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The building still meets three of the criteria: <br />1) Its embodiment of elements or architectural design, detail, material or <br />craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation; <br />2) Its suitability for preservation; <br />3) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. <br />The site and structure fulfills criteria #las a wonderful example of a late 1800s Italianate <br />style residence. Its main features are its brick walls, gable decoration and the wonderful <br />bowed windows and window hoods, all are classic Italianate features. <br />The site and structures fulfills criteria #2 as an example of an 1880's workmanship in the <br />popular Italianate style with little change to its original fabric. <br />The site and structures fulfills criteria #3 by its association with the very prominent <br />Metzgar family. <br />The petitioner has accepted the Commission's previous recommendation, to retain <br />landmark designation over the house and surrounding wooded area. Attached is the <br />amended petition requesting the removal of the landmark designation from all of the <br />property except the designated 1.87 acres, more or less, surrounding the house. The staff <br />agrees with the supplied legal description and site map and would recommend approval, <br />of retaining the 1.87 acres, more or less, (which includes the house and wooded area) <br />under landmark designation and rescinding the designation over the remaining land with <br />the appropriate and approved covenants. This is a fair compromise, which allows the <br />Commission to protect the historic structure and surrounding woods while still enabling <br />the petitioner to the sell the remaining land for development. <br />The applicant has also attached the requested covenants and restrictions, which would <br />exist, to further protect the wooded area once the land is divided and sold. The staff does <br />have some wording concerns in regards to these covenants, below is a staff amended <br />version of the covenants. <br />#. Special Provisions for Lots with Historic Preservation Status. <br />Portions of Lots , and are designated as local historic landmarks by the <br />Historic Preservation Commission. The exact portions of those lots are shown on the Plat <br />and shall be considered "Historical Landmark Portions". The Historical Landmark <br />Portion shall be maintained in its natural condition as of the original date of the Plat. No <br />improvements, including but not restricted to, fencing, decks, patios, play equipment, tree <br />houses, grass, barbecues, gazebos, pools, sheds, garages, barns, benches, etc., shall be <br />constructed on the Historical Landmark Portion. No trees, shrubs or other growth shall <br />be removed or added unless first approved by the Historic Preservation Commission of <br />South Bend and St. Joseph County. An owner of a Lot that contains a Historic Landmark. <br />Portion may not modify, improve or otherwise alter that Portion with out first obtaining <br />approval from the Historic Preservation Commission and the appropriate approval from <br />the Architectural Control Committee. An owner of a Lot that contains a Historic <br />