2. 66251 Cedar Road_DEDESIGNATION 2024-0318 - Staff Report

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 A PETITION FOR A REPEAL OF LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION Date: March 13, 2024 Application Number: N/A Property Location: 66251 Cedar Road Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Vernacular Cross Gable / 1895 / Property Owner: Arlene and Leighton Stump Landmark or District Designation: St. Joseph County Local Landmark, Ordinance #01-80 Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: Farmstead with house, log house, two barns and other outbuildings. The irregular-floor plan farmhouse has wood clapboard with aluminum siding covering and multiple additions. Majority of windows have been replaced. Carved fan/spindle decorations are under eave beneath the gables of the roof. Addition history of the property is attached below. ALTERATIONS: The summer kitchen appears to have been demolished without COA between 2003 and 2005. The large barn was demolished without COA sometime between 1998 and 2002. COA 1996-1203 requested ap- proval for the demolition of the summer kitchen but was denied. DESCRIPTION OF PETITION: The applicant has requested to: Repeal the Local Landmark Designation SITE VISIT REPORT: Previous Administrator Adam Toering visited the site on Monday, March 6, 2023 to discuss the proposed project with the applicant and the contractors. Staff documented the condition of the primary structure (as well as the cabin) at that time. The farmhouse exhibits multiple later additions, primarily on south/ southwest sides, including a large one and a half story shed roof addition that awkwardly interacts with the main structure. The exterior aluminum siding is covering earlier wooden siding, this siding appears to be in the ex- pected condition. Windows on the primary structure appear to be later vinyl replacements. A wooden porch was recently removed in preparation of the proposed project. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The farm at 66251 Cedar Road, Wakarusa, IN, has a strong history of not only Madison Township but also the early settlers of St. Joseph County. The land for this farm was granted to the first owner by the United States Government in 1847. The still standing log house was built in 1853. The farm changed ownership several times until Charles Geyer purchased it in 1880. He became a prominent farmer and sawmill operator in Madison Township. Five of the 10 children of Charles Geyer were born in the log house. The remain- ing children were born in the current farmhouse built by Geryer in 1895. Charles Geyer’s travels to several World’s Fairs influenced his design and construction of the Barn, House and other outbuildings of the farm. Due to the farm’s historical connection with early settlers of the region as well as it’s architectural details the staff recommends the Commission send this petition to the County Council with an Unfavorable Recommendation. Prepared by Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator