HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. 715 Forest Avenue_COA 2022-0418STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: May 11, 2022
Application Number: 2022-0418
Property Location: 715 Forest Avenue
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gable-T / 1890 / “Francis R Otstat House”
Property Owner: Dr. Drew Schmucker
Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Local Historic District, #9574-05
Rating: Contributing
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: Two story t-plan on a brick foundation. Unveiled siding includes
scalloping/scaling on the upper gabled dormers with hood through the cornice. Small rear porches, southern
porch has turned spindles and bracketed entablature, enclosed front porch entry. Windows are predominantly
1/1 double hung with molded crown and trim, with aluminum storm windows.
ALTERATIONS: RME 2018-0404 allowed for the exploratory removal of the Asbestos siding by the previous
homeowner (this was not completed). AA 2019-0703C allowed for the replacement of the porch roof shingles to
match the main house shingles, as well as to replace the wood fascia with new wood. AA 2021-0318 allowed for
the removal of the Asbestos siding/unveiling of the original siding to assess for condition/rehabilitation. COA
2021-0602 allowed for the removal and replacement of two windows, and the removal of a casement window. AA
2021-0804 allowed for the reconstruction of the rear shed roof structure and siding.
APPLICATION ITEMS: “Side porch railing and post. Please view accompanying mock-up and photos.”
“Front porch partial reconstruction. Please view accompanying photos and description.”
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to, per a voicemail from the
contractor and submitted photographs from the homeowner:
1. RETROACTIVE replacement of the rear / side porch railings and posts with “wrapped square posts
with decorative elements.” The Removed posts were turned posts with decorative paint.
2. Extend the front south shed dormer roof to create a covered roof over the entrance stoop, utilizing the
same pattern of posts as used in the rear
The proposal before the Commission is for two components – the replacement of the rear porch railings and posts,
and the extension of the southern shed roof over the front stoop to create a covered entrance. New posts are the
“wrapped square posts with decorative elements.”
The contractor believes the turned rear porch posts to be non-original. Victorian homes often had turned porch
posts and delicate spindlework porch supports, often including lace-like brackets. It is unknown if the previous
posts have been retained following their removal.
This structure originally had a wrap-around front porch. Portions of this former porch have been enclosed, while
portions have been removed entirely. Staff have previously advocated for reconstructing the entire front porch.
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.
Masonry, including brick and stucco structures, shall be maintained, and properly cleaned only when necessary to halt deterioration or to
remove stains and shall be done in a method acceptable for the preservation of the surface: i.e. low-pressure water and soft natural bristle
brushes. Brick or masonry mortar joints should be repointed only when there is evidence of moisture problems, or when sufficient mortar is
missing to allow water to stand in the mortar joint. Existing mortar shall be duplicated in composition, color, texture, joint size, method of
application and joint profile.
When repairing stucco, stucco mixture shall be used. A professional shall make a study of the old stucco, to determine the exact mixture and
underlayment used in the original work. Some repair methods are not compatible with the original techniques and may cause early
disintegration of the repair work and the original work.
Ample ventilation must be afforded the structure when siding is installed, in order to prevent increased deterioration of the structure from
moisture and insects.
Recommended
Whenever possible, the original building materials should be restored. When maintaining or repairing original siding is not feasible,
aluminum, vinyl or composite siding may be used. When used over wood surfaces, this siding should be the same size and style as the
original wood. Every effort should be made to retain the original trim around windows, doors, cornices gables, eaves and other architectural
features.
Property owners should contact the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County prior to initiating any restoration
or rehabilitation effort. [ Address and contact information is listed in the front of the Guidebook.] The Commission is an invaluable source
of information about all facets of rehabilitation and restoration – materials, methods, contractors and the like.
[…]
D. ENTRANCES, PORCHES AND STEPS
Most houses in the district have either an open or enclosed porch across the front. Most porches have either hip or gabled roofs or are
covered by the main roof of the house.
Required
When deteriorated beyond repair, existing or original porches, stoops, patios and steps, including handrails, balusters, columns, brackets, tiles
and roof decorations, shall be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design or by a design more in keeping with the historic period of
the structure.
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.
Not Recommended
Original porch details should not be replaced with materials representing a different period or style from the original.
SITE VISIT REPORT:
Staff visited the property in 2018 to consult with the previous property owner about how to handle the now
removed asbestos siding. Many of the details of the house were covered by the asbestos siding. The rear porch
details were visible at that time and this porch offered some of the few visible character defining features on the
property. Staff visited the property again in March of 2021 following the removal of the asbestos siding and took
photographs of the posts at that time; the unveiling revealed the fish-scale / scallop wood siding on the second
story.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends dividing the project into two components:
1) RETROACTIVE replacement of the rear porch posts, railings, and spindles: Staff recommends
denial. Porches of this architectural style were often supported by turned posts and delicate
spindles and railings.
2) Extension of the existing south shed dormer over the front entrance stoop: Staff recommends
approval, subject to an amended design with turned decorative posts. Porches of this
architectural style were often supported by turned posts and delicate spindles and railings.
Prepared by
Adam Toering, Historic Preservation Administrator
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
MAP OF THE AREA - Google Maps view of the subject area.
SATELLITE/SANBORN IMAGERY - Sandborn Maps: 1899, 1917, 1945, imagery from 2016 of property.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
ASSESSOR CARD (FRONT) - 1932 Assessor Card, indicating ownership and property history.
ASSESSOR CARD (BACK) - 1932 Assessor Card, indicating enclosed front porch area present in April 1932.
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