Laserfiche WebLink
South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting -May 19, 2006 <br />4. COMMUNICATIONS (CONT.) <br />A. Communication from Joan Downs-Krostenko <br />regarding proposals for the Rink Riverside site. <br />buildings in the area of the East Bank. <br />I can say nothing good about their design. The <br />scale and materials seemed more in keeping with <br />the Las Vegas Strip than the bubbling water of the <br />St. Joseph River and the lovely old brick industrial <br />buildings which give a warm and organic feel to <br />this important urban space. We should be listening <br />to the concerns of the existing property owners and <br />encouraging the cultivation of arts and culture <br />destinations in the city. Office space is not in short <br />supply downtown, as many vacant multi-story <br />buildings attest. <br />I never hear anyone say how lovely the Marriott or <br />Century Center are architecturally. However, I <br />know many people praise the exquisite restoration <br />of the Morris Performing Arts Center, the <br />charming renovations to the old firehouse on Hill <br />Street or the delightful rehabilitation of the <br />CircaArts Building (which belongs to Ms. Reddy <br />White). <br />Historic preservation and the recognition of arts <br />and culture institutions and businesses are among <br />the best things downtown South Bend can offer St. <br />Joseph County. There is no shortage of <br />commercial activity in the Grape Road and Main <br />Street corridors, and downtown Mishawaka seems <br />intent on destroying what little charm it had left <br />with the demolition of the Tivoli Theater and the <br />recent news that more historic buildings may meet <br />the wrecking ball. South Bend cannot compete <br />with the big box stores and chain restaurants in <br />other parts of the county for commercial viability. <br />What we could offer is a downtown which features <br />appealing destinations which are so lacking in the <br />commercial, business, and arts landscape of the <br />rest of the county. I urge the city to demand more <br />of Holladay Properties. <br />Sincerely, <br />Joan Downs-Krosenko <br />