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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 9, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 3 <br /> <br />431 South Main St., South Bend, IN, 46601 <br />Kristopher Priemer, Owner <br /> <br />Mr. Molnar requested that the Commission extend and amend the staff <br />review period and deadline to return with a recommendation to the <br />Commission from June 11, 2026, to a July RDC meeting, as the READI <br />Art Grant awards will be announced during this time and some of the <br />submitted proposals are pending grant award decisions. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos asked if there may be opportunities for some of the <br />proposal applicants to partner with one another? Mr. Molnar stated that <br />it is a conversation we could potentially have during the interview <br />stage—discussing their goals and how they might collaborate, especially <br />since several of the proposals appear quite similar. <br /> <br />Commissioner Ellison inquired about whether the arts-related proposals <br />were contingent upon receiving a READI Arts Grant. Mr. Molnar shared <br />that an initial review showed at least two applicants had stated they <br />were applying for the grant, noting that only one award would be made. <br />While receipt of a READI Arts Grant would not automatically result in a <br />recommendation to move forward, it would be considered a significant <br />benefit, particularly if it brought substantial state resources to assist <br />with building renovations. He also noted that no specific dollar cap has <br />been identified, though funding would likely not cover the entire <br />renovation due to limited statewide resources. <br />Upon a motion by Gillian Shaw to refer the proposals to staff for review <br />and recommendations and amend the review period until the July 2026 <br />RDC meeting, seconded by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, the motion carried <br />unanimously; the Commission approved the Proposals and Amendment <br />as presented on April 9, 2026. <br /> <br />2. Purchase Agreement (The Row at Ward) <br />Joseph Molnar, Deputy Director of Community Investment, presented a <br />proposed purchase agreement for the Row at Ward development on <br />Portage Ave. and Rex St. The agreement includes RDC-owned parcels <br />totaling approximately 0.85 acres, all currently vacant. The site is <br />located south of Portage Place (formerly the Ward Bakery), a prior RDC- <br />supported redevelopment that has seen recent activation through new <br />retail, office, and a coffee shop. <br /> <br />The developer, Property Bros. LLC, led by Jordan Richardson, is a local <br />firm with a successful track record of completed RDC-supported <br />projects and private developments throughout the city. The purchase <br />price is $1,000 to incentivize new housing construction and includes a