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Original exterior building materials shall be retained when possible. Deterioration of wood materials shall be prevented through repair, cleaning and painting. The existing architectural detail around windows, porches, doors and eaves shall be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design when deteriorated beyond repair. Masonry, including brick and stucco structures, shall be maintained and properly cleaned only when necessary to halt deterioration or to remove stains and shall be done in a method acceptable for the preservation of the surface: i.e. low-pressure water and soft natural bristle brushes. Brick or masonry mortarjoints should be repointed only when there is evidence of moisture problems, or when sufficient mortar is missing to allow water to stand in the mortarjoint. Existing mortar shall be duplicated in composition, color, texture, joint size, method of application and joint profile. When repairing stucco, stucco mixture shall be used. A professional shall make a study of the old stucco, to determine the exact mixture and underlayment used in the original work. Some repair methods are not compatible with the original techniques and may cause early disintegration of the repair work and the original work. Ample ventilation must be afforded the structure when siding is installed, in order to prevent increased deterioration of the structure from moisture and insects. Recommended Whenever possible, the original building materials should be restored. When maintaining or repairing original siding is not feasible, aluminum, vinyl or composite siding may be used. When used over wood surfaces, this siding should be the same size and style as the original wood. Every effort should be made to retain the original trim around windows, doors, cornices, gables, eaves and other architectural features. Property owners should contact the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County prior to initiating any restoration or rehabilitation effort. [Address and contact information is listed in the front of the Guidebook.] The Commission is an invaluable source of information about all facets of rehabilitation and restoration — materials, methods, contractors and the like. Prohibited Wood siding shall not be resurfaced with new material that is inappropriate or was unavailable when the building was constructed, such as artificial stone, brick veneer, asbestos or asphalt shingles. Sandblasting or the use of harsh detergents shall not be used on masonry including brick, stucco, limestone, flagstone and sandstone. This method of cleaning erodes the surface material and accelerates deterioration. Re -pointing shall not be done with a mortar of high Portland cement content which can often create a bond that is stronger than the building material. Usage of Portland cement can cause deterioration as a result of the differing coefficient of expansion and porosity of the historic masonry unit and the mortar. This most often results in serious damage to adjacent brick. Unpainted masonry surfaces shall not be painted unless they had been painted originally. Paint shall not be removed from masonry surfaces by any means that damage the surface. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the removal of the aluminum and vinyl siding for further inspection of condition of clapboard by Preservation Specialist. If condition is determined to be deteriorated beyond repair and with sections non-existent, Staff recommends approval of proposed project. Elicia Feasel Deputy Director On a motion by Mike Voll with a second by Tom Gordon to approve application conditionally to entrust staff with the authority to approve the replacement of the material if the concealed clapboard is deemed deteriorated beyond repair or problematic for the structure. Vote: 5 — 0 unanimous. COA#2015-0917 Approved with Conditions. 2. Leeper Park East COA#2015-1002 Local Landmark Representation by Larry Clifford, volunteer Steve Szaday, Preservation Specialist questioned ground quartz finish replication. Brenda Bickel, questioned the "pool" details. STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 5 October 2015 Application Number: 2015-1002 Property Location: Leeper Park East Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: George Kessler Property Owner: City of South Bend Landmark or District Designation: National Register Historic Designed Landscape Landmark Rating: Local Landmark DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: Leeper Park is a designed landscape located north of the commercial and medical district of South Bend and divided by Michigan Street (US 33). Leeper Park East is bordered by Riverside Drive along the St. Joseph River, the River and Bartlett Street to the South and Michigan Street to the West. It is part of the 1911-1915 Parks and Boulevard system designed by George Kessler. Its function as a recreational Park is secondary to its practical function as a drinking water well field dominated by the North Pumping Station which is a local landmark, the Reservoir and numerous wells located through out the area. The Sunken Garden at the northern end of the Park was rehabilitated in 2009 with new rose plants and gravel walkways and has been restored and maintained in 2015 by an all -volunteer group. The recreational area of the Park behind the North Pumping Station include the Zeigler performing center with fixed bench seating, signage for the Garden of Fragrance, the Navarre Cabin, Comfort Station, and a swing set and slide. ALTERATIONS: The water feature, fountain and statuary of the Sunken Garden were removed in the 1960s. The wading pool has been filled in and the pergola removed around the 1970s. The more formal gardens of lilies, roses, gladiolas and peony beds no longer exist. The Garden of Fragrance (originated in1954 and expanded over the years) that meandered from Michigan Street to the Herb Garden by the Navarre Cabin no longer exists, only the signage remains. The lift station was moved to the north side of the pumping station with new landscaping, plantings, sidewalks, and rehabilitated Braille marker with COA 2011-1103A.