HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2001AGENDA OF THE
MARCH 2001 MEETING
7th Floor County -City Building County Commissioners Conference Rm
Monday, March 19, 2001 7:30 pm
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} = { I. Call To Order
II. Public Hearing
A. Certificates of Appropriateness
1.2001-0222, St. Joseph River Project
sB. Proposed Local Landmarks, 2nd Reading
1.3302 W. Western, Harrison School
C75C 2. 1534 W. Sample, Washington School
G . 3. 1003 E. Washington, Fassett House
kO4. 52400 Portage, Molnar House
s 5. 1031 E. Jefferson/ 123 N. Eddy, Witwer House
' 4 III. Regular Business
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A. Approval of Minutes (February)
z B. Treasurer's Report
' C. Correspondence
D. Committee Reports
1. Historic Districts
2. Historic Landmarks
3. Standards & Maintenance
E. Staff Reports
" W 1. CofA Staff Approvals
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. 2. Legal
3
W ; 3. Miscellaneous Activities & Grants
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'IV. Old Business
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V. New Business
A. Re -rates: 1534 W. Sample; 3302 W. Western;
B. Petition to rescind landmark status 14297 S.R. 23
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'VI. Hearing of Visitors
' ry- VII. Announcements and Miscellaneous Matters
4 VIII. Adjournment
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STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Application Number: 2001-0222 a
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Property Location: St. Joseph River
a.
Property Owner: City of South Bend d
Landmark or District Designation: LL & LHD's
Rating:
RECOMMENDATION
The Local Landmarks guidelines follow the rehabilitation model.
The owner is requesting an extensive project for erosion control along the St.
Joseph River. This project will directly affect the Riverside Drive Local Historic District,
the W. North Shore Local Historic District, Leeper Park and Leeper Island. The staff will
only include a brief description of the proposed alterations for each site, enclosed is a
detailed copy of the entire project.
1) North Shore Drive Site
Repair 1500 feet of the St. Joseph River north bank between Parkovash
and Lafayette Boulevard. Approximately 1,050 feet of the North Shore
Drive project site will be within the WNS Local Historic District. The
riverbank will be stabilized with a continuous riprap cover system and
graded gravel filter. The riprap Will be 6" to 12" graded stone. A
permanent turf reinforcement mat along the 8" topsoil will be seeded and
fertilized at the top of the riverbank slope. The turf reinforcement mat will
allow for trees six inches and greater in diameter to be preserved along the
upper banks of the river.
As the project stands approximately 10 trees are to be removed from the
LHD portion of the project (see drawing #7). If the project is extended all
the way to Lafayette Boulevard an additional 25 trees will be removed
along the lower bank east of Iroquois.
The staff concurs that severe erosion is undermining W. North Shore Drive and if left
unchecked could eventually cause the loss of this road. As such the staff feels that the
proposed project for this area is not only appropriate, but also necessary and is being
done in a way that will cause the least amount of negative impact to the area by saving
many of the larger trees along the upper portion of the river bank that would have
eventually fallen into the river.
2) CSO #6 Site (Riverside Drive)
This site only includes 100 feet of shore protection along the south bank of the St.
Joseph River, adjacent to the combined sewer outfall, which is located near the
intersection of Leland Avenue and Riverside Drive. The riverbank will be stabilized with
1.5 -foot thick riprap cover over an 8" thick gravel stone layer. The riprap shall be 6" to
12" graded stone. For this project two large trees will need to be removed along the
lower portion of the river bank (see drawing # 6).
The staff finds this project to with in the guidelines and recommends approval.
3) Leeper Island
This project includes about 250 feet of the stonewall along the eastern shore of
Leeper Island, which has been completely destroyed as a result of undermining caused by
scouring and erosion of the wall foundation. Shore protection will be a riprap cover over
a non -woven geotextile (see attachment) filter to provide protection against scouring of
the existing wall tow and the new masonry wall toe. The riprap will be placed at an
approximate 1 V:3H slope, no trees will be removed at the Leeper Park Island site. The
riprap will flow from the stonewall to the river.
The staff finds this proposal to be with in the guidelines and a necessary step to ensure
that the island will be there for future generations to enjoy, with out the removal of any
trees. However, the staff does have one question, does this project include rebuilding the
wall or only repairing portions of it? The staff recommends approval.
PROPOSED LOCAL LANDMARK
3302 WEST WESTERN
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Historic Preservation Commission
Of
South Bend and St. Joseph County
March 2001
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CURRENT PHOTOGRAPH
3302 W. WESTERN
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
By the 1920's South Bend's west side was booming, which was quickly leading
to overcrowding in the existing schools. The construction of Harrison School in 1926-
1927 provided the needed space for the anticipated growth of the student population.
