BlackThorn Hotel and Golf Resort

Project Details

1. Executive Summary & Project Outline

Objective:

To secure local properties and develop an International Destination Golf Resort and RITZ CARLTON by MARRIOTT (proposed) at Blackthorn Development Business Park. Catering to Notre Dame Alumni, South Bend & Michiana communities, and high-demand college markets.

Key Project Features:

Accommodations: 250 Guest Room Full-Service Luxury Hotel (including 77 Executive Suites and 2 Presidential Suites).
Residential: 250 “Class A” Luxury Residential Condominium units.
Facilities: 50,000 sq. ft. Conference Center/Banquet Hall; 10,000 sq. ft. Spa (10 treatment options).
Amenities: Indoor/Outdoor Pool, Limousine Service, and a 1,200-space Parking Garage.
Dining: Upscale Full-Service Restaurant, Breakfast Nook, and Sports Bar.

2. Location & Site Planning

Location:

Blackthorn Corporate Park at South Bend, Indiana (Lots 1B, 1C, 1F, & Blue Heron Inn). It is situated near the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) and the South Bend Airport.

Conceptual Site Layout (Exhibits 6 & 6-2)

Main Structure: Includes a Guestroom "Tower" (11 stories, 517 keys), Terrace Deck, and Athletic Courts.
First Floor Level: Features a central Lobby/Lobby Bar, multiple restaurants (1, 2, and 3), a Fitness Center & Spa, and a large Ballroom/Meeting area.
Connectivity: The site features a "Main Entrance Portecochere" and a separate "Conference Center Entrance," both adjacent to surface parking and the parking garage.

3. Preliminary Schedule

The project is slated for completion by December 2026.

Fall 2025 (Start): Zoning, Land Acquisition, Conceptual Design, Finalize Financing, Design, and Permitting.
2025/2026 Phase: Construction, Start-up, Hiring, Marketing, and Advertising.
May 31, 2025: Target for Joint Venture & Equity Partnership funding to be effective.
December 2025: Targeted "Opening Day" (as per Exhibit 7 timeline).