New developments set to take shape on Eddy Street

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Two projects are taking shape and developing quickly on Eddy Street in South Bend.

A more than 100-unit apartment complex, and a new Italian restaurant are both slated to open this year.

The new additions coming to the Eddy Street Corridor this year are Amici next to the Eddy Street Commons' parking garage, and the Five Corners Apartments just down the street by Trader Joe's.

In late January, Urban Outfitters officially closed their Eddy Street location.

Now, we know what will be taking its place.

Amici, an Italian restaurant which also has a location in Elkhart, will slide in and is hoping to be serving customers by the end of 2026.

"We love being near the university and Notre Dame and all the business that that brings, all the excitement around football games and all that so we weren't necessarily eyeing this as the specific location but when it became available, particularly with this concept, we thought this is going to be a home run, we felt like this is just the perfect spot for us," said Matthew Soutra, vice president of Navarre Group.

Soutra tells ABC57 the Navarre group has had the idea for another Amici location for a while, and when Urban Outfitters didn't renew their lease, the timing and location just seemed right.

One Notre Dame student who lives nearby is thrilled about the news.

"I think the Urban Outfitters, frankly, wasn't the greatest utility of that space. I think we need less clothing retailers, especially on a piece of property as expensive as this one, I think another restaurant would be a great addition, and we'll be sure to use it, my roommates and I," said Evan Hartman, Notre Dame student.

Up the road, things are moving quickly for Five Corners, a new apartment complex close to campus.

April first is their target date to be move-in ready.

For Amici's new location, Soutra says there are new opportunities.

"The current location for Amici in Elkhart is a fairly small footprint, so there are things that we wanted to do there that we just couldn't do logistically because the space just wasn't large enough, and so at this location, we've got about 8,000 square feet that we can work with, so we're really excited at the opportunity of having some private dining spaces, there'll be an open kitchen concept, we'll have some great wines, two separate bars," said Soutra.

Soutra says they're looking to hire around 100-120 full time employees to help keep this edition of amici running. Navarre Group found the Eddy Street location so appealing partially due to the success they've seen with O'Rourke's Public House.