1636 Lincoln Way West Demolition Report

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov of the building. 3 wythe thick arches of brick spanned the i- beams from the lower web. Below the brick arches steel bar tied the i-beams together to keep spacing. Concrete was poured on top of the steel and brick floor framing making a finished concrete floor. (Fig. 1) The ceilings (underside of brick arches) were finished with plaster in some areas and left natural brick in others. The interior of main rooms were finished with hollow terra cotta blocks on the walls. (Fig. 2) There was a low attic above the third floor and the roof of the main 3 story section of the building was constructed of wood rafters with wood decking. Roof material at the time of demolition was of a rubber membrane type. Some sections were covered with metal and many patches of tar and gravel were visible in other areas. Single story sections of the building were constructed of brick walls 3 wythes thick. Roof construction was wood raft- ers and wood decking covered with rubber membrane, tar and gravel, metal or were missing. Foundations The original building (eastern half) had foundations of a blue -green stone held together with a hard mortar. Later additions to the building had concrete foundations. All areas of the building had poured concrete floors. Two square concrete tanks were uncovered under the first floor that were connect- ed with cast iron pipes and appear to have been sewer hold- ing tanks. A substantial concrete foundation was uncovered during demolition. After review of location and confirming with Sanborn maps, this foundation appears to have been con- structed for the 150HP steam engine that was on site to pow- er lighting and equipment. The foundation was approximate- ly 8 feet thick with steel mounting hardware embedded. A jack hammer was need to remove it. (Fig. 15) Windows and Doors All original doors and windows were of wood construction. Divided lite double and triple hung windows were used throughout. Many of the windows had been removed and stored in the attic, the openings covered with metal siding. Many original doors were removed and replaced with mod- ern doors as the use of the building changed over the years. Front Façade Storefront The front façade storefront was added to the building around 1952 shortly after brewing operations ceased and the build- ing was sold. A window company constructed the front showroom. The showroom had a concrete foundation and floor, aluminum frame glass made up the walls and the roof was supported by i-beams. The roof was wood rafters and wood decking covered with a rubber type membrane. Fig. 1 Fig. 2