HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistoric Preservation Commission Meeting Signed Minutes - May 20, 2019MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
May 20"', 2019
13" Floor Conference Room
County — City Building
South Bend, IN 46601
I. CALL TO ORDER
Treasurer Molnar called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Members of the Public Present:
Diana Phipps, 821 Forest Avenue, South Bend, IN
Alfredo Rangel, 821 Ashland, South Bend, IN
John Sherry, 1314 E Wayne, South Bend, IN
Taylor Wiley, 530 South Ironwood, South Bend, IN
Jason Yoder, 52245 Broken Arrow Drive, Granger, IN
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Joseph Molnar, Treasurer; Sarah Ponder; Lesley Annis; Eric Stalheim.
Members Not in Attendance: Michelle Gelfman, President; Elizabeth Hertel, Vice
President; Greta Fisher, Architectural Historian / Secretary.
Staff Present: Elicia Feasel, Historic Preservation Administrator; Adam Toering, Historic
Preservation Specialist; Steve Szaday, Historic Preservation Inspector; Sandra Kennedy,
Legal Counsel.
Staff Not in Attendance: N/A
III. PUBLIC HEARING
A. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
1. 821 Forest Avenue COA# 2019-0312 CONTINUED #9574-05Chapin Park
Local and National Historic District
Representation: Jason Yoder, 52245 Broken Arrow Drive, Granger, IN
Diana Phipps, 821 Forest Avenue, South Bend, IN
STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: April 2, 2019
Application Number: 2019-0312
Property Location: 821 Forest Avenue
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gabled -Ell / 1893
Property Owner: Diana Phipps
Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Local (Ordinance #9574-05) and National Historic District
Rating: Notable
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTUREISITE: Two story Gabled -Ell with irregular plan on a brick foundation. The chimney is
centrally located with rectangular brick. Siding is 4" painted clapboard, with comer boards and fish -scale shingles. The cross
gabled roof is 12/12 with asphalt shingles, with plain eave and rake boards as well as a plain frieze. The front porch has a shed
roof, a pedimented entry bay, turned spindles and turned wood columns. Windows are generally 1/1 double hung with some
divided lite casements, the jams and sills are plain, and there is moulded wood entablature. The front door is a glazed single leaf
wood panel door with a moulded wood jamb and entablature; a rectangular transom is above.
Insulation was sprayed into the structure behind the siding sometime before the establishment of the historic district. The
exterior paint has deteriorated significantly.
ALTERATIONS: Certificate of Appropriateness #2016-0711 retroactively allowed for the tear -off and re -roofing of the flat
and slopes areas of the roof.
APPLICATION ITEMS: "8 vinyl replacement windows."
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Applicant seeks a retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness for changes on
the structure:
1. The replacement of eight original windows primarily on the southern exposure with Sunrise Windows "Essential
by Sunrise" vinyl windows, as follows:
a. Four (4) double -hung windows, 30" x 73.5"
b. One (1) double -hung window, 40" x 73.5"
C. One (1) double -hung window, 30" x 61.25"
d. Two (2) 2 -lite sliders windows, 38" x 40"
i. These windows are unique — the property owner required the contractor retain the original
windows. The replacement vinyl windows have been installed on the outside of the original
windows.
Staff was alerted anonymously that work had been executed on 821 Forest in the Chapin Park Local Historic District on March
1, 2019. Staff contacted the contractor (Energy Efficient Replacements) and property owner (Diana Phipps) at the site and
informed both that a Certificate of Appropriateness was required for work within the Local Historic District, and that the
original windows should be retained until the project was compliant. One of the window sashes was destroyed during the
removal process.
The Building Department was notified that windows were being replaced without Certificate of Appropriateness. A "Red Tag"
(stop work order) was issued for the property on that date.
SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: CHAPIN PARK
II. EXISTING STRUCTURES
A. BUILDING MATERIALS
Original exterior building materials in the district include brick, stucco, clapboard, wood shingles, and brick or stone masonry.
In some instances, vinyl, composite and aluminum siding have been applied over the original material.
Required
Original exterior building materials shall be retained when possible. Deterioration of wood materials shall be prevented
through repair, cleaning and painting. The existing architectural detail around windows, porches, doors and eaves shall
be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design when deteriorated beyond repair.
[... I
C. WINDOWS AND DOORS
Window and door frames are in most cases wood and vary depending upon the style of the home. Many are double -
hung windows with wood trim and sills. Brick structures have stone sills and brick lintels. In some cases where
aluminum siding has been applied, the window and door trim has been covered. About half of the structures in the
district have aluminum storm windows; the other half have wood storm windows.
Required
Original windows and doors shall be retained including sashes, lintels, sills, shutters, decorative glass, pediments, hoods
and hardware. When deteriorated beyond repair, they shall be replaced with units and trim resembling the original.
Recommended
Wood storm windows and doors painted or finished to match the original should be used but should not damage existing
frames. If new sashes or doors are installed, the existing or original materials, design and hardware should be used.
When metal storm doors are used, they should be painted, anodized or coated to match the existing. When awnings are
used, they should be of canvas material.
VI. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
Enforcement of the preservation guidelines and standards for the historic district is made possible in the Zoning
Ordinance of the City of South Bend, ordinance No. 5565-73, as amended and the Historic Preservation Commission's
Preservation Plan.
The Historic Preservation Commission may petition the Building Commissioner to use the legal means available to
him/her to force the maintenance and / or repair of any building or structure within the historic district in accordance
with the intent of this ordinance.
This ordinance, however, does not prevent the ordinary maintenance and repair of any building or structure which does not
involve a change in any exterior feature, nor does it prevent the reconstruction, alteration, demolition or moving of any building
or structure which the Building Commissioner or other official has determined to be a hazard to public safety.
Property owners wishing to do, or have done, any work affecting the exterior of their building or land must apply directly to the
History Preservation Commission on the form prescribed by the Commission (see Appendix A). The Historic Preservation
Commission shall issue a Certificate of Appropriateness before commencement of any construction, reconstruction, alteration,
demolition, or moving of any house or structure within the historic district boundaries (see Appendix A). The Historic
Preservation Commission will accept applications for Certificate of Appropriateness only from the property owner.
In making its determination, the Historic Preservation Commission shall consider three factors: first, the
appropriateness of the proposed work to the preservation of the building and district; second, the detriment to the
public welfare if the proposed work is permitted even though it is not deemed appropriate; third, the potential hardship
that the denial of the Certificate of Appropriateness would cause the applicant.
[... ]
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Were this a proactive application for the replacement of existing windows, staff would like
to see proof that the existing windows were deteriorated beyond repair. Seeing how the windows were on the southern
exposure, coupled with the loss of one of the sashes during the removal process, some level of deterioration can be assumed.
Staff accepts that regular maintenance has been deferred on this structure: the exterior paint has most visibly separated from
much of the structure, including the windows.
If the motivation for replacing the windows was heat loss (or the belief that the existing windows were inefficient), the
installation of exterior wood storms — which is in keeping with the historic nature of the neighborhood — would solve this
problem.
Staff recommends denial of this project, would request that the vinyl replacements be removed and replaced with the original
wooden windows, and advocates for the installation of wood storm windows.
