Commissioners at the Elkhart Historic and Conservation Commission on July 17 discussed recent activity at two locally notable properties and asked staff to pursue follow‑up with owners.

Commission members said they had observed work at the Simpson Love House, including changes to balusters and work on a flat roof. Kyle, a city planning staff member, said staff had not received any COAs for the property and that what he had seen appeared to be the original elements “essentially being taken down.” He said staff will send reminder letters to each of the individual landmark owners and that code enforcement would follow up after that outreach.

Members also discussed 142 State Street. Kyle said the city does not require building permits for window replacement, and that no permit activity had been recorded for the property. He said timing around a proposed remapping from a historic district toward a conservation district may mean the owner would not face the same review the commission could normally apply. “Because of this change, unfortunately, this guy will unfortunately most likely get away with this just because the timing was good,” Kyle said.

Why it matters: commissioners said they want to protect well‑maintained historic properties but also to avoid unfairly disadvantaging owners who followed stricter material standards in the past. The staff outreach is intended as an initial, nonpunitive reminder of property responsibilities before enforcement steps are taken.

Next steps: Kyle said staff will send letters to individual landmark owners reminding them of applicable stipulations, and that code enforcement will follow up as needed. No enforcement action or COA was approved or denied during the meeting.