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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – February 12, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 7 <br /> <br />development is underway. We want to see housing continue to return to <br />the neighborhood. <br />This issue developed over decades, resulting in many vacant lots, and it <br />will take time to rebuild and restore the area. As previously mentioned, <br />there are already nine to ten new homes built on Blaine Street nearby, so <br />this progress is not far off. Assuming everything goes well, we expect <br />housing development to begin on these lots within the next few years. <br />The vast majority of the lots in this neighborhood are already owned by <br />the City, having been acquired through the tax sale process, which is <br />how the City came into possession of them in the first place. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by <br />Eli Wax, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the <br />Donation Agreement as presented on February 12, 2026. <br /> <br />6. Amendment to Development Agreement (321 West Wayne) <br />Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, noted an <br />error in the agreement, a date discrepancy of February 12, 2025 should <br />be 2026. This item relates to an existing development agreement that <br />the Redevelopment Commission approved at the end of 2024. What is <br />before you today are the First Amendment to that overall development <br />agreement. The property is located at 321 W. Wayne Street, on the <br />western edge of downtown South Bend. <br /> <br />The original development agreement contemplated the renovation of a <br />formerly blighted industrial building, including construction of a new <br />brewery, a family-oriented entertainment component, and renovated <br />office space. The agreement included a minimum private investment <br />commitment of $1.5 million, along with a $70,000 contribution from the <br />Redevelopment Commission, and required project completion by the <br />end of 2027. That agreement was approved in November 2024. <br />These images show the condition of the property prior to renovation, <br />including the interior. The building needed significant work, both inside <br />and out. Portions of the exterior had been covered with unattractive <br />sheet metal siding, much of it with visibly flaking paint. Work has been <br />ongoing since 2024, and the developers can speak in more detail about <br />the specifics. Improvements have included a new roof and a fully <br />renovated interior. The restaurant component is now open, the brewery <br />is operational, and the office spaces are in their final stages of <br />completion. <br /> <br />During the renovation process, the project encountered unexpected <br />expenses related to water utility improvements needed to support the <br />brewery. As you would expect, breweries require substantial water <br />capacity, and the necessary upgrades exceeded initial expectations. This