South Bend Ecosystem Excursion — October 24–25, 2025
See Small-Scale Development in Action!
In October, Neighborhood Evolution is heading to South Bend, Indiana for a two-day deep dive into one of the most inspiring small-scale development ecosystems in the country — and you’re invited.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s a chance to walk the blocks, meet the developers, and hear the stories behind the projects that are reshaping South Bend’s neighborhoods.
Why We’re Going:
Over the past decade, South Bend has quietly become a hub for incremental, community-driven development. Developers like Mike Keen and the Portage Midtown team have transformed underused properties into vibrant, walkable places — not through one big project, but through dozens of small, connected ones.
These projects are living proof that revitalization doesn’t have to mean displacement. It can mean new housing that fits the neighborhood, reimagined commercial spaces that serve local needs, and public art that brings people together.
What You’ll See:
Over two days, we’ll explore:
Monroe Arts District — Mixed-use rehab and creative placemaking.
Inwoods Building — Adaptive reuse with local tenants at the center.
Milkweed Commons — Affordable, sustainable housing done right.
NNN Housing Projects — Net-zero new construction in walkable neighborhoods.
Midtown Portage — Commercial repositioning that builds value and community.
We’ll hear directly from the people who made these projects possible — developers, designers, community leaders — and learn how they’re financing, managing, and growing them.
Why It Matters:
The South Bend ecosystem shows what’s possible when small-scale development meets strong local collaboration. It’s a model that can work in cities and towns everywhere — and we want you to see it in action.
