3. Leeper Park - Navarre Cabin_COA 2023-1106A

Home Browse Search

21 This is also reflected by the stated goals of South Bend Venues, Parks & Arts. As part of their park improvements, SBVPA calls for the “restoration of many historic features that were included in the original George Kessler design.” In fact, there has been a notable major change in the park in recent years, in the form of the addition of the Studebaker Fountain. The original fountain was located in Howard Park and was in the possession of The History Museum for many decades. Its addition is a deviation from the Standards and Guidelines for the park, as well as from Kessler’s design, yet still follows his design principles and those of the City Beautiful movement, where it is common to see sweeping paths terminating in fountains. The public can not only enjoy this water feature, but also learn about its history from the placards nearby. Changes are permitted under South Bend Zoning Ordinance 21-12.04(H), governing the administration of the Historic Preservation Commission, which states that “In making such determination, the Historic Preservation Commission shall consider the following: i) Appropriateness of the proposed construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, or moving to the preservation of the historic landmark, specifically, and/or the Historic Preservation District, generally: ii) The detriment to the public welfare if the proposed construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition, or moving is permitted even though it is not deemed appropriate; and iii) The potential hardship that the denial of a certificate of appropriate would cause the applicant.” Regarding i, though the standards and guidelines advise against moving any structure within the park, it has been shown in previous pages that the criteria and significance on which Leeper Park was designated a historic district is not dependent on the presence of the cabin, Sensible Change (cont’d) Studebaker Fountain