HomeMy WebLinkAbout5B1 Budget Request (Downtown Viaduct Improvements) - SignedSouth Bend
Redevelopment Commission
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
D ATE : 8/7/2026
FROM: Joseph Molnar
Deputy Director
Department of Community Investment
SUBJECT: Downtown Viaduct Activation
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: Budget Request to Perform Downtown Viaduct Activation
SPECIFICS: On March 23, 2026, the Common Council unanimously approved the Downtown South
Bend 2045 Plan (“Downtown Plan”). The Downtown Plan was the culmination of over years’ worth of
engagement with the community on a vision for Downtown’s future. A major component of the
approved Downtown Plan includes planned improvements to the Public Realm of which the downtown
railroad viaducts are prominently mentioned as gateways to downtown. The Downtown Plan calls for
improvements to the viaducts by improving lighting, signage, streetscape improvements, public art
installations, and landscape improvements.
In conjunction with the Downtown Planning process, in December 2025 the Department of Community
Investment lead a targeted planning effort regarding activating and improving the downtown viaducts. A
public open house planning meeting was held on December 18, 2025, which was the culmination of
eight (8) stakeholder meetings with surrounding property owners and interested parties. The end goal of
the planning process created a phased plan to improve the safety, functionality, and identity of key
viaducts that connect downtown while supporting long term safety, economic development, and
walkability goals.
The plan primarily focuses on the Lafayette Boulevard, Main Street, and Michigan Street viaducts. This
budget request would help fund design and construction of improvements to the viaducts such as
improved lighting, signage, landscaping, painting, public art, surface repairs, and security improvements.
These improvements will reinforce downtown as a place that prioritizes people, supports adjacent
development, and treats infrastructure as an opportunity to create memorable civic spaces.
The total amount requested is $1,000,000
Staff recommends approval.
______________ ___________Pres/V-Pres
ATTEST: __________ _______ _
Date: _____________ _______
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
August 13, 2026
✓