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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 9 September 2015 Application Number: 2015-0908 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 Bartlett Street to the South and Michigan Street to the West. It is part of the 1911-1915 Parks and Boulevard system designed for South Bend 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. The recreational area of the Park behind the North Pumping Station include the Zeigler performing center with fixed bench seating, signage for the Garden of Fragrance, the Navarre Cabin, Comfort Station, 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 in 1954 and expanded over the years) 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 and plantings; sidewalks and rehabilitated Braille marker with COA 2011-1103A. APPLICATION ITEMS : Refer to attached Document DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Please see project narrative, diagrams and landscape plan. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Leeper Park Standards and Criteria 9.4 VeLyetation: 4. Deteriorated or missing vegetation materials and features shall be replaced with materials that match the original in size shape, color form and texture. 5. When replacement of vegetation materials and 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 materials may be considered if the convey the same growth habit, form, foliage and bloom characteristics as the historic plant. 9.5 Circulation 8. Alteration of existing or addition of new circulation materials and features will be considered if they do not alter the basic concept of the historic landscape design. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the project as it uses a section of Leeper Park that was residential and not part of the Kessler parks plan. C.D. Hostetler, Director