HomeMy WebLinkAbout511 West Colfax Avenue_COA 2025-0916Sarah Andrews,
President
HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
OF
SOUTH BEND
AND
ST. JOSEPH
COUNTY
CERTIFICATE
OF
APPROPRIATENESS
The Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St.
Joseph County has approved the following work:
Repair steps on front side and rear of building with Limestone
Concrete
for the following location:
511 W COLFAX AVE
South Bend, IN, 46601
Application No. 2025-0916
in the County of St. Joseph; State of Indiana; which is:
Located in a Local Historic District
A Local Historic Landmark
and found this application to be appropriate according to the Standards
pertaining to Local Historic Landmarks and/or Local Historic Districts.
Regulations pertaining to the Historic Preservation Commission are
found in Chapter 21 (Zoning), South Bend Municipal Code and Chapter
26 of the St. Joseph County Code.
The issuance of this certificate does NOT in any manner, release
the recipient from the responsibility of complying with the requirements
of the zoning ordinances, building codes, safety codes, ADA or other
requirements of the City of South Bend, the County of St. Joseph, the
State of Indiana, or the United States Federal Government.
This certificate is good for one year from the date of issuance and
is effective from the date entered herein. Plans are on file and open for
public inspection at the office of the Historic Preservation Commission of
South Bend and St. Joseph County, 227 West Jefferson Blvd., Suite 1400
S, South Bend, Indiana, during normal business hours.
THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE
NAME OF APPLICANT:Anisah Michael
CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY:
Ross Van Overberghe
Historic Preservation Administrator
POST IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE ON THE STREET SIDE
OF THE PROJECT UNTIL COMPLETION OF ALL WORK.
Phone: (574) 235-9371
E-mail: SBSJCHPC@southbendin.gov
ROSS VAN OVERBERGHE
Historic Preservation
Administrator
10/21/2025DATE CERTIFICATE
TAKES FORCE:10/21/2026DATE CERTIFICATE
EXPIRES:
HISTORIC 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: October 07, 2025
Application Number: 2025-0916
Property Location: 511 West Colfax Avenue
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder:
Tudor Revival/1898/Birdsell House/Wilson Parker, Archt.
Property Owner: Steve Mihaljevic/Anisah Michael
Landmark or District Designation: Local Landmark, Ordinance
#8609-1995/West Washington National Register District
Rating: Outstanding
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: The wood frame house has field stone veneer facade on the first
floor, second floor is brick veneer, gable ends of house are Tudor -style half timbers. The foundation is concrete
and stone and the half-timbering in the gables. Wood windows are diamond patterned along with a variety of other
configurations including some leaded and stained glass. Veranda is supported with stone columns with ornate capi-
tals. The porte cochere has a hipped roof.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to:
1. Repair front, rear, and porte cochere steps with “Limestone Cement” Type IL by capping existing Limestone
where damaged.
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES:
Porch: 17-18; Site Projects: 22-24.
SITE VISIT REPORT: On multiple occasions Administrator Ross Van Overberghe met with the owner to dis-
cuss the condition and repair of the steps at the various entrances of the structure. Administrator Van Overberghe
observed the construction of the steps and how the individual steps are inserted into the stone veneer of the walls
making replacement difficult without deconstructing majors sections of walls.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Existing original limestone steps at the front rear and porte cochere entrances
of the structure have had various forms of wear and damage. Replacement of steps would require the deconstruc-
tion of walls and stone veneer to insert new limestone pieces. Repairing in places only the areas of damage and
wear with a suitable limestone based material to best match color ans texture is the most appropriate solution at this
time. Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff make an FAVORABLE RECOM-
MENDATION.
Prepared by
Ross Van Overberghe, Historic Preservation Administrator
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 2021SATELLITE IMAGERY — Imagery from 2025.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Application for Cer tificate 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
Commission and the Building Department of South Bend and St. Joseph County. Fines may be levied for
projects not in compliance.
