Redevelopment Commission Minutes 03.12.26 - Signed

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 12, 2026 Page | 5 Morris and the former LaSalle Grill site. We recognize this is a complex area, especially on show nights when buses and trucks are present, and coordination will continue to ensure operations function smoothly. Across the street, the Colfax Corner project is expected to bring approximately 400 jobs. That developer has expressed interest in a future parking arrangement once the garage is built. While the garage will not be available for another 18 to 24 months, we are confident that shared-use parking—such as daytime office use with evening availability—can be managed through a smart parking approach. Commissioner Shaw inquired about the age and condition of the Water Works building and whether there are any anticipated challenges, such as abatement issues or foundation concerns? Mr. Molnar explained that, we’ve completed a walkthrough of the Water Works building and are fairly confident in what to expect. The building does have a basement, and we are already planning for that as part of the demolition. While you never fully know what’s underground until work begins, we’ve accounted for potential variables and included contingencies. We’ve also been receiving strong demolition bids recently, which helps us manage those uncertainties. Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by Eli Wax, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the Budget Request as presented on March 12, 2026. 2. Budget Request (Demo and Design River Glenn) Darryl Scott, Chief of Staff, with the Mayor’s Office, presented this budget request for $1,700,000 for demolition and site design related to the former Press Ganey River Glen office property. The goal of this request is straightforward: to prepare the site for the next phase of investment by removing barriers to redevelopment and positioning the property so the market can respond with viable proposals. We are requesting RDC consideration for funding to demolish the existing structures and complete site design work. The Redevelopment Commission acquired the property in late 2024 and issued an RFP allowing for either reuse of the existing buildings or full redevelopment. Staff have since engaged with multiple development teams, and the feedback has been consistent—there is no market interest in reusing the existing buildings or their current footprint. As a result, staff recommends a strategy focused on demolition to reduce barriers and improve marketability.