1. St. Adalbert Church Complex - NR Nomination - Staff Report

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EVALUATION OF THE NOMINATION: Staff has reviewed the nomination and associated materials as provided by Gavin Moulton. The initial application for the St. Adalbert Church Complex in South Bend, Indiana, was applicable for Criteria A and Criteria C. The St. Adalbert Church Complex meets Criteria A for events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history. Specifically, the church was a leading center of Polish-American social and cultural life in South Bend, and as such, part of a greater reflection of that social and cultural movement in Indiana. The community infrastructure anchored in this complex nurtured and supported the ethnic Polish-American Catholic population. 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. Multiple structures representing early and mid-20th century architectural development are present within the complex, including St. Adalbert School (1909-1911) designed by Gault & Gault architects of Terre Haute, Indiana; the Parish Rectory (1914-1915), believed to also be by Gault & Gault; St. Adalbert Church (1923-1926) designed by Worthmann & Steinbach of Chicago; and the Felician Convent (1963) designed by Chicago firm Gaul & Voosen, creating a period of significance from 1910-1965. 20th Century artists and artisans are represented throughout the complex. For example, a collection of original works by Czech-born, Chicago-based John Mallin (1884-1973) are found in the St. Adalbert Church Sanctuary, Transept, and at the east end of each aisle. 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 St. Adalbert 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 St. Adalbert Church Complex 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.