This Freyermuth and Maurer designed school building became the 24`h school in the
South Bend school system. Classes were first held in the fall of 1927 and were designed
to accommodate 500 students. The building originally consisted of 13 classrooms, gym,
auditorium, library, art room, music room and science rooms. The total cost of the
project was $250,000.00. To provide for future expansion only 2/3 of the proposed
design was initially constructed. The option to expand was not exercised until 1948 with
the construction of a four -room addition and again in 1951 with the addition of another
eight rooms, which were designed by Andrew Toth. Even with the expansions the school
was hopelessly overcrowded, the enrollment had tripled since 1946. When Harrison
originally opened it was located on the western edge of town, but by 1953 it was
surrounded by 3000 new homes, all built since the end of World War II.
In 1956 the school had the distinction of being the most overcrowded in the city
with an enrollment of 1400 and a capacity of 900. The problem was solved by splitting
the classes into two half-day sections of three and one-half hours each. Also in 1956,
Pierre Navarre School was being constructed at 4702 Ford to help relieve the problem. In
1963 the school system spent $500,000.00 to remodel the existing structure and to add_a
new-gymnasium.—To-this-day the school still serves the west side residents.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
This is a two-story, irregular plan, school building with a stone foundation and
multiple additions added at various times from 1940's to the 1960's. The walls are made
of brown brick with cut stone accents, carved medallions below parapet. The original
building is small and gabled with bracketed eaves and Flemish gable parapets. The
central block is flat, with stone parapet cap and a tall polygonal stack rises from rear with
stone accents around the top. The original building has trios of windows of 6/6 double -
hung and three part windows. The newer central section has coursed 8/8 double -hung
windows. The main entry has an Art Deco influence and consists of two, two -leaf doors
recessed into the bottom of a pilastered limestone -block wall.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted by
the Common Council, the site and structure at 3302 W. Western has been recommended
to the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by the Historic
Preservation Commission.
The building and site meet three of the criteria:
4
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 identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #1 as an example of how South Bend expanded over
the years and the effect the end of World War II had on housing, schools and the growth
of new neighborhoods.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #2 as an example of the meshing of various
architectural designs from various time eras. The original portion of the school is in the
Mission style while latter additions exude the Art Deco style. This structure is rated a
C/10 in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory, however, this rating is low
and can be re -rated to an S/11.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #3 with its association with architects, Freyermuth,
Maurer and Toth.
5
PROPOSED LOCAL LANDMARK
1534 WEST SAMPLE
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Historic Preservation Commission
Of
South Bend and St. Joseph County
March 2001
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CURRENT PHOTO
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1534 W. SAMPLE
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
In the first decades of this century, the southwest quarter of South Bend was
known as the "Foreign Section". Primarily immigrant and first generation Poles and
Hungarians, resided there. The neighborhood contained 1/3 of the city's population at
the time Washington School was constructed in 1917.
Breaking conventions of the period, the Board of Education set about to design a
school to deal with the predominantly non-English speaking population. The result was a
three -track program, that is, in the elementary grades, the course -work of one semester
may be spread out over two or three semesters, according to the ability of the student.
School facilities included; a 1,200 seat auditorium, a home economics kitchen, print and
woodwork shops, a night school for adults and a branch of the public library. Progressive
thinking in 1917 dictated open-air school for the physically infirm. The school also made
provisions for the mentally disabled in "Opportunity School".
Washington School was dedicated in November of 1918 during a ceremony that
included three addresses in Polish and one in Hungarian. By the 1903's overcrowding at
Central High School necessitated the conversion of Washington to a high school. The
first term as a high school was in 1935-36 and consisted of only sophomores. As they
advanced new classes were added behind them until the full complement of grades was
reached in 1937-38. The conversion never was considered satisfactory and 20 y_ears_later
the_new_Washington- High- School -at 4747V Western was built. The move to the new
$4 million dollar structure was made between semesters in, January of 1960. Shortly after
its vacancy Washington school became occupied by Ivy Tech. They utilized the building
until the late 1990's. The structure currently sits vacant with demolition pending.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
This is a two-story, irregular plan Renaissance Revival style school building. It
has a cut stone Plinth foundation, mottled red brick walls with shallow pilasters and terra
cotta detailing. It has a semi circular bay jutting from the central front fagade with brick
header coursings, with terra cotta capped parapet interrupted by shaped pilaster ends.
The roof is bi-leveled with a two-story block flanked by one-story wings. The main entry
has a modest portico with fagade-brick piers, pedimented flat brick roof and the stoops.
The building has long courses of vertical modern windows set between molded terra cotta
sill and lintel courses. It has blind panels at intervals between windows and multiple
entryways of glass and steel set in square brick surrounds.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Land �ter_a'� acl�. by
the Common Council, the site and structure at 1534 W. Sampl has been recommended to
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the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
The building and site meet three 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.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #1 as an example of how this city expanded over the
years and the influence of immigrants in South Bend.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #2 as a Renaissance Revival style school building.
This structure is rated a C/10 in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory;
however, this rating is low and can be re -rated to an S/11 or S/12.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #3 with its integrity of original construction with no
significant alterations in the past $4 years.
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PROPOSED LOCAL LANDMARK
1003 EAST WASHINGTON
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
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Historic Preservation Commission
Of
South Bend and St. Joseph County
March 2001
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LOCATION MAP
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CURRENT PHOTO
1003 E. WASHINGTON
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Chauncey Fassett built this Ennis Austin designed, Queen Anne/Shingle style
house in 1898. Fassett's parents came to South Bend from New York in the late 1830's
and opened a dry goods store. Chauncey was born in July of 1849 and shortly afterwards
the family left to join the California gold rush. The family returned to Indiana and settled
in Goshen in 1863. After graduating from public school and spending some time
studying law Chauncey became a reporter for the South Bend Union, which was owned
by his brother, Herbert. He married Anna Thrush in 1877 and had one daughter. In 1878
he became secretary of The Register, which was bought by the Tribune in 1887. Mr.
Fassett started the South Bend News, a weekly paper published on Sunday. The News
merged with the South Bend Times and Chauncey served as editor and feature writer for
the News -Times for many years. In 1916 he joined the staff of the South Bend Tribune
and became known as the dean of active newspapermen of Northern Indiana. He wrote
the popular column called "The Slant", and served as feature writer and associate editor
until his death in 1922. Mrs. Fassett continued to reside in this house until 1926 when
she moved to the Morningside Hotel, she sold the house to William Warner. Mr. Warner
was the secretary/treasurer for the Taggart Freight, Transfer Company. Eventually the
house was sold to the current owner, Paul Bolger.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
This- is-a-two=storyQueert Anne/Shingle style house with a rectangular plan, brick
foundation and one flush brick chimney with stone cap. The walls are cladded in wood
shingles with wood molded stringcourse where peak overhangs second story. It also
boasts bell projections throughout. The roofline is a very picturesque cross gable with
main roof extending down the side of the front gable forming an apron under the front
gable and porch roof. The house has a full size front recessed porch with low wood
shingle wall, double Doric wood columns, '/i fluted wood deck and hanging lanterns.
The entry has a single leaf panel door with arched multi-pane'/2 light. The front has
multi -pane double casement windows with transom and double hung sash windows with
projecting entablature throughout. The alterations to the exterior of the house appear to
be the metal storm windows and metal awning over porch.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the Historic Preservation Commission'socal Lar lark Criteria's adopted by
the Common Council, the site and structure at V k�pple has been recommended to
the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by the Historic Preservation
Commission.
The building and site meet three of the criteria:
t i its rttrhodirtuvut orCIrmrrtts ter architectural dcsigii. detail, material or
ti�trtitstn�ttt:ttit� %%hictt trlaracut% ate ars hiteetural characteristic or ititio •ation:
2) Its suitability for preservation.
3) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significants.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #1 as a unique example the combination of two very
popular late 1900's styles of architecture, the Queen Anne and the Shingle. This
structure is rated a S/12 in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #2 by its integrity of original construction with
virtually no significant alterations in over 100 years.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #3 by its association with prominent newsman,
Chauncey Fassett.
5
PROPOSED LOCAL LANDMARK
1031 EAST JEFFERSON
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Historic Preservation Commission
Of
South Bend and St. Joseph County
March 2001
f
F-
CURRENTPHOTOS
1031 E. JEFFERSON
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
This property was part of the large tract of land owned by John Mohler
Studebaker since the 1880's. In 1899 he commissioned architects, Dirham and
Schneider, to design this thirteen room, Queen Anne style house and carriage house,
which he sold to his nephew, George M. Witwer, upon its completion.
George Witwer was born in November of 1858 and attended public schools in
South Bend. He became associated with the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing
Company in 1880 as the private secretary to his uncle, J.M. Studebaker, until his death in
1917. He then served the Studebaker family as an advisor and continued with the
corporation until 1935 when he resigned in order to devote more time to the Studebaker
family business and to personal affairs. He was a director of the St. Joseph Loan and
Trust Company and a trustee of the St. Joseph County Savings Bank. Mr. Witwer
married Mary Viloette in 1885 and had one son. George Witwer died on May 28, 1942,
his funeral was held in this house. Mary continued to reside here until 1945 when she
sold it to David Heeter, an inspector for Bendix. He lived here until 1953 when the house
was divided up for commercial offices and eventually sold to Robert Place in 1968. Mr.
