$350 Million Mixed-Use Development Presents a "Huge Opportunity" for South Bend, IN
Mar 6, 2024
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Discussion on a $350 million mixed-use development project in South Bend, IN, potential impact on the city's revitalization. Contrasting incremental vs. large-scale development, focusing on community welfare and inclusive growth. Personal interests include mystery novels and journaling. Cultural framework explored through North American colonies.
Incremental developers focus on smaller, community-oriented projects for neighborhood revitalization.
Major mixed-use developments can support workforce development and inclusive growth in urban areas.
Deep dives
Mike Keen's Transition to Incremental Development
Mike Keen, a retired professor and incremental developer in South Bend, Indiana, shares his journey of transitioning from academia to hands-on development. After creating a sustainability studies program, Keen delved into practical projects in his neighborhood, starting with one house but expanding to renovating multiple buildings and acquiring vacant lots. His accidental entry into development led him to embrace incrementally learning by doing in the field.
Discussion on Major Mixed Use Development in South Bend
The episode covers a significant mixed-use development project in Downtown South Bend, involving a $350 million investment in hotels, apartments, and commercial spaces. Financed partly by the city, real estate firm Great Lakes Capital, and the state, the project aims to revitalize the area, boost healthcare services, and generate employment. The strategic location near the hospital signifies a potential positive impact on South Bend's economic landscape.
Comparing Incremental and Large-Scale Development
The conversation delves into the differences between incremental and large-scale development approaches. While large developers infuse substantial capital into comprehensive projects, incremental developers like Keen focus on smaller, community-oriented endeavors. The emphasis lies on shared ownership, distributed wealth, and neighborhood revitalization. The collaborative ecosystem, combining both development scales, aims to ensure sustainable growth and inclusivity in urban areas.
Promoting Inclusive Growth and Workforce Development
The discussion underscores the importance of leveraging major projects to support workforce development and inclusive growth. Keen expresses the significance of investing in local tradespeople, businesses, and community members to ensure long-term economic resilience and shared prosperity. By nurturing a robust ecosystem of small to medium-scale developers, South Bend aims to blend large-scale developments with grassroots efforts for a balanced and inclusive urban renewal.
This week on Upzoned, host Abby Kinney is joined by Mike Keen, a retired professor and incremental developer in South Bend, Indiana, to discuss a recent article in WSBT, “Major mixed-use development could be largest in downtown South Bend history.” It highlights a $350 million project that has been proposed in downtown South Bend: a mixed-use district that would include hotels, apartments, and commercial uses, to be completed by 2028. The development, led by nearby Memorial Hospital, will take up about two city blocks and is expected to be a catalytic project for the city. So, we ask: is this project going to be a positive for South Bend and its small-scale developers like Keen?