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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 1977o4i istoric p reservation com miss ' i on - - _ of _south bend and st. joseph county - -__ -_ _ •__ _ ___ ROOM 1123.000NT•Y CITY- BUILDING south bend, Indiana 46601 (219 284.9798) Regular Meeting _ = - August 15, 1977 -- - :7.30,.p:m: 3rd, Floor Conference Room - -_ 1 ,'_ C to •Ord all, er. ' n r 2.- Rolf Call`, = =3. ; Approval of Minutes _ -_ - =�+. -Treasurer's •Re rt - 5 :' Correspondence. 6: Co mmitt ee" Re its Po . - - _ - : -- _ - City` Survey_,. - : Bridget: and. Finance Historic Districts ° Historic Landmarks = - Legal, .. - - __, - _ - _ Public - Relations_ and Community. Education -___ _ -- _ Standards and Historic Plan Presidential Sta ff; ,Report -- - ; _7`. Old Business - -' 8. New Busines's ;. - - - = 90 "Hearing of `Visitors!; 10. '` Announcements, and Miscellarieoris Matters -. =11. Add ournment HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TOTAL BUDGET $]1,425.08 Treasurer's Report August 15, 1977 Line Item 119.1 Historic Preservation Planner 212 Postage 213 Travel Expenses 215 Books 241 Printing, other than office supplies 242 Publication of Legal Notices 243 Photography and Blue Prints 244 Stationery and Printing Equipment Legal Services Technical Assistance General Office Supplies Dues and Subscriptions 252 261 263 371 570 go 1977 Budgeted $8,200.08 300.00 600.00 125.00 x+00.00 200.00 200.00 100.00 50.00 600.00 400.00 100.00 150.00 $3.1,425.08 Balance $5,283.x+2 226.02 600.00 125.00 x+00.00 100.00 200.00 x+7.77 19.50 600.00 -0- 85.66 150.00 $7,837.37 istoric p reservati on comm iss i of south bend and st. joseph county ROOM 1123 - COUNTY CITY BUILDING s diana 9 5 — so bend in 46601 (z19 284 - 798) - - -- Regular Meeting - _ - =_ - s , Third Floor Conference Room - = 'Room 323 Monday, August = l5; 1 ; - -- -- - 7:30 p.m._ ; • ; . _ _ {_ _ _ - :..: unty -C ty., B uilding ; Co i uil 14_I T E S 1. _Cali:'to :Order President' :Jobh Oxian called the= meetingrto `order_,at -_1 p.m. - = 2. Roll Call __ - _ - }- MEMBERS _PRESENT: Ms. - Deloris Daviss' n, Mr. F.4 'Jay - N#tz, Mr. John.'. Oxian, Mr. __Russell•Rothermel,, Mr. -Jack Smith,`_'-,;•.' -- Ms `- Joann Sporleder,' Mr. Ted Wasielevski MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr.. Al Stiveis, _ Ms . - bVelma Torzewski - - - - ; OTHERS--PRESENT : ,_ =Ms. Priscilla Dill.�; Doyle, _b�.s: Gertrud =:,-• °,•`.. _ Gilber_t, Mr. (South Bend Tribune); Mr. =_ - -- - _• - Chris_ 6vergaard,_ Ms: Belle Pendleton -_ -Mrs. Ruth n- -- - P r ice, _ Mz Barbara; Schankerman; Mr _- Joliji2 tamper, - - - - - c -- -WSBT (Chasinel 22) • cameraman A roval •- of Minutes,, Mr. Jack-Smith made -a motion that• the July minutes be approved' as - - - _submitted:. Mr: Rothermel_- seconded_ this motion and it passed mous ly: �+. Treasurer's Report - -- - :_ -- Mr. Ted Wasielewski distributed copies of the August treasurer's report: - -__ _He announced -:that _the Commission had` a balance -:of $7;837.37: He then - _ asked Commission; approval to 4 pay the - follow ng ;bills :' Tor-Business = Sys- terns for, supplies - _$8.12; _to - Gertrud* Gilbert for Miscellaneous - _expenses = -: - 19.03;-- and`-to Belle Pendleton for-- services:_rendered for_= August'15 to -- = - -. September", 15 -= 500:00: - Ms: Deloris Davisson moved that the_ report -be accepted and approved - for_payment. - - : seconded - this motion:; and -,it passed unanimously: August 15, 1977 Page 2 Ms. Davisson then asked a motion to use a maximum of $20.00 from the budget to continue renting the typewriter for the use of the CETA em- ployee, Sandra Mr. Rothermel seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. 5. Correspondence Ms. Gilbert wanted direction on whether the Commission wanted. to enter a subscription to the Landmarks and Historic Districts Commission's Newsletter. Along with the bi- monthly issues of the Newsletter, peri- odic litigation charts are sent out. Mr. Smith made a motion that such a subscription be entered. Mr. Rothermel seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. Ms. Gilbert then mentioned that letters, signed by Mr. Stivers, chair- man of the Search Committee, had been dispatched to all applicants for the position of Planner who would not be notified for an interview. Mr. Oxian then made a deviation from the Agenda and opened the meeting to a Public Hearing on the Odd Fellows Building. Mr. Smith then made a motion to accept the survey and report that the firm of LeRoy Troyer had done on the Odd Fellows Building. Mr. Smith