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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT PROPERTY - 1067 Riverside Drive South Bend, Indiana OWNER - Roman Sysyn DESIGNATION - Riverside Drive Local Historic Preservation District STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE HISTORIC CONTEXT This dwelling was constructed in the American Foursquare style in approximately 1908. It is rated C/9 in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Summary Report for South Bend. The structure is well maintained and essentially unaltered with the exception of the front porch which has been enclosed. The detached Garage is sided with aluminum and a carport has been added to its front. PROPOSED CHANGE The Owner proposes to remove the two riser set of concrete steps at the rear of the structure and replace them with a new forty inch by sixty inch landing platform just below floor level with a three riser set of steps. The new landing and steps are to be constructed of concrete. A metal railing is to be provided. STANDARDS The treatment level for Riveride Drive LHD is "rehabilitation". The Guidelines state that it is: 1) Required - Existing or original porches and steps, including handrails, balusters, columns, brackets, tiles, and roof decorations shall be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design and materials when deteriorated beyond repair....." 2) Prohibited 2'Front porches and steps that are important to the buildings style and development may not be altered or removed." RECOMMENDATION The owner is proposing this discreet alteration at the rear of the structure to facilitate ease of access for his elderly mother who is resident at this dwelling. Although the standards state that it is required to retain steps, it would appear that this requirement was intended to apply to front facade conditions an/or other significant features such as covered porches. By inference, rear steps like those existing may be altered. In this particular case, life -safety, handicapped- accessibility and code compliance would each give cause for replacement of the steps. Staff recommends approval of this application. As of this date, Staff has not received plans and or sketches indicating the design of the railing. Staff recommends that the design of the proposed metal railing be submitted to staff or committee for approval when it becomes available. David B. Duvall 7/12/94 page 1