The heart of South Bend's downtown will become a little more pedestrian and visitor friendly after $840,000 of improvements planned for Michigan Street between Colfax Avenue and Wayne Street begin today.

 
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When complete, two information kiosks will inform visitors about downtown activities. Patterned concrete sidewalks will replace worn-out concrete and brick sections while crews will install new pedestrian-scaled streetlights, planters and trees throughout Michigan Street.

The improvements will complement new enhancements to the KeyBank Plaza at the southeast corner of Jefferson and Michigan. Workers have been installing patterned concrete, new benches and tables, landscaping and a granite wall at the public space as part of a $400,000 initiative. The plaza is expected to be completed in early August.

 
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Both efforts are funded through the Central Business Area's Tax Increment Financing district.

"As more out-of-town visitors and area residents spend time at our downtown attractions, we want to make sure they experience downtown South Bend as a beautiful urban center," said Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. "These upgrades will help make our downtown core a more walkable neighborhood and coincide with expanded private investment in the heart of the city."

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While there have been new amenities, the current sidewalks, curbs and many amenities were installed in the mid-1980s.

The work, beginning at the north end of the Michigan Street segment, will take place between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays through October 30 in five phases or segments of Michigan Street. The first segment is estimated to take 20 construction days, with the remaining segments 15 days each to complete:

• Phase 1: East and west side of Michigan, from Colfax Avenue to Washington Street.
• Phase 2: East side of Michigan, from Washington to Jefferson.
• Phase 3: West side of Michigan, from Washington to Jefferson.
• Phase 4: East side of Michigan, from Jefferson to Wayne.
• Phase 5: West side of Michigan, from Jefferson to Wayne.

Crews will work around important downtown events and maintain access to all businesses through temporary ramps with the least possible disruption. Contractor Rieth Riley has received special permission to work from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., including Saturdays.

According to a 2002 survey, nearly 18,000 people work downtown, which already has been the scene of dynamic growth. Office occupancy is on the rise with 9 of every 10 offices occupied. Several new restaurants have moved downtown, including Trio's Restaurant & Jazz Club, Barieau's Restaurant (in the former Ciao's space) and Rum Runners Dueling Piano Bar along Michigan Street, the latter moving from Mishawaka.

Major investment is taking place in the central core – by Baker & Daniels in the KeyBank Building as well as at the American Trust Place, 101 N. Michigan St. Indianapolis-based REI Investments announced its plan to build a $38-million, 300-room hotel atop a new parking garage at Jefferson Boulevard and St. Joseph Street, across from Century Center. The proposed convention hotel will be operated by White Lodging (which also will operate the two new hotels in Eddy Street Commons).