read por- tions of this report. Mr. Troyer had had a meeting with Mr. Braden and had taken a tour of the entire building. Mr. Brown of this same firm met with Ms. Gilbert in regaxd to some historical notes on the building and to re- view the historical data. Mr. Smith summarized that the building was structurally sound. The building is presently 6010 occupied and Mr. Troyer - recommended that it be placed on the National Register. Mr. Oxian mention- ed that the Commission can not afford to do an economic feasibility study on the Odd Fellows Building. There was further discussion about the im- portance of this building. Then the motion made by Mr. Smith to have the LeRoy Troyer report accepted and placed on file was seconded by Ms. Joann Sporleder. It passed unanimously. Mr. Chris Overgaaxd, a member of the County Council, then addressed the Commission. He mentioned that•he was one of the oldest tenants of the Odd Fellows Building and spoke about its unique style and the certain — worth it had as an historical landmark. He said that since the publi- city of this building tenants were reluctant to sign a lease. He said there were several options for this building and one of them was to designate it a landmark and have it placed on the National Register. Mr. Smith declared that at a previous meeting with Mr. Dick Anderson, one of the owners of the building, was asked about landmark designation, and Mr. Anderson said he was not coming to the Commission to ask for landmark status. There was a feeling of "hands off" at this time, but that he wanted to save the building. Mr. Oxian said Mr. Anderson wouldn't be against the Commission regarding this matter but only until court suits are settled. .Mr. Smith said that the Commission, in the past, has taken the attitude of not going ahead and declaring buildings landmarks unless the owners approved - except in two cases - ex. Union Station. Mr. Oxian August 15, 1977 Page 3 pointed out that Mr. Anderson was before the Commission at the caucus and didn't commit himself either way regarding landmark status for the. Odd Fellows Building. Mr. Overgaard thanked the Commission for the op -, portunity of stating his views. Ms. Price then informed the Commission that she had spoken with Mr. Brownell of the Redevelopment Commission and had gotten the impression' that the controversy of the Odd Fellows Building is "just the tip of the iceberg ". She said the Oliver Theatre Building and the Old Amer- ican Bank Building were likewise in jeopardy. And if the Odd Fellows Building is demolished, the J.M.S. Building will be isolated. She spoke about short term,nnd long term solutions to the problem. She said there should be an economic feasibility study with firm figures to rehabilitate the structure. Mr. Oxian mentioned that it costs $20: per squaxe foot to rehabilitate it and $50. to rebuild. Mr. Smith re- marked that Rehabilitation should do a feasibility study. It was point- ed out, furthermore, that buildings that are on the National Register have a tax break. Ms. Price spoke further on this subject and it was mentioned that the city needs a number of parking spaces to support the Mini 14a11 and perhaps some creative designs could be evolved around keeping the Odd Fellows Building. Mr. Oxian mentioned that the Commission has not been contacted by any of the agencies regarding the Odd Fellows Building and the plans for the city. It was stiited that the plans submitted by the architect, James Childs, had not been seen by the Commission. Next, Ms. Barbara Schankerman submitted a petition signed by approx- imately 200 downtown shoppers, employees, and merchants to urge the Historic Preservation Commission to take a stand on declaring the Odd Fellows Building an historic landmark. She likewise read this petition and a statement revealing her personal feelings in this matter. Mr. Smith made a motion to accept a copy of the petition and. include it in the files. There was discussion between Ms. Schankerman and Ms. Davisson regarding local landmark status. Ms. Davisson said landmark designation would delay demolition for only one year; it doesn't keep it from being torn down. Mr. Ted Wasielewski then had some comments on the caucus meeting. He said there were several things that concerned him about the present consortium of owners of the Odd Fellows Building. He said landmark status requires a certain amount of upkeep. The Historic Preservation Commission should take a position in this matter, he said. Ms. Davisson then spoke about professional responsibility for the greater