South Bend's Department of Community Investment held a groundbreaking ceremony for a four-story mixed-use apartment complex Wednesday morning at Hill Street and Colfax Avenue.

"East Bank projects have made a significant impact on downtown economic growth," says Scott Ford, Executive Director of Community Investment."We're excited to see the momentum continue with more infill housing and retail development that will add to the vibrant atmosphere."

Colfax Hill Partners is developing the complex, which will feature ground-floor retail space and 16 market-rate apartment units. The $3 million project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015.

"South Bend has a thriving downtown core that is only becoming more dynamic," says Audra Sieradzki, a partner with Colfax Hill. "We chose this location because of its proximity to all the great things the city has to offer." 

The development will offer two- and three-bedroom units priced in keeping with area market rents. 

"Mixed-use projects like this show that downtown South Bend is an attractive, lively, and convenient place to live," says Deputy Mayor Mark Neal. "This investment from Colfax Hill Partners reinforces the East Bank neighborhood as one of the city's most popular destinations."