HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 1977nistoric preservation commissior
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f .south en and st. jo ep county
ROOM 1123 COUNTY CITY, BUILDING
south bend, indiana 46601 (219 284-9798)
Regular Meeting -
November 21, 1977------_
:7.30 �i _ :•, r.
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Room_323 -Conference Room -:
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3. APPraval of- Nhi.nutes
Treasurer's Report7
5 ,:.Corresondencek
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11
6, Committee Reports
City Survey
Budget:;and Finance
_ Historic Districts
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_.. ,:. Historic --Landmarks
Legal
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Public- Relations and ,Coffin .
unit Edu
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- :Standards and Historic PlariF`
Presidential° Report
_ -- Staff Report- _.
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7. Old: Business _-
'8. New Business
Hearing: of .Visitors
10 ;._,'Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters.
"Adjournment
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TOTAL BUDGET $11,425.08
Treasurer's Report November 21, 1977
$11,425.08 4,213.46
1977
Budgeted
,Balance
Line Item
119.1
Historic Preservation Planner
$8,200.08
$2,628.62
212
Postage
300.00
187.97
213
Travel Expenses
600.00
-0-
215
Books
125.00
125.00
241
Printing, other than office supplies
400.00
204.10
242
Publication of Legal Notices
200.00
100.00
243
Photography and Blue Prints
200.00
200.00
244
Stationery and Printing
100.00
28.55
252
Equipment
50.00
13.00
261
Legal Services
600.00
600.00
263
Technical Assistance
400.00
0-
371
General Office Supplies
100.00
38.22
570
Dues and Subscriptions
150.00
88.00
$11,425.08 4,213.46
historic preservation commission
November 21, 1977
Page 2
Mr. Oxian then asked the Commission to set aside a sum of -$600.
for Ms. Deloris Davisson--to implement and carry on the work she
had done on the Project - Landmarks, the matching fund grant from
the National Trust. There was some discussion on this matter and
it was felt that Ms. Davisson would be in the temporary employ of
the Commission.
Mr. Ted Wasielewski made a motion that the Commission set aside
$600.00 for Deloris Davisson to work on implementing the Project
Landmarks. Ms. Sporleder seconded this motion. There was no dis-
cussion_and the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Oxian-then made the motions that the Commission authorize a
sum of $300.00 for Mr. John Stamper to continue the project he is
doing at the present time and several other projects Mr. Oxian has
in mind. Included in these are the completion of several survey
forms and the completion of a Certificate of Appropriateness for
the Number 7 Fire Station. Mr. Al Stivers seconded the foregoing
motions and they were passed unanimously.
Ms. Sporleder then wished the Commission to appropriate sufficient
money at Gene's Photo Shop to reproduce 160 slides for educational
presentations, plus three slide trays to be bought at Schillings.
Mr. Stivers seconded this motion and it passed unanimously.
Mr. Oxian then made a motion that the Commission purchase ten more
plaques, since there were several more landmarks. There was some
discussion on this.
Mr. Oxian made a recommendation that the Commission subscribe to
the new magazine: American Preservation.
5. Correspondence
Mr. Oxian stated that a decision should be made by the Commission -
on the Morris Theatre and the Fire Station # 7 to complete a Certi-
ficate of Appropriateness. It was decided to turn this over to
John Stamper.
Next a letter from Morris Ketchem was discussed. He had written
asking for information on structures within South Bend that had
been recycled into new uses for inclusion in a publication he has
been preparing. It was decided that this project would.also be
undertaken by John Stamper. Mr. Nimtz seconded this motion and it
passed unanimously.
Mr. Oxian then informed the Commission that he had heard from the
Society of Professional Journalists and recommended that the Com--
mission
om-mission send a representative to a meeting that they are -having
on 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 29th. It is an open meeting and
Mr. Nimtz will attend as a member of the Redevelopment Commission.
Mr. Wasielewski and Ms. Sporleder voiced that they might attend.
6. Committee Reports
City Survey
Mr. Ted Wasielewski reported that a meeting -of the City Survey
November 21, 1977
Page 3
committee was held on the 9th, and he brought the Commission
up on the present status of the survey. He then read a progress
report prepared by the firm of Crumlish/Sporleder. It was men-
tioned that approximately 4,250 structures within the city of
South Bend had been reviewed. Of these structures approximately
261 may be regarded as very superior or above average and will
be carded. All buildings have a rating of 10 or above. Each
target area has been mapped.. Mr. Wasielewski informed the Com-
mission that the next meeting of the City Survey Committee will
be on December 7, 1977 (changed to December loth) at 7;30 p.m.
at the Bognar Agency office. He said everyone is welcome to come.
He also asked the Commission to pull together some ideas for next
year's work.
