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Home My WebLink About310 West Monroe_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 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION Date: May 21, 2026 Property Location: 310 West Monroe Street Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gothic Revival / 1917 Property Owner: Legal Description: Lot 67 Martins W End & S 1/2 VAC Monroe St N & adj 20/21 VAC ORD #10508-17 04/20/170 Rating: Notable EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Olivet AME/Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church property meets the criteria for landmark designation in at least four areas. 1) Its character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or culture of the City of South Bend or St. Joseph County, the State of Indiana, or the United States: 2) Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represents an archi- tectural characteristic or innovation; 3) Its educational value; 4) Its suitability for preservation; The property fulfills criteria #1 as the location of the first religious institution established in South Bend by a congregation of African-American descent. The extant structure was constructed by that same congregation at this same site at a later date which has since accrued historical merit. The property fulfills criteria #2 as an example of the design, plan, detail, and materials of the early twentieth cen- tury church construction. The structure was rated as Significant (11) in the latest summary report of the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory (1993) which described it as being unaltered and in good condition. The property fulfills criteria #3 as a publicly accessible surviving structure from the first African-American church congregation organized in South Bend and associated with numerous persons of stature in the African-American community of South Bend. The property fulfills criteria #4 by its unaltered condition, integrity, and continued use. The Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the City of South Bend in 1870 under the di- rection of Reverend John Bundy and nine charter members. The Organization became a legal entity by Articles of Association dated March 16, 1871 under the name of “Olivet Chapel Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of South Bend”. Said articles of association were signed by James Hurst, Pharoah (A.K.A. Pharoh and Farrow) Powell, J. H. Jackson, Catherine Wilson and Alice Fowler [2]. The Church placed great emphasis on the religious and social improvement of local residents of African descent. For many years, it was the only center of the social, religious, and political life of the city’s African-American community. This congregation is found to be vari- ously referred to as Olivet, Mount Olive [3] and simply Olivet A.M.E. [4] in the historical sources. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov Among the other early charter members of the Olivet A.M.E. Church were Mrs. Pharoah Powell, Mrs. James Jack- son, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Birdgeman, Mr. J. B. Lott, and Mr. John Powell. The first trustees, Pharoah Powell, James Jackson, and Jaynes Hurst purchased this site in 1871. Shortly thereafter, the first church was erected on this site in the late 1870’s under the direction of Rev. Bundy. This structure was remodeled under the leadership of Rev. George W. Benson. Late in 1915 plans were made for a new church during the administration of Reverend C. Emery Allen. Construction work on the present structure was completed in 1917. On February 4, 1917 the new church was dedicated during the Michigan Annua1 Conference, by Right Reverend C. S. Smith, Presiding Bishop. The pipe organ was unveiled October 23, 1917 under the pastorate of Rev. A. T. Read- ing.[5] In 1969, the Olivet A.M.E. Church purchased the former Lowell Heights Methodist Church at 719 N. Notre Dame Avenue. They sold this building to James and Bonnie Baxter at that time. The Baxters converted the Church into a center for dance instruction and performance. The building was restored to a place of worship in the latter part of 1981 when the Southhold Dancecenter inc. sold it to the Greater Tabernacle Christian Church. In April of 1986. South Bend’s Department of Redevelopment purchased the structure as part of the land acquisitions related to the development of Coveleski Stadium. The Reverend Robert H. Derrickson leased the structure for eight years as the sanctary of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. In 1994, Zion Hill purchased the structure. Reverend Derrickson served as pastor for nineteen years until his passing in 2005. Zion Hill continued to hold services and care for the structure. In 2017, in a sign of the warm relationship between Olivet, the oldest African American congregation, and Zion Hill as the caretakers of the for- mer Olivet sanctuary, Zion Hill hosted a 100th anniversary celebration for the building. Olivet’s pastor, the Rever- end Rick Jackson, spoke at the celebration.