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y STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: March 6, 2017 Application Number: 2017-0306 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 includes the Amphitheater (also known as 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 inl954 and expanded over the wears) 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: The amphitheater is in need of improvement for ADA and to improve appearance and functionality. New stage and new audience seating, landscape beautification and lighting for stage. New benches with concrete pad, closer to stage, more intimate. See attached. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The existing concrete slab in the stage area will be removed and replaced with a 20' diameter concrete slab. The stage will have posts that accommodate low key stage front lighting. Existing benches will be removed, a concrete slab poured, and new benches similar to those installed along the Garden Walkway Project in Leeper Park West (COA 2015-0302A) will be installed. New concrete sidewalks will be poured to connect the stage and seating areas with existing sidewalks and parking area. All concrete will have color pigment throughout the mix. Sidewalks, seating, and parking will conform with ADA requirements. The brick building that serves as a backdrop to the stage will be cleaned, and boarded up windows will be replaced with more attractive faux windows in a color that better blends with the brick building. The amphitheater will allow education enrichment for nearby Madison STEAM Academy, as well as other community events. See attached site plan for detailed project notes. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Leeper Park Standards and Criteria 9.2 Spatial Organization (incl. Views, Vistas, Landscape Spaces, etc.): 2. All views, vistas, landscape spaces located in the eastern section and central section of Leeper Park shall be preserved. 3. Original or later contributing special organizational features shall be retained in their existing configuration and shall be maintained through proper drainage, access and erosion control, pruning and removal of invasive vegetation or otherwise using recognized horticultural and soil management practices.