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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 Figure 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, left 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: A. 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 character of the landmark. A treatment change of any surface whether on the landmark or in its environment may require a Certificate of Appropriateness if it significantly alters the appearance of the landmark. Although these kinds of changes may not require a Building Permit, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be necessary. The commission should review the proposed treatment for character and style consistency with the original surfaces. C. Renovation and Additions Renovation is the modification of a structure, which does not alter the general massing while an addition, is a change in mass. A modification, which involves the removal of a part of the landmark, should be considered under demolition (see demolition). Additions to • landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark and should not cover singular examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added in a manner that does not disrupt the visible unity of overall appearance of the site. The proportions, materials and ratios of the existing structures should be carried through in the additions. Care should be taken not to change or alter the following: