February 1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT APPLICATION -- 1998-0209 PROPERTY -- 832'or 804 N. Lafayette South Bend, IN OWNER -- South Bend Community School Corp. DESIGNATION -- LL RATING -- Significant S/11. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT This school was built in 1930 by the South Bend School Corporation. This particular building was the third James Madison School., the first being built in 1862 at the northwest corner of Lafayette and Madison. This was replaced in 1893 by a red brick Romanesque style building which was used as a school until the present structure was built on North Lafayette. The second school. was then used for offices until 1948 when it was demolished to make way for the Temple Beth -E1. Architects; Austin and Shambleau, rdesigned the new Madison School and the construction contract was awarded to H.G. Christman and Company. The building was constructed to accommodate 600 students and was completed at a cost of $275,000.00. The building was dedicated on February 22, 1930 in memory of the old school's principal, Miss Winona Dodd. It is an excellent example of Collegiate Gothic style as it was employed for public school design. Subsequent additions were constructed in the late 1930s by the WPA and in the PROPOSED CHANGE Applicant proposes to erect a J.M Stewart Corporation designed school sign on the west lawn of the school facing Lafayette Boulevard. The proposed sign. will be two sided and have an overall size of 8'8" X 7'6". The sign will; have school supply style graphics with James Madison Elementary School printed in large letters at the top and a changeable message board located at the bottom. STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for Local Landmarks state: F. Signs No neon or flashing signs will be permitted unless they are .original to the structure. Billboards and supergraphics will. also be disallowed. Only one appropriate identifying sign will be permitted per business. RECOMMENDATION The Staff supports the administration of Madison Elementary School in its apparent desire to better communicate with the. community by use of a identification sign and message board. The Staff has concern, however for the proliferation of signage in the general environment and specifically for the affect of such signage on Leeper Park. Madison School is partially surrounded by park having playing fields directly across the.street, playground beyond the school as one approaches from the south and.open passive recreation space extending to the river. The Lafayette Street approach to the park is very attractive and, certainly the entry facade of the school contributes to this ambiance.