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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRedevelopment Commission Minutes 07.23.26 - SignedSouth Bend Redevelopment Commission 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana Minutes Regular Meeting July 23, 2026 – 9:30 a.m. City Hall Council Chambers 3rd Floor or via: https://tinyurl.com/RDC2025-2026-Meetings Meeting Recording Link: https://tinyurl.com/RDC-Meeting-Recordings The South Bend Redevelopment Commission was called to order at 9:30 a.m. President David Relos presiding. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: David Relos, President Karen White, Vice President Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Commissioner Marcus Ellison, Non-Voting Advisor Members Absent: Eli Wax, Secretary Maureen Miller, Commissioner Legal Counsel: Danielle Campbell Weiss, Senior Asst. City Attorney Redevelopment Staff: Darryl Scott, Executive Director, DCI Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director, DCI Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, DCI Lewis Kouassi, Director of Finance, DCI April Canahuati, Asst. Dir. of Growth and Opp., DCI Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, DCI Laura Hensley, Board Secretary, DCI Attending: Charlotte Brach, Assist. City Engineer, Engineering Lidya Abreha, Project Engineer, Engineering Murray Miller, 1201 Priscilla Dr. Rose Meissner, Community Foundation David Ployster, 1345 Northside Blvd. Hodge Patel, 315 W. Jefferson Blvd. 2. Approval of Minutes A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Thursday, July 9, 2026 CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 23, 2026 Page | 2 Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, second by Karen White, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the minutes of the regular meeting of July 9, 2026. 3. Approval of Claims A. Claims Allowances June 23, 2026 Upon a motion by David Relos for approval second by Ophelia Gooden- Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the claims allowances of June 23, 2026. 4. Old Business A. None 5. New Business A. Redevelopment General Fund (a.k.a. Pokagon-South Bend Fund) 1. Budget Request (Beacon Resource Center Donation) Upon a motion by David Relos for this item to be tabled, seconded by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission tabled the budget request on July 23, 2026. B. River East Residential Development Area 1. Budget Request (Howard Park Band Shell Full Design) Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, provided a brief update on the Howard Park Band Shell Project. He noted that Lidya from the Public Works Department would present the budget request in greater detail but wanted to share an overview of the project's progress. The City, through a collaborative effort, applied for READI funding to support construction of the Band Shell and was awarded a $3 million grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. This funding will significantly offset construction costs. Joe explained that the project is now moving into the full design phase. A few months ago, the Redevelopment Commission approved preliminary design funding to support the grant application. With the grant now awarded, additional funding is being requested to complete the full design process. He then turned the presentation over to Lidya to provide further background on the request. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 23, 2026 Page | 3 Lidya Abreha, Project Engineer, recapped the Band Shell Project and the funding approved by the Redevelopment Commission in March 2026, including $250,000 for preliminary design. The project will construct a covered outdoor performance venue at Howard Park’s Event Lawn to support touring acts, festivals, and community events while attracting more visitors downtown. She reviewed the project scope, which included the stage, support facilities, fencing, landscaping, and site improvements, and shared renderings from the 10% design package. Lidya reported that the preliminary design has been completed, the consultant has been authorized to proceed with the 40% design phase, and the City is currently procuring a Construction Manager as Contractor (CMc). She also noted that the project has secured a $3 million READI grant and an additional $250,000 in tourism funding. The request before the Commission is for an additional $300,000 to complete the remaining design work. The project schedule anticipates selecting a CMc by October 2026, bidding in February 2027, beginning construction in April 2027, and reaching substantial completion by December 2027. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked what the total cost was. Ms. Abreha stated $6 million which includes design. Vice President White asked how many other outside performing venues the City has? Mr. Molnar responded, Potawatomi Park has an amphitheater and Seitz Park’s existing stage is small. The proposed Howard Park stage would support larger events, allow simultaneous performances during festivals, and expand programming opportunities. Much of the necessary infrastructure, including truck access and electrical service, was already installed during the 2019 Howard Park redevelopment. President Relos asked, will this funding complete the design phase and provide the bid documents, with approximately $2.5 million still needed for construction? Mr. Molnar stated, yes. This funding will complete the remaining design work and prepare the project for bidding. Based on current estimates, about $2.5 million will still be needed to complete construction. However, more than $3 million in outside funding has already been secured, covering over 50% of the total project cost. Mr. Molnar anticipates returning to the Redevelopment Commission to request TIF funding for the remaining balance once final project costs are known. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 23, 2026 Page | 4 Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by Karen White, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the budget request as presented on July 23, 2026. C. River West Development Area 1. Staff Recommendation (State Theatre RFP) Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, presented a staff recommendation regarding the State Theater RFP. He noted that the State Theater, a historic 1920s-era landmark located directly west of City Hall, is an important redevelopment opportunity within the broader revitalization of downtown South Bend. The Redevelopment Commission acquired the property in 2025 to prevent loss and subsequently completed stabilization work, including roof and façade repairs. After a formal disposition process produced no bids, the RDC issued a Request for Proposals in December 2025 to identify partners capable of rehabilitating and operating the building. Four proposals were received: • Community Foundation of St. Joseph County – Multi-screen cinema and performing arts venue • The Main Stage, Inc. – Flexible live performance venue • SMP Realty, LLC – Multifunctional performance center • TF Cloud Foundation – Flexible concert and community performance venue Staff evaluated proposals based on alignment with city plans, project design, redevelopment experience, financial capacity, and overall project scope. Staff recommended entering negotiations with the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, citing its strong alignment with the Downtown 2045 Plan, demonstrated development experience, financial capacity, and receipt of a $4 million READI Arts and Culture grant. The proposed project would restore the historic theater, create multiple movie screens and performance spaces, activate the building throughout the week, and preserve its historic character. The action before the Commission was limited to authorizing negotiations; any future development agreement would be returned to the RDC for approval at a public meeting. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked if with the support of the community partners, would that completely fund the project? Mr. Molnar stated no and will take multiple funding sources to complete. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 23, 2026 Page | 5 President Relos asked, are the organizations listed interested in providing programming once the theater is renovated? Rose Meissner with the Community Foundation stated yes. Those organizations represent an initial group of potential programming partners. The vision is to operate the State Theater as an independent nonprofit cinema and arts venue, offering films, festivals, lectures, live performances, and community events year-round. The goal is to complement and support other arts and cultural activities in the region while creating a highly active downtown destination. The proposal includes multiple theater screens, flexible event spaces, accessible facilities on every level, and opportunities for venue rentals. While live performances are envisioned, the cinema component is expected to serve as the primary source of operating revenue, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility. Ms. Meissner added, The Community Foundation has committed $2 million to the project and authorized staff to lead the effort. The proposal also secured a $4 million READI Arts and Culture Grant, one of the largest awards issued statewide. Additional philanthropic funding is being pursued to move the project forward. The vision is to restore the State Theater as a vibrant regional arts and entertainment destination, featuring multiple cinema screens, live performance space, event rentals, and year-round programming. Potential partners include local arts and cultural organizations such as DTSB, Visit South Bend, the South Bend Symphony, Civic Theatre, Notre Dame, and the St. Joseph County Public Library. The multi-screen model is intended to create a financially sustainable operation by supporting films, festivals, lectures, performances, and community events. The renovated facility would also include full accessibility improvements, flexible event spaces, and amenities that support a wide range of community uses. Commissioner Ellison asked what size the main theater would be, and what types of films and programming would be offered? Mr. Molnar stated that the original State Theater seated approximately 2,000– 2,500 patrons but maintaining a single theater of that size is not financially practical today. The proposal would create a larger main theater, positioned between the size of the Civic Theatre and the Morris Performing Arts Center, along with four smaller screens. Ms. Meissner explained that programming could include independent films, classic movies, film festivals, international cinema, documentaries, CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 23, 2026 Page | 6 lectures, and special screenings, while still allowing for select first-run films when appropriate. The goal is to create a flexible community venue that supports arts, culture, and education. The facility would also be available for public rentals, allowing individuals and organizations to host private screenings and events. Multiple screens, event rentals, and diverse programming are intended to help create a sustainable operating model. Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked will the theater be available for the public to rent? Ms. Meissner stated yes. Venue rentals are planned to be a source of revenue for the theater. Individuals and organizations could rent an individual theater for private events, screenings, or other special programs, including the ability to select a movie for their event. Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Karen White, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the staff recommendation as presented on July 23, 2026. 2. Budget Request (TRC Lease) Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, presented a budget request from the River West TIF to fund the lease for the Technology Resource Center (TRC). The City of South Bend has leased space in Catalyst 2 at Ignition Park for several years and helped establish the TRC within the facility. The TRC serves as both office space for the City's Innovation & Technology staff and a community resource, hosting nonprofit meetings, neighborhood planning sessions, Neighborhood Consortium meetings, and public events such as Meet the Mayor. The City currently leases approximately 48,000 square feet in the facility. This request would fund the next year of the lease, which has already been approved by the Board of Public Works. Mr. Molnar noted that the City is evaluating a future relocation of IT staff to the Leighton Building downtown to consolidate resources, but this funding would ensure continued operation of the TRC, and availability of its community meeting spaces during the next year. President Relos asked to clarify how many months and Mr. Molnar stated 12 months. CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – July 23, 2026 Page | 7 Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by David Relos, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved the budget request as presented on July 23, 2026. 6.Progress Reports A.Tax Abatement None B.Common Council Commissioner White stated that budget season will start in September and the calendar is available on the City website. In addition, quality of life ordinances is being reviewed. C. Other Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, gave updates on the following. •Construction of the Advantix project is almost complete. •Diamond View project is fully leased. •The Monreaux, construction is under way and utilities are being connected. •Introduced April Canahuati as Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity. 7.Next Commission Meeting Thursday, August 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m., City Hall Council Chambers 3rd Floor 8.Adjournment Thursday, July 23, 2026, 10:11 a.m. ______________________________ ______________________________ Eli Wax, Secretary David Relos, President