Place converted the house into four apartments, which he rented to various tenants until
1979 when it was sold to Peter and Doretta Helmschrott, who sold it in 1988. It was at
this time the house and carriage house underwent vast renovations; which included the
restoration of the front porch. The property was recently sold to the current owner,
Suzeraine Properties Inc.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
This is a two and a half story Queen Anne style house with irregular plan and
rough-hewn stone foundation. The walls are clapboard with corner boards, wood
shingles in peaks, dormer and wide wood cornice line. The roof is hipped with slate
shingles, front and side gable, gable dormer, bracketed overhang, top peaks with copper
finials and copper flashing. The front entry has a wood door, two ionic columns all in
deep reveal. The house has one large picture leaded transom, a large fixed sash window
with side double hung sash, leaded transom, a first and second story projecting bay and a
Palladian window with diamond mutins at west gable. The remaining windows are one
over one double hung with the exception of the attic windows, which have diamond
mutins. The front porch was removed sometime prior to 1988 when it was sold to
Charles and Peggy Jo Trader. Mr. and Mrs. Trader subsequently restored the front porch.
It is full length with a slight wrap around the corners. It has eight sets of double ionic
support columns and two sets of triple ionic columns flanking the entry stairs, which are
concrete. The roof is slightly pitched with a gable facing the entry. The porch also
boasts decorative rails with turned members.
The carriage house is two -stories tall with a square plan and fieldstone
foundation. The first floor is clapboard siding with conerboards and the second floor has
4
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wood shingles, a battered at belt course with slight overhang and extended beam to pull
hay to the loft. The roof has a central gable, medium hip at either side, a cupola, eyelid
dormer, exposed rafters in overhand and asphalt shingles. The entry facing the house has
a small -bracketed gable overhang. The windows are one over one double hung with
some fixed sashes, multi -paned light divisions, simple wood surrounds and a Palladian
window at south gable.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted by
the Common Council, the site and structure at 1031 E. Jefferson/123 N. Eddy has been
recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Landmark by the
Historic Preservation Commission.
The building and site 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.
3) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significants.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #1 as a wonderfully detailed example of a Queen
Anne style house complete with carriage house. This structure is rated a S/12 in the
Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #2 by its integrity of original construction with
virtually no significant alterations in over 100 years.
The site and structure fulfill criteria #3 by its association with prominent John Mohlner
Studebaker and George Mohlner Witwer.
5
Application
-for-
Certificate of Appropriateness
Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County
227 West Jefferson Blvd - RM 1123 — South Bend IN 46601-1830
Phone: 219-235-9798 Fax: 219-235-9578 e-mail: historic@michiana.org
A Certified Local Government
OFFICE USE ONLY»»»DO NOT COMPLETE ANY ENTRIES CONTAINED IN THIS ROX«««OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received 20 _!�t Application Number: 2001; Q_W
Past Reviews: ❑ YES (DATEOFLASTREVIEMJ ❑ NO
Zoning Type:
Lot Size
Staff Approval authorized by:
Historic Commission Review Date:
3/11/q
❑ Local Landmark
❑
National Register District (Na—):rR
J
Local Historic District Mme): V`�
Certificate of Appropriateness:
❑ Denied
�] Approved and issued
j(
Title:
❑ National Landmark '
❑ Tabled
200k
❑ Sent To Committee
Address of Property for proposed work: i It �) r.) e vJcte ST,
Sneer Na berand&i No ) j est
City: Youth eett-oc- Township: �
Name of Property Owner(s):(FktNn_ r ��tt rJal eiitd %UCt vi ua _Ck,te,(_
Address of Property Owner: Sat.ws0_ •J
Contractor(s) Name: M i ke AA n vi n
Contract Company Name: M S�
. I',. A4,2 h Yl r, -)in 511 , a C;b n in
Contractor Address: 14R kevlbd>,, A.-2, City: Pr klteyv�—
Contractor's Phone No: o� 3 -6-1Q --� Owner's Phone No: 02 3 q — 019 2 -
Current
Current Use of Building:, 11k,51.O_ 431,"11(4 l,_OVVI .e—
(Sing! amity-MuU4FFamily- a
ercial-Government-industrial-Vacant-et
Type of Building Construction: Wood "o / tiu c -(%o
(Wood Frame -$rick -Stone-Steel - Concrete - Other)
Proposed Work: ❑ Inkind ❑ Landscape ❑ New ® Replacement(notin-kind)
(more than one box may be checked)
Demolition (Comoletion of Senerate Form Also Reauired)
Description of Proposed Work: Sof (ct r2 dE�P.✓i Q►a �e.i �I r.'t vn n
MA n d r•- brg, 11, i t! y e s
l S eJ50 a t t"11n 0 C( t A- fl) 0/111-11 <31 A fkg rN K. -r � �otc�l � h)
coww,,--la-kLeyr J P" Af,,, a— t-1
11) aovi wteo�F .
