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ti s j CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT APPLICATION -- 1997-1024-3 • PROPERTY -- 117 West North Shore Drive South Bend, IN OWNER -- Dan Hill DESIGNATION -- LHD-WNS RATING -- Significant S/12 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE/HISTORIC CONTEXT William A. and Jennie B. Rutherford purchased lot 15 of Navarre Place for $3,055.00 in 1903. In 1904 they built the Queen Anne style home presently located at 117 W. North Shore Drive. Mr. Rutherford was born on October 16, 1850 in Madison Township. He was educated in the public schools of St.'Joseph County. In 1874, he joined his father's grocery business under the firm name of J.V. Rutherford and Son. Mr. Rutherford also served as City Treasurer from 1892 until 1902. He married Jennie Bucher, of South Bend, on May 19, 1875. They only lived in the house for a year do to Mr. Rutherfords failing,health they had to move to California in 1905, he died there in 1906. The current owners purchased the house in 1991. PROPOSED CHANGE Applicant proposes to replace a tree that was already removed with a Tulip Poplar in the tree lawn in front of the house. • STANDARDS The Preservation Guidelines for West North Shore Drive state: b).. -..The Guidelines for the West North Shore Drive District follow the Rehabilitation Mode]..... C. Lawns The current or historic landscaping character of lawns should be preserved. Front yard areas, trees, and lawns must remain. Trees contribute greatly to the beauty and charm, and indeed the historic character of the North Shore Drive neighborhood. Street widening or other public developments calling for widespread destruction of large, healthy trees must be prohibited. Replacement of trees must be compatible in variety with those presently growing. RECOMMENDATION This tree is proposed to be planted as a replacement for a tree removed through the auspices of the City of South Bend's "Good Neighbors Program" which assists homeowners with maintenance concerns related to the public right-of-way. The Tulip Poplar is a variety recommended for tree -lawn planting in the West North Shore Historic District in the Pilot Tree Survey commissioned by the HPC. Staff recommends approval. With regard to the removal of the former tree: this was performed by a private tree service under subcontract from the Department of Public Works who maintain that COA responsibility rests with property owners as it applies to the activities of this program. In this case, the owner has stated that Public Works had previously notified him that the work would not be performed until • the next calendar year. Thus he did not file for a COA. DBD 11./6/97