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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 1997• Regular monthly meeting 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 17, 1997 AGENDA OF.THE REGULAR MEETING of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Public Hearing A. Certificates of Appropriateness County Commissioner's Conference Room 7th Floor County City Bldg. 1997-0304 - 1028 East Wayne Street (LL) - Gutter installation IV. Regular Business A. Approval of Minutes 1. February 24, 1997 B. Treasurers Report C. Correspondence D. Committee Reports 1. Budget & Finance 2. Legal 3. Historic Districts a. Project Access 4. Historic Landmarks a. Status of recommendations to Common Council 1) 501 West Colfax 2) 513 Harrison Avenue 3) 1637 Lincolnway West 4) 804 N. Lafayette - Madison School b. Bendix Woods National Register site 5. Standards & Maintenance 6. Preservation Week 1997 E. Staff Reports 1. C of A Staff Approvals none 2. DHPA Grant status a. Notification of listing for St. Casimir Parish National Register Historic District b. 1996-97 c.•1997-98 V. Old Business A. 1202 Lincolnivay E. - COA application for demolition of carriage house VI. New Business VII. Hearing of Visitors VIII. Announcements & Miscellaneous Matters IX. Adjournment • CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT APPLICATION --1997-0304 • PROPERTY -- 1028 E. Wayne Street South Bend, IN OWNER -- Family Children's Center DESIGNATION -- Local Landmark RATING -- S/11 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT Lot 2, Lister's Subdivision of,Cottrell's large lot 23 was purchased by Sorden Lister in 1881, as part of a tax sale of lots 1-6. The following year Lister erected this one and one-half story gable front cottage on this site, and a similar house on the adjacent lot to the east. Lister used both of these houses as income property. Sorden Lister belonged to one of the early pioneer families in St. Joseph County, arriving from Delaware in the 1830's. He served as a First ward councilman, and postmaster. He also operated a bootery at 77 Michigan Street. In 1898, Lister sold the property to his daughter and' son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Edwin C. McDonald for $1,000. McDonald, a prominent South Bend photographer, sold -the house to William McHenry in 1913. The first owner occupant of the house was Oliver S. Platt. The City Directories give no indication of Platt's occupation. Apparently he was involved in real estate. His name appears frequently in the deed indexes for real estate transactions • throughout the teens and twenties.. Platt and his wife, Eliza bought the house in 1923. They lived there until the late 1930's when Platt began to rent the house. Gregory and Daniel Berry acquired the house in the 1970's. The home was converted into a counseling center. This house was restored and designated a landmark in 1980., PROPOSED CHANGE The owner requests replacement of front porch gutters. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks state: Group B Standards B. Treatment Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such improvements include reproofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or detract from the character of the landmark. C. Renovation and Additions 2. All work should be done in the architectural style and in a technique compatible with that of the original structure. Change that alters, removes or covers existing significant stylistic detail shall not be permitted. RECOMMENDATION In initial telephone contact with Staff, the applicant indicated that they wished to install gutters at the front porch to prevent ice build-up on the front steps which had presented a hazard. Staff determined from survey photographs taken in 1988 that gutters had existed at that time and indicated CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT that a Staff approval for in-kind replacement would be appropriate. However, upon receiving the application and visiting the site it was discovered that no gutters presently existed and a small pediment which historically had diverted water from the area of the,steps was now missing. This led to a search of the COA files. On November 21, 1991, a certificate of appropriateness was given to Mr. John Palmer for reroofing the house. What was stated on the certificate was "Replace roof to resemble original" with the exception of going from T -shingle -to 3 -block shingle. Apparently, when the porch roof was then reconstructed, the pediment was eliminated from the project leading to the present drainage onto