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DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Applicant seeks approval for the following: 3. De -construction of existing corn crib building, a. Salvage material from structure, b. Shore-up/secure remaining structure. The corn crib structure is currently used as storage. The roof is compromised and is currently covered with a tarp. The internal frame of the corn crib is severely damaged by termite infestation and rot while the existing roof framing and joists are bolstered by temporary beams. The adjoining/conjoining barn structure was added sometime prior to 1998 and served to join the original two-story barn to the corn crib structure. The two-story barn was removed in 2014. The remaining structures, when conjoined, create an irregular `M' -shaped roof line, with a pronounced valley between the two. Being taller, the roof line of the later barn structure plunges into the corn crib roof. A gable between the two was an attempt at directing the flow of the water down the valleys, but time and sag have limited the effectiveness of this attempted improvement. This gable and the roof appear to be resting atop the roof of the corn crib, continuing to add additional weight and stress upon its already weakened frame. Applicant plans to return before the Commission in the spring with plans to rebuild the `corn crib' structure in a new location, separate from the pre -1998 barn structure. The to -be -built corn crib will replicate the current corn crib on a new foundation. Material from the barn torn down in 2014 and the corn crib will be utilized in this reconstruction. PRESERVATION SPECIALIST REPORT: October 9, 2018 RE: 50106 Bittersweet Trail -St. Joseph County Local Landmark . On September 27, 2018, Adam Toering and I visited the site located at 50106 Bittersweet Trail to meet with the property owner and contractor. They are preparing a COA application and wanted a site visit/consultation to discuss the project. In order to simplify this report, I will give a description of each section moving from south to north. Many alterations have not helped the structural integrity of the original corn crib structure. The original barn has been removed leaving a corner support and footer which is part of the newest structure that was constructed between the original barn and corn crib. Southern half of corn crib structure -Alternating open siding exterior wall originally designed to allow air to pass through crop allowing crop to dry. Later this section was adapted to a chicken coop. This stage added chicken wire, feeding doors, ramps, and roosts. I feel that is reasonable to believe that presence of the chicken wire is the only reason this outside wall has not completely collapsed. Reference Figure 7. -The roof trusses are failing as vertical supports have been recently added to hold up the roof structure. Reference Fig -tire 9. -The plywood over joist floor has failed. I stepped right through to the dirt floor underneath when I walked through this section. Reference Figure 8. -The wall in between this and the next section is an addition wall that is framed and on a combination of brick and toward the rear a cement curb. There is dry rot and termite damage along the entire bottom of this wall. Reference Figure 10. Northern half of corn crib structure -This section was enclosed with a front door, windows, and rear overhead garage door. -A concrete floor was added later as well as a curb along the bottom of both east -west walls. -The roof on the northern part has holes with bad deck and rotten trusses. Reference Figure 11. -This small section of roof is receiving the brunt of all the elements that run off the southern roof of the large shop area. A pitch/storage area was added to perhaps divert this load, but it has weakened the roof and the wall supports. -There is a wall for the middle section that is inches away from the wall that is the southern wall of the large shop section. Termites and water have damaged the wall to the point where additional supports had to be added to help hold up the roof in this section. Reference Figure 8, [eft frame. This building will continue to deteriorate if it is not separated from the rest of the structure. It is not structurally strong enough to hold its own weight let alone strong enough to support the weight of the elements from the shop roof. The roofs and walls need to be rebuilt separately with truss supports, floors, and proper gutters. The structure is not safe and will not likely survive a serious winter as it sits. Steve Szaday Preservation Inspector GROUP B STANDARDS: LOCAL LANDMARKS: B. Maintenance The maintenance of any historical structure or site shall in no way involve any direct physical change except for the general cleaning and upkeep of the landmark. The Commission shall encourage the proper maintenance of all structure or sites. • B. Treatment Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such improvements include re -roofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or detract from the