HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 1999IgPc N-1,
L
EPA ► J
u
I
AGENDA OF THE MONTHLY MEETING
of the
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Regular Monthly Meeting County Commissioners'
7:30 p.m. Conference Room
Tuesday, February 16, 1999 7th Floor County -City Building
I. Call to Order
II.Public Hearing
A. Certificates of Appropriateness
1. 1999-0208 - 112 S. Lafayette, 2nd courthouse
B. Local Landmark
1. 125 W. Marion (Mar -main) - Second reading
Ill. Regular Business
A. Approval of Minutes
1. December 21, 1998
B. Treasurer's Report
C. Correspondence
D. Committee Reports
1. Historic Districts
2. Historic Landmarks
3. Guidelines Committee - February 1, Taylor's Field
E. Staff Reports
1. CofA Staff Approvals- none
2. Legal
3. Miscellaneous Activities and Grants
a. HPC Staff has E -Mail, address is Historic@Michiana.org
VI.Old Business
Nomination of officers
V. New Business
I . First Reading for Proposed Local Landmarks
a. 312 DonMoyer - Monroe School
b. Angela Street Bridge
c. 100 E. LaSalle - LaSalle Street Bridge
d. 301 S. St. Louis - Howard Park
e. 3016 Portage Avenue - Portage Manor
f. 911 Golden
g. 432 S. Lafayette - Reis Furniture
2. First Reading Proposed Local Historic District
a. Cushing Street
3. Addition of a tenth member to the commission, specializing in archaeology
VI. Hearing if Visitors
VII. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters
VIII. Adjournment
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION —1999-0208
PROPERTY —112 S. Lafayette
South Bend, IN.
OWNER — St. Joseph County
DESIGNATION — LL
RATING — Outstanding 0/13
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT
The Second County Courthouse was constructed in 1855 on the southeast corner of Washington
and Main Streets to replace an earlier courthouse which was built in 1833 and demolished in
1853. In 1853 the County commissioned Chicago architect, John Mills Van Osdel, to design
the new courthouse. Mr. Van Osdel has been accredited as being Chicago's first professional
architect. He designed the (original) Palmer House Hotel, the McCarthy Building and the
Delaware Building, the latter two and the Courthouse are the only remaining examples of his
work. The final design that Mr. Van Osdel came up with for the new courthouse was a Greek
Revival style with the impression of a Greek Temple front. The building was significantly
altered by remodeling during the 1870s. The courthouse was moved to its present location on
Lafayette in 1896 to allow for the construction of the Third County Courthouse. Ten years after
it was moved and the new courthouse was built the building became the head quarters for the
Northern Indiana Historical Society and remained as such until 1995. Currently the structure is
vacant, awaiting renovations so it can once again be used as a functioning courthouse.
PROPOSED CHANGE
Applicant is proposing to
STANDARDS
The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks state:
C. Renovations and Additions
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. Construction and Style
All work shall be done in the architectural style and in a technique compatible with that
of the original structure. Change that alters, rmoves, or covers existing significant
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT
stylistic detail shall not be permitted.. A change which adds detail of another style will not be
permitted.
3. Materials
Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should not 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 orginal.
a. wood - all wood trim should conform with exsisting trim in shape and
size.
b. siding materials - the Commission discourges the covering or alternation
of original materials with additional siding. Structures already sided with
compatible materials should be returned to a siding similar to the original
when renovation is considered.
Building Site and Landscaping
L. Required - New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past
appearanceof 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 materila that must be removed
should be immediately replaced by suitable flora. Front yard areas should not be fenced except
in cases where historical documentation would indicate such fencing appropriate. Fencing
should be in character with the buildings style, ,materials and scale.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff finds the project to be within compliance with the standards. There are questions
concerning the interior plaster, the window replacements and the findings of the State
Historical Architect. These should be reviewed prior to making any determinations.
