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CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 9, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 5 <br /> <br />Mr. Molnar noted that the project has received letters of support from <br />Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc., and the Portage Place development <br />team, and that nearby stakeholders are aware of the proposal. The <br />developer also explained that prior environmental reviews found the <br />site suitable for residential development, with updates needed as part of <br />due diligence. Approximately $100,000 in pre-development funds are <br />being invested by the developer, and the extended due diligence period <br />allows for updated site analysis and project readiness, with the intention <br />to begin construction activities later this year if feasible. Mr. Morrell <br />clarified the project includes one stacked duplex, seven to nine fee- <br />simple townhouses, and five accessory dwelling units attached at the <br />rear, all on a single site. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers for approval, seconded by <br />Gillian Shaw, the motion carried unanimously; the Commission approved <br />the Purchase Agreement as presented on April 9, 2026. <br /> <br />3. Purchase Agreement (1522-1526 Prairie Ave.) <br />Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, presented a proposed <br />purchase agreement for the sale of 1522–1526 Prairie Avenue. This <br />property has been owned by the City for some time. The property is <br />located just southwest of Ignition Park and directly across from <br />Cultivate, a redevelopment project previously supported by the <br />Commission. <br /> <br />You’re also seeing photos of the current condition of the building. As you <br />can tell, it is not the most attractive structure on Prairie Avenue. The <br />property consists of a vacant industrial building and parcels acquired by <br />the Board of Public Works between 2011 and 2014, transferred to the <br />Redevelopment Commission in 2015, and offered for disposition in <br />2018, at which time no bids were received. Since then, the City has used <br />the site for temporary storage. <br /> <br />The property is zoned industrial and includes a building of approximately <br />3,200 square feet on roughly 0.53 acres. We have received a proposal <br />from GTO Masonry, a local masonry restoration business that is looking <br />to relocate to South Bend, where most of their clients are located. They <br />propose redeveloping the existing building and adjacent lots for shop <br />and storage space to support their operations. <br /> <br />The key terms of the purchase agreement include a purchase price of <br />$15,000 and a minimum private investment of $120,000. While the <br />building does require improvements, including a new roof and windows, <br />GTO Masonry has the ability to self-perform much of the work, and the