HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 01-2023 - Preservation and Relocation of 211 W Marion StRESOLUTION NO. 01-2023
A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA
REGARDING THEPRESERVATION AND RELOCATION OF 211 WEST MARION
STREET WITHIN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County,
Indiana (the "Commission") operates pursuantto Article 13 ofChapter 21 of the South Bend Municipal
Code, as may be amended from time to time, Title XV, Chapter 154, §§ 154.245-154.263 of the St.
Joseph County Code of Ordinances, as may be amended from time to time, (hereinafter, collectively,
the "Ordinances"), and the terms of the Interlocal Agreement between the City of South Bend
(hereinafter the "City") and St. Joseph County (hereinafter the "County") dated December 12, 2017,
as the same may be amended from time to time; and
WHEREAS, per the Ordinances, the Commission's purpose is to preserve buildings, other
structures, and sites of historical, architectural, engineering, and cultural significance within the City
and the County; and
WHEREAS, the Commission fulfills its purpose, in part, by identifying historic structures,
advocating for preservation best practices, and promoting projects that accomplish those objectives;
and
WHEREAS, the house located at 211 West Marion (hereinafter the "House") was built in 1913 by
Jacob Kerner, an early City Volunteer Fireman who subsequently led the Studebaker Wagon Works Fire
Brigade, rising to positions of leadership and authority in same, culminating in his tenure as the City's Fire
Chief starting in 1898; and
WHEREAS, Kerner hired W.W. Schneider, one of South Bend's most prestigious architects, to
design the House as a statement of his prominence; and
WHEREAS, Kerner ultimately sold the House, transferring ownership to Pendle Poledor in 1920,
whose family (owners and proprietors of multiple SouthBend restaurants, includingthe Philadelphia Candy
Company) resided in the house for the next 102 years until the recent passing of Theodor Poledor on July
10, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the House is an excellent and intact example of a Craftsman -Bungalow, stoutly built
and worthy of preservation for its architectural, historical, and cultural characteristics; and
WHEREAS, the House is within the boundaries of the Federally designated Chapin Park National
Register District, where it is rated Outstanding, the highest possible rating; and
WHEREAS, redevelopment within the City continues to present a threat to the historic integrity
of the residential neighborhoods of the near northside of same; and
WHEREAS, members of the public have expressed concern for the future of the House to the
Commission's members, and its Staff, demanding the Commission intervene to ensure the House's
preservation; and
WHEREAS, the adjacent neighborhood, local and state-wide preservation non -profits, and
individual citizens have expressed interest in moving the House to a nearby location, and have begun
investigating the realities of said move.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission as follows:
1. The Commission expresses the strongest support for the preservation of the House, a
historic structure, whether at its present location (211 West Marion Street, South Bend, IN), or some other
location that will ensure its preservation.
2. The Commission directs its Staff to present this Resolution to the City of South Bend,
specifically, the Fire Department, the Mayor's Office, and the Department of Community
Investment; the St. Joseph County Building Department; Indiana Landmarks; the Near Northwest
Neighborhood Association; the Owner of Record; and all additional appointing bodies of the
Commission.
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 January 17, 2023.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
arah Andrews, President
ATTEST:
c.a) 4t cPA 4-e n ):�'o
Joan Downs -Krostenko, Arch. Historian/Secretary
Elizab issioner
Da ,ncott, Commissioner
[Signatures continue on Page 3]
Don Dietz, C missioner
2
Andr e. ; cr
Peter DeKever, L'ommissioner