HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A2 Budget Request (Leighton Building Improvements) - SignedSouth Bend
Redevelopment Commission
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DAT E : 11/19/2025
FROM: Joseph Molnar
Assistant Director of Growth & Opportunity
SUBJECT: Budget Request Leighton Building
Funding Source* (circle) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General; Riv. East Res.
* Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller,
then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect.
PURPOSE OF REQUEST: Appropriate $750,000 for improvements to the Leighton Building to support
the build out of the second floor for City Employees
SPECIFICS: The Redevelopment Commission acquired the Leighton Building in downtown South Bend in
the spring of 2024 as part of a large development agreement with Beacon Health Systems. Soon after, the
Redevelopment Commission approved a lease with the YMCA of Michiana for use of floors 3, 4, and 5 of
the Leighton Building for the purposes of full-service health and fitness center. The second floor of the
Leighton Building is currently vacant.
The City has also been working on finding a permanent placement of the IT Department which is not
located within City Hall. The proposed $750k would provide funding for the following:
•Internal Demolition of the Second Floor
o This would clear the space entirely for reconstruction
•Structural repairs for the Second Floor
•Installation of a new Building Automated System
o This handles HVAC controls throughout the entire building
•Remaining funds would be used for further build out of second floor space for the IT Department
The requested funds will ensure future development opportunities for the Leighton Building as well as
beginning the process to locate a permanent location for the IT Department.
Staff recommends approval.
______________ ___________Pres/V-Pres
ATTEST: __________ ________Secretary
Date: _____________ _______
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
November 24, 2025