Economic development around Four Winds Field- What Business owners hope to see with Holiday Lights on the Diamond 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Economic development continues to reshape downtown South Bend as local business owners bank on Holiday Lights on the Diamond at Four Winds Field and new residential projects to drive year-round foot traffic.

Once defined by its industrial roots and automotive shops, this stretch of downtown has steadily transformed with new apartments and local businesses. In an effort to turn Four Winds Field into a 365-day destination, the stadium is hosting the holiday light display—and neighboring storefronts are ready for the crowds.

"I think the holiday lights are going to be a very cool event. We're excited about that," said Steve Lowe, owner and brewer of South Bend Brew Werks, which sits directly across the street from the stadium. "I think it's a different type of event that will draw maybe a different crowd that normally doesn't come this way to downtown South Bend."

Just adjacent to the ballpark, La Esperanza is also tailoring its menu to cater to families heading into the event.

"This year we are planning on doing more coffee like café de olla. We are going to possibly be doing like champurrado," said Monica Guzman, owner of La Esperanza. Guzman said she hopes the warm drinks will encourage "families to kind of stop at the patio, grab their drink, and then head in."

Beyond seasonal events, major redevelopment is underway nearby at the former Gates Chevrolet building, which is being converted into West Race Distilling.

"So, this building is going to go from a service center to a full-service distillery," said Rex Weaver, president and contractor for West Race Distilling. "We're gonna produce our own product here. We're gonna have a restaurant, a bar, outdoor seating. Yeah, it's just gonna be totally different than what it used to be."

With new apartment complexes rising nearby, business owners say a growing built-in customer base gives them plenty of reason to be optimistic about the neighborhood's future.

"I would love to see lots and lots of foot traffic here," said Dave Michael, owner and distiller at West Race Distilling. "We're getting new housing a couple blocks away, so hopefully residential people will want to come walk over here for a cocktail."

Between new housing, retail and year-round stadium events, business owners along the corridor hope steady winter foot traffic soon becomes the new normal.

"There's so much development going on in this area with the housing and the ball diamond and all the new restaurants coming into the area," Weaver said. "It's going to be super cool down here."