HomeMy WebLinkAbout4. 504 LaSalle_COA 2019-0329A_PACKETSTAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: 3 April 2019 Application Number: 2019-0329A
Property Location: 504 East LaSalle Avenue
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder:
Italianate/Neoclassical/1900/1924/J.C. Lauber Company
Property Owner: Greater Lowell Holdings, LLC
Landmark or District Designation: Local Landmark, Ordinance
#7591-1986; National Register East Bank Multiple Property Listing
Rating: Contributing
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: The J.C. Lauber Company building is described in the National
Register listing as a unique example of the Commercial-Functional style of architecture that combines utility with
ornament. The structure is comprised of several additions with the primary LaSalle Street facing constructed as a
one-story, rectangular-plan, commercial building with a foundation of concrete and rubble, walls are brick and
block. A metal cornice stretches seventy feet across the façade. Roof is flat. LaSalle Street façade features
modillions on ends of dentilled cornice with scroll end brackets. The front elevation has a strong horizontal
emphasis. Windows are divided into nine bays and are wood framed, fixed plate glass with solid transoms above.
Front entrance is a wood double door with glass. The 1924 addition, directly behind the 1900 building, is a one-
story, rectangular-plan, constructed of concrete block, with a flat roof. Windows are metal with multi-panels. The
rear of the building is organized by multiple additions and incorporate various garage doors. Signage exists on all
sides, both attached to and painted directly on the structure, reflecting different eras of the former J.C. Lauber
business.
ALTERATIONS: COA 2005-1031 approved demolition of portion of building constructed in 1882 at northwest
corner of LaSalle and Niles. COA 2006-0413 approved reinstallation of J.C. Lauber Sheet Metal sign, formerly on
west side of 1882 portion of building. COA 2016-1128 to demolish 5,000 sq. ft. building was not executed. COA
2018-0404A approved improvements to the entire structure including restoration of the primary façade, new fenced
patio, new openings, two new cooler structures, and preservation of existing legacy signs. COA 2018-0613
approved additional alterations to openings.
APPLICATION ITEMS: “Apply window treatments to existing windows.”
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Legacy signage throughout the building has been retained and
restored. In fact, the City-Wide sign on the east façade replaces the previous plastic panel in an existing illuminated
sign. Owner has applied for graphics, signage, and awnings to identify the two primary businesses that will occupy
the building, City-Wide Liquors and The Lauber. The graphics on the front façade will be applied to the inside of
the windows which are tinted. The window tint minimizes the visibility of the graphics. The sign on the west façade
is a back board that is mounted to the building with “The Lauber” and “City-Wide” attached to the back board; the
two-business logos and lettering are back lit with LED. In other commercial buildings with multiple street facing
facades that are Local Landmarks (JMS and LaSalle), the Commission has made allowances for more than one sign
per business.
SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, GROUP B:
A. Maintenance
The maintenance of any historical structure or site shall in no way involve any direct physical change except for the
general cleaning and upkeep of the landmark. The Commission shall encourage the proper maintenance of all
structure or sites.
B. Treatment
Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such
improvements include re-roofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially
enhance or detract from the character of the landmark. A treatment change of any surface whether on the landmark
or in its environment may require a Certificate of Appropriateness if it significantly alters the appearance of the
landmark. Although these kinds of changes may not require a Building Permit, a Certificate of Appropriateness
may be necessary. The commission should review the proposed treatment for character and style consistency with
the original surfaces.
C. Renovation and Additions
Renovation is the modification of a structure, which does not alter the general massing while an addition, is a
change in mass. A modification, which involves the removal of a part of the landmark, should be considered under
demolition (see demolition). Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the
landmark and should not cover singular examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added
in a manner that does not disrupt the visible unity of overall appearance of the site. The proportions, materials and
ratios of the existing structures should be carried through in the additions. Care should be taken not to change or
alter the following:
1. Structure—–Necessary structural improvements, where safety demands should be accomplished in such
a way as to cause minimal visual change to the original style and construction.
2. Material—Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should be of the
same material as the original. It should be the same size and texture. An alternative material may be
allowed if it duplicates the original.
a. wood—all wood trim should conform with existing trim in shape and size.
b. siding materials—the Commission discourages the covering or alteration of original materials
with additional siding. Structures already sided with incompatible materials should be returned to a
siding similar to the original when renovation is considered.
