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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 26, 2025 <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />The RFP outlines submission requirements, project criteria, and the <br />evaluation process. While the preferred use for the site is middle- <br />density housing—such as small-scale apartments and townhomes— <br />other proposals compatible with the existing zoning will also be <br />considered. Mr. Molnar also gave details of the process, and all <br />proposals will be due by September 10, 2025. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos asked about taking into consideration the water <br />table and flood events in the future and Mr. Molnar stated that this <br />would accommodate that as well as provide, built-in drainage to not go <br />any further into the site. Commissioner Shaw asked if there has been <br />interest in the site and Mr. Molnar stated that there was. John Kim, a <br />resident, asked about the number of market rate units and Mr. Molnar <br />stated that it would be up to the developer. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by David Relos for approval, seconded by Ophelia <br />Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission <br />approved the Request as presented on June 26, 2025. <br /> <br />2. Request for Proposals – 403 E. Madison St. (Former Singer Sewing <br />Manufacturing Building) <br /> <br />Joseph Molnar, Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity, <br />presented that in April 2025, the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) <br />acquired the historic Singer Manufacturing Building located at 403 E. <br />Madison Street. Constructed in 1868, it stands as one of South Bend’s <br />oldest surviving commercial structures. Originally built as a factory for <br />the Singer Sewing Company, the building was later converted into <br />office space during the 1960s and 1970s. RDC staff view this property <br />as a key redevelopment opportunity for the East Bank neighborhood <br />and a chance to revitalize an important piece of the city’s architectural <br />heritage. <br /> <br />The Request for Proposals (RFP) invites developers to submit plans <br />that include a full rehabilitation of the building while retaining the <br />existing childcare tenant space. The structure encompasses <br />approximately 60,000 square feet and sits on 3.39 acres along the St. <br />Joseph River. The RFP outlines submission requirements, project <br />expectations, evaluation criteria, and the review process. While the <br />RFP encourages proposals aligned with the Downtown DT zoning <br />district, it remains open to a variety of compatible uses. Mr. Molnar <br />also gave details of the process and the pedestrian bridge, and all <br />proposals will be due by October 8, 2025. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gooden-Rodgers asked if a developer wanted to <br />purchase the property without the East Bank Learning Center what