03-26-12 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 26, 2012 BILL NO. 07-12 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ESTABLISHING HISTORIC LANDMARK STATUS FOR THE STRUCTURE AND REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE KEOGAN “HOBBIT” HOUSE AND LOCATED AT 1922 PORTAGE AVENUE, IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Councilmember Oliver Davis, Chairperson, Zoning & Annexation Committee, reported that this committee held a Public Hearing on this bill this afternoon and sends it to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. Catherine Hostetler, Director, Historic Preservation Commission, 125 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Ms. Hostetler advised that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a Public Hearing on February 27, 2012, and based on the HPC’s Local Landmarks Criteria as adopted by the Common Council, the site at 1922 Portage Avenue is recommended to Council for designation as a Local Historic Landmark by the HPC. The building meetings the criteria in at least three areas: 1. Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represent an architectural characteristic or innovation. 2. Its suitability for preservation. 3. Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The building fulfills criteria #1 as an unusual blend of architectural elements from the English Arts and Craft movement and the Tudor Revival style interpreted in the American Craftsman/Bungalow style. The house is rated Notable in the 2005 Survey as an English Cottage built in 1920 and is unique in South Bend. It was constructed by the local General Contractor R.L. Culp and all of its materials and appointments were originally from local vendors and merchants. The building fulfills criteria #2 by the integrity of its original construction with only minor alterations. Alterations are limited to the addition of terraces flaking the modified entry and the removal or enclosure of the south bay window. The building fulfills criteria #3 by its associations with George E. and Ruby J. Keogan and Aaron Huguenard. George Keogan was named Notre Dames basketball and baseball coach and assistant football coach in 1923. In 20 seasons as the basketball coach he won 327 games, the second most in Irish History, a .771 winning percentage. He never had a losing season at Notre Dame. He was succeeded by his protégé, Edward “Moose” Krause after his death at age 53. Mrs. Keogan inherited the house and later married Aaron Huguenard in 1950. Mr. Huguenard was the Secretary of the South Bend Tribune and the former President of the Indiana Bar Association. He was active in civic, legal, social, political and business circles: in 1951 he founded the United Fund of St. Joseph County, in 1952 St. Joseph County Hospital Development, Inc. He was appointed in 1955 as a Charter member of the University of Notre Dame Law School Advisory Council. She asked the Council for their favorable consideration. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council wither in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember White made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill. Councilmember Dieter seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. 7