2/8/99
ET
1934
A L? I~2i T i0N5 WADE 11„ i907
11 t i i Q C
® F F I C a O
COURTROOM
O F F I C
ADDITION CORRIDOR o \
o - o
...........
OFFICES i
16,Jy� O N
ILL
►—[ _ �� r—� �� sed
0
r
F I R S T F L 0 0 R A L T E R E D
1 9 9 9
:. A L T E R A T I O N S M A D E I N 1 9 9 9
PI - t '
P L A N
M
2v 3C; 40 50 6a
cwt r NOURVOSM
IZU Will lis MOO RM t4a lila I®ti lflli 11R
0 l Z 3 4 5 fG" i5 t? ►a
ut es o growers, receptacles
the ceiling, presenting not only a
spectator con see at once that t
respective occupants of these off
From the front hall ascent 2 flig
feet wide and extends along the
extremity, together with an elobor
anteroom, as it were: the finish
the entrance to the Courtroom w:
County Town in the Union. It is
wine, and 20 and 112 feet high.
The Chamber is wainscoted up to
momould cap and enses: seating
should be very neat very neat is i
the ermine os are estimable chef'
parties to pleadings, the Clerk, $h
distance to north and south are
range, and extending in semi cirCL
extensive tables of the lawyers —
with room to write at ease. Encl
oak, and the rails formed out of
Corinthian in its border, and make
above, the center of the ceiling, i
.extending along the ceiling also is
completeness to the entirety of t
immediately .behind the bench a w
commodious. The interior painting
character of the work designed, to
tuckconiurris of everyone who insp
The breaking of 'earth for the faun
of the materials dates the 10th d
present year and the edifice was r
stone contracted for in Chicago b
been, the building would hove been
forth coming caused rexatious del
Elsworth, Esquire, to whose untirin
disbursing department, the people
at so small a cost the — perfecti
the subject of management it is b
Alden, Esquire by whom the workm
architect and builder will be reme
To Messrs. Elsworth and Alden eve
the savings manifested wherever s
P L A N S E C. 0 N D F L 0 0 R
1 9 9 9
ALTERATIONS MADE I N 1 9 9 9
� � HISTOINC PR
U TILITY LAIYOUT AND SITE PLAN
- v" o O :D MH
' .. � � � � yah% � � . ��� - -- .� _ _ - ■ -
' 6 ■ CONCRETE CURB PARK✓NG LANE
ELEC'Dic MH 8' SAN174R)' .S, (7F C/
vH OLD STREET CAR 7RACKS UNDER PAVEMENT (NOT SHONN) _ ♦ - _ - - -
o 4"(;A5.4/4,'V 3SDsi
G G G G C
G GE0 G G G G C ;B4,vD�lCJS RAN ---w G
i
d S- S '48
SAN'rARY
WASHINGTON STREET 82. 5'
R/W ♦ t—" I/EMENT z-«Fc,R,cai JUc.`.a4NKS �'� ca✓au s�
WATER M✓:.. , A cR 4rH Wi PATCH f�E D I ;a�a S4NKsOPY0x J'dEbv 5LO --Z
. S iY.4 r%'4 MAiN 60Dsi - i
t W V W ti 13.4 5'K S j6 i i6' -� 01 ✓£A .S J6' J:4
ifAUS
. NAiN 6G}�sr _ - = W j-' I 4/H i fTRAFfTC S/CNAL bi✓, I (�
- Cj ( - - MAST ARM M..J E ^ ELECDRiC MH I E UC �LfCTRiC E ` - ----
v I ELEC/C MH --Q
J , N ! " — �a _ _ �I PAMMG LANE —6 CONCRETE_CURB
FS"r" ... � :� � ; ! .
CONCRETE- - o PLArE.NEW C!/RB . c.'� -T .
