Team Owner’s Housing Development Touted as Catalyst
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo leaders involved in Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for a $22 million mixed-use development outside of Four Winds Field believe the project will spur additional investment in downtown South Bend. South Bend Cubs General Manager Joe Hart says The Ivy at Berlin Place, which bears the name of team owner and project developer Andrew Berlin, represents Berlin’s high level of commitment to the city. South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Jeff Rea says the investment is part of the "mini housing boom" that includes six residential projects underway downtown.
Rea says the seeds of this project were sown decades ago when the stadium was first planned. "Probably 40 years ago when the ball park was envisioned, they envisioned development around it, so now what we’ve got is a pretty exciting project that will kick off," Rea told Inside INdiana Business. "First, it’s a residential project, so we recognize as we’re trying to build population and attract talent to our area, we need unique places to live."
Hart says Berlin is "truly invested" in South Bend. "He’s invested over $7.5 million of his own money into a city-owned facility, as in the baseball stadium up to this point, and for him to make this investment — it does — it shows his commitment to the area, which has essentially become a second home for him. He loves the community and the community has embraced him," said Hart.
Plans for The Ivy at Berlin Place call for 120 apartments, 10,000 square-feet of retail space and a unique feature reminiscent of Wrigley Field in Chicago: a rooftop event and seating area overlooking the field that could hold around 400 people. The South Bend Cubs expect the project, which is being built by Indianapolis-based TWG Development LLC, to be complete by Opening Day 2018.
South Bend Cubs General Manager Joe Hart says Berlin is “truly invested” in South Bend.
South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Jeff Rea says the seeds of this project were sown decades ago when the stadium was first planned.