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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 2012SOUTHB AGENDA OF THEn.� Jr oMMSNfq -COMMISSION HISTORIC U o N SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 1565 Regular Meeting COUNCIL CHAMBERS 4TH FLOOR County-City Building MONDAY, September 17, 2012 7:OOPM I. CALL TO ORDER, -ROLL CALL II. PUBLIC HEARING 1. 621 Lincolnway East COA#2012-0828 Edgewater 2. 717 Forest COA#2012-0831A Chapin Park Q 3. AVON THEATRE PUBLIC HEARING ~ 4. Avon Theatre Demolition COA#2012-0831 Interim Protection III. HEARING OF VISITORS IV. REGULAR BUSINESS A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 20, 2012 B. TREASURER'S REPORT Location Report C. STAFF REPORTS 1. Correspondence .., A 2. Routine Maintenance Exclusion Approvals rT� 3. Director's Report 1�1 4. Assistant Director's Report 5. Preservation Specialist Report 6. Legal Counsel r� D. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. President's Report } O $ V. OLD BUSINESS NOTICE: A. Restore Michiana FOR HEARING AND SIGHT �I IMPAIRED PERSONS VI. NEW BUSINESS H Auxiliary aid or other services are available upon request at no charge. VII. ADJOURNMENT Please give reasonable advance request when possible. SOUTH BEND & SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 MEETING ALL COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER PERSON GUESTS: PLEASE SIGN THIS LIST SO THAT YOUR PRESENCE CAN BE NOTED FOR OUR MINUTES P 'nt Name Address ✓ 14� � �r� tea.► + S/f 2-'? C . ✓ µlfw Amg /V kk7�(Abt,4tn AldVvn ri(wlc1_, 0 Noh-, b.A W. L`llr-,' Goo 4v�-u-<,L-�cu 2// G✓. l6k NA-TOL1 �/(/f�l I ��� LUCtEn► �. P 317415 W A) VOL pl/fkz 1 WILLIAM G LLS d- - ai / ,, ►// SOUTH BEND & SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 MEETING ALL COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER PERSON GUESTS: PLEASE SIGN THIS LIST SO THAT YOUR PRESENCE CAN BE NOTED FOR OUR MINUTES Print Name Address Si nature /'Dj"o FVAYWAV, kbl'6QLt\0k1-l-eS St kJ Wl-LJAOJVX�� CV.drcin, Lo k,:2 --r -� 6 p P � ,ham f ly Z�2 C- � .•�S'e1�, .� - s�- 9 •�-�-� iC. 46 f -W I TOb3 r At (OZp Rem ikikaw a . �-5 r -311) A-1 ���c�-�2i sT' S2�s39 I32ook�f}c��S� 11 3 k rAlr,-0 f -� �(A I r "t)Zvv3 SS1 o Fel [ ows St STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 5 September 2012 Application Number: 2012-0828 Property Location: 621 Lincoln Way East Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: 1892/ Free Classic Property Owner: Diane Erdman- Landmark rdmanLandmark or District Designation: Edgewater Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: This is a two storey Free Classic with an irregular plan set upon a brick and concrete foundation. The walls have asphalt siding. The hip roof with gable projections have asphalt shingles. There is a 3/a length open front porch. The windows appear to be original 1/1 double hung with aluminum storms. 621 LWE is located in a mixed resident and commercial area. ALTERATIONS:, The roof was replaced with COA 2005-0707A. A rear enclosed vestibule was demolished and replaced with a deck with COA 1997 0502-2 APPLICATION ITEMS : Install handicap ramp as per ADA specifications with raised flower beds and period perennials in bed. Ramp to be built with treated lumber DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT:. The owner proposes to construct a handicap ramp to ADA standards with a 60 x 60 inch landing coming off the existing opening in the porch with three wooden steps leading from the landing to the walkway off of the sidewalk. An additional 60x 60 inch ADA landing will be constructed at the east side of the porch with a ramp leading down to the sidewalk. These two landings will be connected by a wooden walkway along the front of the porch. There will be a railing system constructed and installed along the exposed sides of the steps, ramps and landings. In the center of the space framed by the ramp system and sidewalk the owner proposes to make into a raised flower bed planted with period flora to soften the look of the ramp. The structure will be constructed using treated lumber with the posts set in concrete. The ADA ramp is necessary because the owner is relocating a sewing machine repair business from next door to the first floor and renting out the second floor apartment as a residence. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: D. ENTRANCES PORCHES, AND STEPS The majority of the houses in the district have either an open or a enclosed porch across the front or on the side. Most porches have either gabled or hipped roofs or are covered by the main roof of the house. A brick base with wood columns is common. Required Existing or original porches and steps, including handrails, balusters, columns, brackets, tiles and roof decorations shall be retained or replace with replicas of the same design and materials when deteriorated beyond repair. Porches and additions reflecting later architectural styles. and which are important to the building's historical integrity shall be retained. Recommended When enclosing porches for heat conservation or for other reasons, it should be done in a manner that does not alter the architectural or historical character of the building. Prohibited _ Porches and steps that are important to the building's style and development may not be altered or removed. Not Recommended Original porch details should not be replaced with materials representing a different period or style from the original. B. BUILDING MATERIALS IN NEW CONSTRUCTION Wall materials in the district range from brick, clapboard, shingles and masonry to aluminum siding. Required Exterior materials used on a new structure shall be compatible in type, scale, texture, and color with adjacent structures. Materials used on an addition to an existing structure shall relate to the existing or original materials of that structure. As much of the original structure as possible shall be retained so that the addition could be removed without damage to the basic structure and appearance of the building. Recommended Aluminum or vinyl siding may be used when it is the only feasible alternative. This siding should be compatible in size and style and with the materials of other buildings in the district. Prohibited Inappropriate materials such as asbestos, asphalt, cast stone, or artificial brick may not be used. Not Recommended Glass blocks should not be used. Concrete block should not be used for anything other than foundations. IV. SAFETY AND BUILDING CODES A. BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS Required Building code requirements shall be complied with in such a manner that the existing character of the building is preserved. Recommended Local building code officials should be consulted to investigate alternative life safety measures that will preserve the architectural integrity of the structure. Variances for historic properties should be investigated. Prohibited Construction of new stairways and elevators that would alter important architectural features and spaces is prohibited. Not Recommended Fire prevention equipment should not damage the appearance or fabric of the building. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval as it complies with the guidelines for Edgewater. The concrete steps are not original to the house and are deteriorating and in need of replacement. The new step, ramps and landing system will not be tied into the porch. Catherine D. Hostetler, Director Application -FOR- Certi Kate ofAppropriateness HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION of SOUTH BEND & ST. JOSEPH COUNTY 125 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 http://www.stjosephcountyindiana.com/departments/SJCHP/index.httn p: 574-235-9798 E 574-235-9578 e: SBSJCHPC@co.st-josephJn.us OFFICE USE ONLY»»»DO NOT COMPLETE ANY ENTRIES CONTAINED IN THIS B0X«««pOFF10E USE ONLY Date Received: ad 6"Zq ow%aZ Application Number: CW/ -7 — Vief 04 O N Past Reviews: YES mare ojlast Renew) / 'to O S ❑ NO Staff Approval authorized by: Title: Historic Preservation Commission Review Date: 1 / L _-")P . aiq/z ❑ Local Landmark 191"Local Historic District (Name) SP�`�k'lUt7Gl�lJ ❑ National Landmark ❑ National Register District (Name) Certificate of Appropriateness: ❑ Denied11Tabled 11F1 To Committee F1Approved and issued: (Please Print) Address of Property for proposed work: (P o- l L i n c D I n r a S+ J `} h (�. e n rl y %0 `'� (Street Number—Sheet N me-6,)—Zip Code) dame of Property Owner(s): 1b I A A e, ! M Q v\ Phone #: ` -7LI - 3 (40-21141 Address of Property Owner(s): 10 1 (n C1, a r I e s 44 L" i CeO Ir %)�1 Ll I o S Co l (Street Number— Street Name—Cih—Zip Code) Name of Contractor(s): Phone #: Contract Company Name: Address of Contract Company: (Street Number— Street Name—City—Zip Code) Current Use of Building: _M f) I •i-, -I!; r" ( (Single Famihv Multi �amil),--Commercial—Government—Industrial—Vacant—etc.) Type of Building Construction: W O A Gi vH t. (Wood Frame—Brick—Stone—Steel—Concrete—Other) Proposed Work: ❑ In -Kind ErLandscape ❑ New ❑ Replacement (not in-kind) ❑ Demolition (more than one box may be checked) Description of Proposed Work: T�h S �a I 1 h [k{Yi fj t:A in r A- vin a <.�e_,' �(1!?' C•j Tyr r,-+ III V%-5 1 J i A'L. � 1 L2 /Sl -� I i�� R/ o ✓ 4 oA T� ni ti. l c t tr1 _ IC��' CA Q %� i'i11� t•� h e- b Lj I f- v :`�'1. `F �"c'tt i- t cQ L� Vvk hP,r , �— Owner/Contractor Fax #: e-mail: to respond ivith only o designee) I&ILZ and/or X Signature of Owner Signature of Contractor —APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED ON REVERSE SIDE- G V.., a "A `* Jf C mn tv, Z.Z game,- �-Il 4011, I want to build a handicap ramp at 621 Uncolnway East in South Bend IN 46601. I will build this to ADA standards, with a 60 in square landing coming off the existing opening in the porch, coming along the front of the porch with a landing at the end of the porch and a ramp coming down to the sidewalk. The landing off the porch will have 3 new steps coming to the existing sidewalk. I will use treated lumber to build this ramp. The center of the space framed in by the ramp and existing sidewalk I will make into a raised flower bed to soften the look of the ramp. I will plant a Hydrandea in the back with period perennials in the front of that. I plan to make this fully functional as well as pleasing in appearance. I will also plant a rugosa rose on one side of the porch and an heirloom clematis that dates to 1850 on the other side of'the porch. s+rey,t J„ I V.�Cc) IV-V ■�■" MMMM"M M■■■ Oslo WEMEOMEmomm■Mm ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ■■■MEMO■■■■■O■■■■■ ■EM■■M■■■M■■MO■■■M MEMM■MMEM■■MOM■■M■ MEM■■E■OM■■MME■EM■ s+rey,t J„ I V.�Cc) IV-V STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 6 September 2012 Application Number: 2012-0831A Property Location: 717 Forest Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gabled-ell/1900 Property Owner: Elizabeth McClintock Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The house is a one and a half storey gabled -ell with an irregular foundation. The exterior walls are 6" clapboard with cornice and corner trim. The gabled roof also has two side gables trough the cornice with asphalt shingles. There is a wrap around front porch with full height square wood supports, balusters, decking and steps. The windows are 1/1 double hung with one large single pane window on the first floor. ALTERATIONS: The asphalt shingles replaced the wood shingles on the roof. There was a 4x12 addition to a first floor room on the west side in 1957. The shutters noted on the 2005 survey card have been removed. The large picture window is not original to the house. The synthetic storms are replacements as is the front storm door. APPLICATION ITEMS: A fence (ornamental steel) and a carport, DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The homeowner proposes to replace her current deteriorating wood privacy back yard fence with an ornamental 6 foot steel fence with an integrated gate and lock. This fence would be located along the rear of the yard between the two neighboring fences bordering her yard. The homeowner also proposes to install a 4 foot ornamental steel fence around the perimeter of her front yard with a gate. The style of the fence will compliment the architectural style of the house. There are a number of front yard fences in the Chapin Park area that enclose the perimeter of front yards up to the sidewalk. This fence would be fabricated and installed by Custom Steel Designs who fenced the yard at 711 Forest. The homeowner would also like to build a 15'x13' car port to accommodate two cars next to their older carriage house/ one stall garage rather than modify that original structure. It would be constructed out of wood and the sloping roof covered with asphalt shingles. These structures are located at the rear of the house along the alley and are not visible from the street. Please see enclosed drawing -not to scale. Please see attached documentation. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: B. BUILDING SITE, LANDSCAPING & ACCESSORIES This section focuses on individual properties and amenities. Building sites tend to be irregularly shaped, of varying topography and with different setbacks with regard to plots. Alleys are generally behind houses. Landscape accessories like fences are unique to each structure. Chapin Place presents a unique situation within the district. Applications from properties that have property lines on Chapin Place will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Required Fencing, walkways, outbuildings, private yard lights, signs (i.e. house numbers) and benches (visible from the street) as well as trees located in a yard or tree lawn which reflect the property's history and development shall be retained. A tree located in such areas shall only be removed if the removal is required due to storm damage, disease, threatened damage to a structure or for such other reason acceptable to the Historic Preservation Commission. Storm damaged or diseased trees should then be replaced with an approved species at the same or approximate location wherever possible. Fencing visible from the street in front of the structure shall be open (meaning spaces between the pickets) and consistent with the historic character of a structure enclosed. Recommended New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings and newspapers. New site work should also be appropriate to existing surrounding site elements in scale, type and appearance. Front yard areas should remain open. (See above for information regarding fences.) Trees in close proximity to a building may cause structural damage. Owners are encouraged to remove these trees and replace (or replant) them at a more appropriate location as soon as planting season permits and upon approval of a C of A. Prohibited No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings or other elements before evaluating their importance to the property's history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped, nor enclosed by solid fences, chain link, nor industriallcommercial style fences. The installation of unsightly large devices, such as television satellite dishes, skylights or solar panels, shall not be permitted in areas where they detract from the architecture of a building, are intrusive to the public view of the building or are highly visibly from a public street, or ruled inappropriate after Commission review. Utility poles with high-intensity overhead lights should be installed so that they cannot be seen from a street. The Commission will evaluate all installations as well as any potential exceptions resulting from special circumstances, before granting a C of A. C. SHEDS AND ACCESSORY BUILDINGS Required Sheds and accessory structures (gazebos, decks, doghouses, playhouses, fountains and small reflecting pools, outdoor sculpture, children's play equipment, etc.) shall be located at the rear of the property and as unobtrusively as possible while preserving historical relationships between the buildings, landscape features and open spaces. Proportions and materials shall conform to those required for new construction. Recommended Accessory building designs should be compatible in character and mood to the residence and the neighborhood. Prohibited Prefabricated metal sheds shall not be used. Not Recommended Prefabricated wood composition sheds should not be used unless they conform to all other guidelines and standards. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the project as it follows the guidelines for the Chapin Park District. Catherine D. Hostetler, Director Application -FOR- Certificate ofAppropriateness HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION of SOUTH BEND & ST. JOSEPH COUNTY 125 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601 http://www.stjosephcountyindiana.com/departments/SJCHP/in'dex.htm p: 574-235-9798 f: 574-235-9578 e: SBSJCHPC(aco.st joseph.in.us ■ OFFICE USE 0NLi>»»>I)0 NOT COMPLETE ANY ENTRIES CONTAINED IN THIS BOX«««OFF^^ICE USE ONLY Date Received: ;' Application Number. 4o/.oZ — 4 PZ1,7 Past Reviews: YES (Date ojLarttteview) Z?KAj -a61� ❑ NO Staff Approval authorized by: Title: Historic Preservation Commission Review Date: 7 J"`'4t OZo / 07, ❑ Local Landmark /ice (Q �Loeal Historic District (Name) (.. 44416%/ ❑ National Landmark ER*National Register District (Name) Certificate of Appropriateness: ❑ Denied ❑ Tabled ❑ Sent To Committee ❑ Approved and issued: (Please Print) Address of Property for proposed work: (Street Number— Street Name-City—Zip Coders) Name of Property Owner(s): �—(4 A1, ^:VnC k Phone 7 --7 Address of Property Owner(s): �jj (Street Number—Street Name��ty—Zrp Code) �7/ _ Name of Contractor(s): C 41bv>^ ; )1--C Phone #:3 to (o " t (. ? � -7 2 �o Contract Company Name: �_f,•'} �• 1��.ct�� c� Address of Contract Company: J J kt C.� "-A &SP,� +met t 71 i LI CO � G S (Street Number— Street Name—City—Zip Code) Current Use of Building: Type of Building Construction: D ' (Wood Frame Brick—Stone—Steel—Concrete—Other) Proposed Work: ❑ In -Kind . Landscape New ❑ Replacement (not in-kind ❑ Demolition (more than one box may be checked) Description of Proposed Work: C\-, -�—e'VI (-0— e-, ,I CGS C -(A- V' (76-y,+ . �Wy.c e J ' A ll �+.►.Iat 1 Owner/Contractor Fax #: &.o p— 7�DeS'L1 C1 2—tt e-mail: P vv)C!' (Staff will correspond with only one designee) S( ���•A J X and/or X UI Signature of Owner Signature of Contractor —APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED ON REVERSE SIDE— yV,�jj. �, .,-..v. _^ .. x,y-y$4^':'id��.. •.i`.'�<�Ve�h "iw".�« .�',,., a:l, .'.��m�^., l . - J3.. , , e > � ✓d «-f Yry S YS� N ytl 'u V ,, . , o-, _ }t g, K� y,,:+ .� `• � g is ;.}��'e<4�ifa `y�� �, i:' �. •4:„ i�. I • ..... i..l\I/ rX// .._. ��'%4'M1Vu '""'!"a, ,.F.^'.,'.. i. E=f--r--,;,)-... -}�, w Tom' .a ... »n Y;.:_-,. � .. 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K��-.:i.t� !:F}%'�",�.y- '1,. �=yY�fk ;• . •�,'/+",,.• .•.• ' es,••`�Sw.:.-.., »�v.>eMi.:,6..&°'.:nr.:i21a: •:K.'...xw,'�z.aw.Y �... , ws,x.pAa's•e,ce�n..+,�na.Mn,,:bew.,va�.w .,...[.x. .. ^�i ' �«saa....ww"ma. . �:..:,s_"£" ,v.nScaa+�•:6:. �-"waa.+.xwr st.b«....uxx.a COA Application, 717 Forest Ave. Written description of project: There are two aspects to this project. First, I would like to add an ornamental metal fence to my yard. Second, I would like to build a carport in my backyard. I am including a scale drawing of the property with both modifications drawn onto it. Part I: Fence Plan: I would fence my yard using ornamental metal fencing. Currently, the backyard is enclosed by the neighbors' fences (a wood privacy fence on one side and a wood picket on the other) and by my own wooden privacy fence along the alley. My wooden privacy fence was built by a prior owner and is in poor repair. I would like to replace it with a 6 -foot tall ornamental metal fence. I would also change its position slightly to accommodate the carport. I prefer ornamental metal to the existing wooden privacy fence because I would like a fence with an integrated lock to keep my dog safe and secure. The front yard does not currently have any fence. I would like to add a 4 -foot ornamental metal fence. I would like my dog to enjoy the entire yard, including the front yard. I spend a lot of time working on the front garden and he likes to be close to me—he would not want to be limited to the back yard. My house is set back rather far from the sidewalk (about 20 feet). While I would like to fence the entire front yard so that the fence is at the very perimeter, I would also consider setting the fence back about 6 feet to minimize its visual impact as seen from the side walk, if preferred by the historical society. However, I think that the fence would have a positive visual impact. My neighbor at 711 Forest (only one house down) has a 5 -foot tall ornamental steel fence and it looks very pretty (See Picture 1). 