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Department of
r= Community Investment
Memorandum
Monday, November 26, 2012
TO: Redevelopment Commission
FROM: Jitin Kain A-
SUBJECT: Design Services for River Lighting Project
Downtown South Bend, Inc. (DTSB) is leading an effort to bring more energy and vitality to the St.
Joseph River that runs through the heart of downtown. Highlighting the River for the purposes of
economic development, visitor attraction as well as for recreational purposes has been outlined in
many studies including City Plan, the official comprehensive plan for the City of South Bend.
DTSB is seeking to accomplish this goal through the installation of a lighting sculpture along the
River. They have solicited the expertise of Rob Shakespeare to design and install the project
Shakespeare is a professional lighting designer specializing in theater and dramatic architectural
designs. With more than 200 lighting designs, his work has been seen throughout three continents
on renowned theaters, resorts, skyscrapers, and some of the world's largest bridges.
In July of 2012, Mr. Shakespeare conducted a site visit and met with several area stakeholders
delivering some preliminary concepts of a River lighting project. The attached proposal from
Shakespeare Lighting Design will look at taking the concept design to a reality by creating a lighting
site plan, luminaries and lamp specifications, luminaries price estimates and other special drawings
or lighting analyses deemed necessary for the project.
Also attached with this memo is a project overview and preliminary budget created by DTSB.
Staff requests approval of the attached proposal from Shakespeare Lighting Design in the amount of
$12,550 from the SBCDA TIF.
DTSB I Bringing the River to Light
PROJECT OVERVIEW
There has never been more validity to the adage that says, "As goes downtown, so goes the city" In a matter
of years, experts project that urban areas will trump suburbs and traditional neighborhoods as the preferred
place of living for almost every demographic — inclusive of age, race, and income level. With over 14,000
employees, downtown South Bend is home to the largest workday population in the county and is firmly
established as a hub for commerce. Downtown is also home to a minor league baseball team, the country's
fast urban whitewater course, a unique network of parks, the largest concentration of restaurants and eateries
in the region, an endless array of special events, historic and architecturally significant buildings, museums,
galleries, entertainment venues, and one of the top rated perform mg arts centers in the country. Positioned
directly between the emerging high -tech development at Ignition Park and the energy at the'University of
Notre Dame and Eddy Street Commons, downtown South Bend is becoming more geographically and
economically relevant than it has been in nearly 50 years.
The City of South Bend and its partner organizations are committed to many different economic
development initiatives at several levels —many of them focused specifically in and around downtown.
Much enthusiasm and momentum is being directed towards new housing enterprises, business recruitment
and expansion programs, park rehabilitations, streetscape projects, traffic redirection and road realignment,
asset management optimization and significant infrastructure improvements. All of these plans reiterate the
expressed need that was cited over two dozen times in the 2025 City Plan for Smart Growth: A concentrated
effort to focus energy on the river.
For far too long the Saint Joseph River has been an afterthought in this town - Rivers and bridges are
celebrated in countless communities across the world — efficiently used as tools for economic development,
sources of energy, recreational destinations, and foundations for visitor attraction and community pride.
Instead, the namesake of South Bend has been largely underutilized, serving as an afterthought, a physical
divide, and as an under- celebrated heart of the city. It is clear that this is no longer acceptable in South Bend.
Downtown South Bend, Inc. (DTSB) seeks to leverage the work of the City of South Bend, private
developers, and other community organizations by generating a project that significantly refocuses the
energies of the Saint Joseph River as an economic development engine, a source of community advancement,
a tool for visitor attraction and as a destination for recreational, artistic, and entertainment delight. This new,
innovative project is called "Bringing the River to Light."
BENEFITS OF A VIBRANT RIVERFRONT
Rob Shakespeare along with countless place making experts, new urbanists, city planners, and developers
alike attest that this style of project far exceeds its ornamental value. The economic impact and community
development potential that can be realized through "Bringing the River to Light" is remarkable at several
levels:
Complement Existing Businesses
The Century Center, South Bend Museum of Art, Island Pavilion Venue, Seitz Park. East Bank Emporium Restaurant &
Shops, and the DoubleTree by Hilton are existing businesses that would see an immediate and direct impact by an
invigorated, dynamic riverfront. This destination piece would have a significant influence on the sales potential of the
Century, further enhancing its net economic impact. Many other businesses in the downtown would benefit from this
project that will both stabilize and enhance the economy of this corridor while increasing adjacent property values.
Spur Public & Private Projects/Investments
The re- routing of two -way streets, a concentrated effort to revive the river walk, a focus on Howard Park revitalization,
the newly created Municipal Riverfront Development District, the East Bank Village Master Plan and Howard Park
Neighborhood Association plans all serve to benefit from this project, as do private housing and commercial
development initiatives along the riverfront.
