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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS-�.- J Date: 10-08-03 1 Application Number: 2003-0916-01 Property Location: Angela Boulevard Bridge, South Bend, IN�,wx-- Property Owner: City of South Bend Landmark or District Designation: Local Landmark Rating: Significant ` D/ STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT 17, �e— -A - The current Angela Boulevard Bridge (now under construction and renovation) opened for public use in 1940. The City Engineer and City -Beautiful Movement proponent William S. Moore designed this bridge as the County looked to improve its infrastructure for the growing predominance of motor vehicles in the late 1930s. Moore was a key figure in the adaptation of City -Beautiful tenets to the city of South Bend's boulevard and park system, of which this bridge is certainly a part. He was also influential in the modernization of the city's water and sewage systems. It should be noted that Moore employed the Melan-Arch technology as the structural system of support for the bridge. This bridge construction method relied on bands of several metal arch rings aligned evenly and the protection of a concrete shell. The concrete was often poured to create decorative and classical elements with crisp lines. APPLICATION ITEMS: The City of South Bend and the Troyer Group propose the construction of a pedestrian trail along the St. Joseph River following Riverside Drive. The applicants propose the trail be 10' wide and made of bituminous materials. The trailhead will be located at the Angela Street Bridge and will continue north along the river. RECOMMENDATION During the 106 Review process for this trail project, the Historic Preservation Commission decided unanimously that the project would have no adverse affect or impact upon the four local landmarks in the area of potential effect, including the Angela Boulevard Bridge. Though a ten -foot wide path will impact the mostly grass covered landscape adjacent to the landmark bridge, the impact upon the bridge itself will be miniscule. The project will not affect the bridge's most significant historic features and sight lines of the river and its tree covered banks. The trail project may impact and hopefully remove a noncontributing and ugly gravel covered area located near the bridge. It may impact a minimal number of trees, most likely honey locusts. These are not related to the design of the Angela Boulevard Bridge and its period of historic significance in the late 1930s to 1940 nor do they significantly contribute to the sight lines and views from the bridge. The project will increase pedestrian traffic near this local landmark, which will more easily allow for public view of an historic structure connected to the development of South Bend's automotive thoroughfares and its City -Beautiful inspired parks and bridges. In agreement with the Commission's prior opinion and decision, staff recommends approval of this application for the construction of a pedestrian trailhead not more than 10' wide located at the west side of the Angela Boulevard Bridge.