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

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Commissioner Andrews stated that this is disappointing because there has been so much work on the western and central portions of Leeper Park, and that she would like to know what the plans for the eastern portion of Leeper Park really holds. She expressed sadness that they would be'ok' with removing a historic structure and leaving a plaque in its place. Copshaholm is known for being a 'closed' structure — nothing comes in, nothing comes out, and this is a plan to remove a structure from near where it stood originally. This seems counterintuitive. Ms. Erickson clarified that the cabin will not be on site of Copshaholm or its gardens, so it will not take away from the site, at all. Ms. Erickson stated that Venues Parks & Arts did inform them a little of their plans for Leeper Park and that there was little planned with the cabin. Further, Venues Parks & Arts further clarified that some of the Cabin Days activities are against Code, namely, having an open fire, so that activity will need to be scaled back in future cabin days. Commissioner Stalheim asked whether The History Museum had contacted the State Historic Preservation office regarding relisting the cabin on the National Register of Historic Places. Ms. Erickson stated that they had contacted the state office and stated that the HPC had received a letter from that office stating their current position, that best guess is that it is a 50-50 toss up for re- designation. Commissioner Deegan asked if they had considered building a replica of the cabin, instead of moving this one. Mr. Harding stated that, as they were the Northern Indiana Historical Society, it would mean so much more to have the actual building, but that other alternatives have been discussed. Commissioner Deegan clarified that, seeing how the context of the river was so important to the cabin's original placement along a major water way, moving it to a dense residential area seems somewhat counterintuitive to trying to convey the importance of the waterway in the original cabin site's selection, which included the expanse, openness of space; and access to resources via the river. Ms. Erickson stated that they hope to create a visual barrier to separate the residential neighborhood, and that the current site has no visual barrier from the Pumping Station and Reservoir that are immediately adjacent to the cabin. The History Museum is still discussing the interpretation of the site, and that they could build a replica of the cabin, but they consider the original cabin a tool for education which is why it has been saved for so long. Mr. Harding expressed excitement of having the opportunity to have three different historic residences on the Museum's campus is a wonderful draw. Commissioner Gelfman asked if The History Museum was aware that there are plans for reconstructions on Leeper Park east, potentially scheduled for 2021. Ms. Erickson responded in the affirmative, that they had talked to Aaron Perri and John Martinez, Commissioner Gelfman asked if there were any discussions about how the cabin could be integrated into those plans. Mr. Harding stated that Venues Parks & Arts had planned to create additional walking paths around the cabin, but no additional changes were planned. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Tiffany expressed that this is a tough project, that he liked the idea of the cabin being safe, but it is leaving the context of the river. Commissioner Stalheim expressed support for increasing the access and 'programming' of the site but stated his concern for the loss of access to funding available through tax credits and other programs afforded by inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Andrews expressed concern that so much effort and time was spent on'Phase l' of Leeper Park, that it feels like 'Phase 2' of Leeper Park is an afterthought, and that this historic asset isn't getting the same attention as Phase 1. Perhaps they could find another group of 'fountain girls' —'cabin girls' who could adopt the cabin and push that forward. Commissioner Andrews further stated that moving the cabin goes against preservation generally, so it is difficult for her to process.