Elkhart officials break ground for River District Project to revitalize downtown

About 50 people, including community and construction leaders, gathered Thursday morning at the site of the River District Streetscape Project, on Jackson Boulevard and Elkhart Avenue, for a groundbreaking celebration.

The Elkhart River District is a 105-acre downtown peninsula bounded by the St. Joseph River, Elkhart River, Main Street and Prairie and Johnson Streets. The project, aimed to provide a live-work-play space, is expected to surge an urban vision with economic energy into expanding Elkhart’s downtown to match the trends of other thriving urban environments, according to city officials.

Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese, in previous reports said a recent market analysis found that there are approximately 28,000 commuters that work in Elkhart, but reside elsewhere. But he said he believes the River District project is going to be a “game-changer” for the city.