7. 17510 Cleveland Road_STAFF REPORT

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE CONT’D: The primary (front) elevation is symmetrical and features a full-width, two-story Colonial Revival portico supported by four square columns rising from a raised concrete porch. The centrally located main entrance includes a solid wood, four-panel door with a transom window above. Windows on the main block consist of original 2/2 double-hung windows on the first story, while the sec- ond story windows have been replaced. Exterior window trim has been wrapped, likely at the time of vinyl siding installation, and the condition of the original trim underneath is unknown. However, the original interior window casings remain intact. The main block is topped by a low-pitched hipped roof with wide eaves. At the rear, a large enclosed porch or sunroom exists, likely added in the late 20th century. A detached, single-story garage is located to the rear of the lot. SITE VISIT REPORT: Historic Preservation Specialist Kate Himick visited the property on December 22, 2025 and met with Robert, Judelie, and their sons. Specialist Himick has maintained contact with the property owners since early March of 2025. At the visit, Specialist Himick and the family discussed the implications of Local Land- mark status, the home’s history, the interior restorations the family has undertaken, and their wishes to preserve the home as stewards. Specialist Himick also inspected the exterior of the home. The current owners are exceedingly well versed in and passionate about the home’s history, the Kotz family history, and the history of St. Joseph Coun- ty. It is the belief of staff that the current owners are highly suited to the preservation and rehabilitation of 17510 Cleveland Road. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Kotz Family Farmhouse possesses high educational value as a single, intact site through which multiple themes central to South Bend and St. Joseph County history can be interpreted. The property illustrates early German settlement, long-term family landholding, architectural styles and their do- mestic interpretations, prominent social and political involvements, and the historic rural life of Clay Township. It is also directly associated with Daniel Kotz, a regionally significant and nationally connected artist. The property also offers insight into changing land-use patterns, as the former 160-acre farmstead was gradually subdivided and ab- sorbed by mid-20th-century suburban development. The property is well suited for preservation due to the survival of historic fabric, the clear legibility of its architectural evolution, and the Kotz family’s local and regional historical cultural significance. These characteristics support landmark designation as a property of local significance. Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff make a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDA- TION for the favorable recommendation of 17510 Cleveland Road to the County Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark. Prepared by Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist