07-07-11 Opening marks 26-year, one-mile journey for locksmith

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With relocation assistance from South Bend's Redevelopment Commission and a matching $24,137.50 fagade grant from Downtown South Bend, Michiana Lock & Key has made significant investment in its new location, creating a visible landmark in a high- traffic retail corridor across from Howard Park. "It's unlike any other locksmith shop that I've seen," said Seiler, whose business closed only on July 5 to move and re-opened July 6 at its East Bank location. "The biggest thing about the move to our new location is the huge traffic count. This area looks like it's booming. The East Bank Village seems like it's growing pretty well." Michiana Lock & Key is now located next door to another service business, Rubin Cleaners, as part of a boulevard with businesses known for their eclectic personality. "In any community, most business growth and job creation is done by small businesses that are already present in the community. That makes it particularly gratifying for the City of South Bend and its partners to support new investment by an existing business like Michiana Lock& Key," said Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. "The relocation of Michiana Lock&Key is a win-win solution for our community,the East Bank commercial area and the business itself." With a tight relocation timetable, DTSB's Fapade Grant Review Committee approved a matching grant within 72 hours of receiving the application. Seiler said the restoration would not have been as extensive without DTSB and City support. The renovated facility reveals significant architectural features, including terra cotta cornices and an artful combination of brick and glass-block windows similar to the recently refurbished Engman Public Natatorium (now the Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center). Michiana Lock&Key's new location is comparable in square footage, but it provides much more useable commercial space than the converted house that once served as its home. "Where we were before, we were not able to have anything on display," Seiler said. "We have a whole open showroom right now. Eventually, we'll have safes, many types of locks and, hopefully, some antique locks on display." In January,the Redevelopment Commission purchased the former Michiana Lock&Key facility, which will be demolished with the property incorporated into fixture site planning for Coveleski Stadium, possibly for additional parking. "The City has been flirting with the purchase of this property for 26 years, and it has [created some] uncertainty" for Michiana Lock & Key, said Bill Schalliol, economic development planner for the City of South Bend's Department of Community and Economic Development. "The move to the East Bank will allow Michiana Lock & Key to continue to serve the downtown business community as well as expand into the growing East Bank Village market."