Redevelopment Planned For Vacant South Bend Building

(Image courtesy of our partners at Michiana's News Channel 95.3.)

A group of investors in South Bend is proposing a new use for a vacant downtown property. Hibberd Development LLC is planning to invest $3 million into transforming the Hibberd Building into a mixed-use development with up to 16 apartments.

The building use to be home to several businesses in the past, including a printer. The South Bend Redevelopment Commission has signed off on the sale of a city-owned adjacent lot that is currently used by Gates Automotive. The investors plan to turn the Hibberd Building into a mix of residential, office and retail space.

The group of investors includes former Deputy Mayor Mark Neal, who works in the private sector, but currently serves as president of city’s Parks & Recreation Board. Neal had to sign a conflict-of-interest agreement with the city. He also previously served as deputy mayor, filling-in for day-to-day duties last year when Mayor Pete Buttigieg was deployed to Afghanistan.