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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 1990City of South Bend Joseph E. Kernan, Mayor Office of the Mayor March 16, 1990 Ms. Jean Dennen 1113 East Wayne Street South Bend, Indiana 46617 Dear Jean: Thank you very much for agreeing to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission. I appreciate you volunteering your time and talents to serve on this very important commission. At your convenience please stop by the City Clerk's office, 4th floor of the County -City Building, to be formally sworn in. Thanks again, Jean, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, J eph E. Kernan ayor CC: John Oxian Lori A. Dixon County -City Building • South Bend, Indiana 46601 0 219/284-9261 • "Telefax 219/284-9892 r • • 0 AGENDA OF THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Council Chambers, 4th floor 7:30 p.m. - Regular Monthly Meeting March 19, 1990 County/City Build.ing I. Call to Order'rd�. II. Roll Call III. Public Hearing A. Certificates of Appropriateness - (Review) i. 805 Bronson St. - ED B. Public Hearing on the Studebaker Corridor IV. Regular Business A. Approval of Minutes - February 19, 1990 B. Treasurer's Report - February 1990 C. Correspondence D. Committee Reports 1. Certificates of Appropriateness (Report) 2. Budget & Finance a) Computer Bids 3. Legal 4. Historic Districts a) Meeting with Lincoinway East (Report) 5. Historic Landmarks a) Central High School C.of A. Meeting (Report) o. Public Relations & Community Education 7. Personnel a) Pay Increases for Three Positions (Report) b) Additional Clerical Staff 8. Staff Reports a) New Survey Manual b) HLFI Quarterly Regional Meeting (Report) c) CLG Inspection Meeting (Report) V. Old Business A. Historic Trees on Lincoln Way West .2nJ c. Resc;'+lu*1oin = Ar The Protection of Wooded Areas VI. New Business VII. Hearing of Visitors VIII. Announcements & Miscelaneous Matters IX. Adjournment • Regular Meeting March 19, 1990 I. Call to Order April 1990, Page 5 M I N U T E S Third Floor Conference Room County/City Building The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. II. Roll Call MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Joann Sporleder; Mr. Jed Eide; Mr. Herb Herendeen; Mrs. Jean Dennen; Mr. John Oxian; Mr. Odell Newburn; Mrs. Martha Choitz; Mrs. Janeanne Petrass; Mrs. Lori Dixon, Director. MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. F. Jay Nimtz; Mr. David Chapleau, Deputy City Attorney. ALSO PRESENT: Martha Wojciechowski; Ron Farr; Liz Farr; Wayne Werts; Darlene Bressler; Gunnar Jenson; Ann Kolata, Economic Development; K. C. Pocius, Economic Development; Ralph Edward Johnson; Jack . Flock, WZZP; Kevin Boughal, South Bend Tribune; Leigh Booker, Historic Preservation Commission Surveyor. III. Public Hearing A. Certificates of Appropriateness 1. 805 Bronson St. - ED Mrs. Dixon reported that the owner proposes to cover the exterior of the structure with vinyl siding. The current siding is not original to the structure. Mr. Farr, the.owner, reported that the original wood siding is deteriorated beyond repair. The vinyl siding would be 5" wide, and the window trim, soffits, and facias would be covered in a dark brown aluminum. Mrs. Dixon reported that two houses next to the property are covered in aluminum or vinyl siding. Mr. Farr provided samples of the siding to be used (a cream colored, wood textured vinyl). Mrs. Sporleder asked for clarification as to what portions of the building are to be covered. Mr. March 19, 1990, page 1 April 1990, Page 6 Parr stated that all tour sides and the porch • would be covered. The windows would be trimmed in the brown aluminum in a style replicating the existing trim style. Mrs. Sporleder moved that the following plan be approved: to cover all four sides and the porch in the cream -colored wood -embossed 5" vinyl siding; cover soffits, facias, and window trim in brown aluminum, retaining the original style as close as possible, and maintaining the exposure of the existing trim around the windows. Mr. Herendeen seconded; motion approved. B. Public Hearing on the Studebaker Corridor Mr. Oxian stated that the purpose of this portion of the meeting was to discuss the architectural and historic significance of the buildings in the Studebaker Corridor and Fringe, as well as the economic impact and/or feasibility of retaining select buildings. He then asked K. C. Pocius and Ann Kolata from the Economic Development department of the city to make a presentation outlining the proposed project. Mr. Pocius opened his presentation with a discussion of the buildings north of Sample Street. The Police . Credit Union building, Avanti building, and Transwestern building are to be cleared