By Regional Cities Of Northern Indiana And The Beachwood Added Value Affairs Desk
SOUTH BEND – On Thursday the Governor of Indiana helped break ground on the Studebaker factory buildings redevelopment phase of the Renaissance District project in downtown South Bend.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence spoke to an assembled crowd of dignitaries under the roof of the former Studebaker Train Dock at 635 S. Lafayette Blvd.
“South Bend and the surrounding region have a rich heritage of innovation, starting with Clem and Henry Studebaker opening their first company here in the mid-1800s,” said Pence.
Women sewing auto upholstery.
“This bold project continues that trend, making old new again and creating an opportunity to advance entrepreneurship, education and workforce development in Indiana. The redevelopment of this mile-long campus will transform the North Central region, fueling innovation while attracting new business and top talent to the Hoosier state for years to come.”
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“The South Bend-Elkhart Region is in the middle of one of the most transformative periods in the life of our part of Indiana,” said South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg. “The time has come for us to re-establish our region as a nationally significant economic powerhouse; competitive globally in the things we do best. We will become a destination for talent and a hotbed of opportunity, driving population growth and economic success.”
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“This represents a bright new beginning,” said Kevin Smith, building owner and Renaissance District project leader. “At one time, we produced cars sold around the world in these buildings. Now, from the same place, we’ll be a beacon of light and a source of innovation for the world.”
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About the Renaissance District
The Renaissance District is a four-phase, $165.7 million project. Phase one is an entrepreneurial and educational collaboration that will transform Studebaker Building 112 and Studebaker Building 113 into 220,000 square feet of renovated high tech space housing multiple tenants specializing in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, technology, education, workforce development and retail. Once complete, the Renaissance District will be the largest mixed-use technology campus in the Midwest. The campus, which totals 1.1 million square feet of real estate on 30 acres, has remained largely vacant since Studebaker ceased auto production in 1963.
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Death of the South Bend Studebaker plant.
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The South Bend Studebaker Museum.
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Old Studebaker Building Gets New Life.
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Rendering.
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Posted on May 16, 2016