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I STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 4 March 2015 Application Number: 2015-0303B Property Location: 1631 Lincoln Way West Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Free Classic/1907/vernacular Property Owner: Landmark or District Designation: Local Landmark Rating: Notable DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: This house is a two-storey foursquare type constructed entirely in split -rock faced concrete block with a pyramidal roof which features an attic gable to the front and east sides. These gable walls are finished in stucco/half timber effect. A one storey covered front porch which is also constructed in the split -faced block including the porch knee -wall and piers which support Tuscan columns. ALTERATIONS: COAs issued in 1998 indicate that replacement windows were approved for all windows, the rear porch was enclosed and the steps restored to the east side of the porch; a new roof and gutter system was also approved. The remaining windows appear to be replacements. APPLICATION ITEMS: Demolition of House and Garage DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT. Demolish the house and garage. 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: This particular house was on Code's list for demolition in 1996. HPC petitioned the Common Council to Landmark the Building in 1997 changing its designation from Contributing to Notable. It was purchased and for several years two owners made improvements to the property. It has been off and on Code's Listings for various violations and demolition since 2002 and was sold in a tax sale. It is not known if the purchaser ever took possession of the property or the deed. It is known that he does not respond to correspondence. The ultimate catastrophe to befall this structure was when the South Bend Fire Department set interior fires and used it as a training site for 6-7 months in 2013-2014. That practice was discontinued at HPC's request and the house boarded up again after meeting in May 2014 with Code Director. The attorney's for Code and HPC were supposed to meet and craft a policy/protocol to assure that an HPC designated property does not appear on a list for fire training.HPC Staff has not seen this policy due to personnel changes in Code and in City Legal. Environmental Reviews (106) were submitted for HPC signature in 2013 for demolition which HPC Staff did not process. The house was broken into again via unsecured windows 2014-2015. It is unlikely that anyone will purchase or rescue this property because of its extensive damage, its location and large tax lien. Staff recommends approval of the demolition. Prepared by C. D. Hostetler, Director