Holding the alcohol, pouring the coffee, new plaza details revealed in Mishawaka

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- More details about a proposal to bring new life to the old USA Skate Center building in Mishawaka.

This massive twenty-four thousand square foot space where so many grew up roller skating could soon be converted into a mixed-use plaza. The proposal calls for up to seven commercial uses; including restaurants, retail, a coffee shop, and an event center. But before anything moves forward, it has to meet city safety standards first.

“The proposal here is for there to be as many as seven separate commercial use.” says president of the Mishawaka Common Council, Gregg Hixenbaugh, “One specific use that has generated some attention on the part of the council is the proposal that one section of the building, about 3,000 square feet, be used as a banquet hall / event center”.

Hixenbaugh says safety issues at the previous business are leading them to ask for written, detailed security commitments from the developer before approving the plan. That’s why the council tabled the proposal at their last meeting.

“As we postponed it at our last council meeting,” says Hixenbaugh, “one of the main reasons for that was to allow us to have the opportunity to receive those additional security measures in writing and be able to review them in conjunction with our police department".

Under the proposed restrictions, businesses would face strict operating hours; like an 11 p.m. curfew for restaurants.

And for that proposed event center?

There will be absolutely no alcohol sales permitted, neither in-house nor through a private caterer.

While you won't find alcohol pouring here, your coffee cup will certainly be full in Mishawaka.

"So, we have seen an uptick in different coffee, is particularly a big item right now." says director of planning and community development for Mishawaka Ken Prince.

Prince says West Coast coffee legend 'Dutch Bros' is moving in next to the old Aspen Tap House on North Main Street, and inside that former restaurant building, a 'Buona Beef' is set to open.

With Dutch Bros first announced almost a year ago, we asked when crews might finally break ground.

“I would imagine, in both cases, you won't see those until next year. And in USA Skate, they've got a lot of work to do before they could even start that leasing up process.” says Prince, “So, again, you're probably looking at the end of next year before you see tenants in that building."

What’s next for the Skate Center property? The Mishawaka Common Council will meet with developers on October 5th to review those formal security proposals.