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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSM 10-10-79October 10, 10:30 A.M. Presiding session dul Commission of South Be President, present: 1. ROLL SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING 1979 1200 County -City Building 227 West Jefferson Boulevard 'ficer: F. Jay Nimtz, South Bend, Indiana 46601 President ie Redevelopment Commission of the City of South Bend met in special called in accordance with law and the rules of the Redevelopment tt 10:30 a.m. in Room 1200 of the County -City Building in the City id, Indiana. The meeting was called to order with Mr. F. Jay Nimtz, +residing and the following members of the Redevelopment. Commission L Members Present: Mr. F. Jay Nimtz, President Mr. A. Peter Donaldson, Secretary Ms. Paula N. Auburn, Member Members Absent: Mr. Lloyd E. Robinson, Sr., Vice President Mr. Robert J. Cira, Assistant Secretary Legal Counsel: Mr. Kevin J. Butler Redevelopment Staff: Mr. Carl Ellison, Director Mrs. Ann Kolata, Deputy Director Mr. Timothy K. Eckerle, Assistant Director Mr. Kevin Horton, Real Estate Officer Ms. Ann Bathon, Acquisition Specialist Mr. Bill Fox, Relocation Specialist Mrs. Jane Zimmerman, Executive Secretary Ms. Denise Fleming, Secretary Community Development taff: Ms. Shirley McCoy, Contract Compliance Officer Mrs. Theresa Ellett,'Labor Standards Monitor Mrs. Barbara Radican, Performance Standards Monitor News Media: Mr. Dave Anderson, Reporter, WNDU -TV Mr. Dick Nemeth, Photographer, WNDU -TV Ms. Jeanne Derbeck, Reporter, South Bend Tribune Mr. John McKnight, Reporter, WSBT -TV Mr. Isaiah Cooks, Photographer, WSBT -TV Mr. Larry Ford, Reporter, WSJV -TV Mr. Bill Hentch, Photographer, WSJV -TV Guests: Councilman Walter Szymkowiak Mrs. Janet Allen Professor Ray Stuermer, (representative for T. Brooks Brademas) Ms. Mara Gelbloom Mr. Ted Wasielewski, President, Historic Preservation Commission South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Me ting - October 10, 1979 1. ROLL CALL (continued) Guests: Mr. Bob Nushaum Mr. Bud Firth Mr. Don Blandford Mr. John W. Allegretti Ms. Barbara Sue Schankerman The Secretary of the Redevelopment Commission reported that notice of this meeting, in the form attached to these minutes, had been given not less than 48 hours p for to this meeting, as follows: 1. by delivering a copy of the notice to each member of the Re evelopment Commission; 2. by posting a copy of the notice at the main entrance of the principal office of the Redevelopment Commission; and 3. by depositing in the United States mail with postage prepaid or by delivery to all news media which have filed written requests for su h notices with the Redevelopment Commission The Pr sident concluded that the meeting had been duly called in accordance with the r les of the Redevelopment Commission and Indiana Code 5- 14 -1.5 and ordered a opy of the notice filed with the records of the Redevelopment Commission. 2. NEW BU IENSS DEMOLITION BIDS a. OpEning of bid proposals received for the demolition RECEIVED AND OPENED of Disposition Parcel #4 -67, the Odd Fellows Building - FOR DISPOSITION Contract No. 41. PARCEL #4 -67 - ODD FELLOWS BLDG. DEMOLITION BIDS RECEIVED ontractor's Name 1. O'Rourke Construction Company Cincinnati, Ohio 2. Cleveland Wrecking Company Chicago, Illinois 3. Ri schard Brothers So th Bend, Indiana 4. Do a and Associates Mi higan City, Indiana 5. A. .C. Demolition Arlington, Virginia Amount of Bid $102,200.00 $169,500.00 $219,500.00 $178,300.00 $191,400.00 -2- Type of Guaranty Bid Bond (5/) Bid Bond (5%) Bid Bond (5%) Bid Bond (5%) Bid Bond (5%) South Bend edevelopment Commission Special Mee ing - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUS NESS (continued) a. Op4ing of bid proposals received for demolition bids (continued) ... DEMOLITION BIDS RECEIVED tractor's Name 6. M &4 Sarko Contractors Dea born, Michigan Amount of Bid $198,950.00 Type of Guaranty Bid Bond but no power of attorney included with bid The Char then directed that the bids be received and referred to the staff and legal counsel for recommendation and report. b. Opening of bid proposals received for the rehabilitation of Disposition Parcel #4 -67, the Odd Fellows Building. Mr. Ellison: Mr. Chairman, bids are opened, the staff, spe tive redevelopers, told a period of five minutes to We would recommend that the bidi were received. before the rehabilitation in conversation with the pro - them they would be allowed summarize their proposal. y do so in the order that the 1st Rehab Proposal Received OPENING OF REHABILI- TATION PROPOSAL FOR DISPOSITION PARCEL #4 -67 Mr. Ellison: The first bid was submitted by a local REHAB PROPOSAL FROM dev doper, Mr. T. Brooks Brademas. Mr. Brademas is un- T. BROOKS BRADEMAS abl to be here today. Therefore, I would ask the chair to ecognize Professor Ray Stuermer, who is here rep esenting Mr. Brademas. The Chair recognized Professor Ray Stuermer, on