HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. 13546 Brick Road_COA 2024-0909 PACKETHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: October 14, 2024
Application Number: 2024-0909
Property Location: 13546 Brick Road
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder:
Italianate / c. 1870
Property Owner: Alexander Horvath
Landmark or District Designation: Local Historic Landmark,
Ordinance #42-1976
Rating: Outstanding
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: This is a two story, red brick Italianate farm house with original
architectural details such as the wood cornice with brackets and frieze, a bracketed rectangular cupola, and stone
windowsill and lintels. The foundation is of dressed coursed stone, and the red brick walls are in English bond. The
roof is hipped, and the front porch is open with square posts. The main door has full side lights and transom, and
the windows are 6 over 6 sashes. There is an added wing on the back of the house, and at the back of the site there
are a historic brick milkhouse and brick outhouse.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to:
1) A. Add a gravel roundabout to the driveway, remove pine tree within the proposed curve, and add a garden bed
and decorative urn.
B. Enlarge two garden beds directly in front of porch and create two new garden beds surrounding the trees along
the front approach. Beds bordered with boxwood hedges and filled with hydrangeas.
(Administratively Approved, AA 2024-0909-1)
2) Add a concrete patio, approximately 15’ by 47’, to the east side of the house, and construct a brick and concrete
walled entrance to the patio. The proposed entryway would be 8’ tall at its maximum and be joined to the east
facade of the house, so that the walled entrance faces north.
3) Demolish the brick outhouse at the rear of site. Bricks from the outhouse to be reused to in the brick compo-
nents of the patio and entryway.
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES:
Site Projects: Pages 22-24.
Demolition and Deconstruction: 38.
SITE VISIT REPORT: Historic Preservation Administrator Ross Van Overberghe and Historic Preservation
Specialist Kate Himick were able to inspect the brick outhouse and the site in its entirety on September 18, 2024.
The bricks comprising the brick outhouse are heavily deteriorated, and over 50% of the original bricks are missing
or compromised. The brick milkhouse is in much better condition and staff recommends that special care be taken
to actively maintain this structure so that it may be saved.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: If constructed with care, the addition of a brick patio and entryway would be
reversible additions to the historic site. Staff recommends that the proposed brick patio entryway minimize or avoid
damage to the existing historic brick of the east facade. The entryway could be attached to mortar joints along the
existing wall or, preferably, employ a free-standing means of support rather than attaching to the house. Additional-
ly, it is the opinion of staff that Style 2 is more in keeping with the home’s Italianate architecture than Style 1.
The repairs necessary to stabilize the brick outhouse would require the replacement of more than half the historic
bricks. Several parts of the structure are missing a substantial amount of bricks, and despite the property owner’s
attempts to support the structure, regular maintenance is no longer enough to save it. Staff recommends the decon-
struction of the brick outhouse, provided that any usable bricks are repurposed as part of the proposed patio or for
other purposes on site.
Staff makes a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION for both projects provided that the brick patio entryway
avoids damage to the exterior walls of the home and that usable bricks from the outhouse are repurposed.
Prepared by
Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
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 IMAGERY — Imagery from 2024
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — Brick Outhouse Detail A (rear side)
IMAGES — Brick Outhouse Detail B (rear side)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — Brick Outhouse Rear (west-facing)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — Brick Outhouse Front (east-facing)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — Brick Outhouse Side A (north-facing)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — Brick Outhouse Side B (south-facing)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — View of the NE corner of the home.
Monday, September 9, 2024
Application for Cer tificate of
Appropriateness
Important Information Regarding this Request
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AND SITE PLANS
The Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County cannot process an Application
without required documentation. Comprehensive documentation provides a complete understanding of the
project. Problems often occur during a project review or during the execution of the project when the
property owner, staff or commissioners are unclear as to project specifics. Applications will NOT be
processed without required documentation.
Photographs may be submitted in digital format or in photographic print. When a project involves
blueprints and/or site plans, one (1) set shall be submitted with the Application. Any documentation
submitted to this office cannot be returned to the applicant.
