Redevelopment Commission Approves Allen Edwin Homes' $2.5M Housing Project in South Bend

The South Bend City Common Council meeting on April 28, 2025, focused on significant developments in local housing initiatives, particularly a new project aimed at revitalizing a long-vacant property. The redevelopment commission has entered into a purchase agreement with Allen Edwin Homes to construct 16 new housing units on a site located just north of Lincoln Way West, approximately half a mile from downtown South Bend.

The project is part of a broader effort to address the decline in housing within the neighborhood, which has seen over a 50% decrease in population from 1960 to 2020. The new development will include a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and a cottage court style housing, designed to enhance the neighborhood's character. Twelve of the 16 units will be designated as affordable housing for individuals earning less than 120% of the area median income, targeting the workforce housing demographic.

The total investment for this project is estimated at $2.5 million, with plans to utilize local labor during construction, thereby creating job opportunities for residents. The anticipated completion date is set for the spring or summer of 2026, with the hope that these new homes will attract residents back to the area.

During the meeting, council members expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to transform a previously neglected area. The tax abatement associated with the development is expected to significantly increase tax revenue for the city, projecting nearly $36,000 annually after completion, compared to the current $816 generated while the property remains vacant.

In addition to the Allen Edwin project, the redevelopment commission is also collaborating with Advantix Development Corporation to build 10 low-income housing units nearby, further diversifying housing options in the neighborhood.

The council's approval of the resolution marks a crucial step in South Bend's ongoing efforts to revitalize its neighborhoods and provide affordable housing solutions. The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the community informed about future developments and ongoing projects.