Prepared by
Adam Toering
Historic Preservation Specialist
Recommendation by
Elicia Feasel
Historic Preservation Administrator
.APPLICANT COMMENTS -
Ms. Phipps: Not at this time.
Specialist Toering: Is there material that you would like to present to us?
Mr. Yoder: I want to show you...
Commissioner Molnar: That would be now.
Mr. Yoder: This is a vinyl window similar to what is in this house. We are proposing putting in a screen on the outside up to the
outside stops to finish it off.
Commissioner Molnar: Any questions?
Specialist Toering: For context, the Commission asked for the applicant to investigate storm windows for the outside of the
windows.
Commissioner Molnar: [Specialist Toering], what would storm windows normally look like on a house...
Specialist Toering: There are wood storms...
Commissioner Molnar:... in the neighborhood.
Specialist Toering: --there are wood storms on the front of the house — this house — on the front porch. The remainder of the
house does not have storms. There are other homes in the neighborhood that have wood storms, there are
occasional homes in the neighborhood that have vinyl windows, I do not know if those predate the establishment
[of the historic district].
Inspector Szaday: If I may, in respond to your questions, you asked what they would look like. They would actually have a
similar look to what he is proposing, but in lieu of them being glass, they would be glazed. They would have a
similar look to that, but would be hanging on two pins at the top. Some sort of attachment to the house.
Ms. Phipps: Originally the house would have storm windows that look something like this, and then you would take the storm
windows out and you would put the screen windows in that look just like this.
Commissioner Molnar: In the summer?
Specialist Szaday: Correct.
Commissioner Molnar: And I wasn't here last week — I mean, last month, so I might be asking redundant questions — but we do
not have the original windows anymore?
Specialist Toering: They are still on site. One was damaged when it was removed, but the remainder are there.
Ms. Phipps: Was one damaged?
Mr. Yoder: They were damaged before — any of the broken glass was not damaged from when they were removed. That is an
old storm that was obliterated/destroyed.
Commissioner Molnar: You are the contractor for this project?
Mr. Yoder: Yes.
Commissioner Molnar: What would be your assessment of the windows...
Mr. Yoder: They are not repairable. They are not repairable.
Commissioner Molnar: Because of deterioration?
Mr. Yoder: There's rot. They are not repairable. The frames — you are not going to get those windows to fit in there and
operate efficiently.
Ms. Phipps: The windows were falling down into the frames.
Mr. Yoder: The glass was falling out of the sash.
Ms. Phipps: Like this...
Specialist Toering: Had any maintenance been done on the windows during your ownership?
Ms. Phipps: What kind of maintenance? What could you do besides have them rebuilt? No. I didn't have the money for that.
put a roof on the house and had all kind of expenses. And then I lost my job and had to go on disability. So, I
could not afford it.
Commissioner Molnar: Are these all the windows in the home?
Specialist Toering: Eight.
Ms. Phipps: The other windows are in good shape.
Specialist Toering: They are the southern exposure.
Commissioner Molnar: That's what I thought. Any other questions?
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Administrator Feasel: I received an email today from Joan Downs, I'm sorry I don't have her address, but I received permission
from our legal counsel to read it into record:
"Please abide by the recommendation of the Historic Preservation staff in the case of the window issues surrounding
821 Forest Ave. Replacement windows are bad for historic buildings for a number of reasons, but they are also a bad
option because window restoration is so much a POSSIBLE solution. The commercial window manufacturing
industry will tell us that their windows are more energy efficient than a restored wood window. Among others, The
National Trust for Historic Preservation, and local rocket scientist (no joke) and Chapin Park resident, Susan
Sakimoto, will contend that that is patently not so. Susan did her own study of the matter some years back on her own
house and came to the conclusion that restored windows were in fact, better than replacements on a number of front.
Replacement windows have strange colored glass, are clad in less durable, less paintable, or less beautiful materials
than wood. Replacement windows have a life span of 30 years on average. Restoration has a horizon of more than
100. Restoration is green. Restoration of windows allows for one, two or three windows to be improved, while not
giving the house a funny look as half the windows match one another and half don't. Finally, modern replacement
windows are essentially impossible to order in the exact proportions of the original windows. I know this because for
the last few months I have been working with Marvin windows on the windows in the addition to my project house at
908 Leland. The custom built windows I ordered came back with the wrong reveals on the sashes and had to be
returned. I ended up getting a hand built window here in South Bend, and it cost less than the Marvin window. Every
time replacement windows are allowed, it weakens the case for window preservation. Every time someone sees
replacement windows go in, it strengthens the likelihood that they will take out their original windows thinking that it
is permissible thus adding to the number of emergency COAs which come across your desks. Historic District
Guidelines were designed primarily to protect original doors, windows and trim as well as to insist that any additions
to homes in the district have those plans carefully supervised for architectural integrity. Thank you. Joanie Downs,
Ph.D, President, Chapin Park Inc, Resident of the Chapin Park."
Commissioner Molnar: Would you like to add something?
Ms. Phipps: I was going to add, that a contractor last month was here and when these issues came up, and it was recommended
that I rebuild the windows to look like the original windows, he said "that would be so expensive, that this house isn't
even worth that."
Mr. Yoder: Money is an issue here.
Commissioner Annis: I think what came up last month, was the worry that there hasn't been a lot of maintenance on the house
to begin with.
Ms. Phipps: There has been a lot of maintenance on the house, but not the exterior.
Commissioner Annis: Right, and I think that's the worry, that they got to a point that they were beyond repair, and that's why
you went with the vinyl approach. Have you talked to your neighborhood association when you were pursuing this?
Ms. Phipps: No, like what was mentioned in this `Jones e-mail', I saw many houses in the neighborhood with vinyl windows
and I thought that they were acceptable. But I found out later, when I came here, that they were done before they
became a historical society issue. So I ordered the windows and I, you know the rest — I didn't realize.
Commissioner Molnar: How long have you been the owner?
Ms. Phipps: I've been there for about thirteen years.
Commissioner Molnar: Is there any discussion amongst the Commission members?
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Ponder: I am worried about allowing the windows to go forth as they are, as in Joan's email, it becomes a
slippery slope, especially in that particular neighborhood, which is one of the oldest historic areas in the city and
region, so I am concerned about that.
Commissioner Annis: I would agree. I recently got to go to — there's a company called Gold Coast Replacement Windows that
operate out of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and they have very — they are wonderful people, they want to train people how
to replace their windows. They want to make it accessible for people. I am actually going through replacement and
restoration of windows in my house. We have found that it is much cheaper to go — we are going with storms and
screens — and all that for a fraction of the cost of new windows.
Ms. Phipps: Well, that sounds good, but 1 am stuck paying for my windows regardless.
Mr. Yoder: We are trying to get it approved for you guys to let us do this over — I know this was done at 510 St. Joseph, and you
guys approved that with a vinyl window identical to this.
Commissioner Annis: Yes, but the rating for that house was different than the rating for her house in the neighborhood.
Mr. Yoder: This is a major improvement for her house from the way it was.
Commissioner Annis: With her not having the money to do it, its never going to get done.
Commissioner Molnar: Is that true?