Budget and Finance
Mr. Oxian informed the Commission that there is a proposal pend-
ing, of which Mr. Timothy. Eckerle is aware, to appropriate the
$8,000 needed to complete the City Survey to be used, in part,
to build a fire station. He said the city would tear down the
existing Fire Station #6 and build a new one. There was discussion
between Mr. Tim Eckerle and Mr. John Oxian. Mr. Eckerle explained
how Community Development funds work and said this proposal was
pending locally. Mr. Oxian then said the $20,000 had been pro-
mised to the Commission for the City Survey, of which $12,000
were -to be used this year, and $8,000 until July of 1978. There
was some discussion of ordinances and attachments. It was men-
tioned that perhaps the Historic Preservation Commission could
re -apply to C.D. for these funds for next year. Mr. Oxian said
that no member of the Commission was informed of this pending pro-
posal, and Mr. Eckerle countered that no agency had been informed.
Mr. Eckerle said the first reading would be the last Monday in the
month. There was further discussion of the Citizen's Advisory
Committee. Mr. Oxian then stated that since Mr. Eckerle was well --
versed in Community Development funding, wised to appoint Mr. Eck-
erle to the Budget and Finance Committee. Thereupon, Mr. Eckerle,
who works for Community Development, dclined this position on the
grounds that it would be a conflict of interest. Mr. Oxian said
that Mr. Eckerle's being on the Historic Preservation Commission
was a conflict of interest. He then said that Mr. Eckerle should -
keep the Commission informed of what goes on in Community Develop-
ment and to keep in touch.
Historic Districts
Mr. Ted Wasielewski informed the Commission that there had been
a small meeting of this committee and that the committee agreed
to pursue proposed zoning change in the West Washington area. He
said he would be meeting with Mr. Dick Johnson of the Area Plan
Commission regarding such zoning and acceptable occupancy.
He said a district must be established - a local district by
ordinance. Mr. Oxian then said he had received a sample of a -
law which was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature establish-
November 21, 1977
Page 4
ing the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Boston.
He said in this lw, three different types of historic districts
were set up: one for the National Register, the second type for
State and local and the third type a conservation district. This
would preserve the neighborhood in which architecturally superior
buildings were not included. He said he would ask W. Gaylen All-
sop to read this ordinance and perhaps make this a part of the
Commission's ordinance. There was discussion of these three sep-
arate types of districts.
Mr. Oxian then said that Community Development should be working
with the Commission in the West Washington area. Mr. Oxian then
appointed Tim Eckerle to become a member of the Historic Districts
Committee, and It. Eckerle accepted.
Historic Landmarks
Mr. Oxian informed the Commission that he had several structures
that he would like to nominate for landmark status. One was at
18075 Roosevelt Road. Ha made a motion that the Commission de-
clare it an historic landmark. Mr. Nimtz then asked if the owners
agreed to this designation and Mr. Oxian assured him that they had.
Mr. Al Stivers seconded this motion. It passed unanimously.
The next one is located at 61723 Oak Road. Mr. Oxian said that
two letters had been sent to the original owners and then one -
letter to the owner who had inherited the property. The origin-
al owner passed this property on to her daughter. He said there
had been no response to the letters, but that the Commission could
go ahead and declare this building, which includes the barn, a
landmark if there were no objections. Mr. Oxian then made a motion -
that this structure be designated an historic landmark. Mr. Rother-
mel seconded this motion. It was put to a vote and passed, with
Mr. Nimtz voting nay. Mr. Oxian said the barn had a cupola which
was removed after it was ascertained that it would cost too much
to repair. Mr. Nimtz stated he didn't like the procedure of de-
claring a landmark when the owners did not specifically say they
wanted it done. He did not think the Commission is consistent.
Mr. Oxian said that according to the Ordinance the Historic Pre-
servation Commission it is not required to have the consent of
the owner in declaring Landmarks and that it was proper procedure.
There was some discussion on this point, and Ms. Sporleder remarked
that it certainly would be "nicer" if the Commission had the approval
of the owners to declare a structure a landmark.
Mr. Oxian then said he would like the house at 1608 Devon Circle
in the city declared a landmark as well. He said the owner had -
approved, in writing, that the house be so designated. Mr. Roth-
ermel made a motion that this structure be declared a landmark.
Mr. Ted Wasielewski seconded.this motion and it passed unanimously.
Mr. Oxian then discussed the Barlett house and said that the
former owner, John Bender, had wanted the house declared a landmark.
November 21, 1977
Page 5
The house is now owned by David Lord. He talked with Mr. Lord
and there was no definite answer either way. Mr. Oxian said that
Southhold had made Mr. Lord a loan to restore the structure. But
permission must be gotten to declare it a landmark. Mr. Ted Was-
ielewski said he would talk -,to David Lord.
