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South Bend Redevelopment Commission Regular Me ting February 15, 1980 7. PROGRESS REPORTS a. contlnuea... Mr Ellison: I think the same thing is true in the mall project in that typically, you have a developer who wants to absorb the up front costs, and make sure the project functions, because if it doesn't function from a pedestrian standpoint, and retail standpoint, etc. it won't work for anybody, including the City. It is obvious that in today's wo ld, central cities are declining and. have to take non - traditional roles. Mr Nimtz: Der. Brademas, I might say to compliment what you have said in regards to office space, the predictions of Mr. Wiggins are probably coming true in that I have had a number of merchants talk to me in regard to plans and to what the future is because they are concerned about the energy b. Metry Avenue Development Plans Mr. Ellison: The picture behind you was di played at a press conference held a week or two ago by Mayor Parent, Robert Batteast, a local minority contractor, and Dennis Carter of the Urban League, when the Mayor announced plans on Mr. Batteast's part to construct a 4, 00 - 4,500 sq. foot office facility on the eastern portion of the site near Grant Street, to be leased wholly to the Urban League. We are not yet prepared to recommend to the Commission any specific action, but the Commission will of course, have to approve the project and be aware of the details before the project can happen. The staff is involved with Mr. Batteast in trying to move the project forward, but I felt it was important to point this out to th Commission today because this will be a historic project. It will be the first time a Ainority entrepreneuer will have done commercial development on urban renewal land, an secondarily, since it is black history month, it is appropriate that we mention it.at this meeting. -14- PROGRESS BEING MADE IN PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW OFFICE FACILITY FOR URBAN LEAGUE