Specialist Toering: 510 S St Joseph — the property there, [the Commission] allowed them to install a wood fabricated storm
window on the outside, it's a frame around a vinyl window. So its partly true. It's all the windows on the north side.
That was to conceal the windows, which I believe was the Commission's reasoning for requesting information about
storm windows.
Mr. Yoder: Correct.
Commissioner Molnar: Did you pull a Building Permit for this project?
Mr. Yoder: No.
Commissioner Molnar: Because if the Building Permit had been pulled, it would have come to us before the process had been
started.
Ms. Phipps: I didn't realize that it wasn't taking place, and it got missed.
Commissioner Ponder made a motion to deny 2019-0312. Seconded by Commissioner
Annis.
Commissioner Molnar clarified that in motions for denial, a roll call vote will be called,
requiring an explanation for the vote in denial. Votes in the affirmative are in support for the
motion to deny.
Commissioner Ponder: I vote in the affirmative to deny, I am concerned that if we go
forward with this it will incur other people in the district to use replacement windows
instead of repairing their existing windows.
Commissioner Annis: I vote in favor of the motion for the same reasons that
Commissioner Ponder noted, setting a precedent that we cannot set.
Commissioner Stalheim: I vote in favor of the motion for the same reasons, the
compatibility of materials when they are in relation with one another, and the
precedence.
Commissioner Molnar: I vote against the motion, I wish I would have seen more
evidence that the windows were beyond repair. I don't think we are getting those
windows back. I wish we could have worked better with the applicant to come up with
more of a solution.
Three in favor, one opposed.
VOTE: 3 —1. Motion to deny application 2019-0312 is approved.
COA #2019-0312 is denied.
2. 1314 E Wayne Street COA# 2019-0329 CONTINUED #7796-87 East
Wayne Local Historic District
Representation: John Sherry, 1314 E Wayne Street, South Bend, IN
STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: May 6, 2019
Application Number: 2019-0329 Continued
Property Location: 1314 East Wayne Street
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Neoclassical/1926/Whitcomb & Keller, H.R. Stapp
Property Owner: Valerie Schey and John Sherry
Landmark or District Designation: East Wayne Street, Ordinance #7796-87
Rating: Contributing
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: Two and a half story Neoclassical house with a rectangular plan with one story
addition on rear. House is elevated from street. Roof is slate shingles with gable returns, two small gable dormers in front with
slate on sidewalls. A one-story wing has a low-pitched roof. Windows are primarily original wood 8/1 double hung with a
paired 6/1 double hung in front center second story. There is a central pedimented entry with simple entablature, paired doric
columns and pilasters at door. Fapade is brick. There is a two car, two door brick gable roof garage in rear.
ALTERATIONS: COA 2016-0523 replaced 4' wood picket fence with 6' dog-eared wood privacy fence, in same fence line;
RME 2012-0426 removed dead crabapple tree in rear yard; COA 1996-0917 replaced flat roof over kitchen with roof similar to
roof over sunroom and replaced picket fence in kind; COA 1996-0618 constructed a low pitched hip roof over existing flat roof
at sunroom at west end of house with membrane roofing and fiberglass shingle; COA 1996-0116 installed aluminum
storm/screen combination windows to replace existing of sunroom; COA 1995-0616 removed storm damaged maple tree on tree
lawn at the recommendation of Custom & Moore and the City of South Bend; COA 1994-0419 changed front door (saving and
storing the original), installation of a screen door, installation of decorative shutters; COA 1994-0223 replaced five attic
windows with the conditions that true divided light or applied exterior muntins be supplied by manufacturer and installed, all
five original windows to be stored, applicant supply HPC with photo documentation of completed project.
APPLICATION ITEMS: "New windows"
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PRO.1 ECT: Owner has applied for seventeen (17) original wood windows to be replaced
with Renewal by Anderson Fibrex vinyl/wood composite windows. The windows proposed to be replaced are on the first and
second stories of the main house; no new windows on the one-story wing; no new windows on the third story; no new windows
in the rear addition.
At the April 15, 2019 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission, the Commission expressed their position about
determining the condition of the existing original window to the house. The Certificate of Appropriateness was "continued" to
provide the owner with additional time to engage with window repair professionals to determine the condition of the existing
windows and of the feasibility of repairing the existing windows.
Owner reported that two window repair providers have assessed their situation and determined that they are unable to handle the
scope of repairs, a third has not responded to calls, and a fourth has provided a proposal for repair of the existing windows and
storm windows, determining that the windows are not deteriorated beyond repair and at a lower cost than the proposed
replacement.
Owner has supplied the following description of the problems they are having: some of the windows are warped and won't
close, some of the windows have interior rot, there is water damage on the interior of some of the windows, some of them no
longer open, and because of the misalignment caused by the above issues, the windows are very drafty. See email for additional
information provided by owner.
From photographs provided by the owner and Renewal by Anderson, staff acknowledges visible peeling paint on the wood
storm windows on the first story, some broken sash cords, intermittent glazing failure, and layers of paint build up. Noe
The proposed windows will be inserts, utilizing the existing jamb which commonly results in a slight reduction to the amount of
glazing overall. Exterior trim will not be affected other than a "mini coil over the stops on the exterior". The window pane
pattern will be replicated for each window using "interior wood grilles". Regarding the "grilles", in a 1994 COA, a conditional
approval was made for the attic windows to be replaced with true divided light. To remain consistent with the precedent that
approval set, if approved for replacement, Staff recommends the "full divided light" in lieu of the "interior grilles" so they
replicate the depth of the original true divided light. With a replicated pane pattern and full divided light, the vinyl/wood
composite windows resemble the original aesthetic look.
PRESERVATION INSPECTOR REPORT: On March 19, 2019, 1 visited the property located at 1314 E Wayne N. The
property owner has begun the COA application process to replace windows on the structure. I had not received a detail of which
windows were part of the application, so I created an inventory of the entire structure. 1 was instructed to inspect from the
outside only as the owner has many dogs and she would provide interior photos. Every window has a storm window in place. As
a result, I am unable to make a determination on the condition of the windows in their current state. Several of the wood storms
on the first floor appeared to be ajar or not closed tightly as the photographs will indicate.
North (front)
Third floor-
Two casement windows in dormers, look to be replacements with flat gridwork
Second floor-
Four double hung windows with aluminum storms. Look to be original with divided (2)6/1 and
(2)8/1 light pattern
First floor-
Four double hung windows with wood storms. Look to be original with divided 8/1 light pattern
Basement-
Two vinyl
East (left side from street)
Third floor-
Half-moon with flat gridwork, not original
Second floor-
Two double hung windows with aluminum storms. Look to be original with 8/1 light pattern
First floor-
Two double hung windows with wood storms. Look to be original with 6/1 light pattern
One replacement window, ill-fitting with spacer to fill void
Basement-
One vinyl
West (right side from street)
Third floor-
Two quarter round windows, ill-fitted replacements with flat divisions
Second floor-
Two double hung windows with aluminum storms. Look to be original with 6/1 light pattern
First floor-
Addition has Eight total replacement double hung windows with flat grid 8/1 pattern. These also
have aluminum storm
windows
South (rear of house from street)
Third floor- no windows
Second floor-
Three double hung windows with aluminum storms. Look to be original (2) 6/1 and (1) 8/1 pattern
First floor-
One double hung window with wood storm. Looks to be original with 8/1 pattern
Rear addition-
Triple window bay non-original window
STANDARDS AND GUIDE] INES: EAST WAYNE STREET
II. EXISTING STRUCTURES
A. WINDOWS AND DOORS
Window and door frames are of wood or steel (some casements) or in the case of brick structures, stone sills and
brick lintels. Where metal or vinyl siding has been applied, window trim has been covered. Storm windows are
of wood and aluminum.
Required
Original windows and doors shall be retained including sashes, lintels, sills, shutters, decorative glass,
pediments, hoods, and hardware. When deteriorated beyond repair, they shall be replaced with units and
trim resembling the original
Recommended
Wood frame storm windows and doors painted to match the original should not be used but should not damage
existing frames. If new sashes or doors are installed, the existing or original materials, design, and hardware
should be used. When metal storm doors are used they should be painted, anodized or coated to match the
existing. When awnings are used they should be of canvas material.
Prohibited
Original doors, windows, and hardware shall not be discarded when they can be restored and used in place. New
window and door openings which would alter the scale and proportion of the building shall not be introduced.
Inappropriate new windows and door features such as aluminum insulating glass combinations that require
removal of the original windows and doors shall not be installed.
Not Recommended
Awnings, hoods, and fake shutters made of metal, vinyl, or fiberglass should not be used if they would detract
from the existing character or appearance of the building
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Althokigh
Staff does not recommend the proposed project.
Report compiled by
Elicia Feasel, Historic Preservation Administrator
PETITIONER COMMENTS:
Mr. Sherry: The difference in price of the replacement versus repair was a few thousand dollars, the amount of time involved
with repair versus replacement is enormously different, and it takes a huge toll on our personal time. I think the
windows we intended to replace the windows themselves are virtually indistinguishable from the ones that are in
there. I think that, I am just hoping that you will approve the petition.
Commissioner Molnar: Are there questions for the petitioner?
Commissioner Annis: I am a little curious on the time frame of the rehabilitation quote that you received. What kind of time
frame were they saying they would need to do the work?
Mr. Sherry: I don't have the letter with me. Do you have it with you?
Administrator Feasel: Yes. They expect to be on site for three weeks.
Mr. Sherry: As opposed to three days. From our experience with contractors on this house, that they severely underestimate the
time that they will be on site. We've got five dogs and that creates all kinds of inconvenience. My wife and I do
work at home which creates additional inconvenience, and so the time saving is just invaluable.
Commissioner Molnar: [Specialist Toering] or [Administrator Feasel], what is your opinion on the Anderson Fibrex Composite?
Is that something we —
Administrator Feasel: I would actually defer that to [Inspector Szaday], because he is more familiar with the materials in the
field.
Inspector Szaday: Fibrex is a newer material — there's not been any long term studies on that yet to see how it acts in this
environment because it is too new of a material. So we don't have any information saying, `is this a ten year
product?' We just don't have that. You look at the last time that, the Fibrex material has had more success with
trim work and that sort of thing. But for windows? They are just too new to have any data on that..
Commissioner Molnar: Are they going to match the style?
Mr. Sherry: Yep. The muntins and all.
Commissioner Annis: Yes, it's the same six -over -one.
Commissioner Molnar: Eight -over -one on the bottom.
Administrator Feasel: I can comment on the style, [Inspector Szaday] commented on the material. The contractor has provided
a written summary of the style and it seems like its going to match pattern for pattern. So where we have eight -
over -one it will be eight -over -one, and where we have six -over -one, there will be six -over -one. And the one detail
that we are not sure on at the time of the last meeting was if the grid — which is what the muttins are called on
replacement windows — will be a true divided light to give the dimension on the windows, or if it will be flat. We
recommend that if you go forward with replacement windows, that it be a true divided light to give the appearance
of a historic window.
Inspector Szaday: Anderson does also a simulated divided light window which is the grid inside and out. So, depending on
which brands what it is called, sometimes they will do a double grid to add that dimension. So it won't be separate
panes of glass, it will be one pane of glass, but two sets of grids in order to replicate that depth.
Administrator Feasel: There was some question to about the trim, whether it would be wrapped with aluminum or not. We
would not recommend wrapping any original trim with aluminum. And that is a precedent the Commission has set
repeatedly, that is, to not have to have trim or architectural detail wrapped with aluminum.
Commissioner Molnar: Are there any other questions for staff, or the petitioner?
PUBLIC DISCUSSION: N/A
COMMISSION DISCUSSION.
Commissioner Annis: One of the things I was curious about was, because you had invested so much previously into preserving
your roof, and the copper, that was a really big investment. Just thinking about the windows, they match that level
of investment. So, that's where I'm a little torn, because, if you are willing to go to that length with your roof and
your gutters, wouldn't you do the same thing for your windows, and the cost is the same. I hear what you are
saying, that personally, the undue stress for you and your wife with your working and your dogs, but that is where I
am kind of getting stuck.
Commissioner Stalheim: I feel that the images provided don't show to me that your windows are beyond repair enough, at all —
they are just aged. And 1 feel that replacing nearly 100 -year windows with an inferior product — back to the quality
question of integrity and all that. I would question that. It doesn't correlate.
Commissioner Molnar: The way the Standards and Guidelines for East Wayne read, that we are required to vote off of, and
Staff so helpfully bolded it for us: "Original windows and doors shall be retained including sashes, lintels, sills,
shutters, decorative glass, pediments, and hardwares. When deteriorated beyond repair, they should be replaced
with units and trim resembling the original." [Administrator Feasel], if we can say we are in agreement that they
are deteriorated beyond repair — and I don't know if we are — but, say that was the case... would this fall under the
place for you, saying `resembling the original' as the guidelines are written, or?
Administrator Feasel: It resembles the original in appearance, but not the material.
Commissioner Molnar: The standards don't actually specify, they just say resembling the original.
Commissioner Stalheim: General appearance, not every fine detail.
Administrator Feasel: Yeah, there are going to be nuances. These are sash packs, they get inserted into the existing jam, which
means you are going to have a reduction in the overall frame. So you are reducing the overall light let in by the
windows. So that's a technical detail there that...
Inspector Szaday: These are sash packs?
Administrator Feasel: These are sash packs.
Inspector Szaday: Sash packs won't change the amount of light. They will literally just be a replacement sash. If they are entire
jam packs, then you will have...
Administrator Feasel: That's what I mean, there's a new jam going inside the existing jam.
Inspector Szaday: Yes, they will reduce it. They will basically take the parting stop, and cut that off the jam to flash, and then
they will put that in, and they won't be replacing, they usually don't replace the jam, which is why they have to
wrap it. It brings it in a couple of inches on each. Versus replacing each sash.
Commissioner Molnar: You've owned the home for a long time now, correct?
Mr. Sherry: Fourteen years.
Commissioner Molnar: So you knew to come in before work was performed.
Mr. Sherry: Yes.
Commissioner Stalheim: And all the windows have storms windows?
Mr. Sherry: The downstairs windows have no screens, the storm windows, several of the windows are warped, away from the
frame, so we don't have the ability to lock them closed anymore.
