Planning hearing set on partial demolition of 100 Center; commission briefed on grant-backed redevelopment

Staff told the Mishawaka Historic Preservation Commission that the Planning Commission will consider a request at its next meeting to demolish the western portion of the 100 Center property, an area described in staff remarks as roughly "240, give or take, feet" that includes the ice-house/boiler-house portion of the complex.

Staff said the property is owned/managed by the 100 Center Trust (with Joe Grable involved in property management) and that the entity received REDI grant funding to support redevelopment; staff stated the project had received "$55,600,000 from the REDI grant" and that the city would need to provide utility hookups and matching infrastructure for the planned apartment conversion. Staff emphasized that the current Planning Commission item is to permit demolition only and that the owner would return later with detailed redevelopment plans.

Commission members noted the building's poor condition — broken windows, failing brickwork and vandalism — and staff said several code cases had been addressed during prior ownership. Staff encouraged any interested parties to attend the Planning Commission hearing next Tuesday at 7 p.m. to comment. The commission did not vote on the matter at its meeting; the item is scheduled for the Planning Commission hearing where public comment will be accepted.

During privilege of the floor, a member urged that the old Northside Fire Station on North Main Street not be sacrificed for parking during nearby park redevelopment and stressed the structure's architectural and historic value. Staff said the redevelopment commission must follow the city's process for disposition, including appraisal and sale steps if the city proceeds.

The Planning Commission hearing on the 100 Center partial demolition is the next procedural step; staff will monitor the application and notify preservation commissioners of opportunities to comment.