HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.20.2026 HPC Meeting Minutes
SARAH ANDREWS
PRESIDENT
A CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT
OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
ROSS VAN OVERBERGHE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADMINISTRATOR
EXCELLENCE | ACCOUNTABILITY | INNOVATION | INCLUSION | EMPOWERMENT
1400S County-City Building | 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. | South Bend, Indiana 46601 | p 574.235.9371 | f 574.235.9201 | southbendin.gov
MINUTES
HYBRID MEETING
January 20, 2026 Council Chambers, 3rd Floor
6:00pm City Hall Building, South Bend, IN
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Sarah Andrews - President
Michael Skaggs
Kathryn Hough
Andrew Fowler - Virtual
MEMBERS ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
Kate Himick
Kelly Meehan
John Dorbin
I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:03 pm
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC HEARING
a. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
I. 2025-1230 626 Portage Ave Chapin Park LHD
Ordinance #9575-05 (Audio Position: 01:09)
The staff report was presented by:
Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
Staff Recommendation:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The existing storefront is not original to the
building, though it was with historic sensitivity in mind. Both proposed
designs meet the Standards and Guidelines’ recommendations for
replacing 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 transparency 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 design 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, we issue a blanket approval or denial for both designs. Based on
CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Page | 2 Date of Meeting
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.
The applicant was represented by:
Cassidy and Rich Fowler appeared virtually to speak as/represent the
applicant.
The public was represented by:
There was no one from the public to speak in regards 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 Certificate of Appropriateness Application #2025-1230
Commissioners are required to state their reasons for denial. Roll was
called.
Commissioner Andrews (AYE):
Commissioner Hough (AYE):
Commissioner Skaggs (AYE):
Commissioner Fowler (AYE):
Vote: 4 in favor, 0 opposed
COA#2025-1230 is APPROVED as written with blanket approval for
both options
II. 2026-0106 721 Forest Ave Chapin Park LHD
Ordinance #9575-05 (Audio Position: 01:09)
The staff report was presented by:
Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
Staff Recommendation:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The home at 721 Forest Avenue retains much
of its original integrity, including striking, original windows. These windows
are foundational to the home’s character and architectural value. Overall,
the windows are in good shape, but they need to be maintenanced by a
skilled craftsman. Because restoration is an option and because the
damage is not extensive throughout the home, Staff do not recommend
replacement. Instead, repairs and alterations could be made to increase
safety, comfort, and ease of use. Staff strongly recommends against the
installation of vinyl windows to replace these character-defining windows.
Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff make
an UNFAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION for the replacement of the
windows.
Prepared by Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
The applicant was represented by:
Jeannette and Fred, homeowners, were not present due to illness of Fred
but sent in a letter on their behalf
The public was represented by:
There was no one from the public to speak in regards to this application.
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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
DENIES Certificate of Appropriateness Application #2026-0106
Commissioners are required to state their reasons for denial. Roll was
called.
Commissioner Andrews (AYE): It is outside standard rules
and guidelines
Commissioner Hough (AYE): It is against guidelines and per
William Wallace windows are repairable
Commissioner Skaggs (AYE): It is against standard
guidelines
Commissioner Fowler (AYE): It is against guidelines and per
William Wallace windows are repairable
Vote: 4 in favor, 0 opposed
COA#2026-0106 is DENIED as written with blanket approval for both
options
I. REGULAR BUSINESS
a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
i. December 15, 2025 minutes (Audio Position:19:13)
Upon a motion by Michael Skaggs seconded by Andrew Fowler, and
UNANIMOUSLY carried by vote, the minutes from the 12/15/26 Historic
Preservation Commission are approved.
b. STAFF REPORTS
i. Administrative Approvals
After due consideration, no action was taken.
ii. Enforcement
c. COMMITTEE REPORTS
i. No committees have met since the previous meeting.
II. OLD BUSINESS
III. NEW BUSINESS
IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
a. Year End Report (Audio Position: 19:32)
b. February Meeting Cancellation
V. ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Michael Skaggs, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
CITY OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY | HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Page | 4 Date of Meeting
Michael Skaggs Date
Secretary of Historic Preservation Commission
Previous Meeting Recordings: https://tinyurl.com/HPCrecordings
Commission Member Appointing Agency Positions Term Expiration
Sarah Andrews St. Joseph County Commissioners President 12/31/2026
Kathryn Hough St. Joseph County Commissioners Vice President 11/19/2028
Michael Skaggs St. Joseph County Council Secretary 02/28/2026
Andrew Fowler Mayoral Appointee 12/31/2028