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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT APPLICATION -- 1997-905-2 PROPERTY -- 24845 State Road 23 South Bend, IN OWNER -- Robert and Ann Kuntz DESIGNATION -- LL RATING -- Significant S/12 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT Lydia Chord, the stepdaughter of John Rupel who was one of the first settlers in the Sumpton Prairie area, married John Rupel Jr. on December 27, 1849. The couple purchased the farm next to John Rupel's farm in Greene Township and in 1859 they built an Italianate house on the sight. John Rupel Jr. died in 1899 and Lydia Chord Rupel passed away in 1917, however, the house remained in the possession of the Rupel family until 1942. The current owners, Robert and Ann Kuntz, purchased the property on December 23, 1976 PROPOSED CHANGE Applicant proposes to construct a two car garage with white horizontal wood siding to match the summer kitchen exterior and widen and pave the driveway. In addition the applicants propose to build a wood deck or stoop at the rear entrance to the house. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks state: B.C.2. Construction and Style All work should be done in the architectural style and in a technique compatible with that of the original structure. Change that alters, removes, or covers existing significant stylistic detail shall not be permitted. A change which adds detail of another style will not be permitted. B.C.3. Materials Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should be of the same material as the original. An alternate material may be allowed if it duplicates the original. RECOMMENDATION The application includes three items, construction of a new detached garage, asphalt paving of the existing gravel driveway including minor modification required to fit to the new garage, and construction of a wood deck/stoop area immediately adjacent to the rear entry. The proposed new garage has been carefully designed to be compatible with the character of the house and the other accessory outbuildings of the site. The alteration of the driveway to meet the new structure is appropriate and Staff recommends approval. The stoop proposed at the rear door is entirely obscured from the public view by its location relative to the building and the thoroughfare and is reasonably compatible with the original house. Staff recommends approval of this item as well. • DBD 9/9/97