[6] NOTES 2. Olivet A.M.E. Church: Program - 100th Anniversary Banquet 3. Howard, Timothy Edward; A History of Saint Joseph County, Indina; pg. 413 4. Sanborn Map Compa- ny; Saint Joseph County, Indiana, 1917; pg. 47 5. Olivet A.M.E. Church; Program - 100th Anniversary Banquet 6. . “Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church,” South Bend Civil Rights History Encyclopedia (to be published), Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center, 2026. The section on Historic Development relies partially on the information gathered for the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Survey, this document credits the following sources: Deed Book (St. Joseph County) pg. 189; So. Bend Tribune - Dec. 1, 1985, pg. c3; Assessment Card (St. Joseph County) 1979: So. Bend Tribune - Dec. 21, 1971. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: The structure is constructed in a very functional rendition of the Gothic Revival style including a high pitched roof (approximately 12/12 pitch), stained glass windows with pointed arches, water table, a crenelated tower at the northwest front corner and a circular window located in the pediment of the front facade. The construction is of stretcher bond wire cut brick with cut and dressed stone articulating such elements as the water table string course, window sills, the surround of the circular window, the keystone over the main entry door, and the parapet coping over the entry and at the crenelations of the tower. In plan the structure is composed of a main rectangular body with high pitched vaulted ceiling which shelters the sanctuary of the church and a large room directly below the sanctuary in the basement. Additional one story exten- sions enclose a narthex entry at the front with a quarter-hip roof; choir storage at the southeast corner, and office space at the southwest corner with shed extensions from the upper roof. Vertical accessibility is accommodated by stairway in the tower. The main floor is raised significantly from ground level and articulated by a stone string course often referred to as the water table. Entry is accomplished by concrete steps with metal railings located at the center of the front facade which approach a double set of doors which together have a Tudor arched head. Second- ary entry and egress is provided by a door located at the office appendage. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Olivet AME/Zion Hill Baptist Church possesses high educational value as a single, intact site through which multiple themes central to South Bend and St. Joseph County history can be interpreted. The property illustrates the location of the first religious institution established in South Bend by a congregation of African-American descent. The extant structure was constructed by that same congregation at this same site at a later date which has since accrued historical merit. The building is an example of the design, plan, detail, and materials of the early twentieth century church construction. The structure was rated as Significant/ Notable (11) in the latest summary report of the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory (2005) which described it as being unaltered and in good condition. The site is a publicly accessible surviving structure from the first African-American church congregation organized in South Bend and associated with numerous persons of stature in the African-American community of South Bend and is suitable for preservation for its unaltered condi- tion, integrity and continued use. Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff make a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION for sending this petition to the Common Council of South Bend with a Favorable Recommendation for designation as a Local Historic Landmark. Prepared by Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator 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 — 310 West Monroe Street. SATELLITE IMAGERY — Imagery from 2025. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov IMAGERY — East facade. IMAGERY — Window Detail HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov IMAGERY — Front (North) facade. IMAGERY — Window Detail HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov IMAGERY — Sanctuary IMAGERY — Stained Glass Windows HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov IMAGERY — Window detail IMAGERY — Window Detail HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov IMAGERY — Door details IMAGERY — Ceiling Detail City of South Bend and St. JoSeph County HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Sarah Andrews President A Certified Local Government of the National Park Service www.southbendin.gov/hpc Ross Van Overberghe Historic Preservation Administrator 215 S Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 400 | Phone: 574-235-9371 | Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov Application to Establish a Local Historic Landmark LANDMARKING OVERVIEW To preserve the architectural history of South Bend and St. Joseph County, the City and County maintain designated His- toric Preservation staff and a Historic Preservation Commission that was established by Ordinance in 1973. Local Historic Landmarks are officially designated through an ordinance passed by the Common Council or the County Council. Before such an ordinance is introduced, the Historic Preservation holds a public hearing to meet public input requirements, gather community feedback, and provide a favorable or unfavorable recommendation to the Common Council or County Council. In making its recommendations, the Commission considers a property’s historical and cultural significance, educational value, and suitability for preservation. TIMELINE Applicants who wish to landmark their historic property should allow Historic Preservation staff a reasonably sufficient amount of time to complete their due diligence in researching the building or structure. The application for landmark status will then be added to the agenda of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission, after which, the application will be sent to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Common Council or County Council. LANDMARK BOUNDARIES Applicants wishing to landmark their property must provide legal boundaries for the proposed Local Historic Landmark. To fulfill this requirement, applicants may use the existing parcel description, but if they wish to specify a differing or more spe- cific legal boundary, it is the applicants’ responsibility to employ a Professional Land Surveyor. Applicants will be required to submit their desired legal description prior to the landmark application being heard by the Historic Preservation Commission. ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: The following are taken into consideration when considering Local Landmark status: • The building, structure, or site’s historical and cultural significance to South Bend or St. Joseph County • The building, structure, or site’s educational value to the residents of South Bend and St. Joseph County • The building, structure, or site’s suitability for preservation Application to Establish a Local Historic Landmark Property Address for Proposed Landmark Street Number Street Name City Zip Code Parcel ID (Office use only) Primary Property Owner(s) Name Phone # Primary E-mail Address (if different than above) Owner Consent Do you own the landmark or have 50% of the owners of the subject property consented? Yes.No. Legal Description Have you obtained a legal description/survey depicting the legal boundaries of the proposed landmark? Yes.No. Landmark Information Please describe the proposed landmark’s (1) historical and/or cultural significance, (2)educational value, and/or (3) suitability for preservation. Additional space on next page. Application to Establish a Local Historic Landmark Landmark Information Continued Please describe the proposed landmark’s (1) historical and/or cultural significance, (2) educatoinal value, and/or (3) suitability for preservation. Signature By signing this application, I certify that the information provided in this application is current and true and that I am the owner of property listed in this application. Signature of Property Owner Date 71-08-12-304-001.000-026 Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Chu 310 MONROE 686, Exempt, Church, Chapel, Mosque, 18604 C132 /712 1/2 General Information Parcel Number 71-08-12-304-001.000-026 Local Parcel Number 018-3015-0544 Tax ID: Routing Number 8-12E Property Class 686 Exempt, Church, Chapel, Mosque, Year: 2025 Location Information