HomeMy WebLinkAbout907 Riverside Drive_Leeper Park Navarre Cabin_COA 2020-0302STAFF REPORT
CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: 9 March, 2020
Application Number: 2020-0302
Property Location: Leeper Park
Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Planned landscape/1897/City
superintendent Herman Beyer; Landscape Architect George Kessler
Property Owner: City of South Bend, Venues Parks & Arts
Landmark or District Designation: Local Landscape Landmark, Ordinance
#8734-96 and National Register of Historic Places, 6/15/2000
Rating: Outstanding
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: Leeper Park is the first planned public park in South Bend located
north of downtown and the medical district. Leeper Park is oriented east/west at the St. Joseph River, divided into
three sections, East, Central, and West, by Michigan Street and Lafayette Boulevard. The Eastern section was
originally established for the Water Works with the first construction on site being a network of thirty, six-inch
artesian wells.1 “The first land condemned for the future Leeper Park, in June of 1895, was meant to provide a
second artesian well field and pumping facility for the lively industries and town population which was growing
along the south bend of the St. Joseph River.”2 City superintendent Herman Beyer first influenced the design
including curvilinear paths, plantings, and water features. The 1911-1915 Parks and Boulevard system and the
Leeper Park Plan, designed by celebrated planner and landscape architect George Kessler, embodied early
twentieth century ideals grounded in the City Beautiful movement, connecting parks and boulevards as planned
elements of a coordinated city plan. Kessler’s Plan for Leeper Park included both formal and informal design
elements, adopting existing park features of the Beyer era through a skillful remodel. The association of the park
sections with different uses was a result of Kessler’s planning; the West section was deemed for active recreation,
the Central section as passive recreation, and the Eastern Section was adopted for its function as a Water Works but
also boasts a number of recreation-related features. While the Kessler Plan guided Leeper Park development for the
next decade, documentary evidence appears that only some elements of the Kessler design were actually installed.3
Sensitive extensions of Kessler’s Plan continued into the 1920s and 1930s and included Works Progress
Administration funded labor for several projects.4
Leeper Park East features include: the North Pumping Station, the water reservoir, multiple water well pumps,
Ziegler Performing Center with fixed bench seating, signage for the former Garden of Fragrance, the Navarre
Cabin, the foundation of the former Powell House, a non-functioning Comfort Station, a swing set/slide, the
Sunken (Rose) Garden, the island, and the Works Progress Administration retaining wall and a bridge to the island.
Leeper Park Central features include: West Lagoon (Duck Pond), concrete stairs on embankment, a well house, the
Edward B. Reynolds fountain, Lavender Labyrinth, memorials including trees, stones, and plaques. The
Commission approved river overlook is under construction at this time.
Leeper Park West features include: backdrop of the former baseball diamond, tennis courts, a recreation building, a
parking lot, an odor garden, and raised vegetable gardens with adjoining paths.
1 Leeper Park Cultural Landscape Report, prepared by Westerly Group for the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County,
May 1998.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4 Malcolm Cairns, ASLA. “Leeper Park Historic District.” National Register of Historic Places Inv entory/Nomination Form, NR-1411. South Bend,
St. Joseph County, Indiana, June 15, 2000.
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ALTERATIONS:
Throughout
COA 2019-0402 approved conditionally 1. Lighting, with condition of staff approval 2. Sign locations, not sign
design 3. Furnishings and Garden Ornaments with exception of the backed, non-custom metal benches
around the fountain to be the backless benches, only 4. Planting Design.
COA 2019-0109 approved conditionally 1. Pedestrian circulation improvements and pathways, with condition of
staff approval over memorials and landscaping 2. New playground 3. Studebaker Fountain and associated
gathering place 4. Removal of Duck Pond, with condition that “reseed the lawn” is not approved but
instead requires a plan be submitted to the Commission to interpret the Duck Pond in another way 5.
Concept of a formal river overlook with final design to be approved by Commission.
RMEs and COAs for tree trimming, removal, and installation have been approved under the guidance of the City
Forester.
RMEs and COAs for sidewalks have been approved.
Leeper Park East
RME 2017-0410 approved “This permit covers only Phase I of the project - drilling a pilot well. Phase II (drilling
the actual well and trenching in the piping) will require a separate COA.”
COA 2017-0306 approved installation of new stage and new audience seating, landscape beautification and lighting
for stage, new benches with concrete pad closer to stage.
RME 2016-1013 approved removal of brush and planting of willow tree near Rose Garden.