1 would like to hire the same company, Custom Steel Designs, to design my fence. My fence would be shorter (only 4 feet tall). Because the fence would be custom designed, I would model it on some of the historic fences in the neighborhood. I especially admire the fences at 819 Park Ave. and 838 Park Ave. (depicted in Pictures 2a and 2b). My fence would look similar to these. There is clearly a precedent for fences in the front yard. Several houses in Chapin Park have ornamental metal fences in the front yard, either immediately adjacent to the sidewalk or within about one foot of the sidewalk. These include 711 Forest Ave., 417 Navarre, 601 Park Ave. (The Horatio Chapin House), 710 Park Ave., 819 Park Ave., and 838 Park Ave. Several other houses have wooden picket fences in the front yard, at or within a few feet of the sidewalk, including 809 Forest, 808 Forest, 820 Manitou, 424 Manitou, 751 Leland, 412 Navarre, 330 Navarre, 412 LaMonte, 414 LaMonte, 738 Park Ave., 844 Park Ave., and 846 Park Ave. Materials: I would prefer an ornamental steel fence because it could be customized to mimic the historic fences in the neighborhood. I plan to hire Custom Steel Designs (of Shipshewana, IN). However, if the historical COA Application, 717 Forest Ave. society prefers, I would also be willing to install an aluminum fence. Because it would be a custom design, I do not have a brochure with pictures. However, Picture 1 is of a fence built by Custom Steel Designs (at 711 Forest). Picture 2a and Picture 2b would serve as the inspiration for my fence. I prefer steel to aluminum because aluminum fencing has fewer options and is less sturdy. Using steel allows me to design a more ornate and decorative fence in keeping with traditional Victorian -era fences. Part If: Carport Plan: My house has a one -car garage. I believe that this garage was originally a carriage house and I would like to preserve it without modification. However, my husband and I each have our own car and we'd like covered parking for both cars. Rather than modifying the existing garage (the carriage house), I would like to build a carport next to it. I am including a drawing of the proposed carport (Diagram 1). It would only be visible from the alley. I do not think that it would detract from the historic significance of the property. I think that it is a pragmatic compromise between maintaining the historic value of the carriage house and recognizing the realities of modern life (two cars and a lot of snow in winter...). Materials: The carport would be built of wood with asphalt shingles. It would be painted to match the garage and house. It would be constructed by me with assistance from my father. Before retiring, he had a contracting company in Urbana, IL. He is very well-qualified to build a simple carport. i Diagram 1: This is the proposed carport. no COA Application, 717 Forest Ave. ons 16. Location Notes / Legal Description I or I W, to 1*7 - 0 22. SPECIFY ALTERATIONS Additions I / 1 16-1- N), 21. Architect / Builder 17. Con'dftlon -0 Excellent JM�Good 0 Fair 0 Deteriorated 0 Ruins =9; 24. SITE PLAN 18. Integrity 0 Unaltered X f 10 Altered --. ��, 0 moved Date moved 7 Q-, Nn", I jr X ---------- %frihittinn 27. Environment CQA Application, 717 Forest Ave. Picture 1: This is the fence only one house away from my house. I Would like my fence to be very similar but a foot shorter. COA Application, 717 Forest Ave.. Picture 2x" here are several other houses in Chapin Park with ornamental metal fences in the front yard. This is one that I particularly admire and WOUld model my fence after. COA Application, 717 Forest Ave. Picture 2b: There are several other houses in Chapin Park with ornamental metal fences in the front yard. This is another that 1 particularly admire and would model my fence after. Proposed Local Landmark STRAND/AVON THEATER 307 South Michigan South Bend, Indiana Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County Staff Report compiled by: Elicia D. Feasel, Assistant Director August 10, 2012 STRAND/AVON THEATER 307 South Michigan Historical Context The lot upon which the Avon now stands was platted in 1831, as part of the original plan of the City of South Bend. According to the 1932 Portage Township Assessor's card, the present building was erected with the addresses 307, 309, 311, and 313 South Michigan in 1900 as retail and office space. One of the first tenants of the building was A.M. Russell who was according to the City Directories, a "Practical undertaker and embalmer: Embalming by the latest and most scientific methods". The Assessor Card notes that the stores were remodeled in 1910, again in 1926 when the building was converted for theater use, and remodeled in 1949. Around 1905, the building began to be called the "Inwood Block." Tenants came and went, and in the early 1920s the renters were mostly retailers such as The Gillis Smart Shop Clothing Store and Army and Navy Surplus Store. In 1926, the building underwent renovation, and was converted to a theater. The Strand opened for business on May 12, 1926 as a silent movie house, seating 700 —1,000. In 1949, the theatre underwent another remodeling which included installing a new front first storey only which cost $75,000. The theatre reopened in October of 1949 as the Avon, showing first run -motion pictures, seating capacity of 1,000. The Avon featured "vermin -proof upholstered seats of brick red and the interior color motif was green ...... new sound equipment and a new plastic screen will combine to give the patrons the ultimate movie presentation". The theatre closed briefly in 1958, only to be reopened under new management the following year as the Avon Art Theatre. During the 1960s the theatre was charged with showing obscene movies and closed around 1967. The building served as the Mall Theater for a short period of time in the 1970s and has been underutilized for storage to date. In 1987, Center City Associates (now Downtown South Bend) purchased the building with intent to redevelop. At that time, the South Bend Common Council committed the City to a $95,000 loan. The plan was eventually abandoned. In 2002, South Bend Civic Theatre considered the building but determined it to not be the right fit. Architectural Description Period Revival 1900 (1926) Two storey commercial building with a rectangular plan set upon a concrete foundation. Walls are brick with elaborate terra cotta veneer on second storey. The stylized terra cotta pinnacles separate the fagade into two bays and an arched central parapet wall with diamond pattern design blind wall and windows. 1/1 double hung metal sash windows are present on the second storey installed below the terra cotta facade. Four metal frame doors are present in a slightly recessed entrance that is currently covered with painted wood. Recommendation Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the site and structure at 307 South Michigan can be recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County. The criteria are as follows: 1. Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent an architectural characteristic or innovation. 2. Its suitability for preservation. 3. Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The building fulfills criteria #1 as a re-repurposed 1900 commercial structure that in 1926 was developed into the Strand Theatre which opened in 1927. The unique two storey terra cotta fagade was installed at this time. The first storey was remodeled in 1949 at the same time as the interior was updated, modernized and was re -named The Avon Theatre The building fulfills criteria #2 because of the unique, ornate terra cotta second storey fagade. The Avon Theatre is only surviving example of a small theatre in South Bend. RESOLUTION NO. 12- A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA MAKING A RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND ON ESTABLISHING THE AVON THEATRE AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, - Indiana (the "Commission") exists and operates under the provisions of ordinances enacted by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, and the County Council of St. Joseph County, Indiana (the "Enabling Ordinances"); and WHEREAS, the Commission is empowered, pursuant to the Enabling Ordinances, to make recommendations to the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana for the establishment of historical landmarks; and WHEREAS, on July 12; 2012, the Commission held a meeting to consider land mark status for the Avon Theatre located at 309 South Michigan Street, in the city of South Bend, Indiana; and WHEREAS, at that meeting, the Commission adopted a proposal to recommend to the Common Council of the City of South Bend (the "Common Council") that the Avon Theatre be designated as a historic landmark pursuant to South Bend City Ordinance No. 5565-73, as amended; and WHEREAS, at that meeting, the Commission further declared that the Avon Theatre be place under interim protection pursuant to the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend, Section 21-13.02(d)(5); and WHEREAS, on July 23, 2012, the Common Council introduced its Bill No. 35-12, proposing to establish the Avon Theatre as a historical landmark within the City of South Bend; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 21-13.02(d)(4), the Common Council has referred Bill No. 35-12 to the Commission to hold a public hearing to hear comments on the establishment of the Avon Theatre as a historic landmark and to make a recommendation back to the Common Council; and WHEREAS, the Commission has heard and considered the comments made at said public hearing at the Commission's regularly scheduled meeting on September 17, 2012, at 7:0.0 p.m.; and WHEREAS, the Commission now desires to make a recommendation to the Common Council concerning Bill No. 35-12 on the establishment of the Avon Theatre as a historic landmark. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY AS FOLLOWS: 1. On Bill No. 35-12, concerning the establishment of the Avon Theatre as a historic landmark, the Commission makes the following recommendation to the Common Council: Favorable Recommendation. Unfavorable Recommendation. No Recommendation. - 2. The Staff of the Commission is directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Common Council. 3. This. Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the Commission. ADOPTED at a meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana, held on September 17, 2012, in the Council Chambers, 4h Floor, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana 46601. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Timothy S. Klusezinski, President Kevin Buccellato Lynn Patrick Jerry Niezgodski David Steinhauer Sandra L. Rossow Mike Voll Alice McLane FIA I STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 6 September 2012 Application Number: 2012-0831 Property Location: 307 S. Michigan Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Period Revival 1900 (1926) Property Owner: St Joseph County Library Landmark or District Designation: Interim Protection pending Landmark status Rating: Not in 2005 Survey DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The Avon Theatre is a two storey commercial building with a rectangular plan set upon a concrete foundation. Walls are brick with elaborate terra cotta veneer on second storey. The stylized terra cotta pinnacles separate the fagade into two bays and an arched central parapet wall with diamond pattern design blind wall and windows. 1/1 double hung metal sash windows are present on the second storey installed below the terra cotta facade. Four metal frame doors are present in a slightly recessed entrance that is currently covered with painted wood. ALTERATIONS: The 1932 Assessor's Card states that the structure built in 1900 was remodeled in 1925 into a store, loft'and theatre. The theatre opened in 1926 as the Strand; remodeled on the interior in the 1940s and renamed the Avon and reopened in the mid 1970s as the Mall Theatre with changes in the signage, marquees, street level entrance. The metal windows are not original to the structure. APPLICATION ITEMS: The Library intends to demolish the building and use the site temporarily for surface parking until construction begins on a new Main Library building in the Summer or Fall of 2019. Please refer to letter from Nemeth, Feeney, Masters & Campiti, P.C. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The Library proposes to have the. structure demolished, have all debris removed from the site secure the site and prepare it for surface parking. All per documentation submitted to the Office of the Historic Preservation Commission in the Arkos Design's Project Manual for Building Demolition of 110, 112, 114 Wayne Street and 307 S. Michigan Street. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: D. Demolition - Historic landmarks shall not be demolished. When a landmark poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is the only alternative, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods should a make of both the exterior and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition of the landmark shall be responsible for this documentation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the application because it does not meet the Group B Landmark Standards for demolition. Catherine D. Hostetler, Director NB: The project manual is available for Commissioner review in the Office of the Historic Preservation Commission. - - k Application FOR - Certificate of Appropriateness HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION of SOUTH BEND & ST. JOSEPH COUNTY 125 S Lafayette Blvd.,South Bend, IM 46601 http://www.stjosepheountyindiana.com/departments/SJCHP/index.htm p: 574-235-9798 f- 574-235-9578 e: SBSJCHPC@co.st-josephAn.us OFFICE USE 0NLY­>>>>D0 NOT COMPLETE ANY ENTRIES CONTAINED IN THIS BOR ­<<OFFICE USE ONLY Date Received: 9, Application Number: oW /G2 -- Past Reviews: ❑ YES (Date ofLast Review) ❑� —No Staff Approval authorized by: Title: Historic Preservation Commission Review Date: aiw /.z, ❑ Local Landmark F1 Local Historic District (Name) ❑ National Landmark El National Register District (Nance) Certificate of Appropriateness: ❑ Denied F1 Tabled ❑ Sent To Committee ❑ Approved and issued: (Please Print) 307 S. Michigan St., South Bend, Indiana, Address of Property for proposed work: former Avon Theater building (Street Number— Street Name—City—Zip Code) Name of Property Owner(s): St. Joseph County Public Library Phone #:574/282-4601 Address of Property Owner(s): 304 S. Main St., South Bend, Indiana 46601 (Street Number— Street Name—City—Zip Code) Name of Contractor(s): Not yet determined Phone #• As a municipal corporation, St. Joseph Count Pubiic Library is requirea award a contract based on public bids. Bids have been received for a aemolition contract but awaraing a coriLrdCL 11dS beell PUL' on hold until approval is obtained to -.demolish the building. (Street Number— Street Name—City—Zip Code) Current Use of Building: Vacant (Single Family--Multi-Family—Commercia"overnment—Industrial—Vacant—eic.) Type of Building Construction: Bric (Wood Frame—Brick—Stone—Steel--Concrete—Other) Proposed Work: ❑ In -Kind ❑ Landscape ❑ New ❑ Replacement (not in-kind) rlv I Demolition (more than one box may be checked) Description of Proposed Work: The Library intends to demolish the building and use 4 -he site tempnraril)z fnr gurfArf,_ parking until cnnstructjon begins on a new Main ibrary building in the -summer-or Fall of 2019. Owner/Contractor Fax#: 57-4/280-2763 e-mail: donald.napoli@sjcpl.org (Staff will correspoild with only one designee) and/or X Signature oiOwner DoAld j., Napoli, Director Signature of Contractor NEMETH, FEENEY, MASTERS & CAMPITI, P.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW JAMES A. MASTERS VINCENT M. CAMPITI A. ROBERT MASTERS, also admitted in Illinois OF COUNSEL: REINHOLD SCHROEDER, also admitted in Michigan PETER S. NEMETH CHASE TOWER, SUITE 1800 211 WEST WASHINGTON STREET SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 TELEPHONE: (574) 234-0121 (574)233-9449 TELEFAX: (574) 234-3141 www.nfmlaw.com August 31, 2012 Via Hand Delivery Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County 125 S. Lafayette Blvd South Bend, Indiana 46601 Attention: Catherine D. Hostetler, Director RE: 307 South Michigan Street Dear Ms. Hostetler: NEW CARLISLE OFFICE: 109 EAST MICHIGAN STREET P.O. Box 259 NEW CARLISLE, INDIANA 46552 TELEPHONE: (574) 654-3722 PETER F. NEMETH (1915-1995) F. GERARD FEENEY (1918-2004) DEVERE D. GOHEEN (1912-2000) St. Joseph County Public Library hereby submits its application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the building located at 307 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana. This building was formerly known as the Avon Theater. This building was placed under Interim Protection by the Historic Preservation Commission on July 12, 2012. The building is vacant and deteriorated. Pieces of the facade are falling off the building and creating a dangerous condition on the sidewalk adjacent to the building. The building is believed to be a public safety hazard because of its unsafe condition. The building is of no benefit to St. Joseph County Public Library and the public in general. In accordance with your Preservation Standards, Group B Standards, Paragraph D, the building poses a threat to the public safety and demolition is the only alternative. Enclosed is a site plan for the proposed demolition as well as.the project manual prepared by the architect for St. Joseph County Public Library for demolition of the building. Also enclosed is the required $20 application fee. Please schedule this Application for a public hearing as soon as possible. Also, please provide notice of the date, time and place for the public hearing on this Application to me as attorney for St. Joseph County Public Library, and to Mr. Donald J. Napoli, Library Director at his address: 304 S. Main St., South Bend, Indiana 46601. Fj J NEMETH, FEENEY, MASTERS & CAMPITI, P.C. ArroRNEYs AT LAW Historic Preservation Commission Attention: Catherine D. Hostetler, Director. August 31, 2012 Page 2 JAM/tlr Enclosures cc: Donald J. Napoli, Library Director Thank you for your kind attention to this matter. Very truly yours, -1111-1�v---'--� --- - ------ --| ` - - - '... ....... .... .... - -.... ...... ....... -- '-'..... ............... .......... ... ...... --... ............................ ... .................. ........ ---i ' CONTRACT DOCUMENTS BUILDING DEMOLITION OF 110. 112.AND 114 | � \&AYNE8TREET; 307 SK8K�Hl��J��T�EET. | S. � aJopL / . mwSOUTH wwJmSTREET SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 4660 / '-------'-------------'- _ _ _ pno�sorTspM - _-... .... ! �����S�E` WAIMA'd b *10 R #:4 � I � � 1 -------- V�-D --- 0 0 0 A'R K C) S o F- s I C3 N .......—....... .. ..-! MTECTEDaALLTIME3OMTIE Kk;/OENIOROOF. E'rQM NfiCdORACTmmftspoNmfi ........ . . ...... • RI —OkMAGWS"ACETOADMCD SIDWAMI O ozmoLrrmn ......... . .. ......... . .. ....... .. .............. . ... . ............ fO111AY1TpNOONO1fpNlMEFIXIIpTOEu1ffiTA9E OR BUMDINO DEMOMILWOF UNEUITAKEFOR JKfAARlO pELLOU110NMNgMM 110,II; AND 114 WAN STREET. 307 S. MOUGAN STREET. CPOITONS ... ....... ... .. .... . ... ORW4MFLLC WBTONECIa10FDGPAVe.—^ I—KAFL—T STOW- FREE OF MiNA O. AY, FRMaLE COIFACTTOATLEAWMWTHEMODFFDPAOCTORDBMY FSTM mwt ........... — ............... ................... .. .............. . . .. . . ....... .. i . ..... ................. ... ....... 0615.11 i .......... ... ... .. ...... .. .... -i !'SITE PLAN AND EMOLMON somaLma"PLM PLAN OCMAkf. -ar DI -10 ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 304 S. Main St. - South Bend, IN 46601 - 574-282-4601 - Donald J. Napoli, Director September 17, 2012 Mr. Timothy S. Klusczinski, President South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Commission 227 West Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601-1830 Re: Common Council Bill #35-12 — Former Avon Theatre Dear President Klusczinski and Members of the Historic Preservation Commission: On behalf of the Board of Library Trustees of the St. Joseph County Public Library, I am petitioning the Historic Preservation Commission to NOT recommend to the South Bend Common Council the petition that the former Avon Theatre at 307 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601, be designated as a South Bend Historic Landmark. The Historic Preservation Commission's recommendation was presented to the Common Council for its first reading as Bill 935-12 on Monday, July 23, 2012. We hereby petition the Historic Preservation Commission to NOT RECOMMEND this ordinance for the following three (3) reasons: 1. Professional Inspections show that the present physical condition of the facade of the former Strand/Avon Theatre has deteriorated to such an extent that it is no longer economically feasible to restore and its fagade is in danger of collapse. The recent fall of a terra cotta stone is just one small indication that the poor condition of the facade is now a serious safety hazard. a. Present Condition of the Former Avon Theatre Building's Facade: Three Professional Inspections: The St. Joseph County Public Library paid to have professional inspections performed by three companies on the Avon's fagade. Each company was also to provide recommendations and estimates for stabilizing and/or restoring that Avon's facade: one by Frost Engineering & Consulting of Mishawaka to check the structural integrity of the fagade. Frost was also asked to provide methods and costs for strengthening the back wall that supports the fagade so that the rest of the building could be removed; the second inspection by the Grunwell-Cashero Company, a Detroit - based building restoration company with over 50 years of expertise in repairing and restoring terra cotta facades; and the third inspection by Ziolkowski Construction, Inc., a local South Bend general construction company that also has experience in restoring terra cotta on buildings. Copies of these three inspections are enclosed. Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www 1ihrnrvfnr1ife. nra Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission Sep. 17, 2012 _pie 2 Frost Engineering & Consulting: The engineering inspection of the Avon's fagade performed by Frost Engineering & Consulting was completed over a two-day inspection period, August 17th through August 18th, using a 40 -foot lift that held two engineers. The inspection included a sounding of the entire upper fagade, using a small wooden mallet, the prescribed method of the U.S. National Park Service for terra cotta inspection. The U.S. National Park Service is the authority on the preservation of U. S. historic sites. The Frost report has several photos in three Appendices, with arrows and typed explanations of the apparent deterioration of the terra cotta sections. The photos were taken on August 17, 2012 when the inspection began. Those initial photos show the 8.5 lb. terra cotta capstone that later fell as still in place. The photo also shows that the capstone had a long diagonal crack that ran through its center from its top to its base. When Frost learned from the Library a few days after it completed its inspection that the front portion of that capstone had fallen (the 8.5 lb. solid piece that is 4" x 5" by 9"), they went back and took a second photo of that area from the ground with a telescopic lense. The before and after photos of this capstone are also enclosed with the photos of the Frost report. According to the results of the structural engineer inspection performed by Frost, many of the terra cotta tiles, 10% to 15% of all the tiles on the Avon's 2nd story fagade, are badly cracked and are no longer attached to the bricks behind them that once held them. They believe these tiles are held in place only by the friction of the other tiles that are around them and that are still attached. These areas are in danger of falling at any time and should be removed. Frost's final engineering report has this warning: "Note: Three areas have delamination so severe that it has caused the terra cotta to separate frons the existing brick ivall behind These locations present a potential falling object hazard and should be considered for either removal or re -attachment to secure them and prevent additional dislodging of surrounding tiles." Their close-up photos of the deterioration appear in Appendices A, B and C. They show close-up photos of the terra cotta tiles that are separating from the wall behind them, extensive spalling and cracking and even the remains of a former bird's nest in the cavity of one of the badly cracked tiles next to a window. Many of the terra cotta tiles are also badly crazed and have lost most of their protective baked -on finish through spalling. These tiles would need to be removed completely in order to have them re -glazed in a kiln or replaced with new matching tiles, especially if they are badly cracked. Wherever the spalling has occurred, moisture has been making its way into the tiles and back to the mortar that holds those tiles to the side of the building. The reason why the conditions of the fagade are so poor is because these conditions have developed over a long period of time and nothing has been done to correct this deteriorating situation. Frost Engineering & Consulting also provided in its August 22nd report to the Library, as requested, two methods of securing and stabilizing the entire front wall of the Avon, both its facade and the brick wall that backs that fagade. The first method recommended by Frost uses a steel frame and the second a reinforced concrete frame, with estimated costs for the construction of each method. Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission — Sen. 17, 2012 page 3 Frost Estimated Cost To Secure & Stabilize the Avon's FaVade: Frost Engineering & Consulting, Inc. of Mishawaka, IN, has provided two estimates as to the costs for shoring up and keeping the fagade right where it is and building a structural back-up system to make it stable before attempting to demolish the rest of the building. These costs DO NOT include the costs of restoring and replacing the terra cotta tiles that are badly deteriorated and are about to fall from the building (see the Grunwell-Cashero report below and enclosed for terra cotta restoration estimates). Below are two estimates from Frost Engineering to build a supporting structure behind the fagade to stabilize and support it. They can be found in Appendices C and D of the FEC report. This assumes that the rest of the present building would be demolished: 1. $350,000 for a Steel frame support structure, and 2. $300,000 to $320,000 for a Concrete frame support These are preliminary cost estimates by FEC. This frame support structure, whether steel or concrete, must be built before any demolition of the remaining building can be attempted because of the delicate condition of the Avon's terra cotta facade. The Frost report is enclosed for your review. The structural engineers who performed the inspection will present their findings at both the public hearings, the hearing that will be conducted by the Historical Preservation Commission on September 17, 2012 and the hearing that will be conducted by the South Bend Common Council on September 24, 2012. Grunwell-Cashero Co., Inc.: Also enclosed is the report from the Grunwell-Cashero, Co., Inc. of Detroit, MI that confirms that many of the terra cotta tiles appear to be loose and may be in danger of falling. The company's Senior Project Manager, Lawrence L. Darling, after his own inspection, described the condition of the Avon's fagade as "a house of cards," meaning that, if any detached and loose terra cotta tiles were to slip out of the joints around them and fall, other tiles above and around it would probably fall as well. Mr. Darling's first report, as the Library requested, provided only the cost for removing and storing all of the terra cotta units on the facade (estimated to cost about $69,000) and this estimate was dated August 3, 2012. Mr. Darling's second report, dated September 6, 2012, also requested by the Library, includes the first option plus three additional options for progressively completing an entire restoration of the fagade. This second report contains more detail and description of the problems that the Library faces with the terra cotta fagade in its present condition, along with estimated costs for each option. Grunwell-Cashero Estimated Cost To Restore the Avon's Terra Cotta FaVade: The Grunwell-Cashero Company of Detroit, MI is a recognized specialist in building restoration, rehabilitation and preventive maintenance and has been in business wince 1953. This Detroit based company with offices in Toledo and Cleveland, has specialized in terra cotta restoration for over 50 years. They claim to be dedicated to restoring and maintaining the structural integrity and architectural esthetics of all types of structures including historic Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libra_ryforlife.org Timothy_Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation_ Commission - Sep. 17, 2012 page 4 buildings. Larry Darling, Senior Project Manager for The Grunwell-Cashero, Co., Inc. of Detroit, MI provided SJCPL with a cost estimate on August 3, 2012 for the de -construction and salvage of the terra cotta faeade at the Avon Theatre. His company's price included all labor, material and equipment to remove all terra cotta units on the Avon faeade, photo - document, inventory, palletize, and move them into a secure storage area selected by the Library. Total cost was estimated to be $69,189.00 This preliminary estimate done in early August 2012 did not include the examination and possible repair of the brick wall that held the terra cotta tiles, nor the costs for re -installing those tiles on the brick wall after it received any needed repairs. Mr. Darling was recently asked to also estimate the costs for repairing the brick wall as needed, repairing, reconditioning, replacing badly damaged tiles, and re -installing the terra cotta tiles on the facade. His most recent proposal, dated September 6, 2012, which also provides much more detail about terra cotta materials and what he discovered in his own inspection of the Avon faeade, developed the following proposed options and estimates of cost for restoring the Avon's facade: Option 1: Remove and salvage all terra cotta veneer units from the faeade: $69,189.00 (This was the original preliminary proposal.) Option 2: Remove and repair as necessary all terra cotta veneer units: $88,690.00 Option 3: Remove and repair as necessary including glaze and spall repairs all terra cotta veneer units: $107,190.00 Option 4: Remove and repair as necessary including glaze and spall repairs and reinstall on existing building sub -structure. Work includes all new steel lintels, framing and anchoring devices, caulking and sealants (Mr. Darling's enclosed report explains the need for anchoring devices): $198,500.00 Add an estimated allowance for repair and reinforcement of masonry sub -structure (brick wall behind the terra cotta) including steel and masonry replacement as required: $120,000.00 Total Cost: $318,500.00 Includes Option 4: $198,500 plus masonry sub -structure allowance of $120,000) Comments about how terra cotta reacts to moisture when it had become seriously fractured or has experienced spalling are included in the most recent proposal. The Grunwell report further states, "wind -driven rain, freezing causing expansion and even the presence of birds can cause unstable units to fall from a faeade." According to the weather records covering the period between the date that the 8.5 lb. block of terra cotta was still in place on the building and the date that it was found on the ground, South Bend experienced a heavy, driving rain with winds of 20 miles per hour on August 20, 2012. Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Timothy Klusczinski, President,_ Historic Preservation Commission — Sep. 17, 2012 page 5 Ziolkowski Construction, Inc.: Finally, also enclosed are two bids requested by the Library from Ziolkowski Construction, Inc. of South Bend, IN, a base bid and an alternate bid. Ziolkowski has a division in its company that specializes in terra cotta restoration. This report states that for both bids the company will provide labor, equipment and material to perform the following work on the Avon theatre: Base Bid: $96,560 1. Remove all terra cotta from the east fagade from the storefront windows to the coping cap. 2. Photograph and document each piece of terra cotta. 3. Crate all terra cotta for future use. 4. Deliver crates to storage area of the Library's choice. Alternate Bid: $51,507 1. Clean all terra cotta with water and restoration cleaner. 2. Replace four (4) pieces with new terra cotta 3. Patch remaining terra cotta as necessary with Jahn Stone Repair Mortar from Cathedral Stone Products. Total Cost for Base Bid and Alternate Bid: $148,067 Falling Terra Cotta Incident: As stated earlier, one solid terra cotta stone, a capstone that was located at the very top of the building, weighing about 8.5 lbs., broke loose just after the Frost Engineering inspection was completed (sometime between August 19th when its inspection was completed and August 21s' when the stone was discovered on the ground) and dropped to the sidewalk below on S. Michigan Street. The piece would have killed or seriously injured anyone standing directly below it when it fell. Many people park in the surface parking lot next to the Avon and use this sidewalk to get to and from work. This lot is also heavily used by the public during major downtown events, such as Art Beat, 1St Fridays, and St. Patrick's Day celebrations. This presents a serious hazard for many people who park their vehicles on this lot. As soon as we discovered the fallen piece, our Facilities Manager, Dave Woodcox, notified the City and a City street crew cordoned off the sidewalk in front of the Avon. Some have questioned why the 8.5 lb. terra cotta stone did not shatter after falling from such a height (about 30 ft.). This piece of terra cotta is not a thin 1" thick tile like the others on the facade, but a solid piece of capstone that is 4" by 5" square by 9" long. This stone is much thicker than the tile pieces that cover the facade. I have learned that, as a kiln -fired, man-made material, terra cotta is fired at much higher temperatures to a hardness and compactness not obtainable with common brick. Also, the fall may have been slowed down if the piece struck the face of the building on its way down, such as a windowsill or one of the protruding terra cotta moldings. What appears to be a small, fresh break that is about 1" square is on the heavier top edge of the piece of terra cotta. This is probably where it first struck the sidewalk. Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.library_forlife.org Timothy KlusczinskL_President, Historic Preservation Commission -_Sep. _17, 2012 Da -e 6 Inspection of the capstones & parapet: On September 7, 2012 I decided to go up to look at the parapet on the front roof myself and take a close up photo of the place where the 8.5 lb. stone was once attached. The Library's Assistant Facilities Manager, Bruce Burnett, assisted and accompanied me. I took some very close photos of the location where the 8.5 lb. terra cotta capstone once sat and found that all of the concrete that once held the capstone in its position had disintegrated into a crumbled mass of small pieces. I also discovered that the larger portion of the capstone that did not fall and from which the 8.5 lb. piece broke away, was also loose, so loose that I could move the stone back and forth in its position with just the tips of my fingers. Other than its weight, nothing seemed to be holding this larger piece in place, other than gravity. It was just sitting there, unattached to either the stone below it or above it. The diagonal break at the front of this stone appeared to match the diagonal break of the 8.5 lb. terra cotta capstone that fell. I collected some of the broken concrete grout pieces that were still there and later found that one of them matched perfectly the top jagged edge of the 8.5 lb. piece that fell. Three close photos of the cavity where the 8.5 lb. stone once sat are enclosed, along with several photos of other capstones and large terra cotta pieces that are still on the parapet. Two of those photos show two large matching terra cotta pinnacles (round, cone -like pieces with small ball -shaped finials). These are close to the top center of the fagade. Both pinnacles seemed to be precariously attached to the capstones below them. One pinnacle shows practically no mortar remaining below its base because I could see right through the space below it. This pinnacle appears to be suspended in the air with a very small piece of mortar at the very center of its base. I was told later when I shared the photos with the engineers that it is probably held in place by an iron rod that may run up through its center from the capstone under it to which it is still attached. Because these metal rods have practically no mortar remaining around them to protect them from the elements, as my photos show, I would guess that they are both badly rusted. Because of their apparent lack of attachment to their bases and their weight (probably over 50 lbs. each) both of these pinnacles, as well as their capstones, should be removed soon and examined by professionals since they could cause serious injury and damage if they were to ever come down. Lee Insurance Group Notice Since the Library's insurance agent, Mr. Thomas A. Meilstrup, of Lee Insurance Group, has placed the Library, and the Historic Preservation Commission, on notice with his August 29, 2012 letter as to their potential and mutual liabilities if someone should be injured by a falling stone, the Library has followed the prescribed procedure of the Historic Preservation Commission to move this process forward as quickly as possible and has requested permission to demolish the Avon building before this unsafe condition becomes any worse. The condition of the fagade is presently endangering pedestrians along the 300 block of Michigan Street, a sidewalk that is heavily traveled because of the surface parking lot just south of the Avon. This is even heavier when any type of special event takes place in downtown South Bend, such as Art Beat or I" Fridays. Pedestrians and vehicles also frequently use the north -south alley behind the Avon building where there are many missing Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.librar-N,forlife.org Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission — Sep. 17, 2012 page 7 bricks at the top of its west rear wall. This situation presents some serious liability issues for the Library as well as the Historic Preservation Commission and the City of South Bend. Action on this public safety issue needs to be addressed now and should not be delayed. On August 31, 2012, with the advice of the Library's attorney, Mr. James A. Masters, and with the prior approval of the Library Board, the Library submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission a "Certificate of Appropriateness," the Commission's prescribed form, requesting the immediate demolition of the Avon building. The Library is waiting for a response from the Historic Preservation Commission Board. At the very least, the Library should have the permission of the Historic Preservation Commission or of the South Bend Common Council to remove all of the loose tiles and bricks from those areas on the fagade that have been identified by the Frost Engineering & Consulting's structural engineers as loose so that they no longer present a safety hazard to pedestrians and vehicles. Also, if the building is not to be demolished, then to accurately assess the condition of the brick wall that has supported the terra cotta face for nearly 86 years, the Library proposes that all of the terra cotta tiles, capstones, monuments, cones, and pinnacles at the top of the facade should be removed by a professional company that is skilled in this type of terra cotta removal and restoration. All of the terra cotta tiles removed would be numbered, wrapped, palletized by a professional company, such as Grunwell-Cashero of Detroit, and placed into a safe storage area that could be provided by the Library until such time as the condition of the supporting brick wall can be assessed and a mutually agreed-upon plan for repairing and supporting that wall, along with the re -installation of the terra cotta tiles, can be done with confidence. The financing for the re -glazing repairs for badly spaling pieces, replacements of those too badly cracked to repair, and the reinstallation of these terra cotta pieces need to be agreed upon as soon as possible by the Library, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the City of South Bend. Since all of this remedial work has been estimated by several companies, including Arsee Construction, the company that the Historic Preservation Commission asked to inspect the Avon's facade, to cost more than the Library's original purchase price for the Avon building ($135,000), an assessment needs to be made as to whether this structure is worth the costs of restoring, even if it is just the facade. The cost estimates of Grunwell-Cashero Co., with a complete restoration estimate of $318,500, plus the estimate of Frost Engineering & Consulting to just support the fagade in place before the tiles are re- mounted (estimated at $300,000 to $350,000, depending on whether one uses steel or reinforced concrete for the support), would be approaching $500,000. This does NOT include the costs of renovating or reconditioning the rest of the Avon building if the South Bend Common Council declares the Avon a local South Bend Historic Landmark with the intension of having the Library restore the entire building (see below for the estimates to recondition the entire Avon building). The Library's first, best and least expensive choice overall, would be to accept the proposal of Grunwell-Cashero Co. Inc. from Detroit, MI under its Option 3, which is, to remove and repair as necessary, including glaze and spall repairs, all terra cotta veneer units, photo - Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www._1_ibra__ryforlife.org Timothy _Klusczin_ski,_President, Historic Preservation Commission - Sep. 17, 2012 _page 8 documenting them prior to removal, with all units inventoried and their original locations recorded, palletized, shrink-wrapped and removed from the site for storage at the Library's storage location approximately one block away, for a total cost of $107,190.00. Various estimates of costs for removing and restoring the Avon's facade have been given by both the Historic Preservation Commission through Fritz Herget of Arsee Engineers, Inc. of Fishers, IN, and by several experts in the field of masonry restoration that were hired by the St. Joseph County Public Library. All of these estimates, including the one from Arsee Engineers, range in costs from $200,000 to as much as $500,000. The least expensive option overall for the time being that addresses the safety issue appears to be to Option 2 of the Grunwell-Cashero proposal. This removes all the terra cotta units and gets them safely stored. The remounting of the fagade on an interior wall of the Main Library when it is close to completion is another issue, but Option 3 avoids a lot of other costs, such as reconditioning and shoring up its existing wall and especially the costs of reconditioning the entire Avon building to usable condition, while addressing the safety issue now. We hope that the Historic Preservation Commission would prefer to at least preserve the Avon's fagade and not necessarily the entire building, as its report to the Common Council seems to imply (page 2 of its June 29, 2012 report to the Common Council, Ms. Hostetler states: "At the very least the terra cotta fagade should be mothballed and stored away for future use in other new construction."). At the Historic Preservation Commission's July 16, 2012 meeting I presented in writing during the Hearing of Visitors a proposal that indicated clearly that I was in agreement with this part of Ms. Hostetler's statement. That written proposal was presented to the Historic Preservation Commission Board on July 16, 2012, with a copy distributed to each Board member. The proposal indicates the Library Director's willingness to work toward the salvaging of the terra cotta pieces of the present fagade using Library gift funds that are available right now and later having those pieces remounted on one of newly constructed walls inside the new Main Library. In that written proposal, I also made it clear to both the Historic Preservation Commission Board at its July 16th meeting and later to the Library Board at its July 23, 2012 meeting that I would not be asking the Library Board to use any Library taxpayer funds for this preservation and restoration project, but would instead use part of the Library's available bequest funds (uncommitted gift funds) to remove and store the terra cotta tiles. The July 16t proposal went on to say that the Library would not assume the entire costs for the restoration of the terra cotta fagade inside the new Main Library. The funds needed to remount the terra cotta pieces to a suitable wall inside the new Main Library would have to come from a joint fundraising effort conducted by the Library, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the City of South Bend over the next 7 years prior the new Main Library's construction. The enclosed engineering inspections and evaluation reports commissioned recently by the St. Joseph County Public Library and conducted by Frost Engineering and Consulting (FEC) of Mishawaka, IN, by Grunwell-Cashero Co. of Detroit, MI, and by Ziolkowski Construction, Inc. are, we believe, the most comprehensive and professional evaluations of the Avon's fagade and the wall that supports it that the Library has seen to date. As stated earlier, the evaluation report of the structural engineers states that the Avon's fagade has Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libra_ryforlife.org Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission — Sep. 17, 2012 page 9 extensive deterioration and has delaminated at several locations (on 10% to 15% of the entire upper fagade), presenting a very real safety hazard to pedestrians on the sidewalk of S. Michigan Street. Entire Top of the Fagade May be Shifting Forward We have one other concern about the east facade of the Avon that needs further examination by professional structural engineers. The entire top of the Avon's fagade may be shifting forward toward Michigan Street. The newer, orange bricks installed several years ago by the City of South Bend on the south wall where that wall joins the front fagade at the southeast corner of the building has developed a long crack that runs from the base of the newer brick wall to the very top of the building to the point where the top of the Michigan Street fagade ends. The crack gradually widens from about l/ 16" at the base to a little more than a 1/4" at the very top just below the parapet. The front fagade appears to be separating from the south and possibly the north walls of the building. What seems to support this suspicion is another crack that runs along the whole front wall just below the tops of the windows on the second level. The terra cotta appears to have moved forward toward Michigan Street by about %". Evidence of this shift forward can be seen across the entire length of the fagade from the south side of the building to its north side. Further examination would be needed to verify this shift. 