September 2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

WEST NORTH SHORE DRIVE HISTORIC DISTRICT STANDARDS. INTRODUCTION The North Shore Drive residential neighborhood from Michigan Ave. to Iroquois Ave. has a distinctive and -valuable character. The external appearance of the river and street, homes, and yards communicates 'and reflects the fact that for over half -a century it has been and still is a comfortable residential neighborhood. All of the homers have an attractive view of the delightful St. 'Joseph River. In the main the sarchitvi-turaal. and 'charming -character of West North Shore Drive tins been pre- Krrvvd. The home's arty generally archi-tecturally and htstortcally ellstlnc•ttve, large and located -on ampler lots. Structural standards are written with emphasis on preservation ra[her than on reliabt'.l.itation. Conditions are accepted as they now are with an attempt to prevent any deterioration, demolition, or construction of inappropriate additions or structures. Naturally, rehibilitation or restoration of. any structures in the area would be considered desirable. The standards place particular emphasis. on those aspects of -the structures on West North Shore Drive which can be viewed from West -North Shore Drive. This is In- tended to retain the present streetscape intact, and still allow the property owners leeway in adjusting their property to their living style. The structural standards are divided into three groups; namely "Preferred", "Permitted", and "Prohibited". "Preferred" may be defined as the standard we coitt:ieter the most desirable and the goal to which we hope all will adhere. "Per- mitted" may be defined :as an acceptable alternative to the "Preferred" standard. Undvi- the he:uling "Prohlhited" are materials and practices not considered accept - 11111o In they Allt%e l fir nre as meant lone4d in this Dist.riet. Tht, following- standards are designed to preserve the architectural, hlstnric:, and rooldential characteristics of. the West North' Shore Drive, District, with certain exceptions beirtA made for the structure and property on Lots 12 and B due to the. high density and speed of traffic on Michigan Street. A. THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE RIVER The intimate relationship of the St. Joseph River to this residential neighborhood and to each individual home should be preserved. At present residents, visitors, and passersby drink in the delights of the river - its swift, unimpeded current, its substantial breadth 'and its banks of verdant natural growth. The erection of high walls or other artifical barriers to the enjoyment of the scenic river must be prohibited. Parking on the river side of North Shore Drive must be prohibited. If erosion control efforts become necessary to preserve the river banks they must involve processes and materials consistent' with the natural beauty of the banks. Paurt•d a marrvtc. conerete slabs, concrete building blocks or other unsightly mater - 1111m anunt be avolded. J