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:
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Accommodations: 250 Guest Room Full-Service Luxury Hotel (including 77 Executive Suites and 2 Presidential Suites).
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Residential: 250 “Class A” Luxury Residential Condominium units.
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Facilities: 50,000 sq. ft. Conference Center/Banquet Hall; 10,000 sq. ft. Spa (10 treatment options).
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Amenities: Indoor/Outdoor Pool, Limousine Service, and a 1,200-space Parking Garage.
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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)
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Main Structure: Includes a Guestroom "Tower" (11 stories, 517 keys), Terrace Deck, and Athletic Courts.
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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.
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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 2029.
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Fall 2026 (Start): Zoning, Land Acquisition, Conceptual Design, Finalize Financing, Design, and Permitting.
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2027/2028 Phase: Construction, Start-up, Hiring, Marketing, and Advertising.
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September 30th, 2026: Target for Joint Venture & Equity Partnership funding to be effective.
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December 2029: Targeted "Opening Day" (as per Exhibit 7 timeline).
4. Economic Impact & Partnership
City of South Bend Partnership
The project involves a 35-acre hotel site and the acquisition of Blue Heron. Incentives include:
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Local and State Property Tax Abatements.
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Tax Increment Financing (TIF): To fund infrastructure and the parking garage.
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Zoning, Building Permit, and Financial assistance.
Estimated Economic Benefits
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Construction Jobs: $\pm$ 275 (on-site, plus support/vendors).
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Permanent Jobs: 500+ Full-Time/Part-Time employees.
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Spin-off Jobs: 550.
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Community Impact: Benefits realized will remain in the local economy.