The Sunken (Rose) Garden with reflecting pool and statuaries were removed in the 1960s. RME 2017-1012
approved installation of two small concrete pads with two benches adjacent to Rose Garden. Benches to
match those approved through COA 2015-0302A. COA 2017-0228 approved installation of 8’ wide
crushed limestone walkway connecting the Michigan Street sidewalk with the Sunken Garden, bounded by
two, 42” wide flower beds, and irrigation system for entire garden. COA 2015-1002 approved “Within an
existing concrete curb (that will remain), the landscaping bed will be enhanced to mimic the reflecting pool
formerly within its boundary. New flower beds will be defined using new soil, compost and plantings. A
walkway of crushed limestone will pass through the beds. Additional half circle beds will be added to the
north and south of the concrete curb. The "three-fates" statues will be repaired pro-bono by a local artist,
and then placed into the center of the "pool" bed, where they were originally, in the same back-to-back-to
back style; and the one remaining "cherub" will be nearby, on a footing. That "cherub" will be duplicated
from the original, and the new statue also placed nearby in the "pool" bed.” COA 2015-0504A approved
restoration of Rose Garden and gravel path system by volunteers.
COA 2015-0908 approved “Bartlett Street Roundabout Project Description (114-032b). Project to construct a
roundabout at Bartlett and Michigan Street approved per all diagrams and documents submitted.
Encroachment to Leeper Park East will be limited to 0.57 acres and all trees removed will be replaced
within the park.”
The Garden of Fragrance no longer exists, but the signage remains. RME 2015-0422 approved “Rebuild/restack
low retaining wall currently located in Leeper Park next to Garden for the Blind. Matching flagstone has
been donated by Knepp Sand and Stone and Old Fort Building Supply; and follows material estimate made
by a representative of the SB Parks Department. The restacking of the flagstone wall will also require
digging away the dirt around loose blocks and backfilling afterwards.”
COA 2011-1103A approved “Replace the existing lift station on the south side of the North Pumping Station
driveway and relocate it to the north side of the driveway. Screen the new location with landscaping and
plantings. Rehabilitate the Garden of Fragrance Braille marker and boulder monument and install new
sidewalks and decorative paving. All per diagrams, plans and plant palette submitted and approved.”
Wading Pool was filled in and the pergola removed, 1970s.
Circa 1862 vernacular Powell House
Navarre Cabin moved to Leeper Park, 1904; relocated, 1916; relocated again to present site, 1954. Restored 2005-
2006.
Zoo closed and structures used for animals demolished, 1913.
Leeper Park Central
COA 2019-0806 approved the “Construction of a new river overlook in Leeper Park”, with the conditions regarding
the installation of the railings at the overlook, the bench designs, lighting at the overlook, and railings along
the stairs.
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COA 2017-0213B approved “Addition to Leeper Park of a garden labyrinth, 40'-0" diameter center, 80'-0" diameter
outer circle per submitted plans. Includes removal and replacement of existing trees specified in plans;
removal of DAR memorial tree NOT PERMITTED.”
COA 2013-0519 approved “Install a climber and merry-go-round at Leeper Park playground. (Replaces old pieces
which were removed.)”
The Mall/Formal Garden, an elongated adaptation of the Kessler design survived well into the 1960s. The Garden
and pedestrian walks became grown over, 1980s.
Tennis courts moved from Central to Eastern section, 1916.
1905 Bugbee Fountain removed, unknown date.
1907-08 East Lagoon (Lily Pond) became stagnant and was removed along with the rustic wooden bridge,
unknown date.
1907-08 West Lagoon (Duck Pond) was extensively remodeled including a change in configuration from a
naturalized shape to a near oval, 1980s and 1990s. The covered shelter and chain link fence are not original.
Only remnants of a path system were recorded by WPA, 1938.
1910 Reynold’s horse watering trough, relocated from downtown South Bend, 1937.
Fill added and installation of double flight of concrete steps along west bank of West Lagoon, 1916.
Carriage drives redesigned, unknown date.
Leeper Park West
COA 2015-0302A approved “Create a Garden in four sections totaling about 3000 sf including all plants; include
an 8 foot wide ADA standard concrete sidewalk-initially 500 feet long; one monument circle and 2
flanking garden observation/education pads to be added per diagram submitted. Install 8 +/- historic lights
of the style of Leeper Park East to be installed along the 8 foot wide walk: 1 on each side of the 3 bump
outs along the walk, 1 close to Lafayette and 1 close to the northwest corner end of the current phase of the
walkway. 8 +/- durable quality public benches; 4+/- umbrella tables near tennis court; opportunities for
public art along the garden walk. Subject to approval by the Parks Board. All the garden plant and
vegetable plant options to be agreed upon by Parks Department/Board, Madison School and HPC Staff to
conform to the Standards and Guidelines adopted for Leeper Park. Abstain from planting fruit trees at this
time.”
COA 2008-0306 approved installation of an “Odor Garden” with blower piping and underground odor control bed
to treat sewer gas. Surface odor control bed planted as flower garden. Area will be restored to grass if and
when the system is taken out of service.
COA 2007-0605B approved “Renovation of Tennis Courts, Pavement and Fence replacement, expansion of Court
pavement approximately 20' to South; removal of 17 trees in the South per Brent Thompson and replace
with 12 Cypress per Brent Thompson. Plant to the north of the fence 5 deciduous trees.”