2. The St. Joseph County Public Library has in a good faith effort since 2007 let it be known to all interested parties that the Avon was to be demolished by the Library to create space along length of the 300 block of South Michigan Street for a new, expanded Main Library building. Its Board -approved Schematic Design plans clearly specify the new Main Library building stretching from Western Avenue to W. Wayne Street along Michigan Street. SJCPL has made this known since September 24, 2007 to the following groups of South Bend and St. Joseph County: a. The Sellers of the Avon, Downtown South Bend, Inc. that owned the building for 20 years (1987 — 2007) prior to its sale to the Library in March 2007; b. The City of South Bend who participated in this sale and later approached the Library about helping to finance the new Main Library expansion and discussing with the Library the possibility of using its present Main Library building (rather than demolishing it) as a new consolidated City of South Bend office building; c. The St. Joseph County Council who each year has unanimously approved the Library's Capital Projects Fund since 2007, a Capital Projects Plan that included the demolition of the Avon Theatre; Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Timothy_Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission _- Sep._ 17 2012 _page 10 d. The Library's taxpayers and citizens of St. Joseph County, IN, who saw, through public meetings, public posted agendas, and the Library's Capital Improvement plans approved by the Library Board in several open meetings since the Main Library Schematic Design plan was approved on September 24, 2007, which plan has been available on the Library's website for the past five years, stating that the Library fully intended to demolish the Strand/Avon Theatre building to create the space needed along Michigan Street for its future new Main Library building. e. There are even postings on the Internet under Cinema Treasures, a long-time blog for those who love the cinema, that indicate that people knew the Avon was to be demolished. This appeared on its blog on October 16, 2008: "The current plan for the AVON Theatre building is for the South Bend Public Library, in the same block. Will purchase the building and raze it along with surrounding buildings for an expansion and parking garage facility. The plan has been delayed currently due to funding issues within local government tax roles. You can read about some of these plans in the public report." Nothing about the Library's plans and its intention to demolish the Strand/Avon Theatre were in any way hidden from the public, from the press, or from any elected officials or City department. All knew that the Library intended to demolish the Avon Theatre and knew this as early as March 2007 when the Avon Theatre building was purchased from Downtown South Bend, Inc. by the St. Joseph County Public Library. The Library went out of its way to make the future demolition of the Strand/Avon Theatre known to the City of South Bend, Downtown South Bend, and the general public. This information and the plans to demolish the Avon were known to all parties involved as early as February 2007 when the Library was negotiating the sale of the property with Downtown South Bend. The demolition was later clearly specified in the final Schematic Design plans to demolish the Avon building, plans that could be easily accessed by anyone with access to the Internet and the Library's web pages. Those plans have been available for downloading from the Library website for the past five years. The Library's financial plan for financing this project as well as detailed drawings and demolition plans for the 300 block of Michigan Street all the way from West Wayne Street to Western Avenue have been available for anyone's viewing and reading on the Library's website since September 24, 2007 when the Library Board approved those Schematic Designs in an open public Library Board meeting. The Schematic Design Report clearly indicates with numbered photos all of the buildings on S. Michigan Street and on W. Wayne Street that the Library intended to demolish. The Avon is building #16 on page 4 and page 6 and image #13 on page 5 with the bold print caption on that page of "Buildings To Be Demolished". These Schematic Design plans for the new building show no evidence of the former Strand/Avon Theatre on pages 10, 11, and 12 where the floor plans for the new Main Library's three levels are laid out. Nor does the Strand/Avon Theatre appear in the elevation drawings of the new Main Library for the front of Michigan Street on page 18 of the Schematic Design plans; nor in the renderings of the face of the new Main Library that appear on pages 22, 23, 24, 25, or 29. The General Project Narrative on page 36 and the General Description on page 36 do not even mention the Strand/Avon Theatre as part of the new building, nor is it mentioned in any of the estimates Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libra-rvforlife-.org Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission — Sep. 17, 2012 pane 11 of costs for the new Main Library on pages 47 through 75. In fact, except for the photo (#13 on page 5) and the Demolition plan on page 5, the Strand/Avon is not mentioned as a part of the new Main Library. The Avon is not there and has not been since those plans were developed in 2007. All of this was published and posted to the SJCPL website since September 24, 2007, and has been explained to the St. Joseph County Council every year since 2007 when I presented SJCPL's Capital Projects Plan. These plans have never been taken down from the Library's website. They are easily found from the Library's homepage. In fact, historical postings to certain blogs dated 2007, 2008 and 2009 that can still be accessed on the web by using Google turn up several public comments and discussions about these plans. To sum up, our second assertion is that since March 2007 when the former Avon Theatre building was purchased by the Library from Downtown South Bend, Inc. and again since September 24, 2007 when the Schematic Design plans for the new Main Library were approved by the Library Board in an open Library Board meeting and published on the Library's web site, the St. Joseph County Public Library in a good faith effort has let it be known to all taxpayers of St. Joseph County, IN, to all elected officials, South Bend City and St. Joseph County alike, that it fully intended to demolish the Strand/Avon Theatre as part of its Main Library expansion plans along the entire length of the 300 block of South Michigan Street. These plans have been a matter of public record since September 24, 2007, and were discussed numerous times in public meetings. The Library can provide approved Library Board minutes to support this assertion of openness and transparency in its plans for the new Main Library on the 300 block of South Michigan Street. Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission -.Sep. 17 2012_ page 12 3. If the Strand/Avon Theatre building is declared an historic landmark in South Bend by the South Bend Common Council, this designation will have a very negative impact on the future of SJCPL's new Main Library plans and will result in higher building costs and later in higher ongoing operating costs, for the new Main Library. Such action by the Common Council will also have a disastrous effect on what SJCPL has already invested in planning the future expansion for the downtown site. In support of the Library Board's third assertion, we submit the following: The Avon's footprint, based on its legal description, actual field measurements, and a recent site survey conducted by Lang, Feeney & Associates, Inc. of South Bend, is as follows: 45' Wide x 160' Deep (outside dimensions of Avon building) 42' Wide x 156' Deep (inside dimensions of Avon building) The Avon is forty-two feet wide running the length of its inside wall along Michigan St. by one hundred fifty-six feet deep from its inside front wall on Michigan St. to its inside rear wall on the north -south alley. The interior space of the Avon, therefore, has a footprint of approximately 6,552 sq. ft. at its basement level (42' x 156'), 6,552 sq. ft. at its 1St (street) level (42' x 156'), and 3,108 sq. ft. at its 2"d or balcony, projection booth, and office level (42' x 74'). Total internal square footage of the Avon Theatre's present floor space, therefore, comes to 16,200 sq. ft. (6,552 + 6,552 + 3,108 = 16,212). Taking into account the dimensions of the outer walls of the Avon, the building has a total footprint of 7,200 sq. ft. (45' x 160') at each of the three levels planned for the new Main Library. In other words, the total square footage that the former Avon Theatre would occupy or displace if the building is retained in its entirety in its present location and made part of the space within the new Main Library would be: 19,656 sq. ft. (6,552 sq. ft. x the 3 levels of the new Main Library) based on its inside dimensions, and 21,600 sq. ft. (7,200 sq. ft. x the 3 levels of the new Main Library) based on its outside dimensions). The following also describes some of the many problems in repurposing this space for library use: - Basement Level (inside): 42' W x 156' D = 6,552 sq. ft. Most of this basement space would be unusable within the new Main Library. Because of the sloping 1St floor above the basement for the Avon's first floor theatre seating, the present ceiling heights of the basement are inadequate for office space, especially at its western end where the ceiling height is 6'-6", the height of a Michigan basement. At the opposite end, Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www._1_ibraryforlife.org Timothv Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission — Sep. 17, 2012 page 13 the east end or front of the Avon building, the basement ceiling is 9'-6" high, still a little low for modern office space that would contain HVAC ducting and lighting above in a suspended ceiling. The basement ceiling height would need to be increased throughout its 6,552 sq. ft. by at least 3'-6". to be able to convert this space into usable office space in the new Main Library. This could be accomplished by removing the existing cement floor of the Avon's present basement, excavating the entire floor to a depth that would achieve at least a 10' suspended ceiling heights throughout, and then install the new cement floor with a 4" thick slab of concrete. Since this excavation would disturb the footings of the building, some type of permanent shoring would need to be installed with the new cement floor to ensure the integrity of the outside walls and any interior bearing walls that supported the I" floor. This might be difficult to achieve and, if not done carefully with engineering studies, could result in the collapse of one or more of the Avon's exterior walls. Reclaiming the basement level of the Avon as usable office space in the new Main Library building could become a very expensive part of this repurposing project. - Level One (Street level): 42'W x 156'D = 6,552 sq. ft. This level of the present Avon Theatre has two sloped floors, one that slopes up as one enters the front lobby of the theatre and the other, much longer floor that slopes down into the theatre to its stage. This longer sloped floor once held about 700 theatre seats. The cement floor appears to be in fair condition. Except for two seats, all the former seating has been removed by a previous owner (Note: we have heard that several years ago, except for its balcony seats, most of its seats were removed from the Avon and installed at the State Theatre, which at the time was a "Local South Bend Historic Landmark," as an attempt to repurpose the State Theatre and make it useful again. The cement floor would have to be thoroughly cleaned and patched as needed and new seating and carpeting would have to be installed if the space is retained as a theatre. If the space is not retained as a theatre, then the entire floor would have to be made level again and large holes would have to be made through its north and south walls to connect this space with the rest of the Main Library's first floor. If retained as a theatre, then all existing finishes and fixtures would need to be renewed or replaced throughout since its walls are badly flaking plaster and peeling paint, and there is mildew along the insides of those walls from when the Avon's roof leaked badly. Whether or not the high vaulted ceiling is insulated is another unknown, but it probably is not because of the period in which the last major (1949) renovation was done. The old ceiling would have to be removed, insulated, and reinstalled. New or reconditioned lighting, a new modern sound system, video projection system, projection screens and stage curtain systems, all with central controls, would also need to be installed. The stage, which originally was designed to hold just a few people, would have to be replaced with a modern production stage that could be used for multiple purposes. Presently there is no stage lighting. In fact, all of the electrical wiring, except for the main Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Timothy_ Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission -_Sep. 17,_2012 __page 14 control panel in the basement, has been removed from the building, and the main control panel is hopelessly obsolete and would not pass code. - Balcony, Projection Room, Office Space Level: 42'W x 74'D = 3,108 sq. ft. The 3,108 sq. ft. for this 2nd level incudes the balcony, which originally held about 300 theater seats, the theater's former projection room, and its office space. The office space occupies the top front of the building where its combination aluminum, single pane glass windows look down on South Michigan Street. The combination aluminum windows were probably installed during the 1960s. Most of the outside terra cotta that may be salvageable is located around and above these exterior windows on the east face of the building on Michigan Street, but much of the damaged tiles are also around these windows. There appears to be extensive water damage to these walls, both inside and outside that can be seen through falling plaster that got water damaged. All of its interior walls, floors and ceilings of the 2nd level are in very poor condition and would need to be replaced. Including the basement, the 1" level, and the second or balcony level, this brings the total square footage of existing floor space inside the present Avon Theatre to ... 16,212 sq. ft. (Basement level: 6,552 sq. ft.; Level 1: 6,552 sq. ft.; Level 2: 3,108 sq. ft.) For comparison purposes, the total square footage of the Avon is about 60% larger than the total square footage of one of SJCPL's City neighborhood branch libraries, each of which, not including contents, is valued for insurance purposes at $2,390,000, and this is based on the most recent insurance estimates. The renovated and expanded LaSalle Branch Library, for example, now has 10,100 sq. ft. In 2009 the LaSalle Branch was expanded by 3,000 sq. ft. and its previous 7,200 sq. ft. were completely renovated, but the building was in good, well-maintained condition to begin with after 20 years of service to its community. The Avon's three levels, on the other hand, have a total of about 16,212 sq. ft., or about 6,112 sq. ft. more than the LaSalle Branch Library. A conservative estimate to renovate the Avon building would cost in excess of $2,600,000, not including the reconditioning of the outside second story terra cotta fagade. If one includes restoration of the fagade on both its first and second levels, cost would likely exceed $3,000,000. See below the details for this estimate. If one considers the total amount of square footage that the Avon building itself would displace if the entire building were to be retained and made a part of the new Main Library, including its outside walls and its facade, then that footprint occupies a total of 7,200 sq. ft. on each of the three levels of the new Main Library building, or a total of 21,600 sq. ft. (7,200 sq. ft. per level on three levels. This is more than two of SJCPL's neighborhood branch libraries: LaSalle, and Tutt Branch Libraries, for example, which each have 10,100 sq. ft. for a total 20,200 sq. ft. The Schematic Design plans for the new Main Library are based on the Main Library's Building Program which was developed with the help of a professional public library building consultant, Mr. Robert H. Rohlf, with many months of planning, staff and public Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Timothy Klusczinski. President. Historic Preservation Commission — Sep. 17, 2012 pane 15 input and in-depth interviews by Mr. Rohlf with many community leaders. The Building Program was not something that was simply thrown together by a small group of librarians. A lot of time and thought went into it with a lot of community input. The Building Program called for a total of 160,000 sq. ft. So, the 21,600 sq. ft. that the Avon would displace if the entire building were to be retained in the new Main Library space comprises more than 13% of that entire new space. Taking the 21,600 sq. ft. that the Avon displaces and comparing it to the "new" or "additional" space that the Library had hoped to add to its present Main Library building, which currently is 116,000 sq. ft. on four levels, this displacement represents nearly 46% of the additional 44,000 sq. ft. of new space (present building: 116,000 sq. ft.; new building: 160,000 sq. ft., for an additional 44,000 sq. ft.). Retaining the Avon Theatre, therefore, has an enormous impact on that additional space planned for the new Main Library. Retaining the present Avon building right where it is as a movie theatre or some other repurposed entertainment center would have a very detrimental impact on the additional space that is being planned for the new Main Library. This is a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. One could argue that the Avon would take the place of the new meeting rooms and auditorium space planned for the new Main Library. The Library would not lose that much space. If one looks at the plans, however, for where the new meeting rooms and auditorium spaces are to be located (see the Schematic Design Report, Level 1, in the area west of the Avon Theatre's footprint), based upon SJCPL's Building Program, not on some poorly conceived idea that this building could be turned into a community entertainment center, all those new meeting rooms occupy a much smaller proportion of the total 7,200 sq. ft. of space that the Avon occupies on just the 1St level with its lobby and its long sloped 1St theatre floor. The balcony adds another 300 seats to the entire theatre, on a slopped cement floor that provides no flexibility at all as meeting room space. It can serve only one purpose: a single - screen movie theatre. The new Main Library does not need a single, 1,000 -seat theatre -style room with a large vaulted ceiling, with fixed seating and a single screen and very limited -sized stage for all of its public programing? The width of the Avon is presently too narrow (45' wide) to support any theater wings or a large backstage area and a larger, more robust stage in order to have a variety of uses. Not only do we think that the Library could NOT support a single, 1,000 fixed seat room with a large vaulted ceiling and a single screen and stage, but it is not even capable of being converted into something that would support the concept of a multi -venue facility. The building is simply too narrow and has no flexibility with its sloped floors and fixed seating at both the 1St and balcony levels. In addition, the present Avon building's footprint not only cuts out half of the new Children's Services area and three of the new meeting rooms on just the first level of the new Main Library building, it also eliminates half of the Library's IT services and book storage area at the basement level, and half of the Local & Family History services on the second level of the new Main Library building. Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Timothy Klu_sczinski President, _Historic Preservation_ Commission —,Sep. _1720_1.2 _page 16 To fully incorporate the space occupied by the present Avon building into the new space needed by the new Main Library, and repurpose all the Avon's interior space to new Main Library space, would mean large portions of the Avon's present north and south walls would have to be torn out in order to open its interior space to the new sections planned in the new Main Library building. It would be much more practical and efficient to tear down the present Avon building to create the new structures and spaces needed, with the planned floor levels, and preserve or relocate just the facade of the present Avon building. If the Avon's 2nd story fagade is what is historic and important to the history of South Bend, and not the rest of the building which is in very poor condition and unusable with its sloping 1st floor, sloping balcony, and its low basement ceilings, then why not remove the facade, repair or replace its broken pieces, and then remount those pieces or important elements of those pieces, in their original arrangement on an appropriate wall inside the new Main Library after it is completed? It is also doubtful that all of the terra cotta pieces on the present fagade can be removed without further damage such as cracking and crazing of its surfaces. The repositioned fagade or recoverable pieces of that fagade mounted on a protected interior wall of the new Main Library could serve as a memorial to this downtown historic movie theatre at an appropriate location within the space of the new Main Library. Preserving the Avon would effectively isolate the entire north end of the new Main Library building from its south end. Retaining the entire building's theatre space, lobby space, basement space, office and balcony space effectively divides the new Main Library on all three levels since the Avon stretches at all three levels from Michigan Street to the north -south alley, 160 feet, where the west wall of the new Main Library's three levels is to be located. The separation between the north and south areas of the new building makes the open space the Library is trying to achieve on all three levels in its new building completely null and void. It also makes the new building rigid and inflexible when it comes time to restructure that space for future changes in public library services. The separation of this space by retaining the entire Avon building has one more additional negative consequence: Such action by the South Bend Common Council would render useless the real estate parcels now occupied by the three buildings that SJCPL has purchased along W. Wayne Street: the former Fort Wayne -South Bend Diocesan Offices (at a cost of $350,000); the former New York Collection clothing store (at a cost of $130,000); and the former No. 1 Chinese Restaurant (at a cost of $360,000)) and would therefore represent a loss to the Library of at least $840,000 in its investment in these properties. If SJCPL cannot effectively use the space now occupied by these three buildings for its future new Main Library because of the separation created by preserving the present Avon building, then this becomes a major financial loss to SJCPL and the source of possible legal action against the Historic Preservation Commission and the City of South Bend. The Library also spent an additional $200,000 in developing its Main Library Building Program and the Schematic Design plans for the new library building. These funds have been spent already in consultant, engineering, survey, and architectural fees, bringing the Library's total investment to date to over $1,040,000. Much of this will be lost if the present Avon Theatre is declared an historic landmark that must to be preserved or restored and somehow incorporated into the new Main Library as a theater or special event space. Again, Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission— Sep. 17, 2012 page 17 this becomes a financial loss to SJCPL and the source of a possible legal action against the Historic Preservation Commission and the City of South Bend. In the same year that the Library purchased the Avon Theatre from Downtown South Bend, Inc. (2007), the South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Commission dropped the Avon Theatre from its City of South Bend Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. The Avon was no longer listed and has not been listed in its official inventory of historic sites and structure of South Bend. When the Library purchased the Avon Theatre from Downtown South Bend, Inc. in March 2007, up to that point DTSB had owned the building for 20 years (1987 — 2007) and had made several attempts to repurpose the building. The studies of the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart, the Morris and the State in South Bend found that that these theatres could be major attraction or destination places if they were renovated in conjunction with the addition of a multi-purpose reception/meeting/ballroom space that could support both theater and hospitality events. The narrowness of the Avon makes this impossible and can really serve only one purpose, that of a movie theater. South Bend Civic Theatre learned this in 2004 and backed away from its Avon plans, accepting the offer of the owners of the Scottish Rite building on N. Main Street. The days of the single screen movie house are long gone and are not likely to come back anytime soon. The public meeting room space for the new Main Library are varied for different size audiences, and except for its auditorium, have no fixed seating. Even the largest meeting room in its new building has a level floor with no fixed seating and a portable stage that allows the use of the room for banquet events and for sit down, participative children's programs like those that we have each year during our "Open Book Festival, etc. The meeting rooms planned would serve multiple purposes for both Library -sponsored programs and for public use. This concept has worked out very well for public services and events held at the present Main Library building. At times all of these varied meeting rooms have served different purposes for different programs, all going on simultaneously. This approach has been very successful, especially when the Main Library holds major events that draw thousands of people, such as Science Alive, Open Book Festival, One Book, One Michiana, and the Library's Annual Summer Reading programs. One single auditorium -style theater with fixed seating that holds 1,000 people on two levels with a very small stage would not fit the multiple purposes for which SJCPL's public meeting rooms are being used by both the library and by the public. Recent examples of the renovations and repurposing of a single function movie theatre in LaPorte confirm that such efforts have been futile and would be a waste of public tax dollars. The LaPorte Cinema, for example, just closed for the third time after many tries and lots of expenditures and has no prospects of being reopened despite all the dollars that previous owners have spent on it. This was a relatively modern 4 -theater facility that should have succeeded. It didn't. In fact during the 20 years that Downtown South Bend, Inc. owned the Avon, I've been told that it made several attempts to repurpose the theater. The City of South Bend was active in putting together business models for the Avon and offered to give to any potential purchaser a three-year property tax abatement. Other attempts came Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryfqrlife.org Timothy_Klusczinski, President,_ Historic Preservation Commission -_ Sep. _17, 2012 _page 18 from the Indiana Historical Society, the National Register of Historic Places, All these efforts failed to make anything happen with the Avon. What Will the Renovation and Complete Restoration of the former Avon/Strand Theatre cost the St. Joseph County Public Library Based On its present Square Footage? Average cost per sq. ft. to renovate the entire Avon Building, inside and out, except for its fagade will cost: $150 to $180 per sq. ft. based on the most current building trade reports for similar construction projects. Assuming the lower number ($150 per sq. ft.), the renovation and restoration costs would be about $2,673,000 ($150 x 17,820 sq. ft. = $2,673,000). This would include furnishings and any special equipment. At $100 per square foot (which would be a barebones, minimal renovation), restoration costs would be about $1,782,000 ($100 x 17,820 sq. ft. = $1,782,000). Again, these costs do not include the costs for restoring the fagade. Add another $300,000 to $500,000 to that. For a recent actual comparison, in 2009 the actual cost to expand and renovate SJCPL's four City neighborhood branch libraries (LaSalle, River Park, Tutt and Western), expanding each by 3,000 sq. ft., and completely renovating each building's existing space (7,100 sq. ft. in each of the original buildings, with 3,000 new square feet added equals a total of 10,100 sq. ft., or a total of 40,400 sq. ft. for all four branches), came to a total of ... $5,211,126 or $129 per sq. ft. This was actual final cost for four identical buildings, including all change orders and furnishings. It does not include computer equipment nor does it include SJCPL's new RFID equipment installed after the buildings were completed. Remodeling always costs more than new construction, mainly because contractors don't know what they will find when they start to tear a building apart, so their bids tend to be higher in order to protect themselves. This is a big problem with the Avon since, according to Downtown South Bend, Inc., no drawings can be found for its original construction as the Strand in 1926 nor for its remodeling as the Avon in 1948. This makes the bidding process for renovation much more difficult and expensive since contractors will not take risks on unknowns. Rehabilitating old construction also means a lot of change orders during construction which always tend to be higher in costs and lead to cost overruns. The more detailed and thorough the specifications are during the initial bidding process, the fewer chances there are for unexpected change orders. These specifications cannot be thorough if there are no original plans or specifications to guide the contractor in biding. Unlike the four City branch libraries, the Avon Theatre will also need an elevator to reach its lower level (if it is made useful with adequate head room and converted into usable office Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence w,ww.libraryforlife.org Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission — Sep. 17, 2012 mae 19 space) and its second level if the balcony, projection room and theater office spaces are retained and renovated to new conditions. The current rest rooms are too small and inadequate by today's standards and building codes. They would all need to be expanded and made handicapped accessible. All of the Avon's present HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, sound and video systems would have to be completely torn out and replaced with modern equipment that met current codes and standards. Most of its former equipment has been removed from the building, and what is left is not salvageable since it is over 40 years old. Nearly all of its copper electrical wiring has already been removed or salvaged by previous owners. The cost of renovating the Avon's 16,212 sq. ft. will certainly exceed $2,000,000 based on current costs for renovating similar buildings of similar size in much better condition, and based on the most current per square foot costs reported by the construction industry. This is also based on what SJCPL actually experienced with the 2008-2009 competitive bidding processes for the expansions and renovations of its four City branches. To renovate the Avon's 16,212 sq. ft. of existing floor space would cost at least ... $2,673,000 NOTE: This does NOT include the restoration of the Avon's front wall and fagade, along with a new marquee if this is also restored, bringing total cost to probably over $3,000,000. To pursue this makes absolutely no economic sense! I will be happy to answer any questions the Historic Preservation Commission members may have during the hearing before them on September 17, 2012. Thank you for considering our request that the Historic Preservation Commission NOT RECOMMEND its proposal to declare the former Avon Theatre a local Historic South Bend Landmark. This would have a disastrous economic impact on the new Main Library and on the future of public library services for our entire community, the 168,000 people in eight townships which the Library serves and from whom it collects property taxes. Its designation as an historic landmark will place an enormous financial burden on the resources of the St. Joseph County Public Library and its taxpayers. Respectfully Submitted, .�)ctv,4 Donald J. Napoli, Director St. Joseph County Public Library Enclosures: (5) Cc.: St. Joseph County Public Library Board South Bend Common Council The Honorable Mr. Peter Buttigieg, Mayor of the City of South Bend, IN Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org Engln..Mg & Consultlnp R. JERRY FROST, PE, MS, MBA TROY A. MADLEM, PE, MLSE August 22, 2012 St. Joseph County Public Library Aft: Mr. Dave Woodcox 304 South Main Street South Bend, IN 46601 RE: St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street Dear Mr. Woodcox: Frost Engineering and Consulting (FEC) has completed the preliminary inspection of the terra cotta facade on the building located at 307 South Michigan Street in accordance with our proposal dated August 13, 2012. Included in this letter is a summary of the general findings and observations made by our team during the inspection. In addition to the general observations, conceptual designs and preliminary cost estimates for a concrete and steel backup structure are provided for the Library's use in guiding the direction of the overall project. Building Fagade Inspection FEC was contacted by the St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL) to perform an initial facade inspection on 307 South Michigan Street. Attached to the buildings east exterior wall, the terra cotta facade has extensive deterioration from years of apparent neglect and environmental wear. SJCPL requested the facade inspection over concern that ongoing deterioration of the existing facade could become a public safety hazard should pieces of the fagade fall on the sidewalk below. On Friday, August 17th 2012, FEC completed an arms -length field inspection of the building's facade using a 40 foot man lift. The inspection included a sounding of the fagade to determine the general location of delaminations, inspection of the size and length of cracks in the terra cotta, spalling and cracking of the terra cotta's glaze, and the general layout of the facade support system. A summary of findings from this inspection can be found on SK1 in Appendix A along with photos depicting the deterioration in Appendix B. In general, the facade was found to be in fair to poor overall condition as follows: • Approximately 10 to 15 percent of the terra cotta's surface area is showing extensive structural deterioration with more minor deterioration noted throughout the remaining terra cotta • Extensive areas of delamination, particularly near the windows and in areas where items had been previously attached to the facade. • Note: Three areas have delamination so severe that it has caused the terra cotta to separate from the existinc brick wall behind. These locations present a potential falling object hazard and should be considered for either removal or re -attachment to secure them and prevent additional dislodging of surrounding tiles. St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street Page 2 • Extensive spider cracking and spalling of the terra cotta's glaze was observed throughout the fagade Proposed Structural Back-up Support System Two alternatives were developed conceptually to serve as a new structural back-up for the existing east wall and fagade while permitting demolition of the existing structure. Installation of a new structural back-up system would allow demolition of the existing building structure while maintaining the existing east exterior wall and terra cotta fagade in place. Steel Support Structure The fagade back-up steel support structure would be a moment resisting frame composed of ASTM A992 Structural Steel. The steel frame would be constructed inside the existing building to support the east wall prior to demolition of the remaining existing building. The structural steel could be either painted or enclosed with siding to protect it from the weather. The conceptual design of the Steel structure can be found on SK2 in Appendix C. The steel frame support structure has a preliminary estimated cost between $ 325,000.00 and $350,000.00. This estimate includes an allowance for added demolition costs to account for a controlled demolition process of the current building and construction of the new steel backup structure. This cost would be in addition to the current demolition project costs and does not address restoration of the existing fagade. Concrete Support Structure The concrete support structure would be a moment resisting frame of cast -in place concrete. Similar to the steel frame, the concrete frame would be constructed inside the existing building prior to demolition of the existing building. The conceptual design of the concrete structure can be found on SK3 in Appendix D. The concrete frame support structure has a preliminary estimated cost between $ 300,000.00 and $320,000.00. This estimate includes an allowance for added demolition costs to account for a controlled demolition process of the current building and construction of the new concrete backup structure. This cost would be in addition to the current demolition project costs and does not address restoration of the existing fagade. Conclusion In closing, we recommend steps be taken to address the loose tiles noted in the inspection if demolition of the building does not proceed in a timely manner. Feel free to call should there be any questions or to discuss any details further. i Troy A. Madlem, PE, MLSE Vice President i6it Engineering & Consulting Company 0 Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Corau S.w t our CL 4 CommiLrunt to our CWnb St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street APPENDIX A: FACADE INSPECTION FINDING Appendices Included in Appendix A is a summary of the field notes taken by Frost Engineering and Consulting during the fagade inspection. The notes provide an overview of the terra cotta's deterioration. Engineering & Consulting Company -All, HzgM.. z ..r or Q..H„ a © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. co..n.u�n* to our Cu nr. Sa(etvlssoe: Trle notseoved �\ '�� j t-�40 8(E(e1S5(.'C nSafety [vn!d 1 NWe:Spiderpd"ffiglaft eenVmLVartfac CFront Elevation / Smk: N. T. S. Legend �irf Ey�ng6 Cm" 4.b4W�h �R�IL3 mi�� oti co (D J U) (D D L Q� m L_ U) O =3 O co Cl) O Y////A Indiales auras of mwv CSL/U/J//1 spa0irg in face affik �n.� IMi ales meas of delaminal�pn in fifes SKI �` inWates generdlbafmn and orientation of cracks in tiles St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street APPENDIX B: PHOTOGRAPHS OF DETERIORATION Appendices Included in Appendix 8 are selected photographs taken by Frost Engineering and Consulting during the fagade inspection. The photographs show general areas and types of deterioration found. �2odi Engineering & Consulting Company .� nig. st twat or Quauy c © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. c000ni�ntm our Cu nr St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street Provides a good example of the loss of surface glaze experienced. Without that protective glaze, the surface of the terra cotta is more prone to absorbing water and expanding, reducing the strength of the fagade. South Portion of Building near South Exterior Wall: Cracks in tiles of terra cotta fagade allow for infiltration water damage to other pieces of the fagade. Also shows Cracking and spalling at nail points where canopy used to be attached. f4o.Xr Engineering & Consulting Company 0 Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Appendices Oo®lkb�tbo Mwty St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street Middle Portion of Fagade near Bottom: Glaze spalling over most of fagade surface in varying degrees. Typically appears as spider -web like cracks in surface. North End of Middle Portion near Top Window: Crack through the ornamental terra cotta and separation from surface. If large enough allow for birds to nest. Terra Cotta is in danger of falling. South End of Northern Portion near Top of Parapet: Chips in terra cotta fagade as well as loss of protective glaze coating. Appendices - no ia*d Engineering & Consulting Company _Ak HiWw&t L*F1 of QuxUy & © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Commftm.nlb our cl ...o St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street North Portion of Fagade at Northern -most Window; Bottom Window: Cracks in terra cotta surface Portion of tile was loose and could have been a hazard to the public. Piece was removed by FEC. Piece was loose due to delamination of tile which resulted after the bond between the tile and brick deteriorated. A North Center Column: This Picture shows the top portion of the north center column. Safety Issue: The arrow is pointing to a loose tile that is in immediate danger of falling. fzodi Engineering & Consulting Company Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. r Appendices .e� W1.1c' 11-1 of 4u>6L9 Conmutmm�Liri our cLm Lv St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street Appendices APPENDIX C: STEEL STRUCTURAL BACKUP DRAWING Included in Appendix C is a conceptual design for a Steel Structural Backup system to support the fagade developed by Frost Engineering and Consulting. The Steel Structural Backup system would support the fapade at its current location Jtio Engineering & Consulting Company syn.. Lwl or Qnavy a © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. co.u,d"..nim aur ca.nb A II Ab b. FmnMhWe bE d/ara0s. CElevation SCALE: 1/8"= 1'-0" 2114 Fw, 130 191fbm ((11 Rasa 100-0 & s - rfeP Vx (anc�e h (Ttp.3bra5ons) 54'X 74'X 2'fi' ..W. Wma CFO 3b W.) D.T. 0&22112 2CSection SCALE. 1/8"=1'-0" SK2 L T71- C/)� _ — 2M Fl. _ M-8- �i C w+ Co 'zT fixkf. /scads 2) z ' O .V a USC ) WSOX1fi5amn L (TYD. 6 kta5ansl � / l�nCL^�, . 194.:6' W `o C Ch O r-- CO O M i U) Base t D.T. 0&22112 2CSection SCALE. 1/8"=1'-0" SK2 St. Joseph County Public Library 307 South Michigan Street Appendices APPENDIX D: CONCRETE STRUCTURAL BACKUP DRAWING Included in Appendix D is a conceptual design for a Concrete Structural Backup system to support the fagade developed by Frost Engineering and Consulting. The Concrete Structural Backup would support the fagade at its current location. it ow f Engineering & Consulting Company ai...t Lows or Q..auy a © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Cowonia nt to our Cu .� Nae. F2n^^94xandpelwdhwCe. CElevation SCALE. iB"= 1'-0" i 9a1 Fnpr� r3a'd• 1stFborFbor I� —fiat —iar ease 4d•X9'4'X2'd• ro ft fp v (TV.. 3 l ..) 3 4 -IJ f•d'X f••<'mrcfeb pear / (Typ.6bra(afns) -�� / / / C2 Section SCALE: 118"=1'-0" 2rA Floor I� 15tFlm I Ire l -1!9 �.sFs.geew�na n can.Ienp L " O a J � c v _ CoZ 7 s — O .� o U2� Q 7 L O U) O O U) O M Dates 08/22/12 SK. Troy Madlem <tmadlem@frosteng.nebG? August 27, 2012 3:21 PM To: Donald Napoli <donald.napoli@sjcpl... and 1 more SJCPL Avon Theater - Caostone Mr. Napoli, Quick note to relay my review of our field notes and photos regarding the piece of terra cotta capstone you found on the ground: The section was in place during our inspection on 8/17/12 with cracks noted. Tapping during our inspection did not give a hollow sound typical of a delaminated area. A follow-up photo of the building's elevation, taken 8/22/12, shows the piece missing. Though this does not answer the question of how the piece came about being on the ground it does narrow the window of occurrence to between 8/17 to 8/22. Troy Troy A. Madlem, PE, MLSE Vice -President FrOSt Engineering & Consulting Company ISO 9001-2008 Certified Office: 574-344-5900 Website: www.frostenq.net Nota eas-; capstone nussny 8/22/12 photo of e evation r] Photos of Avon's Capstones & Pinnacles taken by Don Napoli on Sept. 7, 2012 Location from which 8.5 Ib Capstone fell - 1`1 Photo i Location from which 8.5 lb Capstone fell - 2nd Photo Photos of Avon's Capstones & Pinnacles taken by Don Napoli on Sept. 7, 2012 Location from which 8.5 lb Capstone fell - 3rd Photo showing stone from which it broke away. it Pinnacle with little or no mortar below it Probably suspended on an iron rod Photos of Avon's Capstones & Pinnacles taken by Don Napoli on Sept. 7, 2012 Heavy capstone near breaking point Photos of Avon's Capstones & Pinnacles taken by Don Napoli on Sept. 7, 2012 Pinnicle support with no mortar at its center Photos of Avon's Capstones & Pinnacles taken by Don Napoli on Sept. 7, 2012 Pinnacle supports showing no mortar in joints Photos of Avon's Capstones & Pinnacles taken by Don Napoli on Sept. 7, 2012 Capstones showing no mortar in joints Photos of Avon's Capstones & Pinnacles taken by Don Napoli on Sept. 7, 2012 Capstone showing no mortar in joint. ��_� Co Grunw, r• ADetroit, MI 48217 Major Avenue Building Restoration Since 1953 gcbuildingrestoration.com Detr Office: 313.843.8440 Fax: 313.843.9060 September 6, 2012 Mr. Donald Napoli, Director St. Joseph County Public Library 302 S. Main St. South Bend, IN 46601 SEP i 1 z012 .BY . Regarding: The Avon Theater, 307 S. Michigan St. Dear Mr. Napoli: Per our conversation of September 5, 2012, we are pleased to provide our observations, recommendations and options for work at the Avon Theater. During our inspection of the facade of the Avon Theater we observed the following: • Numerous individual units of terra cotta exhibit cracks ranging from 1/32" to over 1" in width. When cracks exceed 3/5 of the actual thickness of the terra cotta section the unit must be considered for removal and repair prior to replacement. ➢ - It is important to note at this point that failure is unpredictable,. and that severely cracked and unstable units or sections may easily become dislodged and fall from the fagade. This represents a serious concern for public safety. At a minimum, we would recommend that the entire sidewalk area at the building fagade be protected by installing "walk- through" rigid scaffolding and decking, and that the parking spaces along the front of the building be cordoned off. • As to the overall condition of the masonry facade. Without invasive or destructive testing or inspection, it may be assumed that the back-up material or brick masonry substructure has been compromised by the additional presence of moisture migrating through the terra cotta veneer. Also because terra cotta veneer units are originally anchored or held in place by wires, small structural steel framing members, and thin strap anchors, and given the age of the building it must be assumed that most, if not all, of these anchoring devices have corroded, deteriorated and in fact -may no longer be present. CLEVELAND + DETROIT, :.; •, ,'TOLEbO ) (HEADQUARTERS -.'