HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 04-2025RESOLUTION NO.04-2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH
BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA RECOMMENDING THE PAUSE OF
DEMOLITION PLANS FOR NARAGON BARN "RED BARN" AT POTATO CREEK
STATE PARK, NEAR NORTH LIBERTY, INDIANA, SO THAT AN ARCHITECT
EXPERIENCED IN BARN PRESERVATION CAN DOCUMENT THE BARN'S
REHABILITATION NEEDS AND PRIVATE FUNDING OPTIONS CAN BE
EXPLORED
WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County,
Indiana (the "Commission") operates pursuant to Article 13 of Chapter 21 of the South Bend Municipal
Code, as may be amended from time to time, Title XV, Chapter 154, § 154.245-154.263 of the St. Joseph
County Code of Ordinances, as may be amended from time to time, (hereinafter, collectively, the
"Ordinances"), and the terms of the Interlocal Agreement between the City of South Bend (hereinafter the
"City") and St. Joseph County (hereinafter the "County") dated December 12, 2017, as the same may be
amended from time to time; and
WHEREAS, per the Ordinances, the Commission's purpose is to preserve buildings, other
structures, and sites of historical, architectural, engineering, and cultural significance within the City and
the County; and
WHEREAS, the Commission fulfills its purpose, in part, by identifying historic structures,
advocating for preservation best practices, and promoting projects that accomplish those objectives; and
WHEREAS, the Commission members have identified, through thoughtful consideration, that
Naragon Barn — built in 1908 for the Naragon family and acquired along with surrounding farmland by
the State of Indiana in the 1970s for the creation of Potato Creek State Park — meets the criteria for
preservation in such that it is a surviving example of traditional rural architecture in the region and that it
is a remaining testament to the families that lived and worked on the land prior to it becoming Potato
Creek State Park; and
WHEREAS, Historic Preservation advocacy organizations, including Indiana LandMarks and the
Indiana Barn Foundation, have identified Naragon Barn as a surviving example of traditional rural
architecture in the region and are urging the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to pause any
demolition plans and explore alternative options, such as allowing the aforementioned groups too
coordinate a pro Bono study by an architect experienced in barn preservation and providing reasonable
time to explore private funding options for renovation; and
WHEREAS, under IN Code § 36-1-3-8 (2024), a unit such as the Commission does not have "the
power to impose duties on another political subdivision [i.e., the State of Indiana], except as expressly
granted by statute;" and therefore, the Commission does not have the authority to impose interim
protection on Naragon Barn nor does the St. Joseph County Council have the authority to begin Local
Landmark proceedings without the express interest and permission of the State.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY THAT: ,
The Commission has identified Naragon Barn as an important and irreplaceable historic and
cultural artifact that is evidence of Indiana's rural architectural history and the cultural history of
the Potato Creek area.
2. The Commission expresses its strongest support for the preservation of Naragon Barn (Indiana
Historic Sites and Structures Survey No. 141-339-90001, Rating: Contributing), which is now
threatened by plans for a new lodge and conference center.
3. The Commission advocates for policies and practices that facilitate and explore the rehabilitation
or relocation of threatened historic structures, rather than their demolition.
4. The Commission advocates for the Department of Natural Resources to allow Indiana Landmarks
and/or the Indiana Barn Foundation to coordinate a pro Bono study by an architect experienced in
barn preservation to document the historic barn's rehabilitation needs and to allow for time for
these organizations to explore private funding options toward renovation.
The Commission directs its Staff to present this Resolution to the Owners of Record specifically
identified for the property listed above; all appointing bodies of the Commission (specifically, the
Mayor of South Bend, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, the St. Joseph County
Council, and the Board of Commissioners of St. Joseph County), specific departments within the
City of South Bend, including the Department of Community Investment; the St. Joseph County
Building Department; and Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Barn Foundation.
6. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the Commission.
ADOPTED at a meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St.
Joseph County, Indiana, held on October 20, 2025, on the 41h Floor of the County -City Building,
227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana 46601.
HISTORIC PRESIVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Vice President and Acting President
ATTEST:
Sarah Andrews, President
Andrew Fowler, Commissioner
Andrew Jones, Commissioner
Aicha Slogs, Commit 'loner
Peter DeKe er, Commissioner
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