ELKHART — The Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, in partnership with the City of Elkhart, invites the public to come back together to discuss key recommendations and findings for Elkhart’s Benham Neighborhood at a public session on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at The Tolson Center for Community Excellence.
According to information provided by city of Elkhart, the meeting will include a presentation, opportunity for questions and answers and a panel discussion. A copy of the findings, “Restoration, Regeneration & Reconnection of the Benham Neighborhood” — prepared by the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture’s Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative — is available to view prior to Thursday’s meeting on the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce. There will be the full, 108-page report available, as well as an abridged report that is 45 pages. The report is based on months of research and public meetings set in motion at last August’s charette in Elkhart on the Benham Neighborhood Project.
“A year ago we began the process of identifying future development opportunities that would strengthen the community and economic foundations of the Benham Neighborhood while protecting the integrity, culture and people that have given life to this area of Elkhart,” said Levon Johnson, president and CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce. “With community input and guidance, we will focus on supporting a heightened quality of life and place through new housing and housing rehabilitation, and by reconnecting the Benham Neighborhood from Main Street to Oakland Avenue to restore a more walkable and undivided neighborhood.
The Benham Neighborhood plan, the news release states, represents a comprehensive vision for the growth and prosperity of our region, encompassing innovative strategies for economic development, community engagement and sustainable progress. The upcoming public session offers residents the opportunity to learn more about the plan, provide feedback and actively contribute to its implementation.
“This report is the beginning of a longer process,” according to the information provided by the city. “The key findings and recommendations provide the foundations for a comprehensive and cohesive implementation plan. We will continue to engage stakeholders for guidance in developing the Benham Neighborhood for current and future residents while honoring the hopes of past generations. Residents are encouraged to view the plan in advance and join us on August 8.”
In August 2023, the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, in partnership with the city of Elkhart and the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, conducted its sixth dean’s charrette. A charrette is an intensive planning session where architects, community residents and community stakeholders collaborate to develop a vision for a project.
The Elkhart charrette focused on strategies for affordable housing and future economic development for the South Main, Tolson and Benham West neighborhoods, the information provided reads. These meetings allowed participants’ voices to be heard about challenges, opportunities, hopes and concerns they have for the area.
“The goal of our work together is to help to restore, regenerate, and reconnect the Benham neighborhood,” said Marianne Cusato, professor of the practice and director of the Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative at the Notre Dame School of Architecture. “The rich history of this community offers inspiration for a hopeful future where streets are safe to walk, housing is attainable to purchase, and residents share a pride of place.”
The Housing and Community Regeneration Initiative provides assistance to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to improve communit ies through economic development by reimagining the built environment. The work of the initiative targets immediate local impact as well as national and global influence through three interrelated activities: actionable projects, research and education. Faculty, students and collaborat ing professional teams carry out these activities under the leadership of the school’s dean, Stefanos Polyzoides, and Cusato.
“We are very excited to have reached this point in the process for the Benham Neighborhood Plan,” said Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson. “Residents and stakeholders are invested in the future of this neighborhood and they were integral to its creation. As a key piece of ASPIRE Elkhart, Benham’s Tomorrow is Starting Today. I grew up here, know this neighborhood well and look forward to how this neighborhood will serve the generations to come.”
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