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Joseph E. Kernan, Governor <br />John R. Goss-Pirector <br />VK Indiana Department of Natural Resources <br />Division of Historic Praervulon A Arahccology402 W. Washington Stmt, W274-6idisru this, IN 46204-2739 no <br />Phone 317-232.1646•1im 317-232-0693 - dhpe@dm.sutain.ss AND iroawlon <br />12.2-2004 <br />Dennis Andres <br />Moms Civic Performing Arts Center <br />211 North Michigan Street - 2004 <br />South Bend, IN 46601 <br />Re: Covenant review - Palias Royale <br />Dear Mr. Andres, <br />Thank you for submitting your preliminary inquiry regarding development affecting the above <br />referenced property. Development of this property is, restricted by covenants placed on the deed <br />as a condition of grants received through the Historic Preservation Fund. The covenant review <br />and is governed by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic <br />Properties. <br />I have had the opportunity to review the exhibits submitted and provide the following <br />comments: <br />1) Regarding the necessity and efficacy of this proposal, the Palais Royale is probably <br />among the top 4 landmark sites in downtown South Bend. It is difficult to believe that <br />many citizens would have difficulty finding or recognizing this building or its <br />prominent location. To the extent that direction to the Palais's entry needs enhancement <br />the proposed sign will be of little assistance as it will not be readily visible from the <br />immediately adjacent sidewalk, lacks direct proximity to the entry point, and is <br />relatively diminutive in the overall composition of the entry fapade. It would seem that <br />street level enhancement such as a kiosk sign, sandwich board or other street furnishing <br />would be more effective with less impact on the historic building. These would have the <br />advantage of opportunity for changeable information regarding currently planned <br />events. Alternately some new rendition of the roof mmmted illuminated sigh would be <br />much more effective in identifying the building from a distance and appropriate to the <br />building's history and context, with the added advantage of obscuring roof mounted <br />mechanical equipment. <br />2) Regarding the aesthetic design of the proposed sign and its location, these seem to have <br />little contextual affinity for the building. The proposed sign is discreetly small, working <br />against itself as an effective communication device. Its location also attempts discretion <br />by staying away from established focal features of the building, but by this, diminishes <br />programmatic effectiveness while not contributing to the overall composition of the <br />fa;ade. While the messy vitality of blade signs may be appropriate and contribute to <br />retail and wholesale commercial district environments, this feature is clearly <br />incongruous with monumental formality of the Palais-Palace Theater complex. <br />An Equal Opportunity Employer <br />Printed on Recycled Paper <br />