HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. 60649 Hickory_COA 2019-1007A_PACKETSTAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: October 8, 2019
Application Number: 2019-1007A
Property Location: 60649 Hickory Road
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gabled-Ell/Stick / 1869 /
“Gerry Battles Farm”
Property Owner: Ben and Carrie Modlin
Landmark or District Designation: Historic Landmark (Ordinance
#127-78)
Rating: Notable
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: 2-1/2 story Gabled-Ell/Stick style on a rough dressed stone foundation.
Roof is cross plan with gable front and jerkin head side gable. Front porch has a single turned post, rear porch is
slightly projecting with turned posts and a concrete stoop. The walls are original wood weatherboard shiplap siding
with corner boards. Front windows have a wood, raised head with labels where other windows have plain labels.
There is a two-story bay window with scrolled brackets. The side bay has a jerkin head roof with art nouveau
scrolled decorations on the fascia. Front gable end has an ornate scrollwork decorative fascia, with pendants. There
are two front doors with transoms, one with a full light.
ALTERATIONS: The St. Joseph County ordinance in 1978 designating and establishing the Historic Landmark
originally included 80 acres. The parcel has since been subdivided and was annexed to the City of South Bend in
1989. While the farm mostly retains the plan of its original buildings, changes to the property without COA are
evidenced on aerial maps including the removal of a silo, removal of a small outbuilding to the southwest corner, and
removal/modern replacement of the upper portion of the bank barn, retaining the foundation.
COA 1988-0512 approved tear off roofing, redeck with plywood; apply new shingles with fiberglass Owens-Corning
3-in-1 type. COA 2011-0310 approved tear off and re-roof with 3 &1 shingle and new decking-felt paper ice shield.
Windows are noted on the 1999 survey card as mostly 2/2 light but have since been replaced with 1/1 vinyl double
hung (no COA on record) as evidenced in photos dating back to 2011.
Current owners have removed the original wood weatherboard shiplap siding on the south and west sides, installing
new artificial siding without COA.
APPLICATION ITEMS: “Removal of decayed existing siding, animal feces, bat habitat exclusion, beehives, mold,
waterlogged and damaged material, removal of wet cellulose insulation from within the wall cavity. Installation of
new fiberglass batt insulation, new exterior grade sheathing, Tyvek house wrap, new flashings, new Celect Cellular
Composite PVC Wood simulated siding and architectural trim material. Construction methods to follow the
manufacturer’s written specifications. Please see supporting documentation.”
See additional written description of project.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Applicant seeks a retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness for
changes on the structure:
1. Remove original wood weatherboard shiplap siding on house,
a. Completed on south and west sides
2. Install Celect Cellular Composite PVC Wood simulated siding and architectural trim material
a. Completed on south and west sides
Prior to the current owners, the property had a long history of deferred maintenance and vacancy, including a 2009
staff memo in the file noting the siding as “rotting”. In 2012, Commission staff met with new owner Ben Modlin to
go over the scope of work, including “exterior routine maintenance and repair”, although no Certificate of
Appropriateness applications are on file. In May 2017, Commission staff mailed a Minimum Maintenance Standards
letter to the Modlin’s, commending their efforts to maintain and preserve the historic character of the property that
included a reminder that any project that affects the exterior of the building, site, outbuildings, grounds, or
landscaping will require review, and a completed COA application, with a reference to the Standards.
The siding replacement without COA or Building Permit was discovered by Historic Preservation staff during St
Joseph County Historic Landmark site visits on 8/27/19 and reported to the Building Department. The Building
Department posted a cease and desist on 8/30/19, followed by a Violation letter 9/18/19.
The original wood weatherboard shiplap siding, corner boards, and wood, raised head labels at windows are
important in defining the overall historic character of the building. As evidenced by the owner’s description and
supporting photographs, the original siding demonstrates an advanced state of deterioration and has become
permeable to water. Furthermore, the discoveries made inside the wall cavities provides reasonable cause for
removing the original siding to remediate the materials in the wall cavities. While the original siding may have the
ability to be repaired and made impermeable, it likely will not withstand removal to clean the wall cavities and
reinstallation. Staff accepts that the original siding is deteriorated beyond repair.
