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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2001-0515 Property Location: 909 Riverside Property Owner: Cecilia Cunningham Landmark or District Designation: LHD-RSD Rating: S/12 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT Ennis Austin and his wife, Elsie, purchased this property from George Cutter in 1909 and shortly after constructed this house. Mr. Austin was born in 1863, he received a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from Cornell in 1886. Immediately afterwards he became connected with an architectural firm in New York City and later worked as an artist for Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Ennis came to South Bend in 1892 and formed an architectural partnership with Wilson Parker, later dissolving this partnership to team up with Mr. Shambleau. The Austin's resided at 909 Riverside until 1914 when it was sold to Carl Ross, the President of Bumoil Engine Company. He and his wife resided here for nine years, selling in 1923 to William and Hannah Davies. William was a prominent local citizen and businessman; he founded the W.O. Davies Laundry and Shirt Company and was the leader of the Y.M.C.A. Mr. Davies died in this house in 1928 at age 71, his wife, Hannah, who was also very active in charitable circles, she continued to resided here until her death in 1941. Upon her death their daughter, Helen Robertson and her husband, Neil, moved into the house. Mr. Robertson was the secretary -treasurer of the Davies laundry and eventual president. They lived in this house until 1964 when it was sold to Donald Fisher, an agent for the Union Central Life Insurance Company. He and his wife, Vivian, lived here until 1987 when the property was sold to Anthony Horen and Marcis Morrison. They only owned the house for a year, selling it to the current owners, Lawrence and Cecilia Cunningham in 1988. RECOMMENDATION The Preservation Guidelines for the Riverside Drive Local Historic District follow the Rehabilitation Model. The applicant is requesting to replace the lower section of slate roofing on the northwest fagade, facing Dushane Court with a synthetic material called Majestic Slate.