behalf of T. Brooks Brademas: Mr. Butler: The first proposal is submitted by Heritage Building. A bank money order is included in this package in the amount of $10.00. This is a 10% deposit for acqui- sit on of the property. Pro essor Stuermer: (The professor handed out copies of a det fled outline of the proposal for the Commissioners and Executive Director to review). Our proposal suggests tha the retention of the building in its present state is ent rely possible and feasible from an economic point of view. (Professor Stuermer presented some drawings to the Commission, Redevelopment Staff and everyone present at the meeting). He then continued with the explanation of his proposal... We ave made some assumptions that would show how this bui ding would tie into the proposed mall, Transpo Center, -3- South Bend redevelopment Commission Special Mee Ong October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSINESS (continued) b. Professor Stuermer continues.... and surroundings. Our essential plan is to retain the exterior of the building, completely rehabilitate the inside of it.putting in new heating and air conditioning, removing all the,partitions, installing new elevators and new stairs to make it conform to code, and in general to rehabilitate the inside to become a Class "A" office building in the urban area of South Bend. The most im- portant change to the building, would be to set back the existing windows into the building to make an arcade clear around the building. We would have the entrance of the building go completely through the building so that it would go out the back side and tie in with the existing oral and a Transpo System, whichever turns out to be a part of the new mall plan. In any case, the idea that what happens here ties into the old building, is quite evident. It seems important that this kind of structure, whi h is badly needed in the downtown area in terms of office space, should be retained rather than torn down and something else built to take its place.. We have the ked out very carefully the economics of the build- ing and in terms of the trend of today. It will support a m rtgage of about two and a half million dollars. Thi would be about what we would have to spend to bring it Lck into this kind of condition, so that it is eco omically sound. Physically, the building is very sou id and has another fifty (50) years of life in it. It is made of sound reinforced concrete construction. The only problem with it, at this point, is a rather serious leakage around the edge of the roof which sho ld be repaired immediately before more damage is don?, but otherwise it is a sound building both inside and structurally on the exterior skin of the building. We lave also proposed in the recess around the bottom of the building, to have an atrium which would perhaps tie into the architecture of the proposed mall and it would become a public gathering space as you go through the Odd Fellows Building and then project it into the mall with the Transpo building. We have a letter from a v ry important investor backer agreeing to finance thi venture, and as you can see from our proposal, we hav done a feasibility study to indicate that it is eco omically viable. We have had some indication that the -e is a viable tenant for the first floor from a National Food Chain and all in all it looks like there would be no problem in renting the retail space.. As far as timing is concerned, we have no doubt that we can complete our work ahead of schedule and ahead of the cow letion of the mall. -4- South Bend edevelopment Commission Special Mee in9 - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUS NESS (continued) b. con inued... Mr. Ellison: Professor, your time has expired, but would you indicate the total development cost, something about the rent structure, and some indication of construction tim period? Pro essor Stuermer: The construction time period would be less than 18 months, which I am sure would be completed bef re the mall was completed. The rent structure was tre ded forward for a year and would probably be $8.00 to $9. O a square foot range on the office floors, and perhaps sli htly higher than that on the first floor. The total dev lopment cost would be about two and a half million dol ars. Mr. Nimtz Are there any questions by members of the Commission? In the interest of time, the chair will allow limited questions by the press and the fourth estate. Ms. Derbeck': You mentioned there was an industrial bank thalt was willing to back you, where is the bank located? Ir lei Mr. :essor Stuermer: The Stevens Company out of Little c, Arkansas. It is an industrial banker. We have a :er of intent included in our proposal. Nimtz: Thank you professor. 