11-18-2005 Partnerships Improve the future of South Michigan Street

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PARTNERSHIPS IMPROVE THE FUTURE OF SOUTH MICHIGAN STREETPage 1of 2 st "Building a 21 Century City " Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor RELEASE FROM:FOR RELEASE: Office of the MayorNovember 18, 2005 PARTNERSHIPS IMPROVE THE FUTURE OF SOUTH MICHIGAN STREET The City of South Bend is committed to fostering public and private partnerships to improve its communities, and the South Gateway corridor is an excellent example of what those partnerships can do. Using funds allocated through South Bend’s Commercial Corridor Program, the South Gateway Association (SGA) is continuing streetscape enhancements on S. Michigan St. These enhancements include replacement of curbs and sidewalks, restoration of tree lawns, and the addition of trees and tree grates in the area between Broadway and Sample streets. In addition, old property is being renovated or torn down, infrastructure is being rebuilt, and safety is being enhanced. “This investment is opening the door for new development on the south side of downtown,” Mayor Steve Luecke stated. “Through our Commercial Corridor Program, the City has invested over $1.6 million in the South Gateway area since 1999.” “Without the help of the Commercial Corridor Program, we wouldn't have been able to make such significantly visible improvements in just a few years. More importantly, having these improvements in placewill allowthe S. Michigan Street corridor to be better prepared to meet the challenge of attracting developers,” commented Jim Frick, President of the SGA. One of the primary goals of the South Gateway Association is to establish the corridor as an attractive entrance to downtown South Bend that provides convenient shopping, offices and services for commuters, residents, and businesses. This year’s work provided the opportunity to build on other nearby activities and initiatives. Through a partnership with the SGA, the Urban Enterprise Association of South Bend, Inc. (UEA) has acquired key properties for future economic development. One of these properties is the site of the former Dudes and Darlin’s Western Wear at 919 S. Michigan St., just south of the Sample St. intersection. The buildings were demolished and the site was cleared by the UEA in 2004. At roughly 29,000 square feet, its mixed-use zoning presents the kind of business that the SGA and UEA would like to attract - a development that would provide for a combination of commercial/retail, office, and/or residential uses, whose design would remain consistent with the surrounding historic buildings. The UEA is working with FM Stone Commercial Realty to seek out potential developers. "It’s a good thing to see redevelopment sites becoming available in the corridor areas. Ittakes time to accomplish noticeable improvement as the City is making efforts in so many corridor areas at once. I think that people are beginning to see the changes and I believe that private investors and business owners will begin to consider investing in properties like this one. Like so many others in the community I look forward to the next stage of the City's Corridor Projects," said Steve Ellison of FM Stone. One block south of this site, REAL Services is preparing to expand their current facility at 1151 S. Michigan onto the site of a former restaurant at 1101 S. Michigan. This property, located at the SW corner of Garst & S. Michigan, was sold by the UEA to Real Services to meet these expansion needs. This expansion will allow REAL Services to incorporate the Meals on Wheels program into their location. Other development in the area includes the new South Bend Central Fire Station and Headquarters and the http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases_2005/111805_Improvements.htm1/13/2006