1. 836 Forest Avenue_COA 2026-0501B Packet

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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 STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: May 7, 2026 Application Number: 2026-0501B Property Location: 836 Forest Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: American Four- square / 1891-1895 / Property Owner: Lara and Kurtt Matthys Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park LHD, Ord. #9575-05; Chapin Park Register Historic District NR-0407 Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: This is a two-story American Foursquare plan home on a brick foundation with a central brick chimney. It is sided with wood clapboard with corner boards and a belt band be- tween stories. The roof is of asphalt shingle, with a center front dormer. There is an enclosed full width front porch with fixed single pane and 4 light windows throughout. The house has 5/1 double hung windows with vertical light divisions in the upper sashes. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: 1) Relocate rear door from east facing wall to the north facing wall of rear bump out, replace opening with a win- dow to fit. 2) Rebuild brick front stoop with cheek walls capped with concrete. Salvaged brick from the original front porch will be used. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Doors: Pages 10-11; Porches: Pages 17-18; Windows: Pages 29-32; SITE VISIT REPORT: On March 30, 2026 Administrator Van Overberghe visited the project site. He reviewed the proposed projects with the property owners and helped discover the bricks from the original porch and theo- rized with the owners about what the original porch likely looked like. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The relocation of the rear door is a minimal change. The proposed modifica- tions to the rear and the reconstruction of the porch 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 REC - OMMENDATION. Prepared by Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator