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Home My WebLink About12.15.2025 HPC Meeting MinutesCITY Off' SOLTri'H BLN1� AND ST. JOSLPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MANINJIM HYBRID MEETING December 15, 2025 6:00pm MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT Sarah Andrews — President Andrew Jones Kathryn Hough — Vice President Michael Skaggs — Secretary Peter DeKever Andrew Fowler I. CALL TO ORDER — 6:05 pm II. ROLL CALL III. PUBLIC HEARING a. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS b. NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATIONS Council Chambers, 3rd Floor City Hall, South Bend, IN ALSO PRESENT: Ross Van Overberghe Kate Himick John Dorbin Kelly Meehan Harter Heights National Register Historic District (Audio Position: 00:01:42) The staff report, which is publicly available on the City of South Bend's online document portal with supporting documentation, was presented and read into record by Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator. Evaluation of the Nomination: Staff have reviewed the nomination and associated materials as provided by Kurt West Garner. The application for the Harter Heights Historic District in South Bend, Indiana, is applicable for Criteria A and C. Criteria A is met for association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Criteria C is met for embodying the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possessing high artistic values, or representing a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. The Harter Heights Historic District in South Bend, Indiana, represents a rich tapestry of American residential architecture from 1904 to 1960. Under criterion C/architecture, the district is notable for homes showcasing styles that evolved over five decades, with Colonial Revival being the most dominant. Other significant styles include American Foursquare, Craftsman/Bungalow, and Prairie Style, alongside romantic revivals such as Tudor, Renaissance Revival, French Eclectic, and English Cottage. Later SARAH ANDREWS A CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT Ross VAN oVERBERGHE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADMINISTRATOR EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9371 hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov southbendin.gov CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION additions introduced modern forms like Ranch, American Small House, Art Moderne, and Usonian-inspired designs. This diversity reflects changing architectural trends and suburban ideals during the early and mid-20th century. The district is also notable under criterion A/community planning and development as the district's development was shaped by its strategic location between downtown South Bend and the University of Notre Dame, offering suburban amenities with easy city access. Planned features such as wide boulevards, sidewalks, tree lawns, and ornamental lighting underscored its appeal to upper- and middle-class families. Many homes were designed by prominent architects, including W.W. Schneider, Austin & Shambleau, and Callix E. Miller, ensuring high -quality craftsmanship. Despite later infill and modernization, Harter Heights retains exceptional historic integrity, making it a significant example of suburban growth and architectural evolution in the Midwest. The district also qualifies under the multiple properties documentation form: Historic Residential Suburbs in the U.S., 1830-1960. The Harter Heights Historic District is largely composed by the Harter Heights Addition recorded in 1916 with residential lots marketed for suburban living between the center part of the city and the campus of Notre Dame University. Therefore, the district qualifies under the sub -type of the MPDF: Early Automobile Suburbs: 1908 to 1945. Staff finds the application makes a good case for nomination through its research and documentation along with supporting materials. Staff Comments: Staff have evaluated the submitted nomination according to procedures, policies, standards, and criteria established by the National Park Service and the Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology pursuant to Certified Local Government and applicable federal regulations. The contextual development, format, supplementary documentation, and information presented are considered accurate and appropriately executed. Staff have also determined that the Harter Heights Historic District meets the applicable criteria as defined in this review and considers the area, as delineated by the justified boundaries, to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Public officials and interested parties have been notified by letter of the pending nomination. All have been given the opportunity to provide the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County with written comments or objections. To date, no submissions have been presented. Staff Recommendation: It is recommended that the Historic Preservation Commission concur with staff that the district meets the criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C. Staff requests that the Commission direct staff to submit the appropriate report of the public hearing, including public comments, to Mayor James Mueller for his concurrence, in compliance with Indiana's Certified Local Government regulations. The Certified Local Government Report on the Nomination of the Harter Heights Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places will then be forwarded to the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology for further review, followed by consideration of the nomination by the Indiana Historic Preservation Review Board. Page 12 November 17, 2025 CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION The nomination was represented by: Kurt Garner West, 12954 61h Rd, Plymouth, IN 46563, appeared in person to speak as the author of the nomination. The public was represented by: There was no one from the public to speak in regard to this application. After due consideration the following action was taken: Upon a motion by Peter DeKever, seconded by Kathryn Hough, and UNANIMOUSLY carried by vote, the Historic Preservation Commission APPROVES the recommendation of the Harter Heights National Register Historic District Nomination. Roll was called. Commissioner Fowler: AYE Commissioner Hough: AYE Commissioner Skaggs: AYE Commissioner DeKever: AYE Commissioner Andrews: AYE Vote: 5-0. Five in favor, none opposed. Harter Heights National Register Historic District Nomination is APPROVED for recommendation. Woodward -Riverside Drive National Register Historic District (Audio Position. 