Group B Standards discourage the covering or alteration of original materials with additional siding. If the historic
material cannot be repaired because of the extent of deterioration or damage, the preferred treatment is replacement
in kind with the same material, wood shiplap in this case. Because this approach is not always feasible, provisions
are made in Group B Standards to consider the use of a substitute material if it is of the same material as the original,
in the same size and texture. The Standard does provide for an alternative material if it duplicates the original,
however, the proposed PVC wood simulated siding is not of the same material as the original, is not in the same size
(width of the clapboards is scaled up without a shiplap edge) or texture (embossed wood graining, intended to
simulate the texture of wood, is not characteristic of real wood siding and is visually inappropriate). The proposed
PVC product is not a familiar replacement product; this may in fact be the first application before this Commission.
There is precedent for engineered wood products such as HardiePlank and LP SmartSide, as well as traditional vinyl
siding, all having a shiplap style option.
Applicants have submitted comparison quotes for Celect, cedar siding, vinyl siding, original siding repair, and
another for new wood. Below is a summary of the costs for the materials and for painting (where applicable).
Celect PVC siding cedar siding vinyl siding – Big C repair original siding
- Kimmel
tongue & groove
siding - Mastercraft
$11,230 $60,970 $2,796.55 $23,000 $16,170
Staff has requested more detail about the plan to repair/replace the trim around the windows and at the roof gable to
“closely match the original” – specifically which architectural details and what the material will be.
The National Park Service Preservation Brief #8 Aluminum and Vinyl Siding on Historic Buildings: The
Appropriateness of Substitute Materials for Resurfacing Historic Wood Frame Buildings was consulted for this staff
report.
SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Group B
The Commission has the authority to determine the architectural merits and the ext ent of any proposed
treatment, renovation, or addition to a historic landmark. The commission will require drawings, plans,
specifications, and/or samples where appropriate.
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
(These standards apply to both A and B)
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 allowing for the replacement of original siding. Staff does not
recommend the proposed replacement siding because it does not conform to Group B Standards with additional
consideration for the Notable rating of the property. Staff recommends a replacement siding that more closely
resembles the original in style, size, and texture, preferably wood shiplap. Staff recommends that all trim around the
windows, the roof gable, and the brackets replicate the original.
Prepared by
Elicia Feasel
Historic Preservation Administrator
and
Adam Toering
Historic Preservation Specialist
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Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
LOCATION MAPS (GOOGLE / MACOG 2019)- Maps showing location of the property and surrounding area
LOCATION MAPS (ST JOSEPH COUNTY PLAT MAPS 1863 / 1875 / 1895 / 1911 / 1929 / 1936)
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2)6287+%(1'$1'67-26(3+&2817<
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
EAST (FRONT) ELEVATION - PHOTO PROVIDED BY OWNER
SOUTH ELEVATION - PHOTO PROVIDED BY OWNER
+,6725,&35(6(59$7,21&200,66,21
2)6287+%(1'$1'67-26(3+&2817<
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
NORTH ELEVATION - PHOTO PROVIDED BY OWNER
WEST ELEVATION - PHOTO PROVIDED BY OWNER
10/7/1920191007A10/21/19xReceipt No 065623$20.00 10/7/19
Estimated cost of Celect PVC Cellular Composite Siding including trim boards but not including
labor.
30 square of Siding $11,230
½" 4'x8' OSB $1,000
R-15 Rolled faced batted insulation $1,600
Delivery $35.00
Tax 7% $970.55
Total $14,835.55
Estimated Cost of Wood Siding plus painting no trim boards. Does not include installation labor.
30 square Clear Cedar Siding Cove Lap
pattern 106 Dutch Lap
½"4'x8' OSB
Estimated 350 man hours x $50.00 per man
hour plus material to paint siding after
installed
R-15 Rolled faced batted insulation
Paint and material
Delivery
Tax 7%
Total
Estimated labor cost to install.
Estimated Man hours 800 x $50.00 an hour
1 crew 5 weeks
$40,470
$1,000
$17,500
$1,600
$3,000
$399
$4,477.83
$68,446.83
$40,000
Estimated cost of White Vinyl Siding Big C Lumber
30 Square of Vinyl Siding $2,796.55
½” 4’x8’ OSB $1,000
R-15 Rolled faced batted insulation $1,600
Delivery Free
Tax 7% $377.75
Total $5,848.55
1x6 Clear Cedar Cove Lap - Primed + 1 Top
3,000 SQFT @ $13.49/SQFT ($40,470)
1 x 6 COVE LAP CEDAR-WRC SIDING, AYE&BTR (BL Grade Equivalent CLEAR), KD, PrimePaint, S1S Smooth Use,
Mill Tally 6-16
- Actual Pattern Size In Inches: 11/16 thick, 5 3/8 wide, 5 exposed.
Your order will be delivered by a 3rd party semi-truck. You are responsible for unloading which may require a forklift;
however crew unload is possible as well.