Tomorrow’s Elkhart. Starting Today.
Tomorrow’s Elkhart. Starting Today.
Aspire Elkhart
Aspire Elkhart
Four Pillars
Public Safety Projects
The Downtown Master Plan highlighted the importance of centralizing public safety in the hub of a city. Driven by the need of the police department to have expanded space as they have outgrown their building, a centralized Public Safety building will house Police, Fire Administration, and 911 operations.
The former Chase Bank building in downtown Elkhart has been selected as the future home for Elkhart’s public safety personnel.
Also under consideration if the relocation of fire stations 5 and 6. Changing of city boundaries necessitates a reevaluation of how firefighters and paramedics can maintain adequate and efficient response times.
Public Safety Building
-
- Elkhart’s current Police Station was built in the 1970s for a staff half the size of today’s. The Elkhart police department needs the capacity to serve the Elkhart of today and this need is the impetus behind the new Public Safety Building. Identifying an opportunity at 121 W. Franklin St., the former Chase Bank, the city purchased that property in 2024. The bones of the building are strong and with a renovation, will become the home of the police, fire administration, and 911 communications.
- Not only does this project give our public safety departments the space they need for updated equipment and personnel, it also centralizes their services in the heart of our downtown. In line with the Downtown Master Plan, centrally location key city services is important to anchoring the heart of the downtown and allowing for additional private development to occur around its perimeter.
Fire Station 6
-
- Located at the intersection of Bristol St. and Osolo Rd., Fire Station 6 has been serving the northeast section of Elkhart from the existing building since the 1960s. Modern fire apparatus are too large for the outdated garage doors and the single-bay construction only allows for one vehicle to be housed and when needed an ambulance is dispatched from another station.
- In addition to the needs of the infrastructure changing over the last 60 years, the ideal location for Fire Station 6 has also changed. The population of the City of Elkhart has expanded and has pushed further to the northeast. To continue to deliver on the high response -time standards of the Elkhart Fire Department, relocating Fire Station 6 will relocate to a site off of County Road 6 on Ada Drive.
Fire Station 5
-
- Built around the same time as Fire Station 6 in the 1960s, Fire Station 5 is not able to house larger, more modern fire apparatus. Additionally, the living quarters for Fire Station 5 were built at a time when the makeup of fire personnel looked a lot different.
- To accommodate for the modern equipment and modern workforce, Fire Station 5 will be remodeled for approximately $650,000 and will include elevating the roof and garage heights and installing additional and more accommodating bathroom and living spaces.
Infrastructure Projects
Concentrated infrastructure investment over the next several years in infrastructure projects.
Due to federal mandates, sewer separation is required, and gives us an opportunity to cluster other projects in the same area.
This includes traffic pattern changes, expanded multi-use paths, and streetscape beautification.
Hively Overpass
-
- Building an overpass at Hively Avenue and Main St. in Elkhart is part of a 30-year effort to eliminate the vast majority of railroad crossings over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Elkhart. Why? “At-grade” railroad crossings, where drivers and pedestrians drive or walk directly over the railroad tracks are dangerous and create many traffic delays. For school buses, emergency vehicles, or just everyday commuters trying to get to work, a blocked railroad crossing can cause significant issues.
- To prepare for the construction of this overpass, land acquisition and demolition of some structures has begun in the summer of 2024.
- In 2019, the City of Elkhart received a Local Trax Grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) for the Hively Project. Unfortunately, due to delays associated with the COVID pandemic, the cost of the project has increased. In the fall of 2024, the City of Elkhart is pursuing additional federal grant money to make up for the funding gap.
RR Resurfacing
-
- Drivers in Elkhart know all too well the aggravation of driving over rough railroad crossings. It creates a possibility for vehicles to be damaged and also creates safety issues for other vehicles and pedestrians as drivers swerve to avoid holes or bumps. Since the railroads are not owned by the city, the responsibility for maintenance and permission to carry out any maintenance efforts lie in the hands of the railroad owners. Through a relationship between Patriot Rail and the city of Elkhart, 7 railroad crossings were resurfaced in 2024.
