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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2000-0306-2 Property Location: 1601 Kemble Property Owner: Housing & Development Corporation of St. Joseph County Landmark or District Designation: LL Rating: 0/13 Key Number: 18-1008-0331 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT The Toth State Bank constructed this commercial building in 1924. It was designed by South Bend architect Walter W. Schneider who was responsible for many significant local structures including the Natatorium and the River Park Theater. George Toth founded Toth State Bank, in May 2, 1921 with original capital of $50,000.00. Mr. Toth was involved in several businesses including, real estate, insurance and foreign money exchange and was also a steamship agent. Directors included Toth, Miholich, Steve Gar acz, Teophil Drobny, Joseph J. Kovacs and Frank Lassu. Mr. Lassu became president of the institution and was also president of Eagle Furniture Company at 239-241 Chapin Street. Mr. Drobny was a chiropractor and served as vice-president of the bank. Mr. Kovacs was a local attorney who served as the banks secretary -treasurer and George Toth served as the cashier. The bank was a typical small lending and saving institution. The founder and directors were of the Hungarian community and the bank lent money for many home mortgages in this predominantly Hungarian section of South Bend. The bank closed in 1930 and placed in the control of the State Bank Department before being liquidated. The bank building on the corner of Kemble and Indiana remained vacant from 1930to 1949 when the South Bend Tool and Die Company used the facility to house its engineering department. The firm came to South Bend from Dayton, Ohio where it had been operating since 1914 under the direction of J.R. Huckins. The company was relocated here to be close to two of the firm's best customers, Studebaker and Bendix. They occupied the bank building until 1983. The building has remained vacant, except for a brief occupation by a religious organization, The One God Apostolic Mission. Since 1983 the structure has seen several different owners, since being purchased in January 2000, by the Housing and Development Corporation of St. Joseph County.