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John H. Oxian, President South Bend and St. Joseph County HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 227 WEST JEFFERSON BLVD. SOUTH BEND, IN 46601-1830 Phone: 574-235-9798 Fax: 574-235-9578 e-mail: historic@michiana.org Michael Divinta Division of Community Development 1200 County -City Building South Bend, IN 46601 A Certified Local Government Wednesday, June 2, 2004 RE: Dunham Street Model Block Project No. 104-006 in the Saint Casimir National Register Historic District Dear Michael: Karen R. Hammond -Nash, Director I first want to mention my appreciation for your communications with regard to this project as well as your patience. After reviewing the specifications and the plans submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission for the Dunham Street Model Block Initiative in the Saint Casimir National Register District, many of the proposed specifications detail in-kind improvements to the streetscape. The specifications and plans for the replacement of the sidewalks, curbs, driveway aprons, and sidewalk wheelchairibike ramps are suitable for the neighborhood as they retain Dunham Street's current streetscape design. The specifications for removing the asphalt along the curbs and relaying any removed brick in order to replace the curbs and improve drainage would be suitable; however, the City may wish to research the ad- vantages of uncovering the brick streets in this neighborhood and especially on Dunham Street. Though the upfront costs of restoring brick streets are generally more expensive than asphalt paving, brick streets have a longer lifespan and are less expensive in the long run than milling and re -applying asphalt. Brick streets also reduce traffic speeds by three or four miles per hours, and they enhance the appearance of a neighborhood. They give a neighborhood style and distinction that could be used as a tool to improve neighborhood pride. While the addition of hedge maples and lilac trees in the tree lawn would increase the foliage in the neighborhood, trees that have a longer lifespan and that reach a taller mature height would better frame the houses and the streetscape rather than obscure them. I enclosed a brief summary of the neighborhood's distinctive features, which cover its layout and the notable architectural elements of individual homes. This document should provide you with a foundation for the conservation of the residences' distinctive features. If I can be of any further assistance, do let me know. Yours, -- ---- --- - — Julie L Schutte, Assistant Director COMMISSIONERS Mary Jane Chase Virginia O'Hair (Secretary) Gerald Ujdak Martha Choitz Lynn A. Patrick (Vice President) Diane Wrobel-Illes Catherine Hostetler (Treasurer) Joann Sporleder (Architectural Historian) John Livingston(Legal Counsel)