SOUTH BEND — The Howard Park Bandshell project is moving into its final design phase following the awarding of $300,000 for design costs by South Bend’s Redevelopment Commission at its July 23 meeting and $3 million in READI grants to pay for construction.
Introduced in March, the bandshell was pitched as an opportunity to introduce a high-performance, covered outdoor stage in Howard Park. The park can already accommodate truck traffic and electrical lines and includes a central loop to set up shows, Deputy Director of Community Investment Joseph Molnar said.
“The bandshell fits in the overall planning for Howard Park that has been done over the past 10 years to be an active and often-programmed public space,” Molnar said during the commission’s meeting on March 12.
During that same meeting, the redevelopment commission approved $250,000 for preliminary design money to help with the READI grant application, Molnar said. Now that the city has received the grant, the city’s staff is ready to move forward with final designs.
Project’s timeline
The goal of the project is to build a premier four-season destination at Howard Park, City Project Engineer Lidya Abreha said.
“This bandshell will provide a dedicated venue to host touring acts and local festivals, which we hope will draw park visitors to partake in more activities downtown, contributing to the economy,” Abreha said.
The final design of the project will include a performance stage, restroom, green room, AV control and electrical room, a storage room and perimeter fencing, as well as additional site improvements as necessary. It’s expected to cost $6 million in total, including design, Abreha said.
As the project gets closer to construction, the city’s Board of Public Works approved advertising a construction manager as constructor (CMc) request for proposal, Abreha said. The city is still working on securing the final contractor, but Abreha said the final selection will be made Oct. 1.
Construction is expected to begin in April 2027 and achieve substantial completion by December 2027.
Email South Bend Tribune business reporter Jessica Velez at jvelez@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Howard Park Bandshell receives READI grant, design money from RDC
Reporting by Jessica Velez, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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By Jessica Velez, South Bend Tribune | USA TODAY Network
