No. 0737 designating SBCDA, declaring SBCDA to be blighted, approving development plan/conditions which relocation pmts. will be made, establishing allocation area for purposes of TIF

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s5o9691 The St. Joseph River, which was a major influence in the early development of South Bend due to its transportation and industrial uses, remains as a key element in current and future development of the downtown. Today, the visual, recreational and residential amenities provided by the river are stressed in development planning. A series of riverfront parks has been developed and new construction along the river has taken place, from Century Center to the office buildings in River Glen Office Park and the Karl King apartment building. The presence of historic buildings is another asset of the downtown. Fifty -seven historic sites and structures are contained within the downtown area. Recently a Multiple Resource District nomination to the National Register of Historic Places was organized to encourage the renovation and use of these buildings. This designation would provide tax incentives to building owners who renovate their buildings according to historic preservation guidelines. The convention and tourist trade has taken an important position in the identity of downtown. The development of Century Center, the Marriott Hotel and the Americana Inn has supported a growing convention and tourism industry that has brought more than 115,000 people annually into South Bend with the potential for further growth. Downtown has broadened its efforts to maintain and build on its position as the cultural and entertainment center of the region. The Morris Civic Auditorium, Century Center, Discovery Hall, Studebaker Museum, Northern Indiana Historical Museum, South Bend Public Library, and the Art Center provide a rich diversification of cultural activities. Numerous other facilities add to the entertainment and recreational offerings of the downtown. These include the unique East Race Waterway which provides kayaking and other water sports, Island Park, Howard Park and a variety of restaurants and nightclubs including the restored 1886 Studebaker Mansion, Tippecanoe Place. Downtown is also the center of activity for the numerous local, state and federal government functions. The County -City Building and the St. Joseph County Courthouse create an impetus for a variety of related activities which occur in the downtown. Also, a solid and steady increase of occupied office space in the downtown over recent years has indicated new market potentials created by a significant population of downtown workers. These are the new foundations that provoke the South Bend community to renew its efforts towards revitalization of the downtown. A strong collaboration of public and private interest is essential to the development of an effective comprehensive plan and productive implementation strategies. -3- 5 -10 -85