Laserfiche WebLink
CITY OF SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 9, 2026 <br /> <br />Page | 6 <br /> <br />structure itself is a largely open shell that is well suited for their intended <br />use. <br /> <br />Construction would be required to begin within 12 months of closing <br />and be completed within 24 months. Upon completion, the Commission <br />will issue a Certificate of Completion following issuance of a Certificate <br />of Occupancy. <br /> <br />The owner of GTO Masonry, Eusebio Pantojo Cervantes stated he will <br />be moving from Goshen and if approved there would be offices and <br />outdoor storage with a fence per the zoning code. Commissioner Shaw <br />asked about how many employees would move, and Ms. Michaels stated <br />three. Also, by relocating to South Bend—where most of their work is <br />already located—they expect to better position themselves to expand <br />their workforce over time. <br /> <br />Commissioner Ellison inquired, does limiting the project to three lots <br />affect the value or future use of the surrounding RDC-owned <br />properties? Mr. Molnar stated no. The City’s properties to the south are <br />intended to support a future community center, with nearby Indiana <br />Avenue parcels likely used for parking. This project does not interfere <br />with those plans and brings needed reinvestment and activity to the <br />Prairie Avenue corridor. <br /> <br />Vice President Relos spoke in favor of this project. <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 Purchase Agreement as presented on April 9, 2026. <br /> <br />4. Lease Agreement Main/Wayne Parking Garage (South Bend Bike <br />Garage) <br />Erin Michaels, Property Development Manager, presented a proposed <br />new lease between the RDC and the South Bend Bike Garage for retail <br />space in the Main/Wayne parking garage. The Bike Garage, a volunteer- <br />run community operation, has successfully activated a long-vacant <br />downtown space and continues to see growing demand. <br /> <br />The South Bend Bike Garage is a fully volunteer-operated community <br />organization. Since relocating downtown in 2025, it has served more <br />than 1,000 community members, averages 50–75 patrons per night <br />during the March–October riding season, refurbished 170 bikes, and <br />logged over 750 volunteer hours from more than 25 volunteers. Services <br />provided include over 500 tube replacements, 50 chain replacements, <br />and 48-wheel truing repairs.