HomeMy WebLinkAbout10606-18 Establishing Civil Rights Heritage Center as Historic Landmark Status ORDINANCE No . 10606-18
Passed by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana
August 13, 20 18
Attest: City Clerk
Karee ah N. Fowler
Attest: \ President of Common Council
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana
August 13, 18
20
--,7fZ-
City Clerk
Kar emah N. Fow er
Approved and signed by me
' �� Mayor
BILL NO.33-18
ORDINANCE NO. 10606-18
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
BEND,INDIANA,AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND
ESTABLISHING HISTORIC LANDMARK STATUS FOR THE STRUCTURE
AND REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE CIVIL RIGHTS HERITAGE CENTER
FORMERLY THE ENGMAN NATATORRJM,AND LOCATED AT 1040 WEST
WASHINGTON STREET,IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,INDIANA
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
The building and a portion of its exterior grounds including the former pool now
a reflecting garden,located at 1040 West Washington Street(the"Property"), in the City
of South Bend, Indiana, currently known as the Civil Rights Heritage Center, and
formerly as the Engman Natatorium, an all-white "public pool" from 1922 until its
integration in 1950, played a unique role in the civil rights history of South Bend.
The current owner of the Property has petitioned the Historic Preservation
Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County (the "Commission") to have the
Property designated as a Historic Landmark pursuant to South Bend City OrdinanceNo.
5565-73,as amended. The Property is now a site for the recording, preservation, and
highlighting of the struggles of all people for equal rights and social justice.
The Property was opened 1922, and is recognized in the Indiana Historic Sites
and Structures Inventory of South Bend with a rating of"Outstanding" meaning that the
property may be eligible forNational Register listing.
The Commission's staff prepared a report and recommendation for the
Commission, as did the Commission's Historic Landmarks Committee, both of which
reports were approved by the Commission at its meeting on July 16, 2018. At that time
public hearing was held and the Commission unanimously approved a Resolution
recommending that this Council designate 1040 West Washington as a Local Historic
Landmark. (Exhibit 1 hereto). The building meets the criteria in at least three areas.
Historical and cultural significance.
When it opened in 1922 as a"Public Bath House and Swimming Pool"the Natatorium
excluded African American persons. Around 1946 after the Natatorium was about to be reopened
after closure for repairs,local civil rights activist and lawyer Chester Allen requested that because
there were over 5,000 citizens of color living in South Bend,that all racial restrictions be dropped
so that all persons could use this public building.The race restrictions were not lifted at that time,
but a schedule was later arranged so that African Americans could use the pool. The pool was
fully integrated in 1950.
The historical significance of this structure is best captured by a statement from George
Garner,Curator of the Civil Rights Heritage Center: "No other building in the City speaks to the
history of the African American experience like the Natatorium...We believe that activism works
best when rooted in an understanding of the challenges communities have faced for generations
and the experiences of those who had fought for positive changes."
Its suitability for preservation.
The building was constructed in 1921-1922 and was designed by Walter W.
Schneider,a local architect of note,to model the Culver Natatorium and also the Chicago
Athletic Club. The Natatorium was constructed with a top of the line heating system
and innovative plumbing and pumps. It is Neo-Classical in design. In 2010 extensive
modifications were made resulting in the building's current configuration. At that time
portions of the actual pool were demolished and replaced with a contemplative garden.
Educational Value.
The basic form and structure of the original 1922 building is intact, with the
fagade remaining virtually unchanged and the interior and back two thirds of the original
building adopted for 20th century usage. The major exterior change in 2010 consists of
the transformation of most of the original pool to a contemplative garden. This alteration
is in keeping with the highly significant history of the building as a symbol of the
transition from a segregated public space to an integrated facility due to the efforts of
local civil rights champions.
The Commission conducted a public hearing on July 16, 2018, for the purposes of
hearing comments on the designation of the Property as a Historic Landmark and for
delivering a recommendation to the Common Council. Following the public hearing, the
Commission gave its favorable recommendation to the Common Council of the City of South
Bend to designate the Property as a Historic Landmark pursuant to Ordinance No. 5565-73,
as amended.
