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Home My WebLink About04-05-2005 $1,000,000 for Commercial Corridor Improvements $1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS Page 1 of 7 Buildln • St Ffis RELEASE FROM: F( Office of Mayor Luecke $1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS Mayor Stephen J. Luecke joined with Common Council Members, Charlotte Pfeifer, Derek Di representatives of the City's five Commercial Corridors this afternoon to outline a $1,000,000 in Mayor's Commercial Corridor Initiative now in its seventh year. Representatives of the City's five provided an update of recent accomplishments and an outline for the coming year at STUDIO 81 originally a muffler and brake repair shop that is now being adaptively reused as a new art studio and c Heritage Foundation. Renovation of the former repair shop, known as Smitty's, was a key part of the Lincolnway We Although a portion of the building was demolished, the majority of it was preserved and rehabilitated i concept financed by a combination of public and private funding totaling $425,000. A portion of the Lincoln Way West Commercial Corridor Fagade Matching Grant Program. Once complete, Studio 815 addition to the Colfax Campus, offering space for fine arts and classrooms. Mayor Luecke commented that he is proud to announce another $1 million dollar corri( $5,750,000 has been allocated for commercial corridor projects that include a range of activities th, function of these vital business districts. He explained that confidence in the corridor program is great Council continue to be impressed by the work of the Corridor Groups. "Together we have built a cultu our entryways into the City. The projects and programs continue to stimulate private resources and inve Corridor program is an excellent example of how public involvement and planning can overcome cl Luecke. The Mayor outlined the overall corridor approach for 2005. He emphasized three key points: 1. Building Alliances and Partnerships Since the inception of the corridor program each group has worked closely with the Ci partners to accomplish their plans for development, public safety and promotion. The such as the Urban Enterprise Association, South Bend Heritage Foundation, the Near T and various City departments is vital to maintaining the positive momentum. The partnering will remain a key aspect to the program. 2.Public Relations and Marketing Continues All of the corridor groups are expanding their efforts to increase the participatio Each group is also working hard to market their corridor as an attractive place to do being used effectively to feature key assets and to give each corridor a unique identity. http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/040505 CommercialCorridors.htm 1/13/2006 $1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS Page 2 of 7 3. Creating Opportunities for Impact The original corridor plans provided a broad framework for how each corridor mi Through specific planning, each corridor group is currently working to redevelop pri essential to their comprehensive revitalization. In combination with major streets( improvements to existing building facades, the development of key properties is spin environment. Funding for the improvement plan is generated through COIT (County Option Income Tax). N demonstrates the importance of County Option Income Tax (COIT) dollars to the community. COIT fu along commercial corridors and in neighborhoods for important capital improvement projects. Corridor streetscape improvements, building enhancements, and site development. Councilwomen Pfeifer stated, "The Corridor Program is just great. On behalf of the City Coun partner in this initiative. The Corridor Leaders and Planners work very hard to make these wonderful pr( "While challenges remain, I am confident that our corridors will become all that we envision about the progress we see here at Studio 815 on Lincolnway West and along other corridors like continue to help existing businesses enhance the appearance of their buildings, improve public safety Mayor Luecke continued. "We have gained a lot of forward momentum. The projects that are in process and those underw: each corridor as unique and desirable places to live and do business. Our corridor partnership is succe( to our wonderful downtown and enhance the neighborhoods that adjoin our entryways to the City,"May Representatives from the Corridors outlined their key strategies for 2005 that include: 1. South Gateway (South Michigan and Main Streets) - $235,000 * Streetscape Beautification (Sample to Indiana) * Public Safety South Gateway will use its funding for Streetscape improvements. New curbs, sidewalks, tr installed along Michigan Street from Indiana Avenue to Sample Street. Notre Dame students have concepts that are being considered for this area. In partnership with the Urban Enterprise Association, being studied for several properties in this segment as well. Funds will also be used for ongoing public s 2.Western Avenue- $157,000 *Streetscape Beautification/Segment "D" - $157,000 New curb, sidewalk, lighting, trees, tree lawn and tree grates will be installed along Western between Gladstone and Sheridan Streets. This project will mark the second phase of a multi-phe appearance of Western Avenue. Additionally, vacant lot and building acquisition will continue alo: Chapin and Olive Streets. Key buildings may be acquired for adaptive reuse and vacant lots to ere areas. The Fayade Matching Grant Program will also continue this year. 3.Lincolnway West- $182,000 * Additional Police Patrols/other public safety activities * Fayade Matching Grant Program * Planters, trees, decorations http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/040505 CommercialCorridors.htm 1/13/2006 $1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS Page 3 of 7 Additional police patrols remain a priority in order to increase public safety and decrease crim Matching Grant Program will be a major focus given strong interest from LWW businesses in improv stimulating private investment within the expanded Corridor boundary, including LaSalle Square. The S will include purchase, installation, and maintenance of flower planters at key intersections along the Co also continue at select locations. Targeted acquisition and demolition activities will also proceed. 4. Portage Avenue - $141,000 * Intersection safety * Fagade Matching Grant Program * Predevelopment Portage will use its funding to improve targeted intersections from Angela to Elwood. New cur as landscaping improvements and sign removals will occur to beautify the corridor. The group a matching grants for fagade and property improvements. The Portage Avenue Steering Committee is properties for acquisition and redevelopment. 