2. 710 Park Avenue_COA 2021-1029A

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efficiency/performance of the property. File photos of the house in the 1970s show aluminum storm windows (with squared-off window tops), these storms were removed by 1986. In 2008, “Replacement Systems International, LTD” (Richard Spigelmyer) was hired to restore the original sashes and install insulated glass in the original wooden sashes. The insulated glass is now failing on some of the restored/rehabbed windows. The original glass was retained on site (per meeting minutes). Window Replacement Project Justification: The applicant contends the indicated windows need to be replaced because “the majority of the windows don’t seal or lock properly and that the weights are broken on a number of them.” These are maintenance issues and should not be seen as justification for replacement. Staff recommends that improvements related to energy-efficiency should be considered for the existing windows: spring bronze, felt insulation strips/weatherstripping, and storm windows. Window restoration companies (including the company that did the previous rehabilitation in 2008) should be consulted regarding the condition of the existing windows. Windows on the ‘bay’ protrusion on the northside are being proposed for reconstruction as fixed-in-place windows. Staff recommends denial. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: CHAPIN PARK I. THE ENVIRONMENT A. The District Environment The Chapin Park Local Historic District is a particularly fine residential area located close to downtown South Bend, the St. Joseph River, Memorial Hospital and Leeper Park. This section is meant to protect and guide appropriate maintenance of the common areas of the district (i.e. visual landscape and streetscapes). Required Brick streets contribute greatly to the character of the neighborhood. These streets have always been essentially passenger car thoroughfares. The appointments of the streets (i.e. lighting, curbs, horse hitches and monuments) should contribute as much as possible to their architectural, historic and residential character. Retention and maintenance of existing brick streets in the district is required. Repair work to fill voids and gaps must utilize brick paver materials and acceptable installation methods whenever applicable. When utility work dictates the removal of street sections (pavers), the original materials will be reinstalled. Brick streets shall be patched with brick pavers. Concrete, asphalt, fillers and similar materials shall not be used. All original streetlights shall be maintained, especially the George Cutter “Park View” streetlights designed by Cutter Company for this neighborhood. Present efforts by the Neighborhood Association and the Historic Preservation Commission to restore “Park View” streetlights to the district shall continue. Any change in lighting must receive approval of the Historic Preservation Commission. New or different fencing requires a C of A and shall reflect the style and character of the individual property and the surrounding environment and properties. Recommended The current or historic character of lawns should be preserved. Front yard areas, common lawns and tree lawns should remain open. New or replacem ent trees should be compatible in variety with those presently growing. Vacant lots should be kept landscaped appropriately while vacant, and may be used for recreational or residential development. When replacement of utility poles or power supply lines is necessary, consideration should be given to underground conduits or utility poles erected along rear property lines. Prohibited Existing relationships of building and their environments shall not be destroyed by widening existing streets, applying asphalt or other bituminous coverings or by introducing new streets or parking lots. Signs, streetlights, benches, new plant materials, fencing, walkways and paving materials which are out of scale or inappropriate to the neighborhood may not be used. The erection of high walls or barriers, which would alter the relationship of the houses, shall be prohibited. Utility poles with high intensity overhead lights shall not be used on main thoroughfares. B. BUILDING SITE, LANDSCAPING & ACCESSORIES This section focuses on individual properties and amenities. Building sites tend to be irregularly shaped, of varying topography and with different setbacks with regard to plots. Alleys are generally behind houses. Landscape accessories like fences are unique to each structure. Chapin Place presents a unique situation within the district. Applications from properties that have property lines on Chapin Park will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Required Fencing, walkways, outbuildings, private yard lights, signs (i.e. house numbers) and benches (visible from the street) as well as trees located in a yard or tree lawn which reflect the property’s history and development shall be retained. A tree located in such areas shall only be removed if the removal is required due to storm damage, disease, threatened damage to a structure 3