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Home My WebLink About1. 626 Portage Avenue_COA 2025-1230 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: January 6, 2025 Application Number: 2025-1230 Property Location: 626 Portage Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: One story commercial/1927 Property Owner: Cassidy and Rich Fowler - Fowler LLC Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park LHD, Ord. #9575-05; Chapin Park Register Historic District NR-0407 Rating: Non-Contributing (2005) DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: The building is a small, one-story, early-20th-century commercial structure with flat roof and a stepped parapet with coping at the front elevation. The foundation is of concrete, ex- terior walls are brick, with horizontal fiber cement siding partially siding the front elevation. Below the parapet is a horizontal band of faux-prismatic glass above a projecting storefront canopy that spans the width of the storefront. Under the canopy, there are three 46”W x 76”H windows railed with 3/4ths height metal bars and a 36’ W glass door to the left. The building retains historic massing and storefront proportions. The existing facade was approved by the Commission in 2013 (2013-0422B), after the then owners consulted with then employee Steve Szaday on a design appropriate for the building and district. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: Alter the existing, 2013 facade in one of two designs. Final design depends on structural suitability, to be determined. Design 1. Install a centred, wider entrance door (42”W versus the current 36”W); install two 16”W x 84”H win- dows to the side of the proposed door; and install a pair of 24”Wx60”H windows to either side of the entrance. Install new siding where needed, in same fiber cement material as existing. Replace the existing five outdoor lights with updated, zoning compliant down-facing dark sky lights. Windows manufactured by Andersen in Fibrex mate- rial. Design 2. Same as above, with the only change being the recessing of the front, central door with 16”W x 60”H windows on either side. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Commercial Standards, Storefronts: Pages 57-58. SITE VISIT REPORT: On November 3, 2025, Administrator Ross Van Overberghe and Specialist Kate Himick met with the property owners on site. The property owners had been made aware of the Historic District designa- tion through the late-stage proceedings of the Vibrant Places facade grant process. Staff discussed the requirements for commercial properties in a Local Historic District and proposed design ideas that would conform to the local Standards and Guidelines and the National Park Service’s Preservation Brief on historic storefronts. The property owners stated that they would like to have greater safety and usability of the interior space. Property owners also stated that the windows occasionally appear foggy, despite keeping them clean. This is possibly due to a seal failure in the double-paned windows that were installed in 2013. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The existing storefront is not original to the building, though it was with his- toric sensitivity in mind. Both proposed designs meet the Standards and Guidelines’ recommendations for replac- ing an existing non-historic storefront, which recommend the use of traditional design elements and a high degree of transparency (p. 58). The National Park Service’s Preservation Brief on historic storefronts further advises that replacement storefronts should respect historic scale and proportion, maintain the traditional storefront design framework, and maximize transparency (p. 8). While the proposed designs may result in a slight reduction in trans- parency compared to the existing storefront, Staff have worked with the property owners to develop an appropriate and sympathetic solution that best balances the requirements of the building’s historic designation and current use. Furthermore, the differences between Design 1 and Design 2 do not meaningfully affect either design’s adherence to the Standards and Guidelines or to national preservation guidance; rather, the distinction falls within the realm of design preference. As such, the Commission should refrain from “designing the project” for the applicant by approving only one design of the two. Instead issue a blanket approval or denial for both designs. Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff make a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION for both designs, with the final design to be chosen by the owner and communicated to Staff in the event of Commission approval. 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 2026. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov PHOTOGRAPHS — Existing facade 2026. DRAWINGS — Proposed facade Design 1 (to scale). HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov PHOTOGRAPHS — Existing facade 2026. DRAWINGS — Proposed facade Design 2 (to scale). HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov DRAWINGS — Proposed facade Design 1 (not to scale). DRAWINGS — Proposed facade Design 2 (not to scale).42” GLASS DOOR16” x 60” WINDOW16” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW--- 24’ w --- --- 8’ h ---16” angled indent *if structurally approved & cost allows42” GLASS DOOR16” x 84” WINDOW16” x 84” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW--- 24’ w --- --- 8’ h ---Flat front as it is currently *no indentation Tuesday, December 30, 2025 Application for Certificate 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. 