Mayor: Record investment spurs unprecedented growth in Elkhart
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Elkhart witnessed one of the most ambitious periods of investment and development in city history this past year, according to Mayor Rod Roberson. The mayor says the city’s ASPIRE framework focused on infrastructure, public safety, quality of place and neighborhood investments is transforming the city from the inside out.
During his 2025 State of the City address this week, Roberson spoke to a crowd of more than 450 people at the Lerner Theater about some of the significant developmental milestones the city achieved over the last year, including finally getting a Chick-fil-A.
“Tomorrow’s Elkhart is really gaining ground,” he said. “This isn’t just a slogan, it’s truly a reality.”
River District and Downtown Redevelopment
With approximately $250 million in public‑private partnerships, the River District has transformed Elkhart’s former manufacturing hub into a mixed‑use neighborhood featuring new restaurants, offices and an event center.
“The River District has introduced a new urbanism to the city. The importance of this quality of place project can’t be underestimated, it is multi-generational,” Roberson said. “It has turned the once manufacturing core of Elkhart into a new livable neighborhood that has attracted new residents, new restaurants, new offices, a new event center and worldwide attention.”
Roberson was the recipient of the Mayors’ Vision Award at the International Making Cities Livable (IMCL) conference last year in Cortona, Italy for his leadership in transforming Elkhart’s downtown and the Riverwalk.
The mayor highlighted two major downtown‐street conversions under the Downtown Master Plan. The Benham Avenue Underpass will convert to a single-exit two‑way street, while Second and Third Streets will transition to two‑way streets. Roberson noted that these changes are expected to prompt future economic growth, improve safety and connect downtown and South-Central Elkhart.
“These changes are all part of a strategic plan to make sure that downtown Elkhart is not a destination to drive through, but a destination to drive to,” Roberson added. “One way streets have caused more confusion and have impeded economic development.”
Roberson speaks about the impact the River District has had on the city and how Elkhart is responding to national and state politics.
Last year, the city issued 17 permits for a mix of new commercial, industrial and multifamily developments, representing $90 million in investment. Amazon also broke ground on a $35 million delivery facility near the airport. The company is also expected to open its new Elkhart robotic fulfillment center sometime this fall. Retail businesses like Freddy’s, WoodSpring Suites, Five Guys along key corridors in the city also contributed to economic development within the city.
Elkhart Municipal Airport also saw a lot of action last year, with over 30,000 flights recorded, Roberson noted. To handle the flight traffic brought on by the sprawling developments, the city secured grant funding to build 10 new T-hangars
“These will be the first new hangars constructed at the airport in more than 25 years,” Roberson added. “And the only city owned hangars large enough to house a small business jet and a twin engine aircraft.”
Infrastructure Upgrades
The Street Department laid 74,000 pounds of asphalt and repaired 14,000 feet of curbs and sidewalks in 2024. Roberson said the in-house resurfacing of Johnson Street from Beardsley to Bristol saved the city nearly $15 million.
“These efforts will continue this year with the most aggressive milling and paving schedule in the city’s history, from March 31 to the end of October,” Roberson announced. “The Street Department will be milling and repaving roads in the alleys five days a week, from sunup to sundown.”
To address its water issues, the city completed a $35 million wastewater‑treatment upgrade, boosting capacity by 50%. The city also broke ground on the largest public‑works project in Elkhart history, a $38 million storage tank. With cleaner waterways the city is able to host its annual Family Fish Fest and Super Full Moon Kayak program that received the “Award of Excellence for Innovative Program” from the Indiana Park & Recreation Association.
“In 1930 the rivers were considered a dead river with only three species of fish and e-coli off the charts,” the mayor noted. “Today the river has over 87 species of fish, 18 freshwater mussels, seven turtle species and numerous bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys.”
The city purchased the historic Chase Building downtown and is set to transform the location into a one-stop shop for all things public safety downtown – a unified police, fire and 911 communications center. In tandem with the addition of nine firefighters, three new fire engines, and the forthcoming Station 6, this move positions Elkhart to safeguard its growth.
Neighborhoods & Housing
Roberson reported 800 multifamily units built countywide over the past decade, with 450 more coming by year‑end. The city entered partnership agreements with La Casa and Habitat for Humanity on a 15‑home subdivision on Homer Avenue.
The city also acquired Woodland Crossing (formerly Pierre Moran Mall), where Goodwill Industries and Heart City Health Center have invested more than $25 million to create a mixed‑use neighborhood services hub. At Concord Business Park (the former Concord Mall), almost all vacant space is now leased.
Quality of Place & Amenities
The Lerner Theater launched its year-long centennial celebration last November and Roberson highlighted that the venue welcomed more than 35,000 guests to all of its events in 2024. Now in its 37th year, the annual Elkhart Jazz Festival continues to be a strong tourist attraction.
The city’s national New York Central Railroad Museum finished an ambitious project to restore the 50 year old amusement train and track. Last year, the train officially went back into service, carrying over 3000 guests in its first six months. A plethora of upgrades have also been planned for this year.
The city’s “Trees for the Hart” program, an initiative to plant 2,000 trees by 2028 is currently on hold due to a pause in federal funding. Several park upgrades and investments in green spaces like the Island Park Disc Golf Course, were made in 2024 and will continue this year to increase the quality of life for people who may not have access to a personal yard.
Roberson also noted the success of the MyElkhart 311 app as a key tool for resident engagement. Through the platform, the city resolved over 5,000 non‑emergency service tickets last year.
Following suggestions from 12-year-old Willow Townsend, a champion for ADA accessibility, Roberson said the city will implement accessible curb ramps in the downtown corridor and accessible pedestrian signals at multiple locations in the downtown area.
Acknowledging the impact federal and state actions are having on local governments, Roberson said his administration is paying close attention and working with legislators at both levels to advocate for Elkhart’s residents.
“Let me be clear, Elkhart is strong. We are in a solid financial position and we are ready to face any challenge that comes our way,” Roberson said. “Yes, the current disruptions call for smart planning and careful budgeting but they will not stop our progress. They will not discourage us from continuing to make investments in neighborhood infrastructure, quality of place and public safety.”
Elkhart will play host to the Indiana Conference of Mayors in July.