5. Miami Village - $285,000 * Streetscape Phase III $235,000 * Matching Grants $20,000 * Marketing and Promotion $10,000 * Property Acquisition $20,000 Miami Street will use its funding to continue Streetscape improvements. New curbs, sidewall scale lighting will be installed from Dayton Street to Indiana Avenue. The group also will offer additi fagade and property improvements. Miami Village also plans to increase its business recruitment and m hold its fifth Fall Festival. Not pursed in previous years, several long standing problem properties are acquisition and development this year. Commercial Corridor Funding History 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Lincolnway West $72,000 $351,000 $207,500 $170,000 $176,000 $160,000 South Michigan $275,000 $120,000 $275,000 $256,000 $247,500 $235,000 Western Avenue $203,000 $129,000 $197,500 $164,000 $110,000 $230,000 Portage Avenue $0 $50,000 $50,000 $130,000 $70,000 $140,000 Miami Street $0 $0 $120,000 $130,000 $246,500 $235,000 TOTAL $550,000 $650,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $1,000,000 http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/040505 CommercialCorridors.htm 1/13/2006 $1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS Page 4 of 7 2004 Commercial Corridor Accomplishments Lincolnway West Matching Fayade Grants Program 26 grants with a total of$764,000 in investment $604,000 of private investment $160,000 of public investment Acquisition,Demolition, and Redevelopment This is to facilitate new development and make improvements along the corridor. Recent notable projects: The construction of a Teacher's Credit Union (TCU) branch on the corner of Lincoln Wa $1,250,000 of private investment. Demolition of the Plasma Center, formerly located on the 500 block of Lincoln Way. Involved in acquiring residential land for the new fire station. Streetscape Enhancement Projects Plans to begin project, in 2005, for new sidewalk, walkway, curbs and trees along the corridor betty, Chapin Street. Plans to install 14 flower planters at key intersections. The Tree Planting Program has installed 25 new trees to date, and anticipates an additional 10 in 2005. Additional Programs & Accomplishments The corridor has produced a marketing brochure and logo to publicize the area as a positive place to do 1 To improve safety in the area the Lincoln Way West Corridor has provided money for additional po introduce the alley lighting program. Portage Ave Matching Fagade Grant Program 13 grants with a total. of$197,994 in investment $82,923 in private investment $115,071 in public investment Streetscape Enhancement Projects In 2005, a project which includes new curbs, sidewalks and trees from California to Angela will be corn The Portage Avenue Steering Committee will be targeting two intersections, Portage and Navarre Allen/Humboldt, for improvements to make a more pedestrian friendly environment. There are plans in place to make landscaping improvements along Portage including: Creating a tree lawn at the Portage Avenue and King Street Improvements by Martin's and Portage Liquor at Elwood intersection Landscaping imprv. to St. Paul Bethel Baptist church parking lot at Pierce Street. Create gateway park on southern end of Portage Avenue Additional.Programs & Accomplishments Currently developing marketing for the corridor, including a brochure and logo, to promote Portage business. http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/040505 CommercialCorridors.htm 1/13/2006 $1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS Page 5 of 7 Miami St Matching Fagade Grants Program 19 grants with a total of$179,743 in investment $99,342 in private investment $80,401 in public investment Streetscape Enhancement Projects Refurbished railroad viaduct and created small park to welcome visitors to northern end of corridor. Creating attractive, pedestrian friendly environment by implementing projects that include nev crosswalks, curbs, trees, and ornamental lighting. Plans to continue with Phase III of streetscape project in 2005. Additional Programs &Accomplishments The Miami Street Corridor hosts the annual Fall Festival the first Sunday of October. The Miami Village Association has developed business promoting materials, including: brochures, a c( signs. South Gateway Acquisition,Demolition, and Redevelopment Five properties have been purchased, including: 913-919, 1001, 1019, and 1101 South Michigan Street. Three vacant buildings were demolished. One local historic landmark has been secured. Streetscape Enhancement Projects New sidewalk and curbs have been installed between Chippewa and Broadway. These improvements it a tree lawn with tree plantings. Additional Programs &Accomplishments The corridor has developed a marketing campaign, which has included: creating a brochure, website advertisements and a series of television commercials. South Gateway works in conjunction with Riley High School students to produce a quarterly newsletter. To improve safety, funding is provided for increased police presence and a series of anti crime, violence Western Ave Matching Fayade Grant Program 16 grants with a total of$270,257 in investment $51,046 of private investment was leveraged by $42,920 in public funding Eight 100% grants resulted in $176,290 of funding for businesses In 2005,will add wall murals to the list of eligible projects for matching grant funds. Streetscape Enhancement Projects The committee has invested in new sidewalks, lighting and trees from Lombardy Drive to Gladstone Av There are plans for several projects to enhance the appearance of the Corridor, East of the Walnut Street http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/040505 CommercialCorridors.htm 1/13/2006 $1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS Page 6 of 7 Acquisition,rehabilitation and demolition of several key buildings Creating new park land adjacent to the bridge Landscaping of private parcels http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/040505 CommercialCorridors.htm 1/13/2006 $1,000,000 FOR COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS Page 7 of 7 Corridor Contact Information South Michigan Street Jim Frick-President, South Gateway Association 291-2330 Chris Dressel- South Michigan Street Planner 235-5847 Western Avenue Mike Kruk-Chair, Steering Committee 261-1715 David Fecteau-Western Planner 235-5885 Lincolnway West Jeff Gibney,Co-Chair,Steering Committee 289-1066 Rev.Miller,Co-Chair, Steering Committee 234-7291 Tonya Zozulya,Lincolnway Planner 235-5827 Portage Avenue Karen Ainsley,Chair, Steering Committee 232-9182 Liz Maradik,Portage Planner 235-5870 Miami Street Steve Krupnick,President,Miami Village Association 232-9909 Mike Divita,Miami Planner 235-5843 For further information, contact Marco Mariani, Community & Economic Developmei Back I City Home Page I City Directory I Site Map I Search Go powered by FreeFind Created by the City of South Bend Department of Information Technologies. Copyright O 2005 City of South Bend.All rights reserved. http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/040505 CommercialCorridors.htm 1/13/2006