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Representation by James A. Masters, attorney for St. Joseph County Public Library, owner of Avon Theatre and Donald Napoli, Director for St. Joseph County Public Library. STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 6 September 2012 Application Number: 2012-0831 Property Location: 307 S. Michigan Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Period Revival 1900 (1926) Property Owner: St Joseph County Library Landmark or District Designation: Interim Protection pending Landmark status Rating: Not in 2005 Survey DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The Avon Theatre is a two storey commercial building with a rectangular plan set upon a concrete foundation. Walls are brick with elaborate terra cotta veneer on second storey. The stylized terra cotta pinnacles separate the fagade into two bays and an arched central parapet wall with diamond pattern design blind wall and windows. 1/1 double hung metal sash windows are present on the second storey installed below the terra cotta facade. Four metal frame doors are present in a slightly recessed entrance that is currently covered with painted wood. ALTERATIONS: The 1932 Assessor's Card states that the structure built in 1900 was remodeled in 1925 into a store, loft and theatre. The theatre opened in 1926 as the Strand; remodeled on the interior in the 1940s and renamed the Avon and reopened in the mid 1970s as the Mall Theatre with changes in the signage, marquees, street level entrance. The metal windows are not original to the structure. APPLICATION ITEMS: The Library intends to demolish the building and use the site temporarily for surface parking until construction begins on a new Main Library building in the Summer or Fall of 2019. Please refer to letter from Nemeth, Feeney, Masters & Campiti, P.C. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The Library proposes to have the structure demolished, have all debris removed from the site secure the site and prepare it for surface parking. All per documentation submitted to the Office of the Historic Preservation Commission in the Arkos Design's Project Manual for Building Demolition of 110, 112, 114 Wayne Street and 307 S. Michigan Street. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: D. Demolition Historic landmarks shall not be demolished. When a landmark poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is the only alternative, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods should a make of both the exterior and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition of the landmark shall be responsible for this documentation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the application because it does not meet the Group B Landmark Standards for demolition. Catherine D. Hostetler, Director Members of the Public who spoke 1. S.J. Szabo — opposed 2. Anthony Luber, SJCPL Board — favor 3. Bob Hall — opposed Comments provided by Commissioners. On a motion by Mike Voll with a second by Jerry Niezgodski to continue application as submitted until the next regularly scheduled Historic Preservation Commission meeting scheduled October 15, 2012. Vote: 6 — 0 Unanimous. COA#2012-0831 Continued. III. HEARING OF VISITORS IV. REGULAR BUSINESS A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — August 2012, approved by consensus. B. TREASURER'S REPORT —Distributed. 2