community, and guarding individual property rights. Mr. Oxian, likewise, discussed property rights and said the Commission need not require the owner's consent for landmark status and said we should only take into considera- tion when deciding the fate of the Odd Fellows Building and its archi- tectural and /or historical significance based on Troyer's report. Mr. Oxian said the Commission should get more input. Mr. John Stamper, an applicant for the position of Historic Preservation Planner, who *as in the audience, then also spoke about the Odd Fellows Building and voiced a strong desire that it should be saved. He spoke August 15, 1977 Page 4 about downtown South Bend. He appreciated the position the Commission is taking and remarked that he felt the Mayor was not recognizing the value of the Commission. He felt there are other alternatives to de- molishing the Odd Fellows Building. He felt the Commission should be. held in high esteem. bJr. Stamper said an alternative to the Mini Mall would be to turn the lower two floors of the Odd Fellows Building into shops. He said there are other architects who should be contacted who would have other plans for restoring old buildings, and come up with new places for a parking garage. Mr. Smith then remarked that the Commission had not rushed into this controversy. He said that if anything, the plans for the M ini Mall have been rushed and only one architect was involved. Mr. Oxian said the Commission has issued a personal invitation to the Mayor to meet with the Commission and see the plans and '� have not heard anything." Mr. Oxian pointed out that so far no one has asked the Commission to have any in- put. Mrs. Price suggested that the Advisory Council of Historic Preser- vation review the building and get a professional opinion. Mr. Smith then made a motion that the Commission contact the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to give their opinion on the remain- ing structures in downtown South Bend - Odd Fellows Building, American Bank Building, J.M.S. Building, Oliver Theater Building, and any other buildings which they would think would be eligible to be placed on the National Register. Ms. Joann Sporleder seconded this motion and it was put to a vote. The motion passed with Me. F. Jay Nimtz abstaining. Mr. Smith next made a motion for the president to contact, or appoint - someone to contact, the Mayor, the Redevelopment Commission, the archi- tects, the owners of the Odd Fellows Building, the developers of the Mini Mall and the P.T.C. to meet with this Commission to discuss the - situation of the development of the Century Yxg2l, and the proposed. park- ing garage and the fate of the Odd Fellows Building. This motion was seconded by Ms. Joann Sporleder and it passed unanimously. It was felt that this should be a Working session" and not a Special Meeting of the Commission. 6. Committee Reports City Survey Mr. Ted Wasielewski broght the Commission up -to -date on the progress on the city survey. He had talked with Brian Crumlish. He asked for a list of structures that the Commission would like to be included. He wanted to know if structures rated at 9 and above should be in- cluded. He said there was considerable left over in the survey to do more buildings. Ms. Pendleton said she was against carding struc- tures only rated 9. Mr. Oxian said all superior structures be carded and that a meeting be held with Mr. Crumlish and the Survey Committee to decide on the number of buildings to card and potential districts - be set forth. There was some discussion on this matter. Mr. Wasiel- ewski asked for input from the Commission on how to proceed. One idea was to inventory buildings that were 100 years old. He also wanted to know the general policy on what cards to fill in. He said approximately 200 structures have been identified. Mrs. Price sug- gested that the survey identify street stapes, working with features other than houses in the district. August 15, 1977 Page 5 Mr. F. Jay Nimtz moved that the meeting be recessed until next Monday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m. Reconvened Meeting Third Floor Conference Room Monday, August 22, 1977 Room 323 7 :30 p.m. County -City Building 1. Call to Order President Oxian reconvened the August 15 meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. 