July 1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Par t 2 The Vocational Building and the Boilerhouse do not apparently pose a threat to the public safety. The architect's preliminary analysis as found in the summary paragraph of the Preliminary Structural Analysis section of its study states: "The bui1dinq(s) can be considered to be structurally sound and would not require major structural repair or reconstruction. The VoTec and Boilerhouse Buildings are a historical part of the Central High School campus. The VoTec building was constructed in response to a 1913 state act requiring a vocational education facility at each high school. All of the buildings as a whole give historical context to the importance of the industrial training and development of a skilled labor force. This is especially important for South Bend as a. central manufacturing community in Northern Indiana and as home to the Studebaker and Oliver companies. Removal of this early example of a structure built to house high school vocational education facilities would adversely affect the historic character of the site and remove an integral part of South Bend's industrial heritage. The VoTec and Boilerhouse buildings are recognized architecturally through their inclusion in the local landmark designation and through their listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The two buildings reflect an architectural continuity of Central High School's design. The Neo-Classical motifs of the high school building are carried through to the VoTec and Boilerhouse Buildings even though in somewhat simpler manifestations such as the pilasters and capitals. The VoTec also reflects many of the design characteristics of industrial buildings through its large windows and skylights to allow ample light into the fac i 1 ty. Staff recommends the denial of the removal of the VoTec and Boilerhouse buildings and the design of the parking lot as presented. 0