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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 12, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 6 <br /> <br />The site is approximately five acres and includes buildings dating back to <br />the 1970s that have been vacant for more than five years. Their layout <br />and systems do not align with modern office standards, residential <br />conversion, ground-floor activation, or riverfront-oriented <br />development. Maintaining these structures does not preserve value and <br />instead creates physical and financial constraints. <br /> <br />In addition, the RDC continues to incur carrying costs for these vacant <br />buildings, including insurance, security, utilities, and property <br />management. Demolition would eliminate these recurring costs and <br />allow for flexible site planning consistent with the Downtown 2045 Plan <br />and the broader River Glen vision. <br /> <br />Site design is included in this request because demolition alone is not <br />sufficient. Completing design work now will establish buildable site <br />configurations, coordinate utilities and access, and reduce delays once a <br />developer is selected. Market feedback has shown that uncertainty <br />around site readiness has limited interest, and this approach directly <br />addresses those concerns. <br /> <br />Today’s request is to approve funding for demolition and site design to <br />unlock redevelopment potential, support downtown growth, expand <br />housing opportunities, and activate the riverfront. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos asked during the site preparation work for the JC <br />Hart project, did the engineering identify utilities that run through this <br />area—specifically from Jefferson down to Monroe or toward Lincoln <br />Way? He wonders whether that work helped clarify what exists <br />underground farther south. Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works, <br />responded, yes. We conducted a survey of the entire area and completed <br />a master utilities plan covering Jefferson to Monroe and from Michigan <br />Street to the river. Because Lincoln Way previously ran through this site, <br />many older utilities were left in place when the street was relocated, <br />creating a complex network underground. While it’s somewhat of a <br />“spaghetti” situation, we now have a good understanding of what <br />utilities are present, and that information will directly inform the site <br />design moving forward. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by <br />David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved <br />the Budget Request as presented on March 12, 2026. <br /> <br /> <br />