06-27-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING June 27, 2016 company Kizer and Wilburton. In addition, Kizer was a South Bend City Commissioner and was a director of St. Joseph Loan and Trust. The Historic Preservation Commission adopted unanimously Resolution No. 16 -01 which resolved that the building located at 803 West Washington is recommended to the Common Council of the City of South Bend for the establishment as an historic landmark. Todd Zeiger, Director of the Northern Regional Office for Indiana Landmarks with offices at 402 West Washington South Bend, served as the petitioner of this bill. Indiana Landmarks is a sixty -six (66) year old privately funded not - for - profit advocacy organization with a mission to save meaningful places across the state of Indiana. Knitting the legacy of our historic buildings to new uses helps with economic development and neighborhood revitalization. We initiated the historic landmark process as a fitting honor to Mr. Kizer who was a leader of South Bend and laid the groundwork and foundation for what South Bend is today. Councilmember Oliver Davis asked when a structure is designated as an historic landmark is there anything placed on the property that would help the average person walking by understand the historic importance of the property. Ms. Feasel responded the immediate thing they do is offer a plaque to the property owner which are available and are very nice and sturdy and made out of bronze. That is attached generally to the exterior of the structure. Mr. Zeiger added that part of the reason they wish to use the Kizer House as their formal offices on the first floor is to tell the story of the building and Mr. Kizer and get people into the building. We will have information for the public to view readily available once everything is finished. Also there is the intention to add some type of signage to the site to give a quick synopsis of the building and tell the story of the property. Councilmember Davis stated he appreciates that and it's a wonderful thing to do. Those from the public who spoke in favor of the bill: Noreen Deane- Moran, 716 West Colfax, spoke on behalf of the Near Westside Neighborhood Organization of which she is the president. They are totally in favor of this designation. For so many years that property was a dangerous and bad site for the neighborhood and it's wonderful to see it being revitalized. The situation pleases the neighborhood greatly. A tour from Chicago came last weekend and were very impressed not just with the Oliver and Tippecanoe mansions but especially with the Kizer House. Jim Bognar, 807 West Washington South Bend, spoke in favor of the bill. This has been a long journey and we should all be pleased we are at this point. The Kizer House is a direct reflection of the many important stages of our city's life. Once homes like this were lined up and down our inner city streets and now they are the exception rather than the rule. So many people have come together to care about this property and restore it. The preservation of history is not easy and must make us think about where we come from and how we can make our future brighter. We also need to separate historical myth from actual reality. The preservation of history is time consuming and expensive and sometimes not often practical. Government must first believe in the value of the past that balances fiscal responsibility with positive growth. Kizer House will be saved but the real question is will entities like the Common Council keep the importance of preservation in your mind when future issues come forward. That will be the real lasting value of this long journey. Mr. Bognar thanked the Council for the work they do and stated it does not go unnoticed. Penny Hughes, 1918 Southern View Drive South Bend, spoke in support of the bill. Ms. Hughes spoke about the history of the property and all the work that has been done to it by Indiana Landmarks. The realtors went through the building recently and have opened up all the rooms and restored the hardwood floors. It is so wonderful what a beautiful job they have done. No one from the public spoke in opposition to the bill. 7