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historic preservation commission of south bend and st. joseph county Mr. Bob Roeder ROOM 1123 COUNTY CITY BUILDING 68286 Miami Rd. Breman, IN 46506 south bend, indiana 46601 (219) 235-9798 March 20, 1997 Dear Mr. Roeder, Pursuant to our telephone conversation of this morning I am transmitting the several enclosed items. Included is a copy of the survey data card from the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory survey conducted in 1975 which originally identified this site. The site was subsequently designated as a Local Landmark in 1980 with the full consent its owner, Ottomay Long. Also enclosed is a copy of the correspondence provided .in 1991 to David Rousch of Time Realty for him to use in informing prospective purchasers of the property of its Landmark status. If somehow this information was not communicated to you from your seller, you may have reason for complaint against him for failure to disclose this. This correspondence includes some additional history of the property which may be of interest to you. I am also enclosing technical Preservation Briefs on exterior paint problems and on the use of synthetic sidings in historic buildings and a reprint from Old House Journal on insulation which may assist your understanding of the problems at: your property and the possible remedies. Most often, paint adhesion problems are related to high moisture levels inside the walls. This commonly occurs following improper installation of insulation in exterior walls. If this is the cause of your particular paint problems, installation of additional thermal and moisture barriers such as siding over the existing material will only exacerbate the problem by trapping the moisture inside the wall, leading to subsequent mildew and rot which are very detrimental to the structure in a long-term sense. The other most common cause of paint failure is the accumulation of layers of paint of different chemical composition (oil versus latex, etc.) which are incompatible and therefore fail.. With regard to your comment that you feel the house is yours and that you may do with it as you please; there are many restrictions to the use and development of property legally created through zoning and other statutes and ordinances. In St. Joseph County Local Landmark historic designation is one such restriction. You should have been made aware of this designation and its limitations upon your negotiation to purchase. I look forward to meeting with you next Wednesday to observe the conditions at the property first hand. Yj�urs..truly, David B. Diivall R.A., Director cc: John Oxi.an - President, HPC enclosures