Plans have resently been released for a new urban development south of the Notre Dame campus called Eddy Street Commons at Notre Dame.

Developer: Kite Reality
Website: http://eddycommons.com/

The development will include the following:

90,000 sf of retail space
268 apartments
49 condos
20 courtyard townhomes
52 flats
61 city homes
255 room full service hotel
139 room limited-Service hotel
75,000 sf of office space

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/9/9/19/f_eddy1m_d87978e.png

http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/9/9/19/f_eddy2m_3a0171b.png (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/9/9/19/f_eddy2m_3a0171b.png&srv=img29)

Site Plan:

http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/9/9/19/f_siteplan1m_114aaca.gif

As time progresses I'll try to get some construction photos posted. At the moment the site is fenced off, and no real construction has started yet.

Finally they're moving on this project. They'e been talking about this in concept since my brother started at ND in '92. When I started in '97, they said the project was likely to start in a couple years after they bought that low-rise building a Eddy and Edison. Here we are, 10 years later and itt's actually happening!

I look forward to your updates!

If you get a chance, I'm also curious about the road improvements they've done. The last time I was there was relatively shortly after the Edison realignment, but I understand the Twychenham/Ivy has now been redone and Douglas has been expanded. I love to see pictures if you have a chance!

I'll try get out there on Friday to get some pictures.

Speaking of roads...

They also took out Juniper through the center of campus and replaced it with a bunch of landscaping. It looks really cool, especially between the football stadium and the Joyce Center. There are a lot of changes in store for Notre Dame in the near future.

Hopefully these changes will include a couple of wins for the football team...

I would love for Indianapolis to have infill like that.
BTW thats fantastic for southbend, maybe we need a SB development thread?

My guess is that a South Bend development thread would basically be this project plus a handful of condo buildings being constructed essentially as hotels for Notre Dame football season. You could throw in Notre Dame construction, but that's neither urban nor skyscrapers, so I think it's little outside the purview of this forum.

If my guess is wrong, maybe Pronaos could fill us in.

Go Irish! Beat Sparty!

Sweet project. Hopefully this will help integrate the ND campus with the city of South Bend.

Yeah, there isn't really much of a need for a development thread for South Bend. There are a couple of plans for some condo buildings downtown. At the moment, there is no construction going on, and there are not going to be many new buildings worth noting in the near future.

The one building downtown that has been receiving some press in the highly-anticipated Hall of Fame Gameday Center condo development. Construction was supposed to be well under way, but the sight they planned to put in on remains a parking lot... See website: http://halloffamegamedaycenter.com/

Sorry I wasn't able to get over to ND to get some pictures. I'll get over there tomorrow and post an update.

Go Irish!

September 23, 2007
I went out and took some photos of the site today.

View from the corner of Edison and Eddy
http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/9/9/23/f_STP60001m_9e445b7.jpg

View from the eastern end of the site
http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/9/9/23/f_STP60004m_a35271a.jpg

Not much going on behind the fence besides photosynthesis...
http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/9/9/23/f_STP60002m_05eb7ed.jpg

New section of Edison seperating ND from the Commons
http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/9/9/23/f_STP60003m_17859b6.jpg

There has not been a whole lot of action at the construction site. There is a gate near the middle of the fence that is open and has a dirt road leading into the site. I think it is being used for primary surveying. I will try to post updates as soon as something interesting happens.

Wow, Edison is so different than when I was there. Eddy Commons is clearly very pedestrian friendly, but they really need to make sure crossing Edison is as easy as possible for pedestrians. Four travel lanes plus 2 turn lanes PLUS median is no picnic!

That not all of the forests are being cut down! That's really shitty if that's true. Considering all the flat farmland surrounding South Bend metro. I mean seriously is this the best spot they could build? Dont get me wrong, i lust the look of the project! Just not the project area. Meh... Pave paradise anybody? :ohno:

That not all of the forests are being cut down! That's really shitty if that's true. Considering all the flat farmland surrounding South Bend metro. I mean seriously is this the best spot they could build? Dont get me wrong, i lust the look of the project! Just not the project area. Meh... Pave paradise anybody? :ohno:
Unfortunately, yes. But on the other hand, a project like this isn't really viable anywhere else in South Bend. This is only happening because of the proximity of this land to the campus of ND (and ND's desire for this project to happen).

Are they saving any trees or forested spots atleast? Like even for a little parkland? Meh... :ohno:

I'm not 100% sure, but I do believe they will save some trees at the eastern half of the development.

By the looks of the renders they're putting in trees for landscaping, but many of the old growth trees are being torn down. They are not getting rid of the trees altogether, but they will not dominate the landscape like they once did.

Remember that Indiana used to be one big forest. There's an old saying that a squirrel used to be able to jump from tree to tree and go from Lake Michigan to the Ohio River without ever having to touch the ground.

It's sad to see, but sometimes it is necessary to remove trees for the sake of progress.

Nothing really going on down at the site.

