The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About1. 517 River Avenue_COA 2022-0806STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: September 13, 2022 Application Number: 2022-0806 Property Location: 517 River Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Dormer Front Bungalow/ 1921/Schiffbauer House Property Owner: Leah Zimmer Landmark or District Designation: Edgwewater Local Historic District, #6846-80 Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: A two story dormer front bungalow set upon a brick foundation. Walls are wood clapboard on first story and wood shingles on second. Roof has asphalt shingles. There is a full width open front porch with brick piers and walls. Window openings are original wood 4/1 vertical division double hung and an arched attic window in front. ALTERATIONS: Aluminum storm windows and an aluminum storm door have been installed. COA 1990-0618 approved replacement of front porch floorboards. COA 1997-1016 approved in -kind repair of fire damage. COA 2001-0910 approved tuck pointing foundation and repair of masonry around foundation of house. RME 2013-0402 approved tree removal. RME 2014-1022A approved roof replacement with architectural shingles, repair of mud room, and in -kind repair of front steps, sidewalk, and trim on rear and west side of house. COA 2015-0518 approved existing chimney to be lowered below the roofline, and addition of a 4" vent pipe to extend through the roof deck. RME 2016-0428 allowed replacement of previously removed tree, and replacement of rotted/damaged siding and shingles on house. RME 2016-1011A approved installation of new roofing on flat roof, and repairs and siding installation on rear porch; in the process of this project the porch was found to be unsalvageable. COA 2016- 1109A allowed for the removal of the mudroom at the rear of the house. COA 2017-1003 renewed a previous tree replacement and the addition of vents under the eaves for the upstairs bathroom. AA 2020-0605 allowed the construction of a 10’x12’ shed at rear of property. APPLICATION ITEMS: “add Juliet balcony (5x7) on second floor).” “I'm sure you also have photos of when I had a mudroom (but I can't find any), but I am trying to (1) recreate that landing out from the second floor door, but with railings for more security, and (2) create an overhang over the back door with some additional privacy. The exposure of the back door to the dr.'s office parking lot/Lincolnway is a bit frustrating.” DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: 1. Build a 5’ x 7’ wooden balcony, with horizontal ‘contemporary’railing. The rear of this property had a larger mudroom that was approved for removal by the Commission with COA 2016- 1109A. The second story door (where the balcony is proposed) formerly opened onto that mudroom. The Commission heard COA 2022-0712A at the August meeting and remanded approval of what was described as a ‘Juliet balcony’ to staff. The property owner supplied additional imagery and information about the proposed alteration. Upon receipt of this additional information, staff elected to send the project back before the Commission, as it did not conform to what was expected of a ‘Juliet balcony.’ The images and diagrams of the proposed balcony indicate that it would be designed/constructed in what can be described as a ‘contemporary’ or ‘modern’ style. The proposed project would be reviewed under the “New Construction” section of the standards and guidelines. Those Standards and Guidelines recommend that “contemporary designs should be compatible in character and mood to the building or neighborhood.” The Standards and Guidelines do not recommend that “any style or period of architecture that is incompatible with what exists should not be permitted in the new additions.” The house is a dormer front bungalow. The proposed changes are at the rear of the structure and would only be visible from the alley, parking lot, and Lincoln Way East thoroughfare (across the parking lot). STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: EDGEWATER PLACE I. EXISTING STRUCTURES […] D. ENTRANCES, PORCHES, AND STEPS The majority of the houses in the district have either an open or an 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. […] III. NEW CONSTRUCTION A. HEIGHT AND PROPORTION The majority of structures in the district are two stories in high and are square or rectangular in plan. There are a few single story bungalows. The most prevalent façade proportions are between a 1:1 and 1:2 height to width ratio. Required The height of a new structure and its height to width proportions shall be consistent with adjacent buildings in the district. The building height shall be no greater than that of the tallest existing structure in the same block. Façade proportions shall be established by permitting no structure with a façade wider or narrower than those existing in the same block. Additions to existing buildings shall be related in height and proportion to the existing structure. Recommended Contemporary designs should be compatible in character and mood to the building or neighborhood. Prohibited Additions may not be constructed that would change the existing façade of a building, alter its scale or architectural character, or add new height. Not Recommended New stories should not be added, nor should existing stories be removed, which would destroy important architectural details, features or spaces of the building. Any style or period of architecture that is incompatible with what exists should not be permitted in the new additions. 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 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. SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial, as the proposed design is of a “style or period of architecture that is incompatible with what exists.” Prepared by Adam Toering, Historic Preservation Administrator HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Map of the project area. SANBORN FIRE INSURANCE MAPS: 1945, 1960, satellite imagery from 2016. 5 Shed 5’ Variance from Alley 11’18’10’19’12’10’ House 10’10’10’10’ Shed View from Back House View from Top fence 517 River Ave - Current Shed Raised Porch Car 2’ Variance 11’18’10’19’16’12’9’10’ House 10’10’10’10’ Raised 3’ - Lattice or Fence Shed View from Back 517 River Ave - Proposed 6’ Fence Ramp