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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 10, 2025 <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />• Eli Wax, Secretary: No <br />• Gillian Shaw, Commissioner: Yes <br />• Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner: Yes <br />• Marcus Ellison, Member At-Large: Yes <br /> <br />The motion carried; the Commission approved the Purchase <br />Agreement as presented on April 10, 2025. <br /> <br />5. 1st. Amendment to Purchase Agreement (State Theater) <br /> <br />Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, presented <br />both items 5A5 and 5A6 together, an amendment to extend the due <br />diligence period by fifteen (15) days and a request for $350,000 to <br />provide funding to make immediate repairs to the roof structure to <br />prevent further moisture infiltration, clear scuppers, and external <br />downspouts, and secure all doors and windows. Ensuring these <br />improvements are made is crucial for the building's future in our <br />downtown. Currently, moisture is penetrating the structure, and without <br />intervention, it will eventually need to be demolished. We estimate the <br />demolition costs to be around $2,000,000. There are also constraints <br />due to easements on the facade, which would require us to salvage <br />portions of it. These existing easements are something the <br />Redevelopment Commission could consider adjusting if we move <br />towards closing. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers inquired about the <br />goal of the building and Mr. Bauer explained we are looking at multiple <br />options and not wanting to have to demolish. Mr. Bauer wanted to <br />clarify; this budget request exceeds the estimated cost for the <br />emergency roof repairs. We're asking for additional funds to address <br />unforeseen issues as they arise, such as securing doors and boarding <br />up windows. While these are not major expenses, we've included a <br />cushion to allow staff to resolve issues promptly. This also covers <br />addressing the terra cotta and preventing unauthorized access and <br />moisture infiltration into the building. Our goal is to prevent these <br />problems moving forward. Ms. Gooden-Rodgers is in favor of the <br />request. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos asked if there could be a study done on the <br />facade prior to any sales agreements and Mr. Bauer agreed that <br />further investigation is needed however, the immediate needs are the <br />roof and drainage issues. Secretary Wax also spoke in favor of the <br />request and inquired if any developers have interest. Mr. Bauer is <br />hopeful that a partner comes forward with a plan. Matt Barrett asked <br />what the current owner’s responsibility is and a scenario if we did <br />nothing. Mr. Bauer explained it could start with unsafe building law <br />violations. These violations might lead to citations, and those citations <br />could result in fines.