the steps. No gutters now exist at the porch. The roof edge which appears to have' re -used or reproduced historical mouldings as required in the previous COA has no gutter board or easy method for installing one. The documentation for the 1991 COA is fairly extensive and the Agenda for the December HPC meeting implies that the issue was referred to committee. It may be that the Standards and Maintenance Committee verbalized permission to eliminate the pediment without recording it to the file, but not such record was found. The staff recommends that the Owner replace the pediment that once was over the porch entry. Study of the files for COA #1991-1121 does not indicate that removal of the pediment feature was approved by the commission. This pediment was not only decorative but directed the rain away from the area of the porch steps. If the Owner desires to install gutters, half -round type troughs would be the only type applicable without alteration of roof -edge and trim conditions. r � U MKV & DBD 3/12/97 • 0 � 0 -Z, ?? E: - jv% e ( 99i �%X11 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Monthly Meeting County Commissioner's 7:30 p.m. Conference Room Monday February 24, 1997 7th Floor County—City Building I. Call to Order John Oxian, President of the commission,.brought the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. II. Roll Call Commission members present were: Richard Bullene, Catherine Hostetler, John Oxian, Janeanrie Petrass, J. Edward Talley, & Jerry Wiener. Commission staff present were: David Duvall, Director, Melody VanZant, Administrative Assistant and Aladean DeRose, Counsel. Also attending the meeting were: Mrs. Peg Luecke, -Jim Jasiewicz, and Carl Litrell.- III. Public Hearing A. Proposed Local Landmark Designation • 1) 801 North Lafayette — Madison School Mr. Duvall presented the staff report. Mrs. Luecke spoke both as a parent and as a member of the Park Avenue Neighborhood Association. In this capacity, she. worked closely with Hebard and Hebard Architects as a parent liaison to Madison Renovation Committee in 1994, to come up with a. renovation plan, which has been postponed by the South Bend Community School Corporation. She believes the plan to be viable and worth while to declare as a Landmark as an integral part of the neighborhood. Mr. Jim Jasiewicz, Director of Buildings and Grounds for the South Bend Schools, was concerned about air intakes being installed as per state code. Holes would have to be cut into the buildings exterior in order to allow for an air exchange which would change the looks of the building. His concern was whether the commission would allow them to cut into the building, -provided they take care to keep the color of the air intake the same as the interior so as not to draw attention to the alteration of the exterior windows where these intakes would be positioned. Mr. Jasiewicz stated that without the remodeling as per code, then, the building would not be allowed to operate as a school. Mr. Oxian acknowledged that the state law precedes the commissions decision, and the commission, too, must abide by the state laws. Mr. Oxian, also referred to Fred Holycross who dealt with this issue when he was director, and who had a lot of input on this subject of permissible alterations to the school. Mrs. Luecke was concerned about the commission being receptive to the idea of a design addition in the inner center courtyard area which she felt was needed along with the present courtyard, which she felt would help for expanding classrooms and other facilities. Mr. Oxian stated that Fred • Holycross had agreed to this idea earlier and he doubted that the commission would over rule that idea now. Mr. Talley made the remark that the commission would, in no way, wish to do anything that might cause the closure of that school. Mr. Talley agreed with. Ms. Luecke that the school was an intrical part of the neighborhood. Mr. Talley moved to recommend the Madison School as a Local Landmark. Ms. Petrass seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. • B. Certificates of Appropriateness 1) Blanket COA for street identification and traffic control signs Mr. Duvall read the Staff report and circulated photographs. Mr. Carl Litrell presented the signs in question. Ms. DeRose stated that she was opposed to handing out a blanket order for a COA. However, she felt that the ordinance called for some flexibility .as long as there was a strict interpretation of the ordinance. She stated that all markers that presently exist which may be changed in the future could be