Based on the HPC's Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council,
and based upon the Commission's Resolution and recommendation, the site at 1040
West Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana, should be designated as Local Historic
Landmark.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,INDIANA,AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The building now known as the Civil Rights Heritage Center and
formerly as the Engman Natatorium, located at 1040 West Washington Street,
South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana, together with its surrounding grounds and
structures including the original pool now used as a reflecting garden,but excluding
the parking lot, is hereby designated and established as a Historic Landmark of the
City of South Bend, Indiana pursuant to Ordinance No. 5565-73, as amended,
which realty excluding parking lot is described more specifically as follows:
Part of Bank Out Lot Numbered Eighty-nine (89) of the Second
Plat of Out Lots of the Town, now City of South Bend, in St. Joseph
County, Indiana,platted by the State of Indiana, described as beginning at
the Northwest corner of said Lot Numbered Eighty-nine (89);thence East
1 chain 82 4/5 links;thence South 144.54 feet to the North line of an alley;
thence West on the North line of said alley 1 chain 82 4/5 links to the West
line of said Lot Numbered Eighty-nine (89); thence North 144.54 to the
place of beginning.
EXCEPTING THEREFROM the easterly 40' therefrom.
Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect i by the Common
Council, signature by the Mayor, and any publi tion re!!on
by w.
Tim Scott, o res t
South Bend Common Council
Attest:
Kare ah N. Fowler, dity Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
Presented by me,the undersigned Clerk of the City of South Bend,to the Mayor of the City
of South Bend, Indiana on the 1 day of , 2018, at `f o'clock
.
in
K eemah N. Fowler, City C erk
Office of the City Clerk
Approved and signed by me on the day of S f- ,2018,at IL o'clock
m.
I st READING 7NO//b
PUBLIC HEARING en I3/18
9 id READING 'l 3/I
NOT APPROVED VVV Pete Buttigieg, yo
REFERRED City of So Bend, Tana
PASSED ]
p4SpUTH 8� ,�� ERS Ohs
PEACE
CITY OF SOUTHBEND j.
X
1865 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
18 July 2018 Filed in Clerk's Office
South Bend Common Council
County—City Building FU 8 2018
South Bend, IN 46601
KAREEMAH FOWLER
CITY CLERK,SOUTH BEND,IN
Dear Council Members,
At the July 16, 2018 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph
County, the Commission held second reading on the proposed Local Landmark Designation for
1040 West Washington, commonly known as the Engman Public Natatorium and the current home
of the IUSB Civil Rights Heritage Center. A representative of the Civil Rights Heritage Center spoke
in favor of the nomination, and none spoke in opposition. The Commission unanimously passed a
Resolution recommending to the Common Council the establishment of 1040 West Washington, for
Historic Landmark status.
A copy of Resolution No. 18-02 is enclosed, as well as a copy of the Proposed Local Landmark staff
report, a draft of the proposed ordinance, and a signed Owner Consent form. Historic Preservation
Specialist Adam Toering will present this proposal to the Council. The Historic Preservation
Commission request its inclusion on the upcoming Council agenda and staff is available to answer
any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Elicia F ' I Adam Toering
Historic Preservatio dministrator Historic Preservation Specialist
A CERTIFIED LOCAI.GOVERNMENT EI ICIA FEASEI.
PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL.PARK SERVICE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADMINISTRATOR
EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY ' INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT
1400S County-City Building 227W.Jefferson Blvd. South Bend,Indiana 46601 p574.235.9371 f574.235.9201 www.southbendin.gov
Filed in Clerk's Office
PROPOSED LOCAL LANDMARK ! JUL 18 2018
Engman Public Natatorium _-
KAREEMAH FOWLER
1040 West Washington CITE'CLERK,SOUTH BEND,IV
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
t
,
i
�x
l
4 f"I = - -
i�d1r r.r_ '-
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
JULY 2018
Engman Natatorium
Pursuant to City of South Bend Ordinance No. 10572-17, as adopted by the Common
Council,the structure located at 1040 West Washington, commonly known as the
Engman Public Natatorium, is recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission
to the Common Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark.
Designation of historic landmarks is considered on the basis of:
1. Historical and cultural significance
2. Educational value
3. Suitability for preservation
Historical Context:
This property is located on West Washington in South Bend. The property was platted
as Bank Lot number eight-nine. The site was formerly at the corner of the now vacated
Chapel Lane.
