2. 721 Forest Avenue_COA 2026-0106 PACKET

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: January 9, 2025 Application Number: 2025-0106 Property Location:721 Forest Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Cross Plan / 1892 Property Owner: Frederick Slaski Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park LHD, Ord. #9575-05; Chapin Park Register Historic District NR-0407 Rating: Notable (2005) DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE:This building is a two-story, cross plan home on a brick foundation with a central brick chimney. It is sided with wood clapboard with Àshscale shingles in the gables. The roof is of asphalt shingle, with a wide frieze and moulded cornice and rake in gables. There is one corner porch on the south side of the central gable, but this has been enclosed sometime in the last 40 years. A small stoop entryway enters the house into this enclosed porch. Windows are double hung 1/1 windows with moulded entablatures. Second story diptych windows at the gables have “V” shaped moulded entablatures with carvings. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT:The applicant has requested approval to: 1. Replace 21 existing wood windows with 1/1 double-hung vinyl EcoSky windows & two hopper-style windows. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES:Windows: Pages 29-32. SITE VISIT REPORT:On December 9, 2025, Administrator Ross Van Overberghe and Specialist Kate Himick met with the applicants on site. Administrator Van Overberghe performed a thorough inspection of all the win- dows, most of which are original. He states: Most of the windows are in good shape. There are no considerable signs of rot, but there are areas of wood damage on some sashes. Most of the jambs look to be in good shape. Many sashes are loose and can be tightened up to reduce air Áow. The installation of weather stripping and tightening up the window stops will greatly reduce drafts and heat loss. Most windows will need ropes replaced and reattached to sashes and previous caulking removed in order to efÀciently tighten up the sashes and return them to working order. >The@ existing, original storm windows could also be retroÀtted to allow for ease of egress and airÁow. The existing historic windows do not meet the 50%-or-more-deteriorated threshold for replacement (p. 29). Due to deferred maintenance or inappropriate Àxes, the windows are in need of preservation-minded restoration. The homeowners were advised to obtain an alternate opinion from a skilled craftsman. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The home at 721 Forest Avenue retains much of its original integrity, including striking, original windows. These windows are foundational to the home’s character and architectural value. Over- all, the windows are in good shape, but they need to be maintenanced by a skilled craftsman. Because restoration is an option and because the damage is not extensive throughout the home, Staff do not recommend replacement. Instead, repairs and alterations could be made to increase safety, comfort, and ease of use. Staff strongly recom- mends against the installation of vinyl windows to replace these character-deÀning windows. Based on the infor- mation provided prior to this public hearing, Staff make an UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION for the replacement of the windows. Prepared by Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist