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Representation by Derek Wright, Access Properties, 623 East LaSalle Avenue STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: June 5, 2017 Application Number: 2017-0605 Property Location: 821 Ashland Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: American Foursquare/1901 Property Owner: Robert & Carlotta Levy Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Local/National Historic District, ordinance #9574-05 Rating: Contributing . DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: This 2 -story wood frame house with square plan sits upon a brick foundation. The hip roof has asphalt shingles, and a brick chimney offset from the peak with three simple corbel courses. The house front features a full height bay with windows. Windows are wood 1/1 wood double hung with diamond pattern muntins on front fagade. A hipped roof garage is at the rear of property. ALTERATIONS: House has had aluminum siding, storm windows and doors added. In 1949 the front porch was removed and a front stoop was added, with a small plastic porch roof over the entrance. APPLICATION ITEMS: Demo garage structure, haul away debris. Pad will remain, possibly for extra parking since very limited street parking. South Bend Code Enforcement affirmed demo. (Stan Molenda) DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Owner proposes to tear down garage. Building is composed of several garage structures/additions, some block, some frame, in varying conditions, all of which are to be demolished. The 1932 Portage Township Assessor's card lists a 2 -car (19x19) block garage noted in 1949 as being used as a shop, as well as a 1 car (24x12) wood garage. There is also a note from 1955 listing a 23.5x24 concrete slab car port. Demolition order on garage was affirmed at June 18, 2015 Code Enforcement meeting. Debris will be hauled away, but concrete pad will be retained to provide extra parking. PRESERVATION SPECIALIST REPORT: June 9, 2017 1 had received a call from Derek of Access Properties giving me permission to enter the building last evening. I went first thing this morning and was able to take interior photographs. There are multiple sections to the structure. There is an apartment in there as well. The roof has collapsed in the "breezeway" between the apartment and garage. The roof of the garage itself has two areas that have holes and deterioration. The pads of the garages are in fine condition and could be reused even for just parking. The additions are really where the deterioration is the worst. The makeshift walls are rotted through and the exterior walls are a combination of block and doors. The two strongest walls are those that run north and south and are part of the original garage structure, but the removal of the rear wall and all the additional weight of the newer walls on the original has begun to pull the structure apart. The argument could be made to save the original small garage structure; however, the roof and framework of that roof would still have to be removed and rebuilt as well as the rear wall rebuilt. It may be more effective to tear down and rebuild a solid larger structure that utilizes the entire pad area. The main house is currently used as multi -unit apartments (4, I believe by . the number of mail boxes) Steve Szaday, Preservation Specialist STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: CHAPIN PARK LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT V.GENERAL A. Buildings in the district should not be demolished except where a building poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is the only alternative. Documentation of interior and exterior features of the original buildings, especially homes rated as historically significant, is encouraged. Measured drawings and photographs may be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission for safekeeping and future reference. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: While evidence from the Assessor's card shows several of the garages have been on the property for some time, the current arrangement of connected garage structures does not contribute to the historic character of the property. Demolition has been affirmed by South Bend Code Enforcement. Due to significant deterioration of the later additions and compromised integrity of the altered original garage, staff recommends demolition of the entire garage, and retention of the concrete pad, and would further recommend owner propose a new garage design to be built in the future. Elicia Feasel, Executive Director Deb Parcell, Deputy Director Commissioner Gordon moved to approve application as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Six in favor, none opposed. Vote: 6 — 0. COA#2017-0605 Approved. 10