The lot was donated to the City of South Bend by Harry Engman, Jr. Mr. Engman was a
partner in the Engman, Matthews Range company of South Bend. The City built the
Natatorium in 1921-1922 and named it after Engman. The building was designed by
Walter W. Schneider, a local architect of note, to model the Culver Natatorium and that
of the Chicago Athletic Club. The Board of Park Commissioners were given $80,000.00
for the construction and contracting of the "Public Bath House and Swimming Pool".
Their president, Mr. Richard Elbel, contracted the pools construction on August 11, 1921
for $55,501.00 to local contractor Kuehn and Jordan and the remaining moneys were
set aside for upkeep and future repairs. The Natatorium was constructed with a top of
the line heating system and innovating plumbing and pumps.
In its first ten years the pool was used for public swimming, swimming lessons for young
and old and safety instructor training. By 1936, only fourteen years after it first opened,
the Natatorium was closed as a result of being declared unsafe. The problems listed in
the declaration were all problems that were found to be conditions inherent in buildings
devoted to natatoriums: the high humidity within the building contrasted with the cold
winter temperatures outside which proceeded to produce condensation on walls,
windows, and the roof causing rotting. To remedy the problems the City hired architect
Ernest W.Young and allocated $25,000.00 for the repair of the structure and the
installation of a new machine designed to dry the air. The repairs took four months to
implement. Upon the reopening of the pool the State ordered that the City must provide
a schedule for use of the Natatorium by African-Americans. Local Civil Rights activist J.
Chester Allen requested that due to the fact that there were over 5,000 citizens of color
living in South Bend that all restrictions should be dropped so all people could use the
pool at any time. Mr. John a Rothrock, representative of the State Board of Tax
Commissioners who were the sponsors of the renovation project, stated that"he hadn't
seen a city as large as South Bend that didn't provide facilities to blacks", however he did
not approve the plan of African Americans using the pool at the same time as the whites.
Eventually a schedule was reached that allowed African Americans to use the facility,
but, not at the same time as whites.
In 1946 the pool was again closed for a few months for reconditioning. The price for a
single swim at this time was $0.30; a five-swim card cost $1.20. The Natatorium was
open noon to 9:oopm and it offered open swimming, swim lessons for all, as well as
private ladies classes and life-saving courses. By the late 1940s the Natatorium offered
an adult only night on Wednesdays for those seeking to relax apart from children. The
building was also used for water ballet, graduation exercises and water exhibitions.
By 1950 the Natatorium was at the peak of its popularity with over 18,179 people visiting
the pool that summer. In 1951 the pool gave lessons in Water Basketball, rented the
facility to clubs and associations and began Swim for Health lessons for the
handicapped. By 1957 the pool had added 22 new swim classes year-round to handle
the huge numbers of patrons and in 1958—to further alleviate the crowding—the pool
was opened for four hours on Sunday afternoons. However, as the 196os approached,
the Natatorium began showing signs of age and use,leading to its closing for additional
renovations on October 23, 1960. At this time new heating, plumbing, and ventilation
systems were installed, as well as new showers and filters for the pool. The City
allocated $37,900.00 through the sale of bonds for these improvements and the pool
reopened two months later.
The Natatorium continued to be open for lessons,water shows, High School swim meets
and general swimming throughout the 1970s despite dwindling use. By July of 1978 the
Natatorium again needed renovations, although the City chose to close the facility
instead of executing those updates.
By the 19gos,the property was in dire need of preservation. Community interest
resulted in an attempt to designate the structure as a Local Landmark 1997, and again in
2003. In August of 2010,the property was purchased by the South Bend Heritage
Foundation,who entered into an agreement to restore and rehabilitate the structure,
leading to the establishment of Indiana University's Civil Rights Heritage Center at the
Natatorium.
Description of Structure:
The structure is a one story public pool building, rectangular in plan and Neo-Classical
in design. The building has a flat roof with a terra-cotta parapet coping and walls with
multi-course brick work with additional terra cotta detailing. The windows are 4"glass
block in brick openings with terra cotta sills and head and the front door is made from
aluminum. The entrance enclosure consists of terra cotta columns at the end with
engaged terra cotta pilasters supporting the entabulature which reads "Public
Natatorium." There are engaged brick pilasters with terra cotta column capitals and
plinth on either side of the entrance doors. The foundation is granite,the steps are
concrete, and a tall chimney made of brick with terra cotta detailing and wrought iron
detailing.