2. Roll Call MEAIBERS PRESENT: Ms. Deloris Davisson, Mr. John Oxian, Ms. Joann Sporleder, Mr. Al Stivers, Mr. Ted Wasielewski MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. F. Jay Nimtz, Mr. Russell Rothermel, Mr. Jack Smith, Ms. Velma Torzewski. OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Gertrud Gilbert, Ms. Belle Pendleton, Mr. John Pauszek 6. Continuation of Committee Reports City Survey A?r. Ted Wasielewski said he would set up a committee meeting on this subject. He also wants a historic district committee meeting before the September regular meeting. Budget and Finance Mr. Oxian remarked that the Commission is going to tentatively bring up the budget in the city under revenue sharing funds, which would be brought up during the last session in December and on the first in January, 1978. Mr. Oxian reported that he had spoken to Pete Mullen regarding this matter. He then said he had spoken to Mr. Ferrettie about the addition to the County Courthouse which would prevent the rain from seeping through the doors and flooding the tunnel. This particular project of designing was given to the Crumlish/Sporleder firm to come up with something that would blend in with the building. Mr. Oxian mentioned that only $3,000 of the National Park Service grant of $5,000 had been asked for by the Commission for 1978, leaving $2,000 in the Commissioner's budget for this project. Mr. Oxian then informed the Commission that the 1978 budget from the County would be approximately $13,000. Historic Districts Mr. Ted Wasielewski reported that he would call a meeting of this committee. August 15, 1977 Page 6 Historic landmarks Mr. Oxian reported that he,_too, would call a meeting of this committee. Legal The Commission was informed that the Board of County Commissioners had retained the services of Joseph Amaral to defend the"Rinderle appeal. Public Relations and Education Ms.' Davisson reported that the October 24th regular - meeting of the Commission will take place in the lobby of the County -City Building, beginning at 7:00 P.M. and in conjunction with I.U.S.B. Center for Continuing Education. She remarked that a video tape tri1.]. be shown, askii.ng the questions about architecture and poli- tical decisions. There will be a short meeting and then general discussion. She then spoke about the grant from the Nation Trust, which she felt should be made as a public announcement for it is a very prestigious award. She spoke about the game: Architecture, American Style, and said the schools should be involved in this project. She also said that perhaps a slot on the program for the next year's annual convention of the National Trust in Chicago could be used to introduce the game by the Commission, or something that could take place in South Bend. Ms. Davisson informed the Commission that the next segment of "Patchwork" on Channel 34 WNIT will feature Tobi Christianson spea on the shingle style of architecture. She again spoke about the grant and.suggested that all people who were involved with this project should be invited when the announcement of the receipt of the money is done. Probably early in October. She said she will proceed zrith this project. Standards and Historic Plan Mr. Oxian read a portion of the Minutes of February 3, 1976 which discussed a five -page historic plan. There was general discussion in this area and Ms. Davisson said there should be clarification of what the commission has done and what it should do in the future. Presidential Report Mr. Oxian then read a letter from Shales and Company frcm Chicago, Illinois regarding tax assessments on historic homes. He said there still was nothing specific, and it just dealt with pre- August 15, 1977 Page 7 limin aries. He had talked to W. Gaylen Allsop on this question of facade easements and has the name of a local man who could do - the He is going to set up a meeting with this gentle- man to get some input. Ms. Davisson informed the Commission that she had gotten a good deal of information on this subject from Ipswich, Massachusetts. It was not, however, called an easement but a preservation agreement. It was suggested that perhaps H.E.W. money could be obtained to do this project. Mr. Oxian said that Mr. Gaylen Allsop had told the Commission that the "scenic ease- ment law" was available and would be the basis on which to start the local fascade easement cases. These easements were passed as covenants. Ms. Davisson said that in Ipswich, each home owner was paid $1,000 for such an easement. There was a good deal of discussion on this subject. Mr. Oxian then read a letter from American Preservation which asked for names of persons doing restorative work on homes. It was decided that this periodical was looking for a mailing list and no further action