South Bend-Elkhart region seeks READI funding for blight revitalization projects
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The South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership this week submitted four projects for funding from the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI 2.0.
The organization said the projects—located in Mishawaka, South Bend and Elkhart—aim to revitalize blighted properties into “thriving community assets.”
Specifically, the regional partnership is asking the Indiana Economic Development Corp. for a share of the $250 million in funding awarded by Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. for READI 2.0, about $185 million of which was earmarked for blight reduction projects.
The partnership said the projects will help stimulate economic growth and improve quality of life.
“We are excited to submit these transformative projects to the IEDC for consideration,” South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership CEO Bethany Hartley said in a news release. “Each of these initiatives will not only remove blight but also contribute to our region’s long-term prosperity by creating spaces that attract businesses, residents, and visitors.”
The projects submitted for funding are:
100 Center – Mishawaka
The 100 Center is Mishawaka’s historic brewing and entertainment district that was once the home of the Kamm & Schellinger Brewery, which was placed on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered List in 2021.
The organization said the redevelopment of the site would include converting the property into a mixed-use development with residential, dining, music and commercial spaces.
“The project will celebrate the 100 Center’s industrial history while providing a modern space for local businesses and housing, fostering a sense of community and economic vitality on the St. Joseph riverfront,” the partnership said.
Inside INdiana Business spotlighted the property in our Endangered Indiana series in 2022.
Drewrys Brewery Site – South Bend
The Drewrys Brewery site is located on an 18-acre brownfield in South Bend that officials hope to redevelop into a 150-unit housing development with energy-efficient rental and for-sale homes at affordable and market-rate prices.
Plans also call for further development of an adjacent, unused park. The neighborhood would be located less than 30 minutes from the planned GM-Samsung SDI electric vehicle battery plant and Amazon Web Services data center campus in nearby New Carlisle.
Benham Neighborhood – Elkhart
The regional partnership is also seeking funding for an effort to revitalize Elkhart’s Benham neighborhood, which it says has suffered from decades of disinvestment.
The project will focus on building all types of new affordable housing stock, revitalizing aging commercial hubs, and thoughtfully enhancing public spaces.
“The goal is to create a more livable, walkable, connected community that attracts new residents and supports long-term economic growth. Improved infrastructure and green spaces will be central to the neighborhood’s transformation, building on the neighborhood’s heritage as a socially vibrant community,” the partnership said.
Last month, local officials and representatives of the Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture presented findings and recommendations from the Benham Neighborhood Plan focusing on regeneration, restoration and reconnection of the neighborhood.
River Glen – South Bend
Described as a severely underutilized and primarily vacant office park along the St. Joseph River, officials aim to redevelop River Glen into a riverfront mixed-use district with rental and for-sale housing, recreational areas, and potentially new retail and restaurant space.
“The planned public improvements will allow residents to fully experience one of the most picturesque and enjoyable sections of the St. Joseph River via a river trail system that seamlessly connects to Howard Park, downtown, and other nearby amenities,” the partnership said.
The South Bend-Elkhart Region was one of six to receive a $45 million allocation from the READI 2.0 program. The region has received a total of $95 million through the first two iterations of the initiative.