I read and understand the information
above:Yes, Continue
Date Tuesday, September 16, 2025
2
Property Information
Property Address for Proposed Work:511 W Colfax
Property City South Bend
Property Zip Code 46601
Property Owner Information:Anisah Michael mihaljevic/steve Mihaljevic
Owner Email
Owner Address 326 Central Avenue
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):New Construction, Additions
Contractor Information Steve D Mihaljevic
Contractor Phone Number (773) 230-0883
Contractor Email magmileproperties@gmail.com
Description of Proposed Work:
Concrete step repair
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:New Construction, Additions
3
Site Plan or Aerial View of Proposed
Project Location(s):
368.85 KB
419.7 KB
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306.75 KB
2.76 MB
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2.7 MB
Structural Drawings/Architectural
Drawings:
368.85 KB
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306.75 KB
441 KB
419.7 KB
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2.76 MB
2.7 MB
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Photographs:
368.85 KB
306.75 KB
441 KB
419.7 KB
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2.7 MB 2.76 MB
Payment
Invoice ID # INV-000189
Payment Method Pay in Person
10
Statement of Proposed Repair Work
Property Address: 511 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601
Owner/Applicant: Steve Mihaljevic
Date: October 6, 2025
Scope of Work
We will be performing restorative repairs to the existing limestone steps located at the front, side, and
rear entrances of the property. The current steps have suffered deterioration, cracking, and material loss
over time. Our intent is to restore these areas using historically appropriate methods and materials that
preserve the architectural integrity of the structure.
Proposed Repair Method
Front Steps:
- The front steps will be thoroughly power washed to remove all loose debris, dust, and weakened
material.
- A wire mesh reinforcement will be installed to provide structural integrity and proper bonding support
for the new limestone cement.
- A bonding agent will be applied to ensure strong adhesion between the existing limestone surface and
the new overlay.
- A Portland “Limestone Cement” Type IL will be used for the pour-over capping, which is designed
to adhere effectively to like-kind limestone materials.
- This process will result in a uniform, durable, and historically consistent finish across the entire front
stairway.
Side and Rear Steps:
- The side and rear steps will be selectively repaired only in small damaged areas where cracks or
material loss are present.
- Since the majority of these steps remain structurally sound, only minor patching and surface
restoration will be completed using Portland “Limestone Cement” Type IL, matching the texture,
color, and composition of the original limestone.
Materials and Cost
All materials used will be Portland “Limestone Cement” Type IL, compatible with existing
limestone structures and approved for historic restoration use.
The total estimated cost of the work is $4,500, which includes labor, materials, and cleanup.
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to preserve the historic character of the property while ensuring the safety
and functionality of all entryways. This restoration will stabilize the existing steps, prevent further
deterioration, and maintain the architectural integrity of this historic structure.
We respectfully submit this proposal for review and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness by the
Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend, Indiana.
Submitted by:
Steve Mihaljevic
Mag Mile Properties LLC
326 Central Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035
Email:
Photo Documentation of Areas to be Repaired
Statement of Proposed Repair Work
Property Address: 511 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601
Owner/Applicant: Steve Mihaljevic
Date: October 6, 2025
Scope of Work
We will be performing restorative repairs to the existing limestone steps located at the front, side, and
rear entrances of the property. The current steps have suffered deterioration, cracking, and material loss
over time. Our intent is to restore these areas using historically appropriate methods and materials that
preserve the architectural integrity of the structure.
Proposed Repair Method
Front Steps:
- The front steps will be thoroughly power washed to remove all loose debris, dust, and weakened
material.
- A wire mesh reinforcement will be installed to provide structural integrity and proper bonding support
for the new limestone cement.
- A bonding agent will be applied to ensure strong adhesion between the existing limestone surface and
the new overlay.
- A Portland “Limestone Cement” Type IL will be used for the pour-over capping, which is designed
to adhere effectively to like-kind limestone materials.
- This process will result in a uniform, durable, and historically consistent finish across the entire front
stairway.
Side and Rear Steps:
- The side and rear steps will be selectively repaired only in small damaged areas where cracks or
material loss are present.
- Since the majority of these steps remain structurally sound, only minor patching and surface
restoration will be completed using Portland “Limestone Cement” Type IL, matching the texture,
color, and composition of the original limestone.
Materials and Cost
All materials used will be Portland “Limestone Cement” Type IL, compatible with existing
limestone structures and approved for historic restoration use.
The total estimated cost of the work is $4,500, which includes labor, materials, and cleanup.
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to preserve the historic character of the property while ensuring the safety
and functionality of all entryways. This restoration will stabilize the existing steps, prevent further
deterioration, and maintain the architectural integrity of this historic structure.
We respectfully submit this proposal for review and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness by the
Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend, Indiana.
Submitted by:
Steve Mihaljevic
Mag Mile Properties LLC
326 Central Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035
Email:
Photo Documentation of Areas to be Repaired