2nd Rehab Proposal Received Mr. Ellison: Mr. Chairman, the second bid received was su mitted by Rosenburg, Freeman & Associates which Operates out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. After Mr. Butler ch cks this bid, I will summarize their proposal as they do not have a representative present today. Mr Butler: A check in the amount of $1,000, which I resume indicates a bid of $10,000. Mr. Nimtz: The Chair now recognizes the Executive Di ector, Mr. Carl Ellison, from the Department of Re evelopment. Mr pr bic i ni ar( Bu Ellison: Members of the Commission, and others sent, the Rosenburg, Freeman & Associates firm put ether a rather extensive document aside from the packet. The document contains a great deal of ormation regarding the proposed development. They �essentially proposing to redo the Odd Fellows lding by converting it to luxury apartments which ,5 REHAB PROPOSAL FROM ROSENBURG, FREEMAN & ASSOCIATES South Bend Commission Special Mee �edevelopment ing - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSINESS (continued) b. Mr.lEllison continues... would be marketed to professional workers, who are either single, or couples without children. The firm put together. a proposal letter which summarizes what they intend to do, and I will read portions of it to you, ... "Co tinental Wingate Company, Inc. and Rosenberg, Freeman and Associates will convert the top nine floors of the Odd Fellows Building into 77 apartment units for professional peo le working in downtown South Bend, and rehabilitate the ground level floor for appropriate commercial uses. The believe their plan is in keeping with the goals of the South Bend Urban Renewal Land. Use plan to provide for the "intergration of existing structures.... into an attrac- tiva and functional public, commercial and residential area." They indicate that the economic feasibility of returning hou ing to downtown development areas requires close coopera- tioi and assistance from the public sector. They then identi- fieJ key government actions that would be critical to achieve their development plan. They are: 1. An option from the Redevelopment Authority to purchase the property for $109000, which option would extend for a reasonable time period necessary to accomodate FHA approvals. Based on their investigation of the growth of South Bend, they anticipate beginning construction within one year of execution of the option. 2. Mortgage insurance through the Federal Housing Admini- stration 221(d)4 program and FNMA /GNMA Tandem Plan permanent mortgage funds at an attractive interest rate available for rehab housing in UDAG cities. Based on their experience, and supported by their attached letter from Galbreath Mortgage Company, government processing for this project could be.completed in approximately 120 days and the current interest rate on a 40 -year FHA insured mortgage could be arranged at 72%. 3. The City must lease 80 parking spaces in the parking deck next to the project for 40 years at an initial rate of $20 per month. Reasonably priced residential parking is necessary to attract professional people to live downtown. 4. A zoning approval to allow residential use. 5. Tax abatement under Indiana Code 6- 1.1 -12 et. seq. 6. City assistance in using economic development tax - exempt bonds to finance the project. -6- South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Meeting - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSINESS (continued) b. Mr. Ellison continues... They included'an analysis of their.cost and submitted their FHA mortgage application. The essentials are that the proposed development is at the amount of 2.9 million dollars. They believe that amount is necessary to pro- vide higher amenities. Their key floor plan shows typical layouts for their one and two bedroom units. They plan to gut rehab and to replace the elevators and use the existing corridors, to the extent that they can, to build in the living spaces. They plan to build anew stair case and plan to.rehab the building from the top down. The ninth and tenth floors would have a living room area on the ninth floor and a bedroom on the tenth floor, so that there would be loft apartments in the corners of the building. They intend to ask rents that would run from $300.00 for an efficiency, $365.00 for a one bedroom, $405.00 for a one bedroom with a loft, and $450.00 for a two bedroom unit. The firm does not have a market feasibility study, but indicates their feeling that the market can successfully develop the project here. They have had previous experience with a number.of cities around the country, including Atlanta, Gary, and Detroit.. We have done a great deal of substantial rehab work for the conversion of properties from industrial or commercial use into housing. They do have an indication of a firm that will assist them in achieving the FHA financing under the GNMA Tandem program in order to arrive at the 71-A rate. Their numbers are based on an 8% financing and thus they have calculated their rents from that basis. They want to begin construction by spring of 1980 and hope to have the initial apartments on the ninth and tenth floors open