00:18:00) The staff report, which is publicly available on the City of South Bend's online document portal with supporting documentation, was presented and read into record by Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator. Evaluation of the Nomination: Staff have reviewed the nomination and associated materials as provided by Kurt West Garner. The application for the Woodward - Riverside Historic District in South Bend, Indiana, is applicable for Criteria A and C. Criteria A is met for association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Criteria C is met for embodying the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possessing high artistic values, or representing a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. The Woodward -Riverside Historic District in South Bend, Indiana, is a significant example of early 20th-century suburban development along the St. Joseph River. Composed primarily of homes built between 1902 and 1926, the district qualifies under criterion C/architecture, showcasing a variety of architectural styles, with the American Foursquare being the most prevalent, accounting for nearly 40% of the homes. These two-story, hipped - roof houses often incorporate elements of Colonial Revival, Prairie Style, or Craftsman design. Other notable styles include Queen Anne, which represents about 20% of the homes, as well as Craftsman -Bungalow, Prairie, Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial, and Tudor Revival, reflecting evolving architectural trends during this period. The district is also notable under criterion Page 13 November 17, 2025 CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION A/community planning and development as the district's development was closely tied to the platting of Shetterly's Third Addition in 1891 and the Portage Park subdivision in 1902. These plans emphasized scenic qualities, with Riverside Drive designed to overlook the river and include green spaces such as Shetterly Park. The area benefited from proximity to downtown, streetcar access, and restrictions that maintained its middle- and upper -middle-class character. Prominent local architects, including W.W. Schneider, Ernest W. Young, and N. Roy Schambleau, designed several homes, contributing to the district's architectural diversity and prestige. Additionally, community planning efforts integrated the district into South Bend's broader park and boulevard system, championed by landscape architect George E. Kessler in 1912. Parks like Shetterly and Brownfield (formerly Angela Park) provided recreational amenities and enhanced the neighborhood's appeal. The district also qualifies under the multiple properties documentation form: Historic Residential Suburbs in the U.S., 1830-1960. The Woodward -Riverside Historic District's main plat, Portage Park Subdivision, was recorded in 1902 with residential lots marketed for suburban living outside of South Bend's more urban core of the i 9th century. Therefore, the district qualifies under the sub -type of the MPDF: Early Automobile Suburbs: 1908 to 1945. Staff finds the application makes a good case for nomination through its research and documentation along with supporting materials Staff Comments: Staff have evaluated the submitted nomination according to procedures, policies, standards, and criteria established by the National Park Service and the Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology pursuant to Certified Local Government and applicable federal regulations. The contextual development, format, supplementary documentation, and information presented are considered accurate and appropriately executed. Staff have also determined that the Woodward -Riverside Historic District meets the applicable criteria as defined in this review and considers the area, as delineated by the justified boundaries, to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Public officials and interested parties have been notified by letter of the pending nomination. All have been given the opportunity to provide the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County with written comments or objections. To date, no submissions have been presented. Staff Recommendation: It is recommended that the Historic Preservation Commission concur with staff that the district meets the criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C. Staff requests that the Commission direct staff to submit the appropriate report of the public hearing, including public comments, to Mayor James Mueller for his concurrence, in compliance with Indiana's Certified Local Government regulations. The Certified Local Government Report on the Nomination of the Woodward -Riverside Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places will then be forwarded to the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology for further review, followed by consideration of the nomination by the Indiana Historic Preservation Review Board. Page 14 November 17, 2025 CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION The nomination was represented by: Kurt Garner West, 12954 61" Rd, Plymouth, IN 46563, appeared in person to speak as the author of the nomination. The public was represented by: There was no one from the public to speak in regard to this application. After due consideration the following action was taken: Upon a motion by Michael Skaggs, seconded by Kathryn Hough, and UNANIMOUSLY carried by vote, the Historic Preservation Commission APPROVES the recommendation of the Harter Heights National Register Historic District Nomination. Roll was called. Commissioner Fowler: AYE Commissioner Hough: AYE Commissioner Skaggs: AYE Commissioner DeKever: AYE Commissioner Andrews: AYE Vote: 5-0. Five in favor, none opposed. Woodward -Riverside Drive National Register Historic District Nomination is APPROVED for recommendation. IV. REGULAR BUSINESS V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES i. November 17, 2025 (Audio Position: 00:26:23) Upon a motion by Michael Skaggs, seconded by Peter DeKever, and carried by vote, the Minutes for the September and October Meetings were APPROVED. b. STAFF REPORTS i. Administrative Approvals ii. Enforcement C. COMMITTEE REPORTS OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS a. 2026 Meeting Dates and Deadlines b. Al Policy c. 2025 Top 10 Most Endangered Update (Audio Position: 00:26:57) Page 15 November 17, 2025 CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION IX. ADJOURNMENT (Audio Position: 00:58:40) Upon a motion by Michael Skaggs, and seconded by Peter DeKever the meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. Michael 8ka6gs Date Secretary Page 16 November 17, 2025