HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. 703 Portage Court_COA 2025-0526 PACKETHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: June 10, 2025
Application Number: 2025-0526
Property Location: 703 Portage Court
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder:
Craftsman / c. 1915
Property Owner: IN CHG 11000 LLC
Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park LHD,
Ord #9575-05; National Register of Historic Places NR-0407
Rating: Contributing
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: This is a 2 story irregular plan house set upon a brick foundation.
There are shingles on the second and first stories and clapboard between. The low-pitched roof is covered with
asphalt shingles and has a wide overhang with exposed rafter tails. There is a full width front porch with a hipped
roof, square piers with a flared base, and a solid rail. The piers and rail are sided with shinges that have been cov-
ered with plywood. The windows are mostly 1 over 1 double or single hungs -- the top story features mostly vinyl
replacement windows, while the bottom story features original wood windows of varying condition.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to:
1) Install glass block in basement window openings where they are currently boarded shut.
2) Replace the sagging segment of the front porch floor with treated wood.
3) Point necessary areas in the foundation and chimney.
4) Repaint the existing siding that is in good condition and replace sections of missing or damaged siding as needed
with matching red cedar shingles or clapboard.
5) Replace 14 existing windows (mostly on lower story) with JELD-WEN Better Series White Vinyl Single Hung
Replacement Windows while saving the existing exterior framing and trim of the windows. Two windows in rear of
home proposed to be resized to be 3 inches shorter in height.
6) Replace the front and exterior rear doors with Mastercraft Augustine Primed Steel Half Lite Prehung Exterior
doors. Framing around front door to be saved and new cedar wood framing to be installed around the rear door to
match the front. No door currently exists in the proposed rear entrance. The original front wood door to be donat-
ed to a salvage shop or saved on site.
7) Demolish the small, leaning, back vestibule.
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES:
Doors: 10-11.
Windows: Pages 29-32.
Demolition and Deconstruction: 38.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
SITE VISIT REPORT: Staff have made multiple trips to 703 Portage Court (including 5/7/2025 and 6/5/2025)
to inspect various elements of the home. Upon our first inspection, it was noted that there are areas of significant
damage to the roof, gutters, and soffit. Administrative approval 2025-0508 was issued for 703 Portage Court,
permitting the replacement of the roof with new architectural shingles, the restoration of existing soffit and rafter
tails, the replacement of damaged soffit or rafter tails with matching material in like and kind, and the replacement
of the deteriorated gutters. During these site visits, Staff also noted areas of the front porch that were sagging, the
presence of replacement vinyl windows on most of the upper floor, broken glass in many of the boarded lower win-
dows, sections of the walls that need repair, and more. The rear vestibule appears to not be original, though it may
be an early addition. It is sagging and leaning severely. The front door is missing its original glass, has no interior
molding, and due to its construction, may require a detailed and potentially cost prohibitive restoration.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff is in favor of the following more minor elements: (1) the installation of
glass block in several basement window openings, (2) the replacement of sagging portion of the front porch floor-
ing with treated wood, and (3) the repointing of needed areas in the foundation and chimney. Staff notes that the
preferred mortar used for a house of this age would be lime mortar or type O mortar. Staff welcomes the owners’
plan to retain as much as possible of the original siding, while replacing segments that are missing or exceedingly
deteriorated with red cedar to match. Staff notes that lead safe practices should be followed for the painting of the
siding.
Regarding the replacement of original windows on the first floor, many of these windows would need restoration
to function and be secured. In this instance, Staff believes that a balance should be struck between the preservation
of the original material and the practicalities of investment in a long-vacant home. Staff believes that promoting the
feasibility of investment in this property is, in the long run, promoting its preservation. Therefore, in this case, Staff
is in favor of vinyl replacement windows, with the stipulation that should the windows need to be replaced in the
future, aluminum-clad wood windows or wood windows be used.
The same principles apply to the replacement of the front, original door. Detailed restoration would be required in
order to keep the door in working order. Staff feels that the compromise of donating the door or retaining it on site
is an appropriate one. Lastly, Staff is in favor of the removal of the rear, leaning vestibule. Any future plans for a
porch or deck in the rear should also follow the same Certificate of Appropriateness approvals process.
Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff makes a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDA -
TION, given that the appropriate mortar type is used and that the original door and any salvageable window sashes
are either donated to a salvage shop or retained on site.
Prepared by
Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
MAP OF THE AREA — Google Maps view of the subject area.
SATELLITE IMAGERY — Imagery from 2025.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — Elevation photo showing vinyl and wood window divide.
IMAGES — Example of windows on lower story.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — Examples of damage to soffit/gutters/roof.