if a purchaser cannot be found in a reasonable amount of time, with the land to be used for a light industrial park. The other buildings in that area which are currently being utilized, such as the Shetland building and the Carpenter Shop, are not part of the city's plan. The Standard Surplus building owner will be required to upgrade the exterior of the building or the city will relocate the existing business from that building and demolish that building. Mr. Pocius pointed out that, while relocating the business will be costly, leaving the Standard Surplus building in the condition it is now would be a blight on the area. Mr. Oxian asked whether or not the new portion and first section of the Avanti Building could be saved, as it is in good condition. Mr. Pocius stated that leaving only the new portion of the building would be to leave a dot in the middle of an otherwise clear area. Mr. Newburn pointed out that persons interested in the property have voiced concern regarding placing their sophisticated equipment in older buildings. • March 19, 1990, page 2 April 1990, Page 7 • The area south of Sample street in the Corridor area is not a part of the city's plan for redevelopment. The Studebaker Foundry is not included in the bond issue, but it may be looked at later. The Fringe area is roughly bounded by Franklin St. to the west, Michigan St. to the east, Sample St. to the north, and Indiana to the south. Public works improvements will be performed throughout the project. The sewer lines, etc. already exist in this area, so the improvements will simply be a matter of upgrading. The Redevelopment Commission anticipates 450,000 square feet of developable space, $13.5 million in new investment, 900 new jobs, and $2.5 million added to the local tax base from the redevelopment of this area. The revitalization should also reinforce existing businesses in the area. The current plan proposes that all residential structures be cleared and all vacant lots purchased by the city. The Borden Building may be demolished because of its location near vacant lots, because of the proposed street widening, and because it has some hazzardous waste problems. Because of their location near large vacant or residential areas, a few • commercial and light industrial structures are also being considered for purchase and demolition. r� These acquisitions should yield half -acre to three - acre sites to accommodate small businesses. The city looks the keep the rest of the buildings as they are. Mr. Oxian asked that the Southern Hotel be saved for its architectural merit, and proposed that it be used as living quarters for transients, such as the former Broadway Hotel, or that it be upgraded to serve as a hotel in conjunction with new business in the area. Mr. Johnson of 734 N. Cushing asked why Code Enforcement cannot force factories and owners of larger buildings (such as the Standard Surplus Building) to fix up their buildings. Ms. Kolata stated that if the owners do not repair their buildings within the allotted time, the city must demolish them. The city's budget for demolition is not large enough to handle the expense of demolishing the larger buildings. Mr. Gunnar Jenson made a proposal to the Commission for the adaptive use of the Transwestern Building. The north end of the building could be developed as a March 19, 1990, page 3 April 1990, Page 8 parking garage, while the south end could be developed as a mini -mall, light manufacturing, or a combination thereof, similar to the Old Bag Factory in Goshen, IN. Mr. Jenson suggests that if the South Shore ran to Union Station, people could park in the northern part of the Transwestern Building. A skywalk could be built to accommodate those persons working in the Administration Building across Bronson Street. Mr. Jenson also proposed that the windows be replaced with Lexan (a type of plastic), utilizing the persons at the Hope Mission, and other persons seeking temporary employment, for labor. Mr. Newburn and Mr. Jenson engaged in a discussion of the pros and cons of bringing the South Shore into Union Station versus the current proposal of taking it to the airport. Wayne Werts agreed with Mr. Jenson's proposal of utilizing the Transwestern building, stating that the value would be greater in utilizing the structure than in tearing it down. The location is easy to find and convenient for a multitude of activities. • Ms. Kolata pointed out that most buildings being built • today are 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. When Mrs. Sporleder asked if anyone had even expressed an interest in the land, -Ms. Kolata stated that no has specifically requested that site, but they are looking for land in general, as close to downtown as possible. Mr. Oxian