was taken. He then brought up a subscription form for Preservation Action and it was announced that this was a lobby and Mr. Smith should be asked if he wanted to join. Staff Report Ms. Gilbert informed the Commission that under the chairmanship of Al Stivers, the old Union Station - now called Union Square was going to have an Art Festival on the forthcoming Labor Day weekend. A number of artists and craftsmen were interested in permanent spaces and Mr. Stivers explained that they rented for 10, 12, and 15 dollars. He elaborated on the various plans for the station and said there would be a restaurant as well as a cocktail lounge. Mr. Stivers then made a rmtion that the Commission congratulate the owners in their endeavor to succeed in the renovation of the old Union Station. Mr. Wasielewski seconded this motion and it passed unanimously. Search Committee Mr. Stivers informed the Commission that to date 26 applicants had applied for the position of Historic Preservation Planner. He said an evaluative chart had been set up for each applicant who would be rated on nine different characteristics pertaining to the job. He explained four of these could be evaluated fom the resumes. Mr. Oxian suggested another meeting be held and Mr. Stivers set it up for Wednesday, August 17, at 7:30 P.M. 7. Old Business Plaques: Mr. Ted Wasielewski said Mr. Kidder had been in touch with him and informed him that he had not yet received the plaque for his landmarked structure. Mr. Oxian informed him that he still has it, August 15, 1977 Page 8 as well as Mr. Fodrocy's. Mr. Oxian then requested that letters be sent to owners of all structures which had been plaqued asking for two pictures of their homes: one show- ing the plaque as affixed to the outside of the house, and another a gen- eral view of the house. Mr. Oxian then spoke about the CETA position for research assistant and said that at a May 19, 1977 committee meeting, this position was denied. He talked. with Mr. Kelsenberg and, was referred to lairs. Taylor about this matter who was going to ask the CETA.Advisory Committee to reconsider our request for position's application for z'!unding. 8. New Business lds. Belle Pendleton informed the Commission that she had spoken with Brian Crumlish and appraised herself of what was being done with the survey cards. She said he is rating the structures but is not yet describing the houses. There are, howerver, photos on the cards. He will describe the structures on the superior homes after consultation with the Survey Committee. She said the North Shore Triangle is nearly done and the Hillcrest section. Ms. Davisson said that perhaps Jeanne Denham could help Belle with the historical research, using the money the commission has left. Sandy Davis, as well could — help on the research. It was suggested that Mrs. Denham be hired on a part -time basin, and a motion was made to do this if money was available. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Mr. Wasielewski said he would check into the budget to see what is available. 9. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters Mr. Oxian read a letter dated.August 15, to Mr. Brownell regarding the framing of an environmental impact statemtn regarding the downtown area. Ms. Davisson said the Commission should ultimately write such a statement. Mr. Oxian then read another letter to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, again asking for their opinion of South Bend's downtown area. The list of buildings on which such opinion was asked was read. There was discussion on these matters. Mr. Oxian next read a letter to Mayor Nemeth and Ms. Sporleder said the Commission should get a commitment from him. 10. Hearing of Visitors Mr. Pauszek spoke about whether there was a plan to cover things like - -- the controver j of the Odd Fellows Building, and the projected develop- ment of the downtown. He talked about the Oliver Theater Building and the project at C ntral High School. He said they are going to have a class program there in drama. Then he discussed plans for the Little Theater and thanked the Commission for its interest in Central High School. August 15, 1977 Page 9 11. Adjournment Mr. Ted Wasielewski made a motion that the meeting stand adjourned. Mr. Stivers seconded it and the Atigmt meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M. SUBMITTED BY: Russell W. Rothermel, Secretary DRAFT PREPARED BY: Gertrud C. Gilbert NEXT REGUTAR MEETING September 19, 1977 Monday — Conference Room - 323 Third Floor - County -City Building 7:30 p.m.