Historic Landmark - 2257 Portage Avenue

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RECOMMENDATION Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted by the Common Council, the site and structures at 2300 and 2257 Portage Avenue have been recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmarks by the Historic Preservation Commission. The buildings and sites meet all of the criteria: 1) Its character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or culture of the City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, the State of Indiana, or the United States of America; 2) Its embodiment of elements or architectural design, detail, material or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation; 3) Its educational value; 4) Its suitability for preservation; 5) Its location as the site of a significant historical event; and/or 6) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The site and structures fulfill criteria # 1 as excellent examples of turn of the century burial practices and cemetery operations. They illustrate the growth of South Bend and the needs of its citizens for a proper burial site as well as method of internment. It is also the site where many Native Americans and early pioneers, such as, Robert Cavalier Sieur de LaSalle landed to cross from the Kankakee River to the St. Joseph River. The site and structures fulfill criteria #2 as excellent examples of Gothic-Revival, Classical-Revival and Bungalow styles. These various structures are rated from S/12's to O/13's in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. The site and structures fulfill criteria #3 as the spot where various Native Americans and pioneers, such as, LaSalle, landed to cross over to the St. Joseph River on their journeys. They offer a look into the beliefs of early residents of South Bend as well as treasure troves for researching genealogy. The site and structures fulfill criteria #4 by their integrity of original construction with virtually no changes to any of the structures or sites. They are splendid examples of 1900s style urban cemetery structures. The site and structures fulfill criteria #5 as the site were R. Robert Cavalier Sieur De LaSalle began his first portage from the St. Joseph River to the Kankakee River on December 5, 1679. They are also the last resting places of many prominent local citizens. The site and structures fulfill criteria #6 with its association with Robert LaSalle, and numerous other prominent South Bend families. s~.... dv.~-u-- 4 p ~ ,-. ~,~ Z ~~+. r.?y0 t }rte. f L:~`~~a, ~~.F., ~ .,.~ ~_„