Mr. Oxian next brought up the Arthur Fredrickson house on Lafay-
ette Boulevard. He said he had talked several times with Mr.
Fredrickson but had received nothing in writing in having this
house and store declared a landmark. Mr. Oxian made a motion
that this house and store be designated a historic landmark.
Ms. Sporleder maintained that permission should be gotten from
the owner. Mr. Ted Wasielewski suggested that perhaps a form
letter could be sent to the home owner for him to sign, giving
permission for designation. There was discussion on this matter
and it was decided that Ms. Joann Sporleder would work with Mr.
Oxian to draft such a letter. Mr. Oxian then made a motion that
this house be declared a landmark,ending a possible permission
from the owner, with Mr. .Oxian getting written consent from mr.
Fredrickson. t'!r. Al Stivers seconded this motion and it passed
unanimously.
Ms. Joann Sporleder then spoke about the Palais Royale and the
Morris Civic Theatre. Mr. Stamper advised the Commission that -
preliminary research had been done on these buildings. Mr. Roth-
ermel said that the Palais Royale is part of the Morris Theatre
and should be utilized as one building. It was mentioned that
the owners of these buildings "were spread around the country."
There was some discussion about the historical and architectural
significance of the structures. Mr. Oxian stated that if the
two buildings could not be declared landmarks at one time, then
neither one by itself should be so designated.
Legal
Mr. Nimtz, in discussing the Rinderle case, informed the Commission
that there had been no further word on whether they were going to
appeal Judge Ati11er's refusal for a motion.
Public Relations and Community Education
There was no report from this committee
Standards and Historic Plan
There was really nothing new from this committee except that
Mr. Oxian mentioned that a procedure should be adoptedby the
Commission for a Review Board. Ms. Sporleder was advised to
get together with Mr. Oxian to set up a procedure. Mr. Oxian
showed a brochure, "Guidelines concerning appearing before the
Architectural Review Board". Mr. Oxian made a comment that
this matter be withheld for further action later.
Presidential Report
Mr. Oxian discussed the hiring of Ms. Candace Peck for the
position of Historic Preservation Planner, beginning
November 21, 1977
Page 6
December 1, 1977. She was interviewed by Deloris Davisson,-
Ruth Price and John Oxian at the annual National Trust meet-
ing in Mobile, Alabama and is highly qualified for this
position.
Staff Report
Ms. Gilbert felt it was necessary to publicly inform the Com-
mission that Ms. Deloris Davisson had not been re -appointed to
the Commission by the Mayor, and that he, had appointed Mr.
Timothy Eckerle to serve for three years'as a Commission member.
7. Old Business
Mr. Oxian brought up a letter from Mr. LeLee regarding a Certificate
of Appropriateness for the #7 Fire Station which is now housing the—
ACTION Center. He felt that an architect should fill out the Certi
ficate and turned this matter over to John Stamper. Mr. Nimtz moved
that a special review committee be set up, which would include Mr.
Oxian, Ms. Sporleder and Mr. Stivers to deal with this particular
request. Mr. Rothermel seconded this -motion and it passed unanimously.
Mr. Oxian brought up a letter from the North Shore TriangleAssociation
regarding the lights on the Leeper Bridge. He said a letter had been
sent to Patrick McMahon regarding this matter. Mr. Oxian suggested
that some sort of facsimile of the bridge lighting be made up and
that Ms. Sporleder work with.the North Shore Triangle Association on
this aspect. He stated that Mr. Ted Wasielm--ski would handle the
district matter.
Mr. Oxian then discussed the matter of facade easements and said a
meeting had been held and it was a most difficult task to decide the
the value of a facade on a house. Mr. Oxian talked about a facade.
easement plan in San Francisco in which no less than 15% of the value
of the building was included in the facade easement. It must be cleared.
by the assessor's office.
8. New Business
Mr. Oxian brought up the matter of several. conferences: December 1
to 3 in Washington, D.C., a conference on --old and New Architectural -
Design Relationship. Then there is a Mid -west division of the -Nation-
al Trust meeting of Preservation Action in Oak Park, Illinois.
Mr. Oxian reported that the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana
had a revolving fund of $150,000 to be earmarked for historic pre-
servation of threatened historic structures. He said it would not
apply to the Commission but might very well apply to Southhold.
9. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters
There were no further announcements.
November 21, 1977
Page 7
10. Hearing of Visitors
There were no remarks from the visitors in attendance.
11. Adjournment
Mr. Ted Wasielewski made a motion that the November meeting stand
adjourned. Mr. Al Stivers seconded it and the meeting, after this
motion had passed unanimously, was adjourned at 9:33 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY: Russell W. Rothermel, Secretary
DRAFT PREPARED BY: Gertrud C. Gilbert
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, December 20, 1977
Conference Room - 323
Third Floor - County -City Building
7:30 p.m.