HomeMy WebLinkAboutV. c. ii. LOCAL LANDMARKS - Committee Report and RecommendationLandmarks Committee
Meeting Date: 7/3/18, 1:30 P.M.
Agenda: Discuss and provide recommendation on the following properties for consideration as
landmarks:
1. Engman Public Natatorium
2. LaSalle Avenue Bridge
3. Jefferson Boulevard Bridge
4. Twyckenham Drive Bridge
Members Present: Joseph Molnar (Chair), Adam Toering, Greta Fisher, Velvet Canada
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Elicia Feasel (Historic Preservation Administrator)
Below are the minutes from the meeting, in bold are the official recommendations of the
Committee to the Historic Preservation Commission.
The Landmarks Committee met in the Informal Chambers of the South Bend Common Council
on July 3rd, 2018 at 1:30 P.M.
Adam Toering provided the draft staff report for the Engman Public Natatorium. The Committee
discussed how much of the property should be proposed for landmarking. The consensus was
reached that all of Parcel #1 of the property should be considered for landmarking. This consists
of the entire building and the garden behind the building where the pool was once located.
Committeemember Fisher stated the garden should be included because the pool location itself is
as significant as the building in terms of historical memory in the community. This does not
include the parking lot adjacent to the building which is a separate parcel.
Committeemember Greta Fisher made a motion to send the Engman Public Natatorium to
the full Commission with a favorable recommendation for the entirety of Parcel #1.
Committeemember Adam Toering seconded the motion which carried with a vote of four
(4) ayes and zero (0) nays.
Elicia Feasel provided and discussed the draft staff reports for the LaSalle Bridge, Jefferson
Bridge, and Twyckenham Bridge. The Committee decided it made sense to discuss the bridges as
one discussion item. Ms. Feasel informed the Committee that the Howard Park Walking Bridge
is not being considered for landmarking at this time.
The process of landmarking bridges is efforts previously made to landmark bridges in St. Joseph
County that are of historical significance. Previously the Michigan Bridge and Angela Bridge
have both been landmarked. The Committee agreed with the decision that the Colfax Bridge is
not suitable for landmarking at this time.
All three bridges discussed have historic and unique architectural designs that would no longer
be considered in the construction of modern bridges. All three bridges have undergone recent
renovations that have been sympathetic to their historical character. Considering that all three
bridges represent a specific time in the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County’s history, in
addition to retaining their unique architectural features, it was the opinion of the Committee that
they are acceptable for landmark status.
Committeemember Velvet Canada made a motion to send the LaSalle Avenue Bridge to
the full Commission with a favorable recommendation. Committeemember Greta Fisher
seconded the motion which carried with a vote of four (4) ayes and zero (0) nays.
Committee Chair Joseph Molnar made a motion to send the Jefferson Boulevard Bridge to
the full Commission with a favorable recommendation. Committeemember Adam Toering
seconded the motion which carried with a vote of four (4) ayes and zero (0) nays.
Committeemember Greta Fisher made a motion to send the Twyckenham Drive Bridge to
the full Commission with a favorable recommendation. Committeemember Velvet Canada
seconded the motion which carried with a vote of four (4) ayes and zero (0) nays.
With all business decided, Committee Chair Joseph Molnar adjourned the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Joseph Molnar,
Landmarks Committee Chair