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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 26, 2025 <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br />would the process be? Mr. Molnar stated that the Learning Center <br />would need 12 months’ notice per terms of the lease and the RDC <br />feels this is a high-quality childcare center and would like to continue <br />the partnership. Commissioner Shaw asked if the RFP describes the <br />preservation of bricks, windows and the historic nature of the building. <br />Mr. Molnar stated that it does address these details. Commissioner <br />Shaw also asked about environmental issues on the site and Mr. <br />Molnar advised that it will be part of the due diligence process and is <br />clear for residential development. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw 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 />6. Progress Reports <br /> <br />A. Tax Abatement <br /> <br />Erik Glavich, Director of Growth and Opportunity, stated that the Common <br />Council recently approved two (2) declaratory resolutions. <br /> <br />The first pertains to the former Studebaker truck plant located on <br />Chippewa Avenue, behind Chippewa Bowl. The current property owner <br />plans to invest approximately $11 million to rehabilitate the rear portion of <br />the facility. This area includes roughly 50 small concrete structures— <br />originally constructed during World War II for testing aircraft engines—that <br />are no longer usable or leasable. The proposed investment includes <br />demolition of these structures, environmental remediation, and upgrades <br />such as new loading docks to make the space functional and leasable. <br />The Council approved an eight-year real property tax abatement to <br />support this redevelopment effort. <br /> <br />The second resolution supports a project by KCG, a developer known for <br />pursuing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. KCG is <br />planning a new development at 2020 S. Main Street, for which the Council <br />approved a ten-year tax abatement. This action demonstrates the City’s <br />commitment to supporting the project as KCG seeks tax credit allocation. <br />The Council also approved the necessary rezoning for the site at the same <br />meeting. <br /> <br />During the discussion, Vice President Relos noted that the Studebaker <br />site sits near the headwaters of Bowman Creek and has a history of <br />environmental contamination due to its former use for jet engine testing. <br />While the full extent of remediation is not yet known, the current focus is <br />on clearing the small structures and activating the rear of the building. The <br />site is considered a hidden gem with significant storage capacity, and it <br />was mentioned that Studebaker Auto Parts had previously relocated