Extensive modifications were made in 2010 resulting in the building's current
configuration. The rear (southern) portions of the natatorium were demolished and
replaced with a contemplative garden and modern restroom facilities and office space.
Location Notes/Legal Description:
PARCEL I: Part of Bank Out Lot numbered Eighty-nine (89) of the Second Plat of Out
Lots of the Town, now City of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, platted by the
State of Indiana, described as beginning at the Northwest corner of said Lot Numbered
Eighty-nine (89); thence East 1 chain 82 4/5 links; thence South 144.5 feet to the North
line of an alley; thence West on the north line of said alley 1 chain 82 4/5 links to the
West line of said Lot Numbered Eighty-nine (89); thence North 144.5 to the place of
beginning.
EXCEPTING THEREFROM: the easterly 40' therefrom.
Landmarks Criteria:
1. Historical and cultural significance
The building fulfills this criteria as an excellent example of a movement in public
entertainment and health. In its beginning the pool was built as part of a movement
throughout Indiana and the United States that showed the public interest in swimming
as a diversion from heat and as a place for socializing. As time passed and new courses
were offered the interest changed from purely social to concerns over health and fitness
and water safety. The structure's history also shows the advent of segregation and-
eventually—desegregation.
2. Educational value
The building fulfills this criteria as an excellent example of a Neo-Classical designed
public building. It was rated Significant according to the May 19, 1986 survey card. The
structure is currently rated Outstanding by the Indiana State Historic Architectural and
Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD).
To quote George Garner, Curator of the Civil Rights Heritage Center:
"No other building in the city speaks to the history of the African American
experience like the Natatorium. Today, as the IUSouth Bend Civil Rights
Heritage Center, we offer public tours for multiple age groups that shares this
history and engages in discussion about contemporary issues. In addition to
South Bend Community and other K-12 school districts, we regularly welcome
students from Indiana University South Bend, the University of Notre Dame, St.
Mary's College, and Holy Cross College. We offer regular public events to enrich
and educate such as a monthly film and discussion series, open-microphone
poetry readings, lectures, exhibitions of local art and history, and more. We also
regularly host meetings for various civil rights and social justice organizations,
allowing those who fight today's injustices a place to gather and work towards
full equality.
As all of our activities are funded by Indiana University South Bend, our
educational mission is paramount. Further, we believe that activism works best
when rooted in an understanding of the challenges communities have faced for
generations and the experiences of those who had fought for positive changes."
3. Suitability for preservation
The building's alterations in 2010 have significantly changed the composition of the
structure, but care was undertaken to execute this process in a sympathetic and fa�ade-
preserving manner. The primary street-facing fagade of the structure is intact. The
main swimming chamber to the rear of the lot was demolished and replaced with a
contemplative garden and pool. To quote George Garner, again:
"In 2010, the building underwent a significant renovation. The building's facade
remains virtually unchanged, with the interior structure and the back two-
thirds of the original building adapted for 21st century use. While recognizing
that there have already been extensive changes to the original structure, we are
confident that the work of South Bend Heritage Foundation to transform the
space into the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center breathed new life into
a building that had, in the late 199os, been targeted for demolition.Historic
landmark status confirms and adds protections for future generations, ensuring
that the history of this building and the story it tells remains vital."
Filed in Clerk's Office
JUL 18 2018
Landmarks Committee
KAREEMAS-i rOWER
Meeting Date: 7/3/18, 1:30 P.M. CITY CLERK,SOUTH BEAD,IN
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 3`d, 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
olSauTx,&E,yd HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
.� OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
k rl ,,t4Gr County—City Building,South Bend,IN 46601
� - http://www.southbendin.gov/goveninient/department/community-itivestnient
x x Phone:574/235.9371 Fax:574/235.9021
t
65 Email:hpcsbsjc @south bend in.gov
Timothy S.Klusezinski,President A Certified Local Government of the National 11arkSery ice Elicia Feasel,Historic Preservation
Administrator
LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK— OWNER CONSENT
1,the undersigned property owner, grant the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St.Joseph
County permission to have the property located at: �� Q �/el. W1�.S1�11►lGToJ.( ST
Declared a Local Historic Landmark under ordinance.
I do also approve of the classification of this building under Group B Standards for Local Historic Landmarks.
I
Signature of Owner: Date:
Filed in Clerk's Office
JUL 18 2018
KAR�H FOWLER
CITY CLERK;SOUTH BEND,IN