26.5' 34.8' 23.6 ; , VA VE liE " PLACE BALLARDS
-j � _--
II �_ — 20.5' — o -- 20. 49 v'
"� rN j
_cz� --S/AMES
II_ N ��I �, -.)QI t �� SH T, C,2 RTMO
s.6
IL PR. OW ; gyp, o 0 0' PR. OW j a
pp i jj 1800ga1�� �`� 1800ga1 8.6Z . Ii
= EX. dLOG. !
`LV, VII —IIL-.4
M� 44
� L,4 84.9` W O
FENCE. ON 10 CNC. BA.$E PR. CB o Q C13
��O 10 11 12 Gal
II PLACE 60' TEMPORARY
O < I;09' RAMP FOR PARK MA/NT.
0 0 0 0 o I PR. INLET
z I
GATE l6.S 4d 7' ■
12 CONC. WALL AROUND
4" -j cavo. wALL C cuNc.------ ---
II -11.0' l R i!/N/T _ - -- ;eNEW�' o LANDSCAP/NG.
S -----'---� S= L4R� ✓4[ S1—.J.- % i _—
PLACE NEW 81.5'
T, M / OS 4? w { = {
(I �, CO. RE4bJ (REMOfE� I :�t I
(I � j
If 2 WATER SERVICE & I I
8 i I �IErF� ��✓?F R 4 7 M4✓!)/ W r
PLACE 60' ITYPORARY
INLET (!
(D
RAMP FOR PARK PAINT 5 G) D (D PR. 1 0.9*,-,
4,
CA T
Ln12'CONC WALL AROUND
R
P1.0- T 1' .1 1 -,z, LANDSCAPING
s 81.5" 1-M DS
05 ?6.42'
PLACE M --
T (REMO If) 7 4z,
CO ROD/
&
tb -z!
2' WATER ME &
U! i I I 4 I o h(E-1-ER ENTR AT WAVOW
MOO
EXIST.
f1=704.07 (9-10
8AMURTAMLIS r" .
RAAV RAIZ Lc)
FF=70624 (,'6 -UL)
R-=719.44 (I)
S --
n I I ry FF -729.92 (2) 2
iII i-4
.411,ylivr iAlf'..
TP "IV
60 7J
00 RfOD.--
—=1 3-
81.5, J ,
DS \SEE SHEET C2, 2 FOR
DETAIL OF THIS AREA.
Ds RAMP Dt
IDS
T FO 4
D7-COWNLIC
zS
0 VERFL 0 W
Ls
--P
R ---DW- -
L 1200g(71
PR
N . .... . . ..... 0 7f'
1.[.PR DW-\
1200gol
z 21TUNNEL
5' MVcc* NEW (REMO VE) CONC. PR SLOTTED
k
POL Y -DRAIN
PLACE NEW LIGH
13
024
;j V)
P1( NAIL
i II FOUNTAIN
i4I ; M i { II I I I I I I 4 II ® AfH TIM= 714 00 III
J1
IL STiI
ce
STN
HO !110 . A, MFT RIM70815 1ATf7 fiW-708.78
ju
LL== —j
I ii .99. 6'
COUIV T Y10 T Y BUILDING'
PROPOSED LOCAL LANDMARK
125 WEST MARION
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Historic Preservation Commission
of
South Bend and St. Joseph County
January 1999
25 W • l4arIOTI
bm o a m
Str aet
ro?�� f
NaPoleo�
>W
N
N
1
,2t9
Oyy
.226 0
,a
.225 n
AL
o
,224 J
N
35ia 23e Wo
r
c ~
2S2
N
253
2S4
N
255
54�2
N
.282 .29E .292
,299
295
,LOCA,rIC�rI MAP
IM.F
a Y 2
Ab
J�li
I' i i
vw
of
Lq
Ti IJ"
125 West Marion
Historical Context
This property is located on the northeast corner of West Marion and North Main
Streets, in South Bend, Indiana. It is described as being lots 151, 152 and 153 of the
Original Plat of South Bend.
