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To: Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend From: Jory Fitzgerald (homeowner) 1325 East Wayne Street South I South Bend 146615 Date: February 20, 2017 Re: Application for Certificate of Appropriateness My residence located at 1325 East Wayne Street South in South Bend requires a full tear off and replacement of the roof and gutters on the original structure built in 1926. The original gabled roof is covered with slate shingles, over 40 of which are currently missing. Many of the remaining shingles disintegrate upon handling. The roof is in such a state of disrepair that rainwater and melting snow has leaked into the home at the northeast corner of the primary roof causing significant damage to a portion of the ceiling on the second floor. Prior to temporary repair, light from the sky could be seen through the roof. Since this repair in the Fall of 2016, a second hole has emerged on the northwest corner of the roof. In the Fall of 2016, I contacted three roofing companies to schedule the repair and determine what steps needed to be taken to resolve the issue long term. The first two roofing companies I contacted would not assess the roof reporting that few roofers in the area work with slate roofing. After further research, I determined that Midland Engineering does repair work and replacement of slate. It took six weeks before Midland Engineering was able to assess our roof due to the pace of construction at the University of Notre Dame. Two weeks post -inspection, I was contacted by Ken Sage, Vice President of Development at Midland. Mr. Sage quoted the cost to repair and replace the missing shingles to be in excess of $15,000. Further more, Mr. Sage explained that given the age and condition of the roof, Midland Engineering recommended an entire tear -off and replacement, stating the existing roof was beyond all reasonable repair. Mr. Sage estimated the cost of tear - off and replacement with like materials to be more than $100,000. Mr. Sage, a lifelong resident of St. Joseph County with a strong understanding of property values, recommended replacing our existing roof with traditional architectural shingles stating we would never recoup the cost of a new slate roof at the point of sale. Next, I contacted two general contractors who have done extensive work on our home: Rick Scott & Sons who completed an addition to our home in 2005 and Liberty Builders who completed several home improvement projects. Rick Scott & Sons is unable to bid on the roof at this time due to health issues. Steve Wachs of Liberty Builders provided a quote for total replacement of the original gabled roof with architectural shingles to match the shingles used on the addition. The total cost of that nroiect is estimated at $6900. A portion of the new roof on the addition also needs to be replaced due to damage from the original gutters which also need to be replaced (see photograph). This will cost and additional $1000.