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