HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A1 Budget Request (Potawatomi Conservatory) - SignedSouth Bend Redevelopment Commission
215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 301, South Bend, Indiana
Redevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DATE: October 8th, 2026
FROM: Patrick Sherman Director of Project Management
SUBJECT: Budget Request- Potawatomi Conservatory
Funding Source* (circle) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General; Riv. East Res.
*Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller, then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect.
PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
This budget request is for a total of $200K for design services at the Potawatomi Conservatory. The design services are for studying and renovating the inadequate mechanical and other systems in the building, so that it can continue to support the specialized programming enabled by the Conservatory.
SPECIFICS:
The Potawatomi Conservatory was originally constructed in 1963, with additions completed in 1967 and 1973. Designed by the renowned conservatory firm Lord & Burnham and supported by local philanthropist Ella Morris, the Conservatory remains a unique community asset and specialty facility.
As the building continues to age, significant investment is needed to restore and modernize the critical systems that support its operation. The City, in partnership with a local engineering firm and a Lord & Burnham specialist, will develop design plans for improvements to the facility's mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and glazing systems, while also evaluating and addressing long-term structural needs. These
improvements will help preserve the Conservatory's historic character and ensure it can continue to support educational, recreational, and community programming for years to come.
It is requested that the Redevelopment Commission approve an allocation of $200,000 from the River
East Development Area to fund the design services necessary to advance these improvements.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
______________ ___________Pres/V-Pres
ATTEST: __________ ________Secretary
Date: _____________ _______
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
October 8, 2026
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