06-14-2011 Proposals for apartments and townhome projects approved for 2 downtown sites

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Vacant since the late 1990s, the 300-room Hotel LaSalle closed in 1973. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 1985. The hotel"has been maintained by the Commission in the hopes that one day the right group would step forward [with] both the ability and capability to return the Hotel to a productive use and asset to downtown," Relos said. "Today, I would like to tell you that we feel that group has emerged." Mavcon Properties has considerable experience in analyzing and developing plans for renovation of significant buildings including several historic properties. Their current project is an $11.3-million rehabilitation of the historic Metropolitan Center in downtown Kalamazoo that includes four connected commercial buildings originally constructed in the late 1800s. Before closing on the sale of the LaSalle Hotel, Mavcon would hire architectural, engineering and environmental consultants to plan for an eventual rehabilitation. Total projected costs for the renovation are expected to be $15m. "South Bend is a very unique town where we are willing to invest our time and money," said James Dally, President, Mavcon Properties. "We are looking forward to working with the City and feel that this is very promising opportunity to restore the Hotel to its former status as a productive landmark within the downtown area. The building is structurally sound, in a great location, and will be a draw for market rate apartments." RIVER RACE TOWNHOMES: David Matthews, principal of the River Race Townhome Development, is the developer of the East Bank Townhomes project, which is now under construction along the East Bank of the St. Joseph River,just north of Colfax Avenue on the former Rink Riverside Printing site. This new development, on the former Troegger Sheet Metal site, would include 10, 1,400-square-foot, three-bedroom units. Made of brick with 3.5 baths and two-car attached garages, the townhomes would start in the $200,000 range. They would front along Niles Avenue and have views of the St. Joseph River and Century Center. "It is really exciting to be a part of the River Race Development and act as a conduit for the city to motivate people to move back into the heart of downtown South Bend. Building on the success of the East Bank Townhome project and the construction of the St. Joseph High School, these new all masonry townhouses on Niles Avenue will be a great place to live in the vibrant downtown and East Bank neighborhood," said Dave Matthews. "Families who take advantage of the City's partnership in this development can purchase a new townhouse with great views of the river for less than building elsewhere in the area." All interested parties are encouraged to contact Matthews at the East Bank Townhome construction site, on the corner of Colfax Avenue and the St. Joseph River, in downtown South Bend. The Commission's approval for moving forward with the developer, on the contract for sale of the property for $10, includes agreeing not to seek tax abatements on the project (a $93,000 value) and no further financial participation in the project from the Redevelopment Commission. As part of the development, 77 guest and street parking spaces would be created along Jefferson Boulevard, Washington Street and behind the building.