Council confirms real‑property tax abatement for redevelopment at 701 W. Chippewa

The South Bend Common Council on Aug. 25 approved Resolution 25‑38 confirming a declaratory resolution designating 701 West Chippewa Avenue as an Economic Revitalization Area and authorizing an eight‑year real‑property tax abatement for South Bend Chippewa LLC.

Eric Glavich and Matt Dubecky (IRG Realty Advisors), representing the property owner, described a two‑phase redevelopment of the former Studebaker facility that includes immediate investments to make leasable space competitive and a second phase to remove and remediate eight‑decade‑old aviation test cells at the rear of the property. Glavich told the council phase‑one costs exceed $7 million and that the total project will likely exceed $11 million.

Glavich and Dubecky said IRG will use local contractors, preserve the historic site’s fabric and ready the property to attract employers. Staff provided conservative estimates that annual property tax revenues could increase roughly $150,000 per year; over the eight‑year abatement the gross tax abated was described in the staff presentation as roughly $100,000 (staff noted figures were estimates and depend on final assessed values and project scope).

Councilmembers asked about site improvements such as sidewalks; staff said design and plan review determines specific right‑of‑way work and that staff would follow up with council on sidewalk plans. No members of the public spoke against the measure. The council adopted the confirming resolution by roll call, 9–0.