ELKHART, Ind. (Feb. 6, 2018) — The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has approved Regional Cities Initiative funding to support the development of two more quality of place projects: the renovation of Hotel Elkhart and establishment of the Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Education Active Learning Laboratory (HEALL) at Indiana University (IU) South Bend Elkhart Center.
“Indiana is a global destination for business, and through the Regional Cities Initiative, we remain committed to building on this reputation by helping transform communities across the state into vibrant destinations to live, work, play and stay,” said IEDC President Elaine Bedel. “These projects will help create a better quality of place in north central Indiana, investing in the region’s workforce and revitalizing Elkhart’s most historic building into a hub for tourism and commercial acitivity.”
REHABILITATION SCIENCES AND HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVE LEARNING LABORATORY
The HEALL project is a result of a study of the health care workforce needs in north central Indiana and the limited availability of programs to train future generations of health care professionals in high-demand disciplines. The project will allow for three new graduate programs to be deployed in Elkhart – Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Masters of Science in Speech and Language Pathology. The lab will expand capacity for clinical simulation for more nursing students and health care agencies in the Elkhart area. The PT, OT and SLP lab spaces will be purpose-built for clinical needs in the new degree programs.
The project consists of turning 3,643 square feet of classrooms at the IU South Bend Elkhart Center, located at 125 E. Franklin St. in Elkhart, into a fully-equipped, modern space for the new health science graduate and professional degree programs. Capital construction for the project is set to be complete by December 2018.
Total Project Investment: $500,000
State Funding: $100,000
“This project at the IU South Bend Elkhart Center will benefit students and the communities in North Central Indiana by providing exceptionally trained health care professionals in these high-demand specialty fields,” said IU South Bend Chancellor Terry L. Allison.
HOTEL ELKHART RENOVATION
This project will transform Hotel Elkhart’s current apartments and over 30,000 square feet of unused space into a tourism and commercial hub. The historic building in downtown Elkhart will be renovated to feature a new 98-room boutique hotel, an updated penthouse ballroom, a microbrewery with taproom, and other retail and commercial spaces. The renovation will highlight the building’s historic features and unique architectural details while updating all rooms to reflect today’s modern hotel experience.
As a part of the city’s redevelopment of the Market District, the newly-restored Hotel Elkhart will serve as an amenity to the community and enhance the city’s growing tourism industry in addition to drawing businesses and talent to north central Indiana. Together with other developments, this project highlights a continued investment in the city’s center, helping to create economic momentum and a sense of place in the urban core.
The Hotel Elkhart is located at 500 S. Main St. in Elkhart. Capital construction for the project is expected to be complete by spring of 2019, coinciding with the delivery of the new Aquatic Center and Riverwalk developments.
Total Project Investment: $12,500,000
State Funding: $900,000
“We are proud to be a part of the next chapter in Elkhart’s downtown revitalization. Our partnership with the city of Elkhart and the Regional Development Authority has allowed us to undertake the largest privately-led redevelopment project in the city’s history,” said Ed Bradley, senior vice president of Cressy Commercial Real Estate, which is leading the development.
Regional Cities Initiative in North Central Indiana
These projects were recommended for funding by the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA) and are part of the region’s Smart Connected Communities plan, which outlines 39 regional development projects in three counties totaling $703 million in quality of place investments.
North central Indiana was one of three Indiana regions selected to receive state funding through the Regional Cities Initiative, which will allocate a total of $126 million toward 100 quality of place projects totaling more than $2 billion in combined state, local and private investment in order to retain and attract top talent to the Hoosier state.
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Media Contacts:
Abby Gras (IEDC) – 317.232.8845 or agras@iedc.in.gov
Terry Allison (HEALL) – 574.520.4220 or tlalliso@iusb.edu
Ed Bradley (Hotel Elkhart) – 574.271.4060 or edbradley@cressycommercial.com
Regina Emberton (South Bend-Elkhart Regional Development Authority) – 574.400.5432 or remberton@southbendelkhart.org
About Indiana Regional Cities Initiative
The Indiana Regional Cities Initiative sets a framework for neighboring communities across the state to work together to develop regional visions that are supported by compelling strategic plans focused on quality of place. The initiative will help each region develop a positive and unique national brand to advance the goal of becoming a destination for talent. Passed in 2015 with bipartisan support by the Indiana General Assembly, the initiative is overseen by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. To learn more visit IndianaRegionalCities.com or follow on Twitter at @Indiana_EDC, #INRegionalCities.
About the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership
The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership is a collaboration of the economic development partners from Elkhart, St. Joseph and Marshall counties in Northern Indiana and Berrien and Cass counties in Southwest Michigan. The organization supports regional economic development efforts focused on educating a world-class workforce, recruiting and retaining great talent, industry support and attraction, supporting an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and promoting diversity and inclusion. The Partnership also serves as the Administrator for the Regional Development Authority and its Entrepreneurship Committee. For more information, visit SouthBendElkhart.org.