Owner/Contractor: Fax: Al 7 —11 v'kc; e-mail: + (a t J , cc*,,.,
(nibs ie will cor_responrd/Xwit1 h. onl�y one desig-nKet))c
Signt
e o ner Signature of Contractor
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED ON REVERSE SIDE.
Any and all business of this office is handled via e-mail and fax; with least preference to U.S. Mail
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THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND & ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
MONTHLY MEETING
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 26, 2001 7th Floor, Commissioner's Conference Room
7:30 p.m. County -City Bldg., South Bend, IN.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Catherine Hostetler, Martha Choitz,
Mary Jane Chase, Jerry Weiner,
Richard Helmus
MEMBERS ABSENT: Gerald Ujdak, Richard Morrison & Joann Sporleder
STAFF PRESENT: John Oxian, Acting Director
Rhonda Saunders, Assistant Director;
Thomas Bodnar & Cheryl Greene, City Attorney
ALSO PRESENT: Kurt Hesch, Todd Zeiger, Fred Stump, William Welling,
Edward Hardig, Derek Spier, Karen Ainsley, David
Eckrich, Dennis Whittaker, Janet Maciulski, Gene Oakley,
Cling Overmyer, & Kitty Gerschoffer.
I. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Certificates of Appropriateness
1. 2001-0122 — 231 S. Eddy, Landscaping
CATHERINE HOSTETLER: _ Is the owner of the property here?
PHILIP SCHATZ: I am trying to continue a project that was started six years ago.
CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Is there any discussion?
JERRY WEINER: I move to approve the application as submitted.
MARTHA CHOITZ: I second the motion.
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
1
46 Upon a motion by Jerry Weiner, being seconded by Martha Choitz, the motion to
47 approve application 2001-0122 as submitted passed unanimously.
48
49 2. 2001-0129 — 511 W. Colfax, fencing.
50
51 RHONDA SAUNDERS: The history will be waived as it has been read into the
52 minutes previously.
53
54 CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Is there anyone from this property who would like
55 to speak on this issue?
56
57 KURT HESCH: I am Kurt Hesch with Cal Pro Fence. There is one small detail that
58 was not in the staff report. The owner would like to add a center divider to create two
59 separate play areas.
60
61 MARTHA CHOITZ: I move to approve application 2001-0129 as submitted with
62 the addition of a chain link center divider as described by Mr. Hesch.
63
64 RICHARD HELMUS: I second the motion.
65
66 After due consideration, the following action was taken:
67
68 Upon a motion by Martha Choitz, being seconded by Richard Helmus, the motion
69 to approve application 2001-0129 as submitted with the addition of a center divider
70 passed unanimously.
71
72 3.2001-0130 —14297 SR 23
73
74 CHERYL GREENE: Listed on the agenda for the Commission this evening, as a
75 Certificate of Appropriateness is 2001-0130 for property located at 14297 SR 23. It is
76 my understanding that the property owner now wishes to rescind the landmark
77 designation on this property. The advice that the Commission received from another
78 attorney in the city legal department was that the procedure for rescinding landmark
79 designations was by means of a Certificate of Appropriateness. Upon further research
80 legal has determined that the proper procedure to rescind a landmark designation is by
81 way of an ordinance. It is kind of the reverse of what happens when the Commission
82 designates a landmark. The mechanism for rescinding landmark, status would be by
83 means of an ordinance. The ordinance generally originates with this commission and
84 then goes to the County Council for approval. You do have an action before you related
85 to rescinding landmark status of this property; it is not a Certificate of Appropriateness.
86 The Commission will have to make a determination as to whether or not they want to
87 proceed with rescinding the landmark designation as an ordinance.
88
89 JOHN OXIAN: If we are going to do this then the proper way will have to be done
90 under the ninety day ordinance, which means if the Commission chooses to rescind the
91 designation we will have to introduce the ordinance to the County Council and bring it
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back to the Commission and then send it down. What happens if the Commission
chooses not to rescind the designation?