by Christmas 1980. They would continue to rehab the building and allow occupancy of additional space as floors were completed. Finally, there is some consideration being given to doing something with the roof; they indicate the possibility of providing a sun deck as a recreational amenity to the tenants of the building. It is their intent to use the commercial space on the first floor to provide for uses that would accommodate the renters of the building, and would encour- age small minority entepreneurs to open business in the building as it exists. They would tuck point the south and east wall and would likely paint it in order to improve its look. They may replace some windows but the essential structure of the outside would remain as it now is. -7- South Bend Commission Special Mee �edevelopment ing - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSINESS (continued) b. continued... (2nd rehabilitation proposal discussed) Mr. Nimtz: Any questions by the Commissioners? Mr. Donaldson: What were the range for the rents? Mr. Ellison: The rents range from $300.00 for an efficiency, $365.00 for a one bedroom, $405.00 for 'a one bedroom with a loft, and $450.00 for a two bedroom unit.. There would be nine (9) efficiency apartments, fifty -three (53) one bedroom units, six (6) one - bedroom units with a loft, and nine (9) two bedroom units. Ms. Auburn: They indicated that they have done no market feasibility study and have not looked into rent figures? Mr. Ellison: They have not done a market feasibility study to insure that they can in fact attract off the market enough people with the amount of income necessary to pay the rents that they project. Ms. Auburn: I assume that the eighty (80) parking spaces would be free parking for renters. Mr. Ellison: I believe they intend to add the parking cost to the rent, somewhere around $20.00 a month. What they want is a commitment from the City to lease them 80 parking sp ces at a beginning rate of $20.00 a month. Mr. Nimtz: I might add that the developers that Mr. Ellison and I have met with in talking over these things were under the opinion that they would have no demand for this type of project, but that they would have no difficulty in renting it. Secondly, these developers indicated that there would have to be a provision for parking, because everyone would want their parking close by and wouldn't want to walk three blocks to park. Thank you Mr. Ellison. If there are no other questions we can resume opening the other bids. 3rd Rehabilitation Proposal Mr. Ellison: The third bid received is from the American De elopment Corporation, a suburban Chicago firm. Am rican Development Corporation is represented by Ms. Ma a Gelbloom. Mr. Butler: The bid proposal is $1.00 for the building, an the bid documents seem to be in order. REHAB PROPOSAL FROM AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION South Bend redevelopment Commission Special Mee ing - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSINESS (continued) b. c*inued...(3rd rehabilitation proposal discussed) The Chair then recognized Ms. Mara Gelbloom, representing Ame ican Development Corporation. Ms. Mara Gelbloom: American Development Corporation has spent the last several months thoroughly investigating rehab potential of the Odd Fellows Building. We propose to convert the building into Class "'A" office space. We will gut "rehab with all new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The exterior historical value of the building would be maintained in some way. The building wou d, therefore, have all the amenities of Class "A " new office space for the South Bend area and its excellent location would make it highly marketable. Because of the Department of Redevelopment's willingness to recommend ind strial revenue bond financing for the building, should it a retained, we have prepared a loan package for the bui ding, and found a brokerage firm from Rolling Meadows, Ill nois that is willing to place the bond for us. This com any has actually given us a firm commitment for financing the project, rather than what is normally called a "best effort". Therefore, financing is virtually assured on this project subject to tax bond issue. The total rehabilitation cost would be two million, two hundred and fifty five thousand, one hundred and seventy five dollars ($2,255,175.00). Figuring at -82% interest, we found it necessary for the rent stricture to be at $10.00 per square foot. We have consulted witi the commercial brokerage firm of Cook Realty, here in 3outh Bend, who will be our leasing agent, should we be cho en as developers, and have a letter from their firm as art of our packet, to show that the space can be leased at hat price by the time the building is completed. The rea on for the $1.00 bid is simply because we found that $10,00 per square foot is an absolute ceiling for rent in Sou :h Bend's market place. Therefore, as our bid, I would lik to inform you that