Welcome, South Bend - Elkhart Region.
In 2023, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) announced the launch of a second round of READI funding, building from the success of READI 1.0. READI 2.0 was created by P.L. 201-2023 and received a $500 million appropriation to support investments in capital and infrastructure projects that will stimulate population growth across the state.
The IEDC awarded $45 million in funding to our region on April 11, 2024. Six of the fifteen regions were awarded the maximum grant amount of $45 million each, including the South Bend – Elkhart region. Awards for the other regions ranged from $10 million to $35 million.
The Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) began its local project selection process during summer 2024 via an open RFP process. In December 2024, the RDA awarded funds to 13 projects. All READI 2.0 funding is for capital projects only.
View the regional READI 1.0 updates and awarded projects.
Click here for information on the LEI Redevelopment & Arts Initiative.
READI 2.0 Awarded Projects
The capital projects selected to receive READI 2.0 funding are:
- 100 Center Revitalization – A $41.5 million transformation of Mishawaka’s historic brewery into a residential, commercial, and entertainment destination.
- Bremen Growth – Building a 3-mile greenway trail connecting parks to development sites, and the town’s first new housing development in over 20 years.
- Cherry Creek – A walkable, mixed-use neighborhood in Goshen with housing, retail, and on-site childcare.
- Culver Community Youth Center – Increasing availability of quality daycare and after school and summer care for youth.
- Elkhart River District 2.0 – Adding 284 residences, office and retail space, and public art in a thriving downtown district.
- Heartland Arts Center Expansion Project – Converting Plymouth’s historic Montgomery Ward building into a regional arts hub.
- Master Plan Phase 3 – Big Cat Tracks – Building a new state-of-the-art Amur tiger and leopard habitat – the final project in Phase 3 of Potawatomi Zoo’s Master Plan.
- Michigan & Monroe Arts District – Redevelopment of several historic buildings and construction of new housing, maintaining affordability while offering new amenities in South Bend.
- New Carlisle 2.0 – Downtown revitalization through recreation and accessibility upgrades, including renovated tennis courts, four new pickleball courts, an ADA pathway, and alley beautification projects that foster walkability and community gathering spaces.
- Riverfront West – Aims to create over 4000 rental units on the St. Joseph River, transforming an defunct office park.
- Tri-County Workforce Home Ownership Initiative – Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties will strategically construct 126 high-quality starter homes for households earning 120 percent of less of the Area Median Income.
- Western Avenue Transformation District – A 208-unit mixed-income housing development in South Bend with green space and inclusive design.
- YMCA Childcare Network – Repurposing 6,000 square feet of the former Healthworks! Kid’s Museum into a full-day childcare center in downtown South Bend.