Lots 151, 152 and 153 of the Original Plat of South Bend were owned by the Mack
Family since 1857. William H. Mack, a banker, sold the lots to the Mar- Main Arms
Realty Company in 1922, who subsequently demolished all of the existing buildings on
those lots. A year later, in 1923, the realty company took out a $450,000.00 loan to
begin construction of the Mar- Main Arms Apartment complex. The Apartment
complex contained 88 apartment units and "embodied all the refinements known to
group -housing experts". The building was completed at a cost of $500,000.00 and
equipped for an additional $200,000.00, it was the "acme of efficiency and comfort".
The building was designed by architects, Nicol, Scholer and Hoffman of Lafayette, Indiana
and accommodated 250 people comfortably.
The Mar -Main Arms Realty Company and subsequently the apartment complex were
named after the buildings location on the corner of Main and Marion Streets. The Mar -
Main Arms Realty Company was led by William O. Davies, a prominent businessman in
South Bend. Mr. Davies came to South Bend in 1883 at the age of 26 to establish a
branch of the Wilson Brothers Shirt Manufacturing Company here. In 1893 he went into
business for himself creating the Davies Laundry Company, which later became the Davies
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Company. As the laundry business expanded Mr. Davies
became very active in South Bend's Community affairs, he was treasurer of the South
Bend School board 1901-1904, was very active with the First Presbyterian Church and
social work, was the first athletic director of the South Bend YMCA and eventual
president of its board and he served as president of the South Bend board of safety from
1921 to 1925. Mr. Davies married Hannah Schimmel and had three sons, Warren,
William and George and one daughters, Mrs. N. V. Robertson. Mr. Davies became
interested in the real estate business while serving in France during World War 1. Upon
his return home he turned the management of his laundry business over to his sons and
founded the W.O. Davies 8z Company real estate and insurance firm. It appears that in
1922 Mr. Davies along with other South Bend businessmen formed the Mar -Main Arms
Realty Company, of which Mr. Davies was president, for the express purpose of
constructing the Mar -Main Arms Apartment Building.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In the mid to late 1920s the real estate company took out additional mortgages to pay for
the construction of a 46 unit addition which became the east wing of the building,
making it the largest apartment building in South Bend. Mr. Davies continued as
president of the Mar -Main Arms Realty Company until his death in 1928 at age 71.
In 1936 the building was sold in a sheriffs sale to the Mar -Main Corporation, which was
simply the realty company restructured. They continued to own the complex until 1987
when it was sold to the Midwest Commerce Banking Company, possibly as a result of the
extensive damage and expense incurred by a fire that badly damaged the west wing of the
complex in 1986. The Midwest Commerce Bank continued to repair the building while
renting out the finished apartments until 1993 when they sold the Mar -Main to the
Indiana Land Trust, who sold it two years later to the current owners, Donna and John
Freidline.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
This is a five story Classical Revival style apartment complex. It has 133 units, is "U" in
shape and has a stone foundation. The walls are made of red stretcher bond brick with
white mortar, stone shingle course at the base and second floor and stone panels in
-- groups of three between each of the floors windows. The building has a flat roof with a
brick balustrade wall to hide the roof mechanics. It also, boasts finials above stone panels
which are inset in decorative brick on the balustrade along with a stone frieze at the roof
line. The windows are four over four double hung with stone quoin surround and sills
and are found in sets of twos or threes. The front door enters off a court yard in between
the east and west wings and has two double modern glazed and aluminum doors with a
polygon shaped portico which extends from the facade with stone surrounds and awning.
The courtyard, which is located between the wings, is surrounded by a stonewall toped
with an iron fence across the entrance which is flanked by iron lanterns.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted by
the Common Council, the building at 125 West Marion has been recommended to the
Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by Historic Preservation
Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
The building meets the criteria in at least three areas:
1.) Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detial, materials, or craftsmanship
which represents an architectural characteristics or innovation.
