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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – January 22, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 4 <br /> <br />• Minimum Investment: $20,000 <br />• Planned Use: Renovate the building into an office for their <br />business <br />• Due Diligence Period: 60 days <br />• Closing Deadline: 30 days after due diligence <br />• Construction Start: Within 12 months of closing <br />• Construction Completion: Within 24 months of closing <br />• Certificate of Completion: Required from the RDC once the <br />project is finished <br /> <br />Tim Widerquist added that he’s been investing in this intersection for <br />about ten years, and this property has been an ongoing eyesore. Mr. <br />Widerquist buys and rents residential properties nearby, and its poor <br />condition makes it harder for him to rent his places across the street. <br />Cleaning it up and relocating his office would improve the appearance of <br />his properties and the neighborhood overall. <br /> <br />LaPorte and Walnut are important intersections coming out of <br />downtown. There’s renewed energy in the area, and he believes this site <br />can serve as an anchor for cleanliness and continued improvement. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers spoke in favor of the project. Secretary <br />Wax asked what the average appraisals were when the property was put <br />through disposition and Ms. Michaels stated $5,000. Vice President <br />Relos asked if utilities would be needed, what hours the office would be <br />open, and if there was a historic designation on this site. Mr. Widerquist <br />stated that his plans will be a leasing office with hours of operation by <br />appointment and that water and electric will be needed at this site. Ms. <br />Michaels confirmed that there are no historic designations at this <br />property. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw for approval, seconded by Eli Wax, the <br />motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Purchase <br />Agreement as presented on January 22, 2026. <br /> <br />B. River East Development Area <br />1. Budget Request (Mishawaka Streetscape) <br />Leslie Biek, Assistant City Engineer, presented a request for an <br />additional appropriation to cover project change orders. This project <br />was bid in February, with limits from Longfellow to Emerson. The West <br />side, from Longfellow to the overpass, received full streetscape <br />treatment. East of the railroad tracks to Emerson, we completed a <br />lighter streetscape focused mainly on utility connections. The project <br />included a new bike path on the south side of the road, upgraded <br />utilities, and our standard streetscape elements.