Redevelopment Commission Minutes 03.12.26 - Signed

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 12, 2026 Page | 4 several blocks away or go outside to access the theater. It would also support additional downtown development. The Redevelopment Commission is currently in active discussions with 7 Diamonds regarding a residential component integrated with the garage, following an RFP issued in 2025. Those discussions are progressing well, and staff anticipate bringing a development agreement to the RDC later this Summer. Today’s request is for $2 million from River West TIF to fund full design, demolition, and site preparation work, including removal of the former South Bend Water Works building and necessary grading and remediation. This funding keeps the project on track for a 2027 construction start. This final phase would complete the Morris modernization while adding much-needed parking to support both the theater and downtown more broadly. Secretary Wax stated, I remember that when we reviewed the RFP responses, there was a general understanding of what portion of the project would be covered by the City or other public investment versus the developer. Is this request consistent with what we initially agreed to when we accepted the proposal and began negotiations? Mr. Molnar responded yes. Under the proposal— which we are still finalizing the agreement for—the City would be responsible for providing the parking garage and potentially a one-story podium for the residential building, with the developer constructing the housing above it. While the finer terms are still being negotiated, this funding request is consistent with that original framework. The request is primarily for the design and site work for the garage, which would be required regardless of the final development partner. Vice President Relos asked about how many parking spaces will be available to the public. Mr. Molnar stated the only parking commitments that are finalized are those covered by signed agreements. Any additional commitments related to 7 Diamonds or another housing developer would be addressed later through a development agreement. The Morris has identified a need for at least 250 parking spaces on show nights, and we are confident the proposed garage can accommodate that. The garage is being designed with flexibility in mind—allowing spaces to be used by office or other users during the day and then made available for Morris events during evenings and weekends. The spaces dedicated to the Morris would otherwise be available to the public year-round, similar to other downtown parking facilities. We have been working closely with Morris staff and Public Works on loading, staging, and staff parking spaces. Patrick Sherman, Project Manager, responded that the design preserves access to existing loading docks for semi-trucks and box trucks and maintains access behind the