2.) Its suitability for preservation.
3.) Its identification with the life of a person of historical significance.
The building fulfills criteria #1 as an excellent example of a 1920s Classical style
apartment complex of the finest quality and craftsmanship. The building is rated a
significant twelve in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory.
The building fulfills criteria #2 by the integrity of its original construction with virtually no
changes to the facade in over 70 years. The building is impressive in its Classical styling,
its progressive construction and its shear size.
The building fulfills criteria #3 by its association with William O. Davies, a prominent
South Bend businessman and active community leader. Mr. Davies was founder of
Davies Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Davies Real Estate Company, the Mar -Main Arms
Realty Company and was active in the First Presbyterian Church, the YMCA as well as
various other community organizations and boards.
Staff finds that the building meets the criteria for designation as a.Local Landmark and
recommends that the Commission send such a recommendation to the Common Council.
rls
1/8/99
T
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
of the
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Monthly Meeting
7:30 p.m.
Monday December 21, 1998
County Commissioner's
Conference Room
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: John Oxian, Joann Sporleder, Catherine Hostetler, Adrian
Fine, Ron Zmyslo and Jerry Weiner. Commission staff present was: Ed Talley, director,
Rhonda Saunders, administrative assistant, and Aladean DeRose, consul.
Also attending the meeting were: Don Sporleder, Shelley M. Marka, Lew Powell and John
Troyer.
III. Public Hearing
A. Certificate of Appropriateness Applications
1. 1998-1130 - 619 Riverside Drive, Addition.
Mr. Talley presented the staff report and circulated photographs. He also noted that one of the
owners, Ms. Marka, was present. Mr. Oxian asked if the owner had any information she would
like to submit to the Commission. Ms. Marka introduced herself as co-owner of the house and
then introduced Mr. Troyer, who was seated next to her, as the builder hired to construct and
design the addition. Mr. Oxian asked if the cedar shake siding on a portion of the rear addition
to the house was original to the addition. Mr. Troyer stated that the cedar was not original.
There was some discussion over why the owner would have used vinyl siding over 95% of the
rear addition and install cedar shacks on the other 5%. Mr. Troyer noted that the new addition
would have all vinyl siding. Mr. Oxian if the sliding glass doors would be brought out with the
new wall. Mr. Troyer stated that they would be installed in the new exterior wall. Mr. Oxian
asked if the light fixture located next to the sliding glass doors would also be reused. Mr.
Troyer stated that the light could be reused. Mr. Oxian asked if the awning would be reused.
Mr. Troyer stated that he was not sure if the owner intended to reuse the existing cloth awning
or not. Mr. Oxian stated that a cloth awning would be fine but if a permanent awning was
desired it would need approval. Mr. Troyer stated that no structural or permanent awning
would be added. Mrs. Choitz asked that since the new roof was to have a higher crown than the
original would it have the same pitch. Mr. Troyer stated that the roof would have the exact
same pitch as the existing roof.
1
Mr. Fine asked if stairs would be added to give access to the sliding glass doors. Mr. Troyer
stated that steps and a wood landing would be added however, the owner has not yet decided on
a style. Mrs. Choitz asked if the new decorative window would be made of glass block. Mr.
Troyer stated that it was glass block. Mr. Oxian asked why glass block was chosen. Ms. Marka
stated that it was a design Ms. Gelfinan liked that gave added light to a work station which is to
be located in the kitchen. Mr. Fine moved to approve the application as recommended by staff
with the addition that the existing light fixture and sliding glass doors be reused and that a
landing with stairs exiting towards the front and rear of the house be constructed to
accommodate the sliding glass doors. Mrs. Choitz seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously. Mr. Troyer asked if a drawing of the landing would need to be submitted. Mr.
Oxian stated that a drawing of the stairs and landing would need to be submitted to the Staff.