identified under the 'COA, and that the COA make it clear that there be no deviations from the signage currently being used. Should such markers deviate from said COA, then, a new COA should be required. Ms. DeRose stated that the traffic signs are a state issue. -An identification of where they are presently located should be noted in case of future replacement, in which case a new COA should be sought, but, as far as installing new ones, that, again is an issue of the state. Mr. Duvall asked Ms. DeRose about the duration of the COA. Ms. DeRose suggested that a new blanket COA be requested annually, provided no changes be made from the original COA, and that the renewed COA could be performed by Staff. Mr. Oxian suggested a standards and maintenance committee to approve later requests rather than having the whole committee involved every time a question comes up or a request is made where approval must be met. The committee would be on call for .any .questions and decisions to be- made. Mr. Litrell made a • demonstration of how the street signs would be mounted on poles rather than directly on the posts with metal bands which they are currently being mounted on now. A UtChannel pole was used in the demonstration. Ms. DeRose asked Mr. Litrell to identify every location, or potential location, where these new poles would be placed. Two COA's were discussed. One for traffic control and one for street signs. Mr. Talley stated that the new traffic control signs were larger than the old signs. Mr. Oxian questioned whether the new traffic control signs, when being replaced, would remain the same size they are now (i.e. 12 x 18) or would they be the size of the new signs (i.e. 18 x 24). Mr. Litrell stated that the low bidder makes the new signs, but, they are going to become uniform. Ms. DeRose suggested giving the bidders parameters on the signage to meet uniformity. Ms. DeRose asked to have a temporary COA so that the few streets that need street names on them now could be placed on "U" channels, temporarily. Mr. Oxian made a motion to have temporary approval to put up the street signs on the "U" channel and that a committee be formed to address all aspects of the blanket COA. Mr. Talley seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Oxian and Mr. Talley will be on the sign committee. Mr. Litrell asked for permission to speak on another subject. He.reported on the US 33 Michigan Street bridge over the river. The Indiana Department of Transportation does an annual survey and every six years an underwater survey for all bridges in its jurisdiction. 1994 report showed a bit of scour. 1996 report showed little or no difference so the Engineer was not concerned at this time to replace the bridge, but suggested the bridge possibly be placed on a replacement list in the next 15 years. Also, working with the Army Corps of Engineers on erosion control for protection of public facilities, Mr. • Litrell stated that Riverside from Vassar to Golden would be eligible and on Northshore from Iroquois to approximately 500 feet to the west downstream. Mr. Litrell continued to report on the condition of Ohio street. Mr. Litrell noted that both brick and concrete were covering Ohio street. He stated that the increased activity on the street does not match the condition of the pavement. He said that he could not afford to brick the whole thing. The curb on about half the sides (on both sides of the street) needs to be replaced. Where the brick and asphalt meet, the material looks to be raveled. Asphalt is the choice for covering the surface in order to provide 'a durable surface for the new uses of the street. Mr. Oxian thanked Mr. Litrell for this information and told him that the committee would. meet regarding the signage issues real soon. IV. Regular Business A. Approval of Minutes 1. February 3, 1997 Mr. Oxian noted that on page two,, second from bottom paragraph, the word "Discreet" was questioned. Mr. Duvall suggested striking the word "discreet" with Mr. Oxian's approval. Also, under COA, 521 River Ave, third sentence from the end, regarding glass blocks. The sentence looks as though we have approved glass blocks on basement windows. Mr. Oxian stated that we have never approved glass blocks and asked Mr. Duvall to review' the tape. And, under Historic Landmarks, last sentence, he noted that packets were sent to developers — only letters were sent. Lastly, where "Mr. Oxian had indicated where he had met with the attorney for the owner and had received assurance of the Powerhouse".... should be stated "the owner of the former