1 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 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 Tuesday, December 30, 2025 2 Property Information Property Address for Proposed Work:626 Portage Ave Property City South Bend Property Zip Code 46616 Property Owner Information:Cassidy & Rich Fowler - Fowler, LLC - business name is Eco Owl Press Owner Email Owner Address 738 S. 24th St. South Bend, IN 46615 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):Windows, Siding, Doors Contractor Information Precision Construction Commercial & Home construction Luis Castro Contractor Phone Number (574) 930-6315 Contractor Email precisionhomeconstructionllc@gmail.com Description of Proposed Work: Center front entrance door (currently off-set to South side of front) Wider entry commercial door (42"w vs current 36"w) New efficient windows on both sides of centered door New siding (same cement siding material as is currently on facade) Updated outdoor lighting (replacing current 5 lights with updated down-facing dark sky lights) **I have uploaded two different front designs. One where the door is indented with 16"wx60"h windows either side. But this design will depend on structural load and cost; currently uncertain. The 2nd design matches the current flat front style, using 16"w x 84"h windows either side of door. ** 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 3 PayPal $20.00 12/30/2025 Transaction ID 00L24666GL925131D 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:Windows, Siding, Doors Elevations (Existing and Proposed New): PDF Storefront Indented door example A_4….pdf Quote/Evaluation(s) by Repair Professional (Optional): PDF Storefront FLAT door example A_4….pdf Photographs: 195.65 KB Payment Invoice ID # INV-000215 Payment Method Pay via Card or PayPal 4 42” GLASS DOOR16” x 84” WINDOW16” x 84” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW--- 24’ w --- --- 8’ h ---Flat front as it is currently *no indentation 42” GLASS DOOR16” x 60” WINDOW16” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW24” x 60” WINDOW--- 24’ w --- --- 8’ h ---16” angled indent *if structurally approved & cost allows The Home Depot Special Order Quote H2033-198774Customer Agreement #: All prices are subject to change. Customer is responsible for verifying product selections. The Home Depot will not accept returns for the below products. Printed Date: 10/27/2025 Address: Phone: Email: LUIS CASTRO 53983 LAWNDALE SOUTH BEND, IN 46628 PRECISIONHOMECONSTRU CTIONLLC@GMAIL.COM 574-930-6315 Customer: RICHARD Store: Associate: Phone:1574-273-8601 317 INDIAN RIDGE BLVD MISHAWAKA, IN 46545 Address: MISHAWAKA - 2033 - 2033 Pre-Savings Total: Total Savings: Pre-Tax Price: $2,353.48 ($0.00) $2,353.48 RO Size = 24" x 60" Unit Size = 23 1/2" x 59 1/2" Catalog Version 283 Line Number Item Summary Was Price Now Price Quantity Total Savings Total PriceRoom Location 100-1 100 Series Picture/Transom-PWTR, Fixed, 23.5 x 59.5, Black / Frame: White 4$588.37 $588.37 $0.00 $2,353.48 Unit 100 Total:$588.37 $588.37 $0.00 $2,353.48 Begin Line 100 Description End Line 100 Description 100 Series Picture/Transom-PWTR Overall Rough Opening = 24" x 60" Overall Unit = 23 1/2" x 59 1/2" Installation Zip Code = 46545 U.S. ENERGY STAR® Climate Zone = Northern Enhanced Performance = No Search by Unit Code = No Standard Width = 100REC20XX - RO: 24" | UNIT: 23 1/2" Standard Height = XX50 - RO: 60" | UNIT: 59 1/2" Frame Width = 23 1/2 Frame Height = 59 1/2 Unit Code = 100REC2050 Frame Option = 1 3/8" Setback Venting / Handing = Fixed Exterior Frame Color = Black Interior Frame Finish Color = White Glass Construction Type = Dual Pane Glass Option = Low-E Sun High Altitude Breather Tubes = No Glass Strength = Tempered Glass Tint = No Tint Specialty Glass = None Gas Fill = Argon Glass / Grille Spacer Color = Stainless None Installation Material Options = No Re-Order Item = No Room Location = Unit U-Factor = 0.28 Unit Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) = 0.2 Unit CPD Number = AND-N-82-11848-00001 U.S. ENERGY STAR® Certified = No SKU = 1008729625 Vendor Name = S/O ANDERSEN LOGISTICS Vendor Number = 60509030 Customer Service = (888) 888-7020 Catalog Version Date = 07/01/2025 SKU Description = S/O 100S PICTURE WINDOW ---- Line 100-1 ---- Date Printed: 10/27/2025Page 1 of 1 cOMAMEROAL DOOR &FRAAKE CDFDistributors CDF Distributors TN 254 W Eastland Ave. Gallatin,TN 37066 Packing Slip Order #Date SQB-09477261-1 10/13/2025 Ship To: Victora Taylor 254 W Eastland ave Gallatin,TN 37066 UNITED STATES Bill To: Victora Taylor 53983 Lawndale Street Southbend,IN 46628 UNITED STATES skid Count Date Scheduled FOB Point Shipping Terms 1 10/13/2025 Origin Prepaid &Billed skid Info skid #Weight Lx WxH 1 99.0 lbs 0 x0 x0 Total Weight:99.0 lbs Line Part #Description 1 CUSTOMER PICK-CUSTOMER PICK LOCATION: UP 2 NOTE NOTE -KEYED ON BOTH SIDES>CONFIRMED BY ALDORA 3 NOTE NOTE CUSTOM QUOTE ALDORA 2504360 Custom Glass quote 32710 4 Door Package 1 Door Package #1 RO 46"by 86",Single Storefront Door andFrame SFDSOB13670 PB-Special Order Storefront door:Bronze Finish with 1"Insulated Glass,3'6"X 7'0",Push/Pull Hardware with 1pt Locking Mechanism,Butt Hinge,10" Bottom Rail,Left Hand Outswing Dark Bronze 3'6"x7"0"LH outswing-Push pull with deadbolt-Butt hinges-1"insulated glass. 6 SFFSOB3670PB-4-Special Order Storefront Frame:Bronze Finish, 3'6"X 7'0"Door Frame,Push/Pull Hardware,Butt Hinge,Left Hand Open 7 SFGLSO-4-100 Special Order Storefront Glass:1"Insulated Glass 37X70 37"x70" SFH-CLOSER-BR Door Closer,Grade 2,(2-5),Bronze -Hardware 9 SFH-DROP PLATE DROP PLATE FOR STOREFRONT CLOSER BRONZE BR 12 CDF-CRATE Pallet and Packaging Fee (REQUIRED-Reduces CHARGE Shipping Damage) Carrier Will Call Qty Ordered 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea Ship Service Qty Shipped 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea 1 ea Order Num QB-09477261 -1 Tracking # skid Count:1 Qty Remaining 0 ea 0 ea 0 ea 0 ea 0 ea 0 ea 0 ea 0 ea 0 ea 0 ea October 13,2025 11:24:13 AM CDT Page 1 of 1