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

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a. Approximately 3' tall railing comprised of v. Lusters "Baroque' 32/." powder coated aluminum metal balusters. vi. 4" posts capped in DecKorators 4x4 Copper Solar pyramid post cap lights. The structure has been lacking a second story railing for sometime. One file photo from 1985 shows a previous configuration of the railing. This railing had four large column elements. The railing sections between those columns is made of panels of wood, approximately 5" wide and 36" tall. A decorative cut out is visible in the top section of these panels. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Edgewater Place Local Historic District D. ENTRANCES, PORCHES, AND STEPS The majority of the houses in the district have either an open or an enclosed porch across the front or on the side. Most porches have either gabled or hipped roofs or are covered by the main roof of the house. A brick base with wood columns is common. Required Existing or original porches and steps, including handrails, balusters, columns, brackets, tiles and roof decorations shall be retained or replace with replicas of the same design and materials when deteriorated beyond repair. Porches and additions reflecting later architectural styles and which are important to the building's historical integrity shall be retained. Recommended When enclosing porches for heat conservation or for other reasons, it should be done in a manner that does not alter the architectural or historical character of the building. Prohibited Porches and steps that are important to the building's style and development may not be altered or removed. Not Recommended Original porch details should not be replaced with materials representing a different period or style from the original. SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The proposed alteration does not replicate the previous version of the railing. Staff would prefer to see the historic railing replicated; no railing has been present on the property for some time. Prepared by Adam Toering, Historic Preservation Specialist Approved by Elicia Feasel, Historic Preservation Administrator PETITIONER COMMENTS: Commissioner Gelfman asked Administrator Feasel whether the project should be reviewed without the applicant in attendance. Administrator Feasel expressed interest in moving forward with a conditional approval to allow staff to continue to work with the applicant to find a better solution to the railing. Specialist Toering further explained that this is one of the projects that was not quite appropriate to administratively approve, because the project was a departure from the historic railing. Administrator Feasel spoke with the property owner earlier and they expressed that they would work with staff to get a better railing. Staff administratively approved other aspects of this project, but this is a departure from the original. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: N/A PUBLIC DISCUSSION: