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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 2001AGENDAOF TH`E BRUARY 2001 MEETING: 17th Floor County -City Building County Commissioners Conference Rm j Monday, February 26, 2001 7:30p in € I. Call To Order Z Y II. Public Hearing j A. Certificates of Appropriateness 1.20001-0122, 231 S. Eddy, landscaping 2.2001-0129, 511 W. Colfax, fencing 3.2001-0130, 14297 SR 23 ' B. Proposed Local Landmarks, 2nd Reading cc 1.501 W. Washington—Rush Bldg. G 2.2716 Vine—Nuner School cc G ; III. Regular Business A. Approval of Minutes (January) s O, ` B. Treasurer's Report U C. Correspondence Z D. Committee Reports 1. Historic Districts O . 2. Historic Landmarks a. First Readings Q " 1. 1031 E. Jefferson 2.123 N. Eddy 3. 1003 E. Washington 6.52400 Portae Road g W 7. 1534 W. Sample—Washington School 8.3302 W. Western—Harrison 3. Standards & Maintenance a. 635 Lincolnway East E. Staff Reports n"' 1. CofA Staff Approvals E U 2. Legal —Ny 3. Miscellaneous Activities & Grants LL. IV. Old Business V. New Business A. Washington High School B. Re -rates: 1534 W. Washington; 3302 W. Western; 501 W. Washington VI. Hearing of Visitors VII. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters VIII. Adjournment G v i HPC MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2001 Please sign your name, address and telephone number. Take an Agenda. Welcome Name Address _ . Telephone Ca/Fa X' I 2. I Z L / C/- 520 f.� �dITA) � 1 � 4. c 205 w. � 6. Sa a-"� 2t s. koir-Lvi A 10.1 V)/) H. 12. 13. 15. 16. 7w 5--* /SE..JO. l -J 4.66 0 q II F A ✓-- C�(� s�3b�Sr IIIA 5. Ojsr�5j 261 y \/e0k (r) //o/ So..5e, //'q/ S. sq -6b ala 2- 3>2 2— ;Z32-s''gr2'� 232 -017od 9Z2392- 2 ..2 STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2001-0122 Property Location: 231 South Eddy Property Owner: Philip Schatz Landmark or District Designation: LL Rating: S/12 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT William C. Sibley constructed this, Austin and Shambleau designed, Dutch Colonial Revival Style house in 1921. Mr. Sibley was born in 1881 to Mr. & Mrs. Irving Sibley. After college William worked as a salesman for the malleable Steel Range Manufacturing Company and the Germer Stove Company of Erie, Pennsylvania. In 1904 He went to work for his father in the Irving Sibley Hardware business. Four years later he married Marie Greene. By 1916 William left the hardware business to become the president and treasurer of the South Bend Foundry, later known as the Sibley Machine and Foundry Company, which manufactured gray -iron castings. Mr. Sibley died in 1957 leaving the house to his wife, Marie, who continued to reside there until 1961 when she sold the house to lawyers, Hahn, Zimmerman, Nafe and Fisher. In 1979, the house was sold to Associates Bancorp Inc. who sold the house in 1982 to Joseph and Phyllis Baldoni. The house was eventually sold to the current owner, Philip Schatz, in 1992. RECOMMENDATION The Local Landmarks guidelines follow the rehabilitation model. The owner is requesting to install two 8 foot tall wood pillars at entranceway to garden, they will match 12 foot tall pillars constructed on edge of property about six years ago; remove a 8 foot circular area of asphalt in rear parking area to allow the planting of an ornamental tree and installation of sitting area. The staff finds the proposal to be a continuance of the a landscape project that seems to commenced over six years ago. The proposal is in scale with the rest of the property and with in the guidelines, thus, the staff recommends approval. 01 �� s . Fdov recc z/ot ,� I s - N4, reo-r 1101 STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2001-0129 Property Location: 511 West Colfax Property Owner: Tamara Sexton Landmark or District Designation: LL Rating: 0/13 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT John Comley Birdsell invented the Birdsell Clover Huller in 1855. In 1864, Mr. Birdsell's factory in New York was destroyed by fire. He determined to move west and settle in South Bend. In 1870 the Birdsell Manufacturing Company was formed and a five -story brick factory building was erected. At the time it was the largest factory building in South Bend. The company enjoyed the distinction of having the largest clover huller factory in the world. The Birdsell Clover Huller was one of the important implements of early farming in the Midwest. Joseph Benjamin Birdsell was born in Monroe County, New York, December 2, 1844 to John Comley and Harriet Lunt Birdsell. At the age of 19 he began working in the office of his father's establishment. When the Birdsell Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1870, Mr. J.B. Birdsell was made treasurer. After the death of his father in 1894, Mr. Birdsell was chosen president and treasurer of the company in which capacity he served until his death in 1906. Joseph Benjamin Birdsell and Olive Tarbell Birdsell purchased Bank Out Lot 15 in 1897 for $8,800.00. They hired architect Wilson Parker to design the house. Parker came to South Bend in 1892 and entered into partnership with Ennis R. Austin. The home was completed in 1899 and the Birdsells took up immediate residence. J.B. Birdsell retired from the Birdsell Manufacturing Company in the spring of 1906 and died September of that same year at age 61. His widow, a son, and two daughters survived him. Mrs. Birdsell continued to reside at 511 W. Colfax until the Income Guarantee Company took possession of the property in 1928 and remodeled the house into offices. It was sold in 1955 to Damon Burford, H.J. Alley and Sophia C. Alley. The property was sold again in 1959 to L.R. Building Corporation. In 1960 the building housed the offices of attorney F. Jay Nimtz. Nimtz was a lifetime resident of South Bend. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941 and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was decorated by seven nations for his service during World War II. Mr. Nimtz was a longtime civic leader and was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1956. He was the president of South Bend Redevelopment Commission from 1974 until his death in 1990. Dr. Len Trevino purchased the building in 1994 and sold it to the current owner, Tamara Sexton in 1999. RECOMMENDATION The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks follow the Rehabilitation Model. Group B Standards The applicant is requesting to install 200 lineal feet of 4 foot high chain link fencing with four gates all with self closing hinges and latch to allow a safer play area for the Toddle Time Daycare. The staff finds the proposed rear yard chain link fence to be with in the guidelines and thus recommends approva. N STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2001-0130 Property Location: 14297 State Road 23 Property Owner: Doris Risler Landmark or District Designation: LL Rating: S/12 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT Robert Kennedy, the first schoolteacher in Harris Township came to St. Joseph County in 1833 at which time he purchased the west half of the south east'/4 of section 14 in 1834, he purchased the remaining half in 1837. Mr. Kennedy resided in a log cabin on this property until 1881 when he sold the main portion of this land, now known as the Risler Farm, to John B. and Henriette Metzgar. Mr. Metzgar spent his entire life in agricultural labors. He was a public-spirited citizen who was noted for his sound judgment. Mr. Metzgar was eventually elected to the office of trustee for Harris Township and under his supervision the first Harris Consolidated school was built in Granger. John and Henriette built this two-story Italianate style house in 1887 and resided there until their deaths in the 1920s. By 1929 their son Harry and his wife, Blanche, owned the property. They too resided here until their deaths, Harry in 1953 and Blanche in 1959. The house was then sold to the Walt and Doris Risler. RECOMMENDATION The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks follow the Rehabilitation Model. Group B Standards The applicant is requesting to remove the landmark designation from the entire farm and all buildings. The staff originally informed Mr. Hardig that landmark status cannot be rescinded through the Certificate of Appropriateness process. Mr. Hardig insisted that his proposal be on this months agenda, to accommodate his wishes the staff contacted Aladean DeRose, City Attorney, to find out if such a request can come before the Commission and if so how it should be addressed. Mrs. DeRose stated that a request for rescinding landmark designation can be approached through the CofA process. In accordance with her comments the staff informed Mr. Hardig that his request will be heard as a Certificate of Appropriateness application. A few weeks later Mrs. DeRose contacted the office after questions regarding her previous comments were brought up. Upon further investigation Mrs. DeRose stated that her original statement was incorrect and that a request for landmark removal could not be done through a Certificate of Appropriateness, however, since Mr. Hardig had already been promised an audience the Commission should hear his arguments and make a motion in regards to this Certificate of Appropriateness. The Risler farmstead was landmarked in August of 1976. A letter was sent to Mr. & Mrs. Risler on May 10, 1976, which introduced the Commission, and their desire to landmark the property located at 14297 State Road 23. John Oxian sent the letter, which was the typical template letter sent to all potential landmarks, to obtain the owners opinion in regards to landmarking their property. Mr. Oxian met with Mr. & Mrs. Risler on the Sunday between the 10th and the 18th of May 1976 during a tea. At this meeting he discussed the pros and cons of landmark status. Mr. & Mrs. Risler both were very interested in landmarking their property. Mr. Oxian also asked Mr. Risler how much of his property he wished to landmark (this is a question posed to all owners of large tracts of land). Mr. Risler stated to Mr. Oxian that he wanted all of his land landmarked. As requested when the ordinance was drawn up it included all 41.66 acres. On May 18, 1976 the Commission received a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Risler stating that they had received our initial letter and would accept the offer that their home be declared a landmark. They also note that they enjoyed meeting Mr. Oxian and that this letter should serve as a confirmation of their consent. In October of 1976 the house received the Counties first landmark plaque. The Staff found out that a developer was interested in the Risler farm for future housing when Dereck Spier of Abonmarche Consultants, LLC left a note inquiring about the status of this property. The staff conferred with Mr. Spier informing him that the entire farm, 41.66 acres, was declared a landmark back in 1976. Mr. Spiers then called to get an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness because the owner had given the developer power to act in her behalf, as they were apparently in the process of purchasing the property. None of this was ever confirmed. The application was sent to Mr. Spier and eventually made its way to Attorney, Edward Hardig, who latter informed the staff that he would be representing Mrs. Risler in her quest to terminate the landmark status of the property. The staff finds the application to be in violation of the standards and recommends denial. This is a farmstead and should be preserved as such; more and more SHPO is urging local Commissions to preserve farms because of the ever-increasing encroachment of subdivisions on these historical properties. For example the house at 16327 Cleveland Road where a strip mall and parking lot completely surround the old farmhouse. The 2 State of Indiana has also recently passed legislation, which created a Farmland Conservation Commission to help preserve farms for future generations. Mr. Oxian followed the regular procedures for landmarking property. He sent the introductory template letter; this letter is very vague because it goes to a variety of different types of properties. He then followed up in person to give a more detailed description of the process and to ascertain the desired number of acres the owner wishes to include. The staff would also like to note that the name of the interested developer is unknown, as are their plans for the property. All that is known is what Mr. Spiers told the staff about the desire of a developer to convert the land for a new subdivision which would include numerous houses. The developer in question has not spoken with or submitted any plans to Area Plan either. The staff also investigated to see if the property was ever listed for sale. Although our sources only go back two years it shows that this particular property was never listed with a real estate agent. The owner has apparently made no attempt to find any other alternative viable economic return for this property. In 1976 the staff obtained permission from the owner, the same owner who, after twenty-five years, has decided to withdraw her support and request removal of landmark designation. Everything was done to ensure owner consent, all standard practices were followed, the importance of the structure has not diminished nor has its architectural integrity. This property should be retained as a landmark if not in its entirety then at least retain the landmark designation for the all structures and the surrounding wooded area. Once again the staff recommends denial of the application as submitted. To approve removal of this property from landmark status would set a bad precedent, especially for other local landmarks located in the County. P- 2--3 "vv 4oi I 1,4Z-17 5/-Z3 2JO 1�4 Al P- 2--3 "vv 4oi I 1,4Z-17 5/-Z3 2JO 1 May 10,.,X976 me.. Walt P. Risler 24297. State 'Road 23 ::;: 1: $4 Grainger, Xadiana Dear Mr. Risler: The Historic Preservatiou Camraission of South Bead and St:r*:,� JosrelAi County has been charged -with the task of locating sins..: .: and structures Soutb Bend and St. Jo&eph County of -historical significance,- Your property,.' located at 14297 State. Road ' 23,E is being considered by th+e • Ca=issi ou as an'historic landmark because of its .architectural and historical significance. ,. According to the recent survey conducted by the Coxmission in St. Joseph' County, your house was declared a superior structure arcbitecturally, If your house is declared *a landmark by ordinance, it would '•. -be classified under Group B standards, The Comission has 'two designation -1 of landmarks under ordinance _ Group A AW Group B,*, There are, there fore, two separate sets of standards. • " Please read the enclosed standards carefully. If you have Omy Questions whatsoever on any part of these standards feel• ftss to call we at 234-7202. Any informatiou that you might ham . relative to the background of this building would be iielpfa our investigation. The Cowsissiou would like•a letter from you within 30 days :spa receipt of this letter. If you approve of tIle standards as they are and waut your borne declared a landoark., please state so in your letter since your letter will become an official. document of acceptance. flowever, if there is any part of standards that you would not like to be applied to your house: • please mention that also in your letter. Please coutact =a.- first e,first Lowever. 01 2 Please keep in mind that although this standard applies to yon; its main application is on future property owners who may hart other ideas or infentious as far as the property is- concerned.. : ? `' Sincerely yours, > Jam. li.. Oxian • 5 Vice—Presideut and Chairman of historic Landmarks O=..:; t tee n 1-4 WALT P. RISLER, Ph. D. sOczOrOGzsT 14297 STATE ROAD TWENTY-THREE • PHONE 272.2669 GRANGHR, INDIANA 46530 //A3 �l /0, /976 CL - p .� is �� .• � � '',y:: ... ... .; ,.. •,..� � ' i, �hb`South'Bend Tribune Tuesday; October 5,'1976 t -IRS :=:LANW K• PLAQUE x--;The:Valt; Risley.:: 100 -year-old Risler home and four others will be open `r ho bei a ffik6f 15 homes to be... : to.the public from 1 to 5 p.m..The landmark structur a t. �:• All°ai3":have been declared ",',.•to ' be marked with plaques • am representativ�::bf.� rva4on, Commission::: historically and architecturally significa des='94• i ! tyCounciil: The plaque will be.•. ;:,:ignated in the recent• county survey.eGi tty , ay." in Aime Ao, be seers on .. Crumlish/Sporleder & Associates under#the ces * J n's..Tour of Historic Homes in • of the Historic Preservation Commis8ioti'a # H Th f ur is slated An gSunday; when:the. ` :•� ' ? y n t4:xt� '•I:. V�:fad.y:2wii:w.lyti:A^J.9Y'M*(.a iiS<:!..:7.':. sia:.:::r .:•=.. ,� .a''� . -.., . J1i=i�' Honorable Members of the Historic January 26, 2001 Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County 227 West Jefferson Boulevard Room 1123 South Bend, IN 46601-1830 Re: Petition/Application by Owner for Release of Historic Landmark Designation The undersigned, Doris Risler, of 14297 State Road 23, Granger, IN 46530, respectfully requests and applies to the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County to release the following described real estate located in ST. Joseph County, Indiana, to -wit: Irregular tract 473.65 feet north side Edwardsburg Highway beginning 1287 feet west of the northeast corner, Section 14-38-3 E, containing 41.66 acres, more or less, and more particularly described as follows, to -wit: A part of the West Half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 14, Township 38 North, Range 3 East, St. Joseph County, Indiana, to wit: Beginning at a point on the North line of said Southeast Quarter of said Section 14 which is 1287 feet West of the Northeast corner of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 14; thence West along the North line of said Southeast Quarter of said Section 14, a distance of 926 feet; thence South 1880.4 feet more or less to a point which is 707.6 feet North of the center line of Edwardsburg Highway; thence East 541.6 feet; thence South 341.2 feet to the center of Edwardsburg Highway; thence Northeasterly along the centerline of Edwardsburg Highway, a distance of 473.65 feet; thence North 1945 feet to the place of beginning. Applicant requests that Ordinance No. 94-76 designating and establishing a historical landmark under Ordinance No. 154A-1973, as amended, be terminated. In support of this Petition/Application the Applicant states that the understanding confirmed by writing on May 18, 1976 to Mr. John Oxian of Historic Preservation Commission was that the home of the Applicant be declared a landmark in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Your Applicant at no time understood nor agreed that all of Applicant's real estate, part of which is located the residential dwelling, be given a historic preservation designation. The historic preservation designation of all of Applicant's real estate substantially reduces its value and transferability without fair and adequate compensation to your Applicant. Your Applicant further states that on May 10, 1976 John Oxian made written representations including, ,if your house is declared a landmark by ordinance..." Applicant understood that only the residence on the property was to be given historical designation. Applicant was further told that the historical designation could be removed if, for example, there was placed a lit advertising sign in her front yard. Applicant respectfully requests that the historic designation be vacated from the above described real estate so that the same may be utilized for residential development purposes. WHEREFORE, your Petitioner/Applicant prays and respectfully requests that the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County upon due consideration and upon such hearing as is necessary enter such appropriate document or Ordinance vacating and releasing the above described real estate from any and all designation of historic preservation. Respectfully submitted, Doris S. Risley Owner/Petitioner/Applicant 14297 State Road 23 Granger, IN 46530-9505 CONTACT PERSON: Edward W. Hardig 205 West Jefferson Boulevard Suite 502 South Bend, IN 46601-1812 Telephone: (219) 232-5923 Facsimile: (219) 232-5942 PROPOSED LOCAL LANDMARK 501 WEST WASHINGTON SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Historic Preservation Commission Of South Bend and St. Joseph County February 2001 TCT- I; • • y. y William 6T i' ..� . �.........�.. �... .i "n In OCT* 3 �1 ' trE0' N m bd'9IT' U)N N 6ZI" 0 v v v N N TLO' N H6o` L1T" LA N N on. N N N N ZSI EEO' OLO' Lod" LZT' TSI' I M N ^+ 9ZT= 0 LET*a�CDK a u5 v I Z£O" 690"N N N Taylor N NN N N N N N N N 890• • IEO' L90'I N N N N "' 0 . v 960' N N N N Taylor • Q£4" 990• E 590' C) 91T' • • 6Zo N tr9a` HVL' N N S64' • I 8Z4' w 90` 464' LVI" I • 9VT" • I :ZO':90' £60" I 470[94"Z6a' STT' N �, .Ni ' SZO' N Scott N "• I CD • - trZ0 Tb0" VTT n 10 Ln Scott ' NN N N N N N N0 N SVT *.'ST' 0 N I•I•I 090' 060' ELT vvT• ' 9ST cv EZO• 9£T` SO' 680" N SZT' SET'ZVT SSI' iN ZZO' 9S4" 880 ITT' N 0 {y TVT'VSTo9T' • IZo' GarfiAl,l L80' OTT' 0 � co VZT' VET` CST' T' r.—. .._ .— — i. ,_.. 9S0" 0Z0' N .r .a EZT` . C SSO' 980' 60T' ZZT'IN I 610' VSO`SHO" 80T' •ar `Chapin ' 8T0• £50. TZT' Iw LTO" ZSd1 VHO' h rn .4 v •ioi r-` LOT' ^' "' � (. M 9I0' TSO' � M GTO' I v10.dsa` COO' a �+ 0 O+ • 6' o` CD I • CIO'6tro` 94T' 1 o ZTO' Zoo' [H4' a ' Htr0' ITO' Z Kunstman I 0I0"bn 94U' c -r • Pine • ` 600' S17 1 r • 800!640' • I Loo, I 904' i60 "' r1, 080 50I' ' S00' L, VOT h M ni N o OVI �. I • 400' �- 610` bET' Laurel Z 1z ID 10 10 10 10 ZVO" p LLO' £OT' .. .. .� �8£I' ■ - .if ' �'.,��_ "• wfi 4 .** fes,' k 1 -ei.4: •'� •. "� - T-}Gl ,!ice . --:. QST � �.,:y .•'FiP�I";z tcr.E}p.'Fr«� - fb -1 �: ;r.: ':.?'.� 501 WEST WASHINGTON HISTORICAL CONTEXT This four-story apartment building known as The Rushton was built in 1906 by John & Edward Rush. Mr. Rush was born in 1860 to John & Rachel Rush. In 1894 he married Gertrude Hamilton and had a daughter, Martha and two sons, John and Gail. Mr. Rush made his living in real estate, he and his brother, Edward, built the Rushton as a family residence and hotel complete with its own cafeteria. John Rush co -owned the building until his death in 1940 at age 80. Edward Rush was born in 1871 and was also into real estate, he was the treasurer of the Fidelity Land Company. Edward retained ownership of the structure until his death in 1944, after which, it was placed in a trust controlled by John's three children. The Rush heirs owned the property until 1972 when it was sold to Dennis Emery who rented out the various units until 2000 when he sold it to the Indiana Land Trust. During the first years of its existence the Rushton was home to various real estate agents, clerks, managers and lawyers. However, by the 1920s the structure saw a decline in professional residence and a drastic increase in the number of single female residence, many of which were elderly widows. This characteristic continued for many years eventually shifting to single women with children and low- income families. Today the Rushton has been vacated at the request of Code Enforcement until needed repairs are complete. ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION This is a four-story Neo -Classical style apartment building. It has a rectangular plan, flat roof with metal parapet coping, iron/steel cornice scupper, one over one double -hung wood frame bay windows with simple surrounds, limestone base bay window supported by bracket and simple one over one wood double -hung window units through out with limestone sills. The building has brick masonry walls with limestone quoining, brick dentils and limestone cornice. It has a wood and glass entrance door with decorated surrounds, arch cornice with keystone and concrete steps with the inscription "The Rushton". The porch entrance is supported by decorated brick piers with eyebrow cornice and brackets on each side with concrete step, concrete floor and concrete foundation. RECOMMENDATION Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted by the Common Council, the site and structure at 501 W. Washington has been recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission. The buildings and sites meet three of the criteria: 1) Its embodiment of elements or architectural design, detail, material or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation; 2) Its suitability for preservation; 2 3) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The site and structure fulfill criteria #1 as an excellent example of a turn -of -the -century Neo -Classical style live in hotel. This structure is rated C/10 in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory; however, the staff feels this rating is too low. The structure has been virtually unchanged in almost 100 years, shows classic elements of the Neo - Classical style in commercial structures and is closely related to prominent South Bend developers, John and Edward Rush. The site and structure fulfill criteria #2 by its integrity of original construction with virtually no changes to the structure or site. The site and structure fulfill criteria #3 with its association to South Bend developers, John and Edward Rush. 3 PROPOSED LOCAL LANDMARK 2716 VINE STREET SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Historic Preservation Commission Of South Bend and St. Joseph County February 2001 1 \ Z�-.. o 66.0 b bb .c 11ronwoo `I n Q m ^ Ur ive y 0 OIO• 1!fl s6o o 0000 VP V• � % o 000 25th Street O o ^.081 m 0 W - 023 024 / o Nth street R .o m y O i 600 O {j{ll �102ry{n. 000 071 '�00 O N s - m !•'!�?7th Street i' � o m O � C � O �r7 ^Rrh Street m BOO' L v r'IIIK i 29th Street o W a P U 0 o 1 30th Street i- 1 o o o t i r Y tIt� ir;, 31st Street o� n o u COO y SIT - SII" W ri .. 00 900• o 32nd Streeee t Y 1y o 0 N S00' �!\ a h o W 0 o Ae O P 0✓ d O r 33rd Street o oU0' ^ .6ii' m coo• 4th Street o 0 U zoo* 351h � ZZI- ' o m n d 36thStreat O 'P ; u pi ' 1,` N Cs ozI• _047 a p t .. ., L.v.n Street 1 2716 VINE STREET HISTORICAL CONTEXT River Park was founded in 1830 when Daniel Cripe entered a claim at the land office in Fort Wayne, Indiana for a tract of land bounded by the St. Joseph River to the South, Greenlawn to the west, Logan to the East and the Grand Trunk Railroad to the North. The land was eventually subdivided in 1880 and was officially named River Park in 1892. At this time the town was mostly farmland with a few businesses along Mishawaka Avenue. In 1893 Penn Township constructed a two-story school on the corner of 26th and Vine Streets, which could hold approximately forty students. In 1902 River Park elected a school board, which took the old school from Penn Township. This school became the social hub for the entire neighborhood and remained in use until 1923. By 1910 River Park had a population of 1,560 with 436 students, it was at this time that South Bend and River Park merged into one town. River Park's government officially ceased to operate in 1911, thus, effectively ending River Parks existence as an Indiana town. By the early 1920s the need for a larger school was clear and in 1923 a new school was constructed just blocks away from the old school on Vine Street. The school was named for past superintendent John F. Nuner and was dedicated in June of 1923. The school building boasted a 700 -seat auditorium and a gymnasium. The school produced numerous plays including an Operetta called "Suzanne" in 1929. By 1930 the enrollment for Nuner School peaked at 1,665 students in grades K-9. To help accommodate the large number of students an eight -room addition was added to the building in 1936, which increased the school capacity by 280 pupils and capped the square footage at 77,500. Gradually the number students declined and in 1979 the school only housed k-6, grades 7& 8 were moved to Jefferson and Edison Schools and grade 9 was moved to the high school. By 1998 the building served 650 pupils, teaching general education, Title I Classes. However, by 1995 discussions regarding the need for a new school had begun which eventually led to the construction and completion of a new Nuner School in 1999. The Old Nuner School effectively closed upon the opening of the new school building and has since remained vacant. ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION This is a one and two story Gothic Revival style school with an irregular plan, multiple wings, various gable roof lines, asphalt shingles, brick chimney, brick smoke stack and copper gutters and downspouts. It has casement windows with fixed 16 division transoms with a band of limestone surrounding multiple units with quoin detailing on the sides. The walls are made of brick with raised brick square detailing and limestone squares dividing the first and second floors of the central section. The central portion of the building fronts Vine Street and is two stories tall. It has limestone parapets, with a central entrance containing limestone detailing and a limestone name plate. The front entrance boasts a brick portico with limestone detailing which opens in an arch shape to a double set of wood doors with multi -paned glass panels, multi -paned wood side lights and a multi -paned wood and glass transom. The building has several long narrow, simple wings and two highly decorative secondary entrances, one facing 2 27th and the other fronting 28th Street. These secondary entrances have slightly higher pitched roofs then the smaller wings each ending in gables which front Vine Street. These gables boast limestone parapets and very ornate triangular detailing made with limestone highlights, yellow brick infill and soldier brick surrounds. Each entrance has an ornate parapet with limestone caps, yellow brick infill and soldier brick surrounds. The multi -paned wood doors and surrounds mirror the front entrance and are protected by brick and limestone, arched porticos. RECOMMENDATION Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted by the Common Council, -the site and structure at 2716 Vine Street has been recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission. The building and site meet four of the criteria: 1) Its character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or culture of the City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, the State of Indiana, or the United States of America; 2) Its embodiment of elements or architectural design, detail, material or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation; 3) Its suitability for preservation; 4) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The site and structure fulfill criteria #1 as the only remaining school that was original to River Park, a town in Indiana, which ceased to exist in 1911. This school not only educated the towns children it also became a center for neighborhood social events and gatherings. It helps depict the growth of small towns and the eventual loss of these small towns to sprawling cities. The site and structure fulfill criteria #2 as excellent example of Gothic -Revival style school with extremely ornate limestone and brick detailing. This structure is rated and S/12 in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. The site and structure fulfill criteria #3 by its integrity of original construction with no significant alterations in the past 78 years. The site and structure fulfill criteria #4 with its association to the citizens of River Park. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND & ST. JOSEPH COUNTY MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 15, 2001 7h Floor, Commissioner's Conference Room 7:30 p.m. County -City Bldg., South Bend, IN. MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Catherine Hostetler, Martha Choitz, Richard Morrison, Mary Jane Chase Jerry Weiner, Richard Helmus & Joann Sporleder Gerald Ujdak John Oxian, Acting Director Rhonda Saunders, Assistant Director; Thomas Bodnar, City Attorney ALSO PRESENT: Michael Leslie, Mike Gamble, John Arndt, Tim Conley, Dennis Whittaker, Don Sporleder, Tom Brademas, Dennis Montague, Gene Oakley, Richard Sheehan, Kitty Gerschoffer, Clint Overmyer, Fred Stump, Janet Maciulski, Ann -Carol Nash, Kathy Davis, Joe Hyde & John Clark. I. PUBLIC HEARING A. Certificates of Appropriateness 1. 2000-1116 — 635 Lincolnway East, Fencing RHONDA SAUNDERS: The staff discovered that the fencing in question was installed without a Certificate of Appropriateness while inspecting another property in the same area. Staff sent notification of the violation to the owner who upon receiving it filed this application for the already installed pole and rope fencing. JOANN SPORLEDER: I move to approve application 2000-1116 as submitted by the owner. JERRY WEINER: I second the motion. CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Is the owner of the property here? 1 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 The owner was not present. CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Is there any discussion? JOANN SPORLEDER: Despite the nautical theme of the fencing does it violate the standards? RHONDA SAUNDERS: The standards for Edgewater Place allow fencing of front yard areas for properties along Lincolnway East as long as they are not six foot tall or privacy fences. RICHARD HELMUS: The commission previously approved an iron post and chain/cable fence for the rear of a property on Bronson Street. The fencing does not look appropriate to the neighborhood nor does the fencing being proposed today. I believe the application should be placed into the standards and maintenance committee for further review. JOHN OXIAN: The fencing mentioned by Mr. Helmus was installed to keep people from parking cars on the vacant lot. JOANN SPORLEDER: I don't see any particular reason for the installation of this fence; it certainly wasn't installed for security and appears to be something that would be easily removed in the future if desired. MARTHA CHOITZ: What decision did the Commission make regarding this fence in December? JOHN OXIAN: The Commission did not have a monthly meeting last month due to bad weather. MARTHA CHOITZ: So, absolutely nothing has been done about this application and the owner did install it without a Certificate of Appropriateness? RHONDA SAUNDERS: Correct. RICHARD MORRISON: A vote for the motion means that the application would be placed into standards and maintenance? RHONDA SAUNDERS: No, a vote for the motion would approve the application as submitted. RICHARD HELMUS: I miss interpreted the motion and would like to withdraw my second. JERRY WEINER: I second the motion to approve the application. 93 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 94 95 Upon a motion by Joann Sporleder, being seconded by Jerry Weiner, the motion 96 to approve application 2000-1116 as submitted failed with Martha Choitz, Mary Jane 97 Chase, Richard Helmus and Richard Morrison voting against and Joann Sporleder and 98 Jerry Weiner voting for. 99 100 RICHARD MORRISON: I move that application 2000-1116 be placed into the 101 standards and maintenance committee as recommended by staff. 102 103 RICHARD HELMUS: I second the motion. 104 105 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 106 107 Upon a motion by Richard Morrison, being seconded by Richard Helmus 108 and carried with Joann Sporleder opposing, application 2000-1116 was placed into the 109 standards and maintenance committee as recommended by staff. 110 111 112 2. 2000-1130 — 406 West Madison, demolition 113 114 JOHN OXIAN: The Commission will be signing a contract with South Bend 115 Heritage Foundation to allow Paul Hayden to be our part-time inspector. I have also been 116 in touch with the property owner, John Freidline, who presented me with a letter today. 117 His letter states that Mr. Freidline had sold his interest in the property in March of 2000 118 to the Indiana Land Trust who intended to repair the property and run a business from it. 119 The land trust has restricted financing so the repairs would take a while to complete. The 120 buildings current condition is not harming anyone and with an investment of $10,000.00 121 to $15,000.00 the structure could be brought up to code. Code Enforcement has not been 122 inside and Mr. Freidline has stated that he would allow us inside to inspect the interior of 123 the building to get a better understanding of its condition. 124 125 KATHY DAVIS: I am the Director of Code Enforcement. I am not sure anyone 126 should go inside the structure since the roof has collapsed. 127 128 JOHN OXIAN: For the Commission to make an educated decision regarding this 129 property our own inspector should be sent to investigate the property inside and out in 130 order to submit a complete report next month. That is why the staff is asking that the 131 application be tabled for a month. 132 133 KATHY DAVIS: I appreciate the Commission's interest in getting inside the 134 building;, however, we do have some public safety concerns. There is collapse to the 135 roof at this time and a west wall that is severely bowed and leaning extremely close to the 136 neighboring house. We have concerns if this wall should kick out it would fall into the 137 neighbors property and with the population density in this area some one may get hurt. I M 138 would also mention that any addition of more snow may increase the potential for the 139 wall to fall. 140 141 RICHARD MORRISON: You are asking for immediate demolition, is that correct? 142 143 KATHY DAVIS: Yes, sir. 144 145 JOANN SPORLEDER: You are saying that under the current weight of the snow 146 the roof has collapsed? 147 148 KATHY DAVIS: Yes, we do have collapse of the roof. 149 150 JOANN SPORLEDER: The roof has collapsed since the recommendation of the 151 staff was written? 152 153 KATHY DAVIS: We have had concerns that a portion of the roof had collapsed prior 154 to our demolition hearing back in November of 2000. However, by now we most 155 certainly do have collapse and you can see in the pictures where the roof has collapsed 156 and kicked out the west wall. There are other portions of the siding that has been 157 removed that expose deteriorating wood siding. Even if we had not had a demolition 158 hearing on this property had I gone out and inspected this structure I would have 159 immediately ordered an emergency demolition order for the building based on its current 160 condition. We do have some strong concerns regarding the condition it is in today. 161 162 JOANN SPORLEDER: Who pays for the demolition? 163 164 KATHY DAVIS: The City fronts the money and then seeks the cost form the record 165 owner. 166 167 JOHN OXIAN: This building along with the house were the first landmarks this 168 Commission ever designated because it is the oldest house and the oldest commercial 169 structure in the city that still stand. 170 171 RICHARD MORRISON: I move to approve application 2000-1130 for the 172 demolition of 406 West Madison per the recommendations given by South Bend Code 173 Enforcement. 174 175 JOANN SPORLEDER: I second the motion. 176 177 RICHARD HELMUS: We do not have any other estimates other then those given 178 by Code? 179 180 JOHN OXIAN: That is correct and that is why we are asking that the application be 181 tabled for a month to allow our own inspector to put together figures. 182 183 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 4 184 185 Upon a motion by Richard Morrison, being seconded by Joann Sporleder, the 186 motion to approve application 2000-1130 failed with Richard Morrison, Joann Sporleder 187 and Jerry Weiner in favor, Richard Helmus, Martha Choitz and Catherine Hostetler 188 against and Mary Jane Chase abstaining. 189 190 JOANN SPORLEDER: I have a legal question, if the Commission votes to table the 191 application for a month and something happens to the building between now and then 192 where someone gets hurt can the Commission be held liable? 193 194 RICHARD MORRISON: Is there a motion on the floor for tabling the application? 195 196 CATHERINE HOSTETLER: No there is no motion on the floor. The previous 197 motion had a tied vote so now it is a dead issue. 198 199 THOMAS BODNAR: The same motion could be brought up again or a new 200 motion for tabling can be brought up. 201 202 JOHN OXIAN: I would like to ask that the Commission table the issue for one 203 month so that all the facts are known. 204 205 RICHARD HELMUS: I would move that application 2000-1130 be tabled until 206 February as recommended by staff. 207 208 MARY JANE CHASE: I second the motion. 209 210 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 211 212 Upon a motion by Richard Helmus, being seconded by Mary Jane Chase, the 213 motion to table application 2000-1130 for one month failed with Mary Jane Chase, 214 Martha Choitz and Richard Helmus in favor and Richard Morrison, Joann Sporleder, 215 Jerry Weiner and Catherine Hostetler against. 216 217 CATHERINE HOSTETLER: I would like to ask counsel again about the liability 218 issue. If the building should deteriorate to such a point as to be life threatening to 219 passers-by what is the status of liability for the Commission at that time. If we were to 220 table it and the building collapses killing someone before we can act what will happen? 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 THOMAS BODNAR: The Commission would be sued. I cannot give you an answer to this question. The criteria is going to be whether the Commissions actions were taken in good faith having seen the pictures and heard the evidence submitted today. CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Is Mr. Hayden currently employed with this Commission? 5 229 JOHN OXIAN: No, I just received the contract and will be taking it to them for 230 their signatures with in the next couple of days. 231 232 RICHARD MORRISON: It seems to me that the City has already determined the 233 property to be a risk and that the owner appears to be out of the picture. If we go against 234 what the City is recommending then the Commission will be the group out in front? 235 236 THOMAS BODNAR: That is correct. 237 238 RICHARD MORRISON: I move to approve application 2000-1130 for demolition of 239 406 W. Madison per the recommendation by South Bend Code Enforcement. 240 241 JOANN SPORLEDER: I second the motion. 242 243 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 244 245 Upon a motion by Richard Morrison, being seconded by Joann Sporleder, 246 application 2000-1130 for the demolition of 406 W. Madison was approved with Joann 247 Sporleder, Richard Morrison, Jerry Weiner and Catherine Hostetler in favor, Martha 248 Choitz and Richard Helmus against and Mary Jane Chase abstaining. 249 250 3.2000-1201— 832 N. Lafayette, windows. 251 252 RHONDA SAUNDERS: I am going to waive the history regarding this property 253 since it was read in November. The architect is requesting change of the previously 254 approved replacement window because of budget constraints. The staff has three 255 concerns regarding the new, Pella, replacement windows, which I have gone over with 256 the architect, Mr. Arndt. The staff is concerned with the very skinny center divider, the 257 poor fit of the windows into the existing openings and the metallic gold coating on the 258 back of the blinds. 259 260 JOHN ARNDT: I am John Arndt with Hebard and Hebard, I am the project 261 architect. With me this evening is the construction manager, Tim Conley. Collectively 262 the bids for this project ran over budget. We are trying to cut some of the prime 263 contracts, one of which is windows. We are looking at the best window available based 264 on the dollars remaining for the project. After having inspected the window I agree with 265 the staff that the center vertical mullion is not a true replication of the existing windows. 266 This can be adjusted with regard to dissembling the four windows used in a unit and 267 reassembling them to contain a wider center mullion. The second issue addressed by the 268 staff was in regards to the windows fit. This window was installed very quickly by a 269 sales representative and not be a skilled craftsman. The main concern was to get the 270 window installed fast for review and will in no reflect the fit of the windows once 271 installed by professionals. In regards to the blinds the manufacturer does have a metallic 272 coating on the blinds for solar shading and sun reflecting. There are other standard 273 colors available if desired. 274 10 275 RICHARD HELMUS: I thought that the window that we turned down, which is up 276 now, had a problem with the operation and ft or was it the opposite way and they were 277 going to make adjustments? 278 279 JOHN ARNDT: The window that was turned down has been removed because of 280 the problems with an excess build out of trim. 281 282 RICHARD HELMUS: So the window we are discussing is not the one that we 283 turned down earlier? 284 285 JOHN ARNDT: No, the window that was turned down was removed. 286 287 MARY JANE CHASE: The window is put together badly, my question is in 288 regards to the bottom of the window, the amount of protection toward the bottom of the 289 window is less. By saving the money now, will the school have to replace these windows 290 in the near future? 291 292 JOHN ARNDT: The window that is installed does not have any perimeter sealant, it 293 is not even completely installed. However, the amount of framing and sill shown at the 294 bottom is the same as the previously approved window. Once again a sales 295 representative in a hurry to make review for February installed this window. 296 297 MARY JANE CHASE: Will the installation of windows by professional workmen 298 solve the poor fit issue? 299 300 JOHN ARNDT: It will be corrected by virtue of withholding their pay until the 301 window is satisfactory. 302 303 MARTHA CHOITZ: The new windows upper sash extends out less then the 304 original windows, will it still give off a shadow line? 305 306 JOHN ARNDT: We will still have a shadow line, however, we will not be as 307 pronounced as the original. 308 309 MARTHA CHOITZ: Do you think there is a likelihood that more exterior 310 features will have to changed? 311 312 JOHN ARNDT: No, this is the last contract. 313 314 MARTHA CHOITZ: I move that application 2000-1201 the alteration to 315 application 2000-0825 that the change in the windows be accepted as presented by Mr. 316 Arndt. 317 318 RHONDA SAUNDERS: Do you want to include the issues regarding the center 319 vertical mullion and the ill fit of the window in your motion? 320 7 321 MARTHA CHOITZ: I am approving the windows that were presented to us. 322 323 JOANN SPORELDER: I second the motion. _ 324 325 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 326 327 Upon a motion by Martha Choitz, being seconded by Joann Sporleder, application 328 2000-0810 was approved with Richard Morrison abstaining do to his long history with 329 the South Bend School Board. 330 331 4.2001-0102,12768 Dragoon Trail, windows. 332 333 RHONDA SAUNDERS: The staff has had several conversation with the window 334 contractor, John Clark, to come up with a more historically accurate replacement window 335 then the one being proposed, at no extra cost to the owner. As a result of these 336 conversations the staff is recommending that the replacement windows be full size, 337 32"03", solid vinyl, double -hung, with six over six mutin division. To solve the ceiling 338 exposure problem the top'/4 of the windows would be treated or frosted so that the ceiling 339 would not be visible from the outside. The staff is also recommending that the wood 340 surrounds be retained or replaced in-kind where needed and left exposed. In addition at 341 least one of the original wood storms should be retained and stored for future owners. 342 The contractor has assured me that installing full size windows will not cost anymore 343 then the windows originally applied for by the owner, he has also stated to me that his 344 company will install the six over six mutin pattern for free. The owner's son, Michael 345 Leslie is present as is John Clark from Nu Sash. 346 347 JOHN CLARK: What we were,proposing to do is replace the original windows 348 which are in very bad shape with new custom, virgin vinyl, double -hung windows with 349 the trim wrapped. The trim can remain wood if desired, we are recommending that the 350 inside of the top row of mutins be coated on the inside with an opaque or tinted solar 351 control film to cover the interior drop ceiling. We are also recommending the use of heat 352 mirrors for reflecting radiant heat. 353 354 JOHN OXIAN: I suggest that the Commission continue its recommendations that 355 the existing wood trim be left exposed and that at least one of the existing wood storms 356 be stored for the future. 357 358 RICHARD HELMUS: I move to approve application 2001-0102 as presented by 359 the staff with the use of 32"x73", solid vinyl replacement windows, with six over six 360 mutin division, the top'/4 of the windows treated or coated to obscure the dropped ceiling, 361 the wood trim be repaired and left exposed and that at least one wood storm be stored for 362 the future. 363 364 MARY JANE CHASE: I second the motion. 365 366 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 367 368 Upon a motion by Richard Helmus, being seconded by Mary Jane Chase, - 369 -- application 2001-0102 was approved unanimously as presented by the staff. 370 371 B. Local Landmarks 2nd Reading 372 1. Norfolk Southern R.R. Bridge 373 374 RHONDA SAUNDERS: The railroad bridge owned by Norfolk Southern has been 375 before the Commission previously and as such the staff will waive the reading of the staff 376 report. 377 378 JOHN OXIAN: I have already talked with councilmen on this proposal all of which 379 do not have a problem with the designation of the railroad bridge in question. One of the 380 councilmen asked if the bridge becomes a landmark can the top of the bridge be 381 converted for a trail system later, I said yes. I would like to take this before the Council 382 as it is the only bridge of its type in St. Joseph County. 383 384 CATHERINE HOSTETLER; I would like a motion to send this nomination to the 385 Common Council with a favorable recommendation. 386 387 MARTHA CHOITZ: I move to send the proposed local landmark known as the 388 Norfolk Southern Railway Bridge over the St. Joseph River running adjacent to the 389 Angela Street Bridge, to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. 390 391 RICHARD MORRISON: I second the motion. 392 393 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 394 395 Upon a motion by Martha Choitz, being seconded by Richard Morrison and 396 carried unanimously, the proposed landmarking of the Norfolk Southern R.R. Bridge was 397 recommended favorably to the Common Council. 398 399 2. 1304 Kessler Place — Jackson House 400 401 JOHN OXIAN: This is the only house of its type in the city survey and is rated. an 402 S/12. The only known alterations to the structure is that the original outdoor light fixture 403 was removed and sold at auction. We have tried several times to contact the owner 404 including sending a certified letter. 405 406 JOANN SPORLEDER: Do we know who the architect is or the construction date of 407 the house? 408 409 RHONDA SAUNDERS: We do not have any listing for an architect but the house 410 was built in 1920. 411 E 412 MARTHA CHOITZ: I move to send the proposed local landmark located at 1304 413 Kessler Place to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. 414 -- - -- 415 RICHARD HELMUS: I second the motion. 416 417 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 418 419 Upon a motion by Martha Choitz, being seconded by Richard Helmus and carried 420 unanimously, proposed local landmark 1304 Kessler Place be sent to the Common 421 Council with a favorable recommendation. 422 423 II. REGULAR BUSINESS 424 A. Approval of Minutes (November) 425 426 RICHARD MORRISON: I move to accept the minutes from November. 427 428 MARTHA CHOITZ: I second the motion. 429 430 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 431 432 Upon a motion by Richard Morrison, being seconded by Martha Choitz and 433 carried unanimously, the minutes from November were accepted. 434 435 B. Treasurer's Report 436 437 JERRY WEINER: I have circulated copies of the St. Joseph County budget report and 438 the combined ledger sheets which show the figures for the third quarter. 439 440 MARTHA CHOITZ: I move to accept the treasurer's report as submitted by Mr. 441 Weiner. 442 443 RICHARD HELMUS: I second the motion. 444 445 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 446 447 Upon a motion by Martha Choitz, being seconded by Richard Helmus and 448 carried unanimously the treasurers report was accepted as presented. 449 450 C. Correspondence 451 452 RHONDA SAUNDERS: I finally received a response from the Near Northwest 453 Neighborhood Association regarding the Commissions inquiry about the two vacant lots 454 on North St. Joseph Street. In the letter they state that they hope to do new construction 455 at 508-510 N. St. Joseph and the lot at 524 N. St. Joseph will be eventually deeded to 456 NNNA and sold. It sounds as though NNNA will not be doing anything with these two 457 lots for a while. 10 458 459 The staff has also received several out of state phone calls from various -----460 - - preservation groups requesting information on liaison committees, interim protection and 461 designation procedures. The Commissions efforts and pioneering practices are starting to 462 get national attention. 463 464 465 D. Committee Reports 466 1. Historic Districts 467 468 MARTHA CHOITZ: This is in regards to Dismas House at 521 S. St. Joseph 469 Street. Ever since last fall we have been meeting with them to guide them in the 470 restoration of that very lovely house. I have been getting the people with interest in the 471 place to give their opinions. The last meeting we held was with Todd Zieger and Ron 472 Zmyslo that went through the house. They were very pleased and will be sending me a 473 report on their findings tomorrow. We have also been trying to inform the owners of 474 sources for funding and I think they are starting to understand what a special house they 475 have. 476 477 2. Local Landmarks 1st Reading 478 479 RHONDA SAUNDERS: Nuner School at 2716 Vine Street and the apartment 480 complex at 501 West Washington are up for first reading. 481 482 483 111. OLD BUSINESS 484 485 Nothing new.to report. 486 487 IV. NEW BUSINESS 488 489 A. Nuner School — 2716 Vine Street — Interim Protection 490 491 JOHN OXIAN: We would like to discuss the need for interim protection for Nuner 492 School, located at 2716 Vine Street and ask the Commission to approve such an action. 493 When the South Bend School Corporation decided it was going to discontinue use of the 494 Old Nuner School I had a meeting with Fred Stump to discuss the future of various 495 school building, mainly Muessel and Nuner. At this meeting I was told that Muessel was 496 going to be demolished because the new school was going to be built in the same area 497 and Old Nuner School would be retained for neighborhood uses. If a change in the 498 situation was to occur, in regards to Old Nuner, then the Commission, namely myself 499 would be informed of the change and discussion would occur, this did not happen. 500 School City did know that the Commission sought landmark status for this school 501 because of its architecture and its historical significance as part of River Park, which was 502 at one time a separate town. 11 503 I received a letter from Dr. Joan Raymond, the Superintendent, in reply to our 504 letter dated January 3, 2001, regarding potential landmarking of old Nuner School. The - - 505--- -letter stated that on January 8, 2001 the School Board voted to demolish the old Nuner__ 506 School building, convert the site to green space for immediate use by Nuner students and 507 retain the property for future Corporation needs. "The Board had planned to make a 508 decision regarding disposition of the building earlier in the year but decided to wait until 509 the new administration was established. Current budgetary constraints and problems in 510 maintaining the old building were major considerations for the Board in reaching its 511 decision. The South Bend Community School Corporation is sensitive to the work of the 512 Historic Preservation Commission and certainly has no wish to usurp the authority of the 513 Commission. It is our understanding that the action for considering the old school 514 building for landmark status was initiated by one of the proponents for awarding the 515 property to a specific entity for development. It is our further understanding that the 516 request for landmarks status was made to prevent the Board of School Trustees from 517 taking any action on the disposition of the old Nuner School other then releasing it for 518 development." The thing I disagree most with are the paragraphs that state that the 519 Commission is taking action on the school because of developers. This is a false 520 statement, it is not true. I have received numerous calls from River Park residents 521 regarding saving the school and yes I received a call from one developer. However, as I 522 stated before the Commission has been interested in declaring Nuner a landmark for 523 several years, it has nothing to do with developers. I have no idea where this opinion 524 came from. The staff is asking that interim protection be placed on this building and that 525 School City rethink its decision. The Commission was not properly notified of the 526 Schools actions as originally agreed upon between the two government bodies. 527 528 THOMAS BODNAR: Interim Protection does not require a public hearing as set 529 forth in ordinance 21-17.2. If a resolution for interim protection is introduced for this 530 building it should include why it is needed and how the building qualifies for landmark 531 status. 532 533 CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Does anyone from the public wish to speak 534 regarding Nuner school? 535 536 JOHN OXIAN: The reason why the Commission is allowing a public hearing for 537 this issues is because of the letter from the School Corporation, the large amount of 538 public interest and the significance of the matter, all warrant public input. 539 540 THOMAS BODNAR: I am not saying you cannot have a public hearing I am 541 simply saying you do not have to. 542 543 TOM BRADEMAS: I have a long-standing interest in Historic Preservation and 544 have placed numerous buildings on the state register. It would be an outrageous abuse of 545 taxpayer's money to tear down this school. There have been proposals made and well 546 thought out studies supported by myself and architects Troyer and Troyer. The building 547 is in great shape and is historically significant. I have put forth a proposal to convert it 548 into a family investment center. There have been numerous other proposals to turn it into 12 549 housing however these options have some flaws since the neighborhood wanted to keep 550 the gymnasium and auditorium open to public use. We have set up a modified non-profit 551---- corporation that has been approved by the State and Federal Government to develop a 552 family investment center that will provide high quality child care programs, before and 553 after school programs, a computer learning center and art programs. I want to assure you 554 that there are viable proposals for the re -use of this school building. 555 556 JANET MACIULSKI: I am a resident of River Park and a member of the River 557 Park Neighborhood Association. I have chaired a committee regarding the re -use of Old 558 Nuner School for several years. We have listened to numerous developers and have 559 decided to back Matt Stahl to convert the building into senior housing with community 560 areas, somewhat like the Battell Center. I know people have criticized the idea of 561 children and seniors together, but, the Battell Center has had a lot of success. Our 562 committee believes the building is well worth saving, the feasibility studies and the 563 architects that have been involved have all given proof to this affect. 564 565 DENNIS WHITTAKER: I am president of the River Park Neighborhood 566 Association. Of all the issues we have faced Nuner School has generated the most 567 interested. Janet Maciulski is chair of the Historic Preservation Committee for River 568 Park, which has been in existence for four years. We have tried working with the School 569 Board and have not been successful. The School Board has gone through two iterations 570 of asking for proposals for this building. As far as I know developers submitted at least 571 five different proposals. The proposals were submitted, the deadline came and went with 572 no response from the School Board. The School Board kept changing the rules during 573 the middle of the proposal process. We went through a second iteration with a new 574 proposal. Again we tried to do everything in good faith with them and it just doesn't 575 work. They are the most difficult people we have ever tried to work with. We really 576 want to see the building saved, it is a fine old building that is in good shape despite a 577 couple of years of intentional neglect on the part of the School Corporation. From the 578 Neighborhood Associations stand point there is a lot of miss information circulating, such 579 as, that there is no one interested in the building. Several weeks ago I talked to the police 580 chief, the fire chief and the mayor who expressed an interest in using the facility for 581 training of police and fire crews. I told them we were going to pursue landmark 582 designation of this property and all parties felt this would be fine. The School Board nor 583 the Superintendent would speak with us. This is a fine old building with beautiful 584 architecture and rich history as part of the original town of River Park, which ceased to 585 be a separate town in 1912. 586 587 FRED STUMP: I am the deputy superintendent for administration for the South 588 Bend Community School Corporation. I would like to thank Mr. Oxian for reading the 589 letter that Dr. Raymond wrote, I did bring copies for everyone. Just for the record I 590 believe Mr. Oxian had discussions regarding Nuner and Muessel with my predecessor, 591 because the only conversations I have had with you were on Madison and Monroe. 592 593 JOHN OXIAN: No, we discussed Nuner and Muessel, Mr. Talley and Mr. 594 Jascowitz were there. 13 595 596 FRED STUMP: I was not here when decisions were made regarding those -- 597 - buildings. The intent of the school corporation is to utilize the space for student needs. 598 The belief is that by turning it into green space for fields and playgrounds would be in the 599 best interest of the students and neighborhood, also the School Corporation would like to 600 retain the property for potential future development. We do not want to give up the 601 property, however, the building is of no use to us. Our board president, Mr. Sheehan, is 602 also present to speak to the board. 603 604 RICHARD SHEEHAN: I am the School Board President. I sent a letter by fax, 605 which I do not believe you received so I have copies for everyone. When the School 606 Board made the initial decision to build a new school money was set-aside in the budget 607 to demolish the old school, so there are no surprises. At the last board meeting the 608 superintendent presented a request and rational for demolishing the building. I had talked 609 to her earlier in the day to see if it was possible to table the issue until the next meeting 610 when the developers could have the opportunity to address the board. The 611 Superintendent raised this issue at the board meeting, however, after hearing from various 612 individuals the board decided that it would be best to act that night then postpone it. In 613 terms of my personal decision to demolish old Nuner were made based on the fact that 614 none of the proposals offered even the value of the land on which the building is based. 615 To ask the School Board to hand over to a developer a city block for not even the value 616 of the land, to me, is not a serious offer and I as a board member I would be failing by 617 fiduciary responsibilities to the corporation and students to simply hand property over to 618 a developer with out getting appropriate compensation. The Corporation has recreational 619 use ideas for the land. One other thing, Mr. Oxian said that both Dr. Raymond and 620 myself were informed of the action. The letter in question was dated January 9, 2001 621 states that interim protection has been placed on this date. I am very disconcerted by this 622 statement because it suggests that an action has already been taken by this board to place 623 interim protection on this property when, as far as I know the Commission has not met 624 regarding this matter. I was told that the letter was sent in error, well if it was sent in 625 error then I would have hoped also that I would have gotten notice that it had been sent in 626 error. 1% 628 TOM BRADEMAS: Mr. Sheehan talked about appropriate compensation, this is 629 a public building. What we are talking about is early childhood care and training which 630 can increase grades by 50%. What I am talking about is a foundation for South Bend 631 children to do much better in school and score a lot higher on the ISTEP tests. The 632 request for compensation is what is going to keep these ISTEP test scores low. 633 634 THOMAS BODNAR: Cheryl Greene, who was your attorney until today, had a 635 phone conversation with two lawyers from Baker and Daniels on January 11, 2001 to 636 resolve and advise them that the letter was sent in error. So efforts were made to correct 637 any misapprehensions. 638 639 14 640 DENNIS WHITTAKER: This is simplamatic of what this whole process has been, 641 they change the ground rules as we go along. When the initial invitation went out to the 642- proposed developers nothing was said and no ground rules were set for a minimum ---- 643 --643 acceptable bid or anything of that nature. From a business stand point this has been 644 handled very poorly. We feel there just basically coming up with excuses now. If they 645 wanted a minimum value why didn't they tell anyone. 