Vacant South Bend building closer to becoming multi-million dollar development

A vacant building near downtown South Bend is a step closer to becoming a multi-million dollar, mixed-use development. 

The former Ward Bakery Co. building on Portage Ave has been empty for more than a decade. 

The South Bend Common Council approved two tax abatements, Monday night, on the 56,000 square foot property. 

Developers say it will help them move forward on a $3.7 million investment to convert the property into 60 retail and community units.