IMAGES — Examples of damage to soffit/gutters/roof.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — Interior view of window and wall.
IMAGES — Sagging portion of porch.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
IMAGES — View of front door.
IMAGES — Photo of leaning back vestibule.
Monday, May 26, 2025
Application for Certificate of
Appropriateness
Important Information Regarding this Request
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AND SITE PLANS
The Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County cannot process an Application
without required documentation. Comprehensive documentation provides a complete understanding of the
project. Problems often occur during a project review or during the execution of the project when the
property owner, staff or commissioners are unclear as to project specifics. Applications will NOT be
processed without required documentation.
Photographs may be submitted in digital format or in photographic print. When a project involves
blueprints and/or site plans, one (1) set shall be submitted with the Application. Any documentation
submitted to this office cannot be returned to the applicant.
APPLICATION FEE
The application processing fee for any Application for a Certificate Of Appropriateness is $20
Payment must accompany the application at the time of submission. For an electronically submitted
application, payment must reach the HPC office within 48 hours following transmission. Payment can be
made by credit card by contacting
Business License Administrator Michelle Adams at (574) 235-5912; by cash in person in the Department of
Community Investment on the 14th floor of the County City Building; or by check made out to City of
South Bend. Applications will NOT be processed without the required fee.
MEETING ATTENDANCE
When an Application has been scheduled for any meeting, the owner, architect or contractor(s) retained for
the project shall attend the meeting where their project will be reviewed and a decision rendered. Failure by
the owner, architect, or contractor to attend such meetings may result in denial of the Application due to
insufficient representation.
CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE
Certificates of Appropriateness will be filed with the Building Department of South Bend and St. Joseph
County. A copy of the Certificate will be emailed directly to the owner and/or contractor(s) listed on the
application.
INSPECTION AUTHORITY
All projects will be inspected during and following execution for compliance with the decision(s) rendered
by the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County.
Owner acknowledges that while the Historic Preservation Commission only considers Certificates of
Appropriateness for exterior features, under certain circumstances it may be necessary for the Commission
Staff to have access to the interior of the building in order to accurately assess the condition of the exterior
feature and that the lack of access to the interior may prevent the Commission Staff from making a
favorable recommendation.
Any work performed on a historic landmark or in an historic district which does not conform to the
Certificate of Appropriateness certificate shall be immediately halted by the Historic Preservation
1
Green = previously replaced vinyl windowsRed = windows the applicant is asking to replace (original windows)
Property Information
Property Address for Proposed Work:703 Portage Ct
Property City South Bend
Property Zip Code 46616
Property Owner Information:IN CHG 11000 LLC
Owner Email
Owner Address 1143 E Ireland Rd, # 1106, South Bend, IN 46614
Proposed Work and Project Information
All projects must comply with applicable building and zoning codes.
South Bend Zoning Ordinance St. Joseph County Zoning Ordinance
Does your project involve any of the
following? (Check all that apply):Windows, Siding, Doors
Contractor Information Eagle Home Services INC Saint Joseph County Alex
Hernandez
Contractor Phone Number (
Description of Proposed Work:
Replacing 14 existing windows with JELD-WEN Better Series white vinyl single hung Replacement window
without nailing flange while saving the existing exterior framing of the windows.
Replacement of the front exterior door with Mastercraft Augustine Primed Steel Half Light Prehung
Exterior Door while saving the existing exterior framing of the door.
Replacement of the back exterior door with Mastercraft Chippewa Primed Steel Half Light Prehung
Exterior Door & install new cedar wood framing.
Repair the existing siding with wood siding with Red Cedar Bevel Siding as needed.
Repair the shingles wood siding with 16" Eastern Cedar Undercourse Shingles as needed.
Fix front porch floor with existing 1*3 treated wood
3
KH 05/26/2025 $20.00 PayPal Transaction ID 6LE12707EU594152M
Specification of Material via
Manufacture Brochure:
24.3 KB
81.56 KB
4
47.99 KB
70.2 KB
96.72 KB
5
File Upload
Site Plans, Aerial Views, and/or Blueprints: One (1) set shall be submitted with the Application.
Uploaded documentation must show existing property lines, buildings, structures, and proposed project
location(s). Hand Drawn Plans/Elevations are ok
Photographs to include: each area affected by project, close up detail of project areas.
Windows, Siding, and/or Door projects must include photographs of each window/door/siding affected
by the project and detailed close up of condition
Applications will not be processed if the required photographs and/or documentation are not
included.
Any documentation submitted to this office cannot be returned to the applicant.