- One troublesome crossing remails, at Blazer Blvd. near the Elkhart High School Freshman Division. Due to some federal funding Patriot is receiving to perform the work on that crossing, the project has been delayed. Conversations with Patriot are ongoing and all are still aiming for the project to begin in 2024.
Quality of Place Projects
What makes a location stand out? What makes a community somewhere you want to visit again and again, or even live there?
Walkability, amenities, vibrancy, cost of living, are just a few factors that make up how people feel about a place.
Quality of Place is key driver of economic activity and the State of Indiana has focused funding for READI 2.0 on quality of place enhancement projects.
Open Air Music Venue
-
- Elkhart’s investment in its downtown and stunning Lerner Theatre have made it an attractive space for an outdoor entertainment venue. Eyeing the potential that exists in the Central Green in the heart of downtown, developers see the potential for hosting thousands of attendees to enjoy music, theater, and comedy. The Lerner Theatre, with its capacity of 1,700 becomes the perfect partner with the outdoor space allowing a variety of entertainment options for different audience sizes.
- The economic impact opportunity presented with this project cannot be understated. Thousands of visitors coming to Elkhart multiple times per year will support additional lodging, restaurant, and retail activity that full-time residents will also enjoy.
Cassopolis Streetscape
-
- Thousands of people drive through Elkhart everyday on the Indiana Toll Road and some of them utilize Exit 92 to come into our city for work or play. Understanding that we only have a few moments to make a good first impression, the area surrounding Exit 92 was in need of an upgrade. With support from the Redevelopment Commission, construction and redesign of a small park, lighting, sidewalks, and signage for visitors to Elkhart began in spring 2024. The park and sidewalk investment will be a critical amenity for the many visitors who stay at the many hotels on the northside of Elkhart. They will be able to enjoy the outdoors and easily walk from their hotel to any number of restaurants.
- For those passing through Elkhart, new signage and lighting will greet both east and westbound travelers on the Indiana Toll Road. The project is expected to be complete in November 2024.
Neighborhood Projects
In 2023, Elkhart launched its targeted Neighborhood Initiative. City departments like MyEklhart311, Code Enforcement, Buildings & Grounds, Parks, and more have a regular presence in our neighborhoods.
In partnership with Elkhart’s Neighborhood Associations, these departments are active in our neighborhoods and directly impact the lives of residents.
MyElkhart311 coordinates city services with neighborhood needs to give residents opportunities to make a meaningful impact closest to home.
Lorem Ipsum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat.
Lorem Ipsum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat.
Lorem Ipsum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat.
Upcoming Projects
HUG STREET
Hug Street
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat.
WOODLAND CROSSING
Woodland Crossing
The former Pierre Moran Mall, now “Woodland Crossing” was identified in the THRIVE plan and the Elkhart 2040 plan as a prime location for a Neighborhood Opportunity Hub. A Neighborhood Opportunity Hub is a targeted development approach designed to bring all necessary services within walking distance of a dense neighborhood. Partners Heart City Health and Goodwill have purchased the former Sears building and are transforming it to offer urgent care, primary care, as well as expanded job training options.
RIVER DISTRICT ZONE 2 & 3
River District Zone 2 & 3
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat.
SOUTH MAIN STREET
South Main Street
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat.
FREIGHT STREET
Freight Street
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat.
CONCORD MALL
Concord Mall
The former Concord Mall property has been purchased and is being developed into a business park. This property will become a business hub home to light industrial and tech companies.
Guiding Documents
“The Aquatics Center, The Lerner, Tolson, Hotel Elkhart, and potentially The Amphitheater, these projects are what we call catalysts. They are the seed we plan in an area around which investment grows.“
Mayor Rod Roberson
“The Aquatics Center, The Lerner, Tolson, Hotel Elkhart, and potentially The Amphitheater, these projects are what we call catalysts. They are the seed we plan in an area around which investment grows.“
Mayor Rod Roberson
Learn More
about ASPIRE.
Learn More
about ASPIRE.
