Establishing historic landmark for 214 w jefferson blvd

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Investigation indicates that the street level facade contains historic storefront including transoms glazed with patterned "bottle glass ". The windows in stories two through four have been removed for restoration and the openings have been boarded up for security. The window openings in the fourth floor are accented by a stone arch with accentuated keystones. An earlier addition of a wood. shingle hip roof canopy over the first floor entrance was removed to allow for the future restoration of the stone cornice work that originally - existed in its place. The building also has one offset brick chimney, a fire escape along the west facade and metal siding over the east facade where the building was once connected to the Jefferson Hotel. RECOMMENDATION Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the building at 214 West Jefferson has been recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark by Historic Preservation Commission. The building meets the criteria in at least four areas: 1.) Its character, interest and 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 of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation. 3.) Its suitability for preservation. 4.) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance The building fulfills criteria #1 as an early example of a multi- storied office structure. It reflects the growth of downtown South Bend through its own growth and metamorphosis from a 1906 office building to the use as one of South Bend's major hotels and finally as.a survivor of near demolition and its future renovation back to an office building. This building epitomizes the growing pains of downtown South Bend from 1906 to the present. The building fulfills criteria #2 as an early example of a Renaissance Revival office building in the city. The building is rated a contributing ten in the Indiana Historic Sites 'and Structures Inventory. The verification of existing storefront elements assures the elevation of this rating upon completion of restoration activities. Its design was the work of Freyermuth and Maurer, two of the city's well known architects. The building fulfills criteria #3 by the integrity of its original construction with minor changes to the facade, which will be remedied in a proposed future restoration project. With regard to the integrity of the building it is noteworthy that significant interior features remain including elaborate sheet metal ceiling at the first floor.