Downtown South Bend
2045 Plan

Centering 20 years of growth in an emerging region

Once an industrial and manufacturing center, South Bend has evolved into a city focused on education, health, and innovation. However, its downtown lacks the vibrancy of place where visitors can spend a day walking, eating, shopping, and enjoying cultural experiences. With over $1 billion in investments planned in downtown, including the University of Notre Dame’s Cofax Corner Innovation District, a growing health district with over 500 new jobs, and investments in entertainment venues such as Four Winds Field, the home of the South Bend Cubs, the City embarked on a strategic planning effort to envision the next 20 years. In 2024, was selected to lead the Downtown South Bend 2045 Plan. After a year of public engagement and workshops, UDA shaped a vision that plans for future growth through revitalizing retail, attracting jobs and residents, increasing housing diversity, and creating a connected riverfront. Investment is already visible in Downtown South Bend as a result of the 2045 plan.