833 and demolished in 1853. In 1853 the County commissioned Chicago architect, John Mills Van Osdel, to design the new courthouse. Mr. Van Osdel has been accredited as being Chicago's first professional architect. He designed the (original) Palmer House Hotel, the McCarthy Building and the Delaware Building, the latter two and the Courthouse are the only remaining examples of his work. The final design that Mr. Van Osdel came up with for the new courthouse was a Greek Revival style with the impression of a Greek Temple front. The building was significantly altered by remodeling during the 1870s. The courthouse was moved to its present location on Lafayette in 1896 to allow for the construction of the Third County Courthouse. Ten years after it was moved and the new courthouse was built the building became the head quarters for the Northern Indiana Historical Society and remained as such until 1995. Currently the structure is vacant, awaiting renovations so it can once again be used as a functioning courthouse. PROPOSED CHANGE Applicant is proposing to STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks state: C. Renovations and Additions 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. 2. Construction and Style All work shall be done in the architectural style and in a technique compatible with that of the original structure. Change that alters, rmoves, or covers existing significant