‘Fat Daddy’s’ Site Set For Demolition
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAfter years of attempts at redevelopment, the trio of buildings that housed the former Fat Daddy’s Outlet Store in downtown South Bend will be demolished. Work will begin Monday on asbestos abatement, building demolition and site restoration, which is expected to be complete in May.
The city has awarded a $540,000 contract to R&R Excavating Inc. to complete the work. Last July, Wisconsin-based Commonwealth Development Corp. submitted a bid to acquire the property and redevelop it, however the South Bend Tribune reports the company was unable to secure tax credit funding through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
“Last year we took a final stab at saving it and getting it stabilized,” James Mueller, executive director of Community Investment for the city, told the publication. "We’re looking to at least save the remnants (of the facades) to the extent possible. We do think having a clear site, there may be more interest from a cost perspective to get something up and running."
The city says part of the demolition effort will include saving 19 granite and terra cotta features from the buildings. Mueller says there currently are no plans for the site after the demolition is complete.