HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-2011 Growing South Bend firm to move near Ignition Park
Office of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
January 14, 2011
3:30 PM
Growing South Bend firm to move near Ignition Park
Contact:
Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
or David Relos, Economic Development Planner, 235-9371
A South Bend company is relocating from East Sample Street to the western edge of
Ignition Park to help accommodate the growth of Ivy Tech Community College and to
help foster its own opportunities for growth after the acquisition of an Elkhart company.
A $165,000 offer by Enyart Electric Motor Repair Inc., 122 E. Sample St., to purchase a
6,432-square-foot facility at 1313 Prairie Ave., was unanimously accepted today (January
14, 2011) by the South Bend Redevelopment Commission, which also is supporting the
project with relocation assistance. Enyart was initially approached regarding relocation
on behalf of the Redevelopment Commission, which is supporting Ivy Tech’s efforts to
expand its campus along the south side of Sample Street in response to growing
enrollment.
Enyart Electric, in business since 1965, recently acquired another electric motor-repair
business in Elkhart. “They have outgrown their current location and would like to
purchase and relocate to 1313 Prairie to facilitate the consolidation and growth of the two
businesses,” said David Relos, an economic development planner with the City of South
Bend’s Department of Community and Economic Development. “This move and
investment will allow a long-time business in South Bend to expand, relocate and stay in
South Bend.”
Enyart Electric now employs eight people but is adding four employees with the
acquisition of the Elkhart business, according to co-owner Rich Siri. Enyart Electric
offers electric motor repair, rebuilding, rewinding, motor shop and support services to the
greater South Bend area. This business function is compatible with the appropriate usages
identified for the vicinity of Ignition Park, based on a recently adopted planned unit
development for Ignition Park, according to Relos.
“Upgrading a building on the western edge of Ignition Park, which has been vacant for
many years, will benefit this important corridor of Ignition Park,” Relos said. “Both the
building’s interior and exterior will be upgraded and, eventually, at the cost of
approximately $60,000 to Enyart, the northern half of this parcel will be cleaned and
cleared of its unsightly chain-link fence and scrub trees.”
Enyart Electric also will build a 1,400-square-foot addition to the rear of the facility to
accommodate the firm’s current large crane.
The Redevelopment Commission also approved relocation assistance of $250,788 for
Enyart Electric based on moving costs and anticipated investment to renovate the Prairie
Avenue facility. Because of the Redevelopment Commission’s assistance, Enyart Electric
will not seek a tax abatement (having new taxes on the improvements phased-in over
several years) – an option typically available to businesses that are expanding or adding
new equipment.
After Enyart Electric’s relocation, Ivy Tech plans to use the East Sample Street site for
the expansion of classroom, storage and/or parking space.
“This has been a win-win-win situation,” said Greg Downes, a Redevelopment
Commission member.
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