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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 />STAFF REPORT <br />CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A <br />CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS <br />Date: November 12, 2024 <br />Application Number: 2024-1104 <br />Property Location: 622 Portage Avenue <br />Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: <br />Gabled Ell / 1903 / W. W. Schneider <br />Property Owner: Abram Christianson <br />Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park LHD, <br />Ordinance #9575-05; National Register of Historic Places <br />Rating: Non-Contributing <br />DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: This is a 2 story, irregular plan gabled ell house. The roof is of <br />asphalt shingles, and the siding is vinyl. The original, full-lenght front porch was removed after 1960, and a front <br />stoop with a gabled hood is now in place. Windows are replacement. The home was converted to multi-family <br />living between 1917 and 1945. Also in this timeframe, a block 6-car garage was added behind 622 and 624 Portage <br />Ave to serve the residents of these houes. Today, only half of this block garage remains, behind 622 Portage Ave. <br />DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: <br />1) Demolish the detached block garage and all concrete flatwork. <br />STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: <br />Demolition and Deconstruction: Page 38. <br />SITE VISIT REPORT: Historic Preservation Administrator Ross Van Overberghe and Preservation Specialist <br />Kate Himick were able to inspect the structure’s exterior from the alleyway. From the exterior, the garage appears <br />stable and structurally sound. <br />STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The 1930s block garage is a reminder of these houses early switch to <br />multi-family living during a time of changing demographics and economics. The structure appears to be in good <br />condition from the exterior and could be renovated to suit the needs of the future homeowners. The garage re- <br />mains part of the unique story of this block in Chapin Park. Based on the information provided prior to this public <br />hearing, Staff makes an UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION. <br />Prepared by <br />Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist