South Bend Redevelopment Commission approves plan to put State Theatre up for purchase bid

After purchasing the State earlier this year, the South Bend Redevelopment Commission approved putting the building at 212 and 216 S. Michigan St. up for bid, with a resolution passed establishing an offering price, approving bid specifications and approving notice of intended disposition of property, at its Oct. 23 meeting.

The city also plans to electrify the marquee in the near future, and a Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected in December or early January to find someone to redevelop the property.

“Once the marquee becomes electrified, that would be a good time to bring the RFP forward,” said Joseph Molnar, assistant director of growth and opportunity for South Bend, at the meeting.

Improvements have been recently made, such as debris removal and the boarding up and securing of entrances, Molnar said. According to a slide shared at the meeting, roof repairs were also completed and there was interior and exterior graffiti abatement. Molnar added that he hopes the marquee will be electrified within the “next month or two.”