pointed out that if the city removes the houses, the Avanti Building, and the Police Credit Union building, they would create eight acres of developable land. If they postponed the third area of the plan (the Transwestern Building), the development of the eight acres might give the city an idea of how many people are interested in this area and would help in the promotion of the Transwestern Building and land through the rejuvination of the rest of the neighborhood. Ms. Kolata pointed out that she believed the area south of Sample Street would develop independently, regardless of the development, or lack thereof, of the area to the north. Mr. Johnson asked why the EPA would not be called to check the Studebaker Corridor area for contamination, • March 19, 1990, page 4 April 1990, Page 9 • etc. from underground tanks and other devices remaining from the old Studebaker plant buildings. Mr. Pocius remarked that the federal government can move rather slowly at times. Ms. Kolata added that some tests have been done already. The state EPA will do a "walk through", but will not do detailed testing. The testing is up to the city. • • Mr. Jenson suggested that the city water department be assigned the duty of testing properties for contamination. Ms. Kolata agreed that that would be a possibility worth looking into. Mr. Johnson suggested that the city replace the windows in the Transwestern Building prior to marketing it. Ms. Kolata pointed out that the cost of window replacement is large. Also, the city would still have a four-story building when businesses seem to be interested in only the first floor. Mr. Werts pointed out that developers do not need to figure the entire cost of renovation at the onset, but rather could renovate the exterior and take care of the necessities for operating their business first. Ms. Kolata agreed, but stated that the majority of the renovation cost is in the exterior and in bringing the building up to code. According to Ms. Kolata, one of the problems with keeping the Transwestern Building while developing the adjacent areas is that if someone wanted to buy the property across from the Transwestern Building and they were told by the city that the city did not know the fate of the Transwestern Building, the interested buyer would not want the property in the neighborhood. The goal is to revitalize the entire area, and leaving the Transwestern Building standing without an interested developer would possibly impede the process. Mrs. Petrass asked if the monies currently budgeted for demolition of the Transwestern Building ($1.3 million) could not be used for the rehabilitation of the building. Ms. Kolata stated that this was possible, but whether it could be used by a private individual or corporation to renovate (versus use by the city) is still in question. That would be offering a subsidy tc renovators. Mrs. Sporleder stated that demolition of the structure by the city to clear the site for a developer would be a subsidy to new construction. Mr. Johnson pointed out that renovation is generally less costly than new construction. March 19, 1990, page 5 April 1990, Page 10 Mr. Herendeen used the example of the Monroe Park area • as a revitalization plan that has worked for the city. If the rest of the Studebaker Corridor were cleared and/or developed, maybe it would attract people to the Transwestern Building. Mrs. Sporleder added that the building is easily accessible from all parts of the city. Ms. Kolata agreed, adding that many clients want to be close to the center of town. This area would accommodate their needs. Mr. Oxian stated that, in the interest of time, if there were no new matters to be discussed regarding the Studebaker Corridor, the Commission would continue with its regular business. He thanked the guests for coming and stating their views. Mrs. Sporleder requested a five minute recess. Mr. Oxian called a five minute recess at 10:05 p.m. IV. Regular Business Mr. Oxian reconvened the meeting at approximately 10:15 p.m. and continued with the regular business. A. Approval of Minutes Mrs. Petrass requested a change in wording in line 4, • paragraph 2 under Staff Reports, Personnel. Mrs. Dixon agreed. Mrs. Sporleder moved that the minutes be accepted as amended; Mr. Newburn seconded; motion approved. B. Treasurer's Report Mrs. Sporleder moved that the treasurer's report be approved; Mr. Newburn seconded; motion approved. C. Committee Reports Mr. Oxian asked that, due to the late hour, the Commission deal only with those items requiring immediate attention and table all others until the April meeting. The Commission agreed unanimously. 