Diamond View Apartments hosts ribbon cutting ceremony, offering affordable housing and disability-focused units

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A new affordable housing development in downtown South Bend hosted its ribbon cutting ceremony, after it was originally postponed due to a fire at neighboring Stadium Flats development.

Diamond View Apartments, located at 535 S. Main St. Includes 60 affordable apartments with one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans.

The South Bend Regional Chamber says the development is designed for residents and families who qualify based on income.

12 of those apartment units are spaces designed for individuals with disabilities.

Through a partnership with The Logan Center, a service organization dedicated to providing resources for adults and children with disabilities, Diamond View was able to provide a space for all.

“It really allows them to live independently here in downtown South Bend,” CEO of Logan Center Matt Herrington said. 

“I think what makes me most excited about the opportunity is the idea that it promotes inclusion and acceptance of people of all abilities. They love living here.”

The partnership is designed to give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities another option to live independently while still being a part of a larger apartment community.

Diamond View leaders tell ABC57 News they had to supply additional three-bedroom units, in efforts to accommodate individuals with disabilities so they can live with roommates and/or a caregiver.

Mike Surak, President of Real America says although they experienced challenges during the development process, the reactions and feedback from residents make it worthwhile.

"A resident came running up to me and said she hadn’t had quality housing like this in a very long time” Surak says.