The only real news to note is ND's victory over UCLA on Saturday. Finally! I'm really looking forward to the ND-BC game next Saturday! GO IRISH!

One other thing, if anyone's interested.

The University announced last week that the long awaited renovations to the Joyce Center will finally begin next September. The article is below:

Joyce renovations set for Sept. '08
South Bend Tribune 10-4-07
Construction on the Joyce Center arena addition and renovation will begin in September 2008, the University of Notre Dame announced today. The University has selected the architects for the project, and they currently are in the process of completing final design plans. The first phase of the project, to begin next September, involves construction of a new three-story structure at the south end of the arena. That structure will include a new two-story lobby, the Notre Dame ticket operations (approximately 4,500 square feet) and a varsity shop to sell apparel and souvenirs (approximately 3,000 square feet), in addition to a new club seating and hospitality area. Replacement of the Joyce Center arena seating, including installation of chair-back seating throughout the arena, is expected to take place after the University's Commencement Exercises in May 2009. The project is scheduled for completion in January 2010. The arena is expected to re-open by mid-October 2009, in time for the start of the men's and women's basketball seasons and the end of the women's volleyball season

A rendering of what the arena will look like when finished:

http://www.ndnation.com/graphics/hoopsmen/jacc.jpg

Wow, its been a while since anything has happened at the Eddy Commons site...but I was flipping through the South Bend Tribune this morning and there was actually an article in the paper! Below is the story:


Eddy Street Commons impact discussed
Questions arise over bill for ash removal on ND site.

JAMIE LOO
Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- The city's proposed contribution to the Eddy Street Commons project is $37.7 million, which city officials say will later translate into nearly $74 million in tax dollars during the first 10 years of the project.

The Common Council's community and economic development committee met last week with city economic development staff, Kite Realty Group, and University of Notre Dame officials to discuss the city's financing contribution to the Eddy Street Commons project.

Eddy Street Commons is the residential, hotel, retail and office development planned south of Notre Dame.

Don Inks, economic development director, said $36 million in Tax Increment Financing bonds will finance construction of the 1,281-space parking garage. It will also pay for infrastructure improvements such as the Napoleon Street extension from Eddy Street to Indiana 23; improvements to Edison Road, Eddy, Burns, Georgiana and Duey streets, which include sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer lines; and ash removal from the Notre Dame woods. About $5.2 million from the city's Major Moves fund will be borrowed to pay for road improvements and repaid later.

The city will contribute another $1.7 million for the redevelopment in the Triangle, which will have about 63 fair market value homes.Kite Realty Group is investing about $169 million for Phase I development and will not seek tax abatements for any buildings or structures during the terms of the bonds. The parking garage will be owned by the city and leased back to Kite to manage.

Council members Timothy Rouse, D-at large, and David Varner, R-5th, asked why the city is paying $1.3 million in ash removal under the agreement. During discussions last spring, both said they remember Kite agreeing to do the cleanup. Notre Dame dumped ash in the woods for decades, Varner said, and either the university or Kite should be responsible for cleanup because it's their property.

Inks said the ash removal was always considered the city's responsibility in early talks. Mayor Stephen Luecke said this is a site preparation cost and that some of the parking garage will be built in that area.

The city and Kite paid for Crowe Chizek to perform an economic impact study.

Crowe Chizek found that the increased revenues from the project area in its first 10 years will result in nearly $74 million in state sales tax, state income tax, hotel-motel tax, county income and property taxes. Employment estimates over a 10-year period show 824 new jobs and 779 construction jobs during the 2008 through 2010 building period.The council's community and economic development committee will discuss the development agreement at its 4:15 p.m. meeting today and will meet again at 7 p.m. for a public hearing and vote.

Staff writer Jamie Loo:
jloo@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6337

There is still a bit of controversy over the whole project, but the good news is that construction is going to get underway in 2008...more to come whenever some interesting comes up. HOPEFULLY SOON!!!

They've begun cutting down trees on the site...

Today was the official groundbreaking on the site!

Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune article about it.
http://southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080603/News01/509165019/1130/Sports01

Just to let you all know I'm got accepted to ND and will be attending school there to study architecture...I'll get some pics posted once they start the real construction.

There are now buildings lining Eddy Street between Napoleon and Angela/Edison.

http://realst8.com/blog/images/Eddy-Street-Commons-1.JPG
http://realst8.com/blog/images/Eddy-Street-Commons-2.JPG
http://realst8.com/blog/images/Eddy-Street-Commons-3.JPG
http://realst8.com/blog/images/Eddy-Street-Commons-4.JPG

For more pictures, check out the South Bend Area Blog's November 2009 update on Eddy Street Commons (http://www.realst8.com/blog/notre-dame/eddy-street-commons-update-november-6th-2009/)

Today was the official groundbreaking on the site!

Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune article about it.
http://southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080603/News01/509165019/1130/Sports01

Just to let you all know I'm got accepted to ND and will be attending school there to study architecture...I'll get some pics posted once they start the real construction.

