HPC of South Bend and St. Joseph County - Standards Update Draft

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 132 District Addendums: Lincoln Way East Local Historic District Established 1984 (Ordinance 7343-84) History of Lincoln Way East Unique District Character Preservation Public Infrastructure The riverfront character of the district shall be retained. If erosion control efforts become necessary to preserve the riverbank, they should involve processes and materials consistent with the natural beauty of the banks . The development of boat landings, access points, scenic overlooks or terraces should be done in such a way as to avoid obstructing the view of the river and its banks . Unsightly brush, weeds, and dead or diseased trees should be removed . Where river safety barriers are necessary, as at Arch and Edgewater, they should be constructed and terraced to maintain the natural appearance . The introduction of heavy trucks or similar vehicles in the district, with the exception of Lincoln Way, shall be prohibited. Similarly, high-voltage power lines and other utilities shall be regulated to Lincoln Way. When new streetlights are installed, an effort should be made to use reproduction, turn-of-the-century lights. Private Site Work & Buildings The district, which is characterized by its proximity to the St . Joseph River, lies southeast of downtown South Bend . It consists of a three-block area fronted by Lincoln Way East (U.S. 33) and the river on the north and the Conrail tracks on the south. The majority of the buildings face Lincoln Way East although there are a few structures on two of the side streets, Ottawa Court and Leer Street, one facing the alley near the railroad tracks, and a few carriage houses, sheds, barns and garages behind the houses on Lincoln Way . The erection of high walls or barriers which would alter the relationship of the houses and the river is prohibited. In erosion control efforts to preserve the riverbank, poured concrete, concrete slabs, concrete building blocks or other unsightly material shall not be used . The development of boat landings, access points, scenic overlooks or terraces should be done in such a way as to avoid obstructing the view of the river and its banks . Individual properties in the district are characterized by a house located in the center of a long, narrow lot which extends from Lincoln Way to the alley just north of the railroad tracks . The front yards, most of which have sloping embankments to the sidewalk along Lincoln Lincoln Way East Local Historic District DRAFT