Historic South Bend home to be moved for preservation
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
A house more than 100 years old that is considered one of the South Bend’s best examples of Craftsman-style architecture is being spared from demolition.
Indiana Landmarks is moving the Poledor House from 211 Marion St. about two blocks to 402 W. Navarre St., the historic preservation organization said Monday. Work will begin this spring to prepare its new site, which is now a parking lot at the entrance to Chapin Park Historic District. The move is expected to take place this summer.
“We’re so pleased to be able to save this wonderful house,” Todd Zeiger, director of Indiana Landmarks’ northern regional office, said in a news release. “This is a sweet resolution to save an architectural gem, and preserve the story of a prominent family and its beloved candy business.”
The two-story house is named for the Poledor family, who operated The Philadelphia confectioner’s shop and restaurant in downtown South Bend for more than 70 years. Family members lived in the home for more than a century until Ted Poledor died in 2022 at age 90.
After completing some stabilization work and minor repairs, Indiana Landmarks said it will offer the house for sale with covenants to protect its architectural character.
St. Clair Development, which owns the property at 211 Marion St., donated the house to Indiana Landmarks. What, if anything, is immediately planned at the site is unclear. St. Clair Development could not be reached for comment.