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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – February 12, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 9 <br /> <br /> <br />7. Budget Request (Studebaker Museum HVAC Repairs) <br />Nifemi Oluwatomini, Senior Engineer, presented a budget request for <br />the Studebaker National Museum HVAC renovation. The initial scope <br />includes replacing two rooftop HVAC units and upgrading the building <br />control system. The existing control system is outdated, limited in <br />accessibility, and no longer reliable. The proposed upgrade would create <br />a more modern, user-friendly, and dependable system for museum staff. <br /> <br />The City is responsible for this work because it owns the building and the <br />historic vehicle collection housed within it and maintains a lease and <br />management agreement with the museum. Under that agreement, the <br />City is responsible for replacement of all HVAC system components. <br />These improvements will enhance system reliability, allow for better <br />temperature control for both visitors and the collection, and ensure the <br />long-term preservation of museum assets. <br /> <br />The total request is $350,000, covering both design and construction of <br />the rooftop units and the new building control system. Funding is <br />requested from River West TIF. The goal is to replace obsolete <br />equipment, align with recent museum modernization efforts, and <br />improve the experience for guests, staff, and the collection. <br /> <br />Patrick Slebonick, Executive Director of the Studebaker National <br />Museum, wanted to emphasize how critical this project is. The City owns <br />the core collection, including highly sensitive historic vehicles, and a <br />reliable HVAC system is essential to preserving them. These are the final <br />two units to be replaced, and the existing controls are obsolete, creating <br />real risk to the collection. We appreciate the City and Commission’s <br />continued partnership and support. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos asked for clarification on how many HVAC units <br />total and Mr. Slebonick explained, this is the final phase of the museum’s <br />HVAC modernization. Earlier units were replaced due to hail damage <br />and age, and this request covers the last two rooftop units, along with <br />design, installation, and a new control system. The upgrades address real <br />failures and obsolete controls and complete the City’s long-term <br />responsibility under the management agreement. <br /> <br />Secretary Wax asked if this request would complete the HVAC project. <br />Mr. Slebonick stated that this is responsible future planning, but it also <br />addresses real issues. One of the units being replaced failed last summer <br />after 20 years when a copper pipe ruptured and released all of its <br />refrigerant, resulting in a $6,000 repair that the museum covered from <br />operating funds.