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ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE <br />The main entry doors are framed in dark wood, with sidelights, engaged Doric <br />columns, leaded glass transoms and newer aluminum screen doors. Most of the <br />windows were replaced in 1989 and are 12 over 1 insulated double hung sashes with <br />flat brick arches and pronounced Chicago brick keystones. The building is located on <br />113.8 acres, allowing for an expansive wooded lawn, a circular drive, parking lot, and a <br />newly constructed pole barn. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted <br />by the Common Council, the building at 3016 Portage Avenue has been <br />recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by <br />Historic Preservation Commission. <br />The building meets the criteria in at least four areas: <br />1.) Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or <br />craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation. <br />2.) Its educational value. <br />3.) Its suitability for preservation. <br />4.) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. <br />The building fulfills criteria #1 as an excellent example of a turn -of -the -century Classical <br />Revival style government infirmary. The building is rated a significant 12 in the Indiana <br />Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. <br />The building fulfills criteria #2 as an example of a 1900s County Infirmary. The <br />building represents the changes in public views and treatments of the mentally <br />handicapped and elderly. <br />The building fulfills criteria #3 by the integrity of its original construction with little <br />alteration to the facade. The building is an impressive classical revival style structure <br />and a prominent feature of St. Joseph County's history. <br />The building fulfills criteria #4 by its association with the St. Joseph County pioneer, <br />Rezeau Brown. Mr. Brown was a well known contractor, responsible for many of <br />South Bend's first structures as well as a successful farmer, who's farm is still being <br />utilized to this day. <br />Staff finds that the building meets the criteria for designation as a Local Landmark and <br />recommends that the Commission send such a recommendation to the Common <br />Council. <br />rls <br />