1. Certificates of Appropriateness No Report 2. Budget and Finance a) Computer Bids March 19, 1990, page 6 April 1990, Page 11 • Mrs. Dixon reported that the Commission had received permission from the State Historic Preservation Office to use a portion of the current grant monies to purchase a new computer. She has sought price quotes, which she presented to the Commission, and requested permission to purchase the Tandy computer, pending approval of the County Commissioners. Mrs. Sporleder moved that the purchase of the Tandy computer be approved; Mrs. Choitz seconded; motion approved. 3. Legal Tabled until April. 4. Historic Districts a) Meeting with Lincolnway East Tabled until April. 5. Historic Landmarks a) Central High School C. of A. Meeting • Tabled until April.. 6. Public Relations & Community Education • Tabled until April. 7. Personnel a) Pay Increases for Three Positions Tabled until April. b) Additional Clerical Staff Mrs. Dixon requested permission to hire Suzanne Hooker as a part-time clerical worker to assist in the researching and typing of information for the current survey grant. Mr. Herendeen moved that Mrs. Dixon hire additional clerical staff; Mr. Newburn seconded; motion approved. 8. Staff Reports a) New Survey Manual March 19, 1990, page 7 April 1990, Page 12 Tabled until April. • b) HLFI Quarterly Regional Meeting Tabled until April. c) CLG Inspection Meeting Tabled until April. V. Old Business A. Historic Trees on Lincoln Way West Approved for local landmark status at February meeting. B. Resolution for the Protection of Wooded Areas Mr. Oxian requested permission to proceed with the processing of the resolution as stated in the sample provided to the Commission members prior to the meeting. The Commission agreed unanimously. VI. New Business Tabled until April. F-1 L J n L.J March 19, 1990, page 8 April 1990, Page 13 40 VII. Hearing of Visitors • No Report VIII. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters IX. Adjournment Mrs. Choitz moved to adjourn; Mr. Newburn seconded; motion approved. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. March 19, 1990, page 9 • C� historicpreservation commission • of south bend and st. joseph county ROOM 1123 COUNTY CITY BUILDING south bend, indiana 46601 (219) 284-9798 TO: Historic Preservation, Commission FROM: Lori Dixon, Director RE: Meeting Packet for March 1990 DATE: March 12, 1990 Please find enclosed the information to be discussed at the March 19th meeting of the HPC. In the interest of time, I have prepared reports on most topics on the agenda. Please read this information. As each topic comes up at the meeting, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. If there are no questions, the topic will immediately be voted upon or the Commission will proceed to the next topic as appropriate. If the reports are read by EVERYONE (I will be happy to explain any of them in further detail if necessary) we should be able to speed the meeting along, allowing everyone • to arrive home at a reasonable hour. This process is especially important for the March meeting, as we will hold public hearing on the Studebaker Corridor. We will not want the rest of the meeting to last any longer than necessary. Therefore, please read the enclosed information and have your questions ready. If you wish, you may contact me at the office prior to Monday's meeting to ask questions. I will be happy to answer them for you. Information NOT enclosed includes the Computer Bids listed under Budget and Finance, the Meeting Report on Central High School, and the Resolution for the Trees on Lincoln Way West. This information will be sent to you when available, or provided for you at the meeting. I hope this procedure will meet the approval of all concerned. While it will require a little more of your time prior to the meeting, it should shorten the meeting time. 0 A • STAFFREPORT Ron Farr 80�_-- Bronson South Bend, Iiv 46618 PROPOSAL The owner proposes to cover existing wood siding with S" vinyl siding; cover soffit with aluminum. STANDARDS II. Existing Structures A. Building Materials 1. Required Existing exterior building materials shall be retained. Deterioration or" wood materials shall be prevented through repair, .cleaning and painting. The existing or original architectural detail around windows, porches, doors and eaves should be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design and materials when deteriorated beyond repair. 2. Recommended Aluminu;r, or vinyl siding may be used when it is the only feasible alternative to • maintaining the original surface material. When used on wood surfaces this siding should be the same size and style as the original wood. it must be noted, however, that such mateial can contribute to the detrioration or the structure form moisture and insects. RECOMMENDATION In accord=. nce wit:-: t: -;e guidelines, the staff recommends t} -.at the owner not be permitted to add siding to the property unless he can demonstrate either deterioration of the existing material beyond repair or economic hardship. 