County St. Joseph Township PORTAGE TOWNSHIP District 026 (Local 018) SOUTH BEND (PORTAGE) School Corp 7205 SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY Neighborhood 7126450-026 18604 C132 Section/Plat Location Address (1) 310 MONROE SOUTH BEND, IN 46628 Zoning Subdivision Lot Market Model 7126450-026 - Exempt/Utility Characteristics Topography Flood Hazard Level Public Utilities ERA All Streets or Roads TIF Paved, Sidewalk Neighborhood Life Cycle Stage Static Printed Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Review Group 2017 Ownership Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church Inc 310 Monroe St South Bend, IN 46601-2212 Legal Lot 67 Martins W End & S 1/2 VAC Monroe St N & adj 20/21 VAC ORD #10508-17 04/20/17 Transfer of Ownership Date Owner Doc ID Code Book/Page Adj Sale Price V/I 02/11/1998 Zion Hill Missionary Ba 0 WD 0/0 I 04/10/1986 CITY OF SOUTH BEN 0 WD 0/0 I Notes Valuation Records Exempt Assessment Year Reason For Change As Of Date Valuation Method Equalization Factor Notice Required Land Land Res (1) Land Non Res (2) Land Non Res (3) Improvement Imp Res (1) Imp Non Res (2) Imp Non Res (3) Total Total Res (1) Total Non Res (2) Total Non Res (3) 2025 AA 01/01/2025 Indiana Cost Mod 1.0000 $5,400 $0 $0 $5,400 $90,900 $0 $0 $90,900 $96,300 $0 $0 $96,300 2024 AA 01/01/2024 Indiana Cost Mod 1.0000 $5,400 $0 $0 $5,400 $72,600 $0 $0 $72,600 $78,000 $0 $0 $78,000 2023 GenReval 01/01/2023 Indiana Cost Mod 1.0000 $5,600 $0 $0 $5,600 $72,600 $0 $0 $72,600 $78,200 $0 $0 $78,200 2022 GenReval 01/01/2022 Indiana Cost Mod 1.0000 $5,600 $0 $0 $5,600 $72,600 $0 $0 $72,600 $78,200 $0 $0 $78,200 2021 GenReval 01/01/2021 Indiana Cost Mod 1.0000 $5,600 $0 $0 $5,600 $66,300 $0 $0 $66,300 $71,900 $0 $0 $71,900 Land Computations Calculated Acreage 0.12 Actual Frontage 0 Developer Discount Parcel Acreage 0.12 81 Legal Drain NV 0.00 82 Public Roads NV 0.00 83 UT Towers NV 0.00 9 Homesite 0.00 91/92 Acres 0.00 Total Acres Farmland 0.12 Farmland Value $0 Measured Acreage 0.00 Avg Farmland Value/Acre 0.0 Value of Farmland $0 Classified Total $0 Farm / Classifed Value $0 Homesite(s) Value $0 91/92 Value $0 Supp. Page Land Value CAP 1 Value $0 CAP 2 Value $0 CAP 3 Value $5,400 Total Value $5,400 Land Data (Standard Depth: Res 132', CI 132' Base Lot: Res 45' X 128', CI 45' X 128') Land Type Pricing Metho d Soil ID Act Front.Size Factor Rate Adj. Rate Ext. Value Infl. % Market Factor Cap 1 Cap 2 Cap 3 Value 11 A 0 0.1231 2.52 $17,500 $44,100 $5,429 0%1.0000 0.00 0.00 100.00 $5,430 Data Source N/A Collector Appraiser 71-08-12-304-001.000-026 Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Chu 310 MONROE 686, Exempt, Church, Chapel, Mosque, 18604 C132 /712 2/2 General Information Occupancy C/I Building Pre. Use Theater Description C/I Building C 01 Pre. Framing Fire Resistant Story Height 1 Pre. Finish Finished Open Type N/A # of Units 0 SB B 1 U Wall Type 1: 2(226') Heating 2680 sqft A/C 2680 sqft Sprinkler RoofingPlumbing RES/CI Built Up Tile Metal#TF #TF Full Bath 0 0 0 0 Half Bath 0 0 2 4 Kitchen Sinks 0 0 Water Heaters 0 0 Add Fixtures 0 0 2 2 Total 0 0 4 6 Wood Asphalt Slate Other GCK Adjustments Low Prof Ext Sheat Insulatio SteelGP AluSR Int Liner HGSR PPS Sand Pnl Floor/Use Computations Pricing Key Use Use Area Area Not in Use Use % Eff Perimeter PAR # of Units / AC Avg Unit sz|dpth Floor Wall Height Base Rate Frame Adj Wall Height Adj Dock Floor Roof Deck Adj Base Rate BPA Factor Sub Total (rate) Interior Finish Partitions Heating A/C Sprinkler Lighting Unit Finish/SR GCK Adj. S.F. Price Sub-Total Unit Cost Elevated Floor Total (Use) GCM THEATRE 2680 sqft 0 sqft 100.0% 226' 8 0 -1 1 16' $199.31 $0.00 ($14.48) $0.00 $0.00 $184.83 1.00 $184.83 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $184.83 $0.00 $0.00 $495,344 Exterior Features Description Area Value Special Features Description Value Other Plumbing Description Value Building Computations Sub-Total (all floors)$495,344 Garages $0 Racquetball/Squash $0 Fireplaces $0 Theater Balcony $0 Sub-Total (building)$504,944 Plumbing $9,600 Quality (Grade)$1 Other Plumbing $0 Location Multiplier 0.90 Special Features $0 Repl. Cost New $454,450 Exterior Features $0 Summary of Improvements Description Story Height Constr Type Grade Year Built Eff Year Eff Age Co nd Base Rate LCM Adj Rate Size RCN Norm Dep Remain. Value Abn Obs PC Nbhd Mrkt Cap 1 Cap 2 Cap 3 Improv Value 1: C/I Building C 01 1 Concrete C 1900 1934 91 A 0.90 2,680 sqft $454,450 80%$90,890 0%100%1.000 1.000 0.00 0.00 100.00 $90,900 Total all pages $90,900 Total this page $90,900