The city of Elkhart’s Redevelopment Commission approved plans to renovate a former Chase Bank location and turn it into a new public safety center.
The commission voted 5-0 April 9 to extend an offer to acquire the location at 121 W. Franklin St.
“An iconic downtown Elkhart building getting a new life to serve the Elkhart of tomorrow is a win for all of us,” said Mayor Rod Roberson in a press release.
The project will align with one of the three pillars of the ASPIRE Elkhart plan, which was announced earlier this year.
“Public Safety is critical to quality of life in Elkhart, and we are thrilled to announce this key ASPIRE Elkhart project.”
The current public safety building was constructed in 1975 to house 85 staff members. Today, that staff has doubled. The building also needs upgrades to become more efficient.
Since Roberson took office in 2020, his staff has been researching potential sites to relocate public safety. The Chase bank site at 90,000 square feet was identified as a suitable candidate.
Staff now must negotiated a purchase agreement and bring it back to the Redevelopment Commission in May. The purchase is contingent upon City Council appropriating funds for the acquisition.