Oliver factory Powerhouse", or the new owner's name should be stated. Going to "hearing of visitors", Mr. Talley corrected Mr. Duvall's entry of 20" to 20'. On the list,. of attendees, Ken Fedder's name should be added. Mr. Duvall asked anyone if • they could recall who approved and seconded minutes. It was agreed that John Borkowski made the motion and Adrian Fine seconded. Ms. Hostetler motioned for the amended minutes be approved and Mr. Talley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. B. Treasurer's Report Mr. Wiener, treasure, stated that there was no report. C. Correspondence Mr. Duvall indicated that the commission had several pieces of correspondence in: 1) namely one from Ken Fedder of Allen, Fedder, Herindine and Coles with regard to Blake Gardens property, affirming their intention to create a monument to that property, affixed to the remaining landscaping feature which is still in place. 2) Tim Hernley, of Barnes and Thornburg, regarding Oliver Powerhouse, affirmed their estimating cost to demolishing the powerhouse far exceeds any benefit which might be derived therefrom, in the foreseeable future, and therefore, there is no intention to pursuit demolition. 3) A letter from Bill Derrah which provided a map of census tract and requested identification of areas which are designated for Local Landmarks, Potential Historic Districts and Proposed Historic Districts. Mr. Oxian suggested reporting those properties that ranked 11, 12 and 13. He also stated reporting the Conrail bridge over walnut. 4) The Park Avenue Neighborhood regarding markers noting entry and exit of Park Avenue residence area. 5) Finally, Historic Landscape workshops are being held April 3 and 4 in Memphis, TN., May 1 and 2 in Omaha, NE, and June 26 and 27 in Salt Lake City, UT., sponsored by Alliance by Historic Landscape Preservation and The National • Center for Preservation Technology and Training. Cost is minimal. Correspondence out was the normal. Mr. Talley requested a full engineer report on the wall intended to receive the plaque for Blake Gardens in response to Mr. Fedder's letter. Mrs. Hostetler felt they were evading the issue. • • D. Committee Reports 1. Budget & Finance Mr. Oxian stated there was no business to report 3. Legal There was no new legal report. 4. Historic'Districts Status Mrs. Hostetler reported that the Project Access meetings were scheduled to resume March 18 at First United Methodist Church -at 7:00 p.m. for River Bend Historic District. Also, for Lincolnway. East Historic District at Newman Center on April 29 and 30. 5. Historic Landmarks Status of Local Landmark Recommendations Mr. Duvalt'reported he had sent a letter to the owner at 501 West Colfax regarding his request to the Common Council to resume consideration as a Historic Landmark. Mr., Oxian inquired about 513 Harrison Avenue and Mr. Duvall stated it was on the last agenda of the Common Council for Area Plan report. On 1631 Lincolnway West, Mr. Oxian states that the wife of the owner has been spoken to and she relays messages to her husband. Mr. Oxian has yet to hear from her husband. 6. Standards and Maintenance Mr. Fine, chair, indicated he had no additional reports. 7. Mr. Oxian asked Mr. Duvall whether he has done anything regarding the Geyer residence and Mr. Duvall indicated that he had sent formality letters to Mr. Geyer but has -not heard any more about this case. 8. Preservation Week 1997 Mrs. Hostetler stated she had sent out letters to all people who are to be involved, to meet March 12 at noon for lunch at the Probst House. There, it is hoped,,that ideas can be shared. The theme this year is "Preservation Begins At Home", in hopes that people will become involved within their community. Perhaps the Mayor can do presentation awards at places like the State Theater; having Historic District featured in newspapers, television; and historic landmark identification just to name a few. Maybe having the' Hometown section in the South Bend Tribune dedicated to the historic districts and the significance of historical places in our area, were all ideas suggested by Mrs. Hostetler.. E. Staff Reports 1) C of A Staff Approvals a. Leeper Park had an approval for in-kind replacement of five trees, two were Ginkos, two were Maple and one was a Tree of Heaven. Mr. Duvall stated that the -Staff approved in-kind replacement of two Ginkos and two Maples but said the Tree of Heaven was illegal and was not required to be replaced. 