included in our proposal is a loan pac age with a commitment from a lender, a complete break dowi of construction plans, and a letter from a commercial age t. I would briefly like to mention that American Development Cor oration does have experience. The company has grown to the fifth largest producer in multi-family housing in the cou try, and the twenty seventh largest builder in the past eig t years. We are one of the few developers in the United States who have been successful in introducing large i sca a rehab. We have over three hundred (300) units n Kan as City, and have just completed over 300 units in Chicago. Under a special historic rehab program, which we hope to do the Odd Fellows under, we can expand it into a commercial reh b market. In Springfield, Illinois, we will begin con truction on the Old St. Nicholas Hotel for leasing. in South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Meeting - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSIINESS b. Ms .I Mara Gelbloom continues.... All of these projects will be financed through industrial revenue bond issues. Our general contractor has extensive experience in high rise rehab and has submitted a letter of intent to utilize all local contractors including qualified minorities in the South Bend area. So, in conclusion, I would like to say that we are very enthusiastic about the tenure of the project and confident for its success as office space, and hope that we can be actively involved in saving the building. Mr.lNimtz: Are there any questions from the Commissioners? Mr. Ellison: Ms. Gelbloom, what treatment will you pro ide for the South and East wall? Ms. Gelbloom: We have talked about the possibility of rebe,icking. I don't think it would look good to have it repainted. The exterior would be tuck pointed, terra cotta would be repaired where necessary, and all new windows would be installed. Mr. Mr. Nat - the who Beri Nimtz: Thank you very kindly for being with this morning. 4th REHABILITATION PROPOSAL Ellison: The fourth bid was received from the Tonal Mobile Concrete Corporation. I will ask Chair to recognize Mr. Donald W. Blandford, represents the corporation located in •Ten Springs, Michigan. Mr. Butler: The bid is in the amount of $10,000, the a is a 10% bid bond, and the documents are in order. ThelChair recognized Mr. Donald W. Blandford. REHAB PROPOSAL FROM NATIONAL MOBILE CONCRETE CORPORATION Mr. Blandford: Generally in our organization we would like to give credit to those who have worked most fervently on particular projects, and I have brought along with me two assistants - -Mr. Frances Firth and our architect, Mr. John W. Allegretti. These two gentlemen will answer most of the technical questions. After much debate internally within our organization in terms of working with the historical aspects of the building, our approach is to take the existing structure and attempt to interface it with the proposed development of the Century Mall. I would like to present at his time an architectural rendering of what our organization pro oses to do with the structure. (Mr. Blandford presented dra ing plans to the Commission and others present at the meeting) ... area South Bend redevelopment Commission Special Mee ing October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSIINESS b. Mr.IBlandford continues... We will maintain the existing physical dimensions of the bui ding itself except with the addition of a stair tower on the southeast corner, primarily to do two things...accommodate a mechanical room per floor, provide stairs for the building to meet code. The building, when complete would consist of ten floors of ccupancy with a net leaseable space of 57,000 sq. ft. The bottom, or lower level of the building would be opened up to some extent and would house retail space. The estimated time of completion on this particular project, would be approximately a 14 to 16 month time period. We are looking at a total cost, including soft cost, of approximately 3.7 million dollars. The amount financed on this particular project (we look at it from an equity basis) would be up to 3 m llion dollars of EDC bond financing. We currently have ten ative approval from the Continental Illinois National Banl & Trust Company, Chicago, who also happens to be our cor orate banker. Basically, in a synopsis form that is our app oach to this particular project. Any technical questions con erning the details of the interior refurbishing and treatment of the exterior, I will attempt to answer myself and or pass on to my two associates this morning. Mr. Firth: Basically, what I would like to do is attempt to enlighten you as to what our approach to the actual ren ovation work itself would be. Obviously, we would start out with demolition. It would be our intention to demolish 100% of the existing interior walls with the exc ption of the elevator shafts, the stair tower, and the mec anical works. As far as the exterior demolition