South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership submits blight revitalization projects for Lilly Endowment funding
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership announced it has submitted four critical blight revitalization projects to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) as part of the Lilly Endowment funding opportunity through the state's Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI).
The sites are in key areas of Mishawaka, South Bend, and Elkhart.
Officials say the four submitted projects represent a transformative effort to turn blighted properties into thriving community assets with goals of stimulating economic growth and improving quality of life.
"We are excited to submit these transformative projects to the IEDC for consideration," said Bethany Hartley, President and CEO of the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership. "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 four submitted projects include:
100 Center in Mishawaka - The 100 Center is Mishawaka’s historic brewing and entertainment district that has served the region for over 170 years. Officials say the redevelopment of the historic site aims to restore its former vibrancy by converting the space into a mixed-use development featuring residential units, dining and music options, and commercial spaces.
Drewrys Brewery in South Bend - An 18-acre brownfield site in the heart of South Bend, officials say the site has long been a challenging redevelopment project due to its industrial heritage. Officials say the site will be redeveloped into a 150-unit housing development featuring a mix of energy-efficient rental and for-sale homes at affordable and market-rate prices, along with community amenities and activation of an adjacent, but underutilized, park.
Benham Neighborhood in Elkhart - Officials say the Benham Neighborhood in Elkhart has suffered from decades of disinvestment, with many homes and properties falling into disrepair. The project is said to focus on revitalizing the area by building all types of new affordable housing stock, revitalizing aging commercial hubs, and thoughtfully enhancing public spaces.
River Glen in South Bend - Located along the St. Joseph River in South Bend, officials say the site is a severely underutilized and primarily vacant office park despite its prime location. Officials say the project will redevelop the functionally obsolete buildings into a transformative riverfront mixed use district that includes rental and for-sale housing, recreational areas, and potential opportunities for new retail and restaurant activation.
"The support from READI and Lilly Endowment is essential to addressing these longstanding challenges," said Hartley. "These projects not only remove blight but also pave the way for innovation, community-building, and sustainable growth."