Project Type - List:Windows, Siding, Doors
Elevations (Existing and Proposed
New):
909.73 KB
Quote/Evaluation(s) by Repair Professional (Optional):
PDF Qoute - Exterior.pdf
Photographs:
1.01 MB
6
1.03 MB
321.9 KB
135.54 KB
Payment
Invoice ID # INV-000151
Payment Method Pay via Card or PayPal
7
I N V O I C E
EAG LE HOME SERVICES
1 1892 McKin ley Hwy
Mish awaka, IN 465 4 5-7 808
Bil l t o
In Ch g 11 000 LLC.
703 Portage C t
South Bend IN 46616
Invoice details
Invoice no.: 111 4
Invoice date: 0 5/26/2025
#Date Product or service Description Qty Rate Amou nt
1.In stall n ew cedar sid in g same
desig n h o w is o rigin al
1 $0.00 $0.00
2.Remov e an d rep lace 14 n ew
win dows same size
1 $0.00 $0.00
3.Keep th e exterio r win do ws f ramin g ,
san d an d p ain t
1 $0.00 $0.00
4.Remov e an d rep lace fro n t door keep
in terior wood trim
1 $0.00 $0.00
5.Rep lace b ack doo r with woo d ced ar
f ramin g
1 $0.00 $0.00
6.F ix fron t po rch fl oor with existin g
1X3 treated wo o d
1 $0.00 $0.00
7.To tal 1 $22,000.00 $22,000.00
Ways to pay
Vi e w and pay
Total $22,000.00
To replace shingles in places where existing shingles are missing or completely deteriorated
11/16 x 8 x 12' Red Cedar Bevel Siding
(Actual Size 11/16" x 7-1/4" x 12')
Model Number: 1078060 Menards SKU: 1078060®
$29.99
$3.30
PRICE
AFTER
REBATE*
$26
EVERYDAY LOW PRICE
11% REBATE*Good Through 6/1/25
$4.28 /sq.ft After Rebate*
You Save $3.30 After Mail-In Rebate*
62 People have purchased this in the past week.
Additional Packaging/Handling Charges May Apply.
View More Information
Pick Up At Store
69each
ADD TO CART
Kiln Dried, select tight knot grade
Reversible face allows you the choice of exposing the rough or smooth side
Can be stained, painted or left natural to patina to a weathered gray
Length: 12'
80 In-Stock at South Bend
Item located in Aisle 288 Section F
Need to order more?
2,344 Available for Immediate Delivery From Our Fulfillment Center
To replace clapboard in places where existing segments are missing or completely deteriorated
Mastercraft® Augustine 36"W x 80"H Primed Steel Half Lite Prehung Exterior Door - Left Inswing
Model Number: 4146727 Menards SKU: 4146727®
$499.00
$54.89
PRICE
AFTER
REBATE*
$444
EVERYDAY LOW PRICE
11% REBATE*Good Through 6/1/25
You Save $54.89 After Mail-In Rebate*
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Pick Up At Store
11each
ADD TO CART
Strong and secure premium 24-gauge ready-to-paint high definition steel panel
Energy-saving, foam-in-place polyurethane core to help lower heating and cooling costs
Prehung with a 4-9/16" primed wood frame with high-performance weatherstripping
Nominal Size: 36" W x 80" H
Door Swing: Left Hand
Frame Size: 4-9/16" (2x4 Construction)
4 In-Stock at South Bend
Item located in Aisle 138 Section D
To replace existing front door and create new rear door
Mulia 6"W x 6"H x 3"D Wave Hollow Glass Block
Model Number: 79202 Menards SKU: 4057103®
$6.98
$0.77
PRICE
AFTER
REBATE*
$6
EVERYDAY LOW PRICE
11% REBATE*Good Through 6/15/25
You Save $0.77 After Mail-In Rebate*
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Variation: Wave Pattern
Pick Up At Store
While Supplies Last!
Check Another Store for Availability
21each
ADD TO CART
Wave pattern provides moderate privacy by use of gentle curves in the glass surface
Fire rated for 45 minutes
For use with mortar-free or traditional mortar assembly methods
9 In-Stock at Mishawaka
To create a window in basement openings
Leaning back addition proposed to be demolished
Green = previously replaced vinyl windows
Red = windows the applicant is asking to replace (original windows)
Red = windows the applicant is asking to replace (original windows)
Green = previously replaced vinyl windows
Red = windows the applicant is asking to replace (original windows)
Red = windows the applicant is asking to replace (original windows)
Green = previously replaced vinyl windows
Proposed change to dimensions on two windows on the main level.
Decrease height by 3 inches.
Decrease height by 3 in
Decrease height by 3 in
Repair this sagging part of front porchusing treated wood
Pointing
Pointing
Pointing