City breaks ground on new Allen Edwin housing project

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The City of South Bend and Allen Edwin Homes broke ground on a new housing project Friday.

South Bend Mayor James Mueller stated this groundbreaking adds to the city's mission of increasing affordable and diverse housing.

"Excited to be breaking ground here today. On the northwest side of our city along Marion Street, and this is one project of our New Neighborhood Homes Initiative," Mueller said.

The New Neighborhood Homes Initiative aims to fill vacant land with well-designed housing that increases a neighborhood's marketability.

While many areas were considered for the project, this site had the most interest.

Allen Edwin Homes Director of Workforce Housing, Brian Farkas, says the group jumped at the opportunity shortly after proposals opened in November 2022.

The city was able to launch this initiative thanks to federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act.

As for the cost of the Allen Edwin homes, the price tag isn't finalized, but Farkas says they'll range between $300,000 and $500,000

This project is expected to be finished quickly, with the first residents moving in next summer, after leasing opens this winter.