COA APPLICATION #2020-0302: NORTHERN INDIANA HISTORIC SOCIETY INC. V. SOUTH BEND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

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Ms. Erickson discussed that The History Museum understands that moving the cabin means that the status of the cabin as a Local Landmark will be lost, as will its inclusion as a contributing resource on the National Register of Historic Places. The History Museum has expressed interest in re -designating the cabin as a Local Landmark and expressed that they have contacted the DNR to pursue re -inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum plans to engage in a capital campaign to raise funds to continue to maintain the structure were it not able to receive grant monies from the Federal government because of loss of the National Register status. Ms. Erickson called attention to the Standards and Guidelines for Leeper Park, specifically "factors considered in determining whether a later addition or alteration can be removed", and inferred that the cabin was not compatible with George Kesslers' plan for the park, that the cabin was not in its original site, and that the `functional usefulness' is limited for The History Museum. Ms. Erickson summarized that The History Museum believes that the removal of the cabin will not negatively impact the historic `status' of Leeper Park, that the cabin should be moved with intent and forethought to a permanent home that realizes its educational potential and in the site of its appropriate historic context. Mr. Harding stated that they truly believe that [moving the cabin] is a benefit to the community, and that many people they have spoken to have agreed. The History Museum held a public forum on March 11 m and 51 people attended, and `all those who attended had positive comments.' This was done to provide information and seek input from the community. They provided a fifteen minute presentation. There were twenty questions that were answered. Mr. Harding conveyed that a woman who grew up in the North Shore Triangle who could not attend the presentation remembered playing at the cabin as a child but was happy that the cabin will be moved because she has concerns of damage and graffiti. Mr. Harding highlighted that both the South Bend Community School Corporation and the Penn -Hams Madison School Corporation support this move. Commissioner Gelfman asked if the Commissioners had any questions for the applicant. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko expressed concern regarding how much the cabin will be accessible, as her own visits to the museum's campus have found that the Worker's House is not available for tours with regularity. Mr. Harding spoke to the deferred maintenance that was evident on the Worker's House, that there were safety concerns with the Worker's House, and those have been rectified, and that every tour of main house now has the opportunity to enter the Worker's House. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked about group tour access and scheduling those visits. Ms. Erickson responded that the group tour coordinator fields group requests and ensures that sufficient staff are available for when groups are scheduled to visit the campus. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked if general admittance would be able to visit the cabin, walk around the grounds, and then decide they wanted to see the inside, would they then be able to see inside of the cabin. Ms. Erickson stated that there are regularly scheduled house and mansion tours at specific times, and that there is an order to the tour, but if a family wanted to see only the workers house, the staff would accommodate their request. Commissioner Andrews asked if The History Museum had explored working with or partnering with Venues Parks & Arts more to provide for those amenities that the cabin would have on Washington Street, but that would allow it to stay within the park. Mr. Harding stated that they have spoken with Venues Parks & Arts, and that they support the moving of the cabin to the museum's campus. Venues Parks & Arts own the Park, The History Museum own the structure. The comfort station was discussed and VPA recognized it as an issue, but not as a priority.