Bill 27-16 Proposed Local Landmark Designation for 803 W Washington (Kizer House)

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803 West Washington Based on the HPC's Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the site at 803 West Washington can be recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission. The building meets the criteria in at least three areas: 1. Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent an architectural characteristic or innovation. 2. Its suitability for preservation. 3. Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The building fulfills criteria #i. as an excellent example of Romanesque Revival architecture, one of only a few in St. Joseph County. It was built in 1890 of coursed granite with two distinctive towers on the front facade. The house is rated Outstanding in the 2007 Survey, where it is described as a "rare, but dramatic, example of the Queen Anne style in heavy stone." Although the exact architect and builder are unknown, the 1923 re- assessment lists this house as type "1 ", of the "highest grade of construction known in the City of South Bend, built strictly from architectural drawings, and by highest type contractor. The material used of highest grade, weather resistant and long lived." The building fulfills criteria #2 by the integrity of the original construction with only minor alterations. Alterations are limited to the addition of three dormers c. 1940, replacement of the original red tile roof with asphalt shingles in the 198o's, and reduction in height of the two front chimneys by fourteen courses (for safety reasons). The matching porte cochere and rear porch and kitchen wing were added to the house sometime after the original house's construction. The building fulfills criteria #3 by its association with William L. Kizer, a prominent South Bend business leader, who founded the South Bend real estate, insurance, investment and loan company, Kizer & Woolverton, and was a primary investor and officer of South Bend Malleable Range Company. In addition, he served as South Bend city commissioner, and was a director of St. Joseph Loan and Trust.