The University of Notre Dame is committing to future development of South Bend’s downtown with the purchase of the former South Bend Tribune property.
The purchase is part of the university’s recently adopted strategic framework that includes helping to advance the economic well-being of the South Bend-Elkhart region.
The city plans to collaborate with Urban Design Associates on the planning process for the central business district in downtown South Bend.
“Never before has the university been more engaged with key stakeholders throughout the region,” said Shannon Cullinan, Notre Dame’s executive vice president, in a press release. “With the strength of partnerships at the local and state level, the growth of leading local industries and a shared regional vision, there is tremendous momentum in the community. We hope that a collaborative project in downtown South Bend will create a destination and a catalyst to propel the region’s momentum further, especially via this notable venue.”
The South Bend Tribune left the building in 2019. The property at the northeast corner of Colfax Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard dates to the 1920s. The property was acquired from Schurz Communications.
“We are delighted that the University of Notre Dame will renew and redevelop the South Bend Tribune’s historic home for the benefit of the broader community,” said Todd Schurz, former president and CEO of Schurz Communications, which owned the Tribune until 2019.
Caption: The former South Bend Tribune building in downtown South Bend. (Provided by Notre Dame University)