Specialist Toering: There are aluminum storms on the second floor, wooden storms on the ground floor.
Commissioner Molnar: Is there any way you would entertain a different product installed?
Commissioner Stalheim: So still replace them?
Commissioner Molnar: Still replace them, but with a different product, than what you have chosen so far?
Mr. Sherry: What product would that be?
Commissioner Molnar: Windows. So, what would be the ... [Inspector Szaday], you mentioned that these are a little untested.
Say these were deteriorated beyond repair, what would staff recommend?
Inspector Szaday: Traditionally, the Commission has approved a wooden clad window, -- as opposed to, more times than not,
that has been the Commissions go -to option. Either an aluminum, or some sort of cladded, wood window. That's
been in the past. But it's a whole new bill. The Commission makes those decisions.
Commissioner Molnar: I get it.
Administrator Feasel: We are under study with fiberglass composite windows right now because of the structural integrity of
fiberglass. I can't say that we are looking a lot into this material, because it does include plastic as a component.
Specialist Toering: And this is repeating something that has been said a number of times, not necessarily this evening — Staff all
agrees that new wood can't be bet on. We just can't guarantee its integrity long-term. In lieu of the options, old
wood is always better than new wood.
Commissioner Annis made a motion to follow staff s recommendation and not recommend
the installation of the Fibrex windows. Seconded by Commissioner Stalheim.
Commissioner Molnar clarified that in motions for denial, a roll -call vote is required. Roll was
called, starting from Commissioner Molnar's right.
Commissioner Stalheim: (AYE) I vote to deny for reasons of integrity of the home
overall is very well intact, it is a beautiful home, and the windows do not appear to be
deteriorated beyond repair from the images I have seen, and the quote for restoration is
less than the quote for replacement.
Commissioner Annis: (AYE) I would concur. I raised the motion because I feel that
the house warrants, to maintain the integrity of the home we would want to go with
wood storms and screens and windows.
Commissioner Ponder: (AYE) I am in favor of the motion, because of all the efforts
that have been done to preserve the original features of the home, I feel that the windows
are in alignment with that, the previous work.
Commission Molnar: (AYE) I also vote to approve the motion. The quote being
provided that restoration would be cheaper. I would be open to a return of the petitioner
with a different material perhaps with something that Staff would recommend more.
Four in favor, none opposed.
Vote: 4 — 0. Motion to deny is passed.
COA #2019-0329 is denied.
Mr. Sherry: So, you will send me a formal notice?
Administrator Feasel: Yes, we prepare that tomorrow, it will include possible next steps.
3. 821 Ashland Avenue COA# 2019-0404 #9574-05 Chapin Park
Local and National Historic District
Representation: Alfredo Rengel, 821 Ashland Avenue
STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: May 15, 2019
Application Number: 2019-0404
Property Location: 821 Ashland Avenue
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: American Foursquare / 1901
Property Owner: Alfredo Rangel
Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Local (Ordinance #9574-05) and National Historic District
Rating: Contributing
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTUREISITE: Two story wood frame house with a square plan sitting upon a brick foundation.
The hip roof has asphalt shingles and a brick chimney offset from the peak with three simple corbel courses. The house front
features a full height bay with windows. Windows throughout were wood 1 /1 double hung with diamond pattern muntins on the
front fagade.
ALTERATIONS: Certificate of Appropriateness #2017-0605 allowed for the demolition of the garage structures at the rear of
the property. Aluminum siding was added to the exterior of the structure sometime prior to 1987. In 1949 the full -width front
porch was removed and a front stoop was added, with a small plastic porch roof over the entrance.
APPLICATION ITEMS: "Replace---* asphah wo„-; preplacement of old windows."
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Applicant seeks a retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness for changes on
the structure:
IV. The replacement of twenty-five original windows primarily on each exposure with ThermaStar by Pella Vinyl
New Construction Windows, as follows:
A. Front facade:
1. Ground floor:
1. 28" x 74", two windows
2. 42" x 74", two windows
2 2°d Floor:
1. 28" x 62", two windows
2. 32" x 62", one window
3. 42" x 62", one window
3. Attic:
1. 19.5" x 23", two windows
B. South fagade:
1. Ground floor:
1. 18" x 62", two windows
2. 30" x 62", one window
3. 38.5" x 27" (slider), one window
2 2"d Floor:
1. 33" x 62", one window
2. 29" x 54", one window
C. Rear Facade:
1. Ground floor:
1. 38.5" x 27" (slider), one window
2. 18.5" x 37.5", one window
2 2"d Floor:
1. 32" x 62", two windows
3. Attic:
I . 29" x 29", one window
D. North fagade:
1. Ground floor:
1. 28" x 46", two windows
2 2"d Floor:
1. 32" x 66", one window
2. 41" x 28", one window
The original Three windows — an original `arched' window on the south side, as well as two later replacement windows on the
north and rear facades — will not be replaced at this time. The arched window is the only remaining window to display the
decorative components of the original windows.
HP Inspector Szaday noticed that modifications had occurred on site April 2"d. The Building Department issued a `Red Tag' for
the property on the same date, as no building permits had been received for work inside or out on the property.
Mr. Rangel purchased the property at the end of 2018. The HPC brochure / flier was delivered to the previous property owner
in January of 2019. Mr. Rangel has stated he was not aware of the boundaries of the historic district or that his property was
included within that district.
Were this a proactive application for the replacement of existing windows, staff would require evidence that the existing
windows were deteriorated beyond repair. The unique and character defining design of the original windows comprised one of
the few remaining features of the original structure. The "diamond pattern muntins" and "stained glass in [the] diamond
pattern" (as described in the 1987 survey) are irreplaceable.
Replacement of the roof was processed as an Administrative Approval and is not part of this project under review.
SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: CHAPIN PARK
I1. EXISTING STRUCTURES
A. BUILDING MATERIALS
Original exterior building materials in the district include brick, stucco, clapboard, wood shingles, and brick or stone masonry.
In some instances, vinyl, composite and aluminum siding have been applied over the original material.
Required
Original exterior building materials shall be retained when possible. Deterioration of wood materials shall be prevented
through repair, cleaning and painting. The existing architectural detail around windows, porches, doors and eaves shall
be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design when deteriorated beyond repair.
[... ]
C. WINDOWS AND DOORS
Window and door frames are in most cases wood and vary depending upon the style of the home. Many are double -
hung windows with wood trim and sills. Brick structures have stone sills and brick lintels. In some cases where
aluminum siding has been applied, the window and door trim has been covered. About half of the structures in the
district have aluminum storm windows; the other half have wood storm windows.
Required
Original windows and doors shall be retained including sashes, lintels, sills, shutters, decorative glass, pediments, hoods
and hardware. When deteriorated beyond repair, they shall be replaced with units and trim resembling the original.
Recommended
Wood storm windows and doors painted or finished to match the original should be used but should not damage existing
frames. If new sashes or doors are installed, the existing or original materials, design and hardware should be used.
When metal storm doors are used, they should be painted, anodized or coated to match the existing. When awnings are
used, they should be of canvas material.
[... ]
VI. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
Enforcement of the preservation guidelines and standards for the historic district is made possible in the Zoning
Ordinance of the City of South Bend, ordinance No. 5565-73, as amended and the Historic Preservation Commission's
Preservation Plan.
The Historic Preservation Commission may petition the Building Commissioner to use the legal means available to
him/her to force the maintenance and / or repair of any building or structure within the historic district in accordance
with the intent of this ordinance.
This ordinance, however, does not prevent the ordinary maintenance and repair of any building or structure which does not
involve a change in any exterior feature, nor does it prevent the reconstruction, alteration, demolition or moving of any building
or structure which the Building Commissioner or other official has determined to be a hazard to public safety.
Property owners wishing to do, or have done, any work affecting the exterior of their building or land must apply directly to the
History Preservation Commission on the form prescribed by the Commission (see Appendix A). The Historic Preservation
Commission shall issue a Certificate of Appropriateness before commencement of any construction, reconstruction, alteration,
demolition, or moving of any house or structure within the historic district boundaries (see Appendix A). The Historic
Preservation Commission will accept applications for Certificate of Appropriateness only from the property owner.
In making its determination, the Historic Preservation Commission shall consider three factors: first, the
appropriateness of the proposed work to the preservation of the building and district; second, the detriment to the
public welfare if the proposed work is permitted even though it is not deemed appropriate; third, the potential hardship
that the denial of the Certificate of Appropriateness would cause the applicant.
[... ]
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Lacking the condition of the original windows, Staff makes no recommendation
Recommendation by
Adam Toering
Historic Preservation Specialist
Approved by
Elicia Feasel
Historic Preservation Administrator
PETITIONER COMMENTS:
Mr. Rangel: I just want to apologize, I wasn't aware when I first bought the home, no one told me about this. I saw, based upon
this application, that there was a brochure that was sent out, I never received that. I just recently purchased this
property last year, I'm only 26. I'm just starting off. I have my fiance and soon to be step -daughter recently. The old
windows were no good, broken windows, the wood was really, really bad. The whole house was in bad condition, as
is. When I talked to the neighbors they stated that there were drug dealers, users, that were previously were there.
And this is coming from a Sheriff, he said that this house hasn't been cared for in years. So now, me, I'm not
currently living there, I'm wishing to live there, for my kid to live there, and as -is, it's just not feasible. So I'm just
trying to — I wasn't aware of the, even the roof being approved. 1 wasn't aware of that, either. So there's just some
miscommunication, and that might be my fault. But I just haven't been aware of many things, so I am trying to do
whatever is right to do. So that's why I am here.
Commissioner Molnar: Thank you. [Specialist Toering], it is listed as contributing?
Specialist Toering: So, again, we have the different levels — contributing and non-contributing being the lowest two.
Contributing meaning that it is adding to the context of the neighborhood. That being said, the porch was removed in
1949. I don't know when the siding was put on, it's heavily modified, and it has sat vacant for some years. The
Commission approved the demolition of a garage at the rear — two years ago or so?
Inspector Szaday: Correct.
Specialist Toering: I don't know if it was vacant at that time.
Inspector Szaday: No, there was still one tenant at that time when the garage came down.
Specialist Toering: You are planning to use it as a single-family home, correct?
Commissioner Molnar: Your own home?
Mr. Rangel: Yes sir. Yes.
Specialist Toering: It's contributing, I don't know how we would assess it today.
Inspector Szaday: At the time of the survey, which was 2005-2006, it was thirteen years ago.
Commissioner Molnar: I was surprised by the rating. Especially considering the last project was also rated contributing.
Specialist Toering: I don't want to disparage Ashland, but Ashland is a little — when it comes to the perspective of Chapin Park
— Ashland is somewhat in transition.
Mr. Rangel: And, as far as the roof goes, insurance stated that it just needed to be repaired, so I just needed to get a contract —
and this kind of speaks to the house, as well. They needed a few updates to be updated, otherwise they won't insure
it. State Farm said they won't insure it.
Specialist Toering: This is an aside, it was my hope to give them both to you tomorrow.
Commissioner Molnar: And this was 'Red -Tagged'?
Inspector Szaday: Correct. I happened to come -upon it, and noticed there was more done, some changes that had been made. It
was, actually, only two days after you did it?
Mr. Rangel: Yeah, it was on Monday and it had happened on the weekend.
Inspector Szaday: I got it on Monday, and I think you pulled them on Saturday.
Specialist Toering: If I may add, the lamentable fact here is that the windows were, of the unique features of the house, the
windows were the most unique feature of the house. And maybe that is why it was contributing. Because I don't
know that those windows are found very often in the neighborhood, that I am aware of.
Commissioner Annis: Were they all the diamond pattern?
Mr. Rangel: No, it was just those two —
Specialist Toering: --front. It was front, bay windows.
Commissioner Molnar: Oh, it wasn't all the windows?
Specialist Toering: There are a few others that maybe — the arch window —
Mr. Rangel: The arch window is still there, and I'm planning to keep them there.
Specialist Toering: And there are some other windows that had already been changed — there are two other windows that you
are keeping.
Mr. Rangel: Yeah, yeah.
Inspector Szaday: This property was bank -owned, it was sold at short -sale. The bank was the property manager, they are who
took down the garage, because Code —
Commissioner Molnar: Made them.
Inspector Szaday: --required that. The bank had already owned it at that time. Different contractors were trying to do work at
different areas of the property, before the sale, to keep it secure. That may be why other windows were changed out.
So, several things were boarded -up, so we can't exactly tell what was changed.
Specialist Toering: Do you have any long-term plans with the siding?
Mr. Rangel: I just want to power -wash it. It's still there.
Commissioner Molnar: Are these top two windows still original?
Mr. Rangel: In the attic? Yes.
Commissioner Molnar: So it's those two and the arch?
Specialist Toering: No, it's those two, and there's some horizontal windows on the side if I am not mistaken.
Mr. Rangel: There was one in the back and the side that I was hoping to keep.
Specialist Toering: By the way, great submission.
Commissioner Ponder: Yes, did you put all oft these stars on here?
Mr. Rangel: Yes, PowerPoint.
Commissioner Ponder: Good job, thank you.
Specialist Toering: Although, `twenty-five' was on there twice.
Mr. Rangel: I'm sorry, there was a bunch of windows.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
COMM ISSION DISCUSSION -
Commissioner Annis: Given the situation, and the rating, and the fact that the house has been vacant for so long, I am actually in
favor of replacing the windows. I know that feels like it goes against what we just did with the other two houses, but,
I feel like these other houses were very different.
Commissioner Molnar: Yes, that's why we have them all. Some have already been replaced, of the original. It is unfortunate
that we did lose some of the ones that had more architectural detail to them. But not all of them did that we replaced?
Inspector Szaday: It was only the ones...
Commissioner Annis: The two.
Commissioner Molnar: The vast majority didn't.
Inspector Szaday: The vast majority were just one -over -one. Plain sashes.
Commissioner Molnar: The house clearly needs a lot of work, and I'm glad to see you putting in the work, and taking it over
from the bank. And I wouldn't want to see us stepping in the way of you completing this project. Just in the future
just so you know, any time you do anything to the outside — Building Permit.
Mr. Rangel: Are there still some of those brochures?
Administrator Feasel: We brought some today, they are up on the podium.
