What's Happening?
The potential demolition of the fire-damaged Lafayette Building in downtown South Bend is drawing attention to the precarious state of another historically significant structure: the West Side Recreation Club. This smaller, two-story building at 1415
W. Washington Street, once housed the first office of J. Chester Allen, one of South Bend's first Black attorneys and a civil rights advocate. The current owner, Alfonso “Fonnie” Mack, purchased the building five years ago primarily for neighborhood safety reasons, as it had become a site for parties and violence. Mack is now aware of the building's historical importance, which is recognized by IUSB’s Civil Rights Heritage Center and Indiana Landmarks, the latter having placed it on its 10 Most Endangered list last year. The building is in severe disrepair, with part of the first-floor ceiling having collapsed, and Mack is urgently seeking help to cover the roof before winter to prevent further deterioration.
Why It's Important?
The potential loss of the West Side Recreation Club represents a significant blow to the preservation of Black history in South Bend. As noted by retired librarian Cheryl Ashe, the building was a hub for early Black professionals, including lawyers, doctors, and pharmacists, making it a crucial landmark in the city's African American heritage. Its demolition would erase a tangible link to the struggles and achievements of the Black community in South Bend. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by historical preservation efforts, particularly for sites related to marginalized communities, which often lack adequate funding and support. The fate of this building could influence future preservation strategies and public awareness regarding the importance of protecting such cultural assets.
What's Next?
The immediate priority is to secure the roof of the West Side Recreation Club before winter to prevent further structural damage. Todd Zeiger of Indiana Landmarks indicates that time is running out due to rapid deterioration. While Indiana Landmarks has grant money for historical buildings, it cannot assist privately owned properties. The organization is working to help Mack incorporate as a nonprofit and transfer ownership of the building to the nonprofit, which would then make it eligible for preservation funds. However, this process is unlikely to be completed quickly enough to address the immediate need for roof repairs. Volunteers from Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Task Force in South Bend are tasked with assisting Mack in this transition. The community and historical preservation groups will likely continue to advocate for the building's preservation and seek solutions to its immediate structural issues.
Beyond the Headlines
The struggle to save the West Side Recreation Club highlights systemic issues in historical preservation, particularly concerning sites of Black history. Often, these sites are under-resourced, overlooked, or face significant financial hurdles for maintenance and restoration. The situation also brings to light the ethical responsibility of cities and communities to actively preserve diverse historical narratives, rather than allowing them to be lost due to neglect or development pressures. The potential demolition of such a significant building could trigger broader discussions about urban planning, historical memory, and equitable resource allocation for cultural heritage. It also emphasizes the role of local activism and nonprofit organizations in safeguarding these invaluable pieces of history for future generations.
