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• STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: July 9, 2018 Application Number: 2018-0628 Property Location: 108 N Main Street Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Neo-Classical/1910/Solon Beman and H.G. Christman, builder Property Owner: JMS Development, LLC Landmark or District Designation: Local Historic Landmark, ordinance # 8915-1998 Rating: Outstanding DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: John Mohler Studebaker built this eight story Neo -Classical style office structure in 1910. The fagade is comprised of six bays to the west and three to the south and is covered with white terra cotta classical detailing. It is also clearly divided into three registers that are separated by strong projecting and intervening cornices. The bottom of each cornice is punctuated by volutes and honeysuckle designs placed between each bay. The middle of the structure is articulated with a three bay system, which continues to the second intervening cornice, once again embellished with classical detailing. The top floor is further distinguished by the use of arched bays, which are topped by elaborate egg and dart molding. The overall decorative detail of the structure tends to reflect the impact of the Colombian Exposition of which the architect, Solon S. Beman, was a major participant. However, the frank expression of the steel frame links the building to the Chicago School of skyscraper construction. • The building has a flat roof with robust projecting cornices that have egg and dart molding and decorated voluted brackets. The windows are 1/1 double hung with simple decorated spandrels, except for the eighth floor, which has round even spans and cartouche keystones. ALTERATIONS: COA 2016-0705A approved replacement of the non -original storefronts at ground floor with new aluminum windows and sill flashing and 7 door openings with standard hardware. Vinyl/aluminum windows have been replaced with an historically appropriate Quaker style aluminum that restored all full original window openings, including arched heads. Further approvals with COA 2016-0705A include: awnings, in-kind; close up windows behind elevator core; masonry restoration, in-kind; remove skylights; install stair tower and trash chute near center of north fagade, all finished in EIFS. COA 2016-0801A approved removal of "JMS Building" sign on the north facade (although sign will remain installed to reflect the historic name and nature of building), and installation of Centier blade sign, Centier sign on north elevation, and Studebaker Lofts sign on west elevation. APPLICATION ITEMS: "Install on the North Elevation (1) set of LED lit channel letters. Letters to be 4'x4' logo box with 21" letters reading "WEIGAND" underscored with a 13" x 15'-10" light box. All mounted onto a raceway." DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: North American Signs, contractor, proposes to install an illuminated sign representing tenant, Weigand Construction, on the north facade of the JMS Building, approximately at the 51 floor level. Great Lakes Capital, owner, approves of the sign as presented. The overall dimensions of the sign will be 24' wide by 5' tall, featuring Weigand Construction's logo and lettering mounted on a raceway. The profile of the sign will protrude 10" from the mounting. Chuck Bulot, Building Commissioner, has approved the sign per the Design Review guidelines for signs in the • South Bend Central Development Area. In the denial letter for COA 2017-0803 (an application for a third Centier sign), it was conveyed that the Commission should have a comprehensive plan for signage from the building owner/developer. Staff recommends that building owner/developer provide Commission with a comprehensive plan for signage for the building, or specify what parameters/specifications exist for signage of tenants and future tenants to the building.