APPLICATION FEE
The application processing fee for any Application for a Certificate Of Appropriateness is $20
Payment must accompany the application at the time of submission. For an electronically submitted
application, payment must reach the HPC office within 48 hours following transmission. Payment can be
made by credit card by contacting
Business License Administrator Michelle Adams at (574) 235-5912; by cash in person in the Department of
Community Investment on the 14th floor of the County City Building; or by check made out to City of
South Bend. Applications will NOT be processed without the required fee.
MEETING ATTENDANCE
When an Application has been scheduled for any meeting, the owner, architect or contractor(s) retained for
the project shall attend the meeting where their project will be reviewed and a decision rendered. Failure by
the owner, architect, or contractor to attend such meetings may result in denial of the Application due to
insufficient representation.
CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE
Certificates of Appropriateness will be filed with the Building Department of South Bend and St. Joseph
County. A copy of the Certificate will be emailed directly to the owner and/or contractor(s) listed on the
application.
INSPECTION AUTHORITY
All projects will be inspected during and following execution for compliance with the decision(s) rendered
by the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County.
Owner acknowledges that while the Historic Preservation Commission only considers Certificates of
Appropriateness for exterior features, under certain circumstances it may be necessary for the Commission
Staff to have access to the interior of the building in order to accurately assess the condition of the exterior
feature and that the lack of access to the interior may prevent the Commission Staff from making a
favorable recommendation.
Any work performed on a historic landmark or in an historic district which does not conform to the
Certificate of Appropriateness certificate shall be immediately halted by the Historic Preservation
1
Commission and the Building Department of South Bend and St. Joseph County. Fines may be levied for
projects not in compliance.
I read and understand the information
above:Yes, Continue
Date Monday, September 9, 2024
2
Property Information
Property Address for Proposed Work:13546 brick rd
Property City Granger
Property Zip Code 46530
Property Owner Information:Alexander Horvath
Owner Email
Proposed Work and Project Information
All projects must comply with applicable building and zoning codes.
South Bend Zoning Ordinance St. Joseph County Zoning Ordinance
Does your project involve any of the
following? (Check all that apply):Demolition
Contractor Information Myself Construction Management Alexander Horvath
Contractor Phone Number (
Description of Proposed Work:
Same as stated prior
File Upload
Site Plans, Aerial Views, and/or Blueprints: One (1) set shall be submitted with the Application.
Uploaded documentation must show existing property lines, buildings, structures, and proposed project
location(s). Hand Drawn Plans/Elevations are ok
Photographs to include: each area affected by project, close up detail of project areas.
Windows, Siding, and/or Door projects must include photographs of each window/door/siding affected
by the project and detailed close up of condition
Applications will not be processed if the required photographs and/or documentation are not
included.
Any documentation submitted to this office cannot be returned to the applicant.
Project Type - List:Demolition
3
September 9, 2024 MA Rec. 626139 $20.00
Site Plan or Aerial View of Proposed
Project Location(s):
1.89 MB
589.29 KB
4
1.31 MB
Structural Drawings/Architectural
Drawings:
4.4 MB
5
3.73 MB
1.01 MB
6
4.85 MB
Photographs:
161.92 KB
3.86 MB
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I have included all required
photographs and documentation for
my application, as described above. I
understand these items will not be
returned.
I Affirm
Signature of Proper ty Owner:
Payment
Invoice ID # INV-000071
Payment Method Pay in Person
8
Hello,
We had a few additions to the yard we’d like to do.
1.Driveway
We would like to add a roundabout section to our driveway.We’d also like to remove the pine
tree on the curve.The bottom half of the tree has been dead and only the top grows.In place,
we’d add a garden bed with hedges and an urn in the middle.The driveway is currently gravel
so it would just be the gravel addition,no cement/asphalt.
Attached are photos of the areas.
2.Patio
We want to add a concrete patio area to the side of the house.The image drawn below would
be the end product of the area.At the moment,we just wanted to get the concrete laid.The slab
is roughly 15’x47’.Would be used as our main outdoor patio area.Want to include a nice
wrought iron table set and a large outdoor table for gatherings.