Commissioner Molnar: And you can contact staff, at any time, even if its just questions or comments, they are a great resource.
Mr. Rangel: I've been annoying them a lot.
Specialist Toering: That's what you are paying me for.
Commissioner Stalheim: So the windows that are not currently installed, they are destined to be installed with the same product?
Mr. Rangel: They are empty right now. All that is there is the storm windows, I believe.
Commissioner Stalheim: I meant the ones on the front, the first floor, the boarded -up ones.
Inspector Szaday: There's nothing there, they were removed.
Commissioner Stalheim: But they are to be replaced with the same vinyl product?
Mr. Rangel: Yes.
Commissioner Stalheim: At least it's uniform.
Commissioner Molnar: You are planning to keep the attic window, and the arch, and — if we did approve this — if you did want
to touch those you'd have to come back.
Mr. Rangel: Definitely, definitely. They are in pretty good condition so I didn't want to touch them.
Commissioner Annis: Maybe I missed this — they are just one -over -one, they don't have any dividers in them?
Mr. Rangel: No.
Commissioner Molnar: Was there, besides the detail in the glass?
Specialist Toering: I'm sorry, the window pictures are not very good, you can't really tell. There was a vertical pattern to it.
Commissioner Molnar: The one -over -one.
Commissioner Ponder: And it terms of the houses on either side of your house, do they have a similar style?
Inspector Szaday: No, that diamond pattern was pretty unique.
Specialist Toering: Again, this happened in 1949 — this is a Foursquare, but you looking at it, you can barely even tell that it's a
foursquare, because usually you have this massive front -spanning porch. I'm not pushing you to move that direction
at some point, but it is very weird.
Mr. Rangel: The inside is even weirder.
Specialist Toering: I'm sorry.
Commissioner Molnar: I appreciate you putting —
Commissioner Annis: —the effort into this.
Commissioner Molnar: Yes.
Mr. Rangel: Well, it's going to be my personal home, so...
Commissioner Annis: Yeah, it's a big deal!
Commissioner Ponder: Are the houses on either side two -over -two windows, or?
Mr. Rangel: I'm not sure.
Commissioner Molnar: It's not really clear, from one of the pictures it appears that the yellow on has six -over -six, or?
Commissioner Stalheim: The yellow one looks like it has plastic windows.
Specialist Toering: And again, I don't mean to disparage Ashland, but Ashland has more aluminum and vinyl siding than others.
Commissioner Annis: Are you guys comfortable with it staying one -over -one if he were to replace them? We would prefer the
diamond pattern.
Commissioner Stalheim: Is there any way we can get a special window for just the upper sash?
Mr. Rangel: I was hoping to do just the grid pattern on the whole house.
Commissioner Molnar: What we can do — and, since we have some new Commission members — what the Commission has
done in the past is that we can remand final design authority to staff, so we could approve it with the condition that the
final design has to be approved by staff. Is that something that Staff would be comfortable with?
Administrator Feasel: [Legal Counsel Kennedy] and I were just discussing a very similar case in Taylor's Field, which has
similar characteristics to Ashland, where the property owner — Eddie Ferraro — had replaced windows with vinyl
windows, but he still had a bay in the front that had a very unique window, and the Commission required him to
restore the windows, and they were a diamond pattern...
Inspector Szaday: They were sixteen -over -one —
Specialist Toering: They were super complex.
Administrator Feasel: Oh, they were very unique.
Specialist Toering: But he had them.
Administrator Feasel: But the Commission had him restore those windows because they were character defining features of the
house, and then let him replace all the rest of the windows with vinyl so there was consistency. We were just talking
about that — if there was an opportunity to get a special made window in the upper sash —
Specialist Toering: three on top...
Administrator Feasel: in the bay window, then we could do the vinyl one -over -one in the remainder of the house. But since we
don't have any plans in front of us, you could remand that to staff.
Commissioner Molnar: Because we're not going to get a diamond pattern.
Administrator Feasel: But we haven't done the research to see if it could be done.
Commissioner Molnar: Now would be the time to do it. I'm just a little more comfortable with giving this project a little more
leniency because you are a new owner, and you got it on short sale, and so there probably isn't a normal mortgage
process where you would have gotten it, the other properties we had, although they were similar, both of those were
long-term owners who had experienced HPC and knew what they were doing.
Mr. Rangel: It was a super quick sale, I was there with the real estate agent and he was taking the padlocks off and I was getting
to see it then, it happened that quick.
Commissioner Molnar: So would the Commission be open to alter the — so we need to make a motion to alter the application to
remand to staff the final design on the window pattern that goes in.
Commissioner Stalheim: For the upper sash, or for the whole unit?
Commissioner Molnar: I'd say the whole unit, just to be safe.
Commissioner Annis: And are we saying for the first floor and the second -floor bay?
Commissioner Molnar: I would think both — if it comes down to cost, I think Staff would be able to make the decision, only.
Commissioner Stalheim: At that level, I would say make it the entire primary fagade, ...
Commissioner Molnar: Well, however you want to make the motion — because, I can't. That would be my, I think the best
solution going forward.
Administrator Feasel: I would like a little more direction here.
Commissioner Molnar: I think anything would be an improvement, but something to reference that this house had something
there, that it didn't have on the rest of the house. Anything that could provide within the character of what should be
in the home.
Specialist Toering: I'm trying to check the historic photos — the lower windows did not have the pattern.
Commissioner Stalheim: It's just the uppers.
Specialist Toering: It's just the second story, upper sash. 1 can't tell if the bay window by the driveway there may have been
something there.
Mr. Rangel: They were exactly the same — the sides were little ones, and then there's a big one in the middle.
Inspector Szaday: Thermastar offers traditional, a six -over -six, _..
Specialist Toering: This is just this particular manufacturer.
Commissioner Stalheim: That's a three over one in one sash.
Commissioner Annis: That's kind of a mission style.
Specialist Toering: Then again, this is just this product line.
Commissioner Molnar: It could be that staff comes to the conclusion that one -over -one is maybe is the best.
Specialist Toering: You didn't buy windows already, did you?
Mr. Rangel: No, I was going to the day I talked to him.
Specialist Toering: I don't know what the price difference is between this and one of those.
Inspector Szaday: And when you are dealing with grid work, even if you did four, if you decide to go and add something, grid -
pattern wise, there's the simulated divided lite, or the double grid. So, it's up to you. There's patterns, more like the
diamond
Commissioner Ponder: Even a three -over -one would look nicer.
Commissioner Stalheim: The three vertical over one, I think that would look more relatable to the original.
Commissioner Molnar: I think we are in agreement for the retroactive approval, but for the bay window, we... if someone
would like to make a motion.
Commissioner Ponder made a motion to approve the application, with the caveat to defer to staff
regarding the bay windows, as well as to consult with Staff on the design and style of those
windows. Commissioner Annis seconded.
Four in favor, none opposed.
Vote: 4 — 0. Motion to approve COA 2019-0404 passes.
4. 520 N St Joseph COA# 2019-0417A #8949-98 North St.
Joseph Local Historic District
Representation: N/A
STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: May 13, 2019
Application Number: 2019-0417A
Property Location: 520 N St Joseph
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Free Classic/I904
Property Owner: Ramiro Rodrigues and Laurie Rousseau
Landmark or District Designation: North St Joseph, Ordinance #8949-98
Rating: Notable
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTUREI SITE: 2 '/z story house on a square plan with a cement block foundation and hip roof.
