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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY <br />215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Ph: 574-235-9371 | hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov | www.southbendin.gov/HPC <br />STAFF REPORT <br />CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A <br />CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS <br />Date: April 8, 2026 <br />Application Number: 2026-0316 <br />Property Location: 639 River Avenue <br />Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gabled El / <br />1899? / <br />Property Owner: FJJ Real Estate <br />Landmark or District Designation: Edgewater Place LHD, Ord. <br />#6846-80 <br />Rating: Contributing <br />DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: This is a 2 story irregular plan gabled el house on block foundation <br />with 2/2 double hung wood windows. The roof has gable ends with asphalt shingles. The walls are wood clapboard <br />covered with “insul brick” asbestos siding. There is a single story gable garage addition off the rear (west) of the <br />house. <br />DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: <br />1) Retroactively build a full width porch with shed roof on the front facade. <br />2) Retroactively build a raised stoop on the south facade of the house for an entry door. <br />3) Build a new deck/stoop for entry on the north facade of the house. <br />STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: <br />Porches: Pages 17-18. <br />SITE VISIT REPORT: On March 6, 2026, Administrator Van Overberghe met with the property owner to dis- <br />cuss the plans for the porch. Administrator Van Overberghe pointed out other porches in the neighborhood within <br />view of the property and advised the owner to design their porch in a similar style to maintain the look of the <br />district. The owner submitted drawings of the proposed plan on March 8, 2026. <br />STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The new porch would align with many of the porches in the district. Care <br />should be taken to match materials that are appropriate for the time period. The stoops on the north and south <br />facades of the house do not compromise the integrity of the house. They are non destructive and can be removed <br />with loss of character defining features. Based on all the information available prior to this public hearing, staff <br />make a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION. <br />Prepared by <br />Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator