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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: The structure is constructed in a very functional rendition of the Gothic Revival style including a high pitched roof (approximately 12/12 pitch), stained glass windows with pointed arches, water table, a crenelated tower at the northwest front corner and a circular window located in the pediment of the front facade. The construction is of stretcher bond wire cut brick with cut and dressed stone articulating such elements as the water table string course, window sills, the surround of the circular window, the keystone over the main entry door, and the parapet coping over the entry and at the crenelations of the tower. In plan the structure is composed of a main rectangular body with high pitched vaulted ceiling which shelters the sanctuary of the church and a large room directly below the sanctuary in the basement. Additional one story exten- sions enclose a narthex entry at the front with a quarter-hip roof; choir storage at the southeast corner, and office space at the southwest corner with shed extensions from the upper roof. Vertical accessibility is accommodated by stairway in the tower. The main floor is raised significantly from ground level and articulated by a stone string course often referred to as the water table. Entry is accomplished by concrete steps with metal railings located at the center of the front facade which approach a double set of doors which together have a Tudor arched head. Second- ary entry and egress is provided by a door located at the office appendage. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Olivet AME/Zion Hill Baptist Church 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 the location of the first religious institution established in South Bend by a congregation of African-American descent. The extant structure was constructed by that same congregation at this same site at a later date which has since accrued historical merit. The building is an example of the design, plan, detail, and materials of the early twentieth century church construction. The structure was rated as Significant/ Notable (11) in the latest summary report of the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory (2005) which described it as being unaltered and in good condition. The site is a publicly accessible surviving structure from the first African-American church congregation organized in South Bend and associated with numerous persons of stature in the African-American community of South Bend and is suitable for preservation for its unaltered condi- tion, integrity and continued use. Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff make a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION for sending this petition to the Common Council of South Bend with a Favorable Recommendation for designation as a Local Historic Landmark. Prepared by Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator