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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 23, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 4 <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by <br />Karen White, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission <br />approved the budget request as presented on July 23, 2026. <br /> <br />C. River West Development Area <br />1. Staff Recommendation (State Theatre RFP) <br />Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, presented <br />a staff recommendation regarding the State Theater RFP. He noted that <br />the State Theater, a historic 1920s-era landmark located directly west <br />of City Hall, is an important redevelopment opportunity within the <br />broader revitalization of downtown South Bend. <br /> <br />The Redevelopment Commission acquired the property in 2025 to <br />prevent loss and subsequently completed stabilization work, including <br />roof and façade repairs. After a formal disposition process produced no <br />bids, the RDC issued a Request for Proposals in December 2025 to <br />identify partners capable of rehabilitating and operating the building. <br /> <br />Four proposals were received: <br />• Community Foundation of St. Joseph County – Multi-screen cinema <br />and performing arts venue <br />• The Main Stage, Inc. – Flexible live performance venue <br />• SMP Realty, LLC – Multifunctional performance center <br />• TF Cloud Foundation – Flexible concert and community <br />performance venue <br /> <br />Staff evaluated proposals based on alignment with city plans, project <br />design, redevelopment experience, financial capacity, and overall <br />project scope. Staff recommended entering negotiations with the <br />Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, citing its strong <br />alignment with the Downtown 2045 Plan, demonstrated development <br />experience, financial capacity, and receipt of a $4 million READI Arts <br />and Culture grant. <br /> <br />The proposed project would restore the historic theater, create multiple <br />movie screens and performance spaces, activate the building <br />throughout the week, and preserve its historic character. The action <br />before the Commission was limited to authorizing negotiations; any <br />future development agreement would be returned to the RDC for <br />approval at a public meeting. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked if with the support of the <br />community partners, would that completely fund the project? Mr. <br />Molnar stated no and will take multiple funding sources to complete. <br />