09-05-08 New condominiums will overlook downtown skyline

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The Commission also reviewed preliminary design concepts for the units and considered the experience and capacity of Place Builders to complete the project. The two-level condominiums come “with amenities that capture a wide audience of potential owners, a site plan that maximizes the views of the St. Joseph River, and a residential use and density of development that is supported by the recently approved East Bank Plan,” said Jennifer Laurent, economic development specialist with the Department of Community and Economic Development. “We intend to continue working with Place Builders to refine the design and orientation of the units to best fit with the context of the site.” With 2,000 square feet of space per unit, the condominiums will include elevators, parking for two vehicles and customized amenities and finishes. Energy Star-certified, the green project will include high-efficiency appliances and environmentally sensitive construction materials, including recycled ceramics and bamboo flooring. Based in South Bend, Place Builders has developed a series of successful, high-quality residential subdivisions, villas and town homes, including Laurel Creek, Ironwood Villas, Savannah Pass and Gumwood Crossing. The firm is led by Andy Place Sr., who recently earned the certified green professional designation administered by the International Builders Association Housing University in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders University of Housing, and his son, Andy Place Jr. “We are moving ahead with this project now because there is or will be nothing like it in downtown. The units themselves will have an historic feel with the modern comforts,” said Andy Place Jr. “There will be a market for those that want to be closer to downtown. The Mayor is doing a fabulous job reinventing the downtown area.” Nearly a year ago, Place Builders contacted the City to explore possible sites for the project, visiting several spots with representatives of the Community and Economic Development department before settling on one of South Bend’s prime development sites. “My experience with the City has been tremendous,” Place said. “We can’t wait to get started. We have a couple other areas that we want to explore downtown.” In July, the Redevelopment Commission gave final approval to a downtown development strategy for the “East Bank Village,” the neighborhood along the river bounded by LaSalle Avenue on the north, Jefferson Boulevard on the south and east to Hill Street. The plan envisioned waterfront recreation, expanded green space and walkable urban mixed-use development. Land use planning for the former Rink Riverside site specifically called for residential housing or condominiums similar to the plan proposed by Place Builders. Phase 2 of planning for the East Bank will begin this fall with focused conversations with residents, business owners and other stakeholders for the area south of Jefferson along the river to Eddy Street. The Holladay Group, a national development firm based in South Bend, again has offered to volunteer its time in leading the planning process in consultation with a Chicago-based consulting firm, JJR, which has been hired by the City to create the master plan. - 30 -