A parking lot south of the Tennis Center was added during the Madison School renovation along with lighting
without COA, 1998.
The 1936 WPA shelter house was replaced with the present recreation building, 1970.
Fill added for installation of Riverside Drive, 1910 and 1938.
APPLICATION ITEMS: “Cabin to be relocated to the museum’s west campus as part of a larger interpretive
site. See attached plan for details.”
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The Northern Indiana Historical Society (NIHS, also known as
The History Museum) has applied to remove the Navarre Cabin from Leeper Park East and move it to the museum’s
campus.
a. The Cabin will be removed from the current location by Lykowski Construction:
i. The Cabin will be lifted up and transported off-site,
ii. The piers will be disassembled for reuse at the new location.
b. The site will be graded and reseeded, including:
i. The removal / filling in of the pier foundations,
ii. The removal / filling in of the interpretive burn pits,
iii. The removal / grading of the small sections of stone wall,
iv. The removal / filling in of the disused pioneer herb garden,
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The cabin colloquially known as the “Pierre Navarre Cabin” originally stood on the north side of the river
somewhere west of what is now Michigan Street Bridge; it was moved to Leeper Park in 1904, only to be
moved/repositioned within the park in 1916. The cabin was again moved and refurbished in 1954. The Common
Council of South Bend passed a resolution in 1988 establishing the cabin as an honorary landmark as part of the
Hoosier Celebration ’88 activities; a few years later in 1996 the Common Council passed an ordinance formally
adopting the entirety of Leeper Park as a Local Landmark.
Leeper Park was added to the Indiana State Register of Historic Places in April of 1999 and the National Register
of Historic Places in June of 2000, where the Navarre Cabin is indicated as Building ‘B4’ in the nomination form.
The structure was rated Outstanding in the most recent City of South Bend Historic Sites and Structures Inventory.
In 2005, The History Museum partnered with the Historic Preservation Commission and Historic Landmarks
Foundation of Indiana (now Indiana Landmarks) to pursue funding assistance from the Indiana Department of
Natural Resources to facilitate the structure’s rehabilitation. The National Parks Service furnished $41,000 through
the ‘Historic Preservation Fund’, with the remainder of monies being raised by The History Museum through
fundraising. The cabin was eligible for this Federal funding because of its status as an included asset within the
National Register listed Leeper Park. As a condition of the funding, the state maintained an internal and external
easement on the structure from 2005 until its expiration in 2015.
National Register listing is often the key to unlocking the few funding opportunities that are available related to
Historic Preservation efforts. Moving the structure from Leeper Park will nullify they existing status (see Title 36:
Parks, Forest, and Public Property, Part 60—National Register of Historic Places, §60.14 ‘Changes and revisions
to properties listed in the National Register’), as well as potentially preclude the structure’s future eligibility for re-
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The structure’s new location is within the West Washington
National Register District. Were the structure to be moved to this new location, the structure would not be a
contributing resource in the West Washington National Register District. The loss of this status will negate future
opportunities for rehabilitation grants to preserve the structure long term. Without those grant opportunities, long
term maintenance of the structure will fall exclusively to the owner.
The History Museum’s argument is that moving the cabin will lead to greater utilization and more engagement with
the structure. The History Museum currently uses the structure for “Cabin Days”, a three-day long school event
that happens annually. The History Museum has stated that amenities (bathrooms / comfort stations, storage
facilities) are not available at the site in its current configuration, and that moving the structure to The History
Museum campus would provide those amenities. The History Museum further states that they feel the structure
will be more secure on their campus. It is unknown if The History Museum had any dialogue with Venues, Parks
& Arts to seek greater utilization of existing parks facilities.
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES:
9.0 LANDSCAPES – STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR LEEPER PARK
9.1 Introduction
1. In these guidelines the verb Should indicates a recommended course of action; the verb Shall indicates those actions which
are specifically required to preserve and protect significant architectural elements.
2. The intent of these standards and criteria is to preserve the overall character and appearance of Leeper Park including its spatial
organization, topography, vegetation, circulation and features.
3. The standards and criteria acknowledge that there will be changes to the landscape and are intended to make the change sensitive to
the historic character of the landscape.
4. Each property will be separately studied to determine if a later addition(s) and/or alteration(s) can, or should, be removed.
5. Since it is not possible to provide one general guideline, the following factors that will be considered in determining wheth er
a later addition(s) and/or alteration(s) can, or should, be removed include:
a. Compatibility with the original property’s integrity in scale, materials, and character.
b. Historic association with the property.
c. Quality in design and execution of the addition/alteration.
d. Functional usefulness.
6. Recreational facilities which exist should be allowed to remain as long as they serve substantial community functions. In som e
cases these features can be redesigned to be more compatible with the overall landscape.
