City of South Bend moves to buy State Theater

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- The City of South Bend is set to buy the State Theater.

Thursday morning, the Redevelopment Commission approved an $800,000 purchase agreement for the building.

"It's really exciting," said Willow Wetherall, executive director of DTSB. "Every time I'm out in the community, the number one question I get is, 'what's happening with the state theater?'"

Director of Community Investment Caleb Bauer said this is a window of opportunity for the city to buy the downtown landmark.

"It's been a building that's had its challenges," Bauer said. "A number of different property owners over the years that haven't been able to make the changes necessary."

The previous owner foreclosed on the building's mortgage, so the lender took over control and will now sell.

"We're concerned that if a responsible party like the city doesn't step in, it could go to an unknown buyer with or without the ability to ultimately make the improvements necessary to stabilize the building," Bauer said.

Abandoned, the building is a magnet for squatters, and Thursday morning ABC57's Annie Kate once again found a door unlocked.

First constructed in 1919, the nearly 17,000-square-foot State Theater is on the National Register of Historic Places.

"We're close to the point where if nothing is done, this will be a building that's lost and ultimately has to be demolished," Bauer said.

The city is now trying to save it and stabilize it, but not necessarily keep it. Bauer said they'll work with community partners to bring life back into the building.

"It is a true community asset, and I'm excited that it looks like we're going to be able to bring it back to life," Wetherall said.

The purchase agreement has been approved, now the city is in the "due diligence" process. The Redevelopment Commission has 45 days to assess the building's viability for stabilization and will then officially decide if they will close on the purchase.