CHERYL GREENE: If the Commission chooses not to rescind the landmark
designation then no further action is required by this Commission. The property owner
has the opportunity to appeal that decision to the County Council.
CATHERINE HOSTETLER: So we cannot take any action on this application
because it is an illegal Certificate of Appropriateness?
CHERYL GREENE: Yes, it is currently improperly submitted before the
Commission as a Certificate of Appropriateness.
EDWARD HARDIG: Can we be heard at all?
106
107 CHERYL GREENE: The best avenue at this point would be to send you a letter setting
108 forth the procedure and explaining where we are on this so you have some understanding
109 of what is going on. It is up to the Commission if they wish to open the floor for
110 discussion.
111
112 - JOHN OXIAN: I think it should be done the proper way, in that everyone considers
113 it as an ordinance instead of a Certificate of Appropriateness. That is my
114 recommendation.
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116 CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Discussion will not be open and we will proceed
117 with the appropriate avenues that are open to us.
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119 CHERYL GREENE: I would advise the Commission that this issue has only come up
120 once in the past which is why I think there was confusion originally. I think that the
121 proper avenue is to have legal send a letter to the property owner explaining the process
122 and procedures involved. If the Commission takes no action regarding this issue then the
123 owner has the opportunity to appeal to the County Council.
124
125 JOHN OXIAN: This is the fourth time rescinding of a landmark has come up.
126 They were either HPC initiated or caused by annexation.
127
128
129 B. Local Landmarks 2nd Reading
130 1. 501 W. Washington — Rush Bldg.
131
132 JOHN OXIAN: I talked with Code Enforcement and the present owners, who as of
133 now, have no opposition to landmark designation. Both parties want to see the property
134 saved. There are also a few developers interested that wish to use the national register
135 tax credits. We recommend it be sent down for landmark designation.
136
137 CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Is there anyone present representing this property?
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139 There was no one present.
140
141 MARTHA CHOITZ: I move to send the proposed local landmark located at 501
142 W. Washington to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation.
143
144 MARY JANE CHASE: I second the motion.
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146 After due consideration, the following action was taken:
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148 Upon a motion by Martha Choitz, being seconded by Mary Jane Chase and
149 carried unanimously, the proposed landmarking located at 501 W. Washington was
150 recommended favorably to the Common Council.
151
152 2. 2716 Vine Street _'Nuner School
153
154 JANET MACIULSKI: I have two packets to pass out to the Commission, one is
155 _ from Matt Stahl, the developer the River Park Neighborhood Association has been
156 working with and one is a portion of a feasibility study that was done by Hibbard and
157 Hibbard. I did not select just the good parts of the study it was just too long to copy the
158 entire thing. The whole study is available.
159
160 FRED STUMP: I am simply here to restate our request to you to reject any
161 landmark status of the old Nuner building. The School Corporation believes it is in the
162 best interest of the students and the School Corporation for that building to be demolished
163 for the property to be utilized as green space and retained for future use. Again I
164 respectfully request that you reject landmark status for the Old Nuner Elementary School.
165
166 Kitty Gerschoffer: The old Nuner School can be a win-win for everyone involved
167 while at the same time preserving an historic structure. For seniors who need apartment
168 style living and facilities, for children and families who can use the gymnasium for after
169 school, weekends and summer activities, for building foster grandparent relationships for
170 utilizing the auditorium for cultural and artistic events for a much needed services
171 nutrition sight, for specialized business along Mishawaka Avenue and for the Historic
172 Preservation Commission as a property rescued from unnecessary demolition, we can all
173 be winners.
174
175 DENNIS WHITTAKER: During our negotiations with the school board we have had
176 five proposals to retain the building converting it into something that would benefit the
177 community. For one reason or another these proposals have either not been considered or
178 replied. The building is sound from a structural standpoint and we have a developer who
179 is very interested in the building and we have several serious back up developers who are
180 also interested in this structure. From a business stand point we feel it could be made a
181 very viable building. - We have Potowatami Park in River Park, we do not need another
182 park to collect Ragweed, and we would rather have this fine building preserved.
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CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Is there anyone else who wishes to speak on this
issue? Okay, then we will close the public portion of this discussion and open it to the
Commission for any comments or questions.
JOHN OXIAN: The staff still recommends that this building be declared a local
landmark; it is too significant both architecturally and historically. Eliminating a
building of this stature for green space is a total waste of money and disregards the
interest of the public in this area.
MARY JANE CHASE: What is the estimate of demolition cost and conversion to
green space? What is the Schools future plan for this sight?
