Ivy Tech Community College received approval from the South Bend Redevelopment Commission to move forward on a Memorandum of Understanding with the city of South Bend to exclusively explore the feasibility of the CAFE Center project at the former Football Hall of Fame. The MOU was approved at the Thursday, April 24, meeting.

“Ivy Tech is excited that this project explores not only ways to strengthen our partnership with the city, but also strengthens our commitment to our community by growing educational opportunities that are connected to the growing number of employment opportunities in the hospitality industry,” says Dr. Thomas Coley, Ivy Tech Chancellor Northwest and North Central Regions. “This is a visionary attempt to transform how we deliver hospitality education where the mechanics and art of food preparation embraces the “farm to table” movement and social entrepreneurism.”

Put forward by the Culinary Center Coalition and championed by Donna Pfeil, this is a bold initiative focused on sustainability. The feasibility study will explore not only how Ivy Tech can grow and evolve their culinary arts program, but also cutting edge urban agriculture technology — aquaponics, the combination of hydroponics and aquaculture.  “It is our aspiration that in the combining of hospitality education and urban agriculture, we become a destination location generating interest, visitors, and tax revenue for the City of South Bend,” says Dr. Coley.

The approved MOU gives Ivy Tech several months to work on a feasibility study measuring community support and determining the plausibility of the vision through a business model.

“Hospitality is one of the largest industries in the world and we are excited to get started and to see if we can build out this vision to increase enrollment in our hospitality program through a game changing partnership with the City of South Bend and our community,” says Dr. Coley.