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South Bend Redevelopment Commission <br />Regular Meeting -February 15, 2008 <br />6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT.) <br />E. West Washington-Chapin Development Area <br />(1) continued... <br />Commissioners previously, going through the <br />Natatorium, visually explaining the building <br />as well as the civil rights aspect and how it <br />would be used in the program. <br />Mr. Lynch reported on the status of <br />construction. He noted that this project has <br />generated tremendous excitement in the area. <br />For years South Bend Heritage has been <br />asked what it was going to do with the "Nat." <br />It will be a civil rights heritage center. To <br />date demolition has been completed, as well <br />as architectural and engineering. Most of the <br />shell of the proposed addition has been <br />constructed. The funds South Bend Heritage <br />is asking for now are specifically intended to <br />get the building ready for occupancy. After <br />that, South Bend Heritage will fund the <br />exterior, including the Peace Garden. <br />Ms. Muhammad commented on the <br />importance of the project to South Bend. Its <br />presence in the community will help make <br />South Bend a more culturally diverse and <br />inclusive community. The mission of the <br />"Nat" is to preserve the civil rights <br />movement as it occurred locally, as well as to <br />teach Indiana University students about how <br />ordinary citizens make a difference in their <br />community. It will provide forums, <br />educational workshops and ongoing dialogue <br />about race in our community. The Nat is the <br />last standing symbol that tells a story about <br />segregation in South Bend. <br />Ms. Pfeifer noted that the Nat will take its <br />14 <br />