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The Local Historic Districts fit into an interesting web of activity within the city o.f South Bend. With the exception of East Wayne Street Local Historic District, all of the districts have some kind of connection to the water. The river is an important historic landscape element. Historically, the river provided transportation of goods and people, a source of water for crops and livestock and a means of entertainment and recreation. The river continues to provide all of these necessities. The Local Historic Districts that are along the river could easily be connected to the Riverwalk, Park and Greenway system that has been designed for South Bend. This type of approach would strengthen the ties of various historic elements in the city and -make more apparent the value of these somewhat neglected features. A portion of Riverside Drive Local Historic District is directly across the river from West North Shore Local Historic District. Although the physical connection of the Lafayette Street bridge is no longer present, a visual and psychological link remains. The presence of Shetterley Park within Riverside Drive'L. H. D. adds to the strength of the concept of developing ties to the park - system and the Local Historic Districts. River Bend Local Historic District is connected physically by Leeper park to Riverside Drive L. H. D. River Bend L. H. D. is, in turn, linked directly to the East Race Waterway that has become a part of recent history of the city. Edgewater Place Local Historic District presents a definate opportunity for a physical connection to the river. The residents along Edgewater Drive maintain the riverbank and use it a waterfront property. Notre Dame University is another important fixture that is linked to the Local Historic Districts through a visual connection in Edgewater Place L. H. D. The Notre Dame boat launch is across the river from Edgewater Place L. H. D. This is an example of two historically significant entities, the L. H. D. and N.D.U., linking to a third, the river. This is a tie that should be recognized and preserved. East Wayne Street Local Historic District is tied to the important industry and development of the city of South Bend in a round -about way. Many of t -he homes built by thetycoons of business and industry are located in East Wayne Street L. H. D.. This is the reason for the establishment of the district which maintains the most historically correct landscape of any of the Local Historic Districts. Lincolnway East Local Historic District has a tie to the river that is totally ignored. Opening connections to the river, if only visually, would make the district more appealing with a stronger tie to other historic aspects of South Bend. The history of South Bend is extremely strong with industrial, commercial and educational institutions. The Local _ Historic Districts present a.rich architectural history of the page #28