10-09-2006 New Era Begins for S. Michigan St.

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F')I 1111/F `% t. re�cr: w . Office of the Mayor MEDIA RELEASE Monday,October 9, 2006 Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director, Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 Sharon Kendall, Director, Community & Economic Development, 235-9375 Matt Blanton, Project Inspector, 235-5930 New Era Begins for S. Michigan St. The City of South Bend will begin work on Wednesday, October 11, 2006,to demolish the former Kitty Kat Lounge Adult Club and the former Great Lakes Windows buildings on S. Michigan St. This work is Phase I of the City's efforts to make way for new economic development along this strategic commercial corridor. "This is a great step forward for the entire community. We are excited about the opportunities for new commercial growth and development on these sites," commented Sharon Kendall,Director of Community and Economic Development. "We look forward to new investment that will complement the new commercial growth on the south side and help to enhance the quality of life for our residents." Shovel-ready sites will be available for new development as early as next year. Targeted uses for this area include light commercial/retail, office or institutional. The project was made possible by public-private partnership between the City's Department of Community &Economic Development, the Common Council, Redevelopment Commission, Urban Enterprise Association, and the South Gateway Association. The properties were acquired by the City in 2005 as part of its efforts to create investment and improve the safety and quality of life in this neighborhood. Demolition of the buildings is expected to take three to four days,weather permitting. Phase II of the project, which will bring down the former Glo Worm and QB Lounge on the 700 block of S. Michigan, is expected to begin October 23, 2006. - 30 -