0 Appendix E • PERSONNEL REPORT MARCH 19, 1990 Pay 1 n c r Cases As Eipproyed L ebruary 19 Upon receiving approval from the HPC., Mrs. Dixon proceded tC notify the County Commissioners of the HPC's decision:. The County Commissioners denied the two raises as well as the proposed rate increase for the Survey Manager's position on the grounds that the County does not allow raises except at the beginning of the year. 1 again explained to their secret ar that t nese were not county posi t ions arra i n 1-1 Et case of Mr. Pastor, ?-:is contract was overlooked in December, thus he should have received his raise at the beginning of the year . The Commissioners are again, reviewing the proposed raise for Mr. Pastor, and Mrs. Dixon has an appointment with there to discuss these, and other matters later in the week. Additional Clerical Staff As the final quarter of the survey period rolls around, the HPC will again need to hire part-time clerical staff to • process survey cards and perform basic research duties, thus freeing Ms. Wikman to conduct the necessarily extensive research on properties rated C1110 or above. We have retained the applications of persons applying, for the secretarial position, posted last fall and have determined that one of the applicants would be qualified for this part-time position. T1s. Susie Booker is bots, well-written and well-spoken, has a general knowledge of architectural terms, and types 65-70 wpm. Through communications with Ms. Booker, she has expressed her interest in this position. Therefore, the director requests permission, pending approval of the County Commissioners. to hire Ms. Booker at a rate as yet to be determined falling between $5.00 and $6.00 per hour. go 0 • Appendix G historic preservation commission of south bend and st. joseph county Report of Meeting Date March 7, 1990 Time 11:00 _..m. Planner location Lor_ Dixon Morris Civic The Quarterly Regional Meeting of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of _ndiana was attendee; by approximately 20 persons representing 7 historic preser'v'ation commissions and review boards. Representing the HPC of South; Bend and St. Joseph County were Martha Choitz. Janeanne Petrass. and Dori Dixon. Jeff Gibney. Director of South Bend Heritage, spoke to the croup on the topic of funding preservation protects, using many examples Prom the South Bend area. The meeting was enjcyable and informative, and allowed members of commissions in different cities to exchange ideas and strategies for preservation planning. • • n • historic preservation commission of south bend and st. joseph county Report of Meeting Date I _ Time Planner Lori Dixoti Location HPL Office Alan Goebes, CLu Coors_ nator fcr the S- 'I 0:f ICe- paid, a surf;rise v s I t To the HPO o;_ic=* review our CL� s'atus. Mr .3oebe—s rei(li n ied Mrs. Dixon fiat all Com?-nission merrilDerS are re,xulrcCi t0 attend trai.?lin( session some sort annually. Mrs. Dixc,n- S;; owed -i P, a cot_ty of the training fC,anua1 She- heij.,ed, to Cr,,rii �i le wIn Ie I n Georc' is and he suggested she revamp it for use in inciiana. Mrs. Dixon said she would do So and hold a trainil;C_T session for the HPC in South Bend within two months. Mr . Goebes also ;wast lone -d the open SjJace or, the Co?Ttmission roster. Mrs. Dixon explained the .:ircumstanc-s and Mr. Voebes granted an extention of the 90 -day {race period for appointment until April 15, 1990. The Mayor has been informed of such. Thimeeting went well and the HPC passed review with the exception of the above-mentioned poin's. e,! 0 H L F i w ri 1 r" a t i 1 r T W p C e- n er for Preservation Law Board - f�=rs Portage Ma- n o r- newsletter e. n n o u n c e m e n I- of third G 1 o b a I _o n g r- e s s of H r JL a a, interpretation InternatIona1 tconferencei f. Announcement of Sout hhold C-3en Membership Meeting 9 - ARM Comput I ng Services If Iyer h. Old House Journal, Mar-ch/April 1990 i Freetown VIllage- advert ise-ment , NIH -,'z Preservation Law Update, 1990-4, 1990-6, 1990-- k. Historic Preservation, March./April 1990 • -1. NIHS land letter sale M. Light Impressions book catalogue n. CRM Builketin, Vol. 13, No. .11 o. Light impressions product catalogue and technical leaflets 0 Appendix F • Please find enclose_i a copy of the survey manual compiled by James Pastor. Because this manual is a montage of the Work of other authors, it is NOT FOR PUBLICATION. It is merely a guideline of terns commonly used in the Survey Update for the benefit of persons associated With the commission. • • C� • •