07-26-11 New pavilion, bridge will enhance Century Center

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O4SOV T11 � x U d W PE�AACCE;� '� a 1865 Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE July 26,2011 5:15 p.m. New pavilion, bridge will enhance Century Center Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications&Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 A permanent, 6,400-square-foot fabric pavilion will replace an existing, smaller and temporary tent on Island Park behind Century Center following unanimous approval today by the South Bend Redevelopment Commission. The Department of Community and Economic Development recommended the change to enhance the beauty and character of the downtown island next to Century Center in order"to not only provide shelter, but to be an artistic complement to the Century Center's architecture and the downtown community." "With nearly $10 million in new housing going up across the St. Joseph River from Century Center, this change is critical to sustain growing momentum for new private investment along our downtown riverfront," said Jeff Gibney, executive director of the City of South Bend's Department of Community and Economic Development. "In a highly competitive economic environment for attracting conventions and meetings, it is important for the City of South Bend to invest in the types of features that strengthen Century Center's distinctiveness as a world-class,riverfront convention facility." Staff requested $535,000 to purchase and install the new pavilion, an effort that includes foundations, the fabric covering, the steel structure and electrical lighting. Design work by South Bend-based Architectural Design Group was previously funded by the Commission through the Central Business District's Tax Increment Financing district. Century Center's Board of Managers already has approved the design concept. In addition,the Commission also approved additional design work to: • Add a second pedestrian bridge connecting Century Center's Great Hall with Island Park. (A second bridge was part of original plans for Century Center,but never constructed.) • Design a wind screen and drainage system to support the pavilion. • Construct a new drainage system.