5B1 Budget Request (Downtown Viaduct Improvements) - Signed

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South 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 ✓