7. Additions to existing recreational facilities shall not be allowed unless such additions make the facilities more compatible with the
overall landscape.
8. The development of additional facilities for active recreation or single purpose uses for limited user groups shall not be allowed.
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9. Proposals for special activities and events which cause significant impacts or require permanent or even semi -permanent (seasonal)
structures or facilities shall not be permitted.
10. The Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County recommends that the work proposed to the landscape
be executed with the guidance of landscape professional with expertise with historic landscapes.
11. The land, streets, island(s), street lighting, park lighting, topography, vistas, vegeta tion, architectural elements, structures, spatial
organization, street furniture, sewer covers, electrical and water vault and/or manholes covers, parking areas are subject to the
terms of the landscape guidelines herein stated.
12. Items under Historic Preservation review include but are not limited to the following:
9.2 Spatial Organization (includes, Views, Vistas, Landscape Spaces, etc.)
Refer to Sections 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 and 9.8 for additional Standards and Criteria that may apply.
1. Views and vistas are among the most important aspects of a landscape, therefore, they should be maintained and preserved.
2. All views, vistas, landscape spaces located in the eastern section and central section of Leeper Park shall be preserved. All views,
vistas, landscape spaces located north and east and west of a line designated as the northern fence of the tennis courts located in the
western section of Leeper Park shall also be preserved. This shall include the island(s) located in the St. Joseph River and the
slough which lies between the island(s) and the mainland. All views, vistas, and landscape spaces shall also include the entirety of
the riverbank as well as the area lying between the roadway of Riverside Drive up to and including the riverbank and cut ston e wall
along the riverbank.
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.
4. Alteration of existing or addition of new spatial organizational features will be considered if they do not alter the basic c oncept of
the historic landscape design.
5. Deteriorated or missing spatial organizational features shall be replaced with features that match the original in form, shape, color
and texture.
6. When replacement of features is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
7. If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considered.
8. Important visual connections between spaces within the landscape shall be retained by maintaining vegetation, circulation and
topography features which contribute to those visual relationships.
9. The historic spatial and functional relationship of circulation systems, water features and structures shall be preserved by
maintaining the massing of adjacent vegetation, vistas, or other associated features.
10. Maintenance of removal or, and additions of vegetation materials and elements should consider maintaining existing or intended
vistas and spaces, screening intrusions, creating new spaces where appropriate and maintaining defined areas of shade and sun.
11. The form and shape of individual spaces and their associated vertical element shall be retained in order to preserve the hist oric
relationships of the landscape. Examples include the relationship between open fields and hedgerows or the width and length of an
allee.
12. Moving or demolishing historic structures that would alter spatial and visual relationships in the landscape shall not be
allowed.
13. Construction of new structures that would alter historic spatial and visual relationships in th e landscape shall not be allowed.
14. Intrusive views or new construction may be screened with compatible fencing or plant material so long as the screening would not
detract from the historic character of the landscape.
9.3 Topography (includes the Shape, Slope, Elevation, Contour of landforms and Ground Plane, etc.) Refer to Sections 9.2, 9.4, 9.5, 9.8, 9.9
and 9.10 for additional Standard and Criteria that may apply.
1. All locations and items listed in 9.2.2 shall also apply to this section and shall be preserved.
2. Original or later contributing topographical features shall be retained in their existing configuration and shall be maintain ed through
proper drainage, access and erosion control, and recognized soil management practices.
3. Alteration of existing or addition to new topographical features will be considered if they do not later the basic concept of the
historic landscape design.
4. Natural features (e.g. rock outcroppings) which are integrated into the landscape shall be treated as part of the overall design and
shall be retained.
5. Deteriorated or missing materials or features shall be replaced with materials that match the original in form, shape, color and
texture.
6. When replacement of materials or features is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
7. If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considere d.
8. Whenever appropriate, plant materials, rather than structural materials should be used to solve erosion problems. Repair of WPA
island and slough stone construction projects is strongly encouraged.
9.4 Vegetation (includes Trees, Shrubs, Ground Covers, Hedges, Allees, Fields, Forests, Planting Beds, etc.)
Refer to Sections 9.2, 9.3, 9.5, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, and 9.10 for additional Standards and Criteria that may apply.
1. Refer to Section 9.2.2 for items within this section which shall be preserved. Also included in this section shall be the div erse
variety of trees, shrubs, bushes and other vegetation which may or may not be indigenous to this region. List of such types of
vegetation can be in lists and inventories which were published in the annual reports of both the City of South Bend and the South
Bend Park Commissions from the years 1910 to 1940. 5
2. Original or later contributing vegetation materials and features shall be retained in their existing configuration and shall be
maintained through proper horticultural management practices.
3. Alteration of existing or addition of new vegetation materials and features will be considered if they do not alter the basic concept
of the historic landscape design.
