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

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encounter the cabin while in nature and the historic Leeper Park. I see firsthand on a daily basis the effect that the cabin has on people who visit the area. Instead of giving the museums the opportunity to house this structure, keep it where it has roots, and where the everyday persons can appreciate it. Sincerely, Melonie Mulkey" Benjamin Shelton — "Sorry for the delay sending these thoughts regarding the Navarre Cabin relocation. While there are undoubtedly benefits to the History Museum incorporating the historic structure into its campus programming, the problems seem to outweigh the good. Pierre Navarre's cabin on the river demonstrates immediately to every visitor the important relationship between the St. Joseph river and the earliest European settlers/trappers. This connection should be clarified, if anything, not distorted. This connection would be lost in the West Washington neighborhood -- making the cabin a kind of museum set piece vs. historic landmark. Furthermore, the Cabin in its present location (albeit an earlier relocation) also demonstrates a valuable piece of South Bend's civic and social history. As part of Leeper Park, the Cabin offers the South Bend community a visible example of early 20th -century zeal for making parks and public spaces. Taking the cabin away from a South Bend park to put the structure in a fee-based, secluded setting would fundamentally change the public's interaction with its past and remove a sign of how earlier South Bend leaders and residents sought to honor the city by creating public spaces with important monuments to its history. All the best, Ben" Greta Fisher, 644 East Monroe Street — "Dear Commissioners: I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposal to remove the Navarre cabin from Leeper Park. As a former Architectural Historian and Local History librarian, I am well aware of the cabin's history, and its importance to our community. Pierre Navarre chose a site for his cabin in proximity to the river and native American trails. This advantageous location is also why others followed, leading to the founding of our city. We owe our existence to the natural features Navarre recognized and chose as the site to make his home. Although the cabin was moved from its original site, it is still within sight of its original location, and to the river. People who are teaming about this history, as they stand at the present site of the cabin, can hear the water, see the trees, and envision the world as it was over 200 years ago. It is impossible to separate an historic building from its setting without sacrificing a part of its identity. We value historic structures in context, not alone. For these reasons, Historic Preservation created Historic Districts, understanding that preserving buildings IN CONTEXT gives them richer meaning. Leeper Park itself is protected, and the cabin, which has been in the park since its creation, is an important feature of the park. The cabin is not under threat in its current location. Although our area experienced dramatic flooding in recent years, the cabin, elevated on a hill, was unaffected. Is it difficult to visit the cabin? No. In fact, recent investments in the redevelopment of historic Leeper Park have made it more a destination than ever. The reason for moving the cabin is simple convenience. The museum would like it to be closer to their other properties. A homeowner who proposed moving their protected historic structure simply for reasons of convenience would be denied immediately_ Why is this petition different? The Navarre cabin should stay in Leeper Park. Thank you for your time and attention, Greta Fisher." Commissioner Deegan made a motion to deny COA#2020-0302. Seconded by Commissioner Andrews. Four in favor, two opposed. Vote: 4 — 2. Motion to deny COA #2020-0302 passes. Commission President Gelfman clarified that, in motions for denial, Commissioners are required to state their reasons for denial. Roll was called.