Press conference held regarding the future of Portage Manor

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The press conference held today was officially called the Clarification of Survey and Proposal Record and was arranged by St. Joseph County Surveyor Derek Dieter.

He and other St. Joseph County officials, as well as members of the public interested in preserving Portage Manor gathered to share updated information and address questions regarding the sale and redevelopment of the building and land. In addition to the Manor building, there are also large green spaces that people currently use for hiking and biking.  

The county is currently looking to possibly demolish the Manor and explore other residential, or retail uses for the property. They are urging the public to attend the St. Joseph County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, April 28 and let the committee know that they want the manor to be preserved. 

During the press conference, it was stated that the St. Thomas More Academy has made inquiries about buying the property to refurbish and turn into a school and park, although there is not yet any official offer:

"We have got a school that's stepping up to the plate that wants to rehab this facility. And this takes millions of dollars to rehab this place, and it's got bones, and we feel it'd be great place for an education site and a park, and we are in favor of making it a very strong asset for the west side of South Bend." said Joe Thomas, a St. Joseph County Councilman for District A.