4. Deteriorated or missing materials or features shall be replaced with materials that match the original in form, shape, color and
texture.
5. When replacement of vegetation materials or features is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
6. If using the same vegetation material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute vegetation mate rials
may be considered if they convey the same growth habit, form, foliage and bloom characteristics as the historic plant.
7. Existing vegetation material shall be retained unless it is part of a later non-compatible design or is volunteer vegetation
inconsistent with the original design.
8. Consideration for removal of existing healthy vegetation materials and features will be given when it is in conflict with the original
design intent of the landscape, such as when an important vista has become overgrown or when plants have grown out of scale with
their intended purpose.
9. Maintenance of, removal of, and additions of vegetation materials and features should consider maintaining existing or intend ed
vistas and spaces, screening intrusions, creating new spaces where appropriate and maintaining defined areas of shade and sun.
10. Invasive vegetation shall be removed whenever technically feasible and shall be replaced with appropriate vegetation consiste nt
with the original design of the park and with current factors such as security, ecological conditions, and wildlife management
practices.
11. Hazardous plants or portions of plants should be removed promptly.
12. Plants with diseases that are difficult or not practical to control or cure should be removed promptly to prevent their infe ction of
other plants.
13. Mutilated or distorted plants should be removed.
14. Plant replacements should be added on a schedule that will insure a continuity in the landscape design.
15. Existing vegetation shall be protected adjacent construction activities by fen cing the root system prior to the start of construction.
16. Future plantings of the main floral garden in the central section of the park shall be guided by the design of the main flora l garden
as laid out by George Kessler in 1912.
9.5 Circulation (includes Roads, Paths, Parkways, Drives, Trials, Walks, etc.)
Refer to Sections 9.2, 9.5, 9.6, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.10 for additional Standards and Criteria that may apply.
1. The following shall be preserved: Riverside Drive, Lafayette Boulevard, Park Lane (Foote Street), Bartlett Street, the Alleyway
east of Michigan Street running north from Bartlett Street, all sidewalks, curbs, pathways around the duck pond (west lagoon),
stairways, pathways in and around the Sunken Garden, and the footbridge from the mainland to th e island. Alteration or addition of
Roads, Paths, Parkways, Trails, Walks, etc. shall be based upon physical or historical documentation of these items as they existed
from 1910 to 1940.
2. Original or later contributing layouts of walks, roads, and paved areas shall be maintained.
3. Alteration of existing or addition of new circulation layouts will be considered if it can be shown that better site circulat ion is
necessary, and that the alteration does not alter the basic concept of the historic landscape design.
4. When replacement of circulation layouts is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
5. Original or later contributing circulation materials and features shall be retained and, if necessary, repaired by patching, piecing-in
or reinforcing the material or feature using recognized preservation methods.
6. Deteriorated or missing circulation materials and features shall be replaced with materials that match the original in size, shape,
color, profile, form, texture, and detail of installation.
7. If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considere d.
8. Alteration of existing or addition of new circulation materials and features will be considered if they do not alter t he basic concept
of the historic landscape design.
9. Consideration will be given to an alternate paving material if it can be shown that its properties will improve the original or later
contributing design concept.
10. When replacement of circulation materials or features is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
11. Consideration for removal of existing circulation systems and features will be given when it is in conflict with the original design
intent of the landscape or when they are no longer appropriate to their intended purposes.
12. No vehicles unless of or approved by the South Bend Parks Department shall be permitted on any part of the park surface at any
time. Vehicles of American Electric Power and/or other vehicles of the City of South Bend, shall use predetermined routes to and
from their destination, when said travel would cause them to cross any area of the park which is not paved and designed for
vehicular traffic. Any damage caused by any vehicle, shall be repaired immediately to look as it did prior to said damage.
13. Encroachment of vehicles off the paved roadway of any area of the park shall not be permitted. Areas now used for vehicular
parking which are not part of the historical design of that park shall be removed.
14. Construction of any type within the park shall be done so as not to disturb any feature o f the park. Sheets of plywood or other
approved material may need to be laid upon the surface of the park prior to construction equipment. Repairs which must match the
original historic design concept shall be made in any and all circumstances of damage.
9.6 Water Features (includes Fountains, Pools, Irrigation Systems, Ponds, Rivers, etc.)
Refer to Sections 9.11 B, C, and D regarding treatment of materials and features; and Sections 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.7, 9.8 a nd 9.10 for
additional Standards and Criteria that may apply.
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1. Features which shall be preserved include: the duck pond (West Lagoon), the water pond in the Sunken Garden, the slough
between the island and the mainland, all drinking fountains, pump houses, manhole covers, drainage grates, horse and dog fountain
and path of the St. Joseph River in relation to the park.
2. Original or later contributing water features shall be retained and maintained.
3. Existing water courses or bodies should not be altered. Consideration will be given to proposals that improve site drainage, improve
water quality, enhance the landscape design or improve wildlife habitat.