The next poster beat your construction update shots with the finished deal. :)

It looks very nice! How does this area integrate into the rest of the city? What about campus? Can one comfortably walk from this developement to campus?

I've learned from living in Madison that rich students will live there no matter the price, if it is integrated well with campus.

Eddy Street Commons is basically on the ND campus. The college bookstore even has space in the development.

Developer to invest in Chase Tower
$43-million project will create senior center, upscale hotel



Oct 15, 2010


The Chase Tower, the city’s tallest structure, could undergo a $43.6-million acquisition and interior/exterior renovation to create a new senior living center and an upscale hotel, while reducing to 80 the 176 hotel rooms now available in the downtown landmark.

Developers estimate the project will create 180 to 195 full-time jobs during construction and, on completion, will add more than 125 new full-time jobs to the Central Business District, with the senior center increasing the number of permanent downtown residents by more than 250 people. Developers estimate the project would have an economic impact of more than $50 million annually.

No change is anticipated in the amount of square footage currently leased for offices or the top-floor Summit Club. The senior living center will include only market-rate units.

“I’m excited that a quality developer is looking at our downtown and committed to reinvest in a key landmark for our community,” said Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. “This project will increase the number of downtown residents and workers, which, along with the project itself, will have a ripple effect on our downtown economy.”

Plans will be presented today to the South Bend Redevelopment Commission, immediately followed by a meeting of the South Bend Economic Development Commission. The EDC will consider authorizing the issuance of $31.75 million in bonds for private financing of the Chase Tower’s acquisition and renovation. The project’s financing plan also includes $8 million in new market tax credits and a $3.8-million grant from the State of Indiana.

Dillingham Hill Re, a Delaware-based limited liability company that is a part owner of the tower, plans to acquire 100 percent interest in the Chase Tower, 211 W. Washington St., for $26.7 million and:

Invest $12-million to develop the Anvic Senior Living Center, “a state-of-the-art living community for seniors requiring a variety of services, including nursing care; memory care; programming services for the elderly; nutritional and lifestyle services; and a host of active senior events in and around the facility.”
Perform a $4-million renovation of the current Ramada Inn, converting the brand into an upscale boutique hotel known as Hotel Indigo.
Upgrade and renovate the Chase Tower’s exterior “skin” to “provide a more modern and sophisticated image” and improve its enclosed parking garage.
Built in 1971, the 25-story, 332-foot Chase Tower consists of three separate sections in one tower with 366,000 gross square feet. It recently was appraised at $32.7 million by Cushman and Wakefield. The same study concluded that the proposed renovations would increase the building’s value to $62.6 million.

According to information provided by the developer, the senior living center is projected to employ 107 full-time personnel with total salaries of $6.3 million while the hotel would add an estimated 25 personnel to existing staff.

The senior living center would occupy floors six through 13, while Hotel Indigo’s guest rooms would be on floors 14 through 17. Although there would be fewer rooms, they would be more spacious and luxurious, while expanded amenities would require more employees, according to Victor Osinski, Dillingham Hill Re’s largest shareholder.

“A 5-star property requires additional services, [such] as valet parking, extensive in-room service, concierge services and a limousine service for guests,” Osinski said. “Hotel occupancy will increase drastically. … We expect it should reach up to 90 percent.”

The Chase Tower is located in the Central Business Area’s Tax Increment Financing District. In TIF districts, the Redevelopment Commission receives tax revenue based on the growth in assessed value (or increment) from improvements after the district is established. For this project, the Redevelopment Commission, in a subsequent meeting, would be asked to pledge new TIF revenue resulting from the growth in the property’s assessed value toward the repayment of bonds.

Don Inks, director of economic development for the City of South Bend, estimated that the City’s commitment would represent a small portion of the total annual debt service payments made by the private entity. Financing for the project would need to close by Dec. 31. The project will need subsequent approval from the Common Council and the Redevelopment Commission.

Hotel Indigo, one of the leading U.S. high-end hotel chains, is an upscale boutique brand in which each property is unique and designed to reflect the local culture, character and geography of the surrounding area while brand hallmarks ensure consistent and reliable service from location to location, according to the company’s web site. There are now 32 properties open worldwide and more than 60 in some stage of development.

Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or Don Inks, Director of Economic Development, 235-9371

~ Completed

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1145/5115965930_9c6f9d2011_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/5115965930/)
Eddy Street Commons (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/5115965930/) by Eridony (http://www.flickr.com/people/eridony/), on Flickr

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1143/5116192100_0925fb51cc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/5116192100/)
ESC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/5116192100/) by Eridony (http://www.flickr.com/people/eridony/), on Flickr

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4103/5115713035_503284b02f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/5115713035/)
The Foundry (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/5115713035/) by Eridony (http://www.flickr.com/people/eridony/), on Flickr

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1169/5115264979_264aac0390_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/5115264979/)
Downtown Notre Dame (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/5115264979/) by Eridony (http://www.flickr.com/people/eridony/), on Flickr

^^ Looks great! I'll be visiting a friend in SB this weekend and will try to check this place out.