III. Regular Business
A. Approval of Minutes
1. November 16, 1998
Mr. Oxian noted a correction on page 4, last sentence of the first paragraph, which should state
that the ordinance is to be introduced. Mrs. Choitz moved to accept the minutes as corrected.
Mrs. Hostetler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Treasurer's Report
None.
C. Correspondence (see attachments)
Mr. Talley noted that a fax from Fisher & Lawson, stating that the State Historic Preservation
Office was requiring an archaeological dig in Leeper Park before permission would be granted
to allow the new side walks to be installed. He also noted that he has been named to take Mr.
Duvall's place on the St. Joseph County Courthouse Restoration Corporation as a committee
member.
Mr. Oxian reported that the owner of Dreweries Brewery has consented to have the brewery
nominated to the national register with the South Bend Brewery. He further noted that the
bottling plant across the street from the South Bend Brewery would be added to its national
nomination. Mr. Talley stated that Glory June Greiff has been contracted to write the
nominations for the breweries, which should be before the State Review Board by their April
meeting which is to be held in South Bend. He also stated that the Board may want to tour the
breweries and Portage Manor, which is also up for nomination, while they are in town.
Mr. Zmyslo asked what the East Race National Register Nomination was and if the Singer
Building was a part of it. Mr. Talley stated that the East Race Multiple Property Listing was
presented to the State Review Board in October and it did include the Singer Buildings. He
went on to describe which Singer Buildings were included. Mr. Talley reported that upon his
arrival back in South Bend after presenting this nomination to the State Board in Indianapolis,
he discovered that certain Singer Buildings, which had been purchased by Madison Center,
were going to be demolished.
2
Mr. Talley stated that the Works Hotel and the Madison Apartments will remain intact while the
rest of the structure will be demolished along with the boutique. He also noted that the Madison
Center will be constructing a new structure on the site along with the introduction of enclosed
green space and will donate a portion of the land to the City of South Bend to allow the
completion of the Cities trail system along the river. Mr. Talley stated that when he met with
Jack Roberts, head of the Madison Center, Mr. Roberts asked about and showed interest in a
foot bridge over the St. Joseph River, at which time Mr. Talley referred Mr. Roberts to Mr.
Sporleder. Mr. Talley reported that Mr. Roberts has also instructed the architects contracted to
design the Madison building, to contact Historic Preservation Staff to formulate a design for the
new building that would incorporate historical features found in other near by buildings. He
also noted that Mr. Freidline, the previous owner has decided to donate materials from the
Singer Building when it is demolished. Mr. Talley stated that a tour of the building was
conducted to allow it to be documented prior to its demolition. He also has checked with
numerous agencies and government bodies to find out if there was any opposition to the
building being demolished, there were none. He further stated that the Madison Center has
purchased a large tract of land on the east side of Madison Street, however, they have verbally
promised the city that they would keep their development to the west side of the street. The
project is slated to be completed July 1, 1999.
Mr. Talley reported that the State office is still waiting for a letter from South Bend's Mayor
stating that he is in favor of all of the East Race Listings so that the nomination can move
forward. Upon questioning the Mayors office it appears that the letter has been "lost" and that
they are unsure as to when the letter will be sent. There was some discussion over which
buildings are included in the East Race Multiple Property Listing. Mr. Talley stated that this
listing was the Historic Preservation Commissions contribution to the development of the East
Race as a tourism attraction. Mr. Oxian stated that the previous administration had asked the
Commission to put together this nomination, so in fact the City is holding up its own project by
not sending the letter of support to the State office.
Mr. Oxian introduced Mr. Powell as the director of the Board of Public Works. Mr. Talley
noted some of Mr. Powells activities in Historic Preservation of various buildings.
D. Committee Reports
1. Historic Districts
Mrs. Hostetler noted that the District Guidelines Committee would be meeting on January 11,
1999 at 7:30.
