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7. PROGRESS REPORTS (Cont`d Rev. Williams said that the Downtown area is going to be greater for the merchants in the future and they will make more money. They are basing their rent on the present and not on the future of Down- town S uth Bend primarily and not at the rent 'they are paling now. Mr. Ebel stated a good exampfi,e of this is "Mark's Restau ant ", Mr. Wong Mark, proprietor. In his new locati )n, his business has increased remarkably and he is ow very happy. His business has far exceeded . his w dest expectations. Mr. Wiggins said that this is a period of transition. The pe ple will find they are _paying larger rent, but are not realizing and visualizing the future. Credibility and understanding is our problem. Mr. Ebel said that the Downtown Pedestrian Way Mall, to be esigned_by Simonds and Simonds, in the over- all co rdination plan generates publicity and public knowledge. There is a need,to involve.the community in part of the decision making of .what is going to happen to Downtown South Bend. Rev. Williams asked' if the sketch-,-drawn could be displayed so the public could see it and Mr. Ebel advised it can be displayed: Mr. Wiggins suggested we project this in every way- possible and that we will need brochures, films, presentations and the cooperation of all media- - newspaper, television, etc. He also suggested after demolition of some of the buildings, where possible and practical, to put up sign boards and pictures to, show the new structures. Rev. Williams inquired when we anticipate having some' of these drawings? Mr. Ebel advised about August, in about six to eight weeks. In answer to the question after jids are brought in, how long it takes for 'demoli- tion, Ir. Ashenfelter said that once the contractor is decided on, about a month from the time of let until time of action, as 30 days are allowed to bring in equip ment. Demolition of two vacant buildings will,be started this fall, possibly sometime in September. c. Post Office: Mr. Helmen asked what the target date is for the Post Office? Mr. Ebel advised that construction will be around the 1st of May, 1971. Chas. W. Cole & Son, Inc., architect, is working on the plans. Mr. He men asked if all the structures will be vacant by that time. Mr. Bruce C. Hammerschmidt, Commission Legal Counsel, advised whave some staggered reloca- tion problems. Mr. Ebel felt these will be resolved and the structures will be vacant by that time. He. POST OFFICE CONSTRUCTION, CENTRAL DOWNTOWN URBAN RENEWAL-PROJECT, R-66