. Fortunately, because the fabric of a masonry wall is in compression, the deterioration of the mortar joints or absence of the original anchoring devices often will cause the individual units to remain in place. - That is until failure of the veneer units occurs and at that point when several units fail or fall the result may be a domino effect with more units or sections becoming dislodged. • As to the overall condition of the individual terra cotta units. Most of the terra cotta units exhibit surface glaze cracking, called "crazing". This is a natural phenomena of terra cotta. Because terra cotta is a clay masonry material, it absorbs moisture from within the cavity of the units. The surface of terra cotta is a fired ceramic glaze. When the clay matrix absorbs moisture it swells and shrinks which causes the glaze to crack. Crazing does not indicate failure of the units, however when the surface glaze delaminates to a depth beyond the surface, the units may spall. Spalling is when thin to moderate depth areas of the units become dislodged in the form of chips. These pieces can also cause damage or injury when allowed to fall from the fagade. Where units have cracked or broken through the entire depth of the section, they should be immediately removed. Wind -driven rain, freezing causing expansion and even the presence of birds can cause unstable units to fall from a fagade. We have over 50 years experience in the construction and restoration of terra cotta buildings and we are pleased to provide the following proposal and options for work at the Avon Theater. Please contact me should you have additional questions or require additional information. Kindest Regards, Lawrence L. Darling, Senior Project Manager The Grunwell-Cashero Co. Inc. ti PROPOSAL The Grunwell-Cashero Co., Inc. proposes to furnish all labor, material and equipment to complete the following items of work at the Avon Theater, 307 S. Michigan St., South Bend, Indiana. Our prices include all necessary permits, fees and insurance. Or)tion 1 Remove and salvaae all terra cotta veneer units from the fagade. Prior to removal, the fagade is to be photo -documented, with all units to be inventoried and original locations recorded. Units to be palletized, shrink-wrapped and removed from the site for storage at the St. Joseph County Public Library storage building approximately one -block south. Total cost $69,189.00 Option 2 Remove and revair as necessarv, all terra cotta veneer units. Prior to removal, the fagade is to be photo -documented, with all units to be inventoried and original locations recorded. Repair includes only the re -attachment of all loose or broken sections of individual terra cotta units. Units to be palletized, shrink-wrapped and removed from the site for storage at the St. Joseph County Public Library storage building approximately one -block south. Total cost $88,690.00 Option 3 Remove and repair as necessary includina glaze and spall repairs, all terra cotta veneer units. Prior to removal, the fagade is to be photo -documented, with all units to be inventoried and original locations recorded. Units to be palletized, shrink-wrapped and removed from the site for storage at the St. Joseph County Public Library storage building approximately one -block south. Total cost $107,190.00 Option 4 Remove and repair as necessary including glaze and spall repairs and re- install on existing building sub -structure. Work includes all new steel lintels, framing and anchorina devices caulking and sealants, for all areas of terra cotta veneer units. Prior to removal, the facade is to be photo -documented, with all units to be inventoried and original locations recorded. Cost $198,500.00 Add estimated allowance for repair and reinforcement of masonry sub -structure, including steel and masonry replacement as required. Cost $120,000.00 Total cost $318,500.00 By (5<0 r671W (�Z 'l ffliny Lawrence L. Darling, Senior Project Manager For The Grunwell-Cashero Co., Inc. ACCEPTANCE For St. Joseph County Public Library September 6, 2012 Date Date Const TA1SK1 General Construction & Design/ Build Building Strong Relationships Since 1974 July 27, 2012 Mr. Dave Woodcox St. Joseph County Public Library 304 S. Main St. South Bend, IN 46601 Re: Avon theatre Dear Mr. Woodcox: Ziolkowski Construction will provide labor, equipment and material to perform the following work on the Avon theatre. Base Bid: $96,560.00 1. Remove all terra cotta from east fagade from the storefront windows to the coping cap. 2. Photograph and document each piece of terra cotta. 3. Crate all terra cotta for future use. 4. Deliver crates to storage area of your choice. Alternate Bid: $51,507.00 1. Clean all terra cotta with water and restoration cleaner. 2. Replace four (4) pieces with new terra cotta. 3. Patch remaining terra cotta as necessary with Jahn Stone Repair Mortar from Cathedral Stone Products. Please contact me at 574-287-1811 if you have any questions. Respectfully Submitted, Brad Dennis Ziolkowski Construction, Inc. Division Manager— Masonry Restoration So: mfp 4050 Ralph .loves Dr. • South Bend, IN 46628 • Phone (574) 287-1811 • Fax (574) 234-0151 • wnw zbuild.com Committed to professionalism and excellence for the benefit of our clients, employees and shareholders. r: September 6, 2012 Mr. Donald Napoli, Director St. Joseph County Public Library 302 S. Main St. South Bend, IN 46601 Regarding: The Avon Theater, 307 S. Michigan St. Dear Mr. Napoli: Per our conversation of September 5, 2012, we are pleased to provide our observations, recommendations and options for work at the Avon Theater. During our inspection of the fagade of the Avon Theater we observed the following: • Numerous individual units of terra cotta exhibit cracks ranging from 1/32" to over 1" in width. When cracks exceed 3/5 of the actual thickness of the terra cotta section the unit must be considered for removal and repair prior to replacement. ➢ It is important to note at this point that failure is unpredictable, and that severely cracked and unstable units or sections may easily become dislodged and fall from the fagade. This represents a serious concern for public safety. At a minimum, we would recommend that the entire sidewalk area at the building fagade be protected by installing "walk- through" rigid scaffolding and decking, and that the parking spaces along the front of the building be cordoned off. • As to the overall condition of the masonry fagade. Without invasive or destructive testing or inspection, it may be assumed that the back-up material or brick masonry substructure has been compromised by the additional presence of moisture migrating through the terra cotta veneer. Also because terra cotta veneer units are originally anchored or held in place by wires, small structural steel framing members, and thin strap anchors, and given the age of the building it must be assumed that most, if not all, of these anchoring devices have corroded, deteriorated and in fact may no longer be present. Fortunately, because the fabric of a masonry wall is in compression, the deterioration of the mortar joints or absence of the original anchoring devices often will cause the individual units to remain in place. - That is until failure of the veneer units occurs and at that point when several units fail or fall the result may be a domino effect with more units or sections becoming dislodged. As to the overall condition of the individual terra cotta units. Most of the terra cotta units exhibit surface glaze cracking, called "crazing". This is a natural phenomena of terra cotta. Because terra cotta is a clay masonry material, it absorbs moisture from within the cavity of the units. The surface of terra cotta is a fired ceramic glaze. When the clay matrix absorbs moisture it swells and shrinks which causes the glaze to crack. Crazing does not indicate failure of the units, however when the surface glaze delaminates to a depth beyond the surface, the units may spall. Spalling is when thin to moderate depth areas of the units become dislodged in the form of chips. These pieces can also cause damage or injury when allowed to fall from the fagade. Where units have cracked or broken through the entire depth of the section, they should be immediately removed. Wind -driven rain, freezing causing expansion and even the presence of birds can cause unstable units to fall from a fagade. We have over 50 years experience in the construction and restoration of terra cotta buildings and we are pleased to provide the following proposal and options for work at the Avon Theater. Please contact me should you have additional questions or require additional information. Kindest Regards, Lawrence L. Darling, Senior Project Manager The Grunwell-Cashero Co. Inc. PROPOSAL The Grunwell-Cashero Co., Inc. proposes to furnish all labor, material and equipment to complete the following items of work at the Avon Theater, 307 S. Michigan St., South Bend, Indiana. Our prices include all necessary permits, fees and insurance. Option 1 Remove and salvage all terra cotta veneer units from the fagade. Prior to removal, the fagade is to be photo -documented, with all units to be inventoried and original locations recorded. Units to be palletized, shrink-wrapped and removed from the site for storage at the St. Joseph County Public Library storage building approximately one -block south. Total cost $69,189.00 Option 2 Remove and repair as necessary_, all terra cotta veneer units. Prior to removal, the facade is to be photo -documented, with all units to be inventoried and original locations recorded. Repair includes only the re -attachment of all loose or broken sections of individual terra cotta units. Units to be palletized, shrink-wrapped and removed from the site for storage at the St. Joseph County Public Library storage building approximately one -block south. Total cost $88,690.00 Option 3 Remove and repair as necessary including glaze and spall repairs, all terra cotta veneer units. Prior to removal, the fagade is to be photo -documented, with all units to be inventoried and original locations recorded. Units to be palletized, shrink-wrapped and removed from the site for storage at the St. Joseph County Public Library storage building approximately one -block south. Total cost $107,190.00 Option. 4 Remove and repair as necessary including. glaze and spall repairs and _re- install _ on existing building sub -structure._ Work includes all new steel lintels, framing and anchoring devices -caulking and sealants, for all areas of terra cotta veneer units. Prior to removal, the fagade is to be photo -documented, with all units to be inventoried and original locations recorded. Cost $198,500.00 Add estimated allowance for repair and reinforcement of masonry sub -structure, including steel and masonry replacement as required. Cost $120,000.00 Total cost $318,500.00 By ��cr�rreitce �. ,�aa-C"uf September 6, 2012 Lawrence L. Darling, Senior Project Manager Date For The Grunwell-Cashero Co., Inc. ACCEPTANCE Date For St. Joseph County Public Library .-I Historic Preservation Commission Of South Bend And St. Joseph County 1" Floor 125 South Lafayette Street South Bend, IN 46501 Insurance Risk Manapement Financial Services Since 1958 August 29, 2012 RE: Avon Theater Deterioration As the insurance agent for the St. Joseph County Library System, I am writing to urge the Commission to drop the proposal to declare this building a historical landmark and allow the library Board to proceed with demolition of the building based on several points as outlined -below: A.] The recent fall of materials from the facade of the building as outlined in the attached South Bend Tribune article dated August 28, 2012 as well as the referenced engineering report in the article indicating that other sections of the facade are loose and could also fall. This situation creates tremendoust exposure for injury to people who may be anywhere close to the front area of the theater as well as persons using the alley at the rear of the theater; patrons of the library passing to and from the library; and both the Library Board and the Commission since everyone has knowledge of a weakened structure and not being allowed to take the appropriate steps to correct the situation. Granted, as outlined, the Board of Public Works enacted some temporary measures to limit access to the area in front but these are temporary measures only and are not permanent solutions to eliminate the exposure. B.] Coverage A of our Comprehensive General liability policy [same in all CGL polkles] reads "we will pay those sums that the Insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of bodily injury or property damage to which this policy applies—.." Legal liability is liability imposed on person or entity responsible for damage or financial Injury suffered by another party and can arise from intentional acts, unintentional acts, contracts and negligence. This means that if we have knowledge of a potential problem and fail to correct it [for whatever reason], it may be argued that the Library and the Commission could be guilty of negligence and legally liable [thus, opening everyone up to lawsuits with not many defenses] should there be a serious injury to someone arising out of failing materials at this site. .r.rr 331 South Eddy Strut • P.O. Box 1975 • South Bend, IN 46634" Choseer Tel: (574) 234-7788 • Fax: (574) 233-2522 • Web: www.lecinsuranceVoup.com Page 2 of 2..... CA We are requesting that the Library Board be allowed to proceed with demolition of this building in order to eliminate this exposure once and for all as soon as possible. Thank you for your consideration and should anyone have any questions of me or if I can be of assistance in any way, please contact me. CC: Mr. Donald Napoli Ms. Debra Futa Ms. Nancy Korpal Mr. James Masters — LOCAL South Bend Tribune A3 Chunk of Avon Theater falls ■ Library board asks immediate demolition. By MARGARET FOSMOE South Bend'nibune SOUTH BEND — An 8.5 -pound chunk of terra cotta brick that recently fell from the Avon Theaters fa. cade has become exhiliit A in the discussion about the future of that former down- town movie bouse. Declaring the building a public safety hazard, the St. Joseph County Public Li- brary board on Monday voted 6-0 to request a cer- tificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preserva- tion Commission of South Bend 6 St. Joseph County for immediate demolition of the old theater at 307-309 S. Michigan Si. It is unknown whether HPC will approve the re- quest, because the commis- sion is in the processing of asking the South Bend Common Council to declare the former movie house a historic landmark and for- bid it from being demol- ished. Library director Donald Napoli displayed to Iibruy board members the chunk of terra cotta he found Fri- day that had fallen from the top of the vacant theater's facade. A Downtown South Bend Inc. employee alerted him to the fallen piece. Napoli said. Library staff immediate- ly contacted the city's South Swid Tr WMIR08ERT rRAWUN The sidewalk In front of the former Avon Theater In downtown South Bend Is blocked off to pedestrians since an M -pound chunk of terra cotta brick recently fell from the building's facade. board of public works de- partment, which sent out workers and blocked off the sidewalk in front of the old theater with stanchions and barricade tape. Some- thing had to be done quick- ly, because thousands of people were coining down- town on Saturday for the annual Art Beat gathering, Napoli said. An engineering report previously conducted for the library states that other sections of the facade are loose and could fall. the di- rector said. There is no benefit to the library- and no benefit to the public to keeping that building standing. And now it's a public safety hazard," library board attorney James Masters said. The county library bought the vacant theater in 2007 from Downtown South Bend Inc. with them'- tention of demolishing it and eventually using the land for an expansion of the Main Library. If the theater can't be demolished, the li- brary expansion may not happen, Napoli said. For more details about the library's expansion plans, see admin.sjcpl.org/ LongRangePlans/Capi- tal_Improve/index1litm1# Main_Project. In related business, the li- braiv board voted 6-0 Mon- day to reject all bids re- ceived for demolition of the former Catholic bishop's of- fice and another vacant Wayne Street, two buildings with back walls adjacent to the Avon. New bid, are ex- pected to be sought after the theater's fate is re- solved. HPC has scberluled a public hearing at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Council Chambers at the County - City Building on the pend- ing proposal for this city to declare the Avon T!ieater a historic landmark. i. Historic Preservation Commission Of South Bend And St. Joseph County i" noor 125 South Lafayette Street South Bend, IN 46501 Insurance Risk Manaqement Financial Services Since 1958 August 29, 2012 RE: Avon Theater Deterioration As the insurance agent for the St. Joseph County Library System, I am writing to urge the Commission to drop the proposal to declare this building a historical landmark and allow the Library Board to proceed with demolition of the building based on several points as outlined -below: A.] The recent fall of materials from the facade of the building as outlined in the attached South Bend Tribune article dated August 28, 2012 as well as the referenced engineering report In the article Indicating that other sections of the facade are loose and could also fall. This situation creates tremendousi exposure for injury to people who may be anywhere close to the front area of the theater as well as persons using the alley at the rear of the theater; patrons of the library passing to and from the library; and both the Library Board and the Commission since everyone has knowledge of a weakened structure and not being allowed to take the appropriate steps to correct the situation. Granted, as outlined, the Board of Public Works enacted some temporary measures to limit access to the area in front but these are temporary measures only and are not permanent solutions to eliminate the exposure. B.] Coverage A of our Comprehensive General liability policy [same in all CGL policies] reads "we will pay those sums that the Insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of bodily injury or property damage to which this policy applies_.." Legal liability is liability imposed on person or entity responsible for damage or financial Injury suffered by another party and can arise from intentional acts, unintentional acts, contracts and negligence. This means that if we have knowledge of a potential problem and fall to correct it [for whatever reason], it may be argued that the Library and the Commission could be guilty of negligence and legally liable [thus, opening everyone up to lawsuits with not many defenses] should there be a serious injury to someone arising out of falling materials at this site. r*.r 331 South Eddy Street • P.O. Box 1975 • South Bend, IN 46634 Choice -Tel: (574) 234-7788 • Fax: (574) 233-2522 • Web: www.leeinsurenceFoup.com Page 2 of 2..... C.j We are requesting that the library Board be allowed to proceed with demolition of this building in order to eliminate this exposure once and for all as soon as possible. Thank you for your consideration and should anyone have any questions of me or if 1 can be of assistance in any way, please contact me. CC. 41"M'r. Donald Napoli Ms. Debra Puta Ms. Nancy Korpal Mr. lames Masters .r LOCAL South Bend T6hune A3 Chunk of Avon Theater falls ■Library board asks in demolition. By MARGARET POSMOE South Bend 7h1une SOUTH BENID — An 8.5 -pound chunk of terra cotta brick that recently fell from the Avon Theater's fa- cade has become exhibit A in the discussion about the future of that former down- town movie house. Declaring the building a public safety hazard, the St. Joseph County Public Li- brary board on Monday voted 6-0 to request a cer- tificate of appropriateness from the Historic PreserT tion Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County for immediate demolition of the old theater at 307-309 S.:Nichigan Si. It is unknown whether HPC will approve the re- quest, because the commis- sion is in the processing of asking the South Bend Common Council to declare the former movie house a historic landmark and for- bid it from being demol- ished. Library director Donald Napoli displayed to library board members the= of terra cotta he found Fri- day that had fallen from the top of the vacant theater's facade. A Downtown South Bend Inc. employee alerted him to the fallen piece. Napoli said. Library staff immediate- ly contacted the city's South Band TnburagWERT ►RANKLW The sidewalk In front of the former Avon Theater In downtown South Bond Is blocked off to pedestrians since an 8.5 -pound chunk of terra cotta brick recently fell from the building's facade. board of public works de- partment, which sent out workers and blocked off the sidewalk in front of the old theater mzth stanchions and barricade tape. Some- thing had to be done quick- ly, because thousands of people were coming down- town on Saturday for the annual Art Beat gathering, Napoli said. An engineering report previously conducted for the library states that other sections of the facade are loose and could fall. the di- rector said. "There is no benefit to the library and no benefit to the public to keeping that building standing. And now it's a public safety hazard," library board attorney James Masters said. The county library bought the vacant theater in 2007 from Downtown South Bend Inc. with the in- tention of demolishing it and eventually using the land for an expansion of the Main Library. If the theater can't be demolished, the li- brary expansion may not happen, Napoli said. For more details about the library's expansion plans, see admin.sjcpl.org/ LongRangePlans/Capi- tal_Improve/1ndex2.html# Main_Project- In related busine>s, the li- brary board voted 6-0 Mon- day to reject all bids re- ceived for demolition of the former Catholic bistiop's of- fice and another vacant storefront along East Wayne Street, two buildings with back walls ad,acent to the Avon. New bid:, are ex- pected to be sought after the theater's WE is re- solved. HPC has scheduled a public hearing at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Council Chambers at the County - City Building on the pend- ing proposal for the city to declare the Avon Tfteater a historic landmark. The Location Report was not available and will be distributed at the meeting. Location Budget as of 08-31-2012 Note: Includes transactions after the last posted date of 01-01-2012. Fund: 1000 County General for 01/01/2012 thru 08/31/2012 Loc: 0037 Historic Preservation Account Unencumbered Original Addt'I/Adj Total Balance/Percent Object Description Appropriation Appropriation Appropriation Encumbrance 11075 Deputy Director 33,000.00 0.00 33,000.00 0.00 000 General GovT. 24,276.54 34.62 34.62 11309 Historic Preservation Admin. 37,132.00 0.00 37,132.00 0.00 000 General GovT. 700.14 126.49 126.49 10000 Totals 70,132.00 0.00 70,132.00 0.00 21030 Office Supplies 400.00 329.19 729.19 24.91 000 General GovT. 32.19 8,367.17 7,982.50 E ' o 0.00 100.00 100.00 22010 Gas Oil & Lubricants 800.00 26.63 826.63 0.00 000 General GovT. 0.00- .00-0.00 0.00 160.00 160.00 22120 Garage & Motor Supplies 225.00 0.00 225.00 0.00 000 General GovT. 35.39 68.88 141.66 141.66 20000 Totals' 1,425.00 355.82 1,780.82 24.91 31070 Other Contractual Services 16,216.00 133.67 16,349.67 0.00 000 General GovT. 32020 Travel 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 000 General GovT. 32053 Public Relations 0.00 150.00 150.00 0.00 000 General GovT. r 32260 Telephone 160.00 0.00 160.00 0.00 000 General GovT. 32350 Postage 400.00 398.00 798.00 0.00 000 General GovT. 33010 Publication Of Legal Notices 200.00 10.54 210.54 0.00 000 General GovT. 33100 Printing 100.00 172.50 272.50 0.00 000 General GovT. Saint Joseph County User ID K---CKI 09107--1 0:05 AM Page 61 Unencumbered Unexpended Expenditure Balance/Percent Balance/Percent 21,576.91 11,423.09 11,423.09 34.62 34.62 24,278.55 12,853.45 -12,853.45 34.62 34.62 45,855.46 24,276.54 24,276.54 34.62 34.62 507.47 196.81 221.72 26.99 30.41 s 700.14 126.49 126.49 15.30 15.30 .0.00 225.00 225.00 100.00 100.00 1,207.61 548.30 573.21 30.79 32.19 8,367.17 7,982.50 7,982.50 48.82 48.82 0.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 150.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00- .00-0.00 0.00 160.00 160.00 100.00 100.00 515.57 282.43 282.43 35.39 35.39 68.88 141.66 141.66 67.28 67.28 211.50 61.00 61.00 22.39 22.39 User ID K---CKI 09107--1 0:05 AM Page 61 Location Budget as of 08-31-2012 Unencumbered Note: Includes transactions after the last posted date of 01-01-2012. Encumbrance Expenditure Fund: 1000 County General for 01/01/2012 thru 08/31/2012 Balance/Percent 0.00 Loc: 0037 Historic Preservation 1,100.00 1,100.00 Account Original Addt'I/Adj Total Object Description Appropriation Appropriation Appropriation 34040 Auto Liability 1,100.00 0.00 1,100.00 000 General GovT. 100.00 100.00 39010 Dues & Subscription 245.00 0.00 245.00 000 General GovT. 30000 Totals 18,521.00 864.71 19,385.71 Location Totals 90,078.00 1,220.53 91,298.53 e e + Investment Accounts e Transfer Accounts Saint Joseph County User ID KSOBECKI 09/07/2012 10:05 AM Page 62 Unencumbered Unexpended Encumbrance Expenditure Balance/Percent Balance/Percent 0.00 0.00 1,100.00 1,100.00 100.00 100.00 0.00 0.00 245.00 245.00 100.00 100.00 0.00 9,313.12 10,072.59 10,072.59 51.96 51.96 24.91 56,376.19 34,897.43 34,922.34 38.22 38.25 e o . 