2. Historic Landmarks
Mr. Oxian reported that 1636 Lincolnway West, the South Bend Brewery, has been designated
a Local Landmark. He also noted that the house on Madison Street was tabled to allow the
Historic Preservation Commission and Code Enforcement to work out a proposal that would
allow the two organizations to work together better. Mr. Oxian noted that the house will not be
demolished and that it has been sold again.
3
3. Standards & Maintenance
None.
E. Staff Reports
1. CofA Staff Approvals
None.
2. Miscellaneous Activities and Grants
Mr. Talley asked if the Commission Architect, Mrs. Sporleder, should be involved in saving the
interior stairs of the North Pump Station. He went on to state that one of the main historical
features of the Pump Station is its interior which portions of date back to 1885. Mr. Talley
reported that the stairways were to be cut out of the building and replaced to accommodate a
second floor. He noted that when he asked why the existing stairs could not be re -adapted and
reused, the only answer he has received is from the projects architects stating that the existing
stairs do not meet code and that to adapt them would cost a large amount of money in the
redrawing of the plans because the second floor would have to be raised or lowered a couple of
inches. Mr. Talley noted that he could use Mrs. Sporleder's expertise in saving the staircases.
There was some discussion over the difficulty Mr. Talley has had with the some of the parties
involved in the Pump Station project and the project itself. Mr. Talley noted that he seems to be
getting the run around from the contractor, the architect and the engineers. Mr. Powell noted
that the difficulty that Mr. Talley is having will not continue. Mrs. Sporleder asked if the
projects plans were computer drawn or hand drawn. Mr. Powell stated that they should be
mechanical and easily changed. There was some discussion over the second floor being a
service floor made of expanded fiber glass. There was some discussion over the fiber glass
floor. Mr. Powell described the second floor as an operating floor for the tanks.
There was some discussion over why the stairs did not meet todays code. Mr. Talley stated that
he was told the stairs risers were a 1/2 inch too short by todays standards. He further noted that
he had contacted the State Architect who informed him of rule eight which states that since it is
a service area and not an open public space the stairs may be reused. Mr. Talley reported that
he sent this information to Don Fozo and the project architect and has had no response other
then that it will cost a lot of money. Mr. Powell stated that if the project does not settle down a
meeting will be called with Water Works and the Engineers to better coordinate the line of
communications. Mr. Talley noted that he was not trying to make things difficult. Mrs.
Sporleder noted that there would be extra cost to the architects, however, the cost of reusing the
stairs and redrawing the plans would be cheaper then tearing them out and constructing new
stairs. Mr. Sporleder noted that the Historical importance of the building should be the main
driving force behind the project. Mr. Powell stated that the discussion over extra cost was
irrelevant compared to the astronomical cost of building a new structure.
C 4
There was some discussion over parts of the building that have already been scratched, gauged
and damaged. Mr. Talley further noted his frustration concerning the lack of cooperation he has
received. Mr. Powell again stated that a meeting needs to be called to solve these problems.
Mr. Oxian stated that a meeting was a very good idea because every body involved has a
different story about what is going on and that there are too many bosses involved in the
project. Mr. Powell stated that he was very up front with the architect that the building is not to
be damaged no matter what. Mr. Talley reiterated that the Department of Water Works did not
submit the entire project to the Historic Preservation Commission, that in fact the Commission
only approved a small portion of the project. He also noted that the Certificate of
Appropriateness stated that the Commission Director was to meet with all of the contractors
who won the bids to discuss the properties historical designation. Mrs. Sporleder asked if such a
meeting was ever held. Mr. Talley stated that it was not, however, he eventually did attend a
meeting with the heads of the parties involved where he stated that the Commission did not
review 95% of the project and that everyone could work together to solve a few problem areas,
which he then stated. There was more discussion over the need for better cooperation among
involved parties and the need to stress the buildings historical importance.
