SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- St. Margaret's House has celebrated an impressive milestone as they successfully met their ambitious capital campaign goal, raising $8.5 million required to fund expansion and renovations. 

Key contributions to the renovation and expansion include gifts from the City of South Bend who were the first benefactors to donate $750,000. 

Additionally, with the support of the United Way of St. Joseph County, St. Margaret's House received a matching grant of $1.5 million from the Indiana United Ways Statewide Capital Projects Initiative.

Throughout the momentous celebration, community members had the opportunity to leave messages of love and hope on stones that will become part of the foundation. 

This impressive milestone comes after three years of planning and researching renovations for the current building. The current building was built more than 100 years ago to house the Peterson Printing Company and now reflects the beauty of St. Margaret's House mission and the women who part of the community. 

The construction officially begun June 25 and final move-in and occupancy is expected in late summer 2027. 

The expansion includes:

• 61% increase in total square feet
• 65% increase in the main dining and common room to expand meal service capacity
• Expansion of the space dedicated to programming, including a beautiful new art studio
• Expansion of square footage dedicated to rest, decompression, and mental health, including a new chapel and tranquility space
• A beautifully redesigned vestibule and entryway to allow staff to welcome guests face-to-face rather than through a security camera
• Expanded shower and bathroom area with a dedicated guest laundry facility
• Private outdoor courtyard garden

Pictures provided by St. Margaret's House