South Bend’s purchase of historic State Theater approved

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Today brought a twofer of economic development possibilities for the 200 block of S. Michigan Street in downtown South Bend.

A couple of long vacant properties are poised for possible comebacks, including the historic State Theater.

The last serious attempt to save the State Theater came in early 2013 when grand reopening ceremonies were held.

Enough repairs were done to stage some events and to accommodate tenants for both of the building’s retail spaces before both were later forced out of the building by maintenance issues, and the iconic marquee went dark again.

“To me, like the State Theater marquee is really sort of like a community bulletin board. We’ve seen people wish their friends and family happy birthday, we’ve seen some marriage proposals up on the State Theater marquee,” said DTSB Executive Director Willow Weatherall.

What theater enthusiasts have yet to see is a property owner who was willing and able to invest in the building.

“We’re close to the point that if nothing is done, this will be a building that’s lost and ultimately have to be demolished, and so we think it’s the right time to take a stab at trying to save it, if possible,” added South Bend Executive Director of Community Investment Caleb Bauer.

The South Bend Redevelopment Commission today approved an agreement to purchase the State Theater for $800,000, frankly, because it could.

“The theater has been tied up in litigation for a number of years, the mortgage foreclosure case being the most recent lawsuit, and that is what ultimately lead to the lender to taking control of the property,” Bauer explained. “So, really having an opportunity to get it when it’s not tied up.”

The approval of the purchase agreement today starts the clock on a 45-day due diligence period. The city will inspect the property to see if it can be saved, and at what price.

Meantime, another long vacant property across the street from the State Theater is in line for $5 million worth of work on the part of the same developers who own the Dainty Maid building next door. Plans call for restaurant space and a brewery on the first floor of the Center City Place property.

“And we’re looking at a local boutique style hotel where there’s a lot of personality and it’s kind of more of a destination than maybe some of the larger hotel chains that are lovely, but many don’t have that local feel,” said developer Christina Miller.