2) DHPA Grants a) 1996-97 1. Regarding the DHPA Grant status, Mr. Duvall reported that consultant contract agreements had finally been approved by the DHPA and these contracts had been duly executed. The work is generally underway. Mr. Duvall has not heard from the Leeper Park Nomination consultant as of yet, but the Westerly Group has been in contact with us through correspondence. The various small project such as the -Children's Dispensary, Colonial Gardens District, the Wenger Farmhouse and the South Michigan District are all pretty well underway, and he -expects to get the Wenger Farmhouse Nomination real soon. Mr. Duvall had the opportunity to enter the Wenger Farmhouse building with the code enforcement last week. The house is in rough condition, full of trash along with historical material such as interior trim. 1997-1998 Grant We have -received the letter of approval for the DHPA grant of 1997-1998. We were the last to be approved. We asked for $20,000 to be funded but only received $17,225.00. DHPA Staff felt they needed to reduce the proposed work, and deleted the county resurvey. The letter of approval was for republication of our neighborhood guidelines, a preservation plan for Leeper Park and a National Register Nomination for the St. Joseph County Infirmary. The DHPA indicated that we could start our county survey bidding on township by township basis. Mr. Talley wanted to know-how long this might take doing it their way. Mr. Oxian said in his opinion it would be a waste of money and time. He felt the survey should wait until the following year. Mr. Oxian has told Ms. VanZant to take survey cards now and physically look at the landmarks in the county and document what is there, what is not, etc., and that would be significant for now, then do the survey later, all at one time. V. Old Business • Mr. Oxian stated that we received the National Register recognition for the North Pumping Station which was brought up before the board of water works. Mr. Oxian asked Mr. Duvall to see what it would cost to get a.plaque. Mr. Oxian inquired about the propane gas tanks in Edgewater Place. Mr. Duvall said he sent another letter to the owner stating he was sending a copy to our legal staff to request preparation of a legal complaint. Ms. DeRose stated that by the time there would be a hearing on an injunctive relief it would be April or May. Mr. Talley stated that he understood that the tanks were there only to give relief during the winter. Ms. DeRose said forceful removal before the climate suggest they be removed would not happen. Mr. Talley asked what the reply was from Economic Development for extension of 1997-1998 funds from Mr. Jon Hunt. Mr. Duvall stated he had sent a letter and since had a telephone conversation in which he told Mr. Hunt that he would need to speak with Mr. Oxian. Mr. Oxian had called Mr. Hunt and was waiting for a reply. Mr. Talley reported on the Madison Center meeting. He stated that the proposed solution should reduce the noise was down by 50%, a baffle is to be installed which would take another month and then the noise should be gone. The neighbors were happy. Perhaps in another month, if that is the solution, the commission should dropa note for a job well done. VII. New Business A. Committee Appointment Mr. Oxian noted changes in the committee assignments as follows: Standards and Maintenance - Adrian Fine (Co -Chair), Martha Choitz, Catherine _ Hostetler (Alt.), Joann Sporleder, Ed Talley and Father Bullene. . Historic Districts - Martha Choitz (Co -Chair), Catherine Hostetler (Co -Chair) Janeanne Petrass, Adrian Fine. Other remaining committee members shall remain the same. VIII. Announcements & Miscellaneous Matters Mr. Talley would like to move ahead with Landmark Designation at Highland Cemetery and the Horse trough, in front of the Charles Martin Youth Center. Mr. Oxian stated he wanted to have a committee, meeting on this. Mr. Oxian said that Mr. Duvall had something he had in mind. concerning Riverview and Highland. Mr. Talley asked everyone to review ,the proposed new stationery. Mr. Oxian stated that Mr. Duvall would need to have a title of Director under his name. All eight committee members should be recognized at the bottom of the page along with the title of Architectural Historian as a ninth member. Father Bullene suggested moving the names closer together, centering the letterhead more. Mr. Wiener suggested a new type style to make the letterhead stand out. Mrs. Hostetler made a motion that the letterhead be approved and Mr. Wiener seconded the motion. The vote passed unanimously. IX. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. MKV 3/12/97 MKV 3/21/97 Revised • 0