SOUTH BEND — On May 12, the Governor of Indiana helped break ground on the Studebaker factory buildings redevelopment phase of the Renaissance District project in downtown South Bend, one of the five featured “marquee” projects that were submitted to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation as part of the application for a Regional Cities Initiative grant of $42 million. Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties, as a region, were awarded one of the 3 statewide grants in December 2015.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence spoke to an assembled crowd of dignitaries under the roof of the former Studebaker Train Dock at 635 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend. The event began at noon and included members of the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA), local, regional and statewide government leaders, economic development and business leaders from Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties, current and future tenants of the Renaissance District and investors who’ve made the current phase possible.

“South Bend and the surrounding region have a rich heritage of innovation, starting with Clem and Henry Studebaker opening their first company here in the mid-1800s,” said Indiana Governor Mike Pence. “This bold project continues that trend, making old new again and creating an opportunity to advance entrepreneurship, education and workforce development in Indiana. The redevelopment of this mile-long campus will transform the North Central region, fueling innovation while attracting new business and top talent to the Hoosier state for years to come.”

“Our region has already benefited immensely from the collaboration required to develop a bold vision for the future,” commented John Affleck-Graves, Executive Vice President of the University of Notre Dame and Chair of the Northern Indiana RDA board. “The Renaissance District, including the renovation of historic Studebaker Building 113, was identified as a marquee project in that vision. And today, we’re thrilled to be breaking ground at this historic site where the promise of innovation will once again be shared with our entire region. On behalf of the RDA, and the half million men, women and children we represent throughout Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties, thank you, congratulations, and let’s continue working together to support a growing, innovation-based economy that attracts more and more talented people to North Central Indiana.”

“The South Bend-Elkhart Region is in the middle of one of the most transformative periods in the life of our part of Indiana,” added South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “The time has come for us to re-establish our region as a nationally significant economic powerhouse; competitive globally in the things we do best. We will become a destination for talent and a hotbed of opportunity, driving population growth and economic success.”

“This represents a bright new beginning,” added Kevin Smith, building owner and Renaissance District project leader. “At one time, we produced cars sold around the world in these buildings. Now, from the same place, we’ll be a beacon of light and a source of innovation for the world.”