Overview

The Portage Place Project will redevelop the former Ward Bakery Building. The building has been vacant for several years and this project would reactivate a critical block within the Near Northwest Neighborhood with small scale food and retail on the first floor, as well as tenants on the upper floors. The project will be completed in 3 phases. Milestones Phase 1 will be completed between January 2022 and March 2024. It will include: completing architectural plans, environmental remediation, new roof, exterior envelope repair, replacement of windows/doors, installation of water/sewer/plumbing, electrical service, HVAC, fire protection system, and other life safety and ADA features required to bring building up to code. READI Funds will be used to cover Fire Protection , Mechanical HVAC , Windows/Doors , and ADA Restrooms. Phase 2 will be completed by December 2024 and includes the build out and occupancy of the ground floor (~20,000sf). Phase 3 will be completed in 2025 and includes the build out and occupancy of 2nd floor and basement (~20,000sf). We anticipate our tenants will create 70 new jobs. Tenants will be sourced through our community partners, commercial broker, and social media. We will have turned a neighborhood nuisance into a vibrant neighborhood commercial anchor and intentionally inclusive center for business, culture, and the arts. This project will improve South Bend's quality of place and will help the region attract and retain residents.