D. Demolition
Historic landmarks shall not be demolished. When a landmark poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is
the only alternative, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods
should be made of both the exterior and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition
of the landmark shall be responsible for this documentation.
E. Moving
The moving of landmarks is discouraged, however, moving is preferred to demolition. When moving is necessary,
the owner of the landmark must apply to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
F. Signs
No neon or flashing signs will be permitted unless they are original to the structure. Billboards and super-
graphics will also be disallowed. Only one appropriate identifying sign will be permitted per business.
G. Building Site and Landscaping
1. Required
Major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, private yard lights, signs (house numbers) and benches
which reflect the property’s history and development shall be retained. Dominant land contours shall be
retained. Structures such as: gazebos, patio decks, fixed barbecue pits, swimming pools, tennis courts,
green houses, new walls, fountains, fixed garden furniture, trellises, and other similar structures shall be
compatible to the historic character of the site and neighborhood and inconspicuous when viewed from a
public way.
2. Recommended
New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in
photographs, drawings, and newspapers. Plant materials and trees in close proximity to the building that
are causing deterioration to the buildings historic fabric should be removed. However, trees and plant
materials that must be removed should be immediately replaced by suitable flora. Front yard areas should
not be fenced except in cases where historic documentation would indicate such fencing appropriate.
Fencing should be in character with the buildings style, materials, and scale.
3. Prohibited
No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing major landscaping items, trees,
fencing, walkways, outbuildings, and other elements before evaluating their importance to the property’s
history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor
blacktopped. The installation of unsightly devices such as TV reception dishes and solar collectors shall
not be permitted in areas where they can be viewed from public thoroughfares.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed project although would prefer that
the white lettering inside the colored window graphics be eliminated from the design.
Compiled by
Elicia Feasel, Historic Preservation Administrator
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
LOCATION MAP - Map showing location of the property and surrounding area (Google Maps)
AERIEL MAP - highlighted property on map (MACOG)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
VINTAGE MAP - Map showing location of the property and surrounding area (Sanborn 1881 / 1899)
VINTAGE MAP - Map showing location of the property and surrounding area (Sanborn 1917 / 1945)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
FRONT PICTURE (NORTH) - Picture of the front of the building.
BACK PICTURE (SOUTH) - Picture of the back of the building.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
SIDE PICTURE (WEST) - Pictures of the side of the building.
SIDE PICTURE (EAST) - Picture of the side of the building.
504 E LaSalle Ave So Bend IN
Description
Owner Name: GREATER LOWELL HOLDINGS LLC
Property Address: 504 E LASALLE AVE
Parcel State ID: 71-08-12-204-001.000-026
Zoom to Feature Highlight Parcel Print Map Print Report
Details
ID
61268
ParcelID
018-5005-0106
ParcelIdState
71-08-12-204-001.000-026 North Elevation
West ElevationEast ElevationSouth Elevation
Take Out Blank Enter
Canopy Canopy Canopy
L A U B E R
T H E
“Art Works for Your Image as well as ours”
Historic Site Enhancement 2019
504 LaSalle Ave. Suite 1&2
South Bend IN
prepared by: Steve Depositar
SPIRITS BEER WINE KITCHEN GARDENBARPATIO
L A U B E RTHE
J.C. L A U B E R -C O M P A N Y .
SPIRITS BEER WINE
L A U B E R
T H E
J.C . L A U B E R -C O M P A N Y .
NORTH ELEVATION
SCALE: 1/8" = 1'0"
BAR
Window treatment: Frosted Crystal Vinyl Graphics applied to window surface
GARDENPATIOKITCHEN
Darken Glass
EAST ELEVATION
NEW COOLER NEW ALUM DOOR EXISTING BLOCK
NEW O.H. DOOR EXISTING O.H. DOOR
EXISTING BLOCKEXISTING BLOCK
SOUTH ELEVATION
RE-PAINT SIGN
RE-PAINT SIGN
NEW HM DOOR
NEW ALUM WINDOW
CARRY-OUT
36”
60”
36”
CARRY-OUT
ENTER
ENTER
CARRY- OUT
24”
24”
24”
J.C. L A U B E R - C O.
