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

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materials, and scale. 3. Prohibited No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings, and other elements before evaluating their importance to the property's history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped. The installation of unsightly devices such as TV reception dishes and solar collectors shall not be permitted in areas where they can be viewed from public thoroughfares. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends replacement of aluminum storm windows with new windows, in a material other than vinyl (could consider wood, aluminum clad, fiberglass extruded, etc.), in the same quantity and configuration as existed originally. Staff recommends installation of a new rear deck. Staff recommends reinstallation of the original door, upgrading the glass, and adding a new stone door. Prepared by Elicia Feasel Historic Preservation Administrator PETITIONER COMMENTS: Mr. Hebbeler stated that he appreciated and honored the historic designation of the house and that he has spent a fair amount time and resources on the front of the house, and stated that he did not know the rear of the house was governed by the historic designation. His wife was pregnant with twins as of last August, they live on the first floor, they wanted to enhance and ensure the safety of the back space which was a three -seasons room, the windows were aluminum storms around the siding, the space was not inhabitable all year round. He considers the windows an upgrade to the space, and that the previous windows were not original to the house. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked for clarification for the removal of the number of windows and reconstruction. Mr. Hebbeler stated that they intended to replace the central windows with new siding material. He would be happy to take recommendations for replacement material. Commissioner Stalheim asked what the space was being used for. Mr. Hebbeler expressed that it is his child's nursery. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko indicated that the area should be sided, and that the siding should `feathered' in so that it blends in. There is still sill and the trim that goes all the way around the space, so that will complicate the appearance. No matter what you do, there's still an open space that used to be a window. She further asked for clarification about the door that is installed. Commissioner Gelfman asked if there was a different door at this rear location and what material it was made out of. Mr. Hebbeler stated that there was a wood door with a large window, and that it has been removed. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that this door is not compatible with the style of the house. Commissioner Stalheim stated that the door would be a half -lite door, which would be more in keeping with the style of the house. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that the door should not be a divided half lite, but a solid half - lite, and that she would want the selection of the door to be managed by Staff. Administrator Feasel stated that the door selection needs further review, and that if the original door were to have been retained, energy efficiency could have been gained by adding a storm door. Staff would be ok with alternative materials for a replacement door were it to not have a divided - lite pattern. Mr. Hebbeler stated that a predominantly glass door poses some security concerns, and that there have been break-ins at this property before (involving climbing a tree), and because of that he is sensitive to the security issues because of that. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that she has been involved with a door that had a break-in, but there was divided lite, and that there are now more secure glass that can be acquired, and that at that point using a crowbar on the door itself would pose a greater security concern.