3.Brick Shed
I know the previous owners asked this in the past.We’d like to take down the brick shed in the
back of the house.It is not structurally sound and has many weak points around in.I included
pictures of these and show that it is already starting to lean.
If possible,we wanted to reuse this brick for the wall entry in the second image for the patio
area,that way it matches the house.
4.Bigger Garden Beds
I know these aren’t as big of a deal as the other things,but wanted to clarify.Do the garden
beds all have to be approved around the yard?We wanted to enlarge some and add a few more
as we go along.We wanted to keep a simple theme of just white/green plants to match the
house.
The main plants in the beds would be boxwood hedges along the borders and hydrangeas to fill
the inside.
There is currently black mulch in all the beds but we plan to change it to brown.The Organic
Resource Center has free brown mulch by the airport,which we plan to use.
The grass under these front trees is very patchy and doesn’t grow well,which is one of the main
reasons we wanted to change it.
Outlook
Re: File for proposal
From Zander Horvath <
Date Mon 9/9/2024 3:35 PM
To Kate Himick <Khimick@southbendin.gov>
Our driveway now is gravel so it would just be more gravel added. A garden bed would be in the
center.
The beds in front of the house would have boxwood hedges for a border and hydrangeas to fill the
beds. We plan on changing the mulch to brown instead of black, since you can get it for free at the
Organic Resource Center. The grass is very patchy there as well, which is why we wanted to change it.
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 9, 2024, at 2:50 PM, Kate Himick <Khimick@southbendin.gov> wrote:
Hi Zander,
Thank you for this addi onal informa on. Your project is scheduled to be heard at the
October mee ng of the Historic Preserva on Commission, to be held at 6pm on October 21,
2024. More informa on regarding how to a end this mee ng will be forthcoming.
I do have some addi onal ques ons for you regarding the proposals you have submi ed.
What material will the proposed circle drive be?
And do you have any addi onal informa on about the landscaping to be done in front
of the house?
From the annotated picture you a ached, the proposed landscaping looks to be fairly
sizable. Any sketches or proposals you might have from a landscaper would be helpful. Or, if
you have an idea of what you want in your mind, a wri en descrip on will also work
(including details like border materials, if mulch is to be used, what kind of plants you
envision, if the trees will stay, etc.).
Ul mately, the more informa on, the be er, since we want to give the Commissioners
enough material for them to be able to visualize the proposed end result.
Lastly, since part of the applica on involves a demoli on, we will need to come out to do a
site visit and inspect the structure. My colleague and I will be available this Thursday
a ernoon or an a ernoon next Tuesday-Friday, if a day in this range works for you.
Sincerely,
Outlook
Re: File for proposal
From Zander Horvath <
Date Mon 9/9/2024 3:36 PM
To Kate Himick <Khimick@southbendin.gov>
Added:
The trees in the front would stay as well!
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 9, 2024, at 2:50 PM, Kate Himick <Khimick@southbendin.gov> wrote:
Hi Zander,
Thank you for this addi onal informa on. Your project is scheduled to be heard at the
October mee ng of the Historic Preserva on Commission, to be held at 6pm on October 21,
2024. More informa on regarding how to a end this mee ng will be forthcoming.
I do have some addi onal ques ons for you regarding the proposals you have submi ed.
What material will the proposed circle drive be?
And do you have any addi onal informa on about the landscaping to be done in front
of the house?
From the annotated picture you a ached, the proposed landscaping looks to be fairly
sizable. Any sketches or proposals you might have from a landscaper would be helpful. Or, if
you have an idea of what you want in your mind, a wri en descrip on will also work
(including details like border materials, if mulch is to be used, what kind of plants you
envision, if the trees will stay, etc.).
Ul mately, the more informa on, the be er, since we want to give the Commissioners
enough material for them to be able to visualize the proposed end result.
Lastly, since part of the applica on involves a demoli on, we will need to come out to do a
site visit and inspect the structure. My colleague and I will be available this Thursday
a ernoon or an a ernoon next Tuesday-Friday, if a day in this range works for you.
Sincerely,
<Outlook-gneqnnza>Kate Himick
Historic Preserva on Specialist
Department of Community Investment