What's next for Portage Manor? Public can weigh in

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- What's next for the vacant Portage Manor?

First built in 1906, Portage Manor started out as a farm, where disabled people could live and work. Decades later, in the 80's, it became a state-licensed healthcare facility.

Then in July of 2023, the county shut it all down, forcing everyone to move out, citing the high costs of keeping the dilapidated century-old building running.

Nearly a year later, in June, the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners ordered an ecological survey to help them determine what's next for the 120-acre property.

"The purpose of the ecological study is to find out what we have here, because this has been a county home, county farm for the last 120-some years," said Ecologist Steve Sass. "Now, it's being repurposed, and the county is looking at different options of what to do with it."

Sass conducted the study between May and October, and his full report can be found here.

"He did a phenomenal report, just on the number of birds, flowers, trees, you name it, the ecological aspect in addition to the history," said Commissioner Derek Dieter.

County leaders plan to present these findings Wednesday evening, offering the chance for public input before decisions are made about what happens to the land.

The actual manor residence is listed as a historic monument; it cannot be torn down.

"There's kind of two things, one, the preservation of the property, and two, the manor itself, what would be a good fit for somebody in there," Dieter said.

Dieter, a county commissioner for just a few more weeks before he moves into his new elected role as surveyor, is advocating for the same thing Sass is, that the land be preserved and used as public greenspace.

"That property should be preserved," Dieter said. "People talk about what they would like to see, and it's been overwhelming, that the property should be preserved. It should be for hiking, biking, that type of stuff."

The presentation is Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. At the St. Joe County Public Library Leighton Auditorium, located at 305 S. Main St. in South Bend.