3. Legal
Mr. Oxian stated that the ordinance for annexation has been approved by Area Plan and is
before the Common Council. Mr. DeRose reported that the ordinance regarding interim
protection is now before Area Plan, who has requested that the proposed notification go to the
Common Council and owner, not the occupant. Mrs. DeRose stated that by sending it to the
Common Council opens the door to denials if all points are not covered. She further noted that
if the owner can not be reached by certified mail it would make the interim protection invalid.
In the existing document the individual can be notified in person or by regular mail, where as,
the Area Plan Commission wants it changed to certified mail or personal delivery only, which
leaves the ordinance vulnerable to unresponsive owners. Mrs. DeRose stated that the ordinance
should require certified mail with copy to regular mail or personal delivery. This way if the
certified mail is refused then regular mail would be sufficient. She further noted that Area Plan
has requested a time frame for the interim protection to prevent the tabling of a potential
landmark and that the protection is only beneficial to the Commission and is not to be used to
benefit the owner. Mr. Oxian stated that the longest time period he would recommend would be
six months, because if it has not happened by then it would not happen.
Mrs. DeRose suggested that if all reasonable efforts to notify the owner fail than notice shall be
adequate if served upon an occupant. Mr. Talley asked what would happen if the owner is
unreachable and the house is vacant. Mrs. DeRose stated that if the ordinance is altered to Area
Plans specifications then interim protection will be invalid in such a situation. Mrs. Sporleder
asked if to cover such a case as expressed by Mr. Talley could the Commission notify a
government agency, such as Code Enforcement, to have a notice posted on the house notifying
whom ever it may concern of the interim protection and the intent to landmark. Mrs. DeRose
and Mr. Talley concurred that posted notification through Code Enforcement and the Building
Department was a good idea. Mr. Talley noted that after interim protection is passed by the
City it would be taken to the County.
5
IV. Old Business
None
V. New Business
1. Vote on Meeting Schedule for 1999
Mr. Oxian asked if there was a proposed schedule. Mr. Talley stated that the Staff was working
off of the old plan of every third Monday'of every month. Mr. Oxian stated that in February the
third Monday is a holiday. Mr. Talley asked if the Commission would like to move the meeting
to the Monday prior to it or after it or hold the meeting on Tuesday, February 16th. Mr. Talley
further noted that by voting on the schedule the Staff could send out notices to the media. The
Commission agreed to move the February meeting to Tuesday the 16th. Mrs. Hostetler moved
to approve the proposed schedule. Mr. Fine seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
VI. Hearing of Visitors
Mr. Sporleder reported that there was a status conference meeting held last Thursday regarding
Blake Gardens where progress was made toward a settlement that would mean the loss of Blake
Gardens and its various bodies of water. He also noted that another status meeting is to be held
Wednesday, the 6th of January in the MACOG offices. Mr. Sporleder noted that there were
four key points that the developer has agreed to; first is on a set litigation including a major
maintenance program and urban drains, second they agreed to the monitoring of the stream at
the owners expense, third is to use a portion of Ponader Park as a litigation site to develop wet
lands. He expressed some concern over the private use of public land, however, the developer
will compensate the City for the use of land through a monetary amount that is yet to be
determined. Mr. Oxian asked if any of the old Blake Gardens would be reconstructed. Mrs.
Sporleder stated that the Gardens would be completely lost including any remaining elements.
Mr. Talley asked if it was time for the Historic Preservation Commission to re-enter the
picture. Mrs. Sporleder stated that it would be possible now for the Commission to do so since
the next stop for the developer is the Army Corp of Engineers. Mr. Oxian asked if while the
permit process was underway if the developer could act on the property. Mr. Sporleder stated
that the owner could not do anything to the property. Mr. Oxian stated that then the
Commission could make Blake Gardens a landmark. There was some discussion over the
landmarking of the property and if there would be enough time to do so.
VII. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters
None.
VIII. Adjournment
Mr. Oxian adjourned the meeting at 9:30pm.
2