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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: February 28, 2017 Application Number: 2017-0228 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 E960s. 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 in 1954 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. COA 2015-0504A approved restoration of Rose Garden and path system, including replanting and maintaining garden with volunteers. COA 2016-1013 approved removal of brush and planting of willow tree. APPLICATION ITEMS: See attached. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Building on previously approved projects to clean up and restore the Rose Garden, and installation of flower beds in the Reflecting Pool area, this project involves creating a narrow walkway between the two areas, which would then be bound by new beds, adjacent to the new walkway. Currently, to access the Garden, a visitor crosses from the Michigan Blvd. sidewalk, over a grassy area approximately 50 feet deep. At the top of the existing 8' wide concrete staircase leading to the Sunken Garden, an 8'wide walkway of crushed limestone is proposed. The walk would be bounded by two, 42" wide flower beds, and planted with similar materials as are used in the lower viewing pond beds. This would make the botanical area more visible to drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, the entire Garden would be irrigated with a new, timed, underground irrigation system, featuring a customized "drip" watering system for the roses, and a "sprayer head" system for the balance of the garden. This irrigation would be invisible, except when actually running. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Leeper Park Standards and Criteria 9.2 Spatial OrEanization (incl. Views, Vistas, Landscape Spaces, etc.):