Visitor Attraction
"Bringing the River to Light" is a project that will garner local, regional and national attention. Properly exploited and
executed, this installation will be something that will instantly attract local visitors on a consistent basis. Shakespeare
reports that similar projects have provoked a "must -see" type sentiment for any visitors to the area. It is not difficult to
imagine folks across the region asking, "Have you seen what `they' did to the riverfmin in downtown South Bend?*
11 Page
DTSB I Bringing the River to Light
Community Identity / Placemaking
Comparable projects such as Bloomington. Indiana's "Light Totem" and Providence, Rhode Island's "Water Fire" have
generated a groundswell of support from and enthusiasm for their local communities. Creating a true sense of place in a
given environment, these community- galvan izing projects are the types of things for which South Bend yearns.
Public Safety
Preserving the safety of the downtown is a constant goal and one that is synonymous with development potential. A
vibrant riverfront will contribute to that end. "Bringing the River to Light" would create an environment that reclaims
the riverfront from the shadows of night and provide yet another safe nighttime attraction for downtown.
Geographic Development Node
The project area is a prime development corridor and an important geographic node to incite, complete and complement
other development projects throughout the city. First and foremost, this project would serve to connect both the east &
west sides of the river, which are historically divided at many levels. This is also a high profile link in the chain that
connects downtown to the activity to the north east (East Bank Village, St. Joseph High School, Eddy Street
Developments and Notre Dame), to the south (Dining & Arts District, Coveleski Stadium. Renaissance District and
Ignition Park), to the north (Memorial Hospital), and to the west (West Washington, Near Northwest Neighborhood and
Lincolnway to the Airport).
Arts & Culture
The artistic nature of this lighting project will outwardly and boldly highlight South Bend as a community committed to
arts and culture. The economic engines associated with arts and culture initiatives have been widely documented.
Terms such as "creative economy," "creative class," and "cultural economy" are becoming more common among urban
planners, arts administrators, economic developers, and business and municipal leaders. Whatever label is used, this use
of terminology linking culture and the economy indicates recognition of the connections among the fields of planning,
economic development, and arts and culture. The American Planning Association recently released an article titled
How the Arts and Culture Sector Cotah_es Economic Vitality. The article explains how "the activities of the arts and
culture sector and local economic vitality are connected in many ways. Arts, culture, and creativity can:
-improve a community's competitive edge
-create a foundation for defining a sense of place
-attract new and visiting populations
-integrate the visions of community and business leaders
-contribute to the development of a skilled workforce. "'
Recreation
The backdrop of this lighting installation will immediately cement the downtown riverfront as a prime destination for
special events of all varieties. It will also serve to enhance the popularity of current events which utilize the river, such
as the Seitz Park Summer Concert Series. whitewater events on the East Race and special events at the Century Center
Island. This project will also serve to recognize our river as a form of recreation for runners, walkers, bikers and
boaters alike. Integrated into this venture is a scalability that could include various, complementary lighting
installations along the entire South Bend river walk.
Energy Efficient Model
Blending a hydroelectric power source with modem lighting technology is an excellent way to educate our community
on the City of South Bend's ongoing green initiatives which arc broad and complex. It is also a tool to powerfully
illustrate the advanced nature of our city.
PLAN OF ACTION
DTSB has solicited the expertise of Rob Shakespeare to design and install the project. Shakespeare is a
professional lighting designer specializing in theater and dramatic architectural designs. With more than 200
lighting designs, his work has been seen throughout three continents on renowned theaters, resorts,
skyscrapers, and some of the world's largest bridges. Recently, he has had a special focus on art museum
lighting and specialized lighting installations. In July 2012, Shakespeare visited South Bend and took careful
study of the project site. He also conducted an initial stakeholder meeting with city officials, area business
owners, developers and leaders of local organizations.
' American Planners Association, www.nianning..ow "Economic Vitality: How the Arts & Culture Sector Catalyzes Economic
Vitality ". 2011.
21 Page
DTSB I Bringing the River to Light
This meeting and consequent conversations inspired DTSB to spearhead the construction of a unique
community and economic development lighting project titled `Bringing the River to Light." The project
entails constructing two interactive "light pillars" on the east and west banks of the river near Seitz Park and
the Century Center Island respectively. The two pillars will symbolically unite the two sides of the river,
illuminate it with an array of lights, amplify the majesty of the cascades, and highlight the "Keeper of the
Fire" sculpture. In addition, carefully crafted lighting will be installed on the Jefferson Street Bridge and
along this dynamic portion of the river walk to further enhance the impact. Far from an orthodox
illumination project, this project will consist of a dramatic, interactive display of colors designed to evoke
emotion and impact.
Phase I of the project, which involves additional stakeholder engagement, further site study, computer
modeling, illumination engineering and systems control integration, is already in motion. Funding from the
Redevelopment Commission is being requested to help complete this phase, which is expected to conclude in
early 2013. DTSB is currently fundraising for Phase Il (construction) and Phase III (installation) which is
projected to be complete in the late summer of 2013. DTSB has already submitted three grants requests —
two local and one state -wide, specifically for this project. Partner agencies and corporate sponsors have
expressed significant interest in this project and DTSB has internally committed to underwriting
approximately 15 % of the project costs. Discussions are underway to power this project by the newly
installed hydroelectric turbines, offering a clean energy source and eliminating the need for on -going utility
costs. Management, repairs and maintenance of this project will fall upon DTSB, with support from the City
of South Bend.