0.00 0.00 56,376.19 User ID KSOBECKI 09/07/2012 10:05 AM Page 62 Director's Report September 2012 21 August 7:30 am Rotary Board meeting at La Salle Grille addressing various Community Projects including Howard Park which is on the National Register. Prepared and mailed out all approved COAs to homeowners. Met with Bob Kline of 226 Hammond for the selection of the door -it was a 6 raised panel colonial style door without a window. Met with Mary Prince for an RME_COA for the re -roof and chimney rebuild at 853 Forest. Met with Terry Reasor at 1021 Riverside Drive to determine if his proposed yard work would require a Commission hearing. It won't; he filled out an application for the work and will be asking for it later. 22 August Spoke with Mr. Robert Victor 1705 E. LaSalle concerning his windows that Wayne had assessed 18 months ago and recommended the Schobergs. They declined the work. Will arrange to have Staff meet at 1705 E. LaSalle on Friday at 10:30. 23 August General Office Work. Prepared statistics for Invoice for City's Stipend to HPC. Made sure to note Code and Building violations turn in as well as COAs and 106 Reviews and also included the monthly reports from Staff through June in pdf format. Sent to Pam Myer, Mayor, Scott Ford and Sue Solmos. 24 August 1705 E. LaSalle meeting with Mr. Victor to assess windows. They are painted open, only the lower sashes are operable; some have loose panes but are in overall good condition; the surrounding wood work is exquisite. Work should be done by a bonded and insured contractor. Don Napoli called after reading the Legal Notice in the paper. Suggested the Council Chambers and I secured those for the 17 September meeting. Elicia and I toured River Park and the restoration of the WPA wall as well as their business District since they are looking for a Main Street designation. Met with Engineering, Building Department and Library Maintenance at the Avon because of a fallen piece of terra cotta. Spoke with Laura Gardner(630 969-0992 ext 4347) from Lisle Park District (Illinois) arranging a tour for her seniors -either a Then and Now, or if the weather is bad a Districts tour because they will have a bus for April 2013. 27 August Received a listing of vacant and abandoned houses from Code via Todd. Cross referenced that list to our Districts. Rest of the day off as a sick day. 28 August Phone calls and e-mails from Glenda Lamont and Barton Bennett in the East Bank about the housing Todd was proposing for a move and what our role would be. Phone call from Bill Sniadecki about the Avon and Greene School. Elizabeth from 717 Forest came in about applying for a fence around her yard. Corresponding with Aaron Summers-Effler about what need to be done about his tree. Permits from City have been here since May. Sent letters to Laura Gardner and Matthew Leming. Spoke with Aaron Peri about the Avon terra cotta fall. He related that his Ambassadors noticed/ found two pieces -one the size of a coffee mug and the other like a cinder block on the 21 August on the southeast side of the Avon. No one recalls if there was any debris around the pieces. The Library was notified at some point and it became a safety issue because of Art Beat. 29 August Worked on year end location report items for transfers. Interest in the adaptive re -use of the Avon by Frank Niemiec (Ray Shepardson) and Garth Mason. Frank actually met with Don Napoli. Greg Schoof on Leland and Portage inquired about a garage and building codes. Troy (associated with Steve Mihaljevic, Mag Mile, LLC) called about an adaptive re -use of Marquette as a multi resource/use Community Center; setting up a NPO to obtain funding. Suggested he "pitch his plan" to the Mayor that evening. He also mentioned that SBCSC is looking into litigation to "de -list" Marquette as a landmark. A Board member that I contacted wasn't aware of this. 30 August HPC Special Gifts location report meeting was moved to next Thursday. South Bend Tribune called about Avon and spoke with Elicia; SBT expressed surprise that people were interested in adaptive re -use. Met with Mik Perry about his proposed adaptive re -use of the Avon as the Avon ArtHaus geared to the 18-20 year old set. Meeting lasted 2 hours. 31 August Most of the day was devoted to the Avon and keeping interested parties apprised of the developments there. Received the COA application for demolition of the Avon. Contacted all interested parties on that action. Spoke with Tim and Larry about the 17 September meeting. If Frost Engineering does not return our phone calls then a letter needs to be sent. 3 September LABOR DAY HOLIDAY 4 September Spoke with homeowner Larry Verash who received a letter from John Oxian to landmark his home on 60900 Dogwood Road. The letter was sent a long time ago and the house is now only rated Contributing. It had a fire, the roof was replaced and now it is experiencing foundation issues. Sent him a copy of the Contractor listing and gave him names and numbers of departments that might be able to help him. Sent the letter to Frost Engineering requesting information concerning removal of terra cotta. Received a letter from Lee Insurance requesting the HPC allow the demolition of the Avon building. Faxed letter and article over to Larry Meteiver. Attended a 4:30 meeting with Elicia of the East Bank Village merchants concerning the parking across the street for St. Joe grade school and the merchants wishing to place buildings on that spot for retail. 5 September Staff Reports for the monthly meeting. Discussion with Don Inks concerning the Avon and the Library's plans and his concerns for the Dean Building and the Church. It was his opinion that none of the Library plans are firm and the Redevelopment Commission owns the lot between the Avon and the Friends of the Library Building. Office Conference Room was the site of the 5:30 meeting of the Botanical Society's Events Committee that also included Sue Solmos and Liz Maradik to plan for the fund raising gala on 27 October. 6 September Meeting with Kathy Sobecki concerning the Special Gifts Account Balances. Concluded work on Staff Reports. Arranged to meet with Troyer and AEP on Friday at 13271 Adams, a County Landmark. AEP wanted to place a street light directly in front of the house. Met with Julie Johnson of 801 Forest and researched with her the Sanborn maps to prove that the house at 801-801 1h was always a duplex and could be grandfathered in. 7 September Finished all Staff Reports and mailed out Commissioner packets. Turned in Payroll. Drafted notice for East Bank Merchants. Resolved the street light location with AEP at 13271 Adams at 2:30 on-site meeting. It will be located at die corner of Cherry and Adams Road. 9 September Cross Referenced vacant and abandoned housing lists from Code with the 2005 survey of the scattered sites with rankings of Notable and Outstanding. 607 Leland a Local Landmark was listed at Abandoned. 10 September Spoke with Sarah Davis at 304 Navarre about her tree removal and issued an RME COA. Spoke at the Zoning and Annexation Committee Meeting in favor of the re -zoning of 709-711 LWE to single family. Spoke with Eric Ford owner of 709-711 about his future plans for the building. 11 September 7:30 am Rotary Charitable Foundation meeting, discussed Howard Park project. 1 RME for 336 Navarre for re -roof and three 106 Reviews. Attended the Smart Growth Urban Presentation sponsored by the National Association of Realtors. During the breaks spoke with Dave Matthews on his plans for die building across from Howard Park that he bought from Ed Levy. He had a rendering of what he is thinking about: 3 store fronts on the first level and living/office space on the second with second floor balconies that extend over the sidewalk. Attended the County Council meeting concerning the Budget. Spoke with Sean Coleman. He updated me on his efforts to place a marker on the tax system for historic properties and is meeting with Lows on Friday. 12 September Avon inquiries. Arranged for Julie Cleveland, Chris Dressel's intern from Public Works, to research the Lincoln Park area using our files. Window Work Shop Preparation. 13 September Prepared for the window workshop at Kizer. Arranged for refreshments after Todd declined to provide for over 20 participants. Met with Jennifer for the sound system in the Council Chambers. Premier of the Window Video at the Kizer House between 4:40 and 8:30 14 September Received COA application with check from Steve Miskin at SBCSC for removal of storm damaged tree per their Arborist. Brought the COA to die Administrative Office for Steve to begin the work. Avon inquiries. Friday afternoon as a personal day. Assistant Director's Report HPC Meetina 09.17.2012 1. Local Landmarks - a. Prepared Staff Report for Avon Theatre. Site visit to Avon 8.24 upon learning of a piece from =gade that was found on the ground by DTSB Staff. Listening to proposals by two (very passionate) people about the Avon Theatre who walked into HPC Office out of the blue. Updates to the facebook group. 2. Local Historic Districts -Tour districts. a. Edgewater Place -Speak in support of rezoning at Area Plan Commission 8.22 meeting for 709-11 Lincoln Way East. 3. Staff Reports -none. 4. Routine Maintenance Exclusions - a. 1341 E. Wayne -Accept COA app from homeowner, accept tree permit from Brent Thompson. Prepare RME report and COA, mail to homeowner. 5. National Register of Historic Places -forwarding Colonial Gardens of River Park to neighbors. 6. Attend 08.20 meeting. Prepare draft of August meeting minutes and forward to Commissioners. Revise as requested. Print minutes from August meeting for September meeting. Print commissioner and liaison mailing labels. 7. Restore Michiana Series 2010-2011 Window Restoration Production -Working on the supplement series. Preparing postcards - advertising. Designing and printing labels for dvds. Coordinating remiere event with Indiana Landmarks. Receiving rsvps. Printing supplements and having them -�ound. Attending event and presenting. Follow up with participants. 8. Restore Michiana Series 2012 -Updating calendar on www.RestoreMichiana.com. 9. Internships -Corresponding with prospective Interns to coordinate interviews. Meeting with and hiring Fabien Yang to work as Preservation Specialist intern. Review and meet with Frank Niemiec about Cemetery Digitization. Oversee and offer guidance for the following projects: a. Jordan: Resource Center organization -Working with Jordan on organizing digital archives. b. Michelle: Postcards -Follow up with Michelle. c. Fabian: Minimum Maintenance Standards -Working with Fabian on his project. 10. Historic Preservation Education Grant -Scheduling pre -construction tour. 11. Redevelopment Commission -Preview agendas. 12. Municipal Energy Week -Scheduling our time slots. Begin preparing presentations and visuals for booths. 13. City Cemetery records digitizing project -Working on narrative and budget for grant. Meeting at marks with Steve Nemeth, Mike Kouroubetes, Matthew Moyer, and Rich Peyton to begin grant. iscussion with digitizing volunteer, Heather Y, about possibly offering project management oversight. Correspondence with Michael Ivancsics at Gene's Camera about a quote for digitizing. Meeting at City Cemetery with Steve, -Mike and Michael Ivancsics of Gene's to begin the quote. Meeting with Steve, Mike, Matthew, Rich and Bill Carlton to work through more grant details. Meeting with Jennifer Parker of Notre Dame Architecture Library to discuss collaboration. Phone call with Deb Kuehn of City Engineering to discuss collaboration. Meeting at City Cemetery with Notre Dame conservators to assess the records. Conference calls with grant team. Identifying and interviewing potential Intern. Review grant submissions. 14. Downtown South Bend, Inc. First Friday's -Committee meeting with discussion of the ART-itecture Hunt HPC is developing for September. Develop the Hunt entry form and FF map. Correspondence with Julie Curtis regarding edits. 15. 100 year anniversary of the Kessler Parks and Boulevard Plan for South Bend -none. 16. Local Historic Districts tour -Preparing presentations and presenting to Chapin Park neighbors and Sunnymede neighbors 8.22. Research and gather information for Sunnymede Neighborhood Association about the n'hood. Locating sites on maps and forward to Kristina. Write copy for tour spread. Received hand renderings from Kurt and delivered to Kristina. Forwarding photos to Kristina for inclusion in brochure. Reviewing guide book design and copy. 17. Vacant and Abandoned Housing Task Force -Preview agendas. 18. Then & Now: A Downtown Architecture Walking Tour -Guiding 9 people for the final downtown tour 8.24. 19. Historic Preservation Funds Grant -none. 20. City Cemetery ground scan -none. 21. Meeting at 1705 E. La Salle to talk to Mr. Victor about his Palladian -style windows with Catherine and Steve. 22. River Park -Site visit for observations as they are currently pursing Indiana Main Street. 23. East Bank Village -Learning about EBV supporters efforts to bring historic buildings to the corner of Hill/Colfax to create urban density. Supporting the efforts by sending Sanborn Maps and National Register Nominations to the group. Attended a meeting with the EBV merchants to listen to their concerns. Attended St. Joe unveiling of their plans. Forward letter of interest including all EB National Register listings and notice of identified historic buildings that could be available to move to the site. 24. Research 818 Thomas for new owner, Don Lindner of Avanti Group. 14 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION PRESERVATION SPECIALIST REPORT September 17, 2012 Since our last meeting, we have been getting responses to the county local landmark survey letters that were sent last month. I have had the pleasure of meeting with some of these home owners and have already seen some of the areas of concern with these properties addressed and work completed. We have taken on a new intern from Notre Dame, Fabian Yang. Fabian is currently working with me on the visits and letters for the city local landmark listing. There has been a sad development in Taylor's Field with the burning of 614 South St Joseph. This house has been an issue with code enforcement for years as well as a tax issue for the county. The current owners have stated that they had sold the property but no transfer paperwork has been received as of last week to the county. The fire began inside the house where vagrants had been staying. Two days prior to the date of the fire both Stan Molenda from code enforcement and myself were in the house and he placed a request to code's "boarding" department but they were unable to complete before the fire. Two other houses 522 and 523 S St Joseph were however successfully secured the following week. In the last two weeks, break-ins of the empty and in -process houses in the 700 block of Lincoln Way East. Trespassers were removed by police from both 701 and 705 LWE. Both these properties have suffered fires and are boarded. (A band broke into 701 to film a music video.) 709 Lincoln Way East (Eric Ford's studio) was also broken into and burglarized last night. On a much happier note, the release party for the window repair DVDs went very well. Indiana Landmarks has graciously offered us the use of the Kaiser house for the windows workshop in spring of 2013. We have also secured 710 N St. Joseph as the location for the wood floor workshop in December. Details shall follow shortly. Houses turned in for code 224 Hammond, vegetation/debris 633 N Lafayette, couches and debris 621 Rex, building 733 Portage, building and debris 608 Rex, building and debris 733 Bronson, bldg and vegetation Houses turned in for lack of permits/COAs: 1410 East Wayne, roof ventilator 978 Riverside, removal of front flower beds Houses visited for consultation/recommendations 901 Riverside Drive, fence and tree work 5450 Miami, front porch and soffitt repair 1705 E LaSalle, window repair Steve Szaday Preservation Specialist Historic Preservation Commission President's Report — September 17th, 2012 • 08/20/2012 7:OOP: HPC Monthly Meeting (Rm 1308). 08/24/2012 3:OOP: Staff Meeting. Reports of falling debris from the Avon Theater (eastern fagade cap) prompted an investigation by HPC staff. They were met by several parties at the building site. It was relayed that a DTSB representative discovered a building fragment while walking along the sidewalk and reported it to the SJCP Library. City of South Bend was notified, prompting a quarantine of the walkway as a safety precaution (Art Beat scheduled 8/25). I met with Catherine and Elicia to discuss their findings. A review of pictures of this somewhat large, solitary and seemingly intact terra-cotta fragment seemed to defy any predictable expectations of material shattering through impact (over two stories elevation). It was unknown to staff if any impact markings were present on the sidewalk. Logic would seem to suggest that the block floated or was carried from the top of the building to the ground. Catherine accompanied me back to the site for additional investigation. Additional photographs of the ground were taken. No damage (cracks/divots) to concrete could be seen. No dust, fragment particles detected on any of the sidewalk/parking lot in the vicinity. 09/12/2012 4:15P: Staff Meeting. Brought my latest creation - a working, double - hung window presentation model. Proto-type built to be a full function, interactive, easily transportable aid to convey mechanical concepts and recommended maintenance procedures for wood windows. Staff provided favorable comments along with a request to bring to the unit to the Wood Windows Video Premier event scheduled for 9/13 6P at the Kiser House. • 09/13/2012 6:OOP: Kiser House. Restore Michiana — Preservation and Maintenance of Wood Windows. Preview of the video series: The How & Why to Preserve Wood Windows and Open House Tour of the Kiser Mansion. Co- sponsored by Indiana Landmarks and the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County with special guest, Richard Spigelmyer. Great turnout! Excellent outreach opportunity. TRI CdUNTV NEWS, INC. POST OFFICE BOX 6666 SOUTH BEND, IN 46660-6666 TELEPHONE: (574) 232-8590 Fax: (574) 232-8592 PROOF OF PUBLICATION State of Indiana, St. Joseph County, ss.:ak, Office Manager of the Tri County News; that Personally came before me, the undersigned, Richard J. Andrys't he is authorized to make this affidavit in it's behalf; that the Tri County News is a public newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the English language in the City of South Bend, inhe aforesaid said newspaper state; that a notice of which the copy at, e- ached hereto is a true and correct copy, published G`-�..r,l,�e..i.a r I time(s), the date of publication being as follows: 8/2412012 Fee: $13.15 Subscribed and sworn to before me this 24th day of August, 2012 d Lisa J. Andrysiak, Notary Public Resident, St. Joseph County My Commission expires April 15, 2016 PROOF OF PUBLICATION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Historic Preserve - tion Commission of South Bend and St Joseph County, Indiana, will told a public hearing on Bir No. 35.12 pending before the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, concerning the designation of the Avowfheatre as a historic land- mark. The purpose of this public heam,,4istobear comments from the public on the designation as a historic landmark of the Avon Theatre, located at 309 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, and for delivering a favorable or unfavorable recom- mendation to the Common Council The hearing will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on September 17, 2012, at 1308 County -City Buikl- ing, 227 West Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana 46601. Interested persons appearing at such hearing will have the right to be heard thereon. The Historic Preservation Comnussion will also ton- s1der any and all other business presented to 4 at said meeting. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND SZ JOSEPH COUNTY Catherine Hostetler, Director it,8-24 TRI COUNTY -NEWS, INC. POST OFFICE BOX 6666 BEND, IN 46660-6666 F574) HONE: (574) 232-8590 232-8592 PROOF OF PUBLICATION State of Indiana, St. Joseph County, ss.: Personally came before me, the undersigned, Richard J. Andrysiak, Office Manager of the Tri County News; that he is authorized to make this affidavit in it's behalf; that the Tri County News is a public newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the English language in the City of South Bend, in the aforesaid county and state; that a notice of which the copy attached hereto is a true and correct copy, was published in said newspaper. I time(s), the date of publication being as follows: 824/2012 Fee: $13.15 Subscribed and sworn to before me this 24th day of August, 2012 Lisa J. Andrysiak, Notary Public Resident, St. Joseph County My Commission expires April 15, 2016 Date August 24, 2012 PROC" "" --r T/"1 •TT^kT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice Is hereby given that the Historic %%.,.- tion Commission of rth Bend and St Joseph County, Indiana, will a plr 1 TIOlDklg on Bill No. 35-12 pending before tha Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, concerning the designation of the Avon Theatre as a Nstoric land- mark. The purpose ofthisPublic hearing Istohear comments from the pubic on the dsslgnalbn as a historic landmark of the Avon Theahn"located at 309 S. Wig- Street, South Bend, Indiana, and for delivering a favorable or unfavorable recon mendation to the Common CounclL The hearing will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. on September 17, 2012, at 1308 County -City Build. Ing, 227 West Jefferson Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana 46601. Interested parsons appearing at such hearing wit have the right lo be heard thereon. The Historic Preservation Commission will also con - Sider any and all other business presented to @ at said meeting. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Catherine Hostetler, Director 1t,8-24 TRI COUNTYNEWS Post Office Box 6666 South Bend, IN 46660-6666 Telephone: (574)232-8590 FAX: (574)232 -8592/e -mail: admin@tricountynewsinc.com Legal Advertising Department/Attorney City/Lawrence Meteiver Description/Cause No. Notice of Public Hearing/Historic Preservation Commission Insertion Date(s) 8/24/2012 Rate Lines Columns Tab Extra Proofs) $.506 26 1. Total Amount Due ..$13.15 Invoice #1617 (city) Number: 4368796, Publication) State of Indiana OTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING tice is hereby given that the i St. Joseph County ss: istoric Preservation Commis- sion of South Bend and St. Jo- seph County, Indiana, will hold a Personally appeared before me, a notary public in and for said county and public hearing on Bill No. 35-12 pending before the Common state, the undersigned KLmn Wilson who, being duly sworn says that she is Council the City n South Bend, Indiana, concerning the competent g of etent a e and is President & Publisher of the South Bend Tribune P designation of the Avon Theatre a daily newspaper which for at least five (5) consecutive years has been as a historic landmark. The pur- pose of this public hearing is to published in the City of South Bend, county of St. Joseph, State of Indiana, hear comments from the public on the designation as a historic and which during the time, has been a newspaper of general circulation, landmark of the Avon. Theatre, having a bona fide paid circulation, printed in the English Language and p an a g located at 309 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana, and entered, authorized and accepted by the post office department of the for delivering a favorable or un- favorable recommendation to the — - - United States of America as mailable matter of the second-class as defined Common council. The hearing will be conducted at by on the act of Congress of the United States of March 3 1879 and that the � > > 7:00 p.m. on September 17, i printed matter attached hereto is a true copy, which was duly published in 2012, at 1308 County -City Build- ing, 227 West Jefferson Boule- said newpaper. vard, South Bend, Indiana 46601. Interested persons ap- pearing at such hearing will have the right to be heard thereon. The Historic Preservation Com- mission will also consider any 1 time(s), the dates of publication being as follows: and all other business presented to it at said meeting. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH August 24, 2012 BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Catherine Hostetler, Director ! 1t: 8:24 Subscribed and sworn to before me this 24th day of August 2012 Leslie Ann Winey -- Notary Public Resident of St. Joseph County My commission expires December 21, 2016 Charges: $13.27 MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND & ST. JOSEPH COUNTY September 17, 2012 4`h Floor Council Chambers County City Building South Bend, IN 46601 I. CALL TO ORDER President Klusczinski called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Members Present: Timothy S. Klusczinski, Mike Voll, Jerry Niezgodski, Kevin Buccellato, Lynn Patrick, David Steinhauer Members Absent: Sandra Rossow, Alice McLane Staff Present: Larry Meteiver, Legal Counsel; Catherine Hostetler, Director, Elicia Feasel, Assistant Director, Steve Szaday, Preservation Specialist/Inspector Members of the Public Present: Diane Erdman, Deborah Lukas, Debra Futa, Tom Meilstrup, Bill Brennan, Nick Schafer, Rebecca Behr, Dave Woodcox, Sarah Hill, Troy Madlem, Alan Crague, Linda Conyers, Jon Gilchrist, Maritza Robles, Cyd Maravolo, Sigrid Schuchard, John Wibbins, Consuelo Nicely, William Snidecki, Andrew Krizman, Linda Riley, S.J. Szabo, Elizabeth Andruszkicwis, Robert J. Hohl, Kathleen Murphy, Mik Perry, Jennifer Parker, Samantha Salden, James A. Masters, Donald J. Napoli, Peter Mullen, Lucien Steil, William Cushwa, Anthony Luber II. PUBLIC HEARING A. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 1. 621 Lincolnway East COA#2012-0828 Edgewater Representation by owner Diane Erdman, 10186 Charles St., Osceola. STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 5 September 2012 Application Number: 2012-0828 Property Location: 621 Lincoln Way East Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: 1892/ Free Classic Property Owner: Diane Erdman Landmark or District Designation: Edgewater Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: This is a two storey Free Classic with an irregular plan set upon a brick and concrete foundation. The walls have asphalt siding. The hip roof with gable projections have asphalt shingles. There is a 3/a length open front porch. The windows appear to be original 1/1 double hung with aluminum storms. 621 LWE is located in a mixed resident and commercial area. ALTERATIONS: The roof was replaced with COA 2005-0707A. A rear enclosed vestibule was demolished and replaced with a deck with COA 1997 0502-2 APPLICATION ITEMS : Install handicap ramp as per ADA specifications with raised flower beds and period perennials in bed. Ramp to be built with treated lumber DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The owner proposes to construct a handicap ramp to ADA standards with a 60 x 60 inch landing coming off the existing opening in the porch with three wooden steps leading from the landing to the walkway off of the sidewalk. An additional 60x 60 inch ADA landing will be constructed at the east side of the porch with a ramp leading down to the sidewalk. These two landings will be connected by a wooden walkway along the front of the porch. There will be a railing system constructed and installed along the exposed sides of the steps, ramps and landings. In the center of the space framed by the ramp system and sidewalk the owner proposes to make into a raised flower bed planted with period flora to soften the look of the ramp. The structure will be constructed using treated lumber with the posts set in concrete. The ADA ramp is necessary because the owner is relocating a sewing machine repair business from next door to the first floor and renting out the second floor apartment as a residence. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: D. ENTRANCES, PORCHES, AND STEPS The majority of the houses in the district have either an open or a enclosed porch across the front or on the side. Most porches have either gabled or hipped roofs or are covered by the main roof of the house. A brick base with wood columns is common. Required Existing or original porches and steps, including handrails, balusters, columns, brackets, tiles and roof decorations shall be retained or replace with replicas of the same design and materials when deteriorated beyond repair. Porches and additions reflecting later architectural styles. and which are important to the building's historical integrity shall be retained. Recommended When enclosing porches for heat conservation or for other reasons, it should be done in a manner that does not alter the architectural or historical character of the building. Prohibited Porches and steps that are important to the building's style and development may not be altered or removed. Not Recommended Original porch details should not be replaced with materials representing a different period or style from the original. B. BUILDING MATERIALS IN NEW CONSTRUCTION Wall materials in the district range from brick, clapboard, shingles and masonry to aluminum siding. Required Exterior materials used on a new structure shall be compatible in type, scale, texture, and color with adjacent structures. Materials used on an addition to an existing structure shall relate to the existing or original materials of that structure. As much of the original structure as possible shall be retained so that the addition could be removed without damage to the basic structure and appearance of the building. Recommended Aluminum or vinyl siding may be used when it is the only feasible alternative. This siding should be compatible in size and style and with the materials of other buildings in the district. Prohibited Inappropriate materials such as asbestos, asphalt, cast stone, or artificial brick may not be used. Not Recommended Glass blocks should not be used. Concrete block should not be used for anything other than foundations. IV. SAFETY AND BUILDING CODES A. BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS Required Building code requirements shall be complied with in such a manner that the existing character of the building is preserved. Recommended Local building code officials should be consulted to investigate alternative life safety measures that will preserve the architectural integrity of the structure. Variances for historic properties should be investigated. Prohibited Construction of new stairways and elevators that would alter important architectural features and spaces is prohibited. Not Recommended Fire prevention equipment should not damage the appearance or fabric of the building. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval as it complies with the guidelines for Edgewater. The concrete steps are not original to the house and are deteriorating and in need of replacement. The new step, ramps and landing system will not be tied into the porch. Catherine D. Hostetler, Director On a motion by Jerry Niezgodski with a second by Lynn Patrick to amend application as requested by applicant to allow for additional space to meet the rise over run requirement. Vote: 6 — 0 Unanimous. On a motion by Mike Voll with a second Dave Steinhauer to approve application as amended. Vote: 6 — 0 Unanimous. COA#2012-0828 Approved as amended. 2.717 Forest COA#2012-0831A No representation. STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 6 September 2012 Application Number: 2012-0831A Property Location: 717 Forest Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gabled-ell/1900 Property Owner: Elizabeth McClintock Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The house is a one and a half storey gabled -ell with an irregular foundation. The exterior walls are 6" clapboard with cornice and corner trim. The gabled roof also has two side gables trough the cornice with asphalt shingles. There is a wrap around front porch with full height square wood supports, balusters, decking and steps. The windows are 1/1 double hung with one large single pane window on the first floor. ALTERATIONS: The asphalt shingles replaced the wood shingles on the roof. There was a 4x12 addition to a first floor room on the west side in 1957. The shutters noted on the 2005 survey card have been removed. The large picture window is not original to the house. The synthetic storms are replacements as is the front storm door. APPLICATION ITEMS: A fence (ornamental steel) and a carport, DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The homeowner proposes to replace her current deteriorating wood privacy back yard fence with an ornamental 6 foot steel fence with an integrated gate and lock. This fence would be located along the rear of the yard between the two neighboring fences bordering her yard. The homeowner also proposes to install a 4 foot ornamental steel fence around the perimeter of her front yard with a gate. The style of the fence will compliment the architectural style of the house. There are a number of front yard fences in the Chapin Park area that enclose the perimeter of front yards up to the sidewalk. This fence would be fabricated and installed by Custom Steel Designs who fenced the yard at 711 Forest. The homeowner would also like to build a 15'x13' car port to accommodate two cars next to their older carriage house/ one stall garage rather than modify that original structure. It would be constructed out of wood and the sloping roof covered with asphalt shingles. These structures are located at the rear of the house along the alley and are not visible from the street. Please see enclosed drawing -not to scale. Please see attached documentation. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: B. BUILDING SITE, LANDSCAPING & ACCESSORIES This section focuses on individual properties and amenities. Building sites tend to be irregularly shaped, of varying topography and with different setbacks with regard to plots. Alleys are generally behind houses. Landscape accessories like fences are unique to each structure. Chapin Place presents a unique situation within the district. Applications from properties that have property lines on Chapin Place will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Required Fencing, walkways, outbuildings, private yard lights, signs (i.e. house numbers) and benches (visible from the street) as well as trees located in a yard or tree lawn which reflect the property's history and development shall be retained. A tree located in such areas shall only be removed if the removal is required due to storm damage, disease, threatened damage to a structure or for such other reason acceptable to the Historic Preservation Commission. Storm damaged or diseased trees should then be replaced with an approved species at the same or approximate location wherever possible. Fencing visible from the street in front of the structure shall be open (meaning spaces between the pickets) and consistent with the historic character of a structure enclosed. Recommended New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings and newspapers. New site work should also be appropriate to existing surrounding site elements in scale, type and appearance. Front yard areas should remain open. (See above for information regarding fences.) Trees in close proximity to a building may cause structural damage. Owners are encouraged to remove these trees and replace (or replant) them at a more appropriate location as soon as planting season permits and upon approval of a C of A. Prohibited No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings or other elements before evaluating their importance to the property's history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped, nor enclosed by solid fences, chain link, nor industrial/commercial style fences. The installation of unsightly large devices, such as television satellite dishes, skylights or solar panels, shall not be permitted in areas where they detract from the architecture of a building, are intrusive to the public view of the building or are highly visibly from a public street, or ruled inappropriate after Commission review. Utility poles with high-intensity overhead lights should be installed so that they cannot be seen from a street. The Commission will evaluate all installations as well as any potential exceptions resulting from special circumstances, before granting a C of A. C. SHEDS AND ACCESSORY BUILDINGS Required Sheds and accessory structures (gazebos, decks, doghouses, playhouses, fountains and small reflecting pools, outdoor sculpture, children's play equipment, etc.) shall be located at the rear of the property and as unobtrusively as possible while preserving historical relationships between the buildings, landscape features and open spaces. Proportions and materials shall conform to those required for new construction. Recommended Accessory building designs should be compatible in character and mood to the residence and the neighborhood. Prohibited Prefabricated metal sheds shall not be used. Not Recommended Prefabricated wood composition sheds should not be used unless they conform to all other guidelines and standards. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the project as it follows the guidelines for the Chapin Park District. Catherine D. Hostetler, Director On a motion by Jerry Niezgodski with a second by Kevin Buccellato to approve application as submitted. Vote: 6 — 0 Unanimous. COA#2012-0831A Approved. 3. AVON THEATRE PUBLIC HEARING Representation by James A. Masters, attorney for St. Joseph County Public Library, owner of Avon Theatre. Suggested for second hearing that HPC adopt the comments from agenda item #3 to agenda item#4, has been approved in advance by Larry Meteiver, Historic Preservation Commission legal council. STAFF REPORT STRAND/AVON THEATER 307 South Michigan Historical Context The lot upon which the Avon now stands was platted in 1831, as part of the original plan of the City of South Bend. According to the 1932 Portage Township Assessor's card, the present building was erected with the addresses 307, 309, 311, and 313 South Michigan in 1900 as retail and office space. One of the first tenants of the building was A.M. Russell who was according to the City Directories, a "Practical undertaker and embalmer: Embalming by the latest and most scientific methods". The Assessor Card notes that the stores were remodeled in 1910, again in 1926 when the building was converted for theater use, and remodeled in 1949. Around 1905, the building began to be called the "Inwood Block." Tenants came and went, and in the early 1920s the renters were mostly retailers such as The Gillis Smart Shop Clothing Store and Army and Nary Surplus Store. In 1926, the building underwent renovation, and was converted to a theater. The Strand opened for business on May 12, 1926 as a silent movie house, seating 700 —1,000. In 1949, the theatre underwent another remodeling which included installing a new front first storey only which cost $75,000. The theatre reopened in October of 1949 as the Avon, showing first run -motion pictures, seating capacity of 1,000. The Avon featured "vermin -proof upholstered seats of brick red and the interior color motif was green ...."new sound equipment and a new plastic screen will combine to give the patrons the ultimate movie presentation". The theatre closed briefly in 1958, only to be reopened under new management the following year as the Avon Art Theatre. During the 1960s the theatre was charged with showing obscene movies and closed around 1967. The building served as the Mall Theater for a short period of time in the 1970s and has been underutilized for storage to date. In 1987, Center City Associates (now Downtown South Bend) purchased the building with intent to redevelop. At that time, the South Bend Common Council committed the City to a $95,000 loan. The plan was eventually abandoned. In 2002, South Bend Civic Theatre considered redeveloping building and construction a new building connecting, but determined it to not be the right fit. St. Joseph County Public Library purchased the building in 2007. Architectural Description Period Revival 1900 (1926) Two storey commercial building with a rectangular plan set upon a concrete foundation. Walls are brick with elaborate terra cotta veneer on second storey. The stylized terra cotta pinnacles separate the fagade into two bays and an arched central parapet wall with diamond pattern design blind wall and windows. 1/1 double hung metal sash windows are present on the second storey installed below the terra cotta facade. Four metal frame doors are present in a slightly recessed entrance that is currently covered with painted wood. Recommendation Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the site and structure at 307 South Michigan can be recommended to the Common Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County. The criteria are as follows: 1. Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent an architectural characteristic or innovation. 2. Its suitability for preservation. 3. Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The building fulfills criteria #1 as a re-repurposed 1900 commercial structure that in 1926 was developed into the Strand Theatre which opened in 1927. The unique two storey terra cotta fagade was installed at this time. The first storey was remodeled in 1949 at the same time as the interior was updated, modernized and was re -named The Avon Theatre The building fulfills criteria #2 because of the unique, ornate terra cotta second storey fagade. The Avon Theatre is only surviving example of a small theatre in South Bend. Members of the Public who spoke 1. Mik Perry - favor 2. S.J. Szabo - favor 3. Donald Napoli, Director SJCPL - opposed 4. Peter Mullen, "Friends of the Library" - opposed 5. Bob Hall - favor 6. Troy Madlem, Frost Engineering hired by SJCPL - opposed 7. Thomas Meilstrup, insurance agent for SJCPL - opposed 8. Cyd Maravolo - opposed 9. Linda Riley - opposed 10. Lucien Steil - favor 11. Jennifer Parker - favor 12. William Brennan, "Friends of the Library" - opposed 13. Debra Futa, Assistant Director SJCPL - opposed 14. Andrew Krizman - favor 15. Samantha Salden - favor 16. John Wibbins, SJCPL Board President - opposed 17. William Cushwa, "Friends of the Library" - opposed 18. John Gilchrist - opposed Correspondence 19. Kolin Hodson -favor 20. Ryan Dvorak -favor 21. Cliff Zenor - favor 22. Michael Jacobs - favor 23. Michael Lykoudis - favor 24. Doug Snyder - favor 25. 550 "Save the Avon Theatre Downtown South Bend" Facebook 26. John Boyer - favor Board President Tim Klusczinski read the Resolution into record. On a motion by Lynn Patrick with a second by Dave Steinhauer to recommend to the Avon Theatre to the Common Council as a local historic landmark, Bill 35-12. Comments provided by each of the Commissioners. Vote: 6 - 0 Unanimous. 4.307 Michigan, Avon Theatre COA#2012-0831 Interim Protection 5 Representation by James A. Masters, attorney for St. Joseph County Public Library, owner of Avon Theatre and Donald Napoli, Director for St. Joseph County Public Library. STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 6 September 2012 Application Number: 2012-0831 Property Location: 307 S. Michigan Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Period Revival 1900 (1926) Property Owner: St Joseph County Library Landmark or District Designation: Interim Protection pending Landmark status Rating: Not in 2005 Survey DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The Avon Theatre is a two storey commercial building with a rectangular plan set upon a concrete foundation. Walls are brick with elaborate terra cotta veneer on second storey. The stylized terra cotta pinnacles separate the fagade into two bays and an arched central parapet wall with diamond pattern design blind wall and windows. 1/1 double hung metal sash windows are present on the second storey installed below the terra cotta facade. Four metal frame doors are present in a slightly recessed entrance that is currently covered with painted wood. ALTERATIONS: The 1932 Assessor's Card states that the structure built in 1900 was remodeled in 1925 into a store, loft and theatre. The theatre opened in 1926 as the Strand; remodeled on the interior in the 1940s and renamed the Avon and reopened in the mid 1970s as the Mall Theatre with changes in the signage, marquees, street level entrance. The metal windows are not original to the structure. APPLICATION ITEMS: The Library intends to demolish the building and use the site temporarily for surface parking until construction begins on a new Main Library building in the Summer or Fall of 2019. Please refer to letter from Nemeth, Feeney, Masters & Campiti, P.C. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The Library proposes to have the structure demolished, have all debris removed from the site secure the site and prepare it for surface parking. All per documentation submitted to the Office of the Historic Preservation Commission in the Arkos Design's Project Manual for Building Demolition of 110, 112, 114 Wayne Street and 307 S. Michigan Street. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: D. Demolition Historic landmarks shall not be demolished. When a landmark poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is the only alternative, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods should a make of both the exterior and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition of the landmark shall be responsible for this documentation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the application because it does not meet the Group B Landmark Standards for demolition. Catherine D. Hostetler, Director Members of the Public who spoke 1. S.J. Szabo — opposed 2. Anthony Luber, SJCPL Board — favor 3. Bob Hall — opposed Comments provided by Commissioners. On a motion by Mike Voll with a second by Jerry Niezgodski to continue application as submitted until the next regularly scheduled Historic Preservation Commission meeting scheduled October 15, 2012. Vote: 6 — 0 Unanimous. COA#2012-0831 Continued. III. HEARING OF VISITORS IV. REGULAR BUSINESS A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — August 2012, approved by consensus. B. TREASURER'S REPORT —Distributed. 2 C. STAFF REPORTS 1. Correspondence —Circulated. 2. Routine Maintenance Exclusion Approvals —Distributed. 3. Director's Report —Distributed. 4. Assistant Director Report —Distributed. 5. Preservation Specialist Report —Distributed. Clarity provided by Steve regarding questions on Code and Police reports. 6. Legal Counsel —none. D. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Presidents Report —Distributed. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Restore Michiana update-Elicia provided an update. VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Lynn Patrick with a second by Dave Steinhauer to adjourn. Vote: 6-0 Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Attest: / Se etary 1 0%?i Date 7