4. Alteration of existing or addition of new water features will be considered if they do not alter the basic concept of the his toric
landscape design.
5. When placement of water features and their materials are necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
6. Original or later contributing water feature materials shall be retained and, if necessary, repaired by patching, piecing in,
consolidating or reinforcing the material using recognized preservation methods.
7. Deteriorated or missing water feature materials shall be replaced with materials that match the original in size, shape, colo r, profile,
form, texture, and detail of installation.
8. If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considere d.
9. Alteration of existing or addition of new water features will be considered if they do not alter the basic concept of the his toric
landscape design.
10. When appropriate from an ecological perspective, dredging of waterways shall be permitted as a means of retaining historic
waterways.
11. All wetlands shall be preserved.
12. All shorelines of water courses or bodies shall be protected from erosion in a manner in keeping with the basic concept of the
landscape design.
13. Consideration for removal of existing water features will be given when it is in conflict with the original design intent of the
landscape or when they are no longer appropriate to their intended purposes.
14. Some areas of Leeper Park are utilized for the pumping of water for the City of South Bend, and there exists both within the park
and the St. Joseph River and on the island(s) wells, well-houses and other water supply entities. Repairs that may be necessary to
existing services, or additions to existing services, or the sinking or additional new wells; all such work, installations an d/or repairs
shall return the disturbed areas(s) of the park, island(s) and the St. Joseph River to conditions of the park as in that time period 1912
to 1940. Any new installations of any type may be considered if the alteration does not alter the basic concept of the histor ic
landscape design.
9.7 Furnishings and Objects (includes Benches, Lights, Signs, Drinking Fountains, Trash Receptacles, Fences, Tree Grates, Flagpoles,
Sculpture, Monuments, Memorials, Planters, Urns, etc.)
Refer to Sections 9.11 B, C and D regarding treatment of materials and features; and Sections 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6 , 9.8, 9.9 and 9.10 for
additional Standards and Criteria that may apply.
1. All items listed herein shall be preserved:
a. The Duck Pond (West Lagoon), including the Island in the lagoon, the Walls, Curbing, Fence, and Shelter House.
b. The Stone and Plaque of the DAR, with related Tulip and Gingko Trees.
c. The Concrete Stairway leading west southwesterly from the Duck Pond (West Lagoon).
d. The High Embankment on the west-southwest side of the Duck Pond (West Lagoon).
e. The Pump Houses, number 2 and 3.
f. The Edward B. Reynolds Horse and Dog Watering Fountain.
g. The Drinking Fountain in the south east portion of the central section of the park.
h. The central section of the park, the area of the large Floral Garden and Pathways as designed by George Ke ssler in 1912.
i. All Sidewalks on Lafayette Boulevard, Riverside Drive, Park Lane (Foote Street), Bartlett Street and Michigan Street.
j. The Retaining Wall on the western boundary of the western section of the park.
k. The Wall comprised of Cut Stone, which extended west-northwest and east-southeast from the southern approach of the
Leeper Park Bridge.
l. The Log Cabin known as the Navarre House, and the footings of the cabin/house which was burned down.
m. All Drinking Fountains located in the eastern section of the park and/or on the island(s).
n. The Sunken Garden on the eastern section of the park, along with all the Vegetation, Pathways, Stairs and the Fountain
and Statues.
o. The WPA walls and Sloughs(s) in the eastern section of the park and the adjoining St. Joseph R iver.
p. All Park Benches.
q. All Manhole Covers, Sewer Covers and Grates, and all Electrical Underground Vault and/or Raceway Covers.
r. The north/south alleyway east of Michigan Street, running north from Bartlett Street which used to run between Lot ‘A’
and Lots 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and part of 20 of the Rockstroh Addition.
s. All Plaques, Monuments, Sculptures, Memorials, Planters, Urns, Curbings, Roadways, Marker Stones, Sundials, Well -
Head Covers, Fences, Trellises, Pergolas, Pathways, and Trees.
2. Original or later contributing furnishings and objects, shall be retained and, if necessary, repaired by patching, piecing in,
consolidating or reinforcing the material using recognized preservation methods.
3. Deteriorated or missing furnishings and objects, materials, elements, features and details shall be replaced with materials that match
the original in material, size, shape, color, profiles, form, texture, configuration and detail of installation.
4. Alteration of existing or addition of new furnishings and objects will be considered if they do not alter the basic concept of the
historic landscape design.
5. When replacement of furnishings and objects and their materials is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary
evidence.
6. If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considered. 7
7. Existing memorials, statues, monuments and fountains shall be carefully preserved and restored where necessary, maintaining t he
integrity of the original material and design. The work shall be coordinated with the Historic Preservation Commission of South
Bend and St. Joseph County.