process would be concerned, we would demolish large portions of the east wall, the north wall, the south wall, relatively all the wall areas, paying particular attention to save certain areas of the substructure. Advancing to the dev lopment of the project, our main feature of the building would be the external usage. We have proposed to use reflective glass products, manufactured by Pittsburgh Glass Plate Company, which is their 550 -20 series (a reflective solar band). We would use this particular product in all of the viewing areas. We would then use a matching product of spandalite glass in all areas which would haVE the existing column lines and floor lines. As far as the interior of the building is concerned, we would install new partition walls throughout. These partition walls would be Lasically vinyl covered. We would also install throughout the building a new suspended ceiling system. The plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems throughout the building would be completely reinstalled, and all new fixtures would be used bringing them up to current code. -11- South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Me ting October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSINESS (continued) b. (Mr. Firth presented drawings, outlining the interior fi tures of the building to members of the Commission and of ers' present at the meeting): As far as the heating system goes for the building, we will also be installing a new system, which would be inclusive in the water source, heat pump situation. We paid particular attention to the cost of utilities which goes back and interfaces with the glass to be used on the building. By using the reflective glass and reducing the relative heat gain, we reduce the BTU use by over 50%. All floors through- out would be recarpeted and everything would be brought up to a brand new building. In regard to the elevator shaft, we ire proposing to put in brand new cars and completely reh b them to bring them up to code, thereby making them com letely automatic elevators. The Chair recognized Mr. Allegretti, the architect for Nat onal Mobile Concrete Corporation... Mr. Allegretti: I would like to say that our corporation has come up with a radically different concept than the other three proposals. Our reasoning on this was that we wou d like to work with Gruen & Associates to provide a C ass "A" office space that would interface with the new mall. Mr.INimtz: Do the Commissioners have any questions? Ms. Auburn: The ten floors are to be relegated as Cla s "A" office space? Where does the housing and ret it come in? Mr. Firth: Floors two through ten would be Class "A" office space. The main floor would be retail space, and the basement would be basement for the redeveloper as sto age, etc. Ms. Auburn: Can you give me some idea as to what you are thi king of for the office rental? Mr. Blandford: We note that the basis for our interest in the property was predicated upon the report that was donE by Rouse Corporation. Also that the development of Century Mall would be on -going concurrently with our project, and with the structures going up in the First Ban /hotel project. Our rents, when the building is occupied, are projected at $10.50 per square foot. Again, the construction is projected at a 14 -month period of time. The start of construction would begin in early spring of 1980. -12- South Bend redevelopment Commission Special Mee ing - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSIIN b. continued... Ms. Auburn: There is a $3.7 million price tag on redoing the building as you have it. Can you give me a comparable fig re for building new construction? MrJ Blandford: It would be similar costs. Mr. Nimtz: Basically, what you are saying is that you wouldn't use terra cotta on the outside, and you wouldn't hav walnut paneling on the top floor, etc. Mr. Blandford: You would have to be more definitive on what,kind of building you are talking about. A concrete building, a glass building, what kind of facilities does it ave; what mechanical systems does it have, etc. You could get into quite a variable area. A new facility could cost anywhere from $65.00 a square foot not including the site. In attempting to answer Ms. Auburn's question, if we were going to build a building today from scratch we would not build a building like that. Our approach is that we are at the threshold of con idering demolishing the building entirely and submitting a proposal for a new structure. Mr. Butler: Have you accomplished any financing? Mr. Blandford: As I have indicated earlier, Mr. Butler, we ire utilizing our corporate banker on a tentative bas s. I do not have a letter of commitment, a binding leg l agreement that indicates they will indeed finance tha project. Mr. Nimtz: Thank you. The Chair will now recognize Mr. Ted Wasielewski, President, Historic Preservation Com ission. Mr. Wasielewski: Ninety days ago I attended one of you meetings