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Zoning and Annexation Committee
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The March 27, 2000 meeting of the Zoning and Annexation Committee was called to order
by Council Member Karen L. White at 4:30 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Coleman, Ujdak, Varner, Aranowski,
Kelly, White, Kirsits, and Pfeifer, Kevin Butler, Ed Talley, Mr. and Mrs. Sexton, Leon
Stein, Todd Zeiger, Timothy Lykowski, John Oxian, Terry Bland of the 'outb 1t�
Zributtn and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Council Member White introduced the Committee members and then noted that the first
item on the agenda was to review Substitute Bill No. 27-00 which is a request to designate
the Remedy Building located at 501 West Colfax as an historic landmark.
Mr. J. Edward Talley, Director of the Historic Preservation Commission made the
presentation. He noted that the building in question was built in 1895 by the owners of the
South Bend Remedy Company and was used for the manufacturing of medicines,
chemicals and drugs. It is a two and a half story Queen Anne style late 19th century
commercial building. Mr. Talley further noted that the building meets the criteria as a local
landmark in light of the fact that it embodies the elements of architectural design, detail and
craftsmanship and its rated a "Significant 12"; that it is suitable for preservation since it is
the only commercial structure of its style and architectural elegance remaining in the city;
and because it is identified with the lives of persons of historical significance, namely
Albert and Richard Kelley. He revied the October 20, 1999 minutes from the West
Washington-Chapin Design Review Committee meeting and the March 27, 2000 letter from
Michael R. Elbode, President of the Colfax Group(copies attached).
Mr. Talley stated that "interim protection" took effect with notice being given to the
owners, Timothy J. and Kathy Lynn Lykowski by a letter dated September 27, 1999 (copy
attached). Interim protection provides that a building cannot be moved or demolished for a
period of six (6) months or until the Local Historic Landmark Designation has been
established. The governing authority is set forth in § 21-117.2 of the outs) tt�
AfittnitiPai 14 . . He further noted that he sent a letter dated March 3, 2000 (copy
attached) which provides further detailed information and notes that the structure is under
interim protection until March 27, 2000. Mr. Talley stressed that the historic landmark
designation would be for the structure only, with discussion taking place on the relocation
of the building.
Mr. Timothy Lykowski, the owner of the building, noted that he has owned it since 1988.
The Lykowski Construction Company has incurred substantial cost totaling approximately
$5,200 each year in taxes and insurance. He would be in favor of moving the building if it
can be done on a timely basis. The overall cost of the project is estimated to be $250,000
to$350,000. To date he has been unsuccessful in finding a buyer. He would be open to a
continuance on the matter for up to three (3) months, however voiced concern that he is
unaware of any studies addressing the costs to renovate the building.
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Kevin Butler, a local attorney, representing Mr. and Mrs. Sexton who reside at 511 West
Colfax, then addressed the Committee. He stated that the building in question is the old F.
[ J. Nimtz Office Building. His clients would support a delay in action on this ordinance to
the next meeting so that they can meet with Todd Zeiger in order to put a package together
on the structure,including the necessary financials.
Todd Zeiger of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana stated that he became
involved with the project approximately one (1) month ago. He expressed interest in
saving the building and being the intermediary on the project. He noted that a minimum of
sixty(60) days would be needed in light of the funding.
The Council Attorney questioned Mr. Lyskowski about the status of the demolition permit.
Mr. Lykowski stated he would delay action on it for up to three (3) months, and noted that
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his costs are$438 per month for taxes and insurance.
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Council President Pfeifer noted that the structure is located in his District and has been the
source of complaints for many years from the residents and at meetings of the WWCRP.
Mr. Oxian noted that the building is very significant from an historical perspective.
Following discussion, it was suggested that the matter be continued for thirty (30) days to
permit Mr. Butler and the Sextons to put their package together and provide an update to
the Committee. Mr. Talley voice support of the proposed action.
Under unfinished business, Council Member White noted that she had received an update
on the Angela Bridge and would distribute a copy of the letter.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member White
adjourned the meeting at 4:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson
Zoning and Annexation Committee
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Attachments
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