WEST ELEVATION
NEW
NEW ALUM/GLASS DOOR
EXISTING METAL PANELS
EXISTING BLOCK
NEW ALUM/GLASS O.H. DOORS
EXISTING SIGN
EXISTING SIGN
COOLER
NEW O.H. DOOR
EXISTING O.H. DOOR
EXISTING WINDOWS
EXIST SIGN
EXIST DOOR
NEW
NEW ALUM/GLASS DOORNEW ALUM/GLASS O.H. DOORS
COOLER
L A U B E R
T H E
Halo Lit
L A U B E R
T H E
L AU B E RTHE
BEER
BEER
WINE
WINE
SPIRITS
SPIRITS
Window treatment: 3M 7725 Series-324 Frosted Crystal Vinyl
Window treatment: 3M 7725 Series-324 Frosted Crystal Vinyl
Graphics applied to window surface
Graphics applied to window surface
104”
29”
30”
77”77”77”
79”89”89”89”
77”77”
104”
8.5”x33”
8.5”x36”8.5”x54”8.5”x54”8.5”x45”
8.5”x33”8.5”x51”
L A U B E R
T H E
KITCHEN GARDEN
GARDENKITCHEN
BAR PATIO
PATIOBAR
18”
16”76”
earth design real estate llc 3617 McKinley Avenue Post Office Box 148, South Bend, Indiana 46624-0148
Ms. Elicia Feasel, Director
Historic Preservation Commission of St. Joseph County
County City Building
South Bend, IN 46601 March 1, 2019
Dear Elicia,
Regarding the current application for exterior signage for City Wide Liquors, I am supportive of the design concept that is
being requested for the front façade, as I believe it is simple, tasteful and complementary to the aesthetic of the building.
This application and your email bring me to think and reflect about the entire signage package which has not been
completed but is intended to augment and complement the historic ‘J C Lauber Building’. I offer the following thoughts and
comments related to signage as well as the restoration efforts:
1. All pre-existing signage will remain.
2. The East façade signage has simply been re-lettered with logo in order to inform the public of the new business at this
location. For a matter of reference, this sign was not historic in nature and not part of any HPC or National Parks Service
review or concern.
3. The large framed west façade signage (removed during the building restoration), will be restored as required by the
HPC and placed in the same position on the building in the next few months.
4. The east hand lettered signage painted directly on the building ("J C LAUBER - CO") is being repainted with new color.
5. The east signage located above the overhead doors painted directly on the building will be repainted with new color
scheme.
6. The south signage painted directly on building, shall be repainted with new color scheme and modified slightly to reflect
new business located in west portion of the building.
7. The north façade signage will be restored and remain in place as required by the HPC
I am working on additional signage for a new business in the west portion of the building. This restaurant-bar business will
be known as "The Lauber". I anticipate new signage on the north, west and south facades intended to inform the public of
the change in business.
earth design real estate llc 3617 McKinley Avenue Post Office Box 148, South Bend, Indiana 46624-0148
Although the designs are not complete, it is my intention to be as simple as possible while meeting the primary goal of
informing the public of the new business located within. I hope the commission will consider that pre-existing signage
which is required to be maintained due to historic requirements, should not factor into the maximum allowable signage for
the building due to their historic nature. The name and recognition of the Lauber family business is a very important
aspect of the building, and the integration of any new business in this building must be carefully considered and factored
into the equation. I am asking that this review be performed in the very rare and special context which exists for this
property.
The care, concern and pride that our team has shown during the restoration process reflect our desire to enhance and
maintain the legacy value of the building. In completing the improvements, we are positioning the building to be enjoyed
by future generations, while honoring the Lauber family name and their contribution to community.
Thanks for your support and assistance thus far. The past support and approval by the HPC of our plans is appreciated.
As you aware, we are very happy that the building restoration plans for both the exterior and interior of the building have
been approved by the National Parks Service after a thorough, exhaustive review.
I will be in touch shortly to discuss an overview of the signage being contemplated at The Lauber, bar + kitchen in order to
solicit support from the HPC for the additional signage at that business.
Sincerely,
Frank A Perri
Frank A. Perri, Sole Member
Greater Lowell Holdings LLC
Email copy: Erroll Rousseve
Dan Buckenmeyer
Tim Corcoran