FRED STUMP: The estimate for demolition of the building is approximately
$350,000.00 with an additional cost of $60,000.00 to $80,000.00 for sprinklers and
seeding. The projected future use is unknown but the board wishes to keep this option
open.
RICHARD HELMUS: I move to approve the landmarking of 2716 Vine Street, ,
Old Nuner School and send it to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation.
MARTHA CHOITZ: I second the motion.
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Richard Helmus, being seconded by Martha Choitz and carried
unanimously, proposed local landmark 2716 Vine Street be sent to the Common Council
with a favorable recommendation.
II. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes (February)
JERRY WEINER: I move to accept the minutes from February.
MARTHA CHOITZ: I second the motion.
After due consideration, the following action was taken:
Upon a motion by Jerry Weiner, being seconded by Martha Choitz and carried
unanimously, the minutes from February were accepted.
B. Treasurer's Report
JERRY WEINER: I have circulated copies of the St. Joseph County budget year-end
report.
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229 MARY JANE CHASE: I move to accept the treasurer's report as submitted by Mr.
230 Weiner.
231
232 RICHARD HELMUS: I second the motion.
233
234 After due consideration, the following action was taken:
235
236 Upon a motion by Mary Jane Chase, being seconded by Richard Helmus
237 and carried unanimously the treasurers report was accepted as presented.
238
239 C. Correspondence
240
241 None.
242
243 D. Committee Reports
244 1. Historic Districts
245
246 JOHN OXIAN: Are you going to start working on the Kessler Place Proposed
247 Local Historic District this spring?
248
249 MARTHA CHOITZ: I have every intention of initiating the correct procedures
250 and notices once the weather improves. We are still working with the Dismas people;
251 HLFI looked the house over thoroughly and made a report. It sounds very encouraging.
252
253 JOHN OXIAN: I have been working on a few other houses on this same block with
254 Code Enforcement to either get the owners to respond or to obtain receiverships.
255
256 2. Local Landmarks 1" Reading
257
258 JOHN OXIAN: There are eight proposed local landmarks up for first reading, they
259 are; 1031 E. Jefferson/ 123 N. Eddy, 1003 E. Washington, 52400 Portage Road, 1534 W.
260 Sample and 3302 W. Western.
261
262 On another topic I was before the Common Council regarding Portage Manor
263 again. I asked that the ordinance be withdrawn because of the situation with the
264 Common Council wanting one thing and Portage Manor wanting another. I believe that a
265 compromise can be obtained.
266
267 FRED STUMP: At this point in Januarys meeting we were allowed to discuss
268 Nuner School, wouldn't we be afforded the same opportunity now for Washington
269 School and Harrison School?
270
271 RHONDA SAUNDERS: I have placed this issue under New Business for discussion.
272
273 3. Standards and Maintenance
274 a. 635 LWE
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275 CATHERINE HOSTETLER: Gerald Ujdak and Joann Sporleder went out
276 independently and Martha Choitz and myself went together. The Committee
277 unanimously agreed that the application was okay, it is not a permanent structure.
278
279 MARTHA CHOITZ: I move to approve the application as recommended by the
280 Standards and Maintenance Committees with the stipulation that this be a one of a kind
281 approval.
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283 RICHARD HELMUS: ' I second the motion.
284
285 After due consideration, the following action was taken:
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287 Upon a motion by Martha Choitz, being seconded by Richard Helmus and carried
288 unanimously the application for a front yard partial fence made of rope and posts was
289 approved as a one of a kind.
290
291 111. OLD BUSINESS
292
293 Nothing new to report.
294
295 IV. NEW BUSINESS
296
297 A. 1534 W. Sample — Washington High School,
298
299 JOHN OXIAN: This involves interim protection for Washington High School. The
300 staff of the School Corporation should be allowed once again to speak on this matter
301 since the Commission allowed discussion last month in regards to Nuner.
302
303 FRED STUMP: I am distributing a letter from the superintendent in regards to both
304 Harrison and Washington Schools. I will read it; "...the school corporation has
305 determined a use for the Washington High School facility and we have taken steps to try
306 and bring this about. Our intention is to raise the old portion of the building, renovate the
307' 1969 addition to the back, to construct a small office complex at the north side of the
308 1969 addition to accommodate our buildings and grounds offices and our purpose in
309 renovating the 1969 portion is to turn it into a central services facility which would
310 replace the operation on Eddy Street which we have out grown. The long-range goal is to
311 construct a cooking kitchen facing Western Avenue. We feel that it would not only be an
312 enhancement for the school corporation but also for the Sample Street area. We have
313 absolutely no use for this facility, it has deteriorated greatly, and the heating system is in
314 such dire straits we have had to weld off areas because of leaks so there is no heat in a
315 vast portion of the old section of the building. We strongly urge you to reject this request
316 for landmark status, we have a very definite need for this facility and such a designation
317 would stop this from occurring.