8. New furnishings and object should be designed using vandal resistant standards.
9. Location of signs shall be guided by a master plan.
10. Signs shall conform to a simple sign system.
11. Existing non-conforming signs should be removed.
12. All new monuments and fountains shall be placed so that they conform to and with the original historic landscape design of th e
park and park system.
9.8 Structures (includes Walls, Terraces, Arbors, Gazebos, Follies, Playground Equipment, Picnic Shelters, Plazas, Greenhouse , Steps,
Bridges, Dams, Buildings, etc.)
Refer to Sections 9.11 B and D regarding treatment of materials and features; and sections 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.9 and 9.10 for
additional Standards and Criteria that may apply.
1. The general intent is to preserve the original or later contributing structures that enhance the historic landscape.
2. Refer to Sections 9.2.2 and 9.7.1 of structures, elements and materials that need to be preserved such as wall, terraces, arbors,
gazebos, follies, playground equipment, picnic shelters, plazas, greenhouses, steps, bridges, dams, building, etc. which shall be
preserved.
3. Original or later contributing structures, shall be retained and, if necessary, repaired by patching, piecing in, consolidating or
reinforcing the material using recognized preservation methods.
4. Deteriorated or missing structures, materials, elements, features and details shall be replaced with materials that match the
original in material, size, shape, color, profiles, form, texture, configuration and detail of installation.
5. When replacement of structures is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence .
6. If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considere d.
7. New addition/alterations to the landscape (such as: parking lots, comfort stations, buildings, etc.) shall be as unobtrusive as
possible and preserve and original or later contributing landscape features.
8. Removal of non-historic structures from the existing landscape is encouraged.
9. Structures shall be protected from arson and other acts of vandalism through proper monitoring procedures and methods such
as; permanent installation of smoke detectors, alarms, or other security systems, or temporarily boarding up windows and
openings.
10. No building(s) shall be erected in the central section of the park; the western section of the park, north of the northern fence to
the tennis courts; the eastern section of the park, west of the rear set-back of the north Pumping Station, or in the area north
and east of the Log Cabin.
9.9 Archeology
Refer to Section 9.11 B and C, and D regarding treatment and materials. Refer to Sections 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 and 9.8 for additional
Standards and Criteria that may apply.
1. The landscape should be surveyed for potential archeological sites prior to the beginning of any construction project.
2. Known Archeological site(s) shall be protected during any construction project.
3. Disturbance of the terrain within the landscape shall be kept to a minimum so as not to disturb any unknown archeological
materials.
4. All planning, any necessary site investigation, or data recovery shall be conducted by professional archeologist.
9.10 Accessibility
Refer to Sections 9.11 B, C and D regarding treatment of materials. Refer to Sections 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, and 9.8 for additional Standards
and Criteria that may apply.
1. A three-step approach is recommended to identify and implement accessibility modification that will protect the integrity and
historic character of the property.
a. Review the historical significance of the property and identify character-defining features;
b. Assess the property’s existing and required level of accessibility;
c. Evaluate accessibility options within a preservation context.
2. Because of the complex nature of accessibility, the Historic Preservation Commission will review proposals on a case by case
basis. The Commission recommend consulting with the following document which is available from the Commission office: U.S.
Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resources, Preservation Assistance Division; Preservation Brief 32,
“Making Historic Properties Accessible” by Thomas C. Jester and Sharon C. Park, AIA.
9.11 Architectural Materials
A. General
The Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County recommend that work proposed to the materials outlined in
Sections B, C, and D be executed with the guidance of a professional building material conservator.
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1. Removal of the speakers atop Pump House Number 3 is encouraged.
B. Masonry (Brick, Stone, Terra Cotta, Concrete, Stucco, and Mortar)
1. [intentionally left blank]
2. Original or later contributing masonry materials, feature, details, surfaces and ornamentation shall be retained and, if necessary,
repaired by patching, piecing-in, or consolidating the masonry using recognize preservation methods.
3. Deteriorated or missing masonry materials, features, details, surfaces and ornamentation shall be replaced with material and
elements which match the original in material, color, texture, size, shape, profile and detail of installation.
4. When replacement of materials or elements is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
5. If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considered.
6. Original mortar shall be retained.
7. Deteriorating mortar shall be carefully removed by hand-raking the joints.
8. Use of mechanical saws and hammers shall not be allowed.
9. Repointing mortar shall duplicate the original mortar in strength, composition, color, texture, joint size, joint profile and method of
application.
10. Sample panels of raking the joints and repointing shall be reviewed and approved by the staff of the Historic Preservat ion
Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County.
11. Cleaning of masonry is discouraged and should be performed only when necessary to halt determination.
12. If the building is to be cleaned, the mildest method possible shall be used.
13. A test patch of the cleaning method(s) shall be reviewed and approved on site by staff of the Historic Preservation Commission of
South Bend and St. Joseph County. Test patches should always be carried out well in advance of cleaning (including exposure to all
seasons if possible.)
