As the first new Class A office building in over 20 years, the construction of The Barnes & Thornburg Building in downtown South Bend is generating a lot of excitement. The official groundbreaking for this five-story modern glass and steel structure took place on April 9, with Mayor Pete Buttigieg remarking, “This is exactly what we hoped, what we dared to hope, South Bend’s comeback would look like…” Lou Hansell, managing partner of Bald Mountain LLC, concurred, “It is gratifying to see Barnes & Thornburg’s long-term dedication to a project that will accelerate South Bend’s position as a professional destination.”
Located at the southwest corner of Main Street and Jefferson Boulevard across from the federal courthouse, the 64,000 square foot building is in the heart of downtown South Bend’s business core and within walking distance of Weigand’s offices. Law firm Barnes & Thornburg will lease floors two, three and four of the building, with River Park Leasing Corp occupying the top floor and plans for a drive-thru coffee retailer and restaurant planned for the street level. Fourth and fifth floor terraces will provide fresh air, city views, and green space to tenants. The basement level of the building can accommodate 21 cars and boasts a vehicle elevator, a unique feature that helps conserve precious square footage. This city corner is experiencing a major face lift – there is new life where previously a parking lot quietly occupied the space. Continued growth in the heart of the city is exciting to see, and Weigand Construction South Bend is thrilled to once again be selected to lead this landmark project, a critical component in the city’s ongoing economic surge.
