Lowell Heights-Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church_Staff Report

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EVALUATION OF THE NOMINATION: Staff has reviewed the nomination and associated materials as provided by Kurt West Garner. The initial application for the Lowell Heights Methodist Episcopal Church in South Bend, Indiana, was applicable for Criteria C. Upon preliminary review of the submission and public comments, staff determined Criteria A to be applicable, recommending a revision and hyphenated name. As revised, the Lowell Heights – Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church meets Criteria A for events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history. Specifically, the church became the home of the Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1969 and is the oldest African American congregation in South Bend. The year of construction in 1923, and 1971, the year the Olivet African Methodist Episcopal congregation celebrated its centennial at the church after it became their home in 1969, makes up the period of significance. Criteria C is met for embodying the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. The church was constructed in 1923 for the congregation of Lowell Heights Methodist Episcopal Church in the Late Gothic Revival style and designed by Frank G. Dillard, the denomination’s architect for their regional office in Chicago. Staff finds the nomination makes a good case for nomination through its research and documentation along with supporting materials. STAFF COMMENTS: Staff has evaluated the submitted nomination according to procedures, policies, standards, and criteria established by the National Park Service and the Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology pursuant to Certified Local Government and applicable federal regulations. The contextual development, format, supplementary documentation, and information presented are considered accurate and appropriately executed. Staff has also determined that the Lowell Heights – Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church meets the applicable criteria as defined in this review and considers the area, as delineated by the justified boundaries, to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. As set forth in 36 CFR, Part 60; Staff has notified the property owner of the nomination via a mailed letter. Public officials and interested parties have been notified by letter of the pending nomination. All have been given the opportunity to provide the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County with written comments or objections. To date, no submissions have been presented. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Historic Preservation Commission concur with staff that the property meets the criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C. Staff requests that the Commission direct staff to submit the appropriate report of the public hearing, including public comments, to Mayor James Mueller for his concurrence, in compliance with Indiana’s Certified Local Government regulations. The Certified Local Government Report on the Nomination of the Lowell Heights – Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church to the National Register of Historic Places will then be forwarded to the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology for further review, followed by consideration of the nomination by the Indiana Historic Preservation Review Board.