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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2001-1002-(b) 7_0� Z Property Location: 1012 Riverside Drive _ South Bend, IN 46601 Property Owners: Gabrielle Robinson & Michael Keen Landmark or District Designation: Local Historic District — Riverside Drive National Registry of Historic Districts — Chapin Park Rating: Significant - 11 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT In 1919 attorney Frank Gilmer purchased lot 10 of Wetzstein's Riverside Heights Addition, and in 1920 built this Romantic Period revival -style home. It is one of six houses between the Riverside Drive White Oak stand, and Shetterly Park. It overlooks the river to the Northeast, and faces Shetterly Park. Former residents include Helen and Leslie Morehouse, from 1927 to 1937 (Mr. Morehouse was the editor of the South Bend Tribune); Mr. and Mrs. Duncan O'Coner, from 1937 to 1957 (during which period Mr. O'Coner was superintendent at South Bend lathe); Mr. and Mrs. Lester E. Menzie, from 1957 to 1973; Kenneth Grant from 1973 to 1999; Allen and Arleen (?) Howard, from 1999, presumably until sale to the present owners. BACKGROUND: The owners have already received staff approval for the removal of a dead or dying American elm tree from the West (front) property line, and, at their option, for placing an arbor vita bush where the tree was, to fill in a line of arbor vitae; which will now have a gap where the elm tree was. We are aware of the significance of native trees to this neighborhood in particular, and to the special value of American Elm trees where ever they may be found, and we only granted permission for the removal of this one on the owners' representation that it is in fact past saving — and we also feel confident that no homeowner would be dumb enough to remove such a tree if there were any way to keep it. The 1977 Survey shows five significant trees in between the front of this house and Shetterly Park — and now there remain only two. RECOMMENDATION: The owners seek permission to plant two Red maples in front of their house. A sketched site plan is attached. Staff recommends approval. The trees will be closer together than in most early 20`h Century landscaping plans, but still further apart than the actual historic plans for this unique neighborhood. While Red Maple trees are not on the list of trees specifically recommended for this neighborhood, there is a significant Red Maple tree directly across Riverside Drive from this house, on the inside corner.