3. 108 North Main Street_COA 2023-0703

Home Browse Search

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: July 12, 2023 Application Number: 2023-0703 Property Location: 108 North Main Street Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Neo-Classical / 1910 / Solon Beman and H.G. Christman, Builder Property Owner: JMS Development, LLC Landmark or District Designation: Local Historic Landmark, or- dinance #8915-1998 Rating: Outstanding DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: 2 story square plan on molded concrete block with aluminum siding of wood clapboard. 1/1 double hung windows with aluminum storm windows. 12 light picture window in partially enclosed front porch. Single story addition on rear. Asphalt shingle hip gable roof with hip gable dormer. John Mohler Studebaker built this eight story Neo-Classical style office structure in 1910. The façade is comprised of six bays to the west and three to the south and is covered with white terra cotta classical detailing. It is also clearly divided into three registers that are separated by strong projecting and intervening cornices. The bottom of each cornice is punctuated by volutes and honeysuckle designs placed between each bay. The middle of the structure is articulated with a three bay system, which continues to the second intervening cor- nice, once again embellished with classical detailing. The top floor is further distinguished by the use of arched bays, which are topped by elaborate egg and dart molding. The overall decorative detail of the structure tends to reflect the impact of the Colombian Exposition of which the architect, Solon S. Beman, was a major participant. However, the frank expression of the steel frame links the building to the Chicago School of skyscraper construc- tion. The building has a flat roof with robust projecting cornices that have egg and dart molding and decorated voluted brackets. The upper floor windows are 1/1 double hung with simple decorated spandrels, except for the eighth floor. ALTERATIONS: RME 2018-1130 allowed for the construction of fencing enclosing the parking area on north side of structure. COA 2018-0628 allowed for the installation of signage on the north elevation. COA 2016-0705A approved replacement of the non-original storefronts at ground floor with new aluminum windows and sill flashing and 7 door openings with standard hardware. Vinyl/aluminum windows have been replaced with an historically appropriate Quaker style aluminum that restored all full original window openings, including arched heads. Further approvals with COA 2016-0705A include: awnings, in-kind; close up windows behind elevator core; masonry res- toration, in-kind; remove skylights; install stair tower and trash chute near center of north façade, all finished in EIFS. COA 2016-0801A approved removal of “JMS Building” sign on the north facade (although sign will remain installed to reflect the historic name and nature of building), and installation of Centier blade sign, Centier sign on north elevation, and Studebaker Lofts sign on west elevation. APPLICATION ITEMS: “Removing an existing aluminum storefront 3070 door and replacing with storefront windows to match adjacent storefront windows. Removing (1) section of storefront glass and replacing with insu- lated metal panels where the new ATM would go.” DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: Modify an existing ‘bay’ of the west façade ground floor to include the removal of existing windows and pedestrian door and their replacement with panels and an automated teller machine (ATM).