14. Sandblasting (wet or dry), wire brushing, or similar abrasive cleaning methods shall not be permitted. Doing so changes the v isual
quality of the material and accelerates deterioration.
15. Waterproofing or water repellant are strongly discouraged. These treatments are generally not effective in preserving masonry and
can cause permanent damage. The Commission does recognize that in extraordinary circumstances their use may be required to
solve a specific problem. Samples of any proposed treatment shall be reviewed by the Commission before application.
16. In general, painting masonry surfaces shall not be allowed. Painting masonry surfaces will be considered only when there is
documentary evidence that this treatment was used at some point in the history of the property.
C. Wood
1. [intentionally left blank]
2. Original or later contributing wood surfaces, features, details and ornamentation shall be retained and, if necessary, repaired by
patching, piecing-in, consolidating or reinforcing the wood using recognized preservation methods.
3. Deteriorated or missing wood surfaces, features, details and ornamentation shall be replaced with material and elements which
match the original in material, color, texture, size, shape, profile and detail of installation.
4. When replacement of materials or elements is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
5. If using the same materials or elements is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence.
6. Cleaning of wooden elements shall use the mildest method possible.
7. Paint removal should be considered only where there is a paint surface deterioration and as part of an overall maintenance
appropriate protective coatings. Coatings such as paints help protect the wood from moisture and ultraviolet lig ht and stripping the
wood bare will expose the surface to the effects of weathering.
8. Damage or deteriorated paint should be removed to the next sound layer using the mildest method possible.
9. Propane or butane torches, sandblasting, water blasting, or other abrasive cleaning and/or paint removal methods shall not be
permitted. Doing so changes the visual quality of the wood and accelerates deterioration.
10. Repainting should be based on paint serration studies. If an adequate record does not exist repainting shall be done with the colors
that are appropriate to the style and period of the building.
D. Architectural Metals (Cast Iron, Steel, Pressed Tin, Copper, Aluminum, and Zinc)
1. All metal materials, features, details and ornamentation of the buildings in the park shall be preserved. This also includes all metal
parts of all fountains, monuments, memorials, plaques, street lights, drinking fountains, etc.
2. Original or later contributing metal materials, features, details, and ornamentation shall be retained and, if necessary repaired by
patching, splicing or reinforcing the metal using recognized preservation methods.
3. Deteriorated or missing metal materials, features, details and ornamentation shall be replaced with material and elements which
match the original in material, color, texture, size, shape, profile and detail of installation.
4. When replacement of materials or elements is necessary, it should be based on physical evidence or documentary evidence.
5. If using the same material is not technically or economically feasible then compatible substitute materials may be considered.
6. Cleaning of metal elements either to remove corrosion or deteriorated paint shall use the mildest method possible.
7. Abrasive cleaning methods, such as low pressure dry grit blasting, may be allowed as long as it does not abrade or damage the
surface.
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8. A test patch of the cleaning method(s) shall be reviewed and approved on site by staff of the Historic Preservation Commissio n of
South Bend and St. Joseph County. Test patches should always be carried out well in advance of cleaning (including exposure to all
seasons if possible.)
9. Cleaning to remove corrosion and paint removal should be considered only where there is deterioration and as part of an overa ll
maintenance program which involved repainting or applying other appropriate protective coatings. Paint or other coatings help
retard the corrosion rate of the metal. Leaving the metal base will expose the surface to accelerated corrosion.
10. Repainting should be based on paint seriation studies. If an adequate record does not exist repainting shall be done with colors that
are appropriate to the style a and period of the building.
The Landscapes- Specific Standard and Criteria was financed in part with funds from the National Par k Service, U.S. Department of the
Interior, through the Massachusetts Historical Commission, Secretary of State, Michael Joseph Connolly, Chairman, and adopted for use by
the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana, by permission of the Environment Department, City of
Boston, Massachusetts, by Michael A. Cannizzo, Staff Architect, 1996.
SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of the proposed project based upon the Leeper Park
Standards and Guidelines, items 9.2.12 (“Moving or demolishing historic structures that would alter spatial and
visual relationships in the landscape shall not be allowed.”) and 9.7.1.l (“All items listed herein shall be preserved:
[…] The Log Cabin known as the Navarre House, and the footings of the cabin/house which was burned down.”)
Prepared by
Adam Toering, Historic Preservation Specialist
Approved by
Elicia Feasel, Historic Preservation Administrator
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
LOCATION MAP - Map showing location of the property and surrounding area (Google Maps)
AERIEL MAP - highlighted property on map (MACOG)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
LOCATION MAP - Map showing location of the property and surrounding area (Google Maps)
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
PHOTOGRAPHS - Navarre Cabin, March 4, 2020
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONTI
OF SOUTH BENDAND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY
PHOTOGRAPHS - Herb garden and burn pits, March 4, 2020
Cabin, looking south west. March 4, 2020.
Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov
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