May 2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2001-0330 Property Location: 514 East Indiana Property Owner: Brian Zbrzezny Landmark or District Designation: LL Rating: S/11 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT This house was designed by architect, Walter Schneider and was constructed in 1902 for Samuel W. Studebaker. Samuel was born in 1854, his father, Henry, was the elder brother of the famous Studebaker Manufacturing Company. Samuel managed the farm of Peter Studebaker for twelve years before becoming the proprietor of the livery stable'and boarding business on South Michigan Street. In 1899 he and Nelson Jones purchased the undertaking business of D.E. Huntsinger, located at 307 W. Jefferson. The partners ran funeral businesses at this address until 1904 at which time Samuel became briefly involved in the hardware business; he retired a few years later. After his death in 1915 his wife, Mary, continued to reside in the house until it was sold to Clifford Lontz in 1919. Mr. Lontz was the president of Lontz Brothers, dealers in coal, coke, gasoline and oils, located at 602 S. Michigan Street. Clifford eventually moved the business to 629 College Street where he set up a modern yard with silos, unloading devices, trucks and other up-to-date equipment. Mr. Lontz died in 1927, leaving the house to his wife, Charlotte, who remained there until 1930 when the property was sold to Hazel and E. Glenmore Wells. Mr. Wells was the secretary of the Wells Manufacturing Company; he later became the firms president. Glenmore was born in 1888 to Elmer Wells, who began the family business in 1876. The original business was a cabinet factory located at the foot of Washington Street. The company was relocated in 1912 when a new and larger plant was constructed on S. Main Street, which manufactured wood bases for engravers and electrotypers. Mr. Wells resided at this address until 1959 when he relocated to a house on S. Broad Drive. The Wells family rented the house at 514 E. Indiana Street to Gervae and Donald James, who eventually purchased the property in 1977. Mr. James was the owner of Jame's Cleaning and Laundry Center, he and his wife resided here until 1999 when they sold the house to the current owner, Brian Zbrzezny.