City prepares to break ground for Dream Center

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Construction is about to be underway on the new Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center in South Bend.

It’s an over $24.5 million investment, which will create a new community hub, sports and activity center for kids, families and seniors.

Almost 50 years ago, the original MLK Center opened its doors and served the community as a long-standing hub for local youth and now neighbors are excited to see the site of the old facility get new life.

In a little over a year, the site will be home to a brand-new community center, park, and street scape improvements.

The City announced it can begin construction on the highly anticipated new MLK Dream Center.

Neighbors are eager for it to finally get up and running, after months of delays on the project to find funding, including Marvin Donnell who has lived a block away for nearly 29 years.

"I’m in my 70s so I'm not athletic anymore, but it’s good for the kids it gives them a focus and something to do besides just hang around,” he said.

Local leaders finalized the plans.

The future center will give folks in the area a lot to focus on, from sports to art and even a podcasting center.

Mayor James Mueller said they were excited to find the funding for the $24.5 million construction plans so they can break ground. 

"The dream is alive this morning alive and well," said Mueller. "We are excited to announce the final step was taken by the City and hour ago."

More than $11 million of the project will be paid for by American Rescue Plan Funding awarded to the City.

Community leaders and neighbors say the center is more than just a building.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. Dream Center is expected to be completed by February 2025.