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Historic Preservation Commission 1123 County City Building South Bend, Indiana 46601 Dear Board Members, December 11, 1995 I live at 1414 E. Wayne Street and am submitting a plan for a landscaping/fencing project. When I bought the house in 1991 1 did not receive any information regarding historic guidelines or the need for commission approval. The house was in severe disrepair when purchased "as is" and I am enclosing a list of the many renovations that have been done during the last 4 years. I hope this demonstrates my commitment to restoring this house to its former beauty and the considerable investment of time, energy and money involved. The final phase of restoration is to nurture the yard and gardens to their full potential. The property has well established landscaping along the west border of the backyard that includes many irreplaceable specimens including trillium, massive rhododendron bushes, mountain laurel, a Ginkgo tree, holly and a wide variety of perennials. Unfortunately the south and east borders of the backyard were the site of a rusting dog run and pen and overgrown wild flora. The goal of this project is to complete landscaping the yard in a manner compatible with the established garden area. Foegley Landscaping has been retained for the project and I am working with a certified landscape .architect. We are both highly committed to preserving and enhancing the many beautiful specimens on the property. A white PVC fence has been installed as part of this project. It abuts a stockade unstained wood fence with graffiti on the west border of the backyard, a wood fence on the south border and replaces a short section of rusted out chain link fence on the west border. A 3 foot high section has been extended along the west border of the front yard. This replaces an unsightly hedge that suffered from years of neglect. This will provide support and improved sunlight for the perennial and rose garden that will be planted in the existing garden strip that abuts the fence. The style of fencing was chosen for its beauty and compatibility with the style of the house. The neighborhood reaction which has been expressed to me has been overwhelmingly positive. Four different neighbors have told me what a vast improvement they feel the fence provides and how much it enhances the property and the neighborhood. I am optimistic that when the landscaping project is done the house and property will be fully restored to their former grace and beauty. Sincerely, 02nifer Lackman