when you reported the Rouse Corporation Stu y. At that time, you said the Odd Fellows Building only has a future if you get a concrete pro osal within 90 -days. We now have four proposals. The merit of those proposals are not the business of the Historic Preservation Commission, however, in <eeping in faith with the citizens of South Bend I t ink that the Redevelopment Commission should take a v ry adequate look at these proposals. I understand you next commission meeting is on the 19th. -13- COMMENTS FROM MR. TED WASIELEWSKI, PRESIDENT, HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMIS- SION South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Meeting - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUISINESS b. MrI. Wasielewski continues.... First of all I would suggest that you throw away all the demolition bids you have received, because I don't think you need them any longer. I think we are going to rehab this particular building. I think the City wants it rehabed, and I think the voice of the people has been heard through numerous letters received in that regard. I would certainly like to see the Redevelopment Commission take a new tack with downtown redevelopment. In the past it has been demolition, one after another, and I don't think we have had a chance, with the exception of this particular building, to see what could happen if we re abilitated a building. I think over the years we have never given any building downtown a chance. I bless the day when the City acquired this building because it took off the smoke factors that were involved with the previous ow ers, etc. Now I feel the City has a responsibility to to k at these rehabilitation bids, ignore the demolition bi s, and go ahead with saving this building. Mr. Nimtz: Thank you. Now in defense for the Commissioners who have gone on before, let me say that there has been a change in the philosophy of Congress and with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, through the years concerning development, and there has been a greater emphasis as we we 1 know, in the historic preservation movement, of which So th Bend is a prime example. Ms Auburn: I have one question to direct to National Mobile Co crete. I would like to know if you have been involved in this type of rehabilitation work in any other place in the co ntry? Mr Blandford: I think that is a very valid question. The answer is unequivically... "no ". But, we feel we have a track record with certain organizations and this is an area of diversification for our firm. Being close to South Bend, and myself being a resident of South Bend, we look upon this as a method to carry out that plan of diversification. Th ere direct be ref Second howeve them o next m >eing no objections by members of the Commission, the Chair ?d that the rehabilitation proposals and the demolition proposals ?rred to the staff and legal counsel for investigation and report. ly, the Chair directed that the documents be opened for inspection, so that the Commissioners or members of the staff could review withdraw them from 4 o'clock in the afternoon until 9:30 the ►rning. -14- South Bend Redevelopment Commission Special Me ting - October 10, 1979 2. NEW BUSINE b. continued... Ms Derbeck: Now that you have received four pr posals, are you 100% sure that one of these pr posals will be chosen? Mrs Butler: I don't think that can be presumed. Mr. Ellison: Please bear in mind that the staff has received demolition bids as well as rehabilitation proposals. Until the staff has done an investigation and report, I don't feel it would be appropriate to as ume anything regarding the building. Ms� Derbeck: Is it possible, after close study, that no a of these proposals will survive? Mr Ellison: That is correct, or we may find that all th demolition bids are defective. We are uncertain what we will find. Ms Derbeck: Will you have your reports ready by the net meeting? Mr Nimtz: I don't think we can commit ourselves at this time. We have a lot of reading to do and the staff has a lor of work to do. If we have no other questions, I would like to mention that we are pleased to have the out -of -town people he a today. DISCUSSIONS FROM NEWS MEDIA 3. NEXT C MMISSION MEETING NEXT SCHEDULED The net regularly scheduled South Bend Redevelopment Commission I REDEVELOPMENT meetini will be held on October 19, 1979. COMMISSION MTNG. 4. ADJOURNMENT ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mr. Donaldson made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Ms. Auburn, and the motion was unanimously carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11 :13 A.M. The Ch it mentioned that the groundbreaking ceremonies for First Bank/ Rahn P operties II will be held at 11:15 A.M. on October 19, 1979 at the "h le ", and the Board of Public Works has approved it. -15- South B�nd Redevelopment Commission Special Meeting - October 10, 1979 z, P esident Carl Ellison, Executive Director -16-