Walls are wood clapboard with cedar shingles in top story dormers. Full width front porch with doric columns and wood plank
floor. Windows are mostly 1/1 double hung with wood storms. Front picture windows are multi -lite. There is a small
outbuilding in rear of property.
ALTERATIONS: Aluminum siding that once existed has been removed. Porch floor has been replaced in-kind with new
wood. Railing removed from front porch.
PPL[CAT]ON ITEMS: "Replace current back door with new. Move location to middle of back house to mudroom area. Add
siding to previous location. " and "Remove old carriage house doors. Replace with stamped steel carriage house overhead
garage doors. "
DESCRI PTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Owners propose to 1. shift back door location to center of house replacing an
existing small 1/1 double hung window. The new location will align with a second story door. New wood siding will be
installed to fill in the former door location. Existing door and storm door are deteriorated and may not withstand a removal and
reinstallation therefore new doors are proposed. New doors will be Therma-Tru Benchmark half lite steel and full lite metal
storm door. 2. Replace existing carriage house doors with new stamped steel overhead doors. Existing doors are deteriorated
beyond repair. New doors are a compatible style and will function allowing for ease of use of the building.
SITE VISIT REPORT: n/a
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: NORTH ST JOSEPH
II. EXISTING STRUCTURES
C. WINDOWS AND DOORS
Window and door frames are in most cases wood. Brick structures have stone sills and brick lintels. In some cases where
synthetic siding has been applied window trim has been covered. Many structures in the district have aluminum storm windows.
Some houses retain wood framed storm windows.
Required
Original windows and doors shall be retained including sashes, lintels, sills, shutters, decorative glass, pediments, hoods,
and hardware. When deteriorated beyond repair, they shall be replaced with units and trim resembling the original.
Recommended
Wood frame storm windows and doors painted to match the original should be used but should not damage existing frames. If
new sashes or doors are installed, the existing or original materials, design, and hardware should be used. When metal storm
doors are used, they should be painted, anodized or coated to match the existing. When awnings are used they should be of
canvas material.
Prohibited
Original doors, windows and hardware shall not be discarded when they can be restored and reused in place. New window and
door openings which would alter the scale and proportion of the building shall not be introduced. Inappropriate new window
and door features such as aluminum insulating glass combinations that require removal of the original windows and doors shall
not be installed.
Not Recommended
Awnings, hoods, and fake shutters made of metal, vinyl, or fiberglass should not be used if they would detract from the existing
character or appearance of the building.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the proposed project
Report compiled by
Elicia Feasel, Historic Preservation Administrator
PETITIONER COMMENTS:
Commissioner Molnar: [Administrator Feasel], you had mentioned that you had almost administratively approved this project,
could you just explain why you almost approved this?
Administrator Feasel: Resolution 18-03 at the end of 2018 allows for Staff to approve minor projects that are in compliance with
the Standards and Guidelines, and so I felt that this one is a project that is in compliance with the Standards and
Guidelines but when you consider the two doors and their visibility, it elevated that outside of the minor category. The
owner could not be here tonight as he is celebrating his anniversary with working for Notre Dame and they are
throwing him a party, so he could not be here. I will say, at one time this house had vinyl siding and a deteriorating
porch, and the owners have removed the siding and been restoring the fagade of the structure over time.
Inspector Szaday: And it has been all like -in-kind.
Administrator Feasel: It has been a remarkable improvement over what is used to be.
Commissioner Molnar: So this would be an example of how to restore a house?
Administrator Feasel: I would say so, and it is also my opinion that the material is deteriorated beyond repair.
Commissioner Stalheim: And the comer lot is vacant?
Administrator Feasel: It is, although I didn't have much info on that, but I assume it used to have a house on it. It's not part of
this application item, but there used to be a house there.
Inspector Szaday: I can speak a little to that, the Hospital moved some houses to other lots in the area, as well as tore down
some houses.
Specialist Toering: It appears to have happened sometime after 1998 and before 2002.
Commissioner Annis: Question for my future edification: when we are reviewing projects calling for the removal of original
material, do we ask them to keep the components for future projects, or — a great example, the previous case — if we
knew there was an inventory of diamond windows, that could be utilized —
Administrator Feasel: That's a really great question. The Commission has in the past required that the original material be
stored on site.
Commissioner Stalheim: At least the hardware — the knob and escutcheon are unique.
Commissioner Molnar: In the past the Commission has — you can list what needs to be kept in your motion.
Commissioner Stalheim: I agree, they are deteriorated.
Inspector Szaday: I didn't want to touch them.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION: N/A
COMMISSION DISCUSSION: N/A
Commissioner Ponder made a motion to approve this project with the stipulation that the owner
retain any historic hardware off of the doors. Commissioner Stalheim seconded.
Four in favor, none opposed.
Vote: 4 — 0. Motion to approve COA 2019-0417A passes.
IV. PRIVILIGE OF THE FLOOR
V. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
i. Commissioner Annis made a motion to table until the June meeting.
Commissioner Ponder seconded.
Four in favor, none opposed.
Vote: 4 - 0. Motion to table the approval of minutes until the June meeting is
passed.
B. STAFF REPORTS
i. Administrative Approvals
a. 521 E South Street — Administrator Feasel explained the negotiation process
that led to a better project outcome, derived from the passage of Resolution
18-03.
C. COMMITTEE REPORTS
i. Disposition of Historic Preservation Assets
a. Specialist Toering gave a brief update on the disposition process.
ii. Standards Update
a. Administrator Feasel gave context and an update regarding the Standards
update process for the new Commission members
1. Most recent Standards update was in 2005.
2. City administration has prioritized this project.
b. Project Updates:
1. Committee has identified a Consultant to assist with public outreach
2. Todd Zeiger has offered to include his Notre Dame class in the
Standards update process.
3. Indiana Landmarks is interested in distributing our findings to other
Commissions across the state.
4. Grants have been pursued and received to help offset the costs of the
project.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
A. 236 S Notre Dame
i. Specialist Toering informed the Commission that he and his wife are engaged in
restoring their house, are unveiling the original siding, and have begun to restore
the original windows. He would like to host window education seminars at his
property to show various stages of window restoration.
B. 417 W Navarre
i. Inspector Szaday informed the Commission that we believe the property at 417
W Navarre will soon have new owners.
ii. Bank -owned, continuous code and COA issues.
C. 50106 Bittersweet
i. Corn Crib is being reconstructed.
D. LaSalle Brick Streets
i. Three blocks of brick street of W LaSalle is currently exposed.
ii. South Shore Line went down the middle.
iii. Neighbors and property owners have signed a petition.
iv. Unknown what the Public Works response will be, cost is a concern.
E. Portage Fire Station
i. Commissioner Molnar asked about the progress on site
ii. Work is ongoing, windows installed, concrete site work is continuing.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Ponder motions to adjourn. Commissioner Annis seconded.
Four in favor, none opposed.
Vote 4 — 0. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm.
Attest:
-15- 1`3
16refa r -_L __, Secretary Date