City proposal to turn a vacant Lafayette Building into an apartment and retail space

UPDATE: In a unanimous vote on Thursday, September 28, the Redevelopment Commission approved the transformation of the Lafayette Building. 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The South Bend Redevelopment Commission will consider a proposal to turn a long-vacant historic property lot into a 30-unit apartment complex and retail space. 

Today, the fate of the historic property, the Lafayette Building, will be decided. 

This restoration project has been in the works for years. 

The City of South Bend acquired the Lafayette building in 2018, in hopes of preserving the structure and return it to productive use, but it was in danger of falling apart beyond repair.

The City did make repairs at the time: a new roof, roof drain replacement, skylight replacement and an exterior masonry repair. 

On September 2, 2022, the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) issued a Request for Proposal to continue the rehabilitation and reuse of the Lafayette building, establishing an offering price of $392,100.

Although many toured the building, no bids were placed. 

Now, there's a buyer. 

The interested party, a development company, based out of Brooklyn, New York, must meet the following buyer stipulations: 

• Begin construction 12 months within the closing date
• Complete construction five years after closing date
• Spend no less than $8 million on improvements

The developer intends to purchase the 37,357 square foot building and parking lot to the south for $10,000, and the Redevelopment Commision will give $750,000, to the project to revitalize it into a 30-unit apartment complex and retail space.

But, the catch: they must receive approval from the Historical Preservation Commission to maintain the standards and guidelines for a stand-alone historic landmark.

The South Bend Redevelopment Commission decision will take place Thursday, September 28 at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Building.