Approving & Adopting Text Amendments to the South Bend Central Development Area Plan

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INTRODUCTION South Bend has a dynamic economic and civic life that. uniquely combines its world -class educational institutions with a historic innovation economy and distinctive, diverse ethnic heritage. The city's economy was built on the strength of manufacturing, but in this post- industrial era, a community of partners has worked to transform the city, into a "smart city" powered by its creativity and know -how. The growing educational services, healthcare, and social assistance sectors now account for more than a quarter of the employed labor force in the city. Recent economic development efforts meant to build economic vitality are measured by indicators including development of the local work force and support of the real estate tax base. Looking forward, the City of South Bend is seeking pioneers eager to be part of an urban renaissance that reclaims city assets. The South Bend Central Development Area (SBCDA), consisting of the downtown, East Bank, and Monroe Park areas, includes districts most strongly identified within the South Bend community. Over the last decade, downtown has broadened its efforts to maintain and build on the SBCDA's position as the cultural and entertainment center of the region. Recent examples include: renovation of the Palais Royale Ballroom in 2003; opening of the South Bend Civic Theater in 2007; and renovations to Coveleski Stadium, home of the Silver Hawks, in 2012. When combined with long standing venues, it's translated to a measurable economic impact for the downtown region. Centered on the East Race Waterway, the East Bank has emerged as a desirable location for residential development since 2010 with the construction of upscale townhomes. The last decade has also seen the growth of the Metronet, a 50 —plus mile, dark, fiber optic network that loops around South Bend and Mishawaka and offers state —of —the —art telecommunications connectivity. End -users have the experience of unlimited bandwidth and unlimited speed. On the outskirts of the SBCDA, but no less vital to the economic health of the downtown, are two rapidly emerging areas buoyed by technology based business opportunity at the time this introduction was written in 2013 — Ignition Park and the Renaissance District. Ignition Park is a technology park under development on as much as 140 acres of land owned by the City of South Bend. Planning is under way at Ignition Park for the siting of 3 million to 3.5 million square feet of high -tech, office and support space. In addition the City is working with the public and private research sectors to establish prototyping facilities at Ignition Park, which early stage companies can take advantage of. Centered around a formed 800,000 sq. ft. industrial building, the Renaissance District serves to capitalize on the adjacent Ignition Park by growing the Union Station data center and providing space for future high tech office growth all spurred on by the Metronet availability. A. Development Plan History The past half century has witnessed significant changes in South Bend's identity. The strong