HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. 817 Forest Avenue_COA 2026-0202 PACKETHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Ph: 574-235-9371 | hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov | www.southbendin.gov/HPC
STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: February 27, 2 026
Application Number: 2026-0202
Property L ocation: 817 Forest Avenue
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Cross Gable /
1892 /
Property Owner: David and Teresa Spesia
Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park LHD, Ord.
#9575-05; Chapin Park Register Historic District NR-0407
Rating: Significant
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: This building is a two-story, cross plan home on a brick foundation
with a central brick chimney. It is sided with wood clapboard with fishscale and diamond shingles in the gables.
The roof is of asphalt shingle, with a wide frieze and moulded cornice and rake in gables. There is one corner porch
on the south side of the central gable.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to:
1) Replace the current garage entrance(person) door
2) Install sliding door in place of the current boarded door and window-facing the patio (garage)
3) Remove the two car garage door. Make the left side a single stall garage with a new door.
4) Add a window to the right side of the garage- updated to be enclosed with matching wood siding
5) Replace the two current windows in the gable which are inoperable. (garage)
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES:
Doors: Pages 10-11; Windows: Pages 29-32.
SITE VISIT REPORT: On March 2, 2026 Administrator Van Overberghe visited the project site. He observed
the condition of the garage and the existing doors and windows. The areas of the project are not readily visible
from the street and the condition of the windows is poor. One window and one door opening have been boarded.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The The garage is located off the alley at the rear of the property and is not
readily visible from the street. The current windows and person door and over head door are all modern replace-
ments. The proposed modifications to the garage will not significantly impact the historic integrity of the house or
property. Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff make a FAVORABLE RECOM -
MENDATION.
Prepared by
Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Ph: 574-235-9371 | hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov | www.southbendin.gov/HPC
MAP OF THE AREA — Google Maps view of the subject area.
SATELLITE IMAGERY — Imagery from 2025
2.11.26
Re: 817 Forest Ave garage
We are thrilled to live in the beautiful Near Northwest Neighborhood, especially as a
part of the historic district. We are applying to update our current garage space and
seek your advice on best options.
Photos (#1-4) of the garage (p. 2)
Photo (#5) of the back of the house facing the garage (p. 2)
Project
Replace the current entrance door (p. 3)
Insulate and drywall the interior of the garage. One side for a one-car garage and
one side (patio side) for a gathering space that could open onto the patio. (p. 3)
Install the current boarded door and window- facing the patio- with a sliding
door (p. 4)
Remove the two car garage door. Make the left side a single stall garage with a
new door. (p. 5)
Windows:
A. Add a window to the right side of the garage- updated to be enclosed with
matching wood siding (p. 5)
B. Replace the two current windows in the gable which are inoperable. (p. 6)
C. Keep current lower window (with grids) on side facing the house (p. 7)
Respectfully submitted,
David and Tracy Spesia
817 Forest Ave
Contractor: Mike Bickel
1
Photos of the garage
Photo 1- close up view from the alley Photo 2 - view from the alley
Photo 3- view facing the patio. The alley is
to the left and the house is to the right.
Photo 4- view facing the house
Photo (#5) of the back of the house facing the garage
2
Project
1. Replace the current entrance door
Current door Interior view of back door
to the house
Options
2. Insulate and drywall the interior of the garage. One side for a one-car garage
and one side (patio side) for a gathering space that could open onto the patio.
3
3. Install the current boarded door and window- facing the patio- with a sliding
door
Current garage Back of house Patio space
(for reference)
Options
Sliding door to match back of house Sliding door to match window on side of garage facing
house
4
4. Remove the two car garage door. Make the left side a single stall garage with a
new door.
Current
Project Options
5. Windows:
A. Add a window to the right side of the garage- updated to be enclosed with
matching wood siding
B. Replace the two current windows in the gable which are inoperable.
C. Keep current lower window (with grids) on side facing the house
A. Add a window to the right side of the garage- updated to be enclosed with matching
wood siding
5
Current Project: 35-1/2-in x 23-1/2
B. Replace the two current windows in the gable which are inoperable.
Current Project: 59-1/2-in x 35-1/2-in
Alley side of garage
Back of house-facing side of garage
Further Comparison: Back of house facing the garage
6
C. Keep current lower window (with grids) on side facing the house
We appreciate any advice you could give to help us in the process of updating this
garage space to improve the property and respect the history of our beautiful home.
7