646 647 JANET MACIULSKI: Mr. Sheehan has stated that the School Boards actions were 648 not a surprise. I have been working on this for a long time and it was a surprise, we did 649 not know until December that there was any consideration that the building was going to 650 be torn down. Oliver School was given away for a dollar, O'Brien was given to the 651 South Bend Parks Department, we did know that they expected a minimum bid, if one is 652 required then it should be publicized. It states in a South Bend Tribune article dated 653 March 18, 1998 that South Bend School Administrators would like the old Nuner School 654 building to be used for a purpose that would enhance the neighborhood, demolition will 655 occur only as a last resort. These are the things we have heard so the School Boards 656 actions were a surprise. 657 658 JOHN OXIAN: This letter that we received from Mr. Sheehan deserves a response, 659 which the staff will respond to in writing. 660 661 GENE OAKLEY: I am not here for or against this situation. The School Corporation 662 doesn't need dead buildings. People are coming up for proposals at the last minute and 663 as a businessperson I would say that they should have been in earlier. If you hold the 664 building interim the School Corporation cannot sit and maintain the building for the next 665 ten years so if the developers are interested let them bring the proposals, and prove they 666 can do the job and have the money by a set deadline or we are going to tear it down. If 667 the people have the money and can do the job then great, but, if not then we can't let the 668 building just sit. If the building was utilized properly then the School Corporation should 669 take the cost of demolition and conversion to green space save that money and take 670 whatever the developers offer. 671 672 KITTY GERSCHOFFER: I am with the River Park Neighborhood Association. I am 673 in favor of saving Nuner and the Matt Stahl proposal. I am concerned that the School 674 Corporation will spend $350,000.00 to demolish the building and not accept a bid of 675 $80,000.00. Granted its not worth the value of the land but it is still better then spending 676 $350,000.00. We have had serious offers, all of the offers were serious and made by 677 reputable people. We have also been compared to Oliver School, we are not Oliver, we 678 are not located where Oliver is nor do we have the same type of neighborhood so such a 679 comparison is not fare. To use Nuners land for a student field would require that children 680 cross Pleasant Street, which is one of the main arteries in South Bend, on a regular 681 1,&`Pb_iness. I just do not see how this could be done safely, nor is the property involved 682 large enough for much green space. 683 684 CATHERINE HOSTETLER: I am going to ask that the Commission make a 685 motion for Interim Protection for Old Nuner School. 15 686 RICHARD HELMUS: I move to place Nuner School, located at 2716 Vine Street, 687 under interim protection. 688---- 689 88 —689 MARY JANE CHASE: I second the motion. 690 691 JOANN SPORLEDER: Is there a time limit for protection? 692 693 THOMAS BODNAR: The ordinance states that interim protection lasts six 694 months. 695 696 JOHN OXIAN: You can renew the protection if need be. 697 698 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 699 700 Upon a motion by Richard Helmus, being seconded by Mary Jane Chase, Nuner 701 School located at 2716 Vine Street was placed under interim protection with Richard 702 Morrison abstaining. 703 704 705 B. 2001 Meeting Schedule 706 707 RICHARD MORRISON: I move that the schedule for 2001 which consists of 708 meeting every third Monday of every month except for February when the Commission 709 will meet on the 26tH 710 711 RICHARD HELMUS: I second the motion. 712 713 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 714 715 Upon a motion by Richard Morrison, being seconded by Richard Helmus and 716 carried unanimously the schedule for 2001 was approved. 717 718 C. Inspectors Contract 719 720 RICHARD MORRISON: I move to approve the resolution, which creates the contract 721 for the position of inspector, which the Commission will be entering into with South 722 Bend Heritage. 723 724 JOANN SPORLEDER: I second the motion. 725 726 After due consideration, the following action was taken: 727 728 Upon a motion by Richard Morrison, being seconded by Joann Sporleder and 729 carried unanimously, the resolution for creating the inspectors contract was approved. 730 16 731 V. VISITORS 732 -- 733--- IV. -ADJOURNMENT - -- — - -- -- -- 734 735 736 Historic Preservation Commission 737 Of South Bend and St. Joseph 738 County, Indiana. 739 740 741 ATTEST: 742 Secretary 17 FIN14X SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY RUN DATE 1/03/2001 PAGE 70 LOCATION BUDGET REPORT REPORT DATE 12/31/2000 JD 001 COUNTY GENERAL 037 HISTORIC PRESERVATION UNENCUMBERED UNEXPENDED ACCOUNT NO APPROPRIATION ENCUMBRANCE EXPENDITURE BALANCE/PCT BALANCE/PCT 11,075 000 ASST. DIRECTOR 18,083.00 0.00 18,083.00 0.00 0.00 GENERAL GOVT. 0.00 X 0.00 X 11309 OOO.HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADMIN. 26,576.00 0.00 16,881.63 9.694.37 9.694.37 GENERAL GOV'T.. 36.48 X 36.48 X 10000 TOTAL **"********* 44,659.00 0.00 34.964.63 9.694.37 9.694.37 21.71 X 21.71 X 21030 000 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1.000.00 76.15 926.86 3.01- 73.14 GENERAL GOVT. 0.30- X 7.31 X 20000 TOTAL 1,000.00 76.15 926.86 3.01- 73.14 0.30- X 7.31 X 31070 000 OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 48.600.00 0.00 38,150.50 10.449.50 1U.449.5U GENERAL GOVT. 21.50 X 21.50 X 32020 000 TRAVEL 1.300.00 0.00 1,026.95 273.05 273.05 GENERAL GOVT. 21.00 X 21.00 X =0 000 TELEPHONE 2,662.00 0.00 2,542.95 119.05 119.05 GENERAL GOVT. 4.47 X 4.47 X 32350 000 POSTAGE 696.49 0.00 431.05 265.44 265.44 GENERAL GOV'T. 38.11 X 38.11 % 33010 000 PUBLICATION OF LEGAL. NOTICES 144.00 0.00 117.71 .26.29 _ 26.29 GENERAL GOVT. 18.26 X 18.26 X 33100 000 PRINTING 9.896.06 249.00 9.629.46 17.60 '266.60 GENERAL GOVT. 0.18 X 2.69 X 39010 000 DUES & SUBSCRIPTION 500._00 0.00 433.76 66.24 66.24 GENERAL GOVT. 13.25 X 13.25 X 39211 0WHISTORIC PRESERVATION 6.498.50 0.00 6,420.8.7 77.63 77.63 GENERAL GOVT. 1.19 X 1.19 X 39750 000 DATA PROCESSING 1.875.00 0.00 1,700.25. 174.75 174.75 GENERAL-GOV'T. 9.32 X 9.32 % 30000 TOTAL 72,172.05 249.00 60.453.50 . 11.469.55 11.718.55 15.89 X 16.24 X 000 OFFICE MACHINES 4,000.00 0.00 3.772.OA 228.00 228.00 GENERAL GOVT. 5.70 X 5.70 X i FIN14X SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY RUN DATE 1/03/2001 PAGE 71 LOCATION BUDGET REPORT REPORT DATE 12/31/2000 FUND 001 COUNTY GENERAL LOC 037 HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACCOUNT NO 40000 TOTAL LOCATION TOTAL ********* INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS TRANSFER ACCOUNTS UNENCUMBERED UNEXPENDED APPROPRIATION ENCUMBRANCE EXPENDITURE BALANCE/PCT BALANCE/PCT 4.000.00 0.00 3.772.00 228.00 228.00 5.70 % 5.70 X 121.831.05 325.15 100.116.99 21.388.91 21.714.06 17.56 % 17.82 X 0.00 0.00 100.116.99 RE -RATE REPORT FOR 1534 W. SAMPLE/ 3302 W. WESTERN/- - -- --- -- 501 W. WASHINGTON The staff feels that all three of these properties were under rated at the time of the City Survey, all three properties were rated Contributing Tens. The Rushton, located at 501 W. Washington is the only remaining apartment complex of its type in South Bend and the last of a series of complexes that used to stand on Washington Street (for a history refer to the local landmark staff report), it surely merits an increase in rating to an S/11. Harrison School, located at 3302 W. Western, was built in the 1920s to accommodate the huge population explosion occurring in South Bend's West side. It is an integral part of the cities history as well as having various architectural features that make it more then eligible to be rated an S/11. Washington School, located at 1534 W. Sample, is also embedded in South Bend's west side history. It has architectural detailing and unique features that set this school apart from any other in the city and should be definitely rated at least an S/11. CRITERIA AND EVALUATING All properties are evaluated in terms of historical significance, architectural merit and integrity. Each resource was evaluated by a professional using the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. The three main criteria are: 1) Historic Significance: An association with exploration and settlement, Commercial or Industrial development and or the attachment to the lives of important people. 2) Architectural Merit: Representative of a particular architectural style. 3) Integrity: Determine how much of the original historic fabric remains by looking at any extensive alterations, such as the installation of synthetic siding, removal of architectural features, additions or structural modifications, all of which could lowering the property's rating. RATINGS After consideration of the above factors a rating was assigned, they are: 1) Outstanding: property has enough historic or architectural significance that it is or should be listed on the National Register by itself. 2) Significant: property does not quite merit an outstanding rating, but is still above average in its importance and may be eligible for the National Register. 3) Contributing: property meets the basic inventory criterion of being at least fifty years old, but that is not important enough to stand on its own as individually outstanding or significant. It is stated in the city survey that ratings are to be viewed as advisory recommendations based on information available at the time of the survey and any changes in location, sensitive restoration, additional research, extensive physical damage or inappropriate remodeling could affect the rating at a later date.