PROJECT BUDGET & TIMELINE
Recognizing that the true cost of this project cannot be realized until Phase If is complete; Rob Shakespeare
has provided the following initial estimates for Phase III & IV
Expenses
12,550
$
Phase 1: July 2012 — September 2012
$
1.000
Initial Site Visit, Stakeholder Meetings, Feasibility & Recommendations
100,000
Phase U: November 2012 — February 2013
$
12.550
Further Site Study, Concept Development, Computer Modeling, Illumination
Engineering, Systems Control Integration
Phase III: February 2013 — July 2013
$
320,000'
Off -site Construction & Integration, On -Site Testing, Material Optimization
Phase IV: August 2013
$
67.000`
Installation & Testing, Grand Opening
Totallnvestinent
$
400,550.00
Proposed Revenue Model
DTSB Underwriting
City of South Bend Redevelopment Commission
Grant Funding
Community Partner Agencies & Other
Private & Corporate Sponsors
* E timale
Aimadv eommined (S I, 000 dispersed for Phase 1).
$ 55,000
$
12,550
$
150,000
$
83,000
$
100,000
Revenue Total $ 400,550.00
3 1 P a g e
DTSB I Bringing the River to Light
PROJECT AREA
"Bringing the River to Light" is in its nascent stages, however, the initial site visit has stimulated two
primary areas of focus — the Jefferson Street Bridge and the Cascades (along with the "Keepers of the Fire"
sculpture). The satellite image above illustrates the proposed illuminated areas which will be populated with
dynamic, controlled and potentially interactive lighting. Phase II of this project will generate detailed
renderings and animations, however, the following page (S) will provide some visual examples of this type
of work.
O Lighted Area — Focusing on the Cascades and the "Keepers of the
Fire" sculpture.
46L Proposed Light Sculptures (x.2)
r.
Jefferson Street Bridge Accent Lighting -
�� under and on arches.
4 1 P a g e
DTSB I Bringing the River to Light
VISUAL EXEMPLARS
While "Bringing the River to Light" will be very custom to South Bend, the unique nature of this project
may require a few visual exemplars of similar type lighting projects in other communities:
IL!-ITM A
SHAKESPEARE
L I G H T I N G
DES I G N
1806 East Thornton
Bloomington, IN 47401
Design
Director:
Marie
Shakespeare
M.F.A.
Principal
DESCRIPTION OF LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICES
Thank you for considering the services of
Shakespeare Lighting Design. Here is an overall
description of our services and fees for the City of South
Bend River Lighting Project ( "Bringing the River to
Light "). Please let us know if you have any questions
after you have read this summary.
Based on our meeting with you to determine the scope
and detail of your project (8/9/2012), we will prepare a
design presentation which will include some or all of the
following documents: a design concept statement, a
lighting site plan, luminaries and lamp specifications
(including the Light Pavilions' luminaries, structure and
control system), luminaries price estimates (for budgeting
purposes only) and any other special drawings or lighting
analyses deemed necessary for your project. We will
present our recommendations to you and amend
documents according to your response.
Consultant: We carefully select all lighting systems to fulfill the
Robert specific requirements of your lighting project. To insure
Shakespeare that the appropriate systems are ordered and installed,
I.E.S. we recommend that the data sheet for any substitute
product be submitted to us for approval prior to purchase.
We will need to charge for these reviews at the hourly
rate.
Shakespeare Lighting Design will bill you at the rate of
$100.00 per hour for its service. An estimate of our total
fee for specified phases of your project will be provided
before we begin design work. In addition to the hourly
design fee, you may be billed for actual and reasonable
disbursements for this project such as postage and
delivery charges, reproduction costs, travel costs, etc.
We will bill you monthly for fees and expenses incurred to
date,
812 • 331 • 0338
which will be due and payable upon receipt of the statement. We will make every
reasonable effort to complete the project's phases within the estimated fee totals.
Changes that you may request after the approval of any final design documents will
be billed at the hourly rate. You will be responsible for informing us of any changes
that take place which may affect our design work and specifications
Our relationship with you under this agreement is that of artist/designer, advisor
and consultant. We are not licensed to practice (nor do we practice) as an architect,
engineer, electrical consultant, electrical contractor, or electrician under the laws of
the State of Indiana. It will be your responsibility to see that all construction and
electrical installation work is accomplished through duly qualified and when
necessary, properly licensed persons. While we may recommend various persons
to you with whom we have worked before, we make no representation as to the
experience, qualifications, or ability of any person not on our staff.
While we will make every reasonable effort to meet your lighting project needs, we
make no warranty as to the services provided under this agreement. The liability of
Designer to Client shall in all events be limited to the amount equal to the total fees
paid to Designer by Client for services rendered and shall not include any
consequential or punitive damages.
We look forward to working with you
Sincerely,
Shakespeare Lighting Design
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