Mishawaka mixed-use development enters second phase

MISHAWAKA, Ind. — Rust belt revival in the Princess City continued Monday night.

“We’re putting a lot of effort into attracting people and making sure it’s a place they want to live,” said Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood.

Folks in the city are looking forward to even more economic development after the common council green-lit the second phase of Grandview construction plans.

Those changes will literally be from top to bottom.

Plans in the second phase would see some buildings one story higher than the already three-story flats in the complex.

And the developer says new construction would make the area more pedestrian-friendly as well.

 “When new development comes in that’s always a priority to really promote walkability and bike-ability if you own a bicycle and that type of thing,” said Mayor Wood.

The second phase of a massive mixed-use development along Main Street aims to fulfil that priority.

“It’s a big part of the plan to extend the walkway down from Granger and also to provide some pedestrian connections back to heritage square as well,” Brian Mcmorrow, a senior project manager at Abonmarche Consultants.

Mishawaka’s common council was on board after that news.

It approved a PUD amendment that scrapped plans for an assistant living home, for more residential units and retail stores on the bottom floor.

“It’s great to see the entrance of new businesses and especially local businesses and local owners,” said Lenore Tracey, owner of Glance Eyewear Gallery.

Tracey’s shop has been open in Heritage Square, across the street from where the new development, for eight years.

Over the years, she says she has watched interest grow around her.

The way Tracey sees it, the more development the more the area turns into a true walkable neighborhood.

“We’re living and shopping and being involved with each other as opposed to, you know, the suburbs,” she said.