318
319 JOHN OXIAN: Would you allow us to tour the Washington High School?
%I
320 FRED STUMP: Yes, call me any time and I'll set it up. I urge that you reject the
321 protective status because our intent is to raze this building with in the next 90 days. In
322 order to meet our time line to have this building renovated by October 1, 2001.
323
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325 B. Re -rates
326
327 RHONDA SAUNDERS: This is concerning 1534 W. Sample, 3302 W. Western and
328 501 W. Washington all of which were underrated at the time of the city survey and can
329 easily be upgraded from their current C/10 to S/1 I's.
330
331 JOHN OXIAN: I would like to make a recommendation that 501 W. Washington
332 be re -rated to an S/11 and that both 1534 W. Sample and 3302 W. Western be tabled until
333 next month so Commission members will have time to go out and inspect the buildings
334 themselves.
335
336 JERRY WEINER: I move that 501 W. Washington be re -rated to S/11 and that 1534
337 W. Sample and 3302 W. Western be tabled until next month.
338
339 MARY JANE CHASE: I second the motion.
340
341 After due consideration, the following action was taken:
342
343 Upon a motion by Jerry Weiner, being seconded by Mary Jane Chase and carried
344 unanimously, 501 W. Washington was re -rated to an S/11 and 3302 W. Western and
345 1534 W. Sample were tabled until April.
346
347 V. VISITORS
348
349 FRED STUMP: I do want to address 3302 W. Western, Harrison School. Placing
350 landmark designation would effectively block our project to build a new Harrison
351 Elementary School because of the tight site. We have advertised that project and are set
352 to open the bids on March 22, 2001 and any action by this group will effectively cost the
353 School Corporation thousands of dollars because we will have to delay those bids at this
354 point because we do not know what this Commission intends to do. This will block this
355 program, which is long over do and which will provide state of the art facilities for this
356 community. The old building, even with extensive renovations could not accommodate
357 the type of programs that a new building can accommodate. We are really at a stand still,
358 it will fall to this Commission when people start asking what has happened we will have
359 to say that Historic Preservation Commission has prevented us from moving forward on
360 this project. I would like some assurance from you at this meeting that you are either
361 going to reject any movement on this property or leave it as it is which means you intend
362 to do something. I would ask that if you intend to reject it that you do so tonight.
363
364 JOHN OXIAN: We cannot do that because the property is only up for first reading.
365
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366 FRED STUMP: Do understand the position this puts the School Corporation in?
367 We have a twenty million dollar project that has been advertised and is ready for bids and
368 now we cannot proceed. I hope that you understand the gravity of this situation, it is
369 twenty million dollars, and we have received all the local and state approvals. I feel that
370 this is really unfair and a very vindictive move.
371
372 JOHN OXIAN: No it is not a vindictive move because your own school board
373 president wrote a letter to me asking why I didn't look at Harrison School when I looked
374 at Nuner School and why did I just pick Nuner School. That was in his own letter, so it is
375 not being vindictive when your going along with what he is stating. Besides saying that
376 we worked with developers in regards to Nuner School then he comes back with this
377 strong suggestion which in a manner he is trying to insult the Commission be saying that
378 we are playing favoritism by picking Nuner School over Harrison School. You know
379 that these school buildings were discussed back when Dr. Shriver was superintendent, so
380 this is not something new that we just started. We also worked with the school system
381 concerning Muessel School, Oliver, Central and all buildings that we made landmarks.
382- We went so far as to give the School Corporation a list of every -building, which we had
383 in mind for landmarking. I put off certain buildings because it was decided with the
384 School Corporations previous administration that if the status of any of the buildings was
385 going to change then the Historic Preservation Commission would be notified ahead of
386 time so we could sit down and talk about it. It is not like we are being vindictive; this
387 present school administration has completely left us in the dark and only responds to our
388 office at the very last minute and almost always negatively. It is not like we have left
389 anyone else in the dark, you have left us in the dark. Not to mention that we have
390 allowed you to speak before our commission at the time the subject was on the agenda,
391 which in turn I do not see, happening for us in front of your board. As a president, which
392 I will be again, and as acting director I do not appreciate the kind of insinuations that you
393 state concerning this commission, the staff or myself. It is not the proper presentation,
394 even on your part.
395
396 IV. ADJOURNMENT
397
398
399 Historic